- Queensland Rail is bolstering safety and security on the rail network as the largest ever Authorised Officers unit intake brings 35 new additions to the team.
- The new Authorised Officers are being specifically trained to keep trains, stations and people safe and secure.
- The recruits come from a variety of backgrounds including mining, social work, rail customer service and trackworkers.
The Queensland Government is boosting safety and security across the rail network with a record number of Authorised Officers recruited and on the front-line keeping customers safe.
The largest ever hiring intake bolsters the number of Authorised Officers with 35 new recruits undergoing rigorous selection and 12 weeks of intensive training before they suit up and hit the tracks.
Authorised Officers aren't police officers; they're Queensland Rail employees with special legislative powers. Their primary purpose is to keep our customers safe by deterring antisocial behaviour, supporting the Queensland Police Service (QPS), enforcing behavioural standards and helping to ensure stations and trains remain safe places for customers.
You'll also find them at major events, participating in joint operations with QPS, undertaking corridor patrols to keep the network running and issuing infringements for behavioural offences.
The new recruits selected have come from a range of backgrounds, with most already working at Queensland Rail in roles such as porters and trackworkers, and others joining up following careers in the navy, trades, mining and hospital security.
The recruitment drive was made possible thanks to a new station staff roster, which came into effect in early May 2026 to ensure station staff are rostered where and when customers need them most.
Queensland Rail General Manager of Safety and Security Drew Brock said Queensland Rail was committed to strengthening rail safety for everyone.
"At Queensland Rail, your safety and security comes first," Mr Brock said.
"Not only do our recruits have all the necessary training and skills needed to de-escalate anti-social behaviour, manage crowds during major events and respond during medical emergencies, they can also issue infringement notices where necessary."
New recruit, Izzy, who was part of Queensland Rail's station employees said she is excited to be joining Queensland Rail's biggest ever Authorised Officer unit intake.
"We may meet people in crisis, who need directions or who just need a hand and to be able to change someone's day, that's what I feel very passionate about," Izzy said.
In 2025, Authorised Officers conducted almost 25,000 interactions while being deployed to more than 1,400 operations, including mental health and rail safety tasks.
This year's new recruits, which include 33 patrolling officers and two operations coordinators, will form the almost 70 strong Authorised Officers squad and work in close partnership with more than 90 Queensland Police Service Railway Squad officers.
