National Faster Rail Agency

The National Faster Rail Agency was established in 2019 as an Executive Agency within the Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications portfolio.

The National Faster Rail Agency is focussed on supporting the Australian Government in planning for Australia’s future sustainable population and works closely with state and territory governments on opportunities to develop rail infrastructure between major cities and key regional centres to reduce travel times and improve reliability.

On 8 September 2022 the Australian Government tabled the High Speed Rail Authority Bill 2022 in the House of Representatives and initially debated it on 28 September 2022. The Bill will establish the High Speed Rail Authority to plan and develop the high speed rail network in partnership with the states and the ACT, beginning with the Sydney to Newcastle corridor.

Faster and fast rail will continue to be advanced under this new Authority, with the functions of the National Faster Rail Agency being undertaken within the Authority, in collaboration with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.