Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
Australian Capital Territory
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
A2014-14
Republication No 9
Effective: 26 November 2025
Republication date: 26 November 2025
Last amendment made by A2025-29
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
About this republication
The republished law
This is a republication of the Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014 (including any amendment
made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on
26 November 2025. It also includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting
this republished law to 26 November 2025.
The legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3
and 4.
Kinds of republications
The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT
legislation register at www.legislation.act.gov.au):
• authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies
• unauthorised republications.
The status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.
Editorial changes
The Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial
amendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication.
Editorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by
an Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The
changes are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into
line, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.
This republication includes amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).
Uncommenced provisions and amendments
If a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately
before the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law
are accessible on the ACT legislation register (www.legislation.act.gov.au). For more
information, see the home page for this law on the register.
Modifications
If a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the
symbol M appears immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying
provision appears in the endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation
Act 2001, section 95.
Penalties
At the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $160 for an
individual and $810 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
contents 1
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at
Australian Capital Territory
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Contents
Page
Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Act 2
3 Dictionary 2
4 Terms used in Rail Safety National Law (ACT) 2
5 Notes 2
Part 2 Application of Rail Safety National Law
6 Application of Rail Safety National Law 3
7 Exclusion of Legislation Act 3
8 Exclusion of other territory laws 4
9 Meaning of generic terms for Rail Safety National Law (ACT) 5
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.1 Preliminary
10 Definitions—pt 3 and testing provisions 7
Contents
Page
contents 2 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
11 Appointment of analysts 9
12 Approval of laboratories 9
Division 3.2 Procedures relating to testing and analyses
Subdivision 3.2.1 Alcohol—breath testing and analysis
13 Conduct of alcohol screening test 10
14 Detention for breath analysis 10
15 Conduct of breath analysis 11
16 Precautions for privacy—breath analysis 13
Subdivision 3.2.2 Prescribed drugs—screening test and analysis
17 Conduct of drug screening test 14
18 Detention for oral fluid analysis 15
19 Conduct of oral fluid analysis—generally 16
20 Oral fluid—sample taken by authorised person 17
21 Oral fluid—sample taken by police officer from worker in custody—
preliminary analysis 18
22 Precautions for privacy—oral fluid analysis 19
23 Oral fluid—confirmatory analysis 20
24 Oral fluid analysis statement 21
Subdivision 3.2.3 Alcohol and drugs—blood test
25 Conduct of blood test 22
26 Detention for blood test 23
27 Requirement to take blood test in hospital after prescribed notifiable
occurrence 23
28 Taking blood samples 24
29 Analysis of blood samples 25
30 Blood analysis statement 26
Subdivision 3.2.4 Alcohol and drug testing and analysis—miscellaneous
31 Power to search rail safety worker in custody 27
32 Keeping of samples—request by DPP 28
33 Destruction of samples 29
Division 3.3 Offences—alcohol and drug testing and analysis
34 Failure to submit to alcohol screening test or breath analysis 29
35 Failure to submit to drug screening test, oral fluid analysis 30
36 Failure to stay for drug screening test 30
Contents
Page
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
contents 3
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
37 Failure to submit to blood test etc 31
Division 3.4 Evidence
Subdivision 3.4.1 Application—div 3.4
38 Application—div 3.4 32
Subdivision 3.4.2 Evidentiary certificates
39 Evidentiary certificate—authorised person—alcohol-related test 32
40 Evidentiary certificate—authorised person—drug-related test 34
41 Evidentiary certificate—sample taker 35
42 Evidentiary certificate—blood sample not taken by sample taker 37
43 Evidentiary certificates—analysts 38
Subdivision 3.4.3 Other provisions about evidence
44 Meaning of this Act—subdiv 3.4.3 39
45 Effect of noncompliance—analysis of breath or blood 39
46 Effect of noncompliance—analysis of oral fluid 39
47 Effect of noncompliance—failure to give sample of breath 40
48 Effect of noncompliance—failure to give sample of oral fluid 40
49 Oral evidence about evidentiary certificate 41
50 Evidence about presence of alcohol and prescribed drugs 42
Division 3.5 Miscellaneous
51 How alcohol concentration may be expressed 43
52 Protection of police officers and medical staff 43
53 Abrogation of privilege of self-incrimination—derivative use immunity 44
Part 4 Miscellaneous
54 Provision of information and assistance to Regulator 46
55 Regulation-making power 46
Dictionary 48
Endnotes
1 About the endnotes 51
2 Abbreviation key 51
3 Legislation history 52
Contents
Page
contents 4 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
4 Amendment history 54
5 Earlier republications 56
6 Expired transitional or validating provisions 57
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 1
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
Australian Capital Territory
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
An Act to provide for a national system of rail safety, and for other purposes
Part 1 Preliminary
Section 1
page 2 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Act
This Act is the Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014.
3 Dictionary
(1) The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.
(2) A definition in the dictionary applies to the local application
provisions of this Act.
Note 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this
Act, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined
elsewhere in this Act.
For example, the signpost definition ‘this Act, for subdivision 3.4.3
(Other provisions about evidence)—see section 44.’ means that the term
‘this Act’ is defined in that section for subdivision 3.4.3.
Note 2 A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to
the entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act,
provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see
Legislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).
4 Terms used in Rail Safety National Law (ACT)
Terms used in the local application provisions of this Act and also in
the Rail Safety National Law (ACT) have the same meanings in those
provisions as they have in that Law.
Note A definition in an Act applies except so far as the contrary intention
appears (see Legislation Act, s 155).
5 Notes
A note included in the local application provisions of this Act is
explanatory and is not part of those provisions.
Note See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.
Application of Rail Safety National Law Part 2
Section 6
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 3
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
Part 2 Application of Rail Safety
National Law
6 Application of Rail Safety National Law
The Rail Safety National Law set out in the schedule to the South
Australian Act, as amended from time to time—
(a) applies as a territory law; and
(b) as so applying may be referred to as the Rail Safety National
Law (ACT); and
(c) so applies as if it were part of this Act.
7 Exclusion of Legislation Act
(1) The Legislation Act does not apply to the Rail Safety National
Law (ACT).
(2) However, the Legislation Act, chapter 7 (Presentation, amendment
and disallowance of subordinate laws and disallowable instruments)
applies to a national regulation as if—
(a) a reference to a subordinate law were a reference to a national
regulation; and
(b) a reference in the Legislation Act, section 64 (1) (Presentation
of subordinate laws and disallowable instruments) to—
(i) ‘6 sitting days’ were a reference to ‘20 sitting days’; and
(ii) ‘notification day’ were a reference to ‘published’ as
mentioned in the Rail Safety National Law (ACT),
section 265 (1) (Publication of national regulations); and
(c) any other necessary changes were made.
Part 2 Application of Rail Safety National Law
Section 8
page 4 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(3) Also, the Legislation Act, section 104 (References to laws include
references to instruments under laws) and section 191 (Offences
against 2 or more laws) apply to the Rail Safety National Law (ACT)
as if that Law were an Act.
(4) This section does not limit the application of the Legislation Act to
the local application provisions of this Act.
8 Exclusion of other territory laws
(1) The following territory laws do not apply to the Regulator:
(a) the Annual Reports (Government Agencies) Act 2004;
(b) the Auditor-General Act 1996;
(c) the Criminal Code;
(d) the Financial Management Act 1996;
(e) the Freedom of Information Act 2016;
(f) the Government Procurement Act 2001;
(g) the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012;
(h) the Public Sector Management Act 1994;
(i) the Territory Records Act 2002.
(2) However, if a function of the Regulator under the Rail Safety National
Law (ACT) is exercised by an entity that would, apart from
subsection (1), be subject to a law mentioned in that subsection, the
law applies to the entity.
Example
The Regulator has an agreement mentioned in the Rail Safety National Law (ACT),
s 15 (2) (a) with an ACT entity. The entity is a territory authority. The Financial
Management Act 1996 applies to territory authorities. Therefore, the entity must
comply with that Act when doing things under the agreement.
