Annual Report 2008-2009 - Department of Transport

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Model rail safety legislation
The Department has drafted the Rail Safety Bill (2009) in accordance with the
national model rail safety legislation as agreed at the Australian Transport
Council and the Council of Australian Governments. In drafting the Western
Australian Bill, a number of variations were made to the model legislation
to enhance rail safety outcomes, as well as to maintain consistency with
existing legislation and Western Australian specific legislative requirements.
The draft Bill was released in May 2009 for public comment, and it is intended
that the legislation will be introduced into Parliament by December 2009.
The Department’s Rail Safety Business Unit has contributed to the
development of several national guidelines for rail safety regulation. These
will take effect when a new Rail Safety Act based on a model national Bill
is implemented in WA. They will contribute significantly to achievement of
consistent regulation of risks and rail safety by all jurisdictions.
*This activity also relates to Goal 5.
www.transport.wa.gov.au/rail
Resourcing for rail safety compliance
To be able to regulate effectively under a new Rail Safety Act and in the
face of significant increases in rail activity in WA, the Department’s Rail
Safety Business Unit has been granted approval to expand its staff and to
develop new competencies required to regulate under the new Act. Key
staff have been trained by the Victorian rail safety regulator in compliance
management methods for the new Act. Effort has also been directed at
developing new procedures for operation under the new Act.
*This activity also relates to Goal 5.
www.transport.wa.gov.au/rail