Subject:
FW: HSR evaluation timeline and process [SEC=OFFICIAL]
From: Adam Copp <xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Thursday, 3 July 2025 1:08 PM
To: David Tucker <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Re: HSR evaluation timeline and process [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
HSRA has nearly completed its preparations for the development phase and Infrastructure Australia (IA) is finalising
its evaluation of the business case.
Adam Copp
Chief Executive
xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
OFFICIAL
From: David Tucker <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 11:35
To: Adam Copp <xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: RE: HSR evaluation timeline and process [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
David Tucker
Chief of Project Advisory & Evaluation
xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
1
OFFICIAL
From: Adam Copp <xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Thursday, 3 July 2025 9:37 AM
To: David Tucker <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Fw: HSR evaluation timeline and process [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Have chatted to Tim.
HSRA has nearly completed its preparations for the development phase and Infrastructure Australia (IA) is finalising
its evaluation of the business case.
I’ve asked to schedule some time with Greg to discuss mechanics of the end of this process including provision of
advice to Government, public statements etc.
James Savage
Assistant Secretary • High Speed Rail and Infrastructure Advisory
xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
infrastructure.gov.au
I acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land on which we meet, work and live.
I recognise and respect their continuing connection to the land, waters and communities.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
From: David Tucker <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Thursday, 19 June 2025 8:10 AM
To: SAVAGE, James <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>; Adam Copp
<xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Cc:
infrastructure.gov.au>;
@infrastructure.gov.au>;
@infrastructure.gov.au>;
2
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>
Subject: RE: HSR evaluation timeline and process [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Hi James,
We had a briefing from HSRA yesterday on their latest work and have also sought some additional information per
the draft Evaluation Report. We expect this will be provided next week and also have another briefing with them on
the 27th.
The current plan is to update the Evaluation Report and seek approval from the Commissioners at their meeting on
23rd July. We can have an out-of-session meeting before this if needed (assuming the additional information comes
through in time). Please advise if that might be necessary.
As with all of our evaluations, we withhold commercially sensitive content where requested from proponents.
Our Tabling format is simply a summary of all evaluations completed in the prior quarter, with links to the reports on
our website, so it does not reveal anything different to what has been published.
Very happy to discuss this further,
David
David Tucker
Chief of Project Advisory & Evaluation
xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
OFFICIAL
From: SAVAGE, James <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Wednesday, 18 June 2025 1:09 PM
To: David Tucker <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>; Adam Copp
<xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Cc:
@infrastructure.gov.au>;
@infrastructure.gov.au>;
@infrastructure.gov.au>
Subject: HSR evaluation timeline and process [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Hi David
3
Just following our comments on the draft evaluation of high speed rail last week, it would be great if we could touch
base sometime soon on:
Expected timeline for IA to finalise
Confirming protected status of the evaluation
Given the protected status, what a public statement from IA looks like when putting something on your
website
Given the protected status, what tabling in Parliament of the “summary” might look like
James Savage
Assistant Secretary • High Speed Rail and Infrastructure Advisory
xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
GPO Box 594 Canberra, ACT 2601
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
CONNECTING AUSTRALIANS • ENRICHING COMMUNITIES • EMPOWERING REGIONS
infrastructure.gov.au
I acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land on which we meet, work and live.
I recognise and respect their continuing connection to the land, waters and communities.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
OFFICIAL
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Development, Communications and the Arts. The information transmitted is for the use of the
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Any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in
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4
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5
Subject:
FW: HSR
From: Adam Copp <xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Friday, 11 July 2025 7:01 AM
To:
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>;
s 22
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>; David Tucker
<xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: HSR
OFFICIAL
I've reviewed the HSR material for the Commissioner meeting in the protected system and that is good to
release to Tim.
Adam Copp
Chief Executive
xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Level 28, Parkline Place, 252 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000
LinkedIn | Subscribe | infrastructureaustralia.gov.au
Infrastructure Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the
continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to First Nations cultures and to
Elders past and present.