Application of Rail Safety National Law Part 2
Section 9
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 5
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
9 Meaning of generic terms for Rail Safety National
Law (ACT)
(1) In the Rail Safety National Law (ACT):
court means—
(a) for part 5 (Enforcement measures) and part 10, division 6
(Enforceable voluntary undertakings)—the Magistrates Court;
and
(b) for part 7 (Review of decisions)—the ACAT.
emergency service—see the Legislation Act, dictionary, part 1,
definition of emergency service.
Note The Legislation Act, dict, pt 1 defines emergency service as the
ambulance service, the fire and rescue service, the rural fire service or the
SES.
magistrate means a Magistrate under the Magistrates Court
Act 1930.
Minister—see the Legislation Act, section 162.
police officer means a member or special member of the Australian
Federal Police.
public sector auditor means the auditor-general appointed under the
Public Finance and Audit Act 1987 (SA), section 24.
road—see the Road Transport (General) Act 1999, dictionary.
road vehicle means a motor vehicle as defined in the Road Transport
(General) Act 1999, dictionary.
shared path—see the Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017,
dictionary.
the jurisdiction or this jurisdiction means the ACT.
Part 2 Application of Rail Safety National Law
Section 9
page 6 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(2) In the Rail Safety National Law (ACT), a reference to giving notice of
something in the Gazette is a reference to giving notice of the thing
in the ACT legislation register under the Legislation Act 2001 as a
notifiable instrument.
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Preliminary Division 3.1
Section 10
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 7
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.1 Preliminary
10 Definitions—pt 3 and testing provisions
(1) In this part and the testing provisions:
alcohol screening device means a device prescribed under—
(a) the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1977, section 7; or
(b) this Act.
alcohol screening test, for a person—see the Road Transport
(Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1977, dictionary.
Note An alcohol screening test is a preliminary breath test for the Rail Safety
National Law (ACT), s 126 (see this section, def preliminary breath test).
analyst means an analyst appointed under—
(a) the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1977, section 5B;
or
(b) section 11.
approved laboratory means a laboratory or other entity approved
under—
(a) the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1977, section 6; or
(b) section 12.
blood test, for a person, means a test of a sample of the person’s blood
carried out in accordance with this part and the testing provisions.
breath analysis, for a person, means an analysis of a sample of the
person’s breath carried out for this part and the testing provisions by
a breath analysis instrument.
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.1 Preliminary
Section 10
page 8 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
breath analysis instrument means an instrument prescribed under—
(a) the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1977, section 7A;
or
(b) this Act.
drug screening device means a device prescribed under—
(a) the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1977, section 7B;
or
(b) this Act.
drug screening test, for a person, means a test of a sample of the
person’s oral fluid using a drug screening device.
oral fluid analysis, for a person, means an analysis of a sample of the
person’s oral fluid carried out for this part and the testing provisions
using an oral fluid analysis instrument.
oral fluid analysis instrument means an instrument prescribed
under—
(a) the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1977, section 7C;
or
(b) this Act.
preliminary breath test means an alcohol screening test.
prescribed concentration of alcohol, in relation to a rail safety
worker—see the Rail Safety National Law (ACT), section 128 (5).
prescribed drug—see the Rail Safety National Law (ACT),
section 128 (5).
sample taker means a doctor or nurse.
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Preliminary Division 3.1
Section 11
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 9
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
sampling facility means a facility prescribed under—
(a) the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1977, dictionary,
definition of sampling facility; or
(b) this Act.
testing provisions means the Rail Safety National Law (ACT), part 3,
division 9.
(2) In this part, a reference to a regulation is a reference to a regulation
made for this part and the testing provisions.
(3) For this part and the testing provisions, a thing is taken to have been
done by a doctor, nurse or analyst if it is done by a person acting under
the supervision or direction of the doctor, nurse or analyst.
11 Appointment of analysts
The Minister may appoint a person as an analyst for this part and the
testing provisions.
Note 1 For the making of appointments (including acting appointments), see the
Legislation Act, pt 19.3.
Note 2 In particular, a person may be appointed for a particular provision of a
law (see Legislation Act, s 7 (3)) and an appointment may be made by
naming a person or nominating the occupant of a position (see Legislation
Act, s 207).
12 Approval of laboratories
(1) The Minister may approve a laboratory or other entity as an approved
laboratory for this part and the testing provisions.
(2) An approval is a notifiable instrument.
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.2 Procedures relating to testing and analyses
Section 13
page 10 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
Division 3.2 Procedures relating to testing and
analyses
Subdivision 3.2.1 Alcohol—breath testing and analysis
13 Conduct of alcohol screening test
(1) This section applies if an authorised person requires a rail safety
worker to submit to an alcohol screening test under the Rail Safety
National Law (ACT), section 126 (Authorised person may require
preliminary breath test or breath analysis).
(2) An authorised person must not require a rail safety worker to submit
to an alcohol screening test—
(a) if the worker was involved in a prescribed notifiable occurrence
and—
(i) the worker was taken to hospital—if more than 8 hours has
passed since the worker’s arrival at the hospital; or
(ii) the worker was not taken to hospital—if more than 8 hours
has passed since the prescribed notifiable occurrence
happened; or
(b) if the worker was not involved in a prescribed notifiable
occurrence—if more than 8 hours has passed since the worker
stopped carrying out rail safety work.
14 Detention for breath analysis
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the following applies:
(i) a rail safety worker submits to an alcohol screening test
under a requirement made by an authorised person under
the Rail Safety National Law (ACT), section 126
(Authorised person may require preliminary breath test or
breath analysis);
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Procedures relating to testing and analyses Division 3.2
Section 15
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 11
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(ii) the alcohol screening device used for the test shows that
the concentration of alcohol in the worker’s blood or breath
is the prescribed concentration of alcohol; or
(b) a rail safety worker required by an authorised person to submit
to an alcohol screening test under the Rail Safety National
Law (ACT), section 126 fails to submit to the test in accordance
with the directions of the authorised person.
Note Fail includes refuse (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
(2) A police officer may take the rail safety worker into custody for the
worker to undertake breath analysis.
(3) If a breath analysis instrument is not available at the place where the
alcohol screening test is, or may be, undertaken, the police officer
must take the worker, as soon as practicable, to a police station or
other convenient place (for example, a police vehicle) for the worker
to undertake breath analysis.
(4) The rail safety worker must not be held in custody after the earlier of
the following:
(a) the time when the authorised person gives the worker the written
statement mentioned in section 15 (6);
(b) the end of whichever of the periods mentioned in section 15 (2)
applies in relation to the worker.
(5) This section does not prevent an authorised person other than a police
officer from carrying out breath analysis under section 15 if the
circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) (a) apply to the rail safety
worker.
15 Conduct of breath analysis
(1) This section applies if an authorised person requires a rail safety
worker to submit to breath analysis under the Rail Safety National
Law (ACT), section 126 (Authorised person may require preliminary
breath test or breath analysis).
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.2 Procedures relating to testing and analyses
Section 15
page 12 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(2) An authorised person must not require a rail safety worker to submit
to breath analysis—
(a) if the rail safety worker was required to submit to an alcohol
screening test under the Rail Safety National Law (ACT),
section 126—if more than 2 hours has passed since the alcohol
screening test was carried out; or
(b) in any other case—
(i) if the worker was involved in a prescribed notifiable
occurrence and—
(A) the worker was taken to hospital—if more than
8 hours has passed since the worker’s arrival at the
hospital; or
(B) the worker was not taken to hospital—if more than
8 hours has passed since the prescribed notifiable
occurrence happened; or
(ii) if the worker was not involved in a prescribed notifiable
occurrence—if more than 8 hours has passed since the
worker stopped carrying out rail safety work.
(3) Breath analysis may only be carried out by—
(a) a police officer; or
(b) for an authorised person other than a police officer—an
authorised person authorised to do so by the Regulator.
(4) A regulation may provide for the following:
(a) the conditions for carrying out breath analysis;
(b) the procedures to be followed in relation to carrying out breath
analysis;
(c) the circumstances in which the result of a breath analysis must
be disregarded for this part and the testing provisions.
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Procedures relating to testing and analyses Division 3.2
Section 16
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 13
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(5) If, because of a regulation made for subsection (4) (c), the result of a
breath analysis must be disregarded for this part and the testing
provisions, the authorised person may, if another breath analysis
instrument is available at the police station or other place where the
requirement under subsection (1) is made, require the rail safety
worker to give, in accordance with the authorised person’s reasonable
directions, a sample of the worker’s breath for breath analysis using
another breath analysis instrument.
