Australia’s transport ministers have tasked the National Transport Commission and rail industry expert Tom Sargant with undertaking a targeted independent review of the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL).
The targeted review comes 11 years after the RSNL commenced and will consider its continued effectiveness in the current rail industry context. The targeted review will focus on:
- the objects of the RSNL and whether there are any specific barriers impacting safety or technological innovations;
- whether additional transparency and reporting requirements are needed to improve safety outcomes;
- whether the RSNL interacts effectively with Work Health and Safety Legislation, and rail safety regulations and standards;
- whether the RSNL supports the National Rail Action Plan’s focus on interoperability and harmonisation; and
- whether there is clear accountability and responsibilities for all parties implicated by RSNL regulation, including owners, operators, builders, maintainers, planners and workers to provide certainty over duties.
KWM advises clients on all aspects of the rail sector, including the development and operation of rail infrastructure and rolling stock and the duties of rail industry participants under the RSNL.
We will continue to monitor the targeted review of the RSNL and keep you updated with further developments.
