The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has co-launched a bi-partisan group to help elevate the profile of the rail industry with federal politicians.

The Parliamentary Friends of Rail group will create networking opportunities for Members of Parliament and senators to engage with rail industry leaders to discuss key issues facing Australia’s rail industry and raise awareness of the benefits of rail.

The ARA’s Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie welcomed the opportunity to strengthen the rail industry’s relationships with major decision-makers.

“Rail is playing an increasing role in our economy and community, supporting almost 200,000 jobs and delivering more efficient, sustainable transport networks,” she said.

“Investing in rail delivers wide ranging benefits to the community, from creating the jobs required to build and operate our railways to reducing congestion, improving community safety and driving down emissions.”

Member for Gorton Alice Jordan-Baird MP and Member for Monash Mary Aldred MP are co-chairs of the group.

Aldred said she is a supporter of the rail industry and looks forward to serving as co-chair.

“Freight and passenger rail plays a vital role in connecting our regional communities – linking people to jobs, education, healthcare and market access,” she said.

“There is more work to be done to expand and advance our rail network into growing regions, including my own electorate of Monash.

“The future of rail will be critical not only for improving connectivity, but also supporting economic development, sustainability and stronger communities right across Australia.”

Jordan-Baird said rail plays a huge role for her constituents, and she is proud to be promoting the expansion of Australia’s rail network in our cities and to our regions.

“I see a lot of growth in my community in Melbourne’s western suburbs, and rail plays a huge role in that,” she said.

“We need our infrastructure to keep pace with our growing communities and regions, right across the country.”

So far, 28 federal politicians have signed up as official supporters of the Parliamentary Friends of Rail.

The ARA is now working towards the group’s first event at Parliament House in Canberra, in line with Rail Safety Week in August.