High Speed Rail Authority is ready to roll

Today marks a historic first day of operation for Australia’s new High Speed Rail Authority.

This follows the Australian Government’s recent announcement of the Authority’s Board, to be chaired by Ms Jill Rossouw and supported Ms Gillian Brown, Ms Dyan Crowther OBE, Mr Ian Hunt, and Mr Neil Scales OBE.

The High Speed Rail Authority is responsible for overseeing the development of a high-speed rail network along the east coast of Australia, delivering on an election commiment of the Albanese government. High speed rail will revolutionise interstate travel on the east coast, providing a fast alternative for people to move between cities and regional centres, promoting sustainable settlement patterns and creating broad economic benefits for regional centres.

A priority of the Authority will be planning and corridor works for the Sydney to Newcastle section of the high-speed rail network, backed by a $500 million commitment from the Australian Government

The board will identify and appoint an inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to oversee the day to day operations of the new organisation. The CEO will work closely with the Board to establish the Authority as a new Corporate Commonwealth Entity and to commence development of high-speed rail in Australia. The selection of the CEO will follow a merit-based and publicly advertised recruitment campaign.

In the interim, the Board has appointed Mr Andrew Hyles as acting CEO, to steward the organisation whilst the long-term CEO recruitment progresses. Mr Hyles is an experienced Senior Executive in the Australian Public Service.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“High speed rail will revolutionise interstate travel on the east coast, providing a fast alternative for people to move between cities and regional centres, promoting sustainable settlement patterns and creating broad economic benefits for regional centres.

“This is a transformational project that has the ability to touch the lives of all Australians, particularly in our regions.

“The network could allow passengers to travel between major cities and regional centres at speeds exceeding 250 kilometres per hour.”

Quotes attributable to High Speed Rail Authority Board Chair Jill Rossouw:

“The first stop for the High Speed Rail Authority Board will be to begin, in earnest, the search for the Authority’s long-term CEO, with the position to be advertised in the near future.

“I look forward to working with my Board colleagues to progress this important work as we move forward with implementing this vision and making high-speed rail a reality for Australia.”