Tuesday, 28 June 2022
Summit Opening
Tony Hopkins is the 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.
What industry can expect in the reforms of disability transport standards and heavy vehicle national law
Madonna Woodhead is the National Policy Manager at the BIC and has provided services to the BIC for the past 13 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 for the bus industry. 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 one holistic software solution. Madonna’s dedication to IT in “bus business” allowed her 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.
Aaron de Rozario joined the National Transport Commission in July 2021and 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.
Session Chair: zero emissions for buses
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.
Keynote address on zero emissions for buses
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 challenges and solutions for energy integration for your new ZEB
Sandra Lau is the Alternatives Fuels Manager at Viva Energy Australia. With almost 20 years in the resources industry in both mining and downstream oil and gas, Sandra has worked across five Australian states and two continents. With Bachelor degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Commerce through the University of Melbourne, and an executive MBA from the Australian School of Graduate Management, she has moved through a variety of onsite engineering, project and management roles through to her current strategic role as Alternative Fuels Manager. In this role, she is responsible for Viva Energy’s strategy and initial pilots in the transition towards a lower carbon future, with a Hydrogen and Electric Vehicles being key focus areas. In addition, she is a current Director on the Australian Hydrogen Council Board.
Alex is an experienced project engineer with over 5 year’s experience delivering projects within the bus sector. Previously working for Keolis Downer, Alex has delivered a wide range of transport projects including asset refurbishments, new transport services, network reviews and electric bus projects. At JET Charge, Alex is leading fleet electrification projects in the electric truck and bus sector with an emphasis on concept design, charging systems specification and project delivery.
How to make the transition and what does it look like when you get there
Adrian Salinas is the CEO of Electromotiv. He was previously a senior project officer with the ACT government. In that role he played a pivotal part in the largest feet-based charging station network installation in the Southern Hemisphere, a 50-station deployment across 10 different sites. Adrian also has global experience in the automotive sector, having worked for GM in the United States and run hydrogen bus trials in Florida and California.
As Secretary of Transport for New South Wales, Rob Sharp leads more than 29,000 people dedicated to making NSW a better place to live, work and visit.
Working in partnership with the private sector, Transport is delivering a once-in-a-generation $72.3 billion transport services and infrastructure program across NSW, with a focus on world-first technology and innovation to drive better customer outcomes. This is in addition to running essential daily transport services and operations to connect people right across NSW.
Rob has over 30 years’ commercial and operational industry experience delivering across transport, infrastructure, technology and engineering operations. This has included high technology, including research and development, manufacturing & distribution and software development. He has led large scale, consumer focused operational businesses and brings a world-class track record in delivering exceptional customer experience and driving digital innovation.
Before joining Transport, Rob played an integral role in the aviation sector. At Qantas Airlines, he led the development of global airport infrastructure, mega project delivery and business transformation activities. He was also responsible for all aspects of Virgin Australia Airlines’ global operations including customer product and services, digital, network, scheduling and day-to-day operations, strategy, finance and people.
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.
Michael has been involved in renewable energy since 2008, as a founding Shareholder and Director of Moonies Hill Energy, a renewable energy developer, and H2 Energy, a renewable Hydrogen Producer formed in 2016. Michael has been a Local Government Councillor and represented industry on various boards at state and national Level.
Leanne Griffiths is the Manager of Business Services at Red Bus Services on the Central Coast NSW. Red Bus Services operates Transport for NSW Outer Metropolitan Region 7 contract which consists of 106 buses as well as a successful small coach operation consisting of 10 coaches. Red Bus have been providing bus services to the people of the Central Coast for over 80 years. Leanne currently is the Metro Vice president of Bus NSW and is an APTIA Council Member. Over 30 years working in the bus industry, Leanne is very passionate about transport – working in the bus industry is not a job but a lifestyle. Leanne’s new interest, like many in the industry is reducing our carbon footprint. Red Bus Services was awarded Transport for NSW first Hydrogen bus trial to commence later in 2022.
Mark Peters is the General Manager of Fleet, Innovation & Business Intelligence for 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 by the end of June 2022.
Mark is also 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.
How do you know if it's going to work
Dr Bjorn Sturmberg is a Research Leader in the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program at the Australian National University. His research focuses on the integration and clean technologies – including electric vehicles and buses, solar and batteries – with the electricity system. He considers these interactions from technical, economic as well as social dimensions to create holistic solutions that accelerate the decarbonization and steer it towards a fairer future.
