❓ A parliamentary question regarding railway crossing safety following a tragic accident, focusing on strobe light trials and national consistency. The Minister refutes factual errors in the question and details existing trials and future plans.
AnsweredQoN 997Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the minister to her recent meeting with the Jensen, Broad and Smith families about the tragic deaths of their children on 8 July at a railway crossing near Jennacubbine. (1) Has the minister agreed to raise with the Australian Transport Council on 24 May a national trial in which strobe lights would be fitted on all freight network locomotives, as recommended by the State Coroner, Alastair Hope? (2) Why is the minister not taking the initiative to establish such a trial in this State? (3) When will the University of Western Australia be responding to the minister in relation to the findings of the ARRB Transport Research Ltd report? (4) Will the minister consider appointing a consumer representative to the strategy and policy railway crossing protection subcommittee? Ms MacTIERNAN
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(4) I am a little puzzled by the member’s question. There are quite a few factual errors in her questions. I am taking this matter to the ATC. It is very important that we have a national approach to this matter, because the majority of trains now running on the east-west line - that is the high frequency line - are interstate trains. Therefore, there is no point putting in place regulations that will not apply to the majority of trains. The member asked why I did not run a trial. The Government did run a trial that was widely publicised. However, to the Government’s great disappointment, the trial did not support the contention that the addition of ditch lights or rotating beacons would increase the visibility of the trains. The report was not conducted by ARRB Transport Research, but came from a private rail consultant who had been selected through the State Supply Commission. I was disappointed with the report, and because I was concerned, I sent the report to the University of Western Australia. I am also concerned with the level of skills within the public sector. There has been a massive de-skilling of competencies within the public sector. It is difficult to find people who can conduct reports without going to a private consultancy. The Government is currently trying to re-skill employees in the public sector. Unfortunately, we had to turn to a private consultant because the universities were in recess. The trial was conducted by a private consultant and we received the report. I was not happy with the report. I then asked the University of Western Australia to review the methodology. As I have already told the parents of the victims, it came back with a report that suggested that the methodology used by the private consultant was not the best. The Government has now begun discussions with the relevant rail union, the Australian Bus and Tram Union. In the past there have been adverse reports about the effect of strobe lighting on drivers. The union has indicated that it is prepared to support a trial, and that we can work through all the issues. We will also be working with WorkSafe WA to ensure that all the issues are addressed. The Government will also implement the rotating beacons on a number of trains. The coroner’s report asked the Government to address this issue. We immediately conducted a trial, but the trial did not support the introduction of the lighting. We cannot impose these measures on the private sector without some support, and that is why we are going to the ACT. We will work with the private rail companies on a voluntary basis in an attempt to see what impact strobe lighting will have.
(1) Has the minister agreed to raise with the Australian Transport Council on 24 May a national trial in which strobe lights would be fitted on all freight network locomotives, as recommended by the State Coroner, Alastair Hope? (2) Why is the minister not taking the initiative to establish such a trial in this State? (3) When will the University of Western Australia be responding to the minister in relation to the findings of the ARRB Transport Research Ltd report? (4) Will the minister consider appointing a consumer representative to the strategy and policy railway crossing protection subcommittee? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(4) I am a little puzzled by the member’s question. There are quite a few factual errors in her questions. I am taking this matter to the ATC. It is very important that we have a national approach to this matter, because the majority of trains now running on the east-west line - that is the high frequency line - are interstate trains. Therefore, there is no point putting in place regulations that will not apply to the majority of trains. The member asked why I did not run a trial. The Government did run a trial that was widely publicised. However, to the Government’s great disappointment, the trial did not support the contention that the addition of ditch lights or rotating beacons would increase the visibility of the trains. The report was not conducted by ARRB Transport Research, but came from a private rail consultant who had been selected through the State Supply Commission. I was disappointed with the report, and because I was concerned, I sent the report to the University of Western Australia. I am also concerned with the level of skills within the public sector. There has been a massive de-skilling of competencies within the public sector. It is difficult to find people who can conduct reports without going to a private consultancy. The Government is currently trying to re-skill employees in the public sector. Unfortunately, we had to turn to a private consultant because the universities were in recess. The trial was conducted by a private consultant and we received the report. I was not happy with the report. I then asked the University of Western Australia to review the methodology. As I have already told the parents of the victims, it came back with a report that suggested that the methodology used by the private consultant was not the best. The Government has now begun discussions with the relevant rail union, the Australian Bus and Tram Union. In the past there have been adverse reports about the effect of strobe lighting on drivers. The union has indicated that it is prepared to support a trial, and that we can work through all the issues. We will also be working with WorkSafe WA to ensure that all the issues are addressed. The Government will also implement the rotating beacons on a number of trains. The coroner’s report asked the Government to address this issue. We immediately conducted a trial, but the trial did not support the introduction of the lighting. We cannot impose these measures on the private sector without some support, and that is why we are going to the ACT. We will work with the private rail companies on a voluntary basis in an attempt to see what impact strobe lighting will have.
