Commission of Inquiry New Generation Rollingstock Trains

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2018/7/23/new-generation-rollingstock-inquiry

Media Statements
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Monday, July 23, 2018

New Generation Rollingstock inquiry

Retired District Court Judge Michael Forde will conduct an inquiry into the procurement of Queensland's New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains, and their failure to comply with disability laws.

His appointment was approved by cabinet this morning.

Mr Forde will be able to access relevant documents in the procurement process including technical specifications, design approvals and cabinet documents.

Mr Forde will commence his inquiry in August and report to the government with recommendations late this year.

Mr Forde's full terms of reference will be released once approved by Executive Council.

[ozbob]

Queensland Government Gazette
https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/gazettes-july-2018/resource/e3927489-8506-4bc0-b78b-64b957bbd6f6

27 July 2018

Queensland Government gazettes 69-74 (pages 639-678) containing legal notices, such as legislative changes, and appointments to permanent government positions for 27 July 2018. See gazette index Vol. No. 378 (2018) for a list of affected legislation.

>> https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/284f312c-b1f5-4bd2-814a-02a7ab9d0ddf/resource/e3927489-8506-4bc0-b78b-64b957bbd6f6/download/27.07.18---combined-new.pdf  page 672



https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1022664381228756992

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Inquiry into Queensland's $4.4bn new train contract will not hold hearings

A NEW inquiry into Queensland's bungled $4.4 billion new train contract will not hold any hearings but will probe the involvement of three Governments in the process - the former Bligh and Newman governments, as well as the current Palaszczuk Government.

The terms of reference for the Forde Inquiry have been gazetted today after being signed off at Executive Council yesterday.

The Palaszczuk Government announced the inquiry on Monday, to be led by retired District Court Judge Michael Forde.

The terms of reference compel Commissioner Forde to look into the circumstances "leading up to and associated with the procurement through a Public Private Partnership of New Generation Rollingstock trains" which it states fail to comply with disability legislation and functional requirements.

He will be asked to investigate:

- The procurement process for the NGR trains related to compliance with the Disability Legislation and functional requirements, including project milestones, technical specifications, project sponsor arrangements and governance;

- Respective obligations of contractual parties, governance arrangements and entities involved in procurement of the NGR trains;

- The design approval process under the contract, including review of scale mock-ups, engagement with the disability sector and processes adopted to ensure compliance with the Disability Legislation;

- Decisions made by respective Governments, Statutory authorities and Departments which caused or contributed to non-compliance with Disability Legislation, and any reasons provided for those decisions.

Commissioner Forde must report back to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk by December 3.

He will be able to access any documents he needs and conduct interviews but the terms of reference state that he "may not conduct hearings".

It comes after former Premier Campbell Newman moved to have his government's Cabinet papers publicly released in order to get to the bottom of the problems that have plagued the roll out.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad committed to do the same with the Government promising an inquiry last month.

The new generation rollingstock procurement spans three administrations, starting under the former Bligh Government, then being taken over by he former Newman government before the Palaszczuk Government took the reins in 2015.

Train builder Bombardier issued a statement earlier week stating that it "maintains its original position that the NGR trains have been built to the specifications provided at the time.

""The trains were designed in Queensland by a very dedicated team of industry professionals, and they've been built especially for Queensland commuters."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1022670909801410560

[ozbob]

Update: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/inquiry-into-queenslands-44bn-new-train-contract-will-not-hold-hearings/news-story/f7000e30b8cd5343b5f04c918b21cbbd

A NEW inquiry into Queensland's bungled $4.4 billion new train contract will not hold any hearings but will probe the involvement of three Governments in the process - the former Bligh and Newman governments, as well as the current Palaszczuk Government.

The terms of reference for the Forde inquiry have been gazetted today after being signed off at Executive Council yesterday.

The Palaszczuk Government announced the inquiry on Monday, to be led by retired District Court judge Michael Forde.

The terms of reference compel Commissioner Forde to look into the circumstances "leading up to and associated with the procurement through a Public Private Partnership of New Generation Rollingstock trains" which it states fail to comply with disability legislation and functional requirements.

