26 Feb 2026
ARISO The Standard Edition 3, February 2026
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Edition 3, February 2026 A message from Alan Fedda | CEO The pace of reform across our industry continues to accelerate, and with it comes real opportunity. The National Transport Commission’s Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (C-RIS) on the Rail Safety National Law review is a pivotal moment for rail in Australia. Legislative reform is a powerful lever for system-wide change. Proposed amendments elevate the status of harmonised standards and membership of ARISO to drive greater adoption and interoperability benefits. This year’s ARISO Rail Safety Conference comes at an equally important time. With Minister Gabrielle Williams and national leaders from ONRSR, the NTC, ARTC and beyond joining us, the Conference will provide a vital forum to discuss the next era of standards and reform. I look forward to seeing many of you there. I’m also encouraged by the strong early response to the 2026 Rail Safety Awards – thank you to those who have already entered. Your leadership sets the benchmark for our industry. Together, through standards, collaboration and shared expertise, we are building a safer, more interoperable national rail network. 
Have your say on Rail Safety National Law reviewThe National Transport Commission has released its Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (C-RIS) on proposed reforms to the Rail Safety National Law - creating a genuine opportunity to help shape the future of rail in Australia. The consultation focuses on improving interoperability, safety and efficiency across the national network and is seeking practical feedback from industry. Legislative reform is a powerful lever for system-wide change. For ARISO, proposed amendments to the RSNL could further strengthen our role as the national standards setting body, supporting greater harmonisation and consistency across the network. ARISO will be actively engaging in the consultation and encourages all stakeholders to have their say. Victorian Minister headlines ARISO Rail Safety ConferenceThe Hon Gabrielle Williams MP, Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Minister for Public and Active Transport, Victorian Government, leads the list of our confirmed speakers, bringing together senior government and national industry leadership to set the tone for the Conference. Speakers announced include Dr Natalie Pelham, Chief Executive Officer, ONRSR, Michael Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer, National Transport Commission (NTC); Alan Fedda, CEO ARISO; and Brad Moorhouse, Group Executive Safety and Systems, ARTC. At a pivotal time for national reform and the transition to a new era of standards, this year’s Conference provides an essential forum for industry to come together. Discussions will focus on delivering safer, more interoperable railways while supporting productivity and performance across the network. Join us at the ARISO Rail Safety Conference 2026 - the premier annual gathering for rail safety professionals across Australia and New Zealand. Further speakers will be announced shortly. 
ARISO Rail Safety Awards 2026 - submissions openWe’re already seeing some outstanding early entries. A big thank you to those individuals and teams who have submitted so far. Your commitment to safety leadership is exactly what these awards are all about. Now it’s your turn! These awards celebrate the people and teams who go beyond compliance – who lead, innovate and make a real difference to safety outcomes across the rail industry. Have you introduced a smarter process? Reduced risk in a meaningful way? Built a stronger safety culture within your team? We want to hear your story. Submissions close 17 April 2026, with winners announced at the Rail Safety Conference Dinner in Melbourne on 19 May 2026. Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your impact and celebrate the work that keeps our industry safe. PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTAS 7529.1 Rolling Stock Fire Safety – Locomotives and Freight Fire onboard railway vehicles is a significant safety hazard. This Standard improves safety by ensuring all locomotives and freight vehicles are designed and built to meet clear and contemporary fire safety requirements. The updated document specifically addresses the fire safety needs of zero‑emission rolling stock including lithium‑ion battery systems and hydrogen propulsion, ensuring emerging technologies do not introduce unmanaged risks. ARISO PRODUCT UPDATESReminder: public consultation still open – AS 7531 Rolling Stock Lighting and VisibilityConsultation on the draft AS 7531 Rolling Stock Lighting and Visibility closes on Friday 27 February. Open since 18 December 2025, this review reflects updated research and aligns with ONRSR’s Code of Practice to strengthen train visibility and reduce road/rail collision risk at level crossings. If you haven’t yet provided feedback, there is still time to have your say. Industry input is essential to ensure the Standard is practical, effective and supports improved safety outcomes across the network. Submit your comments before the closing date and help shape this important safety initiative. Six new ARISO Standards now publishedARISO is pleased to announce that six new Australian rail Standards, approved by the ARISO Board this month, are now available via the Products page on our website. These Standards support safer operations, stronger asset management and improved consistency across Australia’s rail networks, reflecting ARISO’s role as the national industry-led technical standards body. Public ConsultationAS 7486 Onboard Electrical Energy Storage AS 7471 Rail Personal Protective Equipment – Minimum Requirements TRAINING AND EVENTSThe Rail Human Factors Forum is back!Join us on 16 April, 1.00pm–5:00pm, as we bring the rail community together to explore this year’s theme: Human Factors in Emerging Technology. It’s set to spark fresh thinking across the industry. As innovation accelerates across the rail network – from digital systems to automation and new onboard technologies – the human element has never been more critical. This Forum will dive into how human factors thinking and systems approaches are being applied to the introduction of emerging and innovative technologies in rail. You’ll also hear about new and evolving ways human factors analysis tools are being designed and used in a rail context. The Forum’s objective is clear: to raise understanding of the contribution human factors and systems thinking make to the rail industry, and to foster the exchange of skills and knowledge among professionals who apply – or are looking to apply – HF in their work. Details and registration information will be released soon – mark the date in your diaries. Investigate Rail Safety IncidentsDelivered in partnership with CERT (RTO 51333), the TLIF0045 – Investigate Rail Safety Incidents course blends theory with practical exercises, giving participants the confidence and competence to apply their learning immediately in operational settings. This course’s content reflects the 2025 release of the Rail Safety Investigation Code of Practice. 
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