2022 Conference Speakers
Monday, 14 November 2022
BIC Chair Welcome
Tony Hopkins – Chair of BIC and Chief Executive Officer, Regional Australia Division of ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC)
A transport, tourism, and logistics expert and bus industry veteran of 40 years, Tony has delivered comprehensive passenger transport solutions for some of Australia’s most renowned bus brands.
Tony has served as a chair, president, vice president and committee member on the executive of various state and national industry associations for the past 14 years including the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC), Australian Public Transport Industry Association (APTIA), Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) and the former National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Taskforce.
Tony is an active contributor to the community and wider industry, lobbying state, and federal governments to create improvements for various bus operators across the country.
Keynote Address - Future of transport in Brisbane
Cr Ryan Murphy – Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport and the Councillor for Chandler Ward, Brisbane City Council
Ryan oversees a number of Council’s major projects including the $1.7Bn Brisbane Metro and $550M Green Bridges program, as well as Brisbane’s bus, ferry and CityCat fleet. He is responsible for the Transport for Brisbane network which carries 78 million passengers annually. He also leads the rollout of the city’s innovative e-mobility program and Council’s record investment into bicycle infrastructure projects.
Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts with a Double Major in Political Science (UQ) and is currently completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with the University of Queensland. Before becoming a Councillor, he served in the Australian Army Reserves as Communications Systems Operator and worked in the private sector as a public relations consultant for some of Queensland’s largest infrastructure and resource projects.
Ryan is committed to shaping Brisbane into a leader in sustainable, high quality public and green transport.
Keynote Addresses
The Hon Catherine King MP – Federal Member for Ballarat and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
First elected in 2001, Catherine King represents the electorate of Ballarat in the Australian Parliament. Following the 2022 Election, Catherine was sworn in as the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government – a key portfolio that reaches into the heart of every community across the country.
Catherine held a similar portfolio in the previous term of opposition, as well as serving six years as Labor’s Shadow Minister for Health and Medicare. Catherine has previously held the Cabinet portfolio of Minister for Regional Australia, Local Government and Territories, as well as serving Minister for Regional Services, Local Communities and Territories, Minister for Road Safety, and before that as Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Parliamentary Secretary for Health.
Catherine holds Bachelor Degrees in Social Work and Laws and a Masters’ in Public Policy. Prior to entering Parliament, Catherine was a senior manager at KPMG’s Consulting Practice. As a regional MP, Catherine is a strong advocate for the seven million Australians who live outside our capital cities.
Andrew Bata – Head of UITP North America Regional Office, UITP, International Associated of Public Transport
Andrew Bata manages UITP’s North America Region, which is the fastest growing membership unit of the Association. He is a career urban transportation professional having served in various executive roles for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority where he led units of service planning, innovation, global best practices, and new technology deployment. His life focus is advocating high quality metropolitan life via sustainable, accessible, modern, reliable urban transportation systems.
Andrew is active in various other professional associations such as ITS America, TRB and ASCE. He is the former president and current board member of the Intelligent Transportation Society of New York. He is also an adjunct professor of transportation at Columbia and New York Universities. Andrew holds a MSc in Transportation Engineering from North-western University.
The New Now - Special Guest Speaker Michael McQueen
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Michael McQueen – Guest Speaker
Michael McQueen understands what it takes to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Widely recognised for having his finger on the pulse of business and culture, he has helped some of the world’s best-known brands navigate change and stay ahead of the curve.
Michael is a bestselling author of 8 books and features regularly as a commentator on TV and radio. His work has featured in publications ranging from the UK Daily Mail to Medium.com and the Huffington Post.
Having presented to over 500,000 people across 5 continents since 2004, Michael is a familiar face on the international conference circuit having shared the stage with the likes of Bill Gates, Dr. John Maxwell and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.
The Australian Bus Scene Panel – Operational Imperatives
Nicholas Yap – Chief Executive Officer, ComfortDelGro Australia
Nicholas Yap was appointed Chief Executive Officer of ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia on 1 July 2019. Prior to this appointment, he was the Chief Executive Officer of CDC Victoria and Chief Operating Officer of ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia. Nick joined our parent company, ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited in 1994 and was Vice President, Group Business Development, before his posting to Australia. He also served as a Manager in the Service Development Department of SBS Transit Ltd.
Nick holds a Bachelor of Economic and Social Studies (Hons) from the University of Wales and completed the Executive Programme in Transportation Management from the Nanyang Technological University and Chartered Institute of Transport, Singapore.
Darren Webster – Chief Executive Officer, Kangaroo Bus Lines
Darren Webster is the Chief Executive Officer of Kangaroo Bus Lines (KBL), which is owned and operated by the Webster family, since 1978.Darren, a third generation bus operator, since taking management of the business from his father Daryl, has navigated the growth of KBL through the years to become one of the most recognized bus and coach operators, not only in SEQ, but within the industry.With 140 vehicles and 225 staff across two depots, one of the outer suburbs of Brisbane and another on the Sunshine Coast, KBL is acknowledged having one of the most well presented and modern fleets in the market supported by a positive culture within his people.
