21 May 2025

Driving interoperability: a unified vision for rail reform

Insights from the 2025 RISSB Rail Safety Conference, Sydney

Last week’s 25th RISSB Rail Safety Conference in Sydney brought together government and industry leaders to discuss one of the most transformative agendas facing Australia’s rail sector: interoperability.

At the heart of the discussion was the Australian Government’s plan to implement a framework of mandatory, harmonised, and localised rail standards. Across four keynote presentations, a unified message emerged – reform is essential, and existing institutions like RISSB will have a central role to play.

Jim Betts, Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA), underscored the importance of leveraging existing capabilities. He acknowledged RISSB’s continued role as a technical advisor and standard setter and emphasised the alignment between government and industry goals.

Michael Hopkins, CEO of the National Transport Commission, outlined the NTC’s three-tiered approach to national rail standards through the National Rail Action Plan (NRAP), which includes the introduction of a targeted set of mandatory rail standards. He also affirmed the need for a new governance model that strikes a balance between efficiency and oversight – one in which an enhanced RISSB could play a key role.

RISSB Chair Dr Gillian Miles echoed these sentiments, reinforcing RISSB’s readiness to lead and connect stakeholders through this pivotal time. Meanwhile, ONRSR’s expanded regulatory powers to enforce interoperability management plans will ensure national consistency.

The message was clear: the opportunity for reform is now, and RISSB stands ready to support the delivery of a safer, smarter, and more connected national rail network.

“Our role must evolve – and will evolve – to be a strategic leader, the glue between industry and government,” said Dr Miles.

“We will work hand-in-hand with our partners to support the industry not just in developing standards, but in embedding them – supporting all members, with the tools they need to succeed.”