(2) Why is the minister not taking the initiative to establish such a trial in this State? (3) When will the University of Western Australia be responding to the minister in relation to the findings of the ARRB Transport Research Ltd report? (4) Will the minister consider appointing a consumer representative to the strategy and policy railway crossing protection subcommittee? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(4) I am a little puzzled by the member’s question. There are quite a few factual errors in her questions. I am taking this matter to the ATC. It is very important that we have a national approach to this matter, because the majority of trains now running on the east-west line - that is the high frequency line - are interstate trains. Therefore, there is no point putting in place regulations that will not apply to the majority of trains. The member asked why I did not run a trial. The Government did run a trial that was widely publicised. However, to the Government’s great disappointment, the trial did not support the contention that the addition of ditch lights or rotating beacons would increase the visibility of the trains. The report was not conducted by ARRB Transport Research, but came from a private rail consultant who had been selected through the State Supply Commission. I was disappointed with the report, and because I was concerned, I sent the report to the University of Western Australia. I am also concerned with the level of skills within the public sector. There has been a massive de-skilling of competencies within the public sector. It is difficult to find people who can conduct reports without going to a private consultancy. The Government is currently trying to re-skill employees in the public sector. Unfortunately, we had to turn to a private consultant because the universities were in recess. The trial was conducted by a private consultant and we received the report. I was not happy with the report. I then asked the University of Western Australia to review the methodology. As I have already told the parents of the victims, it came back with a report that suggested that the methodology used by the private consultant was not the best. The Government has now begun discussions with the relevant rail union, the Australian Bus and Tram Union. In the past there have been adverse reports about the effect of strobe lighting on drivers. The union has indicated that it is prepared to support a trial, and that we can work through all the issues. We will also be working with WorkSafe WA to ensure that all the issues are addressed. The Government will also implement the rotating beacons on a number of trains. The coroner’s report asked the Government to address this issue. We immediately conducted a trial, but the trial did not support the introduction of the lighting. We cannot impose these measures on the private sector without some support, and that is why we are going to the ACT. We will work with the private rail companies on a voluntary basis in an attempt to see what impact strobe lighting will have.
(3) When will the University of Western Australia be responding to the minister in relation to the findings of the ARRB Transport Research Ltd report? (4) Will the minister consider appointing a consumer representative to the strategy and policy railway crossing protection subcommittee? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(4) I am a little puzzled by the member’s question. There are quite a few factual errors in her questions. I am taking this matter to the ATC. It is very important that we have a national approach to this matter, because the majority of trains now running on the east-west line - that is the high frequency line - are interstate trains. Therefore, there is no point putting in place regulations that will not apply to the majority of trains. The member asked why I did not run a trial. The Government did run a trial that was widely publicised. However, to the Government’s great disappointment, the trial did not support the contention that the addition of ditch lights or rotating beacons would increase the visibility of the trains. The report was not conducted by ARRB Transport Research, but came from a private rail consultant who had been selected through the State Supply Commission. I was disappointed with the report, and because I was concerned, I sent the report to the University of Western Australia. I am also concerned with the level of skills within the public sector. There has been a massive de-skilling of competencies within the public sector. It is difficult to find people who can conduct reports without going to a private consultancy. The Government is currently trying to re-skill employees in the public sector. Unfortunately, we had to turn to a private consultant because the universities were in recess. The trial was conducted by a private consultant and we received the report. I was not happy with the report. I then asked the University of Western Australia to review the methodology. As I have already told the parents of the victims, it came back with a report that suggested that the methodology used by the private consultant was not the best. The Government has now begun discussions with the relevant rail union, the Australian Bus and Tram Union. In the past there have been adverse reports about the effect of strobe lighting on drivers. The union has indicated that it is prepared to support a trial, and that we can work through all the issues. We will also be working with WorkSafe WA to ensure that all the issues are addressed. The Government will also implement the rotating beacons on a number of trains. The coroner’s report asked the Government to address this issue. We immediately conducted a trial, but the trial did not support the introduction of the lighting. We cannot impose these measures on the private sector without some support, and that is why we are going to the ACT. We will work with the private rail companies on a voluntary basis in an attempt to see what impact strobe lighting will have.
