The ARA held its Executive Committee meetings to progress work and discuss industry updates.

Rail infrastructure contractors Executive Committee (RICE)

The RICE met to consider an Australian first proposal and to progress the four key initiatives under its strategy:

– Developing a system integration discussion paper to improve the approach and outcomes of systems integration on infrastructure projects.

– Supporting a national pre-qual approach with the expansion of Austroads NPS for rail infrastructure projects

– Streamlining and harmonising management plan processes between networks for design and construction procurements.

– Developing a micro credential framework to support more agile learning

Rail industry Executive Committee (RIEC)
The RIEC met and had a briefing from the National Transport Commission on progress of NRAP initiatives and from ONRIC on national manufacturing and procurement strategy initiatives, including the recent launch of the National Rollingstock Procurement Pipeline and local supplier round tables. The meeting also discussed the recent MOU signed between TfNSW and Victorian Department of Transport on implementing a national type approval framework as well as an update on REMSMART. RIEC also endorsed its revised strategy and discussed the progress of initiatives including the Harmonisation of Standards project and the development of a supplier capability directory.

Rail Freight Executive Committee (RFEC)

The RFEC shared updates on priorities from each organisation. Key matters ARA freight members are focusing on include level crossing safety, the NSW, Victorian and QLD Freight Strategy submissions, diversity in the workforce and resilience.

The committee heard from Kyle Mortimer from McConnell Dowell who shared his experience participating in Women Rising’s Male Allies Program. The Rail Infrastructure Contractors Executive Committee (RICEC) have had JHG Laing O’Rourke, Degnan, GHD, McConnell Dowel and CPB Contractors commit to sending several of their employees into the Male Allies program as part of RICEC’s initiative to encourage broader industry participation.

The group heard an update on the ARA’s Rollingstock Decarb Critical Path project and an update on the recently released strategy from the Young Leaders Advisory Board (Y-LAB).

Passenger Operators Executive Committee (POEC)

The POEC met to discuss progress reports from subcommittees, with a particular focus on the work of  ARA’s Telecommunication Committee, which is responsible for railway access to radio spectrum underpinning safe communications and operations. We also discussed the Rail Industry Worker scheme (RIW), workforce development, decarbonisation, diversity, safety and a range of other important items that are fundamental to our industry.

There was a significant knowledge share on the progress each of our networks is making in security, as patronage numbers are either approaching pre-COVID levels or even exceeding them. The meeting included presentations on QR’s Visible Felt Safety Leadership program and the progress on industry type approval trials.