Almost 100 rail specialists from people, culture and human resources roles attended the ARA Rail People and Culture Conference in Brisbane this week.

The ARA took the opportunity to provide a brief on its Workforce Development strategy, vision and work agenda, detailing the new ARA courses being provided to support the upskilling of industry.

The ARA team also shared the exciting news that the ARA will launch a Professional Certificate in Rail at the start of 2025. For more information on this education opportunity, visit: ARA Professional Certificate in Rail – Australasian Railway Association.

Conference attendees were briefed on the latest data from the ARA Rail Remuneration Portal; Remsmart by Charmaine Reay, Executive Director of Remsmart Group that provide the Rail Remuneration Portal for the ARA and its members. ARA members Class E and above are able to provide their remuneration data and gain access to de-identified rail-specific remuneration data to ensure they remain competitive in the market. The portal includes data on more than 400 rail roles and it is provided as a member benefit for ARA member organisations.

Attendees received detailed briefings by Minter Ellison on recent and impending legislative changes including how to manage psychosocial risks and obligations within the workplace.

ARA members such as Queensland Rail and Inland Rail provided valuable briefings on recent initiatives successfully implemented in their respective organisations and key government programs were outlined by the National Transport Commission and Industry Skills Australia.

Due to its resounding success, the ARA plans to run the conference again in 2025.

Thank you to RT Health, Gold sponsor of the event.