He will be asked to investigate:

- The procurement process for the NGR trains related to compliance with the Disability Legislation and functional requirements, including project milestones, technical specifications, project sponsor arrangements and governance;

- Respective obligations of contractual parties, governance arrangements and entities involved in procurement of the NGR trains;

- The design approval process under the contract, including review of scale mock-ups, engagement with the disability sector and processes adopted to ensure compliance with the Disability Legislation;

- Decisions made by respective Governments, Statutory authorities and Departments which caused or contributed to non-compliance with Disability Legislation, and any reasons provided for those decisions.

Commissioner Forde must report back to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk by December 3.

He will be able to access any documents he needs and conduct interviews but the terms of reference state that he "may not conduct hearings".

Deputy Opposition Leader Tim Mander described the inquiry as a farce.

"The LNP acted in good faith by agreeing to co-operate with an inquiry and suggested the independent Auditor-General was the best office to review the entire process from start to finish and determine whether taxpayers got value for money," he said in a statement.

He took issue with the terms of reference, including the scope of the commissioner's ability to probe past governments.

The terms stipulate the commissioner can probe decisions made by respective governments, statutory authorities and departments "which caused or contributed to non-compliance with disability legislation, and any reasons provided for those decisions".

"We weren't consulted on the terms of reference or who would conduct the inquiry and now we see that those terms of reference have been manipulated to be so narrow that it won't look at all the issues in relation to the NGR including all design changes the Palaszczuk government made since taking office in 2015," Mr Mander said.

"We are also concerned that this inquiry won't look at the Premier's role as Transport Minister when the only Australian tenderer to build the trains pulled out of the process in 2011.

"The fact that there are no public hearings show what a complete sham and stitch up job this inquiry is."

It comes after former premier Campbell Newman moved to have his government's Cabinet papers publicly released in order to get to the bottom of the problems that have plagued the rollout.

Former transport minister Jackie Trad committed to do the same, with the Government promising an inquiry last month.

The New Generation Rollingstock procurement spans three administrations, starting under the former Bligh government, then being taken over by he former Newman government before the Palaszczuk Government took the reins in 2015.

Train builder Bombardier issued a statement earlier week stating that it "maintains its original position that the NGR trains have been built to the specifications provided at the time.

"The trains were designed in Queensland by a very dedicated team of industry professionals, and they've been built especially for Queensland commuters."

Thirty NGR units will have been accepted by the end of the 2018-19 financial year, with a further 21 to be rolled out the following year.

Figures released in an answer to a question on notice in Budget Estimates this morning revealed all 75 trains, completing the initial NGR order, would be operational by 2019-20.

There are currently 19 NGR trains in service across the Gold Coast, Airport, Doomben and Northgate lines, with 24 being accepted during 2017-18 despite their being noncompliant with disability access standards.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the Strachan inquiry recommended that the rail network's crew operations be sectorised.

"TMR (Transport and Main Roads), with input from the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority and Queensland Rail, is currently developing a Rail Network Strategy to examine current and future demand and determine how rail network investment will be staged over the next decade," he said.

"This strategy will determine fleet, stabling and other resource requirements."

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> No timetable for Queensland Rail timetable restoration

The date Queensland Rail's trains will get back on track remains a mystery, even for the network's chief executive Nick Easy.

It comes as it was revealed an inquiry into the state's troubled New Generation Rollingstock trains will not hold any public hearings.

LNP transport spokesman Steve Minnikin said it had been 18 months since major problems on the network began.

"I ask what date will Queensland Rail have finally fixed the trains?" he asked.

Facing estimates hearings on Friday, Mr Easy said if the question referred to the restoration of the timetable, "we are very focused and committed to restoring our services".

"It's important that the timetable and restoring the timetable involves a number of different variables, a number of different inputs, and that is a complex consideration," he said.

"When we're in a position to increase the services, we'll do so."