We value flexible working. While it suits me to send this email now, I do not expect a response outside of your
own working hours.
OFFICIAL
1
OFFICIAL
From: Adam Copp <xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Tuesday, 15 July 2025 11:20 AM
To: SAVAGE, James <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>;
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>;
David Tucker <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Re: HSR catch up [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Hi James,
Sure thing. DT can facilitate latest draft updated following further info provided.
Adam Copp
Chief Executive
xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
OFFICIAL
From: SAVAGE, James <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 11:16:07 AM
To: Adam Copp <
xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>;
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>;
David Tucker <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: RE: HSR catch up [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Thanks Adam
Sarah from
office is talking to
about a suitable time.
It would be beneficial if
and I could get a look at the evaluation.
James Savage
Assistant Secretary
• High Speed Rail and Infrastructure Advisory
xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
P
• M
GPO Box 594 Canberra, ACT 2601
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
CONNECTING AUSTRALIANS • ENRICHING COMMUNITIES • EMPOWERING REGIONS
infrastructure.gov.au
I acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land on which we meet, work and live.
I recognise and respect their continuing connection to the land, waters and communities.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
OFFICIAL
From: Adam Copp <xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Tuesday, 15 July 2025 10:55 AM
To:
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>;
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au
>; SAVAGE, James <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: HSR catch up
OFFICIAL
James
will be in touch (if not already) to schedule a catch up with DT and I on HSR. Needs to be over the next week.
Regards,
Adam Copp
Chief Executive
xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Notice and Disclaimer: This message has been issued by Infrastructure Australia. The information transmitted is for the use of the intended recipient only and may contain confidential and/or legally privileged material. If you are
not the intended recipient any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information is unauthorised. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately
notify Infrastructure Australia on (02) 8114 1900 and delete all copies of this transmission together with any attachments. No liability is accepted for any unauthorised use of the information in this transmission.
OFFICIAL
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Disclaimer
This message has been issued by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. The information transmitted is for the use of the intended recipient only and may
contain confidential and/or legally privileged material.
Any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited and may result in
severe penalties.
If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the Department on +61 (2) 6274 7111 and delete all copies of this transmission together with any attachments.
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Notice and Disclaimer: This message has been issued by Infrastructure Australia. The information transmitted is for the use of the intended recipient only and may contain confidential and/or legally privileged
material. If you are not the intended recipient any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information is unauthorised. If you have received this
e-mail in error, please immediately notify Infrastructure Australia on (02) 8114 1900 and delete all copies of this transmission together with any attachments. No liability is accepted for any unauthorised use of the
information in this transmission.
OFFICIAL
From: SAVAGE, James <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Thursday, 24 July 2025 2:29 PM
To: Adam Copp <xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>; David Tucker <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Cc:
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>;
@infrastructure.gov.au>
Subject: HSR evaluation [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Hi Adam
Just wondering how you went with the Commissioners yesterday on high speed rail evaluation?
Nothing urgent, we are just checking in with the Office again so if there was an update it would be good to provide.
Regards
James Savage
Assistant Secretary
• High Speed Rail and Infrastructure Advisory
xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Ps
• M
GPO Box 594 Canberra, ACT 2601
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
CONNECTING AUSTRALIANS • ENRICHING COMMUNITIES • EMPOWERING REGIONS
infrastructure.gov.au
I acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land on which we meet, work and live.
I recognise and respect their continuing connection to the land, waters and communities.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
OFFICIAL
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Disclaimer
This message has been issued by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. The information transmitted is for the use of the intended recipient only and may
contain confidential and/or legally privileged material.
Any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited and may result in
severe penalties.
If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the Department on +61 (2) 6274 7111 and delete all copies of this transmission together with any attachments.
