The development of high speed rail between Sydney and Newcastle, and across Australia‘s east coast more broadly, involves a wide range of individuals, organisations and stakeholders. From federal ministers and infrastructure authorities to academics, advocates and industry leaders, the following people and bodies are playing significant roles in shaping the future of high speed rail in Australia.
Federal Government and Political Leadership
Catherine King – Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
As the minister responsible for infrastructure and transport at the federal level, Catherine King has overseen the establishment and early work of the High Speed Rail Authority. Her portfolio encompasses the policy and funding decisions that will determine the pace and direction of high speed rail planning in Australia.
Anthony Albanese – Prime Minister of Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been a long-standing advocate for high speed rail in Australia, having championed the concept during his earlier tenure as Infrastructure Minister. His personal commitment to the idea of an east coast high speed rail network has been a significant factor in the current government’s decision to establish the High Speed Rail Authority and progress planning.
Andrew Constance – Former Federal Member for Gilmore
A former New South Wales transport minister and federal politician, Andrew Constance has been a vocal advocate for high speed rail on the east coast, particularly for regional communities along the Sydney–Melbourne and Sydney–Brisbane corridors. His advocacy has helped maintain political attention on the issue at both state and federal levels.
The High Speed Rail Authority
Dr Kerry Schott AO – Chair, High Speed Rail Authority
Dr Kerry Schott is one of Australia‘s most experienced infrastructure and energy sector leaders. Appointed as Chair of the High Speed Rail Authority, she brings extensive expertise in major infrastructure planning, regulation and governance. Her leadership of the Authority is central to progressing the detailed planning work needed to advance high speed rail from concept to reality.
High Speed Rail Authority
Established by the Australian Government in 2022, the High Speed Rail Authority is the dedicated federal body responsible for planning and developing a high speed rail network on Australia‘s east coast. Its remit includes:
- Conducting detailed corridor and route studies
- Engaging with state governments, communities and industry
- Developing business cases and investment frameworks
- Advising the federal government on priorities and sequencing
- Building the technical and institutional knowledge base for high speed rail in Australia
The Authority’s work on the Sydney–Brisbane corridor, which includes the Sydney–Newcastle segment, is among its most significant current activities.
New South Wales Government
Chris Minns – Premier of New South Wales
As Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns leads the state government that would be a critical partner in any high speed rail project affecting the Sydney–Newcastle corridor. State government cooperation on planning, land use, approvals and co-investment will be essential to progressing high speed rail in New South Wales.
Jo Haylen – NSW Minister for Transport
Jo Haylen, as New South Wales Minister for Transport, is responsible for the state’s transport planning and policy, including the integration of any future high speed rail services with Sydney‘s metropolitan and regional rail networks. Her department’s engagement with federal high speed rail planning processes is important to ensuring that state and federal efforts are aligned.
Infrastructure Australia
Infrastructure Australia is the independent federal advisory body responsible for evaluating and prioritising major infrastructure investments across the country. It has previously assessed high speed rail proposals and continues to play a role in the broader infrastructure planning landscape within which high speed rail sits. Infrastructure Australia‘s assessments and priority lists influence federal funding decisions and help shape the national infrastructure agenda.
Academic and Research Leaders
Professor David Hensher – University of Sydney
Professor David Hensher is one of Australia‘s foremost transport economists and researchers, based at the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies at the University of Sydney. His work on transport demand, pricing and policy has informed debates about high speed rail viability and the conditions under which major rail investments can deliver value for money.
Professor John Stanley – University of Sydney
Professor John Stanley is a leading transport policy researcher whose work spans public transport, land use and social outcomes. His research contributes to understanding the broader economic and social case for major rail investments, including high speed rail, in the Australian context.
Researchers at RMIT, Monash and Queensland Universities
Academic institutions including RMIT University, Monash University and the University of Queensland have contributed research and analysis on high speed rail feasibility, environmental impacts, urban development outcomes and international comparisons. This body of research provides an important evidence base for policy and planning decisions.
Industry and Advocacy Organisations
Australasian Railway Association (ARA)
The Australasian Railway Association is the peak body representing the rail industry across Australia and New Zealand. The ARA has been a consistent advocate for high speed rail investment and has contributed to policy discussions, industry engagement and public debate on the future of rail in Australia. Its members include rolling stock manufacturers, infrastructure contractors, technology suppliers and rail operators with a direct interest in the development of high speed rail.
High Speed Rail Alliance Australia
The High Speed Rail Alliance is a dedicated advocacy organisation that has campaigned for the development of a high speed rail network on Australia‘s east coast. The Alliance brings together business groups, regional communities, local governments and individuals who support high speed rail, and has played an important role in maintaining public and political interest in the concept over many years.
Infrastructure Partnerships Australia
Infrastructure Partnerships Australia is a leading policy and research organisation focused on infrastructure investment and reform. It has engaged with high speed rail as part of its broader work on transport infrastructure and has contributed analysis and advocacy relevant to the funding, financing and delivery of major rail projects.
Local Government and Regional Voices
City of Newcastle
The City of Newcastle, as the local government authority for one of the two anchor cities on the proposed corridor, has a strong interest in high speed rail planning. Newcastle’s economic development, land use planning and transport strategies are all influenced by the prospect of dramatically improved connectivity with Sydney. Local government engagement in corridor planning and station precinct development will be important as planning progresses.
Central Coast Council
The Central Coast sits between Sydney and Newcastle and represents a significant potential catchment for high speed rail services. Central Coast Council has advocated for the region’s inclusion in high speed rail planning, recognising the transformative potential of fast rail connections for the region’s residents, businesses and economy.
Hunter Valley and Regional Business Chambers
Business chambers and economic development organisations across the Hunter region have been vocal supporters of improved rail connectivity with Sydney. Their advocacy reflects the economic case for high speed rail as a driver of investment, employment and regional growth in one of New South Wales’ most important economic regions.
International Expertise and Consultants
Australia‘s high speed rail planning draws on international expertise from countries with established high speed rail networks. Consultants, engineers and advisers from Europe, Japan and elsewhere have contributed to feasibility studies, technical assessments and planning work in Australia. Key international organisations and firms with relevant expertise include:
- SNCF (France) and its international consulting arm
- HS2 Ltd and UK rail planning expertise
- Japanese Shinkansen operators and technology providers
- Spanish rail infrastructure and rolling stock specialists
- Major global engineering and infrastructure consultancies with high speed rail experience
The Collective Effort Behind High Speed Rail
Delivering high speed rail between Sydney and Newcastle, and ultimately across Australia‘s east coast, is not the work of any single individual or organisation. It requires sustained collaboration between federal and state governments, infrastructure authorities, local communities, industry, academia and the travelling public.
The people and organisations outlined here represent the breadth of expertise, advocacy and decision-making power that will ultimately determine whether Australia realises its high speed rail ambitions. Their collective efforts in planning, advocacy, research and delivery will shape the future of transport between Sydney and Newcastle for generations to come.
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