Consistent national rail safety

Rail-based transport business Aurizon said it has welcomed the Queensland Government’s announcement to recognise one National Rail Safety Regulator and one National Rail Safety Law (NRSL) from 2017.

Aurizon Vice President Safety Health and Environment Neil Backer said the move towards a national regulation would ensure consistency across Australia and greater safety outcomes for the rail sector.

“Aurizon has long advocated for consistent rail safety regulation across the country,” said Backer.

“Having one National Rail Safety Regulator and standardised legislation for rail across every state and territory in Australia are significant developments for our industry.”

Queensland is the final state to come under the NRSL, following the decisions of Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory to enact the law in November 2014.

Backer said national consistency will mean safer rail operations, less red tape and greater opportunity to improve productivity and efficiency of Australian rail operations.