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Notice and Disclaimer: This message has been issued by Infrastructure Australia. The information transmitted is for the use of the intended recipient only and may contain confidential and/or legally privileged
material. If you are not the intended recipient any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information is unauthorised. If you have received this
e-mail in error, please immediately notify Infrastructure Australia on (02) 8114 1900 and delete all copies of this transmission together with any attachments. No liability is accepted for any unauthorised use of the
information in this transmission.
From:
FOI
Subject:
FW: HSR Evaluation Report - discussion [SEC=OFFICIAL]
From: s 22
@hsra.gov.au>
Sent: Tuesday, 29 July 2025 10:50 AM
To: David Tucker <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Cc: SAVAGE, James <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>;
s 22
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>;
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>
Subject: RE: HSR Evaluation Report - discussion [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
No worries David, thanks for letting me know
Cheers
Steve
OFFICIAL
From: David Tucker <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Tuesday, 29 July 2025 10:32 AM
To:
@hsra.gov.au>
Cc: SAVAGE, James <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>;
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>;
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>
Subject: RE: HSR Evaluation Report - discussion [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Hi
It’s likely I won’t be able to join the meeting today, if I can, it’ll only be for part of the time.
and
will be attending.
Cheers, David
David Tucker
Chief of Project Advisory & Evaluation
xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
1
OFFICIAL
-----Original Appointment-----
From:
@hsra.gov.au>
Sent: Friday, 25 July 2025 1:02 PM
To:
; David Tucker;
Cc: SAVAGE, James
Subject: HSR Evaluation Report - discussion [SEC=OFFICIAL]
When: Tuesday, 29 July 2025 2:30 PM-3:00 PM (UTC+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney.
Where: Teams
OFFICIAL
Hi David
Just putting in some time as discussed for you to talk us through IA’s evaluation. Please shout if the time doesn’t
work.
Regards
________________________________________________________________________________
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Join the meeting now
For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN
________________________________________________________________________________
OFFICIAL
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Disclaimer
This message has been issued by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional
2
Development, Communications and the Arts. The information transmitted is for the use of the
intended recipient only and may contain confidential and/or legally privileged material.
Any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in
reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited
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all copies of this transmission together with any attachments.
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the use of the intended recipient only and may contain confidential and/or legally privileged material. If you are not
the intended recipient any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action
in reliance upon, this information is unauthorised. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately
notify Infrastructure Australia on (02) 8114 1900 and delete all copies of this transmission together with any
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Development, Communications and the Arts. The information transmitted is for the use of the
intended recipient only and may contain confidential and/or legally privileged material.
Any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in
reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited
and may result in severe penalties.
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3
OFFICIAL
From: SAVAGE, James <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>;
Sent: Wednesday, 20 August 2025 1:20 PM
To: Adam Copp<xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>; x
David Tucker<xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Cc: @infrastructure. @infrastructure.gov.au>;
@infrastructure.gov.au>;
@infrastructure.gov.au>;
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>
Subject: RE: HSR evaluation [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
Thank you!
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
From: Adam Copp,<xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Wednesday, 20 August 2025 1:10 PM
To: SAVAGE, James <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>;;
David Tucker xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Cc:
@infrastructure.gov.au>;
@infrastructure.gov.au>;
@infrastructure.gov.au>;
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>
Subject: Re: HSR evaluation [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
Hi James
will be in touch.
We still need to action the feedback from HSRA, and then for CEO/C.Chief Commissioner approval of changes.
We intend to provide an updated copy to the Department once that is done.
We will await any internal government processes concluding before publishing.
Regards,
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
From:
@infrastructure.gov.au>
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 11:59
To:
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>;
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>
Cc:
@infrastructure.gov.au>
@infrastructure.gov.au>;
@infrastructure.gov.au>;
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>
Subject: HSR evaluation [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
Hi Adam
Last night at the Commissioner catch up with
the commentary was that the IA evaluation of the high speed rail business case had been completed and submitted.
The last I think I saw of it was responses between
and HSRA on their fact check.
Can I just confirm progress and plans to submit (I believe we discussed previously you would submit to us, rather than the Minister, but let’s confirm again).