(6) As soon as practicable after the breath analysis has been carried out,
the authorised person who carried out the analysis must give the rail
safety worker a written statement, signed by the authorised person,
containing the particulars required by regulation to be included in the
statement.
Example––written statement
a print-out from the breath analysis instrument
(7) If the reading from the breath analysis instrument shows that the
concentration of alcohol in the rail safety worker’s blood or breath is
the prescribed concentration of alcohol, the authorised person must
give the worker the written notice prescribed by regulation.
16 Precautions for privacy—breath analysis
(1) An authorised person carrying out breath analysis for a rail safety
worker must take all practicable steps to ensure that it is not readily
apparent to members of the public that the breath analysis is being
carried out.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the breath analysis is carried out at a
police station.
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.2 Procedures relating to testing and analyses
Section 17
page 14 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
Subdivision 3.2.2 Prescribed drugs—screening test and
analysis
17 Conduct of drug screening test
(1) This section applies if an authorised person requires a rail safety
worker to submit to a drug screening test under the Rail Safety
National Law (ACT), section 127 (Authorised person may require
drug screening test, oral fluid analysis, urine test and blood test).
(2) A drug screening test may only be carried out by—
(a) a police officer; or
(b) for an authorised person other than a police officer—an
authorised person authorised to do so by the Regulator.
(3) The rail safety worker must stay at the place where the drug screening
test is being carried out for the time (not exceeding 30 minutes from
the time the worker starts the test) reasonably necessary for the test to
be completed in accordance with the authorised person’s directions.
Example—time reasonably necessary
a drug screening device is not immediately available and the authorised person
directs the worker to stay at the place while a device is made available
Note A rail safety worker is taken to have committed an offence against the
Rail Safety National Law (ACT), s 127 if the worker fails to comply with
the direction of an authorised person under this section—see s 36 (Failure
to stay for drug screening test).
(4) An authorised person must not require a rail safety worker to submit
to a drug screening test—
(a) if the worker was involved in a prescribed notifiable occurrence
and—
(i) the worker was taken to hospital—if more than 8 hours has
passed since the worker’s arrival at the hospital; or
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Procedures relating to testing and analyses Division 3.2
Section 18
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 15
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(ii) the worker was not taken to hospital—if more than 8 hours
has passed since the prescribed notifiable occurrence
happened; or
(b) if the worker was not involved in a prescribed notifiable
occurrence—if more than 8 hours has passed since the worker
stopped carrying out rail safety work.
18 Detention for oral fluid analysis
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the following applies:
(i) a rail safety worker submits to a drug screening test under
a requirement made by an authorised person under the Rail
Safety National Law (ACT), section 127 (Authorised
person may require drug screening test, oral fluid analysis,
urine test and blood test);
(ii) the drug screening device used for the test shows that a
prescribed drug is present in the worker’s oral fluid; or
(b) a rail safety worker required by an authorised person to submit
to a drug screening test under the Rail Safety National
Law (ACT), section 127 fails to submit to the test in accordance
with the directions of the authorised person.
Note Fail includes refuse (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
(2) A police officer may take the rail safety worker into custody for the
worker to undertake oral fluid analysis.
(3) If an oral fluid analysis instrument is not available at the place where
the drug screening test is, or may be, undertaken, the police officer
must take the worker, as soon as practicable, to a police station or
other convenient place (for example, a police vehicle) for the worker
to undertake oral fluid analysis.
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.2 Procedures relating to testing and analyses
Section 19
page 16 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(4) The rail safety worker must not be held in custody after the earlier of
the following:
(a) the time when the authorised person gives the worker the written
statement mentioned in section 21 (4) (Oral fluid—sample taken
by police officer from worker in custody—preliminary
analysis);
(b) the end of whichever of the periods mentioned in section 19 (2)
applies in relation to the worker.
(5) This section does not prevent an authorised person other than a police
officer from carrying out oral fluid analysis under section 19 if the
circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) (a) apply to the rail safety
worker.
19 Conduct of oral fluid analysis—generally
(1) This section applies if an authorised person requires a rail safety
worker to submit to oral fluid analysis under the Rail Safety National
Law (ACT), section 127 (Authorised person may require drug
screening test, oral fluid analysis, urine test and blood test).
(2) An authorised person must not require a rail safety worker to submit
to oral fluid analysis—
(a) if the rail safety worker was required to submit to a drug
screening test under the Rail Safety National Law (ACT),
section 126—if more than 2 hours has passed since the drug
screening test was carried out; or
(b) in any other case—
(i) if the worker was involved in a prescribed notifiable
occurrence and—
(A) the worker was taken to hospital—if more than
8 hours has passed since the worker’s arrival at the
hospital; or
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Procedures relating to testing and analyses Division 3.2
Section 20
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 17
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(B) the worker was not taken to hospital—if more than 8
hours has passed since the prescribed notifiable
occurrence happened; or
(ii) if the worker was not involved in a prescribed notifiable
occurrence—if more than 8 hours has passed since the
worker stopped carrying out rail safety work.
(3) A sample of a rail safety worker’s oral fluid for oral fluid analysis
may only be taken by—
(a) a police officer; or
(b) for an authorised person other than a police officer—
an authorised person authorised to do so by the Regulator.
(4) A regulation may provide for the following:
(a) the conditions for carrying out oral fluid analysis;
(b) the procedures to be followed in relation to carrying out oral
fluid analysis;
(c) the circumstances in which the result of oral fluid analysis must
be disregarded for this part and the testing provisions.
(5) If, because of a regulation made for subsection (4) (c), the result of
oral fluid analysis must be disregarded, the authorised person may, if
another oral fluid analysis instrument is available at the place where
the requirement under subsection (1) is made, require the rail safety
worker to give, in accordance with the authorised person’s reasonable
directions, another sufficient sample of the worker’s oral fluid for oral
fluid analysis using another oral fluid analysis instrument.
20 Oral fluid—sample taken by authorised person
(1) This section applies if an authorised person other than a police officer
takes a sample of oral fluid for oral fluid analysis from a rail safety
worker under section 19.
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.2 Procedures relating to testing and analyses
Section 21
page 18 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(2) If oral fluid analysis is not to be disregarded for this part and the
testing provisions because of a regulation made for section 19 (4) (c),
the authorised person must—
(a) place the sample into a container; and
(b) attach a label to the container that includes the following
information:
(i) the authorised person’s name;
(ii) the name of the rail safety worker who gave the sample;
(iii) the date and time the sample was given; and
(c) ensure that the container is sealed with a tamper-evident seal that
has a unique identifying number marked on it.
(3) The authorised person must ensure that the sample is taken to an
approved laboratory as soon as practicable after it is stored and sealed.
21 Oral fluid—sample taken by police officer from worker in
custody—preliminary analysis
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a rail safety worker has been taken into custody under section 18
for oral fluid analysis; and
(b) a police officer takes a sample of oral fluid for oral fluid analysis
from the worker under section 19.
(2) An authorised operator must carry out oral fluid analysis on a part of
the sample.
(3) If oral fluid analysis is not to be disregarded for this part and the
testing provisions because of a regulation made for section 19 (4) (c),
the authorised operator must—
(a) place the part of the sample not analysed under this section into
a container; and
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Procedures relating to testing and analyses Division 3.2
Section 22
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 19
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(b) attach a label to the container that includes the following
information:
(i) the authorised operator’s name;
(ii) the name of the rail safety worker who gave the sample;
(iii) the date and time the sample was given; and
(c) ensure that the container is sealed with a tamper-evident seal that
has a unique identifying number marked on it.
(4) As soon as practicable after oral fluid analysis has been carried out,
the authorised operator who carried out the analysis must give the rail
safety worker a written statement, signed by the authorised operator,
containing the particulars required by regulation to be included in the
statement.
Example––written statement
a print-out from the oral fluid analysis instrument
(5) The chief police officer must ensure that the sample is taken to an
approved laboratory as soon as practicable after it is stored and sealed
under subsection (3).
