No images? Click here
Transmission eBulletin | July 2024
An eventful time for bus
As bus and coach strives to establish a robust image and foster strong public and corporate relationships, industry events have become an integral part of what we do at the Secretariat. These offer a unique platform to engage with our members and stakeholders, showcase culture and steer policy objectives... [continue >>]
— Editorial by Roz Chivers | Executive Director, BIC
Name-dropping up and down The Hill
In the follow-up to the release of our Bus Industry Policy Position: Driving Towards Zero Emissions, BIC discussed zero emission buses and industrial relations matters with Federal Government...
- First Assistant Secretary Ian Porter – Data, Research, Strategy & Net Zero Division, DITRDCA
- Assistant Secretary Tristan Kathage – Reducing Surface Transport Emissions Branch, DITRDCA
- Deputy Chief of Staff to Catherine King – Minister for Infrastructure
- Bridget McKenzie – Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
- Senior advisors to Chris Bowen – Minister for Climate Change and Energy
- Senior advisors to Ted O’Brien – Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy
- Carol Brown – Assistant Minister Infrastructure and Transport
- Glenn Sterle – Chair of the Senate Rural Regional Affairs & Transport Legislation Committee
- Ron Farrell – Minister for Trade and Tourism and Special Minister of State
- Brendon O’Connor – Minister for Skills and Training
- Sam Rae – Federal Member for Hawke, VIC
- Richard Marles – Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence
- Clare O’Neil – Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness
- Tony Sheldon – Senator for NSW and Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery
- Matt Burnell – Federal Member for Spence
Bumping shoulders at the National Decarbonising Transport Summit
The invitation-only Summit brought together 40 of the nation’s most influential public and private sector executives to identify and agree to national-level strategies for carbon emission reduction in transport (framing a joint National Infrastructure and Transport Net Zero Roadmap submission).
Mid-year round of discussions
BIC participated in a series of discussions recently: the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Roundtable – COVID-19 Response Enquiry, and the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap: Public and Active Transport Online Stakeholder Roundtable... [more >>]
Reducing red-tape on Component Type Approvals
BIC is challenging DITRDCA requirements of chassis suppliers to create brand-new CTAs when new ADRs are added. We're 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 was circulated detailing progress.
Increased width and axle mass allowances
BIC continues to push for increased width and axle mass allowances, plus increased tyre pressure for zero emissions buses and coaches, aiming to facilitate their efficient operations. Our efforts are starting to bear fruit with the government looking at ways to accelerate the changes.
Channel 10: Investigations ongoing into QLD bus tragedy
Following the catastrophic crash between a bus and a four-wheel drive towing a caravan killed three women and injured many others late last month, BIC National Technical Manager Dean Moule was interviewed by Channel 10 Brisbane (watch with a 10Play account). Dean focussed in on seat belts and driver fatigue. Our thoughts and condolences go out to all those affected.
Operators' and suppliers' technical update
Keeping you informed of the latest affecting operators and suppliers, last week's technical webinar was well-attended. The webinar concentrated on some of the 29 items that BIC and its members are currently working on, specifically ADR updates, changes to seat belt laws and driver safety screens.
A full round-up, including webinar recording, plus associated resources was sent out this week.
Let us know if you didn't receive this. Feel free to distribute to your colleagues.
Manifesting way forward for bus
The launch of the Recruitment and Retention Policy Manifesto and Workplace Toolkit was followed by an industrial relations seminar and networking cocktails. Thanks to all our special guests and speakers for a memorable event.
(L-R) Senator Tony Sheldon, Tony Hopkins and Nikki Britt, plus highlights from the two panel discussions
Fire safety top of mind
The Office of Transport Safety Investigations (OTSI) released the Bus Fire Safety Report - Bus Fire and Thermal Incidents in NSW in 2023, which supports operators' actions to reduce thermal incidents and fires, including improving maintenance, driver training and installing fire suppression systems.
Bus working group on the cards
While Terms of Reference are yet to be developed, Infrastructure and Transport Senior Officials' Committee and Infrastructure and Transport Ministers' Meeting have confirmed that a Bus Working Group will be set up. BIC ED Roz Chivers is due to discuss this with DITRDCA Secretary Jim Betts.
QBIC Future Leaders Luncheon | 9 August 2024
Empower Her: Shaping the Future with Lessons from the Past
The second annual Future Leaders Luncheon, sponsored by Irizar, celebrates the diversity and innovation of emerging leaders. 2024 will focus on real-life experiences of women in leadership and how removing biases, providing mentoring and creating inclusivity can topple barriers to equal opportunity. Drawing on inspiration and guidance from non-traditional role models CAN empower the leaders of tomorrow, grounded in the wisdom from past challenges and triumphs alike.
An exemplary line-up of QLD bus female leaders will share their valuable journey insights to success within a traditional male sector. Keynote Sally Stannard, Director General, Department of Transport and Main Roads, joins an industry panel led by QBIC President and Finance Manager at Clarks Logan City Bus Service, Kaylee Clark. With Lara-Jane Mitchell (Brisbane Bus Lines), Samantha Abeydeera (Brisbane City Council) and Yvonne Clark (Clarks Logan City Bus Service)... [learn more and book >>]
National Bus and Coach Show 2024
17-18 Sep | Brisbane Conference & Exhibition Centre
See the vehicle displays, visit the expo, catch a tech talk, and get the latest on service, parts and tech. Great networking and social functions! Look out for our Show Guide in ABC's August issue.
FREE GENERAL ADMISSION | REGISTER TODAY >>
BIC National Conference and Industry Awards 2024
20-22 Nov 2024 | Hotel Grand Chancellor | Hobart
Join us at Australia’s premier bus and coach event, geared to industry executives, senior managers and government folk alike.
The Awards, presented during this year's conference, celebrate excellence in Australian bus and coach. Nominate a deserving superstar bussie you know for one of eight awards!
⭐ Nominations close 31 August >>
Upcoming 2025 BIC Council Elections
Full date and details will be circulated soon.
Have your say on who will represent the interests of the industry the 2025 BIC Council elections. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in contact.
SAVE THE DATE | Technical Meeting | January 2025
31 Jan 2025 | 11AM to 12PM | via Teams Meeting
Covering the latest technical updates and issues; includes Q&A. Registration details to come. | ENQUIRE >>
Membership renewals now due
Thank you to those who've chosen to continue supporting our mission for a thriving bus and coach industry. We value your partnership and look forward to the year ahead. Contact us with any queries.
Stay in touch...
Improvements to engage with our members more efficiently are ongoing and we are grateful for all your feedback. Please let us know what you think or touch base with us on LinkedIn.
Staying on top of industry news is as easy as ABC, plus... BIC members can SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE >>
DID YOU KNOW?
A benefit of BIC membership means you can feature thought leadership articles and events in our member comms for FREE! T&Cs apply. Non-members please enquire.