Following rolling cancellations beginning in October 2016 after the opening of the Redcliffe Peninsula Line which highlighted unsustainable levels of overtime and insufficient train drivers, Queensland Rail introduced a timetable with reduced services.

Queensland Rail spent $15.37 million on Deloitte consultants in the past year, who helped work on forecasting models.

Mr Easy said Queensland Rail was committed to implementing all of the recommendations from the Strachan inquiry, with 18 implemented so far.

"Over 95 per cent of our services are running on time and we've also provided over 99.7 per cent of our services under our current timetable," he said.

Mr Easy said the time taken to train drivers had reduced from about 18 months to 13 months.

Meanwhile, the terms of reference for an inquiry into the procurement of Queensland's new train fleet, which been plagued with issues including disability access, have been announced, with LNP and Labor governments to face scrutiny.

The inquiry, headed by retired District Court judge Michael Forde, will examine the "circumstances leading up to and associated with the procurement through a public-private partnership of New Generation Rollingstock trains which fail to comply with the disability legislation and functional requirements".

The inquiry will look into project milestones, technical specifications, project sponsor arrangements, the design approval process, engagement with the disability sector and decisions made by respective governments, statutory authorities and departments.

The commission may receive any relevant documents and conduct interviews but "may not conduct hearings".

Earlier this week, it was revealed the inquiry would be able to access cabinet documents.

The inquiry is due to report by December 3.

Transport and Main Roads director-general Neil Scales told estimates hearings he still believed the NGR was the right trains to order.

Both sides of politics have thrown blame on the other for the problems with the $4.4 billion NGR.

LNP deputy leader Tim Mander said the inquiry was a farce and the opposition was not consulted about the terms of reference.

"The LNP acted in good faith by agreeing to cooperate with an inquiry and suggested the independent Auditor General was the best office to review the entire process from start to finish and determine whether taxpayers get value for money," he said.

"[The] terms of reference have been manipulated to be so narrow that it won't look at all the issues in relation to the NGR including all design changes the Palaszczuk government have made since taking office in 2015."

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said members of the community would be able to make submissions to the inquiry, which would be made public unless confidentiality was required, with that decision to be made by Mr Forde.

"I welcome [the inquiry] and I look forward to the work [Mr Forde] he's going to be doing in the second half of the year," he said.

"Some people will be happy for them to be [public], and that's all good, some people may not."

The first of the 75-train NGR fleet was due to be operational in mid-2016.

An answer to a question on notice reveals there are 19 NGR trains in passenger service, with all the trains expected to be accepted by the 2019/20 year.

Mr Bailey is facing estimates hearings on Friday morning, with Housing Minister Mick de Brenni up after lunch.

[ozbob]

Disappointing that TOR don't explicitly mention the actual roll out of the NGRs and why the State was so slow in applying for an exemption from the AHRC. Additionally would like to see an explicit end note for must not may table report in the Legislative Assembly (Parliament). Other than that guess we can live with it.  We will be making a submission.

[mufreight]

due to the government failure to provide an open public hearing it is obvious that there is a need for the RBOT sponsored public inquiry into the NGR fiasco from start to finish.

[ozbob]

^  I am thinking through the issues at present.  Having some negotiations with some members and we will work out what we do from here.

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Inquiry to find out what went wrong

... Earlier this week the Queensland Government announced it would hold an inquiry into what went wrong with the design, delivery and rollout of its $4.4 billion new train fleet purchase.

The New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains were delivered more than 18 months late from an Indian builder, and require more than $150 million of extra funds to modify major defects to ensure they work properly.

The trains also did not comply with the state's disability laws.

The State Government released the terms of reference today, for the inquiry by former District Court judge Michael Forde.

He will look into the decisions made by three different state governments, statutory authorities and departments that caused or contributed to the problems.

The inquiry will also look at project milestones, technical specifications, project sponsor arrangements and governance, along with examining the level of engagement with the disability sector.

The terms of reference said the commission could receive any document or other material it considered appropriate and conduct interviews and ask for and accept submissions, but it may not conduct hearings.

