About ARISO
Standards development
Work is underway on a refined standards development process as well as how national standards are prioritised in future and developed in a way that will deliver more national benefits. Further updates will be shared as this important piece of national rail reform continues to progress.
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. We are recognised by Standards Australia as the accredited Standards Development Organisation for rail in Australia, so our processes follow strict national requirements and are built around consultation with industry, governments and regulators.
Our role as an accredited Standards Development Organisation
ARISO is recognised by Standards Australia as the only accredited Standards Development Organisation for the rail industry in Australia. This accreditation means we must follow a rigorous, transparent process and meet the policies and requirements set out in SG 003 Standards and Other Publications.
Our work brings together industry, regulators, unions and governments to develop standards that represent contemporary good practice, support harmonisation and interoperability across the national rail network, and are accepted by end users across the industry.
What we develop
- Australian Standards
- Guidelines
- Codes of practice
- Rules and other supporting products
These publications support rail transport operators to demonstrate that risks are managed so far as is reasonably practicable.
How we develop standards
From ideation through to publication, our standards development process is designed to be rigorous, transparent and inclusive. Public consultation is a critical step in this process because it improves the quality and practicality of the final product.
Unlike open-ended government consultations on policy, ARISO focuses feedback on the technical content of our publications and assesses each comment against the agreed scope of the product. We follow an eight-step process that aligns with Standards Australia requirements.
| 1. Identify need and confirm scope with stakeholders. | 5. Review and resolve comments received. |
| 2. Form a development group with subject matter experts. | 6. Undertake independent review where required. |
| 3. Draft the standard or other product. | 7. Seek formal approval from the ARISO Board. |
| 4. Release the draft for targeted and public consultation. | 8. Publish the product and plan for future maintenance. |
Detailed development procedures are outlined in ARISO’s internal administration and product development documentation.
ARISO in co regulation
In December 2009 the Council of Australian Governments agreed to establish a national rail safety regulator and to develop Rail Safety National Law that the regulator would administer. This decision underpins the co regulatory approach to rail safety in Australia.
Within this model:
- Industry is responsible for ensuring its operations are safe, so far as is reasonably practicable.
- The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator monitors industry against the Rail Safety National Law and associated regulations.
- ARISO supports the co regulatory regime by providing good practice standards, guidance and advice that help industry demonstrate it is meeting its obligations.
Our products are one way rail transport operators can evidence that risks are managed and controls are aligned with current good practice.
Learn more about our standards development work
See the projects on our current Work Plan, find out how our committees and groups support standards development, or watch a short video on how Australian rail standards are developed.