ABOUT ARISO

Our role in industry

The Australian Rail Industry Standards Organisation (ARISO) is the national industry-led technical standards body responsible for supporting the development of mandatory standards and leading harmonised national rail standards that drive safety, interoperability and efficiency across Australia’s rail networks.

What we do

ARISO supports interoperability and harmonisation across the Australian rail industry, championing safety to improve productivity and efficiency. We work with operators, infrastructure managers, government agencies, constructors, maintainers, consultants, unions, regulators and suppliers to develop industry-recognised products which improve the Australian rail industry’s safety outcomes, reduce risk and add value.

HarmonisATION

Enabling nationally consistent practice

We lead the harmonisation of rail standards, working with members, industry and governments to develop standards that improve safety, drive productivity and support a more interoperable national rail system. 
COLLABORation

Bringing the right people together

As an industry led organisation, we bring together a diverse rail industry to ensure that rail standards are practical, technically robust and nationally relevant.

productivity

Turning input into practical outcomes

We focus on real-world implementation so the work translates into improved safety, efficiency and productivity across the integrated transport system.

WORKING WITH ARISO

Partnering with industry and government to deliver nationally consistent standards

ARISO’s capabilities provide a collaborative environment to shape solutions of national and industry importance. We provide expertise and knowledge sharing that encourages innovative thinking across the industry to meet current and future challenges. We support industry to adopt and implement mandatory, harmonised and local standards and provide guidelines, codes and rules across operating contexts.

technical Expertise
ARISO leads technical collaboration and innovation for a safer, more productive and sustainable Australian rail industry, bringing deep rail and systems expertise to industry and government.
Solutions focused
We work with members, industry and government stakeholders to develop and promote standards that improve safety, drive productivity and support a more interoperable national rail system.
the ariso Network
We connect a strong network of subject matter experts through committees, working groups, development groups and affiliations to share best practice and build industry consensus.

 

Where ARISO adds value

We help move the rail industry forward with alignment, clarity and practical guidance for mandatory, harmonised and local standards.

For industry

  • Reduce duplication by aligning practices and approaches nationally
  • Support consistent application of products and guidance
  • Share learnings and build consensus with peers
  • Strengthen capability through collaboration and knowledge exchange

For government

  • Provide an industry-informed view of issues and priorities
  • Support interoperability and harmonisation objectives
  • Enable scalable solutions that work across jurisdictions
  • Maintain a clear line of sight to practical implementation

Our values

ARISO is a values-based organisation and takes pride in a supportive, collaborative and professional culture. Our values support the work we do for the rail industry.

Care
  • Considering and respectfully responding to challenge
  • Acknowledging efforts and contributions
  • Checking in and providing support.
Collaboration
We engage diverse viewpoints and encourage curiosity to build shared understanding and better outcomes.
Making a difference
  • Understanding stakeholder needs
  • Actively seeking new and practical solutions.

 

History

Key milestones in our evolution into the Australian Rail Industry Standards Organisation (ARISO).

2003 Established +

The organisation was established in June 2003 as the Code Management Company, with a mandate to manage and maintain national rail codes on behalf of industry.

It was created to provide a structured, industry-led approach to developing and maintaining consistent rail safety and technical standards across Australia.

2007 Renamed +

In 2007, the Code Management Company was renamed the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB).

This change reflected the organisation’s expanding role beyond code management, with a stronger focus on rail safety, standards development and industry collaboration at a national level.

2015 Governance changes +

In 2015, a new constitution and updated ownership arrangements were introduced.

As part of these changes, RISSB was no longer wholly owned by the Australasian Rail Association (ARA), strengthening its independence and reinforcing its role as a neutral, industry-wide organisation supporting nationally consistent outcomes.

2025 ARISO – a new era for our organisation +

In 2025, we became the Australian Rail Industry Standards Organisation (ARISO), signifying the changes we are making as we take on a strengthened role in the national rail reform agenda, and a name that reflects our continuing evolution as Australia’s rail industry-led technical standards body.

This change was made in response to the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers Meeting’s decision in August 2025 and reflects the organisation’s nationally recognised role in supporting rail safety, interoperability and harmonisation across Australia.

While the name changed, ARISO continues the legacy and purpose established under RISSB, working collaboratively with industry and government to deliver practical, nationally consistent solutions.