Queensland will have a new statutory rail authority after the State Government successfully passed legislation creating the Queensland Rail Transit Authority earlier this week.

State Transport Minister, Scott Emerson, said the bill would transfer Queensland Rail from a government-owned corporation to a statutory body, bringing it closer to Government.

“This bill and the recommendations of the Commission of Audit will allow the Newman Government to continue to deliver better rail services in Queensland,” Mr Emerson said.

“The Government will continue to make the organisation more efficient so we can employ more train crew, deliver better timetables, bring fares under control and add more trains to the network.”

Mr Emerson said that the Independent Commission of Inquiry’s Report, released earlier this week, concluded that the use of contestability would be key in measuring the outcomes of the reform against the private sector.

“These recommendations are being considered, but we want Queensland Rail to reach a position where it delivers better and more efficient services than the private sector,” Mr Emerson said.

“Bringing Queensland Rail closer to government today will be the next step in that reform process.

“Making Queensland Rail a statutory authority also means staff will come under the same system as Queensland teachers, nurses and other public servants.

“Passengers won’t notice any changes and all Queensland Rail staff contracts and benefits will continue.”