(4) Will the minister consider appointing a consumer representative to the strategy and policy railway crossing protection subcommittee? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(4) I am a little puzzled by the member’s question. There are quite a few factual errors in her questions. I am taking this matter to the ATC. It is very important that we have a national approach to this matter, because the majority of trains now running on the east-west line - that is the high frequency line - are interstate trains. Therefore, there is no point putting in place regulations that will not apply to the majority of trains. The member asked why I did not run a trial. The Government did run a trial that was widely publicised. However, to the Government’s great disappointment, the trial did not support the contention that the addition of ditch lights or rotating beacons would increase the visibility of the trains. The report was not conducted by ARRB Transport Research, but came from a private rail consultant who had been selected through the State Supply Commission. I was disappointed with the report, and because I was concerned, I sent the report to the University of Western Australia. I am also concerned with the level of skills within the public sector. There has been a massive de-skilling of competencies within the public sector. It is difficult to find people who can conduct reports without going to a private consultancy. The Government is currently trying to re-skill employees in the public sector. Unfortunately, we had to turn to a private consultant because the universities were in recess. The trial was conducted by a private consultant and we received the report. I was not happy with the report. I then asked the University of Western Australia to review the methodology. As I have already told the parents of the victims, it came back with a report that suggested that the methodology used by the private consultant was not the best. The Government has now begun discussions with the relevant rail union, the Australian Bus and Tram Union. In the past there have been adverse reports about the effect of strobe lighting on drivers. The union has indicated that it is prepared to support a trial, and that we can work through all the issues. We will also be working with WorkSafe WA to ensure that all the issues are addressed. The Government will also implement the rotating beacons on a number of trains. The coroner’s report asked the Government to address this issue. We immediately conducted a trial, but the trial did not support the introduction of the lighting. We cannot impose these measures on the private sector without some support, and that is why we are going to the ACT. We will work with the private rail companies on a voluntary basis in an attempt to see what impact strobe lighting will have.
Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(4) I am a little puzzled by the member’s question. There are quite a few factual errors in her questions. I am taking this matter to the ATC. It is very important that we have a national approach to this matter, because the majority of trains now running on the east-west line - that is the high frequency line - are interstate trains. Therefore, there is no point putting in place regulations that will not apply to the majority of trains. The member asked why I did not run a trial. The Government did run a trial that was widely publicised. However, to the Government’s great disappointment, the trial did not support the contention that the addition of ditch lights or rotating beacons would increase the visibility of the trains. The report was not conducted by ARRB Transport Research, but came from a private rail consultant who had been selected through the State Supply Commission. I was disappointed with the report, and because I was concerned, I sent the report to the University of Western Australia. I am also concerned with the level of skills within the public sector. There has been a massive de-skilling of competencies within the public sector. It is difficult to find people who can conduct reports without going to a private consultancy. The Government is currently trying to re-skill employees in the public sector. Unfortunately, we had to turn to a private consultant because the universities were in recess. The trial was conducted by a private consultant and we received the report. I was not happy with the report. I then asked the University of Western Australia to review the methodology. As I have already told the parents of the victims, it came back with a report that suggested that the methodology used by the private consultant was not the best. The Government has now begun discussions with the relevant rail union, the Australian Bus and Tram Union. In the past there have been adverse reports about the effect of strobe lighting on drivers. The union has indicated that it is prepared to support a trial, and that we can work through all the issues. We will also be working with WorkSafe WA to ensure that all the issues are addressed. The Government will also implement the rotating beacons on a number of trains. The coroner’s report asked the Government to address this issue. We immediately conducted a trial, but the trial did not support the introduction of the lighting. We cannot impose these measures on the private sector without some support, and that is why we are going to the ACT. We will work with the private rail companies on a voluntary basis in an attempt to see what impact strobe lighting will have.
