Australasian Railway Association (Ara)

We are the peak body for rail in Australasia, representing all sectors of the rail industry. We represent an array of rail organisations, including private and public, passenger and freight operators, track owners and managers, manufacturers of rolling stock, construction companies and all other organisations supplying and contributing to the Australasian rail sector. We provide a coordinated and unified voice on relevant issues of national importance. The ARA engages political leaders at both the state and federal level in forward-looking discussions around industry potential. We bring about key policy reform to effectively enhance Australia’s productivity, economic and social prosperity, as well as its international competiveness. The ARA creates an avenue for industry to connect, knowledge-share and work together to achieve greater results for rail. As Australasia’s leading voice for rail, we facilitate, coordinate, promote and communicate on behalf of the industry. We work to create an environment for the rail industry to prosper; we want to ensure a better rail future for all. The ARA promotes rail along with specific projects and initiatives. Policies are developed across a range of areas including safety, telecommunications, disability and infrastructure. The ARA meets with Ministers, shadow Ministers, senior departmental officials, key organisations and decision makers regularly to promote these policies and discuss other matters raised by members.