Several jurisdictions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement a new National Product Type Approval Framework (PTAF) this year following extensive advocacy by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA). 

The ARA is a participating member of the National Product Type Approval Steering Committee, which meets fortnightly to implement planning for the PTAF, which was finalised by the jurisdictions in 2024.  

NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, ACT and the ARTC have signed up to implement the framework.  

Along with these jurisdictions, the ARA is also part of the Steering Committee, chaired by Christian Christodoulou, TfNSW. 

The framework and principles were developed by a cross-jurisdictional working group to standardise product type approvals across diverse jurisdictions and asset classes, to streamline processes, promote innovation, and alleviate the extensive cost posed by current, inconsistent procedures. 

Trials were undertaken between TfNSW and Victoria in 2024 for 16 products – eight approved in NSW, eight in Victoria, including four rail electrical and signalling products and a level crossing product.  

Three interconnected trials were designed to test and validate the effectiveness of the framework prior to its implementation. The trials assisted in determining the tier of approval and supported the development of the Product Approval Process (PAP). The trails highlighted the PTAF’s capacity to significantly streamline approval processes, offering considerable cost and time savings.  

An implementation action plan has now been developed which outlines the key actions and associated risks identified to ensure successful project execution. We are focusing on implementation in 2025, the SteerCo has established several work group streams: 

Advisory Working Group 1 – Type Approval Guidance Document: The group is developing a guidance document that describes the high-level National Product Type Approval (NPTA) process for products that are determined to require approval under the national PTAF. This will cover the implementation of the framework, its operations and clear guidance and support for suppliers and other stakeholders.  The guidance material is being developed with the support of Austroads.  

Advisory Working Group 2 – Change Management Strategy    

  • The working group is developing a change management strategy and strategic implementation roadmap to support the adoption of the PTAF across jurisdictions.  
  • The strategies will aim to ensure a unified approach that promotes collaboration, minimises resistance, and supports the successful implementation of the PTAF. It will cover governance, stakeholder engagement, training, competency management, data integrity, and technology enablement. Eight sub streams will be established to address specific aspects of the strategies and roadmap.  
  • The group is currently aligning its milestones with AWG 1 and AWG 3 and has scheduled a face-to-face workshop in Brisbane in February.   

Advisory Working Group 3 – Criteria (What we type approve)  

  • This group will seek to define the criteria and identify the products to be nationally type-approved. This initiative aims to harmonise practices across jurisdictions, promote consistency, and enhance clarity in the approval process.  
  • The group will develop and refine a standardised set of criteria and terminology for products eligible for type approval to ensure clarity and alignment across jurisdictions.    

 

The final fourth advisory working group is yet be established, and will focus on competencies. As part of this stream of work, a third-party evaluation project is underway in conjunction with National Transport Research Organisation.