Thursday, September 26, 2024
Full Application of RSNL Live in WA – 1 October
Following its passage through the Western Australian Parliament earlier this year and a comprehensive period of stakeholder engagement, the full application of Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) will commence in WA from 1 October 2024.
While Western Australia formally adopted the national legislation in 2015, it was implemented using what is known as ‘mirror legislation’ – effectively locking down a 2015 localised version of the national act – until the WA Parliament passed the national law in full in March of this year.
The decision to bring WA into line with all other states and territories ensures greater consistency and that rail operators in the west benefit from a range of amendments made to the RSNL since 2015.
Using a combination of local knowledge and national subject matter expertise, ONRSR has been conducting regular information sessions with rail transport operators across Western Australia since the legislation was passed and in the lead-up to the go live date.
ONRSR is encouraging all operators to be aware of the changes by familiarising themselves with the legislation which is available HERE. ONRSR has also produced a dedicated Fact Sheet covering the topic.
While for the most part the full application of RSNL will have a minimal impact on Western Australia’s rail transport operators, it does include changes that provide clarity in three key areas – the definition of rail safety work, regulation of major rail projects and drug and alcohol testing of rail safety workers.
The engagement process has been designed to ensure operators understand how they are affected and what they need to do to be ready when the full application of RSNL takes effect from next month.
Any WA-based operator or those whose operations span into WA with questions about the full application of RSNL in that state can contact ONRSR’s Perth Office on 1800 433 038 or email contact@onrsr.com.au