No images? Click here
n
Welcome to 2024
As we embark on a brand-new year at the Bus Industry Confederation,
it is becoming obvious that we are in for an even busier year than last year. The first week back from the festive season break saw us ramp our advocacy campaign ‘industry in crisis’... [continue reading >>]
Editorial by
Roz Chivers | Executive Director | Bus Industry Confederation
TECHNICAL
More ADR changes being proposed
The Federal Government is increasing its focus on standards for vehicles, with four Australian Design rules coming in for review. These include:
- AVAS - Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems
- TPMS - Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems
- EDRs - Event Data Recorder (Accident data recorders)
- Cyber Security and management systems for vehicles
While the focus aligns more with European Regulations, BIC in its submissions to each of these proposals, emphasized the need to recognise alternate standards globally, allow time for industry to integrate changes and ensure State and Territory Governments are aware of additional costs to incorporate such features. We'll keep members posted as these proposals further develop.
ADR definitions updated
Recently, the Federal Government updated the Australian Design Rule Definitions document. One key change in this document for the bus industry was updating the meaning of Overall Width.
It was greatly expanded to allow for additional exceptions including Close Proximity Systems. These include 'a system to inform the driver of the presence of other road users (e.g., other vehicles, bicyclists, and/or pedestrians) in one or more zones within 2m of the vehicle body. Note: A ‘Close-Proximity Information System’ may also inform the driver of the presence of other road users, 2m or more from the vehicle body'.
While a great initiative, it has hit a road block in that such systems must still be compliant to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), especially around the height at where the systems can be fitted. This restriction can mean some systems can only be fitted above 2mts vehicle height. BIC is working with the National Transport commission to resolve the issue and will update members with further developments.
APTIA LATEST
What are the issues in 2024?
- Dealing with the positive duty to eliminate sexual harassment from your workplace
- The Closing the Loopholes Bill: What it means for employing casuals and understanding the impacts of new road transport legislation, including passenger transport
- The roll-out of the recruitment and retention project and its impact upon the image of the industry
- National Heavy Vehicle Competency Framework
- Bargaining for an enterprise agreement – multiple or single?
- Immigration as a resource: Making an industry labour agreement
EVENTS | WEBINARS
Webinar: Technical Meeting
12 February | 11:00 AM AEDT | via Teams Meeting (register below to attend)
Come join us for the first Technical Meeting of the new year.
Learn about the latest technical updates and issues affecting the
industry in 2024.
We'll indroduce the session, plus run-through of the top technical items for suppliers and operators. We'll conclude with an opportunity for members to ask questions.
National Bus and Coach Show 2024
17-18 September | Brisbane Conference and Exhibition Centre
A great opportunity for anyone part of the mobility chain to engage first-hand with the latest offerings from the bus and coach industry. Exhibitors, buyers and delegates can ‘talk shop’ at various social events.
BIC National Conference 2024
20-22 November 2024 | Hotel Grand Chancellor | Hobart
Join us in Tasmania for BIC’s premium annual event, bringing members, government and the greater industry together.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Ministers approve road safety and productivity reform
In December 2023, Australia’s Transport Ministers agreed in-principle to an improved nationally‑consistent approach to the training and licence progression of heavy vehicle drivers that will improve road safety
and productivity.
The changes were approved via the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers Meeting (ITMM) to endorse the National Heavy Vehicle Driver Competency Framework Decision Regulation Impact Statement.
Read: Austroads media release >> | Learn more: National Heavy Vehicle Driver Competency Framework >>
MEMBER MATTERS
Express Coach Builders |
February production slots now open: Low floor, school bus or coach build
Based in Macksville NSW, ECB take what starts as a simple chassis becomes a made-to-order product of the highest calibre, completed with the distinction and superior compliance guidelines that we're known for. With a team of 75+ highly skilled staff, each bus or coach is built with integrity and passion.
Express Coach Builders offer a 2-year full warranty on all workmanship, component and parts manufactured, as well as a 2-year warranty on the body frame work.
BIC NEWS
BIC is evolving...
2024 is all about forward movement: This year, we're pulling out all the stops and updating some of our internal and external systems to suit.
Over the coming weeks, you'll receive details about the various changes happening within the organisation. We'd be grateful if you would support us as we roll out improvements to our member services.
First off the rank... keep an eye out for our updated suite of member communications, plus a brand-new logo and colour palette. And, as part of our commitment to engage more efficiently with our members, we'll also be updating our mailing list. We ask for your patience as we work through this process.
As always, we welcome your feedback, so please feel free to touch base and let us know what you think.
Welcome to our new members...