(6) In this section:
authorised operator means a police officer who has been authorised
under the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1977, section 5 to
carry out oral fluid analysis for that Act.
22 Precautions for privacy—oral fluid analysis
(1) An authorised person carrying out oral fluid analysis for a rail safety
worker must take all practicable steps to ensure that it is not readily
apparent to members of the public that the oral fluid analysis is being
carried out.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the oral fluid analysis is carried out
at a police station.
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.2 Procedures relating to testing and analyses
Section 23
page 20 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
23 Oral fluid—confirmatory analysis
(1) This section applies if a sample of oral fluid is taken to an approved
laboratory under—
(a) section 20 (3) (Oral fluid—sample taken by authorised person);
or
(b) section 21 (5) (Oral fluid—sample taken by police officer from
worker in custody—preliminary analysis).
(2) An analyst at the approved laboratory must, as soon as practicable,
arrange for the analysis of the sample at the laboratory or another
approved laboratory to work out whether a prescribed drug is present
in the sample.
(3) An analyst responsible for testing the sample must take reasonable
care to ensure that a part of the sample (the preserved part) sufficient
for analysis to be carried out for the rail safety worker who gave the
sample (the tested worker) is protected and preserved until—
(a) if a request is made under subsection (5)—the preserved part is
sent to the laboratory nominated by the tested worker; or
(b) in any other case—
(i) 1 year has passed since the sample was taken from the
tested worker; or
(ii) if a request is made by the DPP under section 32 (Keeping
of samples—request by DPP)—the proceeding to which
the sample relates has finally been decided (including any
appeals).
(4) However, subsection (3) does not apply if the amount of the sample
remaining after analysis under subsection (2) is insufficient for
further analysis.
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Procedures relating to testing and analyses Division 3.2
Section 24
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 21
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(5) Before the end of the period mentioned in subsection (3) (b), the
tested worker may ask that the preserved part of the sample be sent,
at the tested worker’s expense, to a laboratory nominated by the
worker.
(6) If a request is made under subsection (5), the analyst must ensure that
the preserved part of the sample is sent to the nominated laboratory
as soon as practicable.
24 Oral fluid analysis statement
(1) As soon as practicable after an analysis of a sample of a rail safety
worker’s oral fluid is carried out under section 23, the authorised
person must ensure the worker is given a written statement that
includes the following information:
(a) the date and time the oral fluid sample was taken;
(b) the unique identifying number on the tamper-evident seal;
(c) the result of the analysis;
(d) the address where the preserved part of the oral fluid sample is
being held;
(e) that the person will be notified, in writing, of a request (if any)
by the DPP under section 32 (Keeping of samples—request by
DPP);
(f) that the person may, before the end of the period mentioned in
section 23 (3) (b), ask the analyst to send the preserved part of
the oral fluid sample to a laboratory nominated by the worker,
at the worker’s expense.
(2) In this section:
preserved part—see section 23 (3).
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.2 Procedures relating to testing and analyses
Section 25
page 22 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
Subdivision 3.2.3 Alcohol and drugs—blood test
25 Conduct of blood test
(1) This section applies if an authorised person requires a rail safety
worker to submit to a blood test under the Rail Safety National
Law (ACT), section 127 (Authorised person may require drug
screening test, oral fluid analysis, urine test and blood test).
(2) A blood test may only be carried out by a sample taker.
(3) An authorised person must not require a rail safety worker to submit
to a blood test—
(a) if the rail safety worker was required to submit to an alcohol
screening test or a drug screening test under the Rail Safety
National Law (ACT), section 126 or section 127—if more than
4 hours have passed since the test was carried out; or
(b) in any other case—
(i) if the worker was involved in a prescribed notifiable
occurrence and—
(A) the worker was taken to hospital—if more than
2 hours has passed since the worker’s arrival at the
hospital; or
(B) the worker was not taken to hospital—if more than 8
hours has passed since the prescribed notifiable
occurrence happened; or
(ii) if the worker was not involved in a prescribed notifiable
occurrence—if more than 8 hours has passed since the
worker stopped carrying out rail safety work.
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Procedures relating to testing and analyses Division 3.2
Section 26
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 23
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
26 Detention for blood test
(1) This section applies if a rail safety worker is required by an authorised
person to submit to a blood test under the Rail Safety National
Law (ACT), section 127 (Authorised person may require drug
screening test, oral fluid analysis, urine test and blood test).
Note Fail includes refuse (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
(2) A police officer may take the rail safety worker into custody for the
worker to undertake a blood test.
(3) The police officer must take the rail safety worker, as soon as
practicable, to a hospital or sampling facility for the worker to
undertake a blood test.
(4) A sample of a rail safety worker’s blood must be taken as soon as
practicable after the arrival of the worker at hospital or at the sampling
facility and must not be taken more than 2 hours after the arrival of
the worker at hospital or at the facility.
(5) The sample taker taking a sample of blood from a rail safety worker
must take the sample in the presence of a police officer.
(6) The rail safety worker must not be held in custody after the earlier of
the following:
(a) the sample of the worker’s blood of the person has been taken;
(b) the end of whichever of the periods mentioned in section 25 (3)
applies in relation to the worker.
27 Requirement to take blood test in hospital after
prescribed notifiable occurrence
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a rail safety worker is injured as a result of a prescribed
notifiable occurrence; and
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.2 Procedures relating to testing and analyses
Section 28
page 24 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(b) not longer than 8 hours after the occurrence, the worker attends
at or is admitted to hospital to receive treatment for the injury.
(2) A doctor or nurse (the sample taker) who treats the rail safety worker
must within 2 hours after the worker arrives at the hospital take a
sample of the worker’s blood.
(3) The rail safety worker must give a sample of the worker’s blood in
accordance with the directions of the sample taker.
Note A rail safety worker is taken to have committed an offence against the
Rail Safety National Law (ACT), s 127 (3) if the worker fails to comply
with s (3) (see s 37).
28 Taking blood samples
(1) This section applies if a sample of blood is taken under this part or
the testing provisions by a sample taker.
(2) The sample taker taking a sample of blood from a rail safety worker
must—
(a) place the sample into a container; and
(b) attach a label to the container that includes the following
information:
(i) the sample taker’s name;
(ii) the worker’s name;
(iii) the date and time the sample was taken; and
(c) ensure that the container is sealed with a tamper-evident seal that
has a unique identifying number marked on it; and
(d) put the sealed container into a one-way box.
(3) The chief police officer must, as soon as practicable, arrange for the
container to be collected from the one-way box by an analyst.
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Procedures relating to testing and analyses Division 3.2
Section 29
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
29 Analysis of blood samples
(1) This section applies if, under section 28—
(a) a sample of blood is taken from a rail safety worker for analysis;
and
(b) an analyst has collected the sealed container containing the
sample from a one-way box.
(2) The analyst must, as soon as practicable, arrange for the analysis of
the sample of blood at an approved laboratory to work out, as far as
practicable—
(a) the concentration of alcohol in the blood; or
(b) whether a prescribed drug is present in the blood.
(3) If an authorised person has reasonable cause to suspect that the rail
safety worker has a drug other than a prescribed drug or alcohol in
the worker’s body, or that the worker’s behaviour may be affected by
the presence of a drug other than a prescribed drug or alcohol in the
worker’s body, the authorised person may ask the analyst to work out
the following:
(a) whether 1 or more drugs other than a prescribed drug or alcohol
are present in the sample;
(b) if a drug other than a prescribed drug or alcohol is present in the
sample—the concentration, quantity or other measurement of
the drug.
(4) The analyst must, as far as practicable, comply with the authorised
person’s request.
(5) The analyst must take reasonable care to ensure that a part of the
sample sufficient for analysis to be carried out for the rail safety
worker (the preserved part) is protected and preserved until—
(a) if a request is made under subsection (7)—the preserved part is
sent to the laboratory nominated by the worker; or
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.2 Procedures relating to testing and analyses
Section 30
page 26 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(b) in any other case—
(i) 1 year has passed since the sample was taken from the
worker; or
(ii) if a request is made by the DPP under section 32 (Keeping
of samples—request by DPP)—the proceeding to which
the sample relates has finally been decided (including any
appeals).
(6) However, subsection (5) does not apply if the amount of the sample
remaining after analysis under subsection (2) is insufficient for
further analysis.