Loren is a Project Coordinator at Hycel, Deakin University’s hydrogen program. Combining project and education experience with broad industry insights, Loren leads Deakin’s hydrogen education program across school, vocational and tertiary sectors. She is also involved in development of hydrogen mobility and appliance projects and industry-research initiatives.
Wednesday 29 June, 2022
TECHNICAL SUMMIT
Julian Gurney has served on the Council of the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) every year since 2014. He was appointed BIC’s Vice Chair and Supplier Group Chair in February 2022. In his long service to the BIC Council, Julian brings to the table a mature understanding and genuine support for the broad interests of BIC supplier members, contributing a balanced and fair view. Julian has been in the bus industry for 18 years, working for Scania Australia for 16 of those. In his most recent appointment as the Sales Director for Bus and Engine, Julian is responsible for managing retail and government bus sales as well as leading the Marine and Industrial Engines team.
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.
Grant Simmonds is National Sales Manager of Mercedes-Benz Bus, and has been involved in the bus industry for over 30 years and recently appointed to BIC Council as a supplier in February 2022. After completing a cadet trainee program with Mercedes-Benz and forging a career within the bus industry, Grant has been involved over the years in many aspects of the business, including strategic planning, sales and marketing. He has seen the industry develop with significant change and offers his experience and support within BIC to provide a positive contribution to BIC supplier members.
Yuri Tessari became a Council Member for the Bus Industry Confederation representing the Bus Body Manufacturers Group in early 2022, and is a Member of BIC’s National Zero Emission Bus Committee.
Yuri is Volgren’s Chief Commercial Officer, responsible for contract management, partnerships, and customer success. Yuri has led a number of Volgren’s recent zero-emission bus supply contracts including the Melbourne Bus Franchise, Zero-Emission trials in Victoria and a recent Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership with Wrightbus in the UK.
Yuri brings global experience having held senior sales roles at Marcopolo, Brazil and global sales for Scania based in Sweden.
Jack Kotlyar has been involved in the Energy Sector for 23 years. He joined EnergyAustralia in 2016, and has performed the role of Head of Strategy, Head of Reputation, and is currently the Head of NextGen.
His current focus is on the external market and those products and services that are likely to scale in the future. He has been in charge of the Strategic Planning Process, and the functions under Reputation of Corporate Communications, Government and Policy, Industry Regulation and Social Enterprise functions.
Previously, Jack was the Siemens Head of Strategic Planning for its Energy business from 2010 and focussed on business analysis, finance, M&A activity, operational reviews, change management and strategic planning, largely in the energy and utilities markets.
Prior to starting at Siemens, Jack was the Commercial Strategy Manager at Jemena and Alinta. Jack has a finance background and has an MBA from Deakin University.
Luke Hardy has been involved in the bus industry for close to 34 years in both the government and private sectors. He worked with State Transit in NSW for 17 years in a range of both operational and engineering positions and finally as the Manager Engineering Policy and Standards for 7 years.
Luke then had a 7 year stint as Engineering General Manager with Custom Coaches. For the last 10 years, he has undertaken the role of BIC Technical Manager as well as running his own Transport Engineering Consulting business Bus and Coach Solutions.
Luke has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and holds a number of other qualifications and licences that are relative to the bus industry.
Anita Langford is the Assistant Secretary responsible for Vehicle Safety Policy and Road Vehicle Standards Act implementation in the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
Prior to her role with the Department Anita held a number of senior Government roles in transport security, trade facilitation and border management including, most recently, Assistant Secretary Trade Compliance and Trusted Trader in the Australian Border Force.
Anita has a Bachelor of Arts with Honours and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Wednesday 29 June, 2022
Industrial Relations Seminar
Keynote Address
Tim is recognised as one of Australia’s leading workplace lawyers. Tim has over 25 years’ experience in employment and industrial relations law. He is a senior partner at Piper Alderman, solicitors.
Tim understands the commercial realities of business from the perspective of a business owner and adviser. This background enhances Tim’s provision of strategic advice to clients on employment and workforce matters. He is an experienced advocate and has represented employers in all relevant tribunals and courts.