Mark Dunlop – Managing Director, Sydney Northern Beaches, Keolis Downer
Mark has over 20 years of experience in senior management roles in public transport operations, including metro, regional and charter operations. He has extensive experience in successfully transitioning businesses through team building and collaboration to create stable operations.
As General Manager of TransitPlus, Mark oversaw the transition of public transport operations to private in Adelaide. Following Australian Transport Enterprises’ acquisition of TransitPlus in 2008, Mark’s experience was significantly extended across metro and regional operations in South Australia.
In 2017, Mark was appointed General Manager at Keolis Downer Hunter in Newcastle. Mark’s focus on collaboration and strong relationships with stakeholders has resulted in Keolis Downer Hunter achieving numerous milestones. As Australia’s only multimodal operation, the contract is breaking new ground in the public transport space and has changed the face of public transport in Newcastle.
As the current Managing Director for Keolis Downer Northern Beaches, Mark helped lead and stand up the region, to what’s known as one of the best transitions in Sydney. Strong strategic thinking, negotiation and communication skills underpin Mark’s proven capability to motivate, and lead coordinated, cross-functional teams to achieve corporate and customer objectives. Mark firmly believes a long-term partnership with the Public Transport Authority that can adapt to a continuously changing environment is critical in delivering success for both parties.
Matt Campbell – General Manager, Kinetic
Matthew Campbell is currently the Executive General Manager of Kinetic’s Queensland operations, managing a team of 1700 employees, and 900 buses across 14 depots.
Matt has worked in the Public Transport industry for 7 years, starting as General Manager Safety for Transit Australia Group before moving into the role of General Manager South East Queensland when the group was purchased and Kinetic formed. Matt is a hands-on, commercially astute people leader who focuses on delivering continuous improvement across Kinetic’s operations.
John King – Managing Director, Premier Transport Group
John King is the Managing Director of Premier Transport Group, which operates in excess of 500 buses and coaches and employs over 500 staff. The company operates School, Route, Rail Replacement and Charter services in NSW and Queensland, and Long-Distance services throughout Australia’s East Coast. Through John’s professional leadership, the Premier Transport Group has gained a reputation as a dynamic and trusted Public Transport operator.
At an industry level, John has been the President of BusNSW since 2017 where he has played an integral role in the management and coordination of the activities of the association. John is a member of the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) Council and was recently elected vice-chairman of the Australian Public Transport Industrial Association (APTIA) Council.
Mark McKenzie – Managing Director of Queensland, Transdev Australasia
Mark joined Transdev in 2015 with the NSW Bus Business as Group Service Delivery Manager. Prior to entering the business Mark held leadership roles in the Telecommunications sector in Telstra and worked in Electric Power Generation with Coates Hire and Electrical Supply and Distribution with SCC (now Energy Australia).
Mark’s roles with Transdev Bus have included General Manager Operations and Assets, Acting MD NSW Bus and since 2019, Managing Director Transdev Queensland.
Mark holds an MBA and is Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors as well as industry Certification through ITIL with Certificate in Transport Management.
Len Kidd – General Manager, RiverCity Ferries
Len Kidd has over 45 years’ experience in public transport. His areas of expertise include bus, rail and
marine, spanning several Australian states, as well as New Zealand.
Len is currently the General Manager of RiverCity Ferries.
Geoffrey Beck – Divisional Manager, Transport for Brisbane
Geoffrey Beck joined Brisbane City Council in 2009, and since 2014 has been the Divisional Manager, Transport for Brisbane. In this role, Geoffrey is responsible for one of Australia’s largest public transport enterprises comprising of buses, ferries and e-mobility arrangements.
Geoffrey is passionate about meeting the operational challenges that the public transport sector faces, along with managing the changing expectations of our customers and the community through professional, frequent, reliable and safe transport solutions.
Geoffrey has significant public sector experience in Australian Government, where he held the roles of Defence-Director General of Capital Infrastructure and Head of Defence Infrastructure. Geoffrey has also held senior roles in the private sector with engineering and defence companies such as Raytheon and GHD. Before this, Geoffrey had an extensive military career including operational roles in Namibia.
Geoffrey holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), a Master of Applied Science and Graduate Diplomas in Management and Strategic Studies. He is also a graduate of Army Command and Staff College and the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies.
What is the ‘new normal’ for Australia’s transport network?
Terry Rawnsley – Director, Planning & Infrastructure, Economics, KPMG Australia
Terry Rawnsley is an award-winning economist who specialises in how cities and regions function.
He is the country’s leading expert in measuring economic growth for cities and regions and works with all tiers of government, ASX listed companies, private businesses and not-for-profits organisations. His project experience is extensive, ranging from preparing business cases, economic and housing assessments to preparing land use and transport strategies.
Terry helps businesses and governments make informed decisions by taking complex data sets and distilling them into simple to understand options. He frequently publishes research and insights into how different parts of Australia are impacted by economic and social trends. He has extensive experience in developing data driven scenarios to understand how behavioural changes are impact on the transport network.
Terry’s dynamic presentation style makes him a popular television spokesperson and presenter at industry events and conferences.
Creating a "customer experience" culture in your organisation
Yvette Mihelic – Director Customer Experience Rail and Transport, John Holland
Yvette is a customer experience senior executive with over 20 years of extensive experience across industry and sector.
