The Federal and South Australian Governments have taken the next step to establishing a National Safety Regulatory framework after the appointment of Rob Andrews as the country’s inaugural National Rail Safety Regulator.

 

The new National Rail Safety Regulator will be based in Adelaide and will oversee Australia's urban passenger rail networks and interstate freight operations.

 

Mr Andrews will be responsible for ensuring rail transport operates more seamlessly and safely by reducing unnecessary red tape and duplication.

 

“He is a highly experienced rail safety regulator from the United Kingdom, having worked for the Strategic Rail Authority, the Office of Rail Regulation, the Health and Safety Executive, and most recently held positions as Program Director for Crossrail and Thameslink at the London Underground.  He has also been a member of the UK Rail Safety and Standards Board,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese said in a statement.

 

Mr Andrew’s appointment comes after the South Australian Parliament passed the Rail Safety National Law that establishes the new regulator, which will replace seven separate regulatory authorities and 46 separate pieces of legislation.