This follows the Queensland Government passing legislation that will see the ATSB investigating accidents and incidents on Queensland’s metropolitan and regional passenger, and freight rail networks.
The ATSB’s investigation role will occur concurrently with the Office of National Rail Safety Regulator overseeing rail safety regulation in every Australian state and territory.
ATSB Chief Commissioner Greg Hood welcomed the expanded role for the national transport safety investigator.
“The ATSB will operate as the rail safety investigator for no-blame investigations and will engage with Queensland operators over the coming months to ensure they understand the new environment,” Mr Hood said.
“The ATSB has extensive investigation experience in the rail, aviation and marine sectors—a move to a fully national investigation role for rail will further enhance transport safety in Australia.”
The rail industry makes a significant contribution to the Australian economy and greater consistency of national safety requirements will help increase productivity and efficiency across the sector.
More information on rail accident or incident notifications.