(7) Before the end of the period mentioned in subsection (5) (b), the rail
safety worker may ask that the preserved part of the sample be sent,
at the worker’s expense, to a laboratory nominated by the person.
(8) If a request is made under subsection (7), the analyst must ensure that
the preserved part of the sample is sent to the nominated laboratory
as soon as practicable.
30 Blood analysis statement
(1) As soon as practicable after an analysis of a sample of a rail safety
worker’s blood is carried out under section 29, the authorised person
must ensure the worker is given a written statement that includes the
following information:
(a) the date and time the blood sample was taken;
(b) the unique identifying number on the tamper-evident seal;
(c) the place where the blood sample was taken;
(d) the result of the analysis;
(e) the address where the preserved part of the blood sample is being
held;
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Procedures relating to testing and analyses Division 3.2
Section 31
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 27
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(f) that the worker will be notified, in writing, of a request (if any)
by the DPP under section 32 (Keeping of samples—request by
DPP);
(g) that the worker may, before the end of the period mentioned in
section 29 (5) (b), ask the analyst to send the preserved part of
the blood sample to a laboratory nominated by the worker, at the
worker’s expense.
(2) In this section:
preserved part—see section 29 (5).
Subdivision 3.2.4 Alcohol and drug testing and analysis—
miscellaneous
31 Power to search rail safety worker in custody
(1) A police officer may search a rail safety worker who is taken into
custody under the following sections and may take possession of any
prescribed item found in the worker’s possession:
(a) section 14 (Detention for breath analysis);
(b) section 18 (Detention for oral fluid analysis);
(c) section 26 (Detention for blood test).
(2) For the search, the police officer may request the assistance of another
police officer of the same sex as the rail safety worker being searched.
(3) A rail safety worker is entitled to the return of a prescribed item taken
from the worker under this section when the worker ceases to be in
custody, unless—
(a) possession of the item by the worker would be an offence against
a law applying in the Territory; or
(b) a police officer believes on reasonable grounds that possession
of the item by the worker could present a danger to a person.
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.2 Procedures relating to testing and analyses
Section 32
page 28 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(4) In this section:
prescribed item means anything that could—
(a) present a danger to a person; or
(b) be used to assist a person to escape from lawful custody.
search means a search of a rail safety worker or of anything in the
worker’s possession, and may include––
(a) requiring the worker to remove only the worker’s overcoat, coat,
jacket or a similar article of clothing and any footwear, gloves
or headwear; and
(b) an examination of them.
32 Keeping of samples—request by DPP
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a blood or an oral fluid sample was taken from a rail safety
worker under this part or the testing provisions for analysis; and
(b) the preserved part of the sample—
(i) is being kept at the approved laboratory where the analysis
was carried out; and
(ii) has not been sent to a nominated laboratory under
section 23 (6) (Oral fluid—confirmatory analysis) or
section 29 (8) (Analysis of blood samples); and
(c) a proceeding against the worker—
(i) has not begun; or
(ii) has begun but not been finally decided (including any
appeals).
(2) The DPP may ask the approved laboratory to keep the preserved part
of the sample until the proceeding has finally been decided (including
any appeals).
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Offences—alcohol and drug testing and analysis Division 3.3
Section 33
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 29
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(3) If the DPP makes a request under subsection (2), the DPP must tell
the rail safety worker about the request as soon as practicable.
(4) In this section:
preserved part—
(a) in relation to an oral fluid sample––see section 23 (3); or
(b) in relation to a blood sample—see section 29 (5).
33 Destruction of samples
(1) This section applies to the part of a sample preserved under
section 23 (3) (Oral fluid––confirmatory analysis) or section 29 (5)
(Analysis of blood samples).
(2) An analyst must arrange for the preserved part to be destroyed after
the end of the period for which the preserved part must be kept under
section 23 (3) (b) or section 29 (5) (b).
Division 3.3 Offences—alcohol and drug testing
and analysis
34 Failure to submit to alcohol screening test or breath
analysis
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an authorised person requires the worker to submit to an alcohol
screening test or breath analysis under the Rail Safety National
Law (ACT), section 126 (Authorised person may require
preliminary breath test or breath analysis); and
(b) the worker fails to comply with the requirement or a reasonable
direction in relation to the requirement.
Note Fail includes refuse (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
(2) The rail safety worker is taken to have committed an offence against
the Rail Safety National Law (ACT), section 126 (3).
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.3 Offences—alcohol and drug testing and analysis
Section 35
page 30 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against the Rail Safety
National Law (ACT), section 126 (3) if the defendant proves that the
refusal or failure was based on medical grounds.
35 Failure to submit to drug screening test, oral fluid
analysis
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an authorised person requires the worker to submit to a drug
screening test or oral fluid analysis under the Rail Safety
National Law (ACT), section 127 (Authorised person may
require drug screening test, oral fluid analysis, urine test and
blood test); and
(b) the worker fails to comply with the requirement or a reasonable
direction in relation to the requirement.
Note Fail includes refuse (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
(2) The rail safety worker is taken to have committed an offence against
the Rail Safety National Law (ACT), section 127 (3).
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against the Rail Safety
National Law (ACT), section 127 (3) if the defendant proves that the
refusal or failure was based on medical grounds.
36 Failure to stay for drug screening test
(1) This section applies if the worker—
(a) is required by an authorised person to submit to a drug screening
test under the Rail Safety National Law (ACT), section 127
(Authorised person may require drug screening test, oral fluid
analysis, urine test and blood test); and
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Offences—alcohol and drug testing and analysis Division 3.3
Section 37
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 31
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(b) fails to stay at the place where the test is being carried out for
the time (not exceeding 30 minutes from the time the worker
starts the test) reasonably necessary for the test to be completed
in accordance with the authorised person’s directions.
Note Fail includes refuse (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
(2) The rail safety worker is taken to have committed an offence against
the Rail Safety National Law (ACT), section 127 (3).
37 Failure to submit to blood test etc
(1) Subsection (3) applies if—
(a) the following applies:
(i) an authorised person requires the worker to submit to a
blood test under the Rail Safety National Law (ACT),
section 127 (Authorised person may require drug
screening test, oral fluid analysis, urine test and blood test);
(ii) the worker refuses to comply with the requirement or a
reasonable direction in relation to the requirement; or
(b) the worker fails to comply with section 27 (3) (Requirement to
take blood test in hospital after prescribed notifiable
occurrence).
Note Fail includes refuse (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
(2) Also, subsection (3) applies if—
(a) a doctor or nurse is required under section 27 (2) (Requirement
to take blood test in hospital after prescribed notifiable
occurrence) to take a blood sample from the worker; and
(b) the worker behaves in a way that makes it impossible or
impractical for the sample to be taken.
(3) The rail safety worker is taken to have committed an offence against
the Rail Safety National Law (ACT), section 127 (3).
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.4 Evidence
Section 38
page 32 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against the Rail Safety
National Law (ACT), section 127 (3) if the defendant proves that the
failure was based on—
(a) religious or other conscientious grounds; or
(b) medical grounds.
Division 3.4 Evidence
Subdivision 3.4.1 Application—div 3.4
38 Application—div 3.4
(1) This division applies to a proceeding in a court.
(2) A certificate under this division—
(a) is evidence of the matters stated in it; and
(b) is not inadmissible only because of the fact that the certificate
relates to 1, or some only, of the matters mentioned in the
provision of this division that applies to the certificate.
(3) Unless the contrary is proved, a document that purports to be a
certificate under this division is taken to be a certificate.
