Description

The Privatisation of Freight Railways in Australia and New Zealand, and the Consequences

This book explores the transformation of the rail freight industry in Australia and New Zealand from 1990 to 2020. In the 1990s, privatisation was seen as a solution to the mounting deficits of state-run rail systems. While governments embraced this policy with optimism, they underestimated the risks to both their economies and land transport infrastructure. As a result, governments became disengaged from the freight rail industry, leading to long-term consequences. In Australia, policy gridlock emerged, while in New Zealand, the government paid a high price to renationalise the rail system, avoiding perpetual subsidies to private owners.

Drawing on his extensive experience in railway operations and service design, Spencer Naith explains what happened, why it occurred, and how political ideology shaped the outcomes. With over thirty years in the freight railway sector, Naith provides unique insights into the business culture and practices that evolved due to privatisation.

Soft Cover

611 pages