30 Oct 2026
ARISO The Standard Edition 11, October 2026
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Edition 11, October 2026 A message from Alan Fedda | CEO October has been a month of important progress for ARISO, with a continued focus on building technical capability and connecting Australia's rail sector with international expertise needed to deliver ARISO's ambitious work program. I am excited to welcome Stephen Lemon, who will be joining ARISO as Executive Director, National Technical Coordination on 2 November. Our recruitment campaign reflects the growing opportunities to contribute technical expertise, shape national standards and help drive meaningful change across the rail sector. We announced three new international partnerships in September. These are with the ERTMS Users Group, EULYNX and RSSB UK. The announcement that ARISO will co-host the International Railway Safety Council (IRSC) in Sydney in October 2027, in partnership with the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR), continues these international partnerships. IRSC 2027 will bring the global rail safety community to Australia, creating opportunities to share knowledge, learn from international experience and strengthen our collective approach to railway safety. To mark World Standards Day 2026, we brought together rail industry leaders Amy Lezala (MTM), Garry Taylor (PTA WA) and Helen Wilkinson (PT&I) to discuss how standards can reduce unnecessary variation, support better outcomes and help build a more nationally consistent railway from an operational perspective. You can catch up on that important conversation if you missed it with the link below. Read the ARISO October Rail Express feature on braking standards AS 7510.3 and AS 7510.6 that demonstrates how rail standards support greater consistency across the industry and provide a common foundation for safe, reliable and interoperable railway operations. Our AGM 2026 will be held on 23 November in Brisbane from 4.30pm (AEST). All members are encouraged to attend the AGM either in person or online. Thank you to everyone who continues to contribute their knowledge, experience and time to this important work.
Read in this edition:
Building technical capability - Stephen Lemon joins ARISOARISO is delighted to welcome Stephen Lemon who joins as Executive Director, National Technical Coordination on 2 November. Stephen brings 40 years of experience across the Australian and UK rail sectors in rail systems, operations, asset management and technology strategy. He is well known for his work with the National Transport Commission and Transport for NSW on the introduction of the European Train Control System (ETCS). The rail industry faces challenges that demand consistent national coordination – from implementing new technologies and improving interoperability to strengthening safety outcomes and reducing unnecessary complexity. Stephen will lead this work, strengthening collaboration among industry, governments, regulators and rail operators to develop practical, nationally coordinated solutions to complex challenges. Our recruitment campaign is continuing – we’re looking for people who want to tackle complex industry challenges and make a lasting impact. IRSC 2027: ARISO to co-host world's premier railway safety conferenceAustralia will host the 37th International Railway Safety Council (IRSC) Conference in October 2027, bringing together global railway safety leaders for this prestigious annual gathering. Announced at the official launch event during IRSC 2026 in Lisbon on 14 October, co-hosts ARISO and ONRSR have embarked on preparations to deliver a landmark conference that will advance international collaboration and innovation in railway safety. Registration and conference information, as well as early bird discounts are available on the conference website.
2026 Annual General MeetingThe 2026 ARISO AGM will be held on 23 November in Brisbane. The meeting will be hybrid, giving members the opportunity to attend either in person or online. The AGM is an important opportunity for members to consider ARISO’s direction, contribute to key decisions and help shape our priorities for the year ahead. The AGM information pack has been sent to members eligible to vote. Catch up on the 2026 World Standards Day webinarPublishing a standard is only the beginning. The real value comes when standards shape the decisions made every day, from engineering and procurement to operations and maintenance. For World Standards Day 2026, ARISO brought together rail industry leaders Amy Lezala (MTM), Garry Taylor (PTA WA) and Helen Wilkinson (PT&I), in a lively conversation with ARISO's Mark Smith, to discuss how standards can reduce unnecessary variation, support better outcomes and help build a more nationally consistent railway. A more connected, interoperable railway doesn’t happen by chance. It takes industry collaboration, consistent standards and a commitment to putting them into practice. Missed the session or want to revisit it? PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTAS 7529.3 Rolling Stock Fire Safety - Part 3: Passenger This Standard ensures rolling stock is designed and maintained to reduce fire ignition risk, control fire growth, minimise fire impacts on people and operations, and support safe occupant egress and emergency intervention. Consistent application of the Standard across the Australian rail industry promotes a common approach to fire safety, helping operators manage risks effectively. Contact info@ariso.org.au if you’d like to discuss this standard with one of our standards development managers. In the news: Modernising braking standardsBraking technology and operating conditions continue to evolve, making clear, contemporary standards essential to safe and reliable rail operations. The updated AS 7510.3 and AS 7510.6 standards strengthen guidance for assessing braking performance, from modern multiple-unit passenger trains to complete train consists operating on challenging gradients. The October edition of Rail Express explores how these updates are helping the rail industry improve safety, consistency and interoperability. Public ConsultationAS 7530 Electrical Systems Passenger Rolling Stock AS 7510.7 ECP Brakes This includes safety through shorter stopping distances and better control on long grades, and efficiency through longer allowable trains and faster running times. TRAININGBallarat ALCAM Survey & Rating TrainingLast week, ARISO delivered an ALCAM Survey and Rating training in Ballarat, Victoria. A diverse cohort included participants sponsored under the Victorian Railway Crossing Safety Strategy from V/Line and Puffing Billy Railway, as well as representatives from Rigore Engineering (regional NSW), and Vitruvius (New Zealand). Thank you to all participants for your engagement and commitment to safer crossings. Interested in upcoming ALCAM training? Read more to find out how to register your interest. |









