Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science) Share this | Hansard source

Again I thank the honourable senator for his question. I can report on a number of things. The federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development is supporting Victoria to lead the development of national rolling stock standards and eventually a national rolling stock procurement approach. The council agreed to Victoria leading the initiative on behalf of the jurisdictions, leading a process to progress the harmonisation of rolling stock standards and moving towards the development of a coordinated rolling stock procurement and maintenance pipeline. The TRC have agreed that train frameworks for wheels, windows and other glass componentry are the priorities for creating harmonised standards across the country. Jurisdictions are working with the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board to draft high-level specification and guidelines for a harmonised and uniform market approach that can be used by state governments when procuring rolling stock. This will reduce procurement costs and create the conditions for Australian manufacturers to deliver economies of scale. (Time expired)