Formed to further the interests of the railway industry at large and its individual participants, the Railway Technical Society of Australia is a non-profit organization and was established in 1997 for the purpose of promoting the co-operation of academic, industrial, commercial and governmental organizations in relation to the practice and advancement of railway technology and management in Australasia.
The Activities of the RTSA are directed towards providing leadership for the facilitation and coordination of professionalism in the railway industry and the encouragement of member contributions to the application of railway technology and good management practices. The objectives of the RTSA are, to stimulate the active contribution and participation of its members in the development and dissemination of railway technology and management knowledge, so to support the business of the railway industry, to provide for the continuing professional development of its members and to promote close working relationships amongst participants in the railway industry.