Subdivision 3.4.2 Evidentiary certificates
39 Evidentiary certificate—authorised person—
alcohol-related test
(1) An authorised person may give a signed certificate stating—
(a) that the person was on a stated date an authorised person; and
(b) that, on the date, at a stated time and in a stated place, a named
rail safety worker was required by the authorised person to
provide a sample of the worker’s breath for a breath analysis
using a breath analysis instrument; and
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Evidence Division 3.4
Section 39
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 33
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(c) the model number, patent number and serial number of the
instrument used; and
(d) that the instrument was in proper working order; and
(e) that the worker named in the certificate—
(i) provided a sample of the worker’s breath for a test or
analysis in accordance with the directions of the authorised
person who made the requirement; or
(ii) failed to provide a sample of the worker’s breath for the
test or analysis; and
Note Fail includes refuse (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
(f) the steps that were taken to ensure that it was not readily
apparent to members of the public that the breath analysis was
being carried out; and
(g) if the worker provided a sample—
(i) the procedures followed immediately before, during and
immediately after the alcohol screening test or breath
analysis; and
(ii) the concentration of alcohol in the worker’s blood or breath
as shown from the reading from the alcohol screening
device or breath analysis instrument; and
(iii) that, as soon as practicable after the alcohol screening test
or breath analysis was carried out, the authorised person
gave the worker the written statement mentioned in section
15 (6) (Conduct of breath analysis); and
(h) if the worker failed to provide a sample—the procedures
followed immediately before the worker was required to provide
a sample.
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.4 Evidence
Section 40
page 34 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(2) A written statement mentioned in section 15 (6) that is a print out
from a breath analysis instrument is evidence of the matters stated in
the statement.
40 Evidentiary certificate—authorised person—drug-related
test
(1) An authorised person may give a signed certificate stating—
(a) that the person was on a stated date an authorised person; and
(b) that, on the date, at a stated time and in a stated place, a named
rail safety worker was required by the authorised person to
provide a sample of the worker’s oral fluid or blood for a drug
or alcohol test; and
(c) the model number, patent number and serial number of the
instrument used; and
Note An authorised person other than a police officer does not carry out
oral fluid analysis (see s 21). Accordingly, an evidentiary
certificate given by the person may not include a statement about
par (c) and (d).
(d) that the instrument was in proper working order; and
(e) that the worker named in the certificate—
(i) provided a sample of the worker’s oral fluid or blood for
analysis in accordance with the directions of the authorised
person who made the requirement; or
(ii) failed to provide a sample for analysis; and
Note Fail includes refuse (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
(f) the steps that were taken to ensure that it was not readily
apparent to members of the public that the oral fluid analysis
was being carried out; and
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Evidence Division 3.4
Section 41
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 35
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(g) if the worker provided a sample—
(i) the procedures followed immediately before, during and
immediately after the drug or alcohol test; and
(ii) whether the drug or alcohol test showed that a drug or
alcohol was present in the worker’s blood or oral fluid; and
(iii) that, as soon as practicable after the drug or alcohol test
was carried out, the authorised person gave the worker the
written statement mentioned in—
(A) for an oral fluid analysis—section 24; and
(B) for an analysis of a blood sample—section 30; or
(h) if the worker failed to provide a sample—the procedures
followed immediately before the worker was required to provide
a sample.
(2) A written statement mentioned in section 24 that is a print out from
an oral fluid analysis instrument is evidence of the matters stated in
the statement.
(3) In this section:
drug or alcohol test means—
(a) for a sample of oral fluid—an oral fluid analysis; or
(b) for a sample of blood—a blood test.
41 Evidentiary certificate—sample taker
A sample taker may give a signed certificate stating that—
(a) the sample taker is a doctor or nurse; and
(b) the sample taker attended a named rail safety worker at a stated
hospital or sampling facility, on a stated day and at a stated time;
and
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.4 Evidence
Section 41
page 36 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(c) either—
(i) the sample taker was told by an authorised person that the
authorised person intended to require the worker to submit
to an oral fluid analysis or blood test under the Rail Safety
National Law (ACT), section 127 (Authorised person may
require drug screening test, oral fluid analysis, urine test
and blood test); or
(ii) if the worker has been taken into custody under section 26
(Detention for blood test)—a police officer has asked the
sample taker to take a sample of the worker’s blood; and
(d) the sample taker took the required sample from the worker; and
(e) the sample taker placed the sample into a container; and
(f) the sample taker attached a label to the container that contained
the following information:
(i) the sample taker’s name;
(ii) the worker’s name;
(iii) the date and time the sample was taken; and
(g) the sample taker sealed the container with a tamper-evident seal
that had a stated unique identifying number marked on it; and
(h) the sample taker put the sealed container into a one-way box;
and
(i) whether the sample taker was of the opinion, at the time the
sample taker was told, that complying with the requirement
would, or would not, be detrimental to the worker’s medical
condition.
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Evidence Division 3.4
Section 42
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 37
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
42 Evidentiary certificate—blood sample not taken by
sample taker
A sample taker may give a signed certificate stating that—
(a) the sample taker is a doctor or nurse; and
(b) the sample taker attended a named rail safety worker at a stated
hospital or sampling facility, on a stated day and at a stated time;
and
(c) if the worker is a person mentioned in section 26 (Detention for
blood test)—a police officer has asked the sample taker to take
a sample of the worker’s blood; and
(d) if the worker is a person mentioned in section 27 (1)
(Requirement to take blood test in hospital after prescribed
notifiable occurrence)—the sample taker believed that—
(i) the worker was injured as a result of a prescribed notifiable
occurrence and had attended the hospital for examination
or treatment because of the injury; and
(ii) the prescribed notifiable occurrence had happened not
longer than 8 hours before the worker arrived at the
hospital; and
(e) whether the sample taker was of the opinion that—
(i) taking the sample would, or would not, be detrimental to
the worker’s medical condition; or
(ii) a sample of blood had, or had not, been taken from the
worker mentioned in section 26 (1) or section 27 (1).
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.4 Evidence
Section 43
page 38 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
43 Evidentiary certificates—analysts
An analyst may give a signed certificate stating—
(a) that the person is an analyst; and
(b) that a sample of blood or oral fluid was analysed at a stated
approved laboratory; and
(c) that the sample was in a container—
(i) labelled in accordance with—
(A) for an oral fluid sample—section 20 (2) (b) (Oral
fluid—sample taken by authorised person) or
section 21 (3) (b) (Oral fluid—sample taken by police
officer from worker in custody—preliminary
analysis); and
(B) for a blood sample—section 28 (2) (b) (Taking blood
samples); or
(ii) sealed with a tamper-evident seal marked with a stated
unique identifying number; and
(d) that the tamper-evident seal did not appear to have been
interfered with; and
(e) the analysis of the sample that was undertaken; and
(f) the results of the analysis; and
(g) if a request was made by an authorised person under
section 29 (3) (Analysis of blood samples)—whether a
prescribed drug, or a drug other than a prescribed drug, or
alcohol was present in the sample; and
(h) that the analysis was accurate.
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Evidence Division 3.4
Section 44
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 39
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
Subdivision 3.4.3 Other provisions about evidence
44 Meaning of this Act—subdiv 3.4.3
In this subdivision:
this Act means this part and the testing provisions.
45 Effect of noncompliance—analysis of breath or blood
(1) This section applies if the court hearing a charge for an offence
against the Rail Safety National Law (ACT), section 128 arising out
of the carrying out of a breath analysis or the taking and analysis of a
sample of blood of a rail safety worker is not satisfied that there has
been compliance with every provision (a rail safety testing provision)
of this Act relating to the carrying out of the breath analysis or the
taking and analysis of the sample of blood.
Note A reference to this Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments
made or in force under this Act, including a regulation (see Legislation
Act, s 104).
(2) The court must dismiss the charge unless satisfied that despite the
failure to comply with a rail safety testing provision the result
obtained in the breath analysis, or the blood sample analysis, would
have been the prescribed concentration for the rail safety worker.
46 Effect of noncompliance—analysis of oral fluid
(1) This section applies if the court hearing a charge for an offence
against the Rail Safety National Law (ACT), section 128 arising out
of the carrying out of oral fluid analysis for a rail safety worker is not
satisfied that there has been compliance with every provision (a rail
safety testing provision) of this Act relating to the carrying out of the
analysis.
Note A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments
made or in force under the Act, including regulations (see Legislation
Act, s 104).
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.4 Evidence
Section 47
page 40 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(2) The court must dismiss the charge unless satisfied that despite the
failure to comply with a rail safety testing provision the result
obtained in the oral fluid analysis would have indicated the presence
of a prescribed drug in the rail safety worker’s body.
