This audit would assess to what extent the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and its subsidiary Inland Rail Pty Limited has effectively managed its procurement and contracts for Inland Rail.

Inland Rail is a key government infrastructure project. It involves building and operating a freight train line from Brisbane to Melbourne. Construction started in 2018 with sections between Beveridge VIC and Parkes NSW expected to be finished in 2027. Design and approvals works are underway for the Parkes NSW to Ebenezer Qld line. Since 2018, there has been more than $3.8 billion in contracts awarded.

In October 2022, the Australian Government announced an independent review into Inland Rail. This was completed in April 2023 and made 19 recommendations. The government responded to the review in April 2023. One of the independent review’s recommendations was the establishment of a subsidiary of ARTC to deliver the Inland Rail project. Inland Rail Pty Limited (IRPL) was established as a subsidiary of ARTC in July 2023.