The National Transport Commission (NTC) have released a consultation paper for industry feedback as part of their review of existing rolling stock approval processes. NTC are seeking feedback from key stakeholders to ensure clarity on the roles and responsibilities of Rail Infrastructure Managers (RIM) and Rolling Stock Operators (RSO) in rolling stock approval and acceptance.
NTC were directed in 2024 by Infrastructure and Transport Ministers to facilitate the implementation of three rolling stock approval projects. This consultation paper is related to the first of these projects, developing guidance on safety assurance to help RSO and RIM meet their obligations under the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL). Operators currently experience unique and duplicative RIM rolling stock approval processes across Australia, creating a cost burden, discouraging innovation and reducing competition. Stakeholders have expressed that more formal designations of roles and responsibilities and a shared understanding of requirements for safety assurance would assist in streamlining the process.
The paper provides an analysis of the current framework for rolling stock approval, including:
- identifying problems with the existing process;
- reviewing existing application forms;
- current guidance on the RSNL framework and guidance; and
- current guidance from Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONSR) for safe operations.
Stakeholders are encouraged to comment on the issues identified by the paper. RIM and RSO are asked to submit a summary of their procedures for certification, registration and network approval. RSO are further asked to detail any problems they face with rolling stock approval processes. Feedback is also encouraged on whether RSNL provides sufficient guidance on meeting safety duties for rolling stock certification, registration and network approval.
The final section of the paper outlines potential initiatives to address the identified issues through providing:
- a review of other safety assurance approaches from overseas and other transport settings, such as the Road Vehicle Standards Legislation framework in Australia; and
- an outline of key opportunities for improvements to identify a consistent approach to RSO and RIM roles and responsibilities.
Feedback on the consultation paper is open for responses until Tuesday 3 June 2025.
This feedback will inform the development of guidance material on safety assurance, presented for endorsement by Infrastructure and Transport Ministers in 2026. Expressions of Interest for participating in a pilot project for a single national application form will be sent out in mid-2025.
We will continue to monitor the consultation process for the development of guidance on safety assurance to streamline rolling stock approvals and provide updates on any further developments. For assistance relating to the implications of this review process, please contact Chris Mitchell and Larissa Buriak.