Tim’s industry knowledge includes working with clients in publishing, agribusiness, health, hospitality, finance, retail, logistics, resources, government, professional services, transport, building & construction, social & community services and pharmaceutical industries. He frequently presents on workplace law topics, is a regular contributor to industry and legal publications and is sought by the media for comment on workplace law issues.
Industry Panel - Recruitment and retention of staff
Nikki Britt is a well-respected and passionate health professional and has spent more than three decades assisting people with an injury, illness or disease to recover by returning them to work. A recognised industry thought leader, Nikki leads Navigate Health providing premium services that support the health benefits of work. Nikki’s expertise is recognised through her involvement in the inaugural Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM) Health Benefits of Work (HBOW) Signatory Steering Group (SSG) and a former board membership of the National Employment Services Association (NESA).
Nikki has also actively participated in numerous working parties and reference groups for the Department of Social Services (DSS formerly known as DEEWR) over the past two decades.
Chief Operating Officer at FIP Group Kylie is a perfect addition to the Senior Leadership Team at the FIP group with over 10 years’ experience in senior leadership roles and over 20 years of delivering outcomes in Leadership, Human Resources and Organisational Development roles. Most recently, Kylie’s focus includes delivering strategic and operational projects, HR business partnering, industrial relations solutions, project and change management outcomes, and HR advice merger and acquisition activity.
Brendon is the Head of People and Culture at Buslines Group. He has overall responsibility to drive strategic human resource (HR) matters relating to the Buslines workforce as well as overall responsibility to manage the function including payroll, learning and development, recruitment, employee relations and daily human resource services to support the business.
Brendon strives to support the leaders of tomorrow to become resilient and manage career ambitions in both human resources related roles and also generalist leadership pathways in the industry.
Brendon aspires to foster harmony and growth and will do this through active listening and frequent engagement with frontline workers, driving adoption of modern technology throughout the business, and eradicating silos to have one common purpose. Brendon’s goal is to understand, motivate and champion causes to better the working environment and our contribution to the industry.
Varenya Mohan-Ram is the National Business Relationship Manager for the TWUSUPER Fund – the Superannuation fund for the Transport Industry. Varenya works across multi-industries in transport including the bus sector, aviation sector, road transport sector, waste sector, furniture removalist sector, warehouse sector and refrigerated transport sector. Supporting business has been a cornerstone of Varenya’s career. He holds a Bachelor of Science, a Diploma of Financial Services in Superannuation, Masters Of Business Administration (MBA) and has completed Finance for Senior Executives at Harvard Business School in Boston MA. Varenya works with employers to ensure compliance with superannuation legislative requirements including setting up clearing houses, ensuring their staff is mentally well, and financially prepared for retirement.
Industry Panel - Insecure employment
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.
Steve Schofield is Group Head-HR & Industrial Relations at Downer EDI Ltd. He was also on the board of Foodbank New South Wales Ltd.
Steve previously held the position of General Manager-Industrial Relations at Qantas Airways Ltd., Assistant Director-Resource Planning at Australia Royal Navy, General Manager-Human Resources at Komatsu Australia Pty Ltd., Director-Human Resources for Schindler Lifts Australia Pty Ltd. and Director-Human Resources at Goodman Fielder Pty Ltd.
Steve received an MBA from Macquarie Graduate School of Management. Downer EDI, are in a joint venture arrangement with international transport operator Keolis.
Ezra is the Employment Relations Manager at Queensland Trucking Association Ltd and consults to the Queensland Bus Industry Council.
He is a motivated professional specialising in creating workplaces that are profitable, efficient, and rewarding to work in. Ezra holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management and is a skilled problem solver with the ability to think on his feet and offer creative solutions. Ezra states that he is energetic, passionate and possesses a deep desire to help businesses and the individuals they employ achieve great success.
Stephen is a solicitor and risk management professional who has helped businesses from a range of industries to meet their compliance needs. He has worked both as an industrial relations and safety lawyer and as a consultant to industry in all sectors. His work includes multi-million-dollar tender documents, Discussion Papers, industry submissions and grant proposals. He has implemented complex change projects and Enterprise Agreements and has developed discussion papers and high-level reports for government. He offers businesses outstanding communication skills, meticulous project management and the ability to transform complex issues into practical solutions.
Tuesday, 28 June 2022
Summit Opening
Tony Hopkins is the 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.