If I have missed something somewhere, my apologies.
GPO Box 594 Canberra, ACT 2601
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
CONNECTING AUSTRALIANS • ENRICHING COMMUNITIES • EMPOWERING REGIONS
infrastructure.gov.au
I acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land on which we meet, work and live.
I recognise and respect their continuing connection to the land, waters and communities.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
---------------------------------------------------------------------
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This message has been issued by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. The information transmitted is for the use of the intended recipient only and may
contain confidential and/or legally privileged material.
Any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited and may result in
severe penalties.
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not the intended recipient any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information is unauthorised. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately
notify Infrastructure Australia on (02) 8114 1900 and delete all copies of this transmission together with any attachments. No liability is accepted for any unauthorised use of the information in this transmission.
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This message has been issued by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. The information transmitted is for the use of the intended recipient only and may
contain confidential and/or legally privileged material.
Any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited and may result in
severe penalties.
If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the Department on +61 (2) 6274 7111 and delete all copies of this transmission together with any attachments.
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Notice and Disclaimer: This message has been issued by Infrastructure Australia. The information transmitted is for the use of the intended recipient only and may contain confidential and/or legally privileged
material. If you are not the intended recipient any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information is unauthorised. If you have received this
e-mail in error, please immediately notify Infrastructure Australia on (02) 8114 1900 and delete all copies of this transmission together with any attachments. No liability is accepted for any unauthorised use of the
information in this transmission.
From:
SAVAGE, James <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent:
Monday, 29 September 2025 1:12 PM
To:
Adam Copp<xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject:
RE: HSR [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
Thanks – I’ve just seen a draft estimates schedule that has you on, before HSRA, for 30 mins on the Tuesday night
(after dinner break but before the late-night session).
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
From: Adam Copp <xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Monday, 29 September 2025 2:56 PM
To: SAVAGE, James <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>;
Subject: HSR
OFFICIAL
Background (from IA’s website)
The Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail proposal intends to establish an efficient and reliable transport
solution between Newcastle and Sydney, one of Australia’s busiest regional corridors.
The proposal covers 194 kilometres of tracks and is proposed to be delivered in two stages. The proposal
provides an alternative to existing transport options to support the additional 9.2 million people expected in
the corridor by 2061.
The Newcastle to Sydney corridor is the first stage of a national high speed rail network. The long-term vision is
to connect Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne through over 1,800 kilometres of dedicated high speed
rail tracks.
In 2023, the Australian Government committed $500 million to the early stages of developing high speed rail.
Key points
The HSR Newcastle to Sydney Business Case was accepted for evaluation on 23 January 2025.
Our Evaluation Report was approved on 23 July 2025
We completed fact-checking with the High Speed Rail Authority in August.
Our evaluation report was provided to the Australian Government on 29 August.
The evaluation report will be published on our website in due course, in accordance with our
statutory requirements 5 November (as per below):
1
Like all proponents seeking to make a submission to IA, we provided advice to HSRA on
developing the business case and on the requirements of our Assessment Framework.
We assessed the proposal against the requirements of IA’s Assessment Framework and the
key criteria of Strategic Fit, Societal Impact (economics) and Deliverability.
The report has now been provided to government for consideration by Cabinet.
There are commercial-in-confidence elements to be considered as part of this evaluation, the
exact nature of which will be dependent on decisions of the Australian Government. Inadvertently,
revealing information that may have commercial sensitivity may impact the Commonwealth’s ability to
get value for money if they do decide to proceed with the project.
For these reasons, I am likely to need to take some questions on notice around this project.
Length of evaluation
High Speed Rail is an extremely large and complex project and it was appropriate that we
performed due diligence on it.
We have had a lot of engagement with the High Speed Rail Authority on the project to
understand the work they have been doing.
Like all proposals and business cases reviewed by Infrastructure Australia, this evaluation was
completed as efficiently as possible.
