Currently the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) is undertaking a number of reviews. These include:

• Cost recovery model
• Drug and alcohol management

Outcomes of the cost recovery model review

Changes to the cost recovery model took effect for 2017–18. Recommendations to enhance the model, following extensive consultation with government and industry stakeholders, were approved by the Transport and Infrastructure Council in November 2016.

Changes from 1 July 2017 include:

• Annual fees to be based on actual activity from the previous calendar year, removing the predictive element. This means that the annual fee for an operator in 2017–18 will be calculated from monthly periodic data provided from January to end December 2016. A reconciliation will be undertaken in relation to estimates used to calculate fees for 2016–17 against actual activity but this will not be required in future years.
• The introduction of major project fees, (with a subsequent reduction of up to $1.12m in the amount to be recovered from industry and government) which will more equitably fund ONRSR resources undertaking the regulatory oversight of major rail projects.
• There is no longer a requirement for an Annual Return for 2017–18 and onwards. The Monthly Return has been updated to include the requirement for operators to report the number of employees engaged in rail safety work (rather than reporting this via the Annual Return).
  ONRSR has reviewed and updated its Fees Policy. The revised policy commenced on 1 July 2017:
• Fees Policy

More information and related documents

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact Julie Bullas at julie.bullas@onrsr.com.au or (08) 8406 1550 or Melissa Radke via melissa.radke@onrsr.com.au or 0429 044 436.

• Cost Recovery Implementation Statement – ONRSR Major Rail Projects Fee 2016–17
• Accreditation fees
• Registration fees (for managers of private sidings)

Review of the legislative framework for drug and alcohol management

ONRSR conducted public consultation as part of the review it is undertaking on behalf of the Transport and Infrastructure Council of the drug and alcohol provisions within Rail Safety National Law.

• Download the consultation paper containing recommendations

More information is available in the review scope and terms of reference, and in the Proposed Introduction of Urine Testing Fact Sheet.

Want to know more?

Any queries about the reviews can be directed to Julie Bullas or Melissa Radke.

Last updated: 4 November 2020