Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA has vowed the WA Nationals and Liberals will continue working constructively with the Cook Labor Government to pass the Rail Safety National Law Application Amendment (Rolling Stock Lighting) Bill 2026, after debate continued in State Parliament yesterday.
The debate was adjourned before amendments could be agreed upon, giving the Opposition and the Government further opportunity to negotiate.
“I thank the Minister and Government for accepting the need to mandate lighting on trains to enhance public and industry safety.”
“We will use the time before debate resumes next month to continue working constructively with the Government and make the case for stronger measures that genuinely improve the visibility of trains at passive rail crossings.”
Following consultation with industry, Mr Love proposed a series of amendments to his Bill that would address concerns from rail operators while preserving the intent of the legislation.
The Opposition’s proposed amendments would change the amber beacon to a white beacon, clarify that only the lead locomotive would need to have the beacon operating, extend the implementation period for side lighting from two to three years, and remove penalties for individual drivers while retaining a financial penalty for rail operators.
The Government has proposed its own amendments, which would remove specific references to flashing beacons and side lighting and instead mandate compliance with the draft AS7531 lighting standard. It would also extend the implementation period to five years.
Mr Love said the Opposition was seeking clarity on the lighting requirements under the Government’s proposed approach.
“The standard the Government wants to rely on is still in draft form. We do not know what the final standard will look like, when it will be finalised or when the measures contained within it will actually be implemented,” Mr Love said.
“We will keep negotiating, we will keep fighting for the families who have spent decades campaigning for change, and we will see this through to the end.”