The Forde commission will need to report back to the Government by December 3, 2018.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/CampbellNewman/status/1022765537313476608

[ozbob]

^  I am thinking through the issues at present.  Having some negotiations with some members and we will work out what we do from here.

The Forde Commission of Inquiry is a good move.  A Commission of Inquiry is what we have always wanted.  The inquiry has resources and is able to access information we cannot ever achieve.  For that reason it is welcome as it does explore a critical part of the NGR project.

However, there are some problems with the terms of reference.   I intend to continue to explore the issues of roll out of the NGRs, and why the State took near on two years to apply for an exemption to the AHRC.

There is a fair bit of information in the public domain and we are able to try to get more via RTI.

Our inquiry will continue with a narrowed focus, and we will use any information we are able to piece together to form an additional report.

We will also make a request for the Forde Inquiry Report to be tabled in Parliament.

[ozbob]

Our key questions:

Key Questions:

        1. Why were non DDA non DSAPT compliant trains ordered? It has been a requirement since 2002 for new passenger rollingstock to be compliant.

        2. Why was the order reduced from 100 to 75 six car trains?

        3. Who signed off on the design?

        4. Was Queensland Rail consulted on design of the new trains?

        5. When did the ' State of Queensland ' first know they had acquired non compliant trains?

        6. Why did it take till September 2017 for an application for a temporary exemption be made to AHRC when Disability Advocates and others had been warning of accessibility issues since 2015?

        7. Who decided that new non compliant trains could be used on the network without the protection of an exemption? Did the Queensland Rail Board approve of this action?

Questions 1, 3, 4, 5  and possibly 2 will be examined by the Forde Inquiry.

That leaves questions 6 & 7.  That is the focus from here.  I will also see if we can find out why initial order was reduced from 100 six car equivalents (originally 200 three car sets) to 75 six car trains.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

28th July 2018

RAIL Back On Track Next Generation Rollingstock Public Inquiry Resumed

Good Morning,

The Terms of Reference for the Forde Commission of Inquiry into the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) have now been gazetted.
( https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/284f312c-b1f5-4bd2-814a-02a7ab9d0ddf/resource/e3927489-8506-4bc0-b78b-64b957bbd6f6/download/27.07.18---combined-new.pdf  page 672 )

As we previously indicated (below) we suspended our own NGR Public Inquiry pending details of the terms of reference.

The Forde Commission of Inquiry is a welcome move.  A Commission of Inquiry is what we have always wanted.  The Inquiry has legal status and resources and is able to access information we cannot ever achieve.  For that reason it is welcome it as it does explore a critical part of the NGR project.

However, there are some problems with the terms of reference in our view.   We intend to continue to explore the issues of roll out of non-compliant (DDA & DSAPT) NGRs, and why the State took near on two years to apply for an exemption to the AHRC.  We also make a request for the Forde Inquiry Report to be tabled in Parliament.

There is a fair bit of information on the NGR project in the public domain and we are able to try to get more via RTI processes.

Our inquiry is now resumed, and we will continue with a narrowed focus, and we will use any information we are able to piece together to form our report.

The reasoning behind this is as follows:

Key Questions for the RBoT NGR Public Inquiry ( https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=13112.0 ):

         1. Why were non DDA non DSAPT compliant trains ordered? It has been a requirement since 2002 for new passenger rollingstock to be compliant.

        2. Why was the order reduced from 100 to 75 six car trains?

        3. Who signed off on the design?

        4. Was Queensland Rail consulted on design of the new trains?

        5. When did the ' State of Queensland ' first know they had acquired non compliant trains?

        6. Why did it take till September 2017 for an application for a temporary exemption be made to AHRC when Disability Advocates and others had been warning of accessibility issues since 2015?

        7. Who decided that new non compliant trains could be used on the network without the protection of an exemption? Did the Queensland Rail Board approve of this action?

Questions 1, 3, 4, 5  and possibly 2 will be examined by the Forde Inquiry.

That leaves key questions 6 & 7.  That is our focus from here.  We will also see if we can find out why the number of trains was reduced from 100 six car equivalents (originally 200 three car sets) to 75 six car trains.

