The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator says it is welcoming a new “strong leader”
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) says it is pleased to announce the appointment of Natalie Pelham to the position of CEO.
Pelham will take on the role from Sue McCarrey, who left ONRSR in December last year.
She will be leaving her current role in New South Wales’ Office of Transport Safety Investigations (OTSI), where she has been Chief Investigator since January 2021.
South Australian transport and infrastructure minister Tom Koutsantonis says he’s pleased to welcome her to this role.
“Dr. Pelham has more than 25 years in the public service leading significant safety regulation, policy, strategy and reform at both state and national levels,” Koutsantonis says.
“Dr. Pelham will be a very strong leader for ONRSR, and most importantly a wonderful advocate and activist for rail safety.
“A great deal has been achieved over the first decade of national rail regulation and there is great potential for us to drive further safety and efficiency reforms for the rail industry.”
Pelham will be the third National Rail Safety Regulator appointed in Australia following the formation of ONRSR in 2013, when the seven state and territory regulatory bodies were brought together under the national banner.
In that time, the Australian rail industry has benefitted from a range of national reforms including a consolidated accreditation process and a risk-based national work program of audits and inspections.
“Rail connects communities and is a major carrier of goods in Australia, being responsible for around 49 per cent of our total domestic freight – making it an important part of our economy and way of life,” federal transport minister Catherine King says.
“ONRSR plays an important rolein enforcing and promoting safe railway operations, to ensure that all those working on and using railways get home safely after each shift or trip.
“The federal government is committed to ensuring a safe and productive rail industry in Australia. I welcome Dr. Pelham to this vital role and look forward to continuing to work with ONRSR as they continue to promote and improve national rail safety.”
Koutsantonis says Pelham’s experience provides her with the “ideal skillset” for the position.
“I look forward to working with her and progressing an exciting national rail safety agenda,” Koutsantonis says.
Pelham will start with ONRSR in early November.