Transmission eBulletin | June 2024

All hands on deck

There's been an absolute flurry of strategies, policies and discussion papers emanating from the Australian Government in recent weeks. Less than 12 months out from a federal election, this is not unexpected, but it's certainly keeping the BIC Secretariat on its toes... [continue >>]

— Editorial by Roz Chivers | Executive Director, BIC

Driving towards zero emissions

After indepth consultation, we have produced the Bus Industry Policy Position Statement: Driving Towards Zero Emissions. As an early adopter of technologies, the bus industry is uniquely positioned to lead the transition to zero-emission technologies within the heavy vehicle sector.

Australia is well placed to adopt a low carbon heavy vehicle industry in the next 25 years, however, we are concerned that existing roadblocks will curtail our meeting emissions reduction targets. We emphasise avoiding mandated timelines for zero-emission technologies adoption, and recommend partnering with government to build a harmonised national framework, along with a series of dedicated initiatives to facilitate forward movement.
 

Twelve months of safety reforms | ABC and 7News

In 2023, the Bus Industry Taskforce sharpened its focus on safety management and regulation, with reforms to seatbelts, safety and public education across Australia. Dean Moule, BIC's National Technical Manager, spoke with the ABC, relaying the significant increase in regulations since 2023. Dean mentioned the importance of the NHVR's expanded We All Need Space campaign, and also welcomed calls to establish a federal bus taskforce.

BIC Executive Director, Roz Chivers, was approached by 7News, where echoed Dean's sentiments on the industry's unwavering commitment to improved safety provisions. She reinforced bus and coach's longstanding accolade of being the safest form of road transport in the country.
 

Reducing red-tape on Component Type Approvals (CTAs)

For the last 2 months, we have worked with a small group of our members to challenge how the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) operationalised a part of the Road Vehicles Standards Act (RVSA) legislative framework negatively impacting chassis suppliers, body builders and operators.

BIC and the concerned members have been advocating for the policy position to be changed so that a new ADR can be added as a variation to an existing bus chassis CTA. A Member Alert will be issued shortly outlining the full details.
 

Award updates released

The Fair Work Commision has released various award updates, with new wage rates effective from 1 July 2024. Of note is the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, the Clerks-Private Sector Award and the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award.

The updates don't include the 'delegates clause' (to be inserted from 1 July 2024) or the 'right to disconnect clause' (to be introduced from 26 August 2024).
 

BIC membership renewals due

We'd like to thank our members for their continued support and commitment, which help drive our mission and foster a thriving industry. Renewals will be sent out shortly, along with our Year in Review, detailing our achievements during 2023/24 in advocacy, technical advice, industry support, engagement activities and future priorities.

We deeply value your partnership and look forward to continuing our journey together towards a brighter future for bus and coach. If you have any queries, please let us know.

Stay in touch...

We've been rolling out improvements to our systems so that we can serve and engage with members more efficiently. We welcome your feedback and suggestions on how to improve our communications, so please let us know what you think or touch base with us on LinkedIn.