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According to the ABC, Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) organiser Steve Murphy said defects included cracks in the castings, inferior welding, problems with brakes, damaged pipe work, and doors that do not open. Some of the original wagons that arrived two years ago are still being repaired at a workshop near Newcastle.
Murphy claimed the debacle could have been avoided if the rolling stock had been manufactured in Newcastle, thereby providing both quality assurance and jobs for locals, and recommended New South Wales adopt the Queensland government policy that prevents rail contracts going overseas.
Pacific National has contested Murphy's claims, contending that safety was its highest priority and that all rolling stock was inspected by rail safety regulators and unannounced random inspection audits.
The rail company this week took delivery of another 12 flat top wagons and eight coal wagons from China.
