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Historic step towards a unified national rail system

Published  14 Aug 2025

This week has marked a landmark moment for Australia’s rail future with Infrastructure and Transport Ministers agreeing to bring the country’s national rail system under one digital signalling technology – the European Train Control System (ETCS).

Review of the Rail Safety National Law

Published  19 Jun 2025

The Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) aims for a seamless and coordinated national approach to rail safety regulation in Australia. A report on the National Transport Commission's targeted review of the Rail Safety National Law is now available.

Meeting future rail skills demand

Published  02 Jun 2025

The modernisation of rail is leading to exciting new roles in the sector. Through the National Rail Action Plan (NRAP), we are working with governments, industry and the education sector to identify the new skillsets that rail needs. Together, we’re building nationally recognised pathways to these skills and supporting ways to grow a bigger, more diverse cohort of rail workers to meet future skills demand.

Aligning digital technology across networks

Published  02 Jun 2025

New digital signalling and communications technologies are changing the way rail operates. Through the National Rail Action Plan (NRAP), the NTC is working with industry and governments to make sure digital train control systems can work together, making rail safer and more efficient so rail can play a bigger role in our transport system.

Consistent rules and streamlined processes

Published  02 Jun 2025

Australia’s rail networks have 12 separate rule books and many different standards and processes. This affects safety, drives up costs and limits the mobility of the rail workforce. Through the National Rail Action Plan (NRAP), we are working with industry to establish a streamlined rolling stock approvals process and more consistent ways of working. This will make our rail system simpler, safer and better able to get new trains running and attract and train skilled workers.

Supporting a new national approach for rail

Published  02 Jun 2025

The NTC is working with industry and governments on a one-system approach to rail in Australia. This includes introducing Australia’s first mandatory rail standards and other national standards that have been prioritised to support rail harmonisation as well as governance arrangements to oversee their development and adoption. A national approach to rail will drive consistency across networks helping to lift safety, improve capacity, reduce costs, support local manufacturing and create a skilled, mobile workforce.