Families and friends who have lost loved ones at passive rail crossings will stand together on the steps of WA Parliament tomorrow, as a decades-long fight for improved rail safety reaches a critical moment.
The Rail Safety National Law Application Amendment (Rolling Stock Lighting) Bill 2026 introduces a range of enhanced visibility measures for trains and rolling stock at passive level crossings, including a flashing or rotating beacon and lighting along the sides of trains and rolling stock or carriages.
Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA, who has proposed the Bill, will join families and supporters ahead of the debate in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.
Family members will travel from across Australia to attend the Parliament, where a memorial of photographs for 13 loved ones, who sadly lost their lives at passive rail crossings, will be displayed.
Mr Love said, “Their presence would be a powerful reminder to every Member of Parliament of what is at stake.”
“This Bill is not about removing responsibility from motorists or suggesting that one measure will prevent every collision. Road safety is about putting multiple layers of protection in place, particularly when the consequences of getting it wrong can be catastrophic.”
“This Bill gives Western Australia the opportunity to lead the nation, by mandating greater train lighting and visibility.”
The Rail Safety Bill will be further debated on Wednesday during Private Members Business in the Legislative Assembly at 4:00pm.