An expert panel of three has been appointed to conduct a short review into the overhead wiring incident that caused disruption across the Sydney Trains network last week and take a system-wide look at maintenance and reliability.
Transport and Infrastructure expert Kerry Schott AO, former chief executive of the NSW Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator (ITSRR) Carolyn Walsh, and former Ausgrid CEO Trevor Armstrong will lead the independent review.
Ms Walsh led the Sydney Trains’ Rail Infrastructure and Systems Review of 2023.
They will be supported by the Premier’s Department and Transport for NSW in a rapid investigation into three key areas of concern:
- the specific cause of the Tuesday 20 May electrical incident and what can be done to ensure the system is as resilient as possible in future
- investment in the system made after the recent Rail Repair and Fleet Repair Plans, and whether that improved reliability resulted
- passenger experience – whether communications with passengers, real time updates and internal communication by Sydney Trains during disruptions is up to scratch.
The three investigators will meet this week to finalise their Terms of Reference.
Sydney Trains has begun its own internal investigation and metallurgical analysis of the failed wire and will report findings to the investigators.
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
“We have heard loud and clear the frustration of the commuting public and this expert and independent panel of three reviewers is going to assist in making sure we are focused in exactly the right areas to drive the improvements to the train system that passengers expect.
“A short and sharp independent review into maintenance, punctuality and customer communications will assist in understanding how we can do better.
“The NSW Government is investing record amounts into maintenance and reliability, guided by the Rail Repair Plan and Train Repair Plan. We have driven down delays from temporary speed restrictions but we know there is much more to do.
“The aim here is not to repeat the previous review of Carolyn Walsh but I am confident her detailed knowledge of this issue and Kerry Schott’s vast experience supported by Trevor Armstrong will ensure valuable new insights are delivered.”
Panel
Dr Kerry Schott AO
Kerry Schott has extensive experience in transport and infrastructure. She has served at Board level on transport operators like Moorebank Intermodal, Sydney Metro, Sydney Light Rail and ARTC, amongst others.
Dr Schott is currently a Director of AGL, a member of Aware Super’s Direct Asset Committee, and Chair of the Australian Government’s Competition Review Panel. She has been a Director of the National Broadband Network (2012-2022), a director of NSW Treasury Corporation (TCorp) (2012-2019) and CEO and Managing Director of Sydney Water (2006-2011).
Carolyn Walsh
Carolyn Walsh has 40 years’ experience in the Commonwealth and NSW public services, focusing on industry, science and transport issues.
She is currently the Chair of the National Transport Commission, a member of the Board of the NSW Environment Protection Authority, and Chair of the Transport Asset Manager (TAM).
Carolyn is a former Commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (2010-2020) and was Chief Executive of NSW’s Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator (ITSRR) – the then rail safety regulator in NSW – from 2004 to 2009.
Trevor Armstrong
Trevor has over 35 years of experience in the energy industry, and has previously held senior executive roles at Ausgrid, including CEO. His experience includes leading large and complex engineering operations with a focus on safety in high-risk environments. He also has extensive asset and incident management experience in the NSW electricity industry.
He was a member of the Australian Energy Market Commission Reliability Panel for 10 years. Until April 2025 he was the CEO of the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone and is currently on the Board of Power and Water Corporation in the Northern Territory.