An Australian Transport Council decision to replace state based rail watchdogs with a single national regulator in Adelaide would jeopardise safety and put lives at risk the Rail, Tram and Bus Union warned today.

An Australian Transport Council decision to replace state based rail watchdogs with a single national regulator in Adelaide would jeopardise safety and put lives at risk the Rail, Tram and Bus Union warned today.



National Secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union Allan Barden described the decision by the Australian Transport Council as ‘risky’ and ‘reckless’ and called on the Council of Australian Governments to reject the proposal.



“Reforms to the way the rail industry is regulated in Australia are welcome, but not at the expense of safety standards and a strong watchdog,” Mr Barden said.



“With the vast majority of passenger and freight train movements in the eastern states, it beggars belief that anyone thinks it’s a good idea to locate Australia’s only rail safety watchdog thousands of kilometres away in South Australia.



“We have real concerns about the ability of any new regulator to monitor the rail industry and implement safety standards when it is isolated from the bulk of rail activity in Australia.”



Mr Barden also cast doubt on the ability of the new regulator to attract the know-how and resources required to keep rail operators honest.



“States with the most extensive rail systems are naturally going to have the people, technology, skills and resources to regulate the industry effectively.



“It has taken over six years for the NSW Government to establish a world class rail regulator following the tragedy in Waterfall, only for it to be destroyed in one fell swoop.



“Why the transport ministers have chosen to locate the new regulator well away from the resources and people it needs to be effective is anyone’s guess.



Mr Barden dismissed claims that state-based offices of the national regulator would provide the necessary oversight of all rail operations.



“These shop-fronts would barely handle day-to-day monitoring of local passenger networks, let alone interstate freight operations.



“They lack the resources and the teeth to effectively monitor and enforce safety standards across the whole industry.”



Mr Barden said the Rail, Tram and Bus Union would continue to oppose the establishment of the national regulator until its concerns were adequately addressed.



“The Australian Transport Council’s recommendations have to be endorsed by COAG and we will fight them tooth and nail until public safety is guaranteed.”