47 Effect of noncompliance—failure to give sample of breath
(1) This section applies if the court hearing a charge for an offence
against the Rail Safety National Law (ACT), section 126 (3) in
relation to a rail safety worker’s failure to submit to breath analysis is
not satisfied that there has been compliance with every provision
(a rail safety testing provision) of this Act relating to that part of the
carrying out of breath analysis that is required to be carried out before
the sample of breath is given by the worker.
Note A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments
made or in force under the Act, including a regulation (see Legislation
Act, s 104).
(2) The court must dismiss the charge unless satisfied that despite the
failure to comply with a rail safety testing provision the result
obtained in breath analysis, if it had taken place, would have been the
prescribed concentration for the rail safety worker.
48 Effect of noncompliance—failure to give sample of oral
fluid
(1) This section applies if the court hearing a charge for an offence
against the Rail Safety National Law (ACT), section 127 (3) in
relation to a rail safety worker’s failure to submit to oral fluid analysis
is not satisfied that there has been compliance with every provision
(a rail safety testing provision) of this Act relating to that part of the
carrying out of an oral fluid analysis that is required to be carried out
before the sample of oral fluid is given by the worker.
Note A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments
made or in force under the Act, including regulations (see Legislation
Act, s 104).
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Evidence Division 3.4
Section 49
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 41
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(2) The court must dismiss the charge unless satisfied that despite the
failure to comply with a rail safety testing provision the result
obtained in an oral fluid analysis, if it had taken place, would have
indicated the presence of a prescribed drug in the rail safety worker’s
body.
49 Oral evidence about evidentiary certificate
(1) A rail safety worker who has been charged with an offence against
the Rail Safety National Law (ACT), section 126 (3) or section 127 (3)
may give written notice to the Regulator that the worker will require
the attendance, for the purpose of giving evidence orally, at court on
the hearing of the charge of each or any person by whom a certificate
mentioned in subdivision 3.4.2 is given.
(2) The notice may be given by posting it to the Regulator, or leaving it
for the Regulator, at the Regulator’s office—
(a) for a certificate mentioned in section 39 (Evidentiary
certificate—authorised person—alcohol-related test)—not less
than 7 days before the date fixed for the hearing of the charge;
or
(b) for a certificate mentioned in section 40 (Evidentiary
certificate—authorised person—drug-related test)—not less
than 21 days before the date fixed for the hearing of the charge;
or
(c) if the court orders a shorter period for service—not less than the
shorter period.
(3) Even if a notice has been given under subsection (2) and the people
mentioned in the notice give evidence relating to the matters stated in
the certificates, the certificates—
(a) are admissible in evidence; and
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.4 Evidence
Section 50
page 42 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(b) are evidence of the matters stated in the certificates and of the
facts on which they are based; and
(c) have the probative value that the court determines consistently
with the other evidence before the court.
50 Evidence about presence of alcohol and prescribed
drugs
In a proceeding for an offence against the Rail Safety National
Law (ACT), section 128, evidence may be given—
(a) of the concentration of alcohol in the rail safety worker’s blood
or breath based on—
(i) for proof of the concentration of alcohol in the worker’s
blood or breath—an analysis of a sample of the worker’s
breath carried out in accordance with this part and the
testing provisions; or
(ii) for proof of the concentration of alcohol in the worker’s
blood—an analysis of a sample of the worker’s blood
carried out at an approved laboratory and certified as
accurate by an analyst; and
(b) that a rail safety worker has a prescribed drug in the worker’s
oral fluid or blood based on—
(i) for proof of the presence of a prescribed drug in the
worker’s oral fluid—an analysis of a sample of the
worker’s oral fluid under section 23 (Oral fluid—
confirmatory analysis) that shows that a prescribed drug is
present in the sample; or
(ii) for proof of the presence of a prescribed drug in the
worker’s blood—an analysis of a part of a sample of the
worker’s blood under section 29 (Analysis of blood
samples) that shows that a prescribed drug is present in the
sample.
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Miscellaneous Division 3.5
Section 51
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 43
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
Division 3.5 Miscellaneous
51 How alcohol concentration may be expressed
(1) For this part and the testing provisions, an analysis of a concentration
of alcohol in a rail safety worker’s blood or breath may be expressed
as follows:
(a) the amount of alcohol, in grams, in 100mL of blood if the
analysis is based on—
(i) a sample of blood; or
(ii) a sample of breath measured by an alcohol screening
device or a breath analysis instrument;
(b) the amount of alcohol, in grams, in 210L of breath if the analysis
is based on a sample of breath measured by an alcohol screening
device or a breath analysis instrument.
(2) For this part and the testing provisions, an amount of alcohol
measured in grams as part of 210L of breath is equivalent to the same
amount of alcohol in grams as part of 100mL of blood.
52 Protection of police officers and medical staff
(1) Subsection (2) applies to—
(a) a police officer who in the exercise or intended exercise of a
power given by this part or the testing provisions, takes a rail
safety worker into custody and takes the worker to a place for
this part or the testing provisions; and
(b) any other police officer (a receiving officer) who accepts
custody of a worker from the police officer mentioned in
paragraph (a), if the receiving officer believes on reasonable
grounds that the worker is liable to be taken into custody.
Part 3 Alcohol and drug testing
Division 3.5 Miscellaneous
Section 53
page 44 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(2) The police officer is not liable, only because of the taking into custody
of the worker and the holding of the worker in custody, in an action
arising out of the worker’s custody.
(3) The Territory indemnifies a sample taker who exercises a function
under this part or the testing provisions in relation to any damages
that the sample taker becomes liable to pay as a result of the exercise
of those functions.
(4) Subsection (3) applies whether the rail safety worker from whom a
sample is taken was or was not capable, because of the worker’s
mental condition, of giving or refusing consent to the taking of a
sample.
53 Abrogation of privilege of self-incrimination—derivative
use immunity
(1) This section applies despite anything to the contrary in the Rail Safety
National Law (ACT), section 155 (Abrogation of privilege against
self-incrimination).
(2) Without limiting the Rail Safety National Law (ACT), section 155,
any answer to a question or information provided or document
obtained as a direct result or indirect consequence of the answer,
information or document being provided by a person under a
requirement or direction of an authorised person under this part or the
testing provisions is not admissible as evidence against that person in
a civil or criminal proceeding other than a proceeding arising out of
the false and misleading nature of the answer, information or
document.
Alcohol and drug testing Part 3
Miscellaneous Division 3.5
Section 53
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 45
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(3) However—
(a) any information or document required to be kept under the Rail
Safety National Law (ACT) that is provided by a person under a
requirement under the Law, section 154 (Power to require
production of documents and answers to questions) is
admissible in evidence against the person in a criminal
proceeding; and
(b) any information obtained from a person under this part or the
testing provisions that is in a document that the person is
required to keep under the Rail Safety National Law (ACT)—
(i) is admissible in evidence against the person in a criminal
proceeding; or
(ii) may be used in any action, proceeding or process that may
make a person liable to a penalty.
Part 4 Miscellaneous
Section 54
page 46 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
Part 4 Miscellaneous
54 Provision of information and assistance to Regulator
(1) Despite any other territory law, a person exercising a function under
the local application provisions of this Act or the Rail Safety National
Law (ACT) is authorised, on the person’s own initiative or at the
request of the Regulator, to give the Regulator—
(a) the information (including information given in confidence) in
the person’s possession or control that the Regulator reasonably
requires for the local application provisions of this Act or the
Rail Safety National Law (ACT); and
(b) any other assistance that the Regulator reasonably requires to
exercise a function under the local application provisions of this
Act or the Rail Safety National Law (ACT).
(2) This section authorises the disclosure of the information by the
Regulator to someone else for the exercise of the Regulator’s
functions under the local application provisions of this Act or the Rail
Safety National Law (ACT).
55 Regulation-making power
(1) The Executive may make regulations for this Act.
(2) A regulation may modify a national regulation.
(3) For part 3 (Alcohol and drug testing) and the testing provisions, a
regulation may make provision in relation to the following:
(a) conducting drug and alcohol screening tests;
(b) conducting breath and oral fluid analyses, including storing and
destroying samples;
(c) taking, storing, analysing and destroying blood samples;
(d) how results from testing or analysis may be used;
Miscellaneous Part 4
Section 55
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 47
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
(e) information to be given to people who are required to undertake
testing or analysis or provide a sample;
(f) evidentiary certificates and evidence for a proceeding.
