Australia’s rail sector is being invited to help shape proposed legislative reforms aimed at improving safety, productivity and national interoperability.
The National Transport Commission (NTC) has released a Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (C-RIS) outlining 12 proposed amendments to the Rail Safety National Law, following its 2024 statutory review.
The proposed reforms are designed to embed stronger interoperability and transparency into the regulatory framework, while supporting long-term improvements in governance and risk management.
The recommendations focus on reducing operational costs, clarifying roles and responsibilities, strengthening interface arrangements and improving safety outcomes across the rail network.
The C-RIS presents three regulatory approaches, combining legislative and non-legislative measures, and assesses the benefits, risks and trade-offs of each option. Further refinements will be developed through industry consultation and stakeholder feedback.
The proposed changes also support broader reforms under the National Rail Action Plan, a four-year program aimed at improving consistency and integration across Australia’s rail systems.
NTC Chief Executive, Michael Hopkins, said legislative reform was critical to improving national interoperability.
“Legislative mechanisms are a key lever available to improve interoperability outcomes in rail,” Hopkins said.
“They will help advance the landmark reforms endorsed by Australia’s infrastructure and transport ministers last August, including agreement on the European Train Control System as the digital signalling standard for the National Network for Interoperability, and strengthened governance arrangements for national rail standards development.
“The C-RIS proposes a flexible and pragmatic approach, focusing on the least intrusive option that delivers net benefits while balancing safety, productivity and costs.”
Feedback from the consultation process will inform the development of the final Decision Regulatory Impact Statement and recommendations to ministers.
Consultation documents and submission details are available on the National Transport Commission website.
Submissions close on Monday 4 May 2026.
An online information session will be held at 1pm on Thursday 26 February 2026 to outline the proposed options and consultation process.
Further information is available via enquiries@ntc.gov.au.
