In July 1995 Cabinet approved the implementation of administration arrangements for rail safety management in Western Australia. These arrangements are based on principles proposed for an Inter-Government Agreement on National Rail Safety. The principles are:

• the administration processes to ensure safety be based on principles of co-regulation through a consultative approach and mutual co-operation;
• railway owners and operators are accountable for conducting their railway activities safely. They will assess their own safety risks and ensure that the identified risks are controlled by applying appropriate technical and management standards they have proposed to accreditation authorities and demonstrated will provide reasonable safety for their type of railway;
• accreditation authorities accredit and monitor the safety performance of owners and operators by consistently applying nationally agreed administration processes based around compliance audits;
• accreditation authorities setting the minimum requirements for scope and content of safety management systems; and
• accreditation authorities recognizing codes of practice developed by the rail industry for national application and accepted nationally by way of a formal process.

• Effective partnerships with Rail Owners and Operators in W.A;
• Effective partnership with Accreditation agencies in other States;
• Consistent application of the national ‘Notes on Administration';
• Strong teamwork by members of the Office of Rail Safety;
• Effective planning and administration;
• A commitment to continuous improvement and best practice