We will be tabling the evaluation within the statutory requirements (Early November).
If asked about the benefits of the proposal?
The details of our evaluation will be published on our website in due course but what I can say
at a high level is that the Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail proposal intends to provide an
alternative transport option connecting one of Australia’s busiest regional corridors.
In our Annual Budget Statement published earlier this year, we outlined IA’s view of the most
significant priority areas for national infrastructure investment and High Capacity Transport for
Growing Cities was one of five focus areas we identified.
Building safe, efficient, city-shaping transport has the potential to unlock priority growth areas
and precincts for housing and development.
Level 28, Parkline Place, 252 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000
LinkedIn | Subscribe | infrastructureaustralia.gov.au
Infrastructure Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the
continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to First Nations cultures and to
Elders past and present.
2
We value flexible working. While it suits me to send this email now, I do not expect a response outside of your
own working hours.
OFFICIAL
Notice and Disclaimer: This message has been issued by Infrastructure Australia. The information transmitted is for
the use of the intended recipient only and may contain confidential and/or legally privileged material. If you are not
the intended recipient any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action
in reliance upon, this information is unauthorised. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately
notify Infrastructure Australia on (02) 8114 1900 and delete all copies of this transmission together with any
attachments. No liability is accepted for any unauthorised use of the information in this transmission.
3
From:
SAVAGE, James <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>;
Sent:
Tuesday, 30 September 2025 8:27 AM
To:
PARKER, Tim; Adam Copp
Subject:
HSR public talking points [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Attachments:
High Speed Rail public talking points.docx
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
Tim, Adam
infrastructure.gov.au
I acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land on which we meet, work and live.
I recognise and respect their continuing connection to the land, waters and communities.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
1
High Speed Rail public talking points
Can you make the business case available?
Department: We can take that on notice. We would need to consult on whether the release of the
material would disclose the deliberations of Cabinet.
HSRA: We can take on notice. Our understanding is that the business case is being considered by the
Government and we would need to consult the Department and Minister as we are not involved in
the Cabinet decision making process.
IA: The business case is not our document to release and this question should be referred to the
Department or to HSRA.
Can you make the IA evaluation of the business case available?
Department: It is not our document but we can take that on notice. Government Ministers have
publicly stated that the evaluation will help information decisions of Government. We would need to
consult on whether the release of the material would disclose the deliberations of Cabinet. We
support IA with the process to table documents in the Parliament and will work with them to meet
their legislative requirements.
HSRA: We do not have a final copy of the evaluation. Our understanding of the process is that
project proponents are provided a final close to when IA makes their evaluation public.
IA: We will meet our legislative requirement to table a summary of the evaluation in the Parliament
and make it publicly available, as we do for every business case that we assess. In regard to tabling
with the Committee ahead of that process, we would need to consult the Department and Minister
as we are not involved in the Cabinet decision making process.
When will tabling in the Parliament of the IA evaluation occur?
We expect the tabling to occur by 5 November 2025.
Does this mean the Government will consider the business case and make a decision by 5
November?
Timing of decision making is a matter for Government.
IA: We will consult with HSRA and the Minister closer to the tabling date to ensure that our summary
is not disclosing any details that either commercially sensitive, or disclosing the deliberations of
Cabinet. We have previously issued evaluations that have redacted sensitive information and this is
not unusual. Tabling of our evaluation summaries are consider Clerk documents and do not require
the approval of the Minister.
Are you claiming public interest immunity?
Department: The Minister would need to make a claim of public interest immunity. There is
precedent to not disclose documents related to the deliberations of Cabinet but we would need to
consult the Minister.
HSRA: Our understanding is that the business case is being considered by the Government and we
would need to consult the Department and Minister as we are not involved in the Cabinet decision
making process and would need to confirm the status of the business case and our the application of
arrangements relating to disclosure of documents outlined in the Cabinet Handbook.
IA: The business case is not our document to release and this question should be referred to the
Department or to HSRA.