As General Manager for Customer Experience for Sydney Trains, she was responsible for the implementation of Opal (ETS) and the multi-modal Revenue Protection division.
She also delivered the Customer Channel Transformation Program for TfNSW resulting in multi-faceted improvements for the community, customers and visitors using transport in the state.
At Transdev she implemented and led on demand transport for Australasia.
Currently she is leading the customer experience division within John Holland’s Rail and Transport team and has designed, developed and implemented customer experience strategy and provides ongoing support for projects and contracts across Australia.
Yvette’s expertise is in leading large and complex teams and delivering personalised and contextualised customer experience strategies using lean six sigma and human centred design methodologies for optimum and continually improving performance.
On Demand – where are we now since the early trials in 2017? Where it has worked, not worked and why
Sam Lucas – Managing Director, Warrnambool Bus Lines
A fourth generation bus operator, Sam has worked in all facets of the bus industry;
from driving to operations, workshop and administration to his current role as
Managing Director of Warrnambool Bus & Motor Company, since starting with the family group of companies nearly 20 years ago.
These roles have given Sam extensive experience in service planning and delivery, accreditation, fleet procurement and contract management, as well as strong experience in design and project management of recent bus depot developments.
Sam is an active advocate for improvement in public transport services, particularly in regional areas, and ensuring development and relevance of bus operators across the country.
Segolene Deeley – Director, Future Mobility & Corporate Affairs, Keolis Downer
Segolene Deeley is a strategic customer and stakeholder specialist with over 20 years’ experience leading public relations, stakeholder engagement and future mobility projects. Her career has spanned Europe, the UK and the US, and she has been working in the transport industry for 12 years.
Segolene passionately believes that to improve transport connectivity, encourage modal shift and address new mobility behaviours, we need to work collectively and look beyond one size fits all solutions.
Segolene joined Keolis Downer in 2017 to lead the reputation and market positioning in Australia, as well as develop future mobility projects.
Andy Meyer – Acting Executive Director Service Planning and Infrastructure, TransLink,
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Andy Meyer leads the Service Planning and Infrastructure team within TransLink, responsible for up to 5 year, network design, service and infrastructure delivery for the passenger transport network across Queensland.
After an earlier career in IT and Management Consulting, Andy realised that he really wanted to get back to playing with buses and trains, and has worked in Public Transport planning in Queensland for the last 15 years.
Andy particularly enjoys the challenge of being able to translate strategic planning and goals into their more complicated operational realities. He enjoys learning from the experiences of others inter-state and around the world, but recognises that network solutions must be tailored to local topographical, economic and social attributes. With trials of new on-demand technologies underway across Queensland, Andy is focussed on understanding how new technologies can work to improve customer access to, and benefits from, legacy networks.
On Demand and MaaS solutions for regional areas
Professor John Nelson – Chair in Public Transport, Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, The University of Sydney Business School
Prof John Nelson holds the Chair in Public Transport, Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS), University of Sydney.
John is particularly interested in the application and evaluation of new technologies to improve transport systems as well as the policy frameworks and regulatory regimes necessary to achieve sustainable mobility.
He is a co-author (with David Hensher and others) of Understanding Mobility as a Service (MaaS).
Past, Present and Future (Elsevier, May 2020) and co-editor (with Corinne Mulley) of Urban Form and Accessibility (Elsevier, December 2020) and (with Corinne Mulley and Steve Ison) of The Routledge Handbook of Public Transport (Routledge, May 2021).
His most recent book is Transportation in a Net Zero World: Transitioning Towards Low Carbon Public Transport (with Kathryn Logan and Astley Hastings and published by Springer, April 2022).
Future implications for bus and coach operations from the "Skills and Jobs Summit"
Chair: Ian MacDonald – National Industrial Relations Manager, Bus Industry Confederation
Ian MacDonald is the National Industrial Relations Manager for the Bus Industry Confederation. At the same time Ian heads up the Australian Public Transport Industrial Association (APTIA), which is the industrial arm of BIC.
Ian has been involved in the bus industry for over 25 years, firstly as a solicitor and then as the Industrial Relations Manager for BusNSW and then the National Industrial Relations Manager for BIC.
Ian is a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute, has a Bachelor of Laws and Certificate of Transport Management from Sydney University. 
Klausch Schmidt – Director of IRC Operations, Australian Industry Standards
Klausch Schmidt is the Director of IRC Operations at Australian Industry Standards (AIS), not-for-profit Skills Service Organisation that develops skills standards across a range of Australian industries.
Klausch works closely with Industry Reference Committees to ensure qualifications and skills standards are contemporary and meet the needs of industry. He consults with a broad range of stakeholders including Industry associations and businesses, licensing and regulatory bodies, government and State Training Authorities.
Klausch draws upon his wealth of industry experience and VET knowledge to provide professional stakeholder engagement and support services to the industries that AIS supports. Klausch’s rich work history includes roles as a trainer, 15 years as a distribution centre manager, industry development manager for the Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation and General Manager of a Registered Training Organisation.
Klausch holds an Advanced Diploma in Management and various other vocational qualifications.