We will make a submission to the Forde NGR Inquiry.  Our final report will be made publicly available.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

23rd July 2018

Next Generation Rollingstock inquiry

Greetings,

RAIL Back On Track welcomes the Premier's announcement today of an inquiry into the Next Generation Rollingstock.
( http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2018/7/23/next-generation-rollingstock-inquiry ).

Accordingly, RAIL Back On Track will now suspend our own inquiry ( https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?board=88.0 )
pending details of the full terms of reference being released.

We have full confidence in Retired District Court Judge Michael Forde. We also note that Judge Forde also recently conducted the Inquiry into the Tow Truck Industry, which lead to numerous recommendations and, fixing the problems with unscrupulous operators.

The key question for us is why were non DDA non DSAPT compliant NGR trains ordered? It has been a requirement since 2002 for new passenger rollingstock to be compliant.  It is important that future procurements of rollingstock be compliant.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1022950616077950977

[InclusionMoves]

Absolutely agree with your summation OZBOB they either do this right or we will forever be a thorn in their side. Them trying to take control of the narrative with a narrow scope confirms how scared they are.

Geoff

Sent to all outlets:

28th July 2018

RAIL Back On Track Next Generation Rollingstock Public Inquiry Resumed

Good Morning,

The Terms of Reference for the Forde Commission of Inquiry into the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) have now been gazetted.
( https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/284f312c-b1f5-4bd2-814a-02a7ab9d0ddf/resource/e3927489-8506-4bc0-b78b-64b957bbd6f6/download/27.07.18---combined-new.pdf  page 672 )

As we previously indicated (below) we suspended our own NGR Public Inquiry pending details of the terms of reference.

The Forde Commission of Inquiry is a welcome move.  A Commission of Inquiry is what we have always wanted.  The Inquiry has legal status and resources and is able to access information we cannot ever achieve.  For that reason it is welcome it as it does explore a critical part of the NGR project.

However, there are some problems with the terms of reference in our view.   We intend to continue to explore the issues of roll out of non-compliant (DDA & DSAPT) NGRs, and why the State took near on two years to apply for an exemption to the AHRC.  We also make a request for the Forde Inquiry Report to be tabled in Parliament.

There is a fair bit of information on the NGR project in the public domain and we are able to try to get more via RTI processes.

Our inquiry is now resumed, and we will continue with a narrowed focus, and we will use any information we are able to piece together to form our report.

The reasoning behind this is as follows:

Key Questions for the RBoT NGR Public Inquiry ( https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=13112.0 ):

         1. Why were non DDA non DSAPT compliant trains ordered? It has been a requirement since 2002 for new passenger rollingstock to be compliant.

        2. Why was the order reduced from 100 to 75 six car trains?

        3. Who signed off on the design?

        4. Was Queensland Rail consulted on design of the new trains?

        5. When did the ' State of Queensland ' first know they had acquired non compliant trains?

        6. Why did it take till September 2017 for an application for a temporary exemption be made to AHRC when Disability Advocates and others had been warning of accessibility issues since 2015?

        7. Who decided that new non compliant trains could be used on the network without the protection of an exemption? Did the Queensland Rail Board approve of this action?

Questions 1, 3, 4, 5  and possibly 2 will be examined by the Forde Inquiry.

That leaves key questions 6 & 7.  That is our focus from here.  We will also see if we can find out why the number of trains was reduced from 100 six car equivalents (originally 200 three car sets) to 75 six car trains.

We will make a submission to the Forde NGR Inquiry.  Our final report will be made publicly available.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

23rd July 2018

Next Generation Rollingstock inquiry

Greetings,

RAIL Back On Track welcomes the Premier's announcement today of an inquiry into the Next Generation Rollingstock.
( http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2018/7/23/next-generation-rollingstock-inquiry ).

Accordingly, RAIL Back On Track will now suspend our own inquiry ( https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?board=88.0 )
pending details of the full terms of reference being released.