Why did it take so long for Infrastructure Australia to evaluate the business case?
Department: High speed rail is a transformational project that would shape the development of the
east coast of Australia for decades. It’s appropriate that the introduction of a new transport system
and technology into Australia is carefully considered and that advice to Government carefully
considers the benefits but also there is an appropriate assessment and balance of risks.
HSRA: We supported Infrastructure Australia during the process.
IA: Like all proposals and business cases reviewed by Infrastructure Australia, this evaluation
was completed as efficiently as possible.
Why has Government not made a decision?
That’s a matter for Government.
Is the length of time taken to evaluate the business case and for Government to make a decision
because the business case was not of a high quality?
Department: The business case is a comprehensive document that outlines how a new transport
system could be introduced into Australia, the strategic imperative for wanting to construct a high
speed rail line and the benefits to Australia. There are a number of aspects of delivery that were
considered including design and delivery considerations, environmental assessments, geotechnical
information, options for alignment and station locations, and estimates of cost. It’s appropriate that
there is careful consideration of the proposal in advising Government on next steps.
IA: Like all proponents seeking to make a submission to IA, we provided advice to HSRA on
developing the business case and on the requirements of our Assessment Framework. Our
evaluation considered the justification for the introduction of high speed rail as a transport
system, the proposed network between Melbourne and Brisbane and the detail around the
Newcastle to Sydney proposal as the first step. There is a lot to unpack to evaluate the work
undertaken by HSRA including current and forecast population densities, inter-regional travel
movements and the potential to support economic and housing development. This is in
addition to the evaluation of the details of delivery of high speed rail as a transport project.
Are you aware of correspondence from the Australian High Speed Rail Association saying that
HSRA is confident of a two year development stage?
Department: I’m aware of the correspondence from AuHSR to its network. My understanding from
the HSRA CEO is that this is a misrepresentation and he has addressed directly with AuHSR.
What is the two year development stage?
The details of the business case are currently being considered by Government. What I can say is
that HSRA has undertaken its own investigations into major project delivery in Australia and around
the world, including the delivery of high speed rail networks, and has proposed a delivery strategy
that reflects best practice within the construction industry.
Are you supportive of a development stage? Isn’t that just not committing to the project and
another wasted attempt with more wasted time and money?
The major lesson learned from major project delivery around the world is to ensure that planning is
sufficiently progressed so that when construction starts the major elements of a project are settled.
The delivery of high speed rail in Australia will take advantage of these lessons learned and will
incorporate early contractor involvement in the design and delivery strategies, modern methods of
construction, and making sure that we have the planning right including having regard to the
environmental approval process and acquisition of land.
How much does high speed rail cost?
There is an estimated cost included in the business case but is dependent on the decisions to be
taken by Government. There are also some commercial considerations that must be considered. In
particular, costs have been estimated for delivery of the entire project and not necessarily having
regard to the funding source – there are areas where we expect interest from private financiers.
Subject:
FW: High Speed Rail at estimates [SEC=OFFICIAL]
From: Adam Copp xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Sent: Tuesday, 7 October 2025 5:17 PM
To: David Tucker xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Subject: Fw: High Speed Rail at estimates [SEC=OFFICIAL]
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Get Outlook for iOS
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From: SAVAGE, James <xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>;
Sent: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 3:50:15 PM
To: xxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>;
@hsra.gov.au>;
@hsra.gov.au>;
@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au>
Cc:
@infrastructure.gov.au>
Subject: High Speed Rail at estimates [SEC=OFFICIAL]
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Adam,
Some easy questions to handle on high speed rail to the Department from Senator McKenzie. If you’re following
along on the video the live stream it was 1hr18 from the live stream at 2:40pm (so if you look at 3pm it would be
like 1hr38 from the end etc etc)
Some questions about HSRA funding, no land acquisition undertaken, I gave the date for when IA evaluation
completed, some questions about process of decision of Government.
