NSW: Govt won t oppose widening of train inquiry

AAP General News (Australia)
12-03-1999
NSW: Govt won t oppose widening of train inquiry

SYDNEY, Dec 3 AAP - The New South Wales government wants an inquiry into the Blue Mountains
train crash to be limited to yesterday's tragedy but won't oppose a move to widen its
scope.

Transport Minister Carl Scully said whether the inquiry would look at the entire rail
network was up to Justice Peter McInerney, but it should first focus on the crash in which
seven people died.

"In respect of questions of wider inquiries ...into the rail system generally, I think
the time for considering that should be after this inquiry has concluded," he told reporters.

Rail unions and the state opposition have both called for the independent inquiry to
look at the entire rail network with particular concerns about the signalling system.

Mr Scully said he would "have no problem" if Justice McInerney wanted to broaden the inquiry.

"I welcome recommendations and considerations by the judge in respect of things that
might have wider implications for the rail operation and rail safety generally," he said.

Mr Scully said Justice McInerney had already begun preliminary investigations by visiting
the site yesterday.

AAP jw/sb/it/br

KEYWORD: TRAIN SCULLY

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