Principal Regulator > Role

Within this co-regulatory framework that is established by the implementation of the national model Rail Safety Bill 2006, the Rail Safety Regulators Panel (RSRP) has established the role of Principal Rail Safety Regulator (Principal Regulator) to assist in meeting the uniform administration requirements of the national model legislation and the broader policy intent of a common regulatory framework.

The role of the Principal Regulator is administrative in nature, as agreed by the RSRP, and is not established or defined in legislation.

DEFINITION

The Principal Regulator for a particular rail transport operator is the regulator of the jurisdiction in which the rail transport operator is principally based, typically taken to be the jurisdiction in which the corporate management of the safety management system is undertaken and/or administered.

Where considered necessary, the Principal Regulator can be determined by agreement by the RSRP or the relevant Regulators.

FUNCTION

The Principal Regulator becomes the first point of contact and coordinator of specific regulatory functions in respect of an interjurisdictional rail transport operator (IRTO) to reasonably ensure:

  • the obligations for uniform administration of accreditation are undertaken;
  • audits of IRTO are coordinated;
  • consistency in approach and response in respect of action taken by regulators in addressing audit and compliance activity;
  • IRTOs are assisted with legislative enquiries; and
  • a Principal Regulator is a contact point for coordinated knowledge of an IRTO, including information that other jurisdictions have about the IRTO, and that the knowledge and information is maintained and is current.

It is not the role of the Principal Regulator to:

  • exercise authority over the regulatory and administrative decisions of other Relevant Rail Safety Regulators ; or
  • act as a reviewer or arbitrator in matters of conflict resolution or appeal between IRTOs and other Relevant Regulators.

IN PRACTICE

Many of the functions of the Principal Regulator will not be readily visible to rail transport operators. However, any Rail Transport Operators may approach their Principal Regulator for advice and direction on how to manage regulatory and/or operational matters that may have an impact across multiple jurisdictions.

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