The Nationals WA in Government will legislate critical rail safety measures to enhance train
visibility and save lives across Western Australia.
Leader Shane Love MLA announced the commitment to mandatory regulations requiring all
trains and rolling stock operating in WA to be equipped with rotating beacons, side lighting,
and enhanced reflectors.
“Our preferred approach is to see these changes implemented through national regulation,
ensuring the highest possible standard of rail safety across Australia.
“However, if the RailFail campaign for national reform does not succeed, The Nationals will
lead the way and act independently within our first term of government to prioritise the
safety of all Western Australians.” Mr Love said.
To implement these vital changes, The Nationals in Government will amend the Rail Safety
National Law Application Act 2024 to enforce mandatory lighting and visibility standards for
trains and rolling stock.
“Everyone has the right to get home safely. The importance of train visibility is no different
from vehicle visibility—we have stronger laws for bicycle lighting than we do for trains, and
that must change,” Mr. Love said.
“Almost 80 per cent of Australian level crossings are passive, with no boom gates. This
policy ensures that trains operating in WA are as visible as every other vehicle.” Mr Love
said.
“In remote and regional areas, where poor lighting and increased hazards make visibility
crucial, this common-sense solution is long overdue.”
The Nationals policy aligns with recommendations from the Australasian Centre for Rail
Innovation (ACRI) Freight Train Visibility Review (2021) and the Monash Institute of Railway
Technology (MIRT) report (2023), both of which advocate for strobe lights and rotating
beacons on trains.
Lara Jensen, a rail safety advocate and spokesperson for the RailFail campaign, endorsed
The Nationals WA policy and commended Leader Shane Love for showing leadership on
this vital safety reform.
“As the sibling of a young man killed in one of WA’s worst rail crashes, I know firsthand the
devastating consequences of inadequate train visibility,” Ms. Jensen said.
“The current voluntary Code of Practice is insufficient. It’s beyond ridiculous that trains—the
largest and heaviest land vehicles—aren’t held to the same lighting standards as bicycles
or caravans. I commend The Nationals WA for taking the lead on this essential safety
reform.”