What industry can expect in the reforms of disability transport standards and heavy vehicle national law
Madonna Woodhead is the National Policy Manager at the BIC and has provided services to the BIC for the past 13 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 for the bus industry. In her time with the BIC, Madonna has also been charged with communications, marketing, conferences and event management, technical support and membership services 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 one holistic software solution. Madonna’s dedication to IT in “bus business” allowed her 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.
Aaron de Rozario joined the National Transport Commission in July 2021and 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.
Session Chair: zero emissions for buses
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.
Keynote address on zero emissions for buses
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 challenges and solutions for energy integration for your new ZEB
Sandra Lau is the Alternatives Fuels Manager at Viva Energy Australia. With almost 20 years in the resources industry in both mining and downstream oil and gas, Sandra has worked across five Australian states and two continents. With Bachelor degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Commerce through the University of Melbourne, and an executive MBA from the Australian School of Graduate Management, she has moved through a variety of onsite engineering, project and management roles through to her current strategic role as Alternative Fuels Manager. In this role, she is responsible for Viva Energy’s strategy and initial pilots in the transition towards a lower carbon future, with a Hydrogen and Electric Vehicles being key focus areas. In addition, she is a current Director on the Australian Hydrogen Council Board.
Alex is an experienced project engineer with over 5 year’s experience delivering projects within the bus sector. Previously working for Keolis Downer, Alex has delivered a wide range of transport projects including asset refurbishments, new transport services, network reviews and electric bus projects. At JET Charge, Alex is leading fleet electrification projects in the electric truck and bus sector with an emphasis on concept design, charging systems specification and project delivery.
How to make the transition and what does it look like when you get there
Adrian Salinas is the CEO of Electromotiv. He was previously a senior project officer with the ACT government. In that role he played a pivotal part in the largest feet-based charging station network installation in the Southern Hemisphere, a 50-station deployment across 10 different sites. Adrian also has global experience in the automotive sector, having worked for GM in the United States and run hydrogen bus trials in Florida and California.
As Secretary of Transport for New South Wales, Rob Sharp leads more than 29,000 people dedicated to making NSW a better place to live, work and visit.
Working in partnership with the private sector, Transport is delivering a once-in-a-generation $72.3 billion transport services and infrastructure program across NSW, with a focus on world-first technology and innovation to drive better customer outcomes. This is in addition to running essential daily transport services and operations to connect people right across NSW.
Rob has over 30 years’ commercial and operational industry experience delivering across transport, infrastructure, technology and engineering operations. This has included high technology, including research and development, manufacturing & distribution and software development. He has led large scale, consumer focused operational businesses and brings a world-class track record in delivering exceptional customer experience and driving digital innovation.
Before joining Transport, Rob played an integral role in the aviation sector. At Qantas Airlines, he led the development of global airport infrastructure, mega project delivery and business transformation activities. He was also responsible for all aspects of Virgin Australia Airlines’ global operations including customer product and services, digital, network, scheduling and day-to-day operations, strategy, finance and people.
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.
Michael has been involved in renewable energy since 2008, as a founding Shareholder and Director of Moonies Hill Energy, a renewable energy developer, and H2 Energy, a renewable Hydrogen Producer formed in 2016. Michael has been a Local Government Councillor and represented industry on various boards at state and national Level.
Leanne Griffiths is the Manager of Business Services at Red Bus Services on the Central Coast NSW. Red Bus Services operates Transport for NSW Outer Metropolitan Region 7 contract which consists of 106 buses as well as a successful small coach operation consisting of 10 coaches. Red Bus have been providing bus services to the people of the Central Coast for over 80 years. Leanne currently is the Metro Vice president of Bus NSW and is an APTIA Council Member. Over 30 years working in the bus industry, Leanne is very passionate about transport – working in the bus industry is not a job but a lifestyle. Leanne’s new interest, like many in the industry is reducing our carbon footprint. Red Bus Services was awarded Transport for NSW first Hydrogen bus trial to commence later in 2022.
Mark Peters is the General Manager of Fleet, Innovation & Business Intelligence for 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 by the end of June 2022.
Mark is also 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.
How do you know if it's going to work
Dr Bjorn Sturmberg is a Research Leader in the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program at the Australian National University. His research focuses on the integration and clean technologies – including electric vehicles and buses, solar and batteries – with the electricity system. He considers these interactions from technical, economic as well as social dimensions to create holistic solutions that accelerate the decarbonization and steer it towards a fairer future.
