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An engaging year before us...
Over recent months, our members have hopefully noticed that we have been more actively engaging with them on a broad range of topics. This work is aimed at ensuring that advocacy is impactful and represents the needs and challenges of our members.
With the industry being so diverse, we must ensure we draw upon varied perspectives, experiences and insights, and that our advocacy is enriched by the collective knowledge of the industry... [continue reading >>]
Editorial by
Roz Chivers | Executive Director | Bus Industry Confederation
| February 2024 |
FROM THE COUNCIL
Tony Hopkins | BIC Council Chair | CEO, CDC Regional Australia Division
First BIC Council meeting for 2024
The largely hybrid affair saw various Councillors also come together at the Canberra Secretariat on Tuesday, 27 February.
On the agenda were a number of topics reinforcing the BIC mandate of protecting our industry's business interests, while advocating for overall bus and coach transport expansion, as well as infrastructure funding.
These included an overview of our lobbying and advocacy efforts, review of levies, fees and the draft budget, along with an update on the Bus and Coach Show, and National Conference.
Further details are forthcoming.
ADVOCACY
Consultation: Risk-Based Heavy Vehicle Inspection Scheme
Late last year, BIC consulted on the NHVR Risk-Based Heavy Vehicle Inspection Scheme (RBHVIS). All feedback will go towards progressing the framework and developing a comprehensive RBHVIS. Some key outcomes...
- Bus associations generally support existing periodic state-based heavy vehicle inspection schemes, highlighting alignment with the bus industry's safety-focused and highly regulated operating environment.
- The NHVR was also advised to further evaluate the potential advantages of a risk-based scheme over existing periodic inspection schemes for buses.
Under the RBHVIS, the NHVR will adopt existing state-based inspection requirements as the standard for buses, and the bus inspection regime will follow the requirements of its registration jurisdiction. The NHVR will gather bus inspection data as part of the RBHVIS.
Please contact Paul Olendrowsky with any questions or concerns >>
TECHNICAL
Updated ADR for Lane Departure Warning
Since our Technical Meeting on the 12th February, where we advised about ADR 99/01 release, the Federal Government has made another update to ADR 99/00 for Lane Departure Warning. Consequently, there are now two ADRs on the same topic but with different introduction dates. BIC, along with other sector organisations, are seeking clarity on this. We will keep all members informed.
ADR Definitions Update
In last month's eBulletin, we advised of an update to the definition of overall vehicle width and exclusions (see the January issue). We have since met with the National Transport Condition (NTC) and were advised that this anomaly will be addressed in the currently round of regulation updates due to be formally ratified around May this year. We will, of course, let everyone now once this has happened.
Technical Meeting resources
Thank you to all who were able to join us for the first Technical Meeting of the year, led by National Technical Manager, Dean Moule. The following webinar resources are now available for you to view and download...
Watch the full webinar >> | Download the presentation slides >> | Download the minutes and agenda >>
APTIA LATEST
Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Bill 2023
Earlier this month, Parliament passed the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Bill 2023. The Bill provides a range of amendments, including the right for employees to disconnect from the workplace (an employee is not required to take calls/emails outside of agreed hours of work). In addition...
- Civil penalties increased, including criminal sanctions for underpayment of wages.
- Wage underpayment: Union officials will have greater access to the workplace without the need for notice.
- Casual employment will now be redefined and casual conversion rules will change.
- The FWC to obtain further powers regarding road transport, including passenger transport industry.
- Workplace delegates will obtain greater rights in the workplace.
- Intractable bargaining disputes: FWC can't consider clauses in an EA less beneficial than existing provisions.
These changes et al have significantly changed how the bus and coach industry will do business in the future.
EVENTS | WEBINARS
[External event] QBIC Annual Conference 2024
5-6 April 2024 | RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast
Embracing Transformation - Navigating the Era of Change
The Passenger Transport Industry over the next five years will face a tremendous amount of change, or will it simply become a continuum of change where Operators simply have to adapt and evolve. The 2024 QBIC Conference is our opportunity to help members get a full understanding of what change is on the horizon and beyond.
SAVE THE DATE | Webinar: Technical Meeting | July 2024
25 July 2024 | via Teams Meeting (registration details to come)
Come join us for our mid-year Technical Meeting.
Learn about the latest technical updates and issues affecting the
industry in 2024.
The meeting will also include a question and answer session at the end of the presentation.
National Bus and Coach Show 2024
17-18 September 2024 | 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.
- Exhibitior spaces now limited | BOOK TODAY >>
- Discounted Brisbane Accommodation | Bookings now open >>
- Tech Talk EOIs now open >>
- Partnership opportunities now available >>
- General registrations open late March - stay tuned >>
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.
- EARLY BIRD registrations opening in March 2024
- Discounted Hobart accommodation now open >>
- Presentation EOIs now open >>
INDUSTRY NEWS
Please submit feedback by COB 4 March 2024
Have your say | Transport and Logistics Training –
Chain of Responsibility Project
Draft updates of two Units of Competency pertaining to Chain of Responsibility (COR) are aligned with National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) requirements; Industry Skills Australia would like your feedback.
NHVR requested the update to enable workforce development identify and apply COR obligations. This will ensure the safety of transport activities. A Technical Committee of subject matter experts has revised the following units to incorporate principal obligations relating to COR for specific job functions and current industry terminology.
- TLIF0009Y Ensure the safety of transport activities (Chain of Responsibility)
- TLIF0080Y Implement and monitor the safety duties of transport activities (Chain of Responsibility)
- The project has also updated 22 qualifications and seven skill sets that contain the two COR units
Staying on top of industry news is as easy as ABC, plus... it's free for BIC members!
BIC's official media partner, Australian Bus and Coach would like to extend all members a FREE subscription to ABC Magazine.
Don't forget, the latest bus and coach news is also available online >>
BIC NEWS
One week left: Take part in our LinkedIn poll
To encourage more positive and frequent interactions between bus passengers and drivers, we thought we'd ask you about your own experiences on the buses.
The outcome will inform our drive towards increasing awareness and encouraging common courtesy in a bid to combat the bad behaviours regularly displayed towards some bus and coach drivers.
Let our bussies know how much we appreciate the work they do: VOTE in our LinkedIn poll >>
Stay in touch in 2024...
We'd be grateful if you would support us as we roll out improvements to our systems so that we can serve and engage with BIC members more efficiently.
We always welcome your feedback and suggestions on how to enhance our communications, so please feel free to let us know what you think. You can also touch base with us on LinkedIn.
Welcoming our newest members...
