GHD has been engaged to undertake Harmonisation of Standards research for a joint project by the ARA, the National Transport Commission (NTC), the Office of National Rail Industry Coordination (ONRIC), and the Rail Industry Safety Standards Board (RISSB). 

The research will inform the development of a national standards framework with the goal of identifying the standards that would have the greatest positive impacts when harmonised. 

It seeks to gain deeper insights into what is preventing the full adoption of Australian and International standards by transport agencies, rail operators and rail infrastructure managers and better quantify the benefits of harmonisation. 

It has been identified by industry that the lack of harmonised standards hinders the growth and efficiency of our industry.  

This includes aspects such as rollingstock manufacturing, interoperability, safe working and the transition to a net-zero environment. The research will also highlight the changes in standards development as a result, the impact on innovation and the cost of transitioning the industry to national interoperability.  

The outcomes of this research will assist in engaging industry and supporting the prioritisation of future work on the National Rail Action Plan and the National Procurement and Manufacturing Plan for more effective standards development and outcomes. 

As stakeholder consultation is integral to this project, GHD will be shortly reaching out to Operators, Rail Infrastructure Managers, Suppliers and Contractors to seek industry engagement via a survey and workshops. Consultation will focus on quantifying the benefits of harmonisation and gaining a better understanding of the challenges in achieving harmonisation, any related risks or costs, and the most appropriate mechanisms to realise the benefits.