We have full confidence in Retired District Court Judge Michael Forde. We also note that Judge Forde also recently conducted the Inquiry into the Tow Truck Industry, which lead to numerous recommendations and, fixing the problems with unscrupulous operators.

The key question for us is why were non DDA non DSAPT compliant NGR trains ordered? It has been a requirement since 2002 for new passenger rollingstock to be compliant.  It is important that future procurements of rollingstock be compliant.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

^ thanks IM for the vote of confidence.  We will soldier on ...

[Stillwater]

This is a disappointing development for two reasons.  It shows that the state government wants to keep the focus of the inquiry on that period when the commissioning of the NGR trains was being managed by the LNP.

The government does not want too much focus on these key elements:

Why did it take till September 2017 for an application for a temporary exemption be made to AHRC when Disability Advocates and others had been warning of accessibility issues since 2015?

Who decided that new non compliant trains could be used on the network without the protection of an exemption? Did the Queensland Rail Board approve of this action?

The second reason is that its compromises Mr Forde, the Commissioner.  He is bound to follow the Terms of Reference, and caution anyone who endeavours to stray from the path he and the public have been given to walk.  The government is compromising Mr Forde, who comes with a highly credentialed professional record.

Of course, the Opposition will slam the inquiry and we will see the spectacle of what should be a fair and open investigation being turned into a fact mining exercise designed to bring out and air dirt on the LNP.

In the end, it boils down to the determination of Mr Forde and the Commission staff to probe all elements of this mess, through a liberal interpretation of the Terms of Reference, to best serve the poor suffering public, PT user and taxpayer.

The way forward?  It is the normal practice for inquiries of this kind to accept submissions, and for those submissions to be made public.

RailBOT and IM are free to make written submissions to the Commission of Inquiry, which the media will report upon in due course.

Ultimately, what we don't want is a rabid Opposition rejecting the Commission findings, with the state government saying 'there, we had an inquiry, lets move on' -- and there being no change in direction, practices or policy when next we make a further purchase of trains required for the successful operation of CRR.

[ozbob]

^ concur Mr Stillwater.  The ToR are designed to examine critically the design and procurement of the non compliant NGR trains, but not the subsequent mismanagement and roll out.  Clearly there is an inherent bias in the ToR, to protect bumblers! 

[ozbob]

On further reflection I have examined the Inquiry Order closely following some discussions with others.

If you read the Commission to report (iv)

(C) complies with all relevant disability standards;
considering changes implemented to date in
response to the identified non-compliance with
the Disability Legislation.

It does say to date, so that covers the roll out till now in my view.  It is essential that we highlight the problems we discover with this part in our submission.   

Furthermore Appointment of commission

3 b (iii) the design approval process under the contract,
including review of scale mock-ups, engagement
with the disability sector and processes adopted
to ensure compliance with the Disability
Legislation; and
(iv) decisions made by respective Governments,
Statutory authorities and Departments which
caused or contributed to non-compliance with
Disability Legislation, and any reasons provided
for those decisions.

I think our question 7 will also be covered.

In our submission we need to cover this questions. We still have some RTIs going which will also help clarify I believe.

[ozbob]

Interview with Opposition Transport Spokesperson Mr Steven Minnikin ABC Radio Brisbane Drive 27th July 2018

Here> https://backontrack.org/docs/abcbris/abc_brisbaneSM_27jul18.mp3  10.1 MB

[ozbob]

Interview with Mr Geoff Trappett OAM  Inclusion Moves ABC Radio Brisbane Drive 30th July 2018

Here> https://backontrack.org/docs/abcbris/abc_brisbaneIM30jul18.mp3  11.1 MB

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

31st July 2018

Forde NGR Commission of Inquiry - Terms of Reference clarification sought

Good Morning,

There seems to be a great deal of confusion concerning the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Forde Commission of Inquiry.  Concerns have been expressed by the Opposition ( Interview with Opposition Transport Spokesperson Mr Steven Minnikin ABC Radio Brisbane Drive 27th July 2018 > https://backontrack.org/docs/abcbris/abc_brisbaneSM_27jul18.mp3  10.1 MB ) and former Premier Campbell Newman ( https://twitter.com/CampbellNewman/status/1022765537313476608 ).

