22 Jul 2025
RISSB stepping up to support national cabinet priorities
Dr Gillian Miles, Chair of RISSB is very pleased to have signed the Memorandum of Cooperation to support the National Rail System Interoperability for future major rail investments with the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers.
Signed by all Australian governments and key rail industry players, the Memorandum of Cooperation is a strategic agreement aimed at improving the consistency and connectivity of the national rail network.
It provides an undertaking by participants, including Infrastructure and Transport Ministers; rail infrastructure owners, managers and builders; major rail manufacturers and passenger and freight rail operators to consider rail system interoperability ahead of future major rail investments.
“RISSB is now stepping up to formally play its part to support this National Cabinet priority. We look forward to working with the National Transport Commission (NTC) to take this forward,” Dr Miles said.
The Memorandum commits all participants to working together to achieve national rail interoperability and deliver a safer, more seamless rail system across major cities and regions.
“It’s been identified by National Cabinet as one of the biggest productivity gains Australia can make, and through the National Rail Action Plan, we’re working with governments and industry to make it happen,” said Carolyn Walsh, Chair of NTC.
With our expertise and capabilities in standards development, RISSB can play a crucial role in addressing interoperability gaps in existing standards and assist industry with guidance, training, and support tools to implement those standards.
“For the first time, we’re taking a national approach to rail through the first mandatory interoperability standards, aligning technology investments and delivering more consistent ways of working and operations. It’ll mean new responsibilities for governments and our industry bodies as we move towards a mandatory environment.”
The signing demonstrates RISSB’s willingness to play a bigger role as we shape the future of rail in Australia.
To learn more about the National Rail Action Plan, visit the NTC website: https://www.ntc.gov.au/transport-reform/national-rail-action-plan