(1)-(4) I am a little puzzled by the member’s question. There are quite a few factual errors in her questions. I am taking this matter to the ATC. It is very important that we have a national approach to this matter, because the majority of trains now running on the east-west line - that is the high frequency line - are interstate trains. Therefore, there is no point putting in place regulations that will not apply to the majority of trains. The member asked why I did not run a trial. The Government did run a trial that was widely publicised. However, to the Government’s great disappointment, the trial did not support the contention that the addition of ditch lights or rotating beacons would increase the visibility of the trains. The report was not conducted by ARRB Transport Research, but came from a private rail consultant who had been selected through the State Supply Commission. I was disappointed with the report, and because I was concerned, I sent the report to the University of Western Australia. I am also concerned with the level of skills within the public sector. There has been a massive de-skilling of competencies within the public sector. It is difficult to find people who can conduct reports without going to a private consultancy. The Government is currently trying to re-skill employees in the public sector. Unfortunately, we had to turn to a private consultant because the universities were in recess. The trial was conducted by a private consultant and we received the report. I was not happy with the report. I then asked the University of Western Australia to review the methodology. As I have already told the parents of the victims, it came back with a report that suggested that the methodology used by the private consultant was not the best. The Government has now begun discussions with the relevant rail union, the Australian Bus and Tram Union. In the past there have been adverse reports about the effect of strobe lighting on drivers. The union has indicated that it is prepared to support a trial, and that we can work through all the issues. We will also be working with WorkSafe WA to ensure that all the issues are addressed. The Government will also implement the rotating beacons on a number of trains. The coroner’s report asked the Government to address this issue. We immediately conducted a trial, but the trial did not support the introduction of the lighting. We cannot impose these measures on the private sector without some support, and that is why we are going to the ACT. We will work with the private rail companies on a voluntary basis in an attempt to see what impact strobe lighting will have.
(1) Has the minister agreed to raise with the Australian Transport Council on 24 May a national trial in which strobe lights would be fitted on all freight network locomotives, as recommended by the State Coroner, Alastair Hope? (2) Why is the minister not taking the initiative to establish such a trial in this State? (3) When will the University of Western Australia be responding to the minister in relation to the findings of the ARRB Transport Research Ltd report? (4) Will the minister consider appointing a consumer representative to the strategy and policy railway crossing protection subcommittee? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(4) I am a little puzzled by the member’s question. There are quite a few factual errors in her questions. I am taking this matter to the ATC. It is very important that we have a national approach to this matter, because the majority of trains now running on the east-west line - that is the high frequency line - are interstate trains. Therefore, there is no point putting in place regulations that will not apply to the majority of trains. The member asked why I did not run a trial. The Government did run a trial that was widely publicised. However, to the Government’s great disappointment, the trial did not support the contention that the addition of ditch lights or rotating beacons would increase the visibility of the trains. The report was not conducted by ARRB Transport Research, but came from a private rail consultant who had been selected through the State Supply Commission. I was disappointed with the report, and because I was concerned, I sent the report to the University of Western Australia. I am also concerned with the level of skills within the public sector. There has been a massive de-skilling of competencies within the public sector. It is difficult to find people who can conduct reports without going to a private consultancy. The Government is currently trying to re-skill employees in the public sector. Unfortunately, we had to turn to a private consultant because the universities were in recess. The trial was conducted by a private consultant and we received the report. I was not happy with the report. I then asked the University of Western Australia to review the methodology. As I have already told the parents of the victims, it came back with a report that suggested that the methodology used by the private consultant was not the best. The Government has now begun discussions with the relevant rail union, the Australian Bus and Tram Union. In the past there have been adverse reports about the effect of strobe lighting on drivers. The union has indicated that it is prepared to support a trial, and that we can work through all the issues. We will also be working with WorkSafe WA to ensure that all the issues are addressed. The Government will also implement the rotating beacons on a number of trains. The coroner’s report asked the Government to address this issue. We immediately conducted a trial, but the trial did not support the introduction of the lighting. We cannot impose these measures on the private sector without some support, and that is why we are going to the ACT. We will work with the private rail companies on a voluntary basis in an attempt to see what impact strobe lighting will have.
