Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann

The Government is pleased to announce the appointment of business and legal advisers for the scoping study into options for the future management, operations and ownership of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).

Following a competitive procurement process, Macquarie Capital has been appointed as business adviser and Herbert Smith Freehills as legal adviser for the ARTC scoping study.

As previously announced, the scoping study will also consider the implications of the Inland Rail project between Melbourne and Brisbane for the ARTC. In particular, it will consider the possible opportunity for ARTC to participate in any private sector financing, delivery and operation of the Inland Rail project.

The advisers will provide independent advice and recommendations around possible future management, operation and ownership options for the Australian Rail Track Corporation and those matters related to the ARTC’s possible involvement in the Inland Rail project.

The Government will consider the scoping study in the context of the 2016‑17 Budget.

During this process, the Australian Rail Track Corporation will continue to operate as usual and services will not be affected.

The Terms of Reference for the Scoping Study are available on the Department of Finance website: http://www.finance.gov.au/procurement/scoping-studies/.