Some thoughts ahead of tonight:
Adam: we had a question that your website says you are still undertaking the evaluation.
answered
this as just a process thing ahead of publishing your summary, but said you would have more. (btw - there’s
no reason why this could not be updated to say it has been provided, ahead of you publishing the summary
by 5 November)
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infrastructure.gov.au
I acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land on which we meet, work and live.
I recognise and respect their continuing connection to the land, waters and communities.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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High Speed Rail
Background
The Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail proposal intends to establish an efficient and reliable
transport solution between Newcastle and Sydney, one of Australia’s busiest regional corridors.
The proposal covers 194 kilometres of tracks and is proposed to be delivered in two stages. The
proposal provides an alternative to existing transport options to support the additional 9.2 million people
expected in the corridor by 2061.
The Newcastle to Sydney corridor is the first stage of a national high speed rail network. The long-term
vision is to connect Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne through over 1,800 kilometres of
dedicated high speed rail tracks.
In 2023, the Australian Government committed $500 million to the early stages of developing high speed
rail.
Opening Statement
The HSR Newcastle to Sydney Business Case was accepted for evaluation on 23 January 2025.
Our Evaluation Report was approved on 23 July 2025.
We completed fact-checking with the High Speed Rail Authority in August.
Our Evaluation Report was provided to the Australian Government on 29 August.
The Evaluation Report will be published on our website in due course, in accordance with our
statutory requirements.
Like all proponents seeking to make a submission to IA, we provided advice to HSRA on developing
the business case and on the requirements of our Assessment Framework.
If asked why the evaluation is taking so long?
High Speed Rail is an extremely large and complex project and it was appropriate that we
performed due diligence on it.
We have had a lot of engagement with the High Speed Rail Authority on the project to
understand the work they have been doing.
Like all proposals and business cases reviewed by Infrastructure Australia, this evaluation was
completed as efficiently as possible.
We will be tabling the evaluation within the statutory requirements (Early November).
If asked specifics about the proposal such as cost, or speeds etc?
Our role is to evaluate the proposal based on the information in the business case and supporting
documents against the requirements of IA’s Assessment Framework.
Questions regarding specific details of the proposal are best directed to the High Speed Rail Authority.
If pushed….
The evaluation is currently going through Australian Government processes.
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There are commercial-in-confidence elements to be considered as part of this evaluation, the
exact nature of which will be dependent on decisions of the Australian Government. This is
important to ensure the Commonwealth is able to secure the best value for taxpayers.
What I can say is that we will be publishing the evaluation on our website in accordance with our
statutory requirements by early November.
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SENATE ESTIMATES BRIEFING NOTES
October 2025
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High Speed Rail
Background (from IA’s website)
The Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail proposal intends to establish an efficient and reliable
transport solution between Newcastle and Sydney, one of Australia’s busiest regional corridors.
The proposal covers 194 kilometres of tracks and is proposed to be delivered in two stages. The
proposal provides an alternative to existing transport options to support the additional 9.2 million people
expected in the corridor by 2061.
The Newcastle to Sydney corridor is the first stage of a national high speed rail network. The long-term
vision is to connect Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne through over 1,800 kilometres of
dedicated high speed rail tracks.
In 2023, the Australian Government committed $500 million to the early stages of developing high speed
rail.
Opening Statement
The HSR Newcastle to Sydney Business Case was accepted for evaluation on 23 January 2025.
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Our Evaluation Report was approved on 23 July 2025
We completed fact-checking with the High Speed Rail Authority in August.
Our evaluation report was provided to the Australian Government on 29 August.
The evaluation report will be published on our website in due course, in accordance with our statutory
requirements
Like all proponents seeking to make a submission to IA, we provided advice to HSRA on developing
the business case and on the requirements of our Assessment Framework.
We assessed the proposal against the requirements of IA’s Assessment Framework and the key
criteria of Strategic Fit, Societal Impact (economics) and Deliverability.
The report has now been provided to government for consideration by Cabinet.
