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🇦🇺 Australia /Elections & Politics

WA opposition to introduce stronger train lighting laws

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Western Australia's opposition plans to introduce new legislation to enhance train lighting standards at passive rail crossings.
  • The proposed bill mandates flashing beacons, side lighting, and more reflectors, addressing long-standing calls for improved rail safety.
  • Advocates and families of victims support the bill, emphasizing the urgent need for action to prevent further tragedies at level crossings.

Western Australia's opposition is set to introduce stronger legislation for train lighting standards, prioritizing rail safety. The new bill, to be presented in state parliament this week, aims to enhance safety at passive rail crossings by requiring flashing beacons, side lighting, and additional reflectors on trains and rolling stock. These measures are not currently mandated by the national act.

Rail safety advocates have pushed for stricter lighting minimums for decades, noting that about 80% of Australia's 20,000-plus level crossings are passive. Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas stated that rail safety is a key priority for the WA Liberal and National Party alliance, while WA Nationals leader Shane Love acknowledged that while national reform is ideal, state-led action is overdue.

This bill will put Western Australia at the forefront of rail safety reform and provide greater protection for people who live, work and travel in regional Western Australia. We must act now before more lives are lost.

— Shane LoveWA Nationals leader Shane Love stated the bill's importance for regional safety and the urgency of passing it.

"This bill will put Western Australia at the forefront of rail safety reform and provide greater protection for people who live, work and travel in regional Western Australia," Love said. "We must act now before more lives are lost." He also noted that the legislation should ideally be improved at a national level.

For decades, families like mine have been calling for a basic, commonsense change: put lights on trains. We’ve had reviews, recommendations and promises, but no real action.

— Lara JensenLara Jensen, a rail safety advocate, expressed her long-standing frustration with the lack of action on train lighting.

The push for reform is strongly supported by individuals like Lara Jensen, who has advocated for rail safety for over 20 years since her brother and two friends died in a level crossing crash. Jensen welcomed the proposed bill, stating that legislative change was long overdue. "For decades, families like mine have been calling for a basic, commonsense change: put lights on trains. We’ve had reviews, recommendations and promises, but no real action," she said.

The bill is scheduled for debate in August. Jensen highlighted the significance of this moment, saying, "That's why this moment matters."

That's why this moment matters.

— Lara JensenLara Jensen emphasized the significance of the proposed legislation after years of campaigning.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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