ONRSR Partnership Framework

Purpose

ONRSR is committed to cultivating strong and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders as part of a multifaceted approach to delivering on its functions under the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) and achieving safe outcomes on Australia’s rail networks.

Partnerships are a key method of collaboration and this document outlines why, when and how ONRSR participates in them.

What is a partnership?

A partnership extends beyond a transactional relationship and:

• Comprises a formal or structured arrangement between ONRSR and one or more other organisations to collaborate on agreed activities.

• Delivers mutual benefits and exists to achieve a common objective.

• Has defined roles and responsibilities – each partner contributes specific skills, resources, or efforts.
  

Objectives

Strategic partnerships strengthen ONRSR’s ability to deliver on its business objectives and achieve positive outcomes for partners and rail safety.

A partnership could enable ONRSR to:

• Access specific expertise, capacity or intelligence it does not possess

• Leverage specific pathways to reach target stakeholders on a safety issue

• Contribute unique insights, expertise and perspective to enhance partner activities

• Enhance its reputation and credibility as a collaborative and contemporary regulator.
  

Guiding principles

ONRSR may pursue a partnership where there is:

• Alignment with its functions, purpose, vision and values

• An opportunity to progress its Strategic Directions and Corporate Initiatives

• No risk (actual or perceived) of compromising its independence as a regulator.

Partnerships developed under ONRSR’s Engagement and Education Strategy will not generally be with regulated parties – i.e. individual operators or suppliers – or those seeking leverage for commercial gain – ONRSR may pursue a compliance partnership to achieve strategic enforcement outcomes or industry/sector-wide safety improvements.

Scope and focus

Partnerships could include the following activities:

• Provision of ONRSR data or two-way data sharing

• Education campaign co-creation or delivery

• Technical or research project identification, co-delivery or funding

• Compliance partnerships that achieve sector or industry wide safety improvements

• Regular collaboration meetings with agreed deliverables.