WA Rail Freight Network Returns to Public Control
A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will work with the Cook Labor Government to bring Western Australia’s freight rail network back into public hands.
The former WA Liberal Government privatised the network in 2000, which has stunted investment in the network and in key growing industries for a quarter of a century, while demands on the network continue to grow.
Improving rail freight will diversify our economy, unlock future local jobs and grow Western Australia’s economy.
Labor will invest $2.5 million to support the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to work with the WA Government to undertake due diligence and a feasibility study for taking back control of parts of the freight rail network.
Through this election commitment, the study will consider how WA’s freight rail network can be integrated with the ARTC’s interstate rail network, including the potential for the Commonwealth to take direct control of the east-west rail line from Kalgoorlie to Fremantle.
The WA Government has already announced it is commencing negotiations to bring the state’s freight rail network back into government hands, and we’re proud to work with them to get it done.
Public control of the network is expected to deliver economic benefits for WA, support lower freight costs and supply chain productivity, while also reducing trucks on the road and improving road safety.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“Our rail network is our nation’s nervous system – it is so important that these key freight lines remain productive, viable and well maintained.
“We will work with the Cook Labor Government to fund a study to assess the viability of bringing these rail lines back into public hands.
“This will ensure our freight system remains strong and viable for many years to come.”
Quotes attributable to Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook:
“My Government wants to bring WA’s rail freight network back into public hands where it belongs.
“The ripple effects of the former WA Liberal Government’s decision to privatise the rail network are still being felt today – and we want to work with a re-elected Albanese Government to turn that around.
“Taking control back of our rail freight network will help diversify our economy for the future, create local jobs and ensure all Western Australians, no matter where they live, have access to the services they need.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“The 100-year-old east-west rail line is an essential link that connects WA with the eastern states.
“As we saw in 2022, when this line goes out of action, freight movements and supply chains come to a screeching halt.
“A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will work with the WA Government to bring the WA freight rail network back into public hands, ensuring it gets the investment it needs to lower freight costs and better connect Australia for another hundred years.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier of Western Australia Rita Saffioti:
“It was a reckless decision by the Liberal National Government to privatise the freight rail in 2000 and the reality is the deal has not stood the test of time.
“Rail is critical to a more efficient freight network and with greater control, we can ensure government investment helps to promote better use of it.
“We welcome this commitment from a re-elected Albanese Labor Government, which will ultimately benefit Western Australians in examining how we can better connect our rail network with those interstate.”
https://anthonyalbanese.com.au/media-centre/bringing-w-as-rail-freight-network-back-into-public-hands