(2) Why is the minister not taking the initiative to establish such a trial in this State? (3) When will the University of Western Australia be responding to the minister in relation to the findings of the ARRB Transport Research Ltd report? (4) Will the minister consider appointing a consumer representative to the strategy and policy railway crossing protection subcommittee? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(4) I am a little puzzled by the member’s question. There are quite a few factual errors in her questions. I am taking this matter to the ATC. It is very important that we have a national approach to this matter, because the majority of trains now running on the east-west line - that is the high frequency line - are interstate trains. Therefore, there is no point putting in place regulations that will not apply to the majority of trains. The member asked why I did not run a trial. The Government did run a trial that was widely publicised. However, to the Government’s great disappointment, the trial did not support the contention that the addition of ditch lights or rotating beacons would increase the visibility of the trains. The report was not conducted by ARRB Transport Research, but came from a private rail consultant who had been selected through the State Supply Commission. I was disappointed with the report, and because I was concerned, I sent the report to the University of Western Australia. I am also concerned with the level of skills within the public sector. There has been a massive de-skilling of competencies within the public sector. It is difficult to find people who can conduct reports without going to a private consultancy. The Government is currently trying to re-skill employees in the public sector. Unfortunately, we had to turn to a private consultant because the universities were in recess. The trial was conducted by a private consultant and we received the report. I was not happy with the report. I then asked the University of Western Australia to review the methodology. As I have already told the parents of the victims, it came back with a report that suggested that the methodology used by the private consultant was not the best. The Government has now begun discussions with the relevant rail union, the Australian Bus and Tram Union. In the past there have been adverse reports about the effect of strobe lighting on drivers. The union has indicated that it is prepared to support a trial, and that we can work through all the issues. We will also be working with WorkSafe WA to ensure that all the issues are addressed. The Government will also implement the rotating beacons on a number of trains. The coroner’s report asked the Government to address this issue. We immediately conducted a trial, but the trial did not support the introduction of the lighting. We cannot impose these measures on the private sector without some support, and that is why we are going to the ACT. We will work with the private rail companies on a voluntary basis in an attempt to see what impact strobe lighting will have.
(3) When will the University of Western Australia be responding to the minister in relation to the findings of the ARRB Transport Research Ltd report? (4) Will the minister consider appointing a consumer representative to the strategy and policy railway crossing protection subcommittee? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(4) I am a little puzzled by the member’s question. There are quite a few factual errors in her questions. I am taking this matter to the ATC. It is very important that we have a national approach to this matter, because the majority of trains now running on the east-west line - that is the high frequency line - are interstate trains. Therefore, there is no point putting in place regulations that will not apply to the majority of trains. The member asked why I did not run a trial. The Government did run a trial that was widely publicised. However, to the Government’s great disappointment, the trial did not support the contention that the addition of ditch lights or rotating beacons would increase the visibility of the trains. The report was not conducted by ARRB Transport Research, but came from a private rail consultant who had been selected through the State Supply Commission. I was disappointed with the report, and because I was concerned, I sent the report to the University of Western Australia. I am also concerned with the level of skills within the public sector. There has been a massive de-skilling of competencies within the public sector. It is difficult to find people who can conduct reports without going to a private consultancy. The Government is currently trying to re-skill employees in the public sector. Unfortunately, we had to turn to a private consultant because the universities were in recess. The trial was conducted by a private consultant and we received the report. I was not happy with the report. I then asked the University of Western Australia to review the methodology. As I have already told the parents of the victims, it came back with a report that suggested that the methodology used by the private consultant was not the best. The Government has now begun discussions with the relevant rail union, the Australian Bus and Tram Union. In the past there have been adverse reports about the effect of strobe lighting on drivers. The union has indicated that it is prepared to support a trial, and that we can work through all the issues. We will also be working with WorkSafe WA to ensure that all the issues are addressed. The Government will also implement the rotating beacons on a number of trains. The coroner’s report asked the Government to address this issue. We immediately conducted a trial, but the trial did not support the introduction of the lighting. We cannot impose these measures on the private sector without some support, and that is why we are going to the ACT. We will work with the private rail companies on a voluntary basis in an attempt to see what impact strobe lighting will have.
(4) Will the minister consider appointing a consumer representative to the strategy and policy railway crossing protection subcommittee? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(4) I am a little puzzled by the member’s question. There are quite a few factual errors in her questions. I am taking this matter to the ATC. It is very important that we have a national approach to this matter, because the majority of trains now running on the east-west line - that is the high frequency line - are interstate trains. Therefore, there is no point putting in place regulations that will not apply to the majority of trains. The member asked why I did not run a trial. The Government did run a trial that was widely publicised. However, to the Government’s great disappointment, the trial did not support the contention that the addition of ditch lights or rotating beacons would increase the visibility of the trains. The report was not conducted by ARRB Transport Research, but came from a private rail consultant who had been selected through the State Supply Commission. I was disappointed with the report, and because I was concerned, I sent the report to the University of Western Australia. I am also concerned with the level of skills within the public sector. There has been a massive de-skilling of competencies within the public sector. It is difficult to find people who can conduct reports without going to a private consultancy. The Government is currently trying to re-skill employees in the public sector. Unfortunately, we had to turn to a private consultant because the universities were in recess. The trial was conducted by a private consultant and we received the report. I was not happy with the report. I then asked the University of Western Australia to review the methodology. As I have already told the parents of the victims, it came back with a report that suggested that the methodology used by the private consultant was not the best. The Government has now begun discussions with the relevant rail union, the Australian Bus and Tram Union. In the past there have been adverse reports about the effect of strobe lighting on drivers. The union has indicated that it is prepared to support a trial, and that we can work through all the issues. We will also be working with WorkSafe WA to ensure that all the issues are addressed. The Government will also implement the rotating beacons on a number of trains. The coroner’s report asked the Government to address this issue. We immediately conducted a trial, but the trial did not support the introduction of the lighting. We cannot impose these measures on the private sector without some support, and that is why we are going to the ACT. We will work with the private rail companies on a voluntary basis in an attempt to see what impact strobe lighting will have.
Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(4) I am a little puzzled by the member’s question. There are quite a few factual errors in her questions. I am taking this matter to the ATC. It is very important that we have a national approach to this matter, because the majority of trains now running on the east-west line - that is the high frequency line - are interstate trains. Therefore, there is no point putting in place regulations that will not apply to the majority of trains. The member asked why I did not run a trial. The Government did run a trial that was widely publicised. However, to the Government’s great disappointment, the trial did not support the contention that the addition of ditch lights or rotating beacons would increase the visibility of the trains. The report was not conducted by ARRB Transport Research, but came from a private rail consultant who had been selected through the State Supply Commission. I was disappointed with the report, and because I was concerned, I sent the report to the University of Western Australia. I am also concerned with the level of skills within the public sector. There has been a massive de-skilling of competencies within the public sector. It is difficult to find people who can conduct reports without going to a private consultancy. The Government is currently trying to re-skill employees in the public sector. Unfortunately, we had to turn to a private consultant because the universities were in recess. The trial was conducted by a private consultant and we received the report. I was not happy with the report. I then asked the University of Western Australia to review the methodology. As I have already told the parents of the victims, it came back with a report that suggested that the methodology used by the private consultant was not the best. The Government has now begun discussions with the relevant rail union, the Australian Bus and Tram Union. In the past there have been adverse reports about the effect of strobe lighting on drivers. The union has indicated that it is prepared to support a trial, and that we can work through all the issues. We will also be working with WorkSafe WA to ensure that all the issues are addressed. The Government will also implement the rotating beacons on a number of trains. The coroner’s report asked the Government to address this issue. We immediately conducted a trial, but the trial did not support the introduction of the lighting. We cannot impose these measures on the private sector without some support, and that is why we are going to the ACT. We will work with the private rail companies on a voluntary basis in an attempt to see what impact strobe lighting will have.
(1)-(4) I am a little puzzled by the member’s question. There are quite a few factual errors in her questions. I am taking this matter to the ATC. It is very important that we have a national approach to this matter, because the majority of trains now running on the east-west line - that is the high frequency line - are interstate trains. Therefore, there is no point putting in place regulations that will not apply to the majority of trains. The member asked why I did not run a trial. The Government did run a trial that was widely publicised. However, to the Government’s great disappointment, the trial did not support the contention that the addition of ditch lights or rotating beacons would increase the visibility of the trains. The report was not conducted by ARRB Transport Research, but came from a private rail consultant who had been selected through the State Supply Commission. I was disappointed with the report, and because I was concerned, I sent the report to the University of Western Australia. I am also concerned with the level of skills within the public sector. There has been a massive de-skilling of competencies within the public sector. It is difficult to find people who can conduct reports without going to a private consultancy. The Government is currently trying to re-skill employees in the public sector. Unfortunately, we had to turn to a private consultant because the universities were in recess. The trial was conducted by a private consultant and we received the report. I was not happy with the report. I then asked the University of Western Australia to review the methodology. As I have already told the parents of the victims, it came back with a report that suggested that the methodology used by the private consultant was not the best. The Government has now begun discussions with the relevant rail union, the Australian Bus and Tram Union. In the past there have been adverse reports about the effect of strobe lighting on drivers. The union has indicated that it is prepared to support a trial, and that we can work through all the issues. We will also be working with WorkSafe WA to ensure that all the issues are addressed. The Government will also implement the rotating beacons on a number of trains. The coroner’s report asked the Government to address this issue. We immediately conducted a trial, but the trial did not support the introduction of the lighting. We cannot impose these measures on the private sector without some support, and that is why we are going to the ACT. We will work with the private rail companies on a voluntary basis in an attempt to see what impact strobe lighting will have.
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