Review of the Western Australian Rail Access Regime

The State Government has been reviewing the operation of the Western Australian Rail Access Regime to ensure the efficient use of, and investment in, railway facilities by facilitating a contestable market for rail operations.
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Progress to date

In July 2017, an Issues Paper (PDF) was released to assist discussion regarding potential improvements to the Western Australian Rail Access Regime, and to facilitate stakeholders wishing to participate in the review process.

In December 2018, a Draft Decision Paper (PDF) was released.This contained a number of recommendations that sought to strengthen the operation of the Regime in line with its objectives. Further stakeholder consultation was undertaken as part of this process.

In February 2020, a Final Decision Paper (PDF) was released, incorporating stakeholder feedback on the Draft Decision Paper and outlining recommendations for improvements to the Regime. The Government has approved the recommendations of the Final Decision Paper. 

In June 2022, draft amendments to the Railways (Access) Code 2000 were completed, which implements the recommendations of the Final Decision Paper. Submissions on the draft amendments closed on 23 July 2022.

Current status

Submissions on the amendments to the Railways (Access) Code 2000 are due by 23 July 2022 and can be made to the Treasurer, C/o
Alistair Jones
Assistant Under Treasurer Economic
Department of Treasury
Locked Bag 11
Cloisters Square, WA 6850

Or via email regulatory.reform@treasury.wa.gov.au 

Next steps

Treasury is now considering feedback on the draft amendments to the Railways (Access) Code 2000. Following this, Treasury will refine the amendments and then seek the Government’s approval to enact the new Code.