On 17 September 2019, the Senate moved that the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 September 2020.
On 11 June 2020, the Senate granted an extension of time to report until 11 November 2020.
On 30 September 2020, the Senate granted a further extension of time to report until 11 February 2021.
On 5 February 2021, the Senate granted a further extension of time to report until 13 May 2021.
On 13 May 2021, the Senate granted a further extension of time to report until 11 August 2021.
While submissions were originally due on 8 November 2019, the committee has extended the submission due date to 29 November 2019.
The management of the Inland Rail project by the Australian Rail Track Corporation and the Commonwealth Government, with particular reference to:
- financial arrangements of the project
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route planning and selection processes;
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connections with other freight infrastructure, including ports and intermodal hubs;
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engagement on route alignment, procurement and employment;
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urban and regional economic development opportunities;
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collaboration between governments;
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interaction with National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy; and
- any other related matters.