28 Apr 2026
ARISO The Standard Edition 5, April 2026
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Edition 5, April 2026 A message from Alan Fedda | CEO April has shaped up to be a busy month for ARISO as we connected with our members at the Heavy Haul Conference in Perth, exchanged learnings at the ARISO Rail Human Factors Forum, issued a number of important draft standards for consultation and focused on the opportunity to re-shape the RSNL to drive harmonisation of standards to advance safety, productivity and interoperability. We were on the ground in Perth for the Turnouts Workshop and the Heavy Haul Rail Conference, where we joined industry leaders to discuss the future of standards in a more integrated, interoperable rail system and the importance of the heavy haul sector in this conversation. While in Perth, I met with many members and the broader industry – from operators, manufacturers, suppliers and government – to hear firsthand where standards can better support delivery, safety and efficiency. The quality and candour of those conversations reinforced the importance of ARISO staying closely connected to industry needs. This month, hundreds of online attendees to the ARISO Rail Human Factors Forum engaged in discussions that go to the heart of safe and reliable operations. Bringing industry together in this way is central to our role – not just in developing standards but enabling the exchange of knowledge and experience that underpins their successful implementation. We feature the AS 7711 Signalling Principles which is highly topical in this digital era, and check out an article in Rail Express where I talk more about the prioritisation of harmonised standards framework which will underpin our future work plan. With consultation on the National Transport Commission's proposed changes to the Rail Safety National Law closing on 4 May, ARISO has been considering its response to best support strengthening and the role of standards to drive safety, interoperability and productivity through harmonised national standards. We’re looking forward to the ARISO Rail Safety Conference 2026 and the Rail Safety Awards next month. The event provides fantastic settings to collaborate, share industry learnings and to recognise the practical innovations and leadership making a difference across our sector. Be sure to grab your ticket for the Conference! 
Have your say on proposed changes to the Rail Safety National LawARISO is developing a strong response to the National Transport Commission’s Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (C-RIS) on the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) to shape a more consistent and harmonised system of standards for the future, particularly around giving legal force and effect to mandatory standards and harmonised standards. Our comprehensive response to the C-RIS will reflect the many conversations within our membership and industry on the status of ARISO under the RSNL as the national rail standards body and the importance of membership of ARISO. The C-RIS consultation closes on 4 May 2026. Contact CEO Alan Fedda if you like to talk about this at afedda@ariso.org.au. Turning standards into performance gains for industry
A week of industry forums in Perth – from the Rail Turnouts Workshop to the Heavy Haul Rail Conference 2026 – highlighted what matters most to operators, maintainers and suppliers: reliability, consistency and efficiency on the ground. For industry, the opportunity is clear. Better-aligned standards can help reduce unnecessary variation, improve turnout performance, and lower whole-of-life costs, particularly in demanding heavy haul environments. At a system level, greater consistency supports simpler approvals, stronger interoperability, and more confident investment decisions. These conversations reinforce the value of an industry-led approach, ensuring standards are not just technically sound, but practical, targeted and reflective of real operating conditions. Strong industry turnout highlights growing focus on Human FactorsThe recent ARISO Rail Human Factors Forum brought together the rail community to explore this year’s theme, Human Factors and Emerging Technology, and the response from industry was clear. With over 280 attendees on the day, the Forum demonstrated the growing recognition of the critical role human factors plays in supporting safe and effective rail operations, particularly as new technologies are introduced across the network. If you missed the Forum or would like to catch up on the sessions, watch the presentation video recordings on our website and on the ARISO YouTube channel. PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTAS 7711 – Signalling Principles AS 7711 addresses inconsistent signalling design, unclear indications and complex network interfaces that can increase risk and cost. It gives designers a common set of principles to manage train movement risks and protect track workers, delivering predictable system behaviour. By aligning approaches across adjoining networks, it reduces boundary issues, rework and integration effort, improving safety and interoperability. Contact info@ariso.org.au if you’d like to discuss this standard with one of our standards development managers. ARISO PRODUCT UPDATESIn the news: Harmonising Australia’s rail standardsFind out how ARISO plans to streamline the way harmonised standards are identified and prioritised. In the April Rail Express edition, CEO Alan Fedda speaks about why the new methodology is important, and how it will work to create a greater national impact. Public ConsultationCode of Practice – Type Approval – Signalling AS 7520.2 Body Structural Requirements – Freight AS 7717 Signalling Testing and Commissioning AS 7521 Interior Crashworthiness
EVENTSDon’t miss the rail safety event of the year!The 2026 ARISO Rail Safety Conference offers rail professionals the distinct opportunity to learn from leading rail safety experts, understand upcoming regulatory changes, and to network and collaborate. At this conference you have access to insights from industry leaders, including CEOs, safety managers, and technical specialists, sharing best practices and innovative approaches to rail safety management. Connect with peers across the rail sector, share experiences, and build valuable relationships during dedicated networking sessions, welcome reception and the prestigious ARISO Rail Safety Awards Dinner. 
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