Tim Capelin – Partner, Piper Alderman
Melissa Hogan – Industrial Relations Manager Rail and Transit Systems, Downer Group
Melissa Hogan is the Industrial Relations Manager at Downer Group. Mel has worked in the public transport industry for 13 years, and has over 20 years’ experience in human resources and industrial relations. Mel works as part of a small professional IR team within the Downer Group, managing over 200 enterprise agreements across Australia and New Zealand, and a complex and diverse workforce of over 30,000 employees. As the IR Manager for Downer’s Rail and Transit Systems Division since 2018, Mel has had responsibility for enterprise bargaining and implementation, union relationships, dispute resolution, managing claims through the Fair Work Commission and other employment tribunals, policy development, training, coaching and providing general advice with respect to industrial relations and employment law related matters.
Mel with her team has carriage of negotiations for multi modal transport enterprise bargaining with the TWU and the RTBU for northern beaches lower north shore, in Sydney, Newcastle transport, Path Transit in WA, Southlink and Link Sa in SA and Yarra trams, and Hornibrook Bus Lines in outer Brisbane.
Her Qualifications include a Master of Workplace and Employment Law, Graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations and is ADKAR Change Management Certified.
TUESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2022
Guest Speaker – Steven Bradbury
Steven Bradbury – Guest Speaker
Steven Bradbury has spoken at over 1350 conferences and events in 21 countries. He now knows his way around a stage like he used to know his way around an ice rink. PD – Goal Setting – Positive Mindset – High Performance Teams. Champion Motivational Speaker | MC | Olympic Champion is a unique skill set.
Steven Bradbury is one of the world’s most colourful Australian champions. With an impressive career as an Olympic athlete that has been driven by determination, sacrifice and most importantly a will to succeed.
He is professional, down to earth and always mingles with the audience after official proceedings are over. Steven does his own research for every client and prior to an event works with his clients for as long as it takes to ensure no detail has been overlooked.
Combining motivation and comedy Steven has found his niche. His life story leading up to winning Australia’s 1st Winter Olympic Gold Medal is motivating and mesmerizing. He intertwines this beautifully with very funny stories about: With Steven Bradbury you get a motivational speaker, entertainer and comedian rolled into one. Stand-up comedy is a skill Steven has learned over time onstage and he loves it and let’s face it he’s pretty well known for standing up….
The payload of hard work can sometimes come in unexpected forms. Bradbury is often called Australia’s ‘accidental hero’ but as a self-taught warrior of tactical maneouveures, maybe being the one left standing is no accident after all. The Bradbury story is one of the true Aussie battler overcoming much adversity to achieve the ultimate goal. The prize is in the journey and making business a success takes passion, persistence and teamwork.
Bus Driver Resilience
Jason Lee – Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality, Transit Systems
Jason is an experienced Health, Safety and Wellbeing professional currently working as the Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality in Transit Systems (the Australian Public Transport Division of Kelsian Group).
With 15 years proven experience in Health, Safety and Wellbeing roles, Jason is passionate and always been a strong advocate and champion of health, safety and wellness programs within workplaces and beyond, with focus on injury prevention and wellbeing aspects of people.
Jason holds undergraduate and post graduate qualifications in business management, marketing and occupational health and safety.
Russ Yell – Regional Director, ANZ, Optibus
Russ Yell is a thought leader and influencer at the forefront of global mobility innovation. In his current role he works with transport agencies and transport operators in ANZ to improve mobility outcomes through the Optibus platform and its ever-increasing suite of capabilities.
During his 20 years in the transport and infrastructure industry he’s worked across the globe, and has always sought to challenge norms and find opportunities to improve outcomes through process redesign, user-centricity and the adoption of innovative technologies.
Keynote Address
Neil Scales, Director-General of the Department of Transport and Main Roads
As Director-General, Neil Scales leads the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), with an annual budget of $10.5 billion, including capital expenditure of $4.5 billion and managed assets worth in excess of $92 billion. The Department develops and delivers QTRIP, which is a four-year program released annually outlining current and planned investments in transport infrastructure. The program of works detailed in QTRIP represents a $29.7 billion investment over four years in road, rail, bus, cycling and marine infrastructure on freight, commuter and recreational networks.
Neil joined the Queensland Public Service in March 2012 as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TransLink where he was responsible for the public transport network across Queensland. He was appointed Director-General of TMR in March 2013.
In September 2014, Neil became Commissioner for the National Transport Commission (NTC) and joined the Roads Australia Board in November 2014. Neil is Chair of Austroads and Deputy Chair of the Australian Road Research Board. He is also a board member of the Tourism and Transport Forum, the Australian Centre for Rail Innovation, and Police- Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) Queensland.
In September 2014, Neil became Government Champion for the Woorabinda Indigenous community. From 2015–2017, Neil was the Queensland Public Sector’s CEO Champion against domestic and family violence. In 2017, Neil won the Australia’s CEO Challenge Race, a fundraising initiative that raises money and awareness for domestic and family violence prevention.
Neil became Acting CEO for Queensland Rail in October 2016, returning to the Director- General role at TMR in April 2017. In 2019, Neil successfully completed the Vincent Fairfax ethical leadership course. In 2021, Neil was awarded the Roads Australia John Shaw Medal in recognition of his outstanding contribution to roads in Australia.