The main concern is that a superficial reading of the ToR seems to give some the impression that scrutiny will be confined to the Newman Government.  If you read carefully the Commissions of Inquiry Order (NO. 1) 2018 https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/284f312c-b1f5-4bd2-814a-02a7ab9d0ddf/resource/e3927489-8506-4bc0-b78b-64b957bbd6f6/download/27.07.18---combined-new.pdf page 672 it does state that:

Appointment of commission

3 b (iii) the design approval process under the contract,
including review of scale mock-ups, engagement
with the disability sector and processes adopted
to ensure compliance with the Disability
Legislation; and
(iv) decisions made by respective Governments,
Statutory authorities and Departments which
caused or contributed to non-compliance with
Disability Legislation, and any reasons provided
for those decisions.

Clearly this states respective Governments as well the Statutory authorities and Departments, which means the whole of the NGR project in my view from 2010 to the present day.  Further supported in this extract:

Commission to report (iv)

(C) complies with all relevant disability standards;
considering changes implemented to date in
response to the identified non-compliance with
the Disability Legislation.

It does say to date, so that covers the roll out till now as well in my view.

As previously advised, RAIL Back On Track is going to continue to examine what information we can discern in an attempt to inform our submissions to the Forde Inquiry.

I think it is incumbent on Government to further clarify and explain the ToR.  We have full confidence in Justice Forde to get to the bottom of this botch the NGR project represents, across a number of Governments (Bligh, Newman, Palaszczuk - 1 & 2) and their administrations, and examine not only the issues with design to non compliance but other matters affecting the rollout of the trains up to the present day.

Thank you.

Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=13227.msg211803#msg211803 ]

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1023958667924627458

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Disability advocate calls for fix to botched NGR trains

AN IPSWICH man is demanding better access to trains for people with a disability as the State Government announces an inquiry into its botched trains.

It was announced last week the state would conduct an inquiry into the procurement of Queensland's Next Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains, and their failure to comply with disability laws.

The trains, purchased under the former LNP Government, were found to be non-compliant to disability standards.

The inquiry, conducted by Retired District Court Judge Michael Forde, will commence in August and report to the government with recommendations late this year.

Ipswich Rail advocate Allan Ward wants an open public inquiry where people can question and make submissions.

Mr Ward slammed the delay in investigating the faults with the trains.

"They've had over two years to do something with the faults," he said.

"They've done nothing until now."

Mr Ward, who uses a mobility scooter, said he can access the trains will assistance from guards, but cannot use the bathrooms once onboard.

The NGR trains were delivered more than 18 months late and needed more than $150 million of modifications to fix defects.

Problems with access to toilets and width made them non-compliant with disability laws.

Earlier this year the Human Rights Commission refused the government an exemption from disability compliance laws.

Mr Ward said more should be done to upgrade stations to make them more friendly for people with a disability.

"They could raise the platform the full length," he said.

"It means everyone can get on and off the train a lot easier."

Mr Ward said a public inquiry would produce results.

"The truth will come out and they might do something about resolving the problems," he said.

Mr Ward believes Queensland Rail should be left alone to run the network.

"What they should be doing is they should be divorcing the Department of Transport and Main Roads completely from the railways and let Queensland Rail run it on their own, like they used to," he said.

He said after four months he had not been granted an appointment with Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden to voice his concerns.

Printed version of above article:

Queensland Times 31st July 2018 page 5

Man's call for public rail probe

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1023967910451003393

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1023968055120912384

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1023972566233309186

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st August 2018

Re: Forde NGR Commission of Inquiry - Terms of Reference clarification sought

Good Morning,

Very disappointing there has been no statement from the Premier or Transport Minister on clarification of the Terms of Reference of the Forde NGR Commission of Inquiry.

