<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> The National Transport Commission (NTC) and the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) have signed a memorandum of understanding, looking to facilitate optimal rail safety and productivity. </span> <p>Under the MoU, the ONRSR will administer the Draft Rail Safety Law, which the NTC released in July 2011. In doing so, the ONRSR will administer the accreditation regime under the law, and will work with rail operators, workers and others to improve rail safety nationally.</p><p>The NTC is responsible, meanwhile, for developing regulatory and operational reform for road, rail and intermodal transport.</p><p>The NTC will develop and submit reform recommendations for approval to the Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure (which comprises federal, state and territory transport, infrastructure and planning ministers).</p><p>The memorandum also prescribes: “The NTC also plays an important role in implementation planning to ensure reform outcomes are realised on the ground, as well as coordinating, monitoring, evaluating and maintaining the implementation of approved reforms.”</p><p>Paul Retter, chief executive of the NTC, said the signing of the memorandum builds on the strong links that already exist between the commission and the rail safety regulator, supporting ongoing working arrangements between the two parties.</p><p>“This agreement will formally facilitate collaboration between the NTC and the ONRSR,” Retter said.</p><p>“Rail safety in Australia continues to be a key focus for the NTC and it is important that we work closely with the ONRSR to ensure that the Rail Safety National Law is maintained and developed to meet Australia’s needs.”</p><p>Retter said that the NTC will continue to undertake regulatory policy development related to the Rail Safety National Law, while the ONRSR will monitor, investigate and enforce compliance with the law.</p><p>The development of a memorandum of understanding between the two parties was a recommendation of the 2012 review of the NTC and other bodies.</p>