Safety - It's everyone's business
David Swords – Risk Consultant, Drive Risk
David Swords is a Risk Consultant at DriveRisk with 25 years’ of experience across corporate and government markets – industry verticals such as Transport, Logistics, Resources and Utilities. Consultative and entrepreneurial in creating valued solutions, including large scale project management & implementation of innovative business technology in Fleet.
Technology is the enabler – Behavioural change is the objective. Our value is assisting you to discharge those requirements in a way that drives a safety culture and addresses legislation and your personal accountability in leading business to sustainable and profitable ways by mitigating those risk. Enabling a suite of programs & capabilities designed to help business owners address their Duty of Care and Chain of Responsibility needs in a proactive and practicable manner.
Andrea Overall – Executive Officer, BusSA
Andrea worked for over 30 years as a communications specialist and freelance writer.
As a writer, her many clients have included universities, federal and state government departments, a world-renowned public relations firm, and one of Australia’s largest beverage companies. While living in Sydney and Paris she worked in communications for global organisations, and managed publishing – print and online – in the education and public sectors.
Three years ago, Andrea retrained as a chef and joined Bus SA as their part-time Executive Officer.
Part 1 What’s in the pipeline – national regulation and reform
Update on the progress of Heavy Vehicle National Law and safe systems review of the Australian Road Rules
Aaron de Rozario – Executive Leaders, National Transport Commission
Aaron de Rozario joined the National Transport Commission in July 2021 and is responsible for NTC’s regulatory reform initiatives portfolio including the automated vehicle, heavy vehicle and legislative reform programs.
Aaron has over 20 years public sector experience in both Australia and the United Kingdom and has as a strong record of achievement in the economic development, education, social justice policy and transport portfolios. He has advised the Western Australian and Victorian governments on industry reform, regulatory matters and the impact of technology on public policy.
Prior to joining the NTC, Aaron was Chief Executive officer of Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria, where he led the Victorian government’s commercial passenger vehicle reforms and heavily influenced Australia’s policy response to ridesharing.
Aaron has a strong interest in technology and using technology to improve safety and regulatory outcomes.
Update from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator on the Heavy Vehicle Inspection Framework
Sal Petrocitto – Chief Executive Officer, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
Since joining the NHVR as Chief Executive Officer in May 2014, Sal has focused the NHVR to becoming a customer-centric, risk-based, data-driven modern regulator. By driving a significant program of reform across Australia’s heavy vehicle industry, he has enabled a more streamlined approach to service delivery, education, compliance and enforcement, and a greater degree of consistency in how heavy vehicles are regulated. He has led the NHVR far on its journey to becoming a single national heavy vehicle regulator, successfully transitioning, to date, regulatory services from four states and territories improving compliance and safety outcomes.
From a Portal where the heavy vehicle industry can conduct all service transactions, to the automation of identification of the operators and vehicles who pose the greatest safety risk, Sal has championed data-sharing, new technologies and innovative practices to deliver enhanced productivity and safety outcomes for governments and industry. Sal brought to the NHVR extensive knowledge of heavy vehicle policy, strategy, regulation, and business reform, having held senior leadership roles in transport, freight, ports and logistics, strategic land use and transport planning, business process improvement and innovation across state and local government and the private sector.
Keynote Address
The Hon. Mark Bailey MP, Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads
Mark Bailey is Queensland’s Transport and Main Roads Minister in the Palaszczuk Labor Government and the local member for Miller. His portfolio oversees Australia’s largest state-controlled road network (at over 33,000kms), along with 19 state-owned ports and Queensland’s urban and freight rail network. Mr Bailey was elected to the Queensland Parliament in January 2015.
Since being elected, he has delivered transformative record road and transport budgets for Queensland, with major projects including the largest jointly funded road upgrade program in the state: the $12.6 billion Bruce Highway upgrade program, the government’s Olympic-bid winning Cross River Rail project, more than $5 billion to upgrade the M1 and build the second M1, Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 to Burleigh Heads and the $7 billion Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.
Mr Bailey has also delivered major innovations in transport and roads, with record investment in bike, active transport and pedestrian safety upgrades, the creation of the largest electric vehicle charging network in the Southern Hemisphere: the Queensland Electric Super Highway and the state-wide rollout of a $371 million smart ticketing system for public transport. The Minister recognises the significance of his portfolio as a key facilitator for economic development across Queensland, especially as the state’s population booms and, in the lead, up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with $27.5 billion in investment over the next four years and estimated to support an average of 24,000 direct jobs, including more than 16,000 for regional Queensland.
Keynote Address
Senator the Hon. Carol Brown, Senator for Tasmania and Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Carol Brown was elected as a Senator for Tasmania in 2005, and has been the Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport since June 2022. She is honoured to serve the community in both of these roles.
Tasmanian born and raised, Carol understands the many challenges our community are currently facing, and has been a lifelong advocate for her home state. Since joining the Senate, Carol has been a passionate supporter of worker’s rights, the LGBTIQA+ community and women’s access to reproductive health.
A strong advocate of equality and fairness, Carol joined the Australian Labor Party at 20 years old to fight for equal access to employment, education, health and other community services. A fight Carol remains committed to. As an Assistant Minister in the the Albanese Government, Carol has responsibility for the implementation of road safety and black spot programs, along with road vehicle standards, freight and heavy vehicle program implementation, as well as heavy vehicle safety and productivity program delivery.
The Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme and review are also key areas of responsibility for Carol.
Carol has also held shadow portfolios across the diverse policy areas of families and payments, disability and carers, as well as regional tourism.
Carol lives in Hobart with her family and their many pets.
Part 2 What’s in the pipeline – National Regulation and Reform
The reform of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport – where is it heading
Madonna – National Policy Manager, Bus Industry Confederation
Madonna Woodhead is the National Policy & Research Manager at the BIC and has provided services to the BIC over the past 14 years in a broad range of work. Madonna has been responsible for the production and editing of over 15 major policy publications, many policy white papers and associated digital and video materials. Her most recent involvement in producing industry’s first comprehensive report on a decade of the bus and coach industry in Australia, highlighted her self-confessed love of data and information technology. In her time with the BIC, Madonna has also been charged with communications, marketing, conferences and event management, membership services and financial oversight of the organisation.
Previous to her work with the BIC, Madonna was an IT professional, championing Australia’s first bus specific enterprise software integrating all aspects of a bus operation into 1 bus software solution. Her time in IT allowed Madonna to hone her specialised skills as a business analyst and systems designer. Madonna’s overall experience in the bus and coach industry spans 25 years.
Update on Heavy Vehicle Road Reforms
Edwina Barton – Assistant Director, Road Market Reform, Federal Department of Infrastructure,
Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
Edwina Barton is Assistant Director, Road Market Reform, in the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts (DITRDCA).
In this role Edwina contributes to Heavy Vehicle Road Reform, which is a suite of proposed changes to the national system for setting heavy vehicle charges and investing in the road network. DITRDCA leads efforts by all governments to progress these reforms. Edwina will be providing an update on the Heavy Vehicle Road Reform.
Progress on the National Pilot of road user charges for heavy vehicles
Matthew Rendle – Assistant Director National Heavy Vehicle Charging Pilot, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts,Transport Market Reform and Technology, Federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport
Matthew Rendle (Matt) is an Assistant Director with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts and for the National Heavy Vehicle Charging Pilot (National Pilot). The National Pilot is an innovative partnership between industry and government testing direct road user charging options for heavy vehicles through a series of on-road trials.
Matt brings over 20 years experience spanning industry and government in business improvement, cost recovery, regulatory reform, compliance and policy development. Matt’s diverse experience brings a unique blend of expertise to the National Pilot
Matt also has a strong background in regulation of vehicle safety standards, having managed the government’s transition to the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018.
Keynote Addresses
Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Federal Assistant Minister for Trade and for Manufacturing
Senator Tim Ayres grew up on a beef cattle farm in Northern New South Wales.
Before his election to the Australian Senate, Senator Ayres was a trade union leader who played a prominent role in Australia’s manufacturing, food and agriculture sectors.
In 2019, he was elected as a Senator for New South Wales representing the Australian Labor Party, and served as a leading member of the Australian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, and Finance committees.
In 2022, Senator Ayres was appointed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as Assistant Minister for Trade and Assistant Minister for Manufacturing.
Tim is married, with two teenage children and lives in Sydney.
Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie
Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie was privileged to be sworn in a Minister of the Crown in July 2021.
Born and raised in rural Victoria, Bridget was encouraged to be proud and passionate about regional Australia.
A staunch supporter of the small business, agriculture, forestry, mining and manufacturing industries, she is looking forward to promoting and supporting safe and prosperous regional communities. Bridget firmly believes it is in the national interest for regional Australia to be strong and successful. She recognises the importance of jobs, education, a skilled workforce and self-sufficiency. Previously, Bridget McKenzie had the honour of serving as Deputy Leader of the Nationals (2017) and was appointed Australia’s first female Agriculture Minister (2019). It was during this time she introduced key policies such as the dairy code, as well as boosted biosecurity measures to help protect Australia’s primary industries. In addition to her current ministerial role, Bridget is also the Leader of the Nationals in the Senate and is the first woman to be elected to that position. In her role as Senator for Victoria, Bridget has chaired several committees including the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade committee as well as the committee for Joint Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade committee.
As Minister for Rural Health (2017), Bridget drove the establishment of the Murray Darling Medical School to increase the number of GP’s practicing in rural areas. During the 2019-20 bushfires, she advocated for the provision of emergency support and recovery projects to assist affected communities to recover. Among her other achievements, Bridget fought to achieve landmark legislation for cooperatives, including support for Australia Post to ensure its focus on rural and regional Australia and equitable local content in regional broadcasting.
In 2019 she authored on contributions made to the nation by former Prime Minister and Country Party giant, Sir John ‘Black Jack’ McEwen.
Bridget lives in Wodonga and enjoys all things outdoors, including learning to play golf, shooting and sailing when she can.
WEDNESDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2022
BIC national update and conference wrap - Bus Industry Confederation
Roz Chivers – Executive Director, Bus Industry Confederation
Roz Chivers joined the Bus Industry Confederation in August 2021 as the Executive Director. The previous 3 years, Roz was the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director Policy and Advocacy at the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). Roz is highly regarded for her advocacy, communication, and engagement expertise. At ALGA she was responsible for the design and delivery of advocacy campaigns – both public facing and via quiet diplomacy and for seizing opportune moments to advocate for positive outcomes for local governments and local communities.