Dictionary
page 48 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
Dictionary
(see s 3)
Note 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to
the local application provisions of this Act (see s 8 (4)).
Note 2 For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:
• ACAT
• ACT
• chief police officer
• Criminal Code
• doctor
• DPP
• Magistrates Court
• nurse
• proceeding
• State
• territory law.
alcohol screening device, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug testing) and
the testing provisions—see section 10 (1).
alcohol screening test, for a person, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug
testing) and the testing provisions—see section 10 (1).
analyst, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug testing) and the testing
provisions—see section 10 (1).
approved laboratory, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug testing) and the
testing provisions—see section 10 (1).
blood test, for a person, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug testing) and the
testing provisions—see section 10 (1).
breath analysis, for a person, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug testing)
and the testing provisions—see section 10 (1).
Dictionary
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 49
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
breath analysis instrument, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug testing) and
the testing provisions—see section 10 (1).
drug screening device, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug testing) and the
testing provisions—see section 10 (1).
drug screening test, for a person, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug testing)
and the testing provisions—see section 10 (1).
local application provisions of this Act means the provisions of this
Act other than the Rail Safety National Law (ACT).
oral fluid analysis, for a person, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug testing)
and the testing provisions—see section 10 (1).
oral fluid analysis instrument, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug testing)
and the testing provisions—see section 10 (1).
preliminary breath test, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug testing) and the
testing provisions—see section 10 (1).
prescribed concentration of alcohol, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug
testing) and the testing provisions—see section 10 (1).
prescribed drug, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug testing) and the testing
provisions—see section 10 (1).
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) means the provisions applying
because of section 6.
sample taker, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug testing) and the testing
provisions—see section 10 (1).
sampling facility, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug testing)—see
section 10 (1).
South Australian Act means the Rail Safety National Law (South
Australia) Act 2012 (SA).
Note A reference to a law (including the South Australian Act) includes a
reference to the law as originally made and as amended (see Legislation
Act, s 102).
Dictionary
page 50 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
testing provisions, for part 3 (Alcohol and drug testing) and the
testing provisions—see section 10 (1).
this Act, for subdivision 3.4.3 (Other provisions about evidence)—
see section 44.
Endnotes
About the endnotes 1
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 51
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
Endnotes
1 About the endnotes
Amending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the
amendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law
but are set out in the endnotes.
Not all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are
annotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be
obtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.
Uncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details
of these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are
underlined in the legislation history and amendment history.
If all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered
provisions gives details of previous and current numbering.
The endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.
2 Abbreviation key
A = Act NI = Notifiable instrument
AF = Approved form o = order
am = amended om = omitted/repealed
amdt = amendment ord = ordinance
AR = Assembly resolution orig = original
ch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph
CN = Commencement notice pres = present
def = definition prev = previous
DI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously
dict = dictionary pt = part
disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule
Assembly reloc = relocated
div = division renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No
Gaz = gazette RI = reissue
hdg = heading s = section/subsection
IA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule
ins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision
LA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law
LR = legislation register sub = substituted
LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced
mod = modified/modification or to be expired
Endnotes
3 Legislation history
page 52 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
3 Legislation history
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014 A2014-14
notified LR 20 May 2014
s 1, s 2 commenced 20 May 2014 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 20 November 2014 (s 2 and LA s 79)
as amended by
Emergencies Amendment Act 2016 A2016-33 sch 1 pt 1.16
notified LR 20 June 2016
s 1, s 2 commenced 20 June 2016 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.16 commenced 21 June 2016 (s 2)
Freedom of Information Act 2016 A2016-55 sch 4 pt 4.21 (as am by
A2017-14 s 19)
notified LR 26 August 2016
s 1, s 2 commenced 26 August 2016 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 4 pt 4.21 commenced 1 January 2018 (s 2 as am by A2017-14
s 19)
Justice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Act 2017
(No 2) A2017-14 s 19, pt 16
notified LR 17 May 2017
s 1, s 2 commenced 17 May 2017 (LA s 75 (1))
s 19 commenced 24 May 2017 (s 2 (1))
pt 16 commenced 30 April 2018 (s 2 (2) (a) and see Road Transport
(Road Rules) Regulation 2017 SL2017-43 s 2)
Note This Act also amends the Freedom of Information Act 2016
A2016-55.
Road Transport Reform (Light Rail) Legislation Amendment Act 2018
A2018-19 sch 2
notified LR 17 May 2018
s 1, s 2 commenced 17 May 2018 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 2 commenced 24 May 2018 (s 2)
Endnotes
Legislation history 3
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 53
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
Statute Law Amendment Act 2025 A2025-29 sch 3 pt 3.77, sch 4
pt 4.148
notified LR 6 November 2025
s 1, s 2 commenced 6 November 2025 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.77, sch 4 pt 4.148 commenced 26 November 2025
(s 2 (3), (9))
Endnotes
4 Amendment history
page 54 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
4 Amendment history
Commencement
s 2 om LA s 89 (4)
Exclusion of Legislation Act
s 7 (5), (6) exp 20 November 2015 (s 7 (6))
am A2018-19 amdt 2.1
Exclusion of other territory laws
s 8 am A2016-55 amdt 4.31; A2025-29 amdt 4.149
Meaning of generic terms for Rail Safety National Law (ACT)
s 9 am A2016-33 amdt 1.39; A2017-14 s 48, s 49
Approval of laboratories
s 12 am A2025-29 amdt 4.149
Detention for breath analysis
s 14 am A2025-29 amdt 4.149
Conduct of breath analysis
s 15 am A2025-29 amdt 4.149
Conduct of drug screening test
s 17 am A2025-29 amdt 4.149
Detention for oral fluid analysis
s 18 am A2025-29 amdt 4.149
Oral fluid—sample taken by police officer from worker in custody—
preliminary analysis
s 21 am A2025-29 amdt 4.149
Regulation-making power
s 55 am A2025-29 amdt 4.149
Consequential amendment
pt 5 hdg om LA s 89 (3)
Crimes Act 1900, new section 187 (2) (c) and (d)
s 56 om LA s 89 (3)
Transitional
pt 10 hdg exp 20 November 2016 (s 121)
Transitional regulations
s 120 exp 20 November 2016 (s 121)
Expiry—pt 10
s 121 exp 20 November 2016 (s 121)
Endnotes
Amendment history 4
R9
26/11/25
Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
page 55
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
Validation
pt 11 hdg ins A2018-19 amdt 2.2
exp 24 May 2018 (s 123)
Validation of national regulation variation regulations
s 122 ins A2018-19 amdt 2.2
exp 24 May 2018 (s 123)
Expiry—pt 11
s 123 ins A2018-19 amdt 2.2
exp 24 May 2018 (s 123)
Dictionary
dict def sampling facility ins A2025-29 amdt 3.255
Endnotes
5 Earlier republications
page 56 Rail Safety National Law (ACT) Act 2014
Effective: 26/11/25
R9
26/11/25
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
5 Earlier republications
Some earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to
the publication order.
Since 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in
electronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised
republications have also been published in printed format. These republications are
marked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an
authorised republication are identical.
Republication
No and date
Effective Last
amendment
made by
Republication
for
R1
20 Nov 2014
20 Nov 2014–
20 Nov 2015
not amended new Act
R2
21 Nov 2015
21 Nov 2015–
20 June 2016
not amended expiry of provisions
(s 7 (5), (6))
R3
21 June 2016
21 June 2016–
20 Nov 2016
A2016-33 amendments by
A2016-33
R4
21 Nov 2016
21 Nov 2016–
31 Dec 2017
A2016-33 expiry of
transitional
provisions (pt 10)
R5
1 Jan 2018
1 Jan 2018–
29 Apr 2018
A2017-14 amendments by
A2016-55 as
amended by
A2017-14
R6
30 Apr 2018
30 Apr 2018–
23 May 2018
A2017-14 amendments by
A2017-14
R7
24 May 2018
24 May 2018–
24 May 2018
A2018-19 amendments by
A2018-19
R8
25 May 2018
25 May 2018–
25 Nov 2025
A2018-19 expiry of validation
provisions (pt 11)