The ARA is working with industry and government towards a national approach to harmonising standards and greater interoperability to support an efficient, safe and productive industry.
By adopting a national approach to procurement and harmonising standards, and improving interoperability, we will have a more competitive and innovative rail industry, ensuring more value for taxpayers in government procurement outcomes.
The Harmonisation of Rail Standards Research Report provides an important body of evidence to support Australia’s harmonisation journey and examines current barriers in the way of achieving a more competitive and sustainable Australian rail industry and what is preventing the adoption of existing international and Australian standards.
It outlines the detrimental impact of differing standards across several critical areas including operational interoperability, economies of scale for suppliers, type approval processes, decarbonisation efforts, safety, technology adoption and labour mobility.
The report makes it clear that without harmonised standards, the rail industry will continue to face inefficiencies, higher costs and missed opportunities.
The report provides several supporting steps including:
- The resourcing and capability needed for a fit for purpose national standard setting organisation;
- The role of Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) to be modified;
- The relevance of international standards to be evaluated before developing Australian standards;
- Co-regulation remain for any standard not considered ‘high-benefit’ enough to be mandated;
- Establishing a legal mechanism to allow RIMs and RSOs to facilitate transition to a mandatory standards regime;
- Undertaking a cost-benefit analysis for specific standards to inform transition cost support; and
- Conducting an internal audit of RIMs and RSOs standards.
The project aims to assist in engaging industry in supporting the development of the National Standards Framework under the NTC’s National Rail Action Plan, as well as supporting the prioritisation of future work under ONRIC’s National Procurement and Manufacturing Plan.
Report Webinar
GHD Advisory will present the findings of the report via an online webinar on 14 November from 3pm-4.30pm (AEDT). During this session participants can ask questions to the report authors, in addition to the project funders – ARA, ONRIC, NTC and RISSB. Register here.