Prior to joining ALGA Roz spent fifteen years in public services working for the NSW and ACT governments. In that time, she gained an understanding of the passenger transport industry and the moving people task through a variety of roles including leading the transport planning team for the ACT Government at the time when the government shifted its focus to sustainable transport. Roz was also responsible for leading the development of the Belconnen to City Busway project and the ‘walking school bus’ project. At the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Roz worked with regional bus operators on projects to tempt regional commuters to use buses rather than cars on their daily commute to Canberra.
Zero Emission Buses (ZEB) - Critical Thinking in the real world
Stephen Lucas – Chair of BIC’s Zero Emission Committee and Chair Warrnambool Bus Lines
Born in Warrnambool Victoria and educated at Geelong Grammar, Stephen Lucas is the third generation of his family to run buses; an industry which he returned to in 1977 after 8 years National Service as a helicopter pilot. Since that time he has grown the business with a mixture of strategic purchases and improvements to service levels.
A keen advocate for the efficient delivery of effective bus based public transport, Stephen is actively involved in bus industry matters serving on several committees for the Bus Industry Confederation. Stephen is a life member of Bus Association Victoria and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. He was the inaugural Chair of the Bus Industry Confederation from 2001 to 2009. As Chair of the BIC, Stephen pioneered a national policy platform for moving people as a national priority for the Australian government.
On a local level Stephen is an active member of a wide range of committees encompassing transport, aviation, sustainability and business support.
The shape and form of bus contracts
Maria Capati – Partner, Piper Alderman
Maria is a leading commercial lawyer with expertise in the Australian transport industry.
Maria regularly advises government, transport operators, manufacturers and suppliers within the transport and logistics industry in relation to major Government contracts, procurement processes, supply agreements, due diligence and OHS issues.
She has extensive experience in drafting and advising on Government passenger service contracts throughout Australia and is considered an expert on Government contracts in the bus industry. Recently, Maria has advised her clients on the introduction of zero emission vehicles into their operations. She also has significant experience in negotiating and advising on complex M&A transactions by way of asset and/or share sale throughout Australia.
Maria is highly regarded for her legal skills as well as her understanding of the commercial realities that her clients face.
Training for jobs of the future for electric and hydrogen vehicles
Paul Mascord – Director Fleet Services, Transport Canberra
Paul Mascord started employment with Transport Canberra known as ACTION Buses in 1984 as an apprentice motor mechanic and completed a second apprenticeship as an auto electrician. Paul’s current role involves the oversight of the maintenance and repair of the current Transport Canberra in-service fleet which exceeds 450 vehicles. The maintenance and repair of the Transport Canberra Fleet is currently carried out within workshop facilities housed within the two main Depots the South Region Tuggeranong and the North Region Belconnen with a staff of approximately 140 employees which includes approximately 60 Trades Staff Members. Paul is the Transport Canberra lead for the design of the training programs in CIT’s new electric and hydrogen vehicle training facility.
What can Australia learn from the rest of the world - The mistakes and successes of ZEB implementation
Mike Nugent – Head of Hitachi Europe’s ZeroCarbon business, Hitachi (Electric)
Mike Nugent is Head of Hitachi Europe’s ZeroCarbon business, delivering turnkey decarbonisation solutions for depot-based fleets.
Mike has over 30 years of experience across a wide range of industries, all with a focus on asset management, the optimal utilisation of data and the best applications of new technologies to deliver sustainable business transformation, the creation of new business models and building new solutions to the world’s climate challenges.
For the last 12 years Mike has been particularly focused on energy management and the reduction in carbon across fixed and mobile asset estates covering water utilities, data centres, the built environment and transportation. ZeroCarbon is Hitachi’s pioneering As A Service business solution supporting the planning, design, deployment, management and optimisation of decarbonised fleets. Focused on both the mobility and energy challenges of decarbonisation, Hitachi’s ZeroCarbon business is developing new battery, heat, zero-carbon building and mobility solutions to ensure Hitachi is a world leader in meeting the carbon reduction challenge.
At Hitachi Mike is responsible for building the Hitachi ZeroCarbon business and the pioneering solution for bus fleet and depot decarbonisation with First Bus in the UK.
International perspectives of mixed depot use
Mark Peters – General Manager Fleet, Innovation & Business Intelligence, Transit Systems
Mark has been in the bus industry for 34 years and has experience in a number of roles including Automotive Electrician, Workshop Manager, Depot/Operations Manager, Area Manager and General Manager. The Transit Systems Australian Public Transport Division of the Kelsian Group currently operate around 3,000 buses including 38 Battery Electric Buses (36 in Sydney and 2 in Perth), with a further 19 to be delivered in a few weeks. In addition to this, Mark is working with multiple State transport agencies on additional Battery Electric Bus and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus projects. His portfolio also includes business intelligence focused on benchmarking business units, as well as ZEB total cost of ownership and various funding models.
