overview

The Australian Rail Industry Standards Organisation, ARISO (formerly RISSB), is leading the transformation towards a safer and more productive national rail network. Naturally in 2026, we’re the ARISO Rail Safety Conference, which comes at a pivotal moment when the Australian rail industry moves to a new standards era.

The 2026 ARISO Rail Safety Conference arrives at a critical time for advancing the nation’s strategic approach to rail safety standards, productivity, harmonization and interoperability.

The establishment of the National Transport Commission’s three-tiered national rail standards framework that will be led by ARISO as the new industry-led technical standards setting body, comes at a time when the sector is simultaneously navigating unprecedented infrastructure investment of $15.9 billion in FY25, critical workforce challenges with 8.7% projected growth by 2034, and rapid digital transformation across signalling, communications, and autonomous systems.

With new interoperability regulations now in place and major projects like Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel, Sydney Metro and Cross River Rail reshaping our networks, rolling out these standards across Australia’s evolving freight and passenger systems presents both opportunities and learning curves for all stakeholders.

The 2026 forward-looking agenda will address topics including:

Governance and Leadership

• Government and regulatory alignment with national priorities
• ARISO’s new governance model
• Leadership in driving safety, harmonization, interoperability and efficiencies across rail networks, operations and organisations
• Industry collaboration and building consensus across operators, manufacturers, and regulators

Network Integration

• Interoperability safety management and guidelines
• Update on the safety benefits of harmonisation initiatives including the National Product Type Approval (NPTA)

Safety Excellence and Standards in Action

• Industry case studies and lessons for rail safety improvement

Future-Ready Safety

• Emerging technologies and standards development
• Innovation within harmonised frameworks

With ARISO leading the transformation toward a more unified, safer, and more productive national rail network, the 2026 ARISO Rail Safety conference comes as a pivotal moment when the Australian rail industry moves beyond rhetoric and evolution to reality and revolution.

Join us to find out how changes to rail governance and the National Rail Standards Framework will drive safety and efficiency across Australia’s railways.

Register your interest to be kept in the loop with program developments.

NEW TO 2026

🗣️The Great Debate⁉️
While safety is industry’s shared priority, some topics continue to spark passionate discussions. Join us as we bring together top industry advocates to tackle one of the most pressing and divisive issues facing industry. Witness the clash of ideas, weigh the arguments, and cast your vote to decide the winning team. Don’t miss this dynamic and thought-provoking new session!

▶️Press Play on Networking at Rail Safety 2026
Networking is at the heart of innovation and collaboration. This year, we’re excited to introduce new networking activities designed to spark the exchange of ideas, experiences, and solutions.

Kick things off with a Speed Networking Session during Monday’s Rail Safety Welcome Reception. Then dive into the action at our interactive Game Changer Lounge and enjoy a variety of engaging stage activities throughout the event.

The Rail Safety Welcome Reception is included in all conference registrations.

Stay tuned for more updates as we press play on a whole new way to connect at Rail Safety 2026!

ARISO RAIL SAFETY CONFERENCE AWARDS DINNER | PULLMAN MELBOURNE ON THE PARK

NEXT GENERATION CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP + AWARD
TUESDAY, 19 MAY 2026 | 6:30pm Pre-dinner drinks | 7:00pm Awards Dinner starts

Join us to celebrate industry’s achievements and commitment to safety, excellence and innovation.

The ARISO Rail Safety Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate individual and company safety achievements in the rail industry and promote diverse thinking, excellence and innovation for the betterment of rail. Established in 2022, RISSB Rail Safety Awards are open to any individual working in the rail industry, or an organisation operating in, or affiliated with, rail in Australia and New Zealand.

DINNER MC | Sharon Tang

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DINNER GUEST SPEAKER | Steve Sammartino

As the Australian rail industry enters a transformative new standards era, we’re thrilled to welcome Steve Sammartino, Australia’s leading futurist to deliver our Conference Awards Dinner Address.
Known for building the world’s first driveable LEGO car and launching a LEGO shuttle into space, he is co-founder of Macro3D, an AI and robotics firm, and a current advisor to the Australian Government on future-proof transport infrastructure.

Bringing his unique insights, prepare for a thought-provoking evening as Steve shares his bold vision of the future’s next “final frontier”