New Generation Rollingstock manufacturer Bombardier has reiterated it designed and built Queensland’s new trains according to the specifications it was given, as Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Monday announced an inquiry into the trains’ procurement process.
Palaszczuk has named retired District Court judge Michael Forde to conduct an inquiry into the procurement of the 75 six-car NGR train sets, and their failure to comply with disability laws.
Queensland Rail and the State of Queensland recently failed in a joint bid for an exemption from the Australian Human Rights Commission for the NGR trains, which do not all currently comply with certain sections of the Transport Standards in the Disability Discrimination Act.
The NGR fleet is undergoing changes at Downer’s facility in Maryborough as a result of the compliance issues. Disability advocates have pushed for the NGR trains already on the network to be pulled until the issues are rectified, but this has not yet occurred, and the state has not indicated it is considering this option.
The disability access concerns were among a number of issues encountered throughout the $4.4 billion NGR rollout. Rectified issues during the rollout relate to driver sightlines, braking, air conditioning and ventilation.
Bombardier, which has a good track record of delivering rollingstock around the world, has indicated many of the design issues encountered were a relatively normal part of the testing process, and par for the course for any new train delivery.
Some commentators have also suggested the NGR’s troubled rollout was a result of a calamitous environment at the state’s passenger operator, Queensland Rail. The NGR rollout, coupled with a staffing crisis, led to a separate state inquiry, and significant turnover at the network operator throughout 2017.
In a statement, Bombardier said it looked forward to the release of a terms of reference for the NGR inquiry.
“Bombardier maintains its original position that the NGR trains have been built to the specifications provided at the time,” the manufacturer said.
“The trains were designed in Queensland by a very dedicated team of industry professionals, and they’ve been built especially for Queensland commuters.”
Palaszczuk said on July 23 Michael Forde would commence his inquiry in August, and report to the government with recommendations late this year. His full terms of reference will be released once they are approved by Executive Council.
“Mr Forde will be able to access relevant documents in the procurement process including technical specifications, design approvals and cabinet documents,” the premier said.