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FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PASSES NEW HIGH SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY BILL
The Authority will build on previous work, including the comprehensive study commissioned under former Infrastructure Minister and now Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, that found high-speed rail was not only viable, but would return over $2 for every $1 of investment.
A high-speed rail network could allow passengers to travel between major cities and significant regional cities at speeds exceeding 250km/h.
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The Federal Parliament has passed the new High Speed Rail Authority Bill 2022, marking the start of the High Speed Rail Authority establishment, as well as supporting and developing a high speed rail network in Australia to connect major cities to significant regional locations.
The Authority will provide independent and impartial advice on the policy and standards of high speed rail; and plan, identify and secure corridors. The Authority will also oversee the construction and operation of the high-speed rail network, and coordinate with state and territory governments, industry, business and communities to enhance Australia’s long-term rail investment.
The passage of the Bill delivers the Federal Government’s election commitment to establish the Authority which will start work on the $500 million down payment for the planning to secure corridors and commence early works for the Sydney to Newcastle section of the high-speed rail network.
While the Authority works closely with the New South Wales Government on this section, it will continue to advance plans for other sections of the high-speed rail network, which will eventually connect Brisbane to Melbourne, with stops in Canberra, Sydney and regional centres.
The Authority will be overseen by a Board which will include experts from the rail and infrastructure sectors. The Authority has begun recruiting board members who will be selected through a merit-based process, including the Chair, to ensure the board is composed of people who have the appropriate skills, qualifications, knowledge and experience to best bring high speed rail to fruition.