There are commercially sensitive elements to be considered as part of this evaluation, the exact
nature of which will be dependent on decisions of the Australian Government. Inadvertently revealing
information that may have commercial sensitivity may impact the Commonwealth’s ability to get value
for money if they do decide to proceed with the project.
For these reasons, I am likely to need to take some questions on notice around this project.
If asked why the evaluation is taking so long?
High Speed Rail is an extremely large and complex project deploying a mode of transport not yet
seen in Australia, and it was appropriate that we performed due diligence on it.
We have had a lot of engagement with the High Speed Rail Authority on the project to
understand the work they have been doing.
Like all proposals and business cases reviewed by Infrastructure Australia, this evaluation was
completed as efficiently as possible.
We will be tabling the evaluation within the statutory requirements (Early November).
If asked specifics about the proposal such as cost, how it will be funded, delays in decision-
making or speeds etc?
Our role is to evaluate the proposal based on the information in the business case and supporting
documents against the requirements of IA’s Assessment Framework.
Questions regarding specific details of the proposal are a matter for government.
If pushed….
The evaluation is currently going through Australian Government processes.
There are commercial-in-confidence elements to be considered as part of this evaluation, the
exact nature of which will be dependent on decisions of the Australian Government. This is
important to ensure the Commonwealth is able to secure the best value for taxpayers.
What I can say is that we will be publishing the evaluation on our website in accordance with our
statutory requirements by early November.
If pressed on cost…
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There is an estimated cost included in the business case but is dependent on the decisions to be taken
by Government.
Can you make the business case available?
The business case is not our document to release and this question should be referred to the
Department or to HSRA.
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cost included in the business case but is dependent on the decisions to be taken
by Government.
Link to Department High Speed Rail public talking points
FOIs we have received on the project from the last financial year:
*Confirming we have not received any this financial year
Date of
Date
notification
Outcome
FOI Ref
Subject
Description
received
of decision
2024-08 – partial release
Correspondence from 1
High
March 2024 to 28 June 2024
Partial
Speed
5-Jul-24
20-Aug-24
2024-08
between the High Speed Rail
Release
Rail
Authority and Infrastructure
Authority
Australia regarding the
Sydney to Newcastle
business case.
Correspondence from 29
June 2024 to 19 September
High
2024 between the High
Partial
20-Sep-24
14-Nov-24
2024-09
Speed
Speed Rail Authority and
Release
Rail
Infrastructure Australia
regarding the Sydney to
Newcastle business case.
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2024-14 – partial release
Correspondence from 20
High
September 2024 to 6
Partial
Speed
December 2024 between the
6-Dec-24
4-Feb-25
2024-14
Release
Rail
High Speed Rail Authority
Authority
and Infrastructure Australia
regarding the Sydney to
Newcastle business case.
High
Speed
All documents previously
8-May-25
16-May-25
Released
2025-02
Rail
released under FOI 2024-14.
Authority
FOI request transferred to
High
Department of Infrastructure,
Speed
Transport, Regional
15-May-25
20-Jun-25
Transferred 2025-03
Rail
Development,
Authority
Communications, Sport and
the Arts.
Request any documents
relating to the review of the
High
Partial
business case delivered by
10-Jun-25
10-Jul-25
2025-04
Speed
Release
the High Speed Rail Authority
Rail
for the route between
Newcastle and Sydney'.
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s 22
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1 Projects were selected for analysis if they were nationally significant and met specific criteria, including having an Australian Government
funding commitment over $250 million and being in the transport, energy, communications, water, or social infrastructure sectors. They also had
to be either part of the infrastructure sectoral Federation Funding Agreements (FFA) or standalone projects expected to be evaluated by
Infrastructure Australia. Only projects with sufficient data available at the time of analysis were included, and those completed before May 2022
were excluded.
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2 https://www.cefc.com.au/document?file=/media/5ehf3lsf/cefc_poweringnetzeroeconomy.pdf
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Document Outline
