The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has lodged a submission with the National Transport Commission (NTC) calling for accelerated reforms to streamline rolling stock approval processes across Australia.
The ARA’s submission responds to the NTC’s consultation paper and reflects extensive consultation with the rail freight sector. It highlights that inefficiencies and inconsistent regulatory requirements are placing significant operational and commercial pressure on rail freight operators – particularly in intermodal freight, where rail’s share has sharply declined in recent decades.
In 2021-22, just two per cent of non-bulk freight was moved by rail between Melbourne and Sydney – down from around 40 per cent in the 1970s. The ARA warns that unless action is taken to reduce regulatory barriers and support productivity, the long-term viability of the rail freight sector will be at risk.
The submission proposes five key recommendations:
- Immediate development of a mandatory rolling stock standard, using AS7501:2019 as a foundation;
- Alignment of rolling stock certification with national vehicle design processes (similar to the ADR system used in road transport);
- Establishment of a single digital application portal and National Rolling Stock Register;
- Appointment of a dedicated ‘shadow operator’ to guide consultation and manage engagement across jurisdictions; and
- Implementation of the new national standard by 1 January 2027.
The ARA notes that these changes are critical to supporting the goals of the National Rail Action Plan and improving rail’s competitiveness as a safe, sustainable freight mode.
Download and read the full submission here: ARA Submission: Streamlining rolling stock approval processes – June 2025