We think it is necessary for the Government to further clarify and explain the Terms of Reference.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

31st July 2018

Forde NGR Commission of Inquiry - Terms of Reference clarification sought

Good Morning,

There seems to be a great deal of confusion concerning the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Forde Commission of Inquiry.  Concerns have been expressed by the Opposition ( Interview with Opposition Transport Spokesperson Mr Steven Minnikin ABC Radio Brisbane Drive 27th July 2018 > https://backontrack.org/docs/abcbris/abc_brisbaneSM_27jul18.mp3  10.1 MB ) and former Premier Campbell Newman ( https://twitter.com/CampbellNewman/status/1022765537313476608 ).

The main concern is that a superficial reading of the ToR seems to give some the impression that scrutiny will be confined to the Newman Government.  If you read carefully the Commissions of Inquiry Order (NO. 1) 2018 https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/284f312c-b1f5-4bd2-814a-02a7ab9d0ddf/resource/e3927489-8506-4bc0-b78b-64b957bbd6f6/download/27.07.18---combined-new.pdf page 672 it does state that:

Appointment of commission

3 b (iii) the design approval process under the contract,
including review of scale mock-ups, engagement
with the disability sector and processes adopted
to ensure compliance with the Disability
Legislation; and
(iv) decisions made by respective Governments,
Statutory authorities and Departments which
caused or contributed to non-compliance with
Disability Legislation, and any reasons provided
for those decisions.

Clearly this states respective Governments as well the Statutory authorities and Departments, which means the whole of the NGR project in my view from 2010 to the present day.  Further supported in this extract:

Commission to report (iv)

(C) complies with all relevant disability standards;
considering changes implemented to date in
response to the identified non-compliance with
the Disability Legislation.

It does say to date, so that covers the roll out till now as well in my view.

As previously advised, RAIL Back On Track is going to continue to examine what information we can discern in an attempt to inform our submissions to the Forde Inquiry.

I think it is incumbent on Government to further clarify and explain the ToR.  We have full confidence in Justice Forde to get to the bottom of this botch the NGR project represents, across a number of Governments (Bligh, Newman, Palaszczuk - 1 & 2) and their administrations, and examine not only the issues with design to non compliance but other matters affecting the rollout of the trains up to the present day.

Thank you.

Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=13227.msg211803#msg211803 ]

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1024333991581646848

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1024747953578160128

[ozbob]

From Couriermail 4th August 2018 pages 42 & 43

Much ado over dunnies

[ozbob]

According to Des the LNP is going to cooperate fully with the Forde Inquiry.  Good!

The other matters of blunder by Des I will let the Disability Advocates address.

[SurfRail]

Is that Des Houghton?  He represents everything wrong with "journalism" in this state.

[ozbob]

Is that Des Houghton?  He represents everything wrong with "journalism" in this state.

Yes, it's an extract from Des' weekly rant ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/InclusionMoves/status/1025501607851515906

Your attitudes belong in decades past. Ironically your attitude must have been shared in both LNP and Labor governments and our transport department for us to end up where we are. But we as a society has grown. I and others had to drag some people there. Will you come willingly?

— Geoff Trappett OAM (@InclusionMoves) August 3, 2018

This is the kind of attitude @MarkBaileyMP as transport minister @YvetteDAth as attorney General and @CoraleeORourke as disability minister should be coming out against to prove their worth as advocates for the disabled community. #DisabilityRights

— Geoff Trappett OAM (@InclusionMoves) August 3, 2018

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1025519058370813952

[#Metro]

'built to specifications' what a brain dead response.

Did DDA show up on Bombardier's radar at any stage? In any other project it would have. What if a client ordered a train with no doors, would it have built it and said nothing as well?

[PoliticalFootball]

Is that Des Houghton?  He represents everything wrong with "journalism" in this state.

Does anyone remember his rant about 12-18 months ago about how much the state was paying HV electricians? Was a good laugh that one.

[ozbob]

Commission of Inquiry into New Generation Rollingstock Trains website now available:

> https://www.traininquiryngr.qld.gov.au/

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1026369979606695936

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1026908446572986368

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1026909382582272000