Fireside Chat - Department heads and senior officials of transport on government plans for public transport
Department of Infrastructure and Transport SA – Jon
Whelan, Chief Executive
Jon Whelan is the Chief Executive for the Department for Infrastructure and Transport with over 35 years of extensive experience with the Department. He is passionate and committed to serving South Australians through the provision of valuable social and economic infrastructure, and service delivery. His diverse responsibilities include setting strategy and policy, implementing programs, projects, initiatives, service delivery, and driving improved performance.
Jon is the Rail Commissioner and Commissioner of Highways, with responsibility for ensuring wellconnected and customer focused services are delivered safely, efficiently, and sustainably, and our road network is improved and maintained.
The Department is responsible for the delivery of $7.8 billion investment in transport infrastructure and $5.5 billion for social infrastructure projects, over the next four years. Jon is committed to fostering collaborative relationships with industry and key stakeholders and ensuring as
many South Australian businesses as possible can be involved in State Government infrastructure projects.
Department of Transport and Main Roads of Queensland – Peter Milward, General Manager, Passenger Transport, Integration
Peter Milward was appointed General Manager, Passenger Transport Integration (PTI) Branch in 2012.
Peter is responsible for the team which defines Queensland’s passenger transport network to deliver safe,
cost-effective, and accessible services and infrastructure. The Branch partners with key stakeholders to
provide customer focused policy and legislative leadership, define the passenger transport network and deliver regional services to support the transport network. It applies sustainable approaches to financial management practices and monitors performance for communities across Queensland. The Branch plays a significant role in managing the network and major project coordination across the department including Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro.
Prior to this role, Peter was Executive Director (Service Policy and Investment). Over the past 10 years, Peter has been involved in the delivery of transport policy, services and projects in Queensland and has over 30 years’ experience in both private and public sectors in superannuation management and economic and transport policy, projects, and service delivery.
Department of Transport Victoria – Stuart Johns, Executive Director, Model Planning
Stuart Johns leads the integrated, multi-modal transport planning function for the Victorian Department of Transport, with a remit covering planning for the state’s rail network, buses, trams, walking and cycling, and strategic road planning.
Stuart’s area is also leading the implementation of Victoria’s Bus Plan through the Bus Reform program, and is delivering new networks to leverage the State’s record investment in transport infrastructure through projects like the North East Link busway and Metro Tunnel, as well as reshaping transport networks to respond to Victorian’s changed travel patterns in the post-pandemic world.
Public Transport Authority of WA – Martin White, Executive Director Transperth System, Regional and School Bus Services
Martin White joined the Public Transport Authority in 2006. He has 32 years experience in public transport,
having previously worked in the Department of Transport and Department of Planning and Infrastructure
and as the General Manager of Transwa and the Eastern Goldfields Transport Board.
For the past 10 years Martin has been responsible for managing, coordinating and marketing the Transperth
system, comprising commercial bus contractors, a commercial ferry contractor and the urban passenger
rail services. His role is also responsible for the management of Regional Town Bus Services and School
Bus Services throughout Western Australia.
In 2017/2018, Martin took up a secondment in Queensland as the Network Director responsible for delivering the public transport services for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Ben McHugh – Deputy Director-General, Transport Canberra and City Services ACT
Ben McHugh is the Deputy Director-General of Transport Canberra and Business Services (TC&BS) and is responsible for a diverse part of the TCCS portfolio that delivers essential services to the Canberra community. Business areas within TC&BS include Transport Canberra, Libraries ACT, Canberra Cemeteries, Domestic Animal Services, Capital Linen Service, Yarralumla Nursery and Birrigai Outdoor School. The Strategic Policy and Customer branch is also included within this portfolio and comprises teams focused on policy and legislative solutions, strategic transport, customer experience and the Active Travel Office.
The business of Transport Canberra involves the planning, delivery and operation of Canberra’s public transport network and ensures that buses and light rail are integrated with each other. Bus Operations includes the management of a bus fleet of over 400 buses, two major depots and workshops and more than 800 staff. Light Rail Operations is responsible for the planning and delivery of Light Rail and manages the contract with the Light Rail contracted partner, Canberra Metro.
Transport for NSW Howard Collins OBE, Chief Operations Officer, Greater Passenger Transport, Integration
Howard Collins OBE is an experienced Transport executive who has spent more than 44 years working in
the British and Australian transport industries.
Currently the Chief Operations Officer (COO) for Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW), Howard is
responsible for overseeing operations for all public transport, roads, and maritime services within the Greater Sydney region. During his long and distinguished career Howard has been involved in operations management, disaster recovery, operational planning, employee relations, business transformation,
management, and project portfolio management including commissioning and opening new railways. In addition to his role as COO for TfNSW, Howard is on the Boards of the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), TrackSAFE Foundation, Transport Heritage New South Wales and Sydney Metro.
In 2013, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his success as the Lead Director for the London Underground and London Rail for the 2012 Olympic Games and for services to Public Transport.
How to Build Trust in a Virtual World
Anthony Laye
Losing your mind has never been more hilarious. Australia’s premier corporate entertainer Anthony Laye, will transport delegates on a mind-blowing adventure full of laughs and wonder, leaving you with a sense that you’re not the only one in control of your thoughts! A human lie detector test, nail-biting Russian roulette, amazing mind tricks. A unique, unforgettable and funny experience for delegates.
JAMES LOWE
