ATSB to Investigate All Rail Accidents in Australia
"The ATSB has extensive investigation experience in the rail, aviation and marine sectors," said ATSB Chief Commissioner Greg Hood. "A move to a fully national investigation role for rail will further enhance transport safety in Australia."
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau soon will begin conducting no-fault safety investigations of rail accidents and incidents in all of Australia. The agency begins this expanded role as of June 30, 2017, after the Queensland Government passed a law giving ATSB authority to investigate accidents and incidents on Queensland's metropolitan and regional passenger and freight rail networks.
ATSB's national investigation role will occur concurrently with the Office of National Rail Safety Regulator, overseeing rail safety regulation in every Australian state and territory.
The agency's head said he welcomes the expanded role. "The ATSB will operate as the rail safety investigator for no-blame investigations and will engage with Queensland operators over the coming months to ensure they understand the new environment," said ATSB Chief Commissioner Greg Hood. "The ATSB has extensive investigation experience in the rail, aviation and marine sectors—a move to a fully national investigation role for rail will further enhance transport safety in Australia."