Loren is a Project Coordinator at Hycel, Deakin University’s hydrogen program. Combining project and education experience with broad industry insights, Loren leads Deakin’s hydrogen education program across school, vocational and tertiary sectors. She is also involved in development of hydrogen mobility and appliance projects and industry-research initiatives.
Wednesday 29 June, 2022
TECHNICAL SUMMIT
Julian Gurney has served on the Council of the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) every year since 2014. He was appointed BIC’s Vice Chair and Supplier Group Chair in February 2022. In his long service to the BIC Council, Julian brings to the table a mature understanding and genuine support for the broad interests of BIC supplier members, contributing a balanced and fair view. Julian has been in the bus industry for 18 years, working for Scania Australia for 16 of those. In his most recent appointment as the Sales Director for Bus and Engine, Julian is responsible for managing retail and government bus sales as well as leading the Marine and Industrial Engines team.
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.
Grant Simmonds is National Sales Manager of Mercedes-Benz Bus, and has been involved in the bus industry for over 30 years and recently appointed to BIC Council as a supplier in February 2022. After completing a cadet trainee program with Mercedes-Benz and forging a career within the bus industry, Grant has been involved over the years in many aspects of the business, including strategic planning, sales and marketing. He has seen the industry develop with significant change and offers his experience and support within BIC to provide a positive contribution to BIC supplier members.
Yuri Tessari became a Council Member for the Bus Industry Confederation representing the Bus Body Manufacturers Group in early 2022, and is a Member of BIC’s National Zero Emission Bus Committee.
Yuri is Volgren’s Chief Commercial Officer, responsible for contract management, partnerships, and customer success. Yuri has led a number of Volgren’s recent zero-emission bus supply contracts including the Melbourne Bus Franchise, Zero-Emission trials in Victoria and a recent Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership with Wrightbus in the UK.
Yuri brings global experience having held senior sales roles at Marcopolo, Brazil and global sales for Scania based in Sweden.
Jack Kotlyar has been involved in the Energy Sector for 23 years. He joined EnergyAustralia in 2016, and has performed the role of Head of Strategy, Head of Reputation, and is currently the Head of NextGen.
His current focus is on the external market and those products and services that are likely to scale in the future. He has been in charge of the Strategic Planning Process, and the functions under Reputation of Corporate Communications, Government and Policy, Industry Regulation and Social Enterprise functions.
Previously, Jack was the Siemens Head of Strategic Planning for its Energy business from 2010 and focussed on business analysis, finance, M&A activity, operational reviews, change management and strategic planning, largely in the energy and utilities markets.
Prior to starting at Siemens, Jack was the Commercial Strategy Manager at Jemena and Alinta. Jack has a finance background and has an MBA from Deakin University.
Luke Hardy has been involved in the bus industry for close to 34 years in both the government and private sectors. He worked with State Transit in NSW for 17 years in a range of both operational and engineering positions and finally as the Manager Engineering Policy and Standards for 7 years.
Luke then had a 7 year stint as Engineering General Manager with Custom Coaches. For the last 10 years, he has undertaken the role of BIC Technical Manager as well as running his own Transport Engineering Consulting business Bus and Coach Solutions.
Luke has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and holds a number of other qualifications and licences that are relative to the bus industry.
Anita Langford is the Assistant Secretary responsible for Vehicle Safety Policy and Road Vehicle Standards Act implementation in the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
Prior to her role with the Department Anita held a number of senior Government roles in transport security, trade facilitation and border management including, most recently, Assistant Secretary Trade Compliance and Trusted Trader in the Australian Border Force.
Anita has a Bachelor of Arts with Honours and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Wednesday 29 June, 2022
Industrial Relations Seminar
Keynote Address
Tim is recognised as one of Australia’s leading workplace lawyers. Tim has over 25 years’ experience in employment and industrial relations law. He is a senior partner at Piper Alderman, solicitors.
Tim understands the commercial realities of business from the perspective of a business owner and adviser. This background enhances Tim’s provision of strategic advice to clients on employment and workforce matters. He is an experienced advocate and has represented employers in all relevant tribunals and courts.
Tim’s industry knowledge includes working with clients in publishing, agribusiness, health, hospitality, finance, retail, logistics, resources, government, professional services, transport, building & construction, social & community services and pharmaceutical industries. He frequently presents on workplace law topics, is a regular contributor to industry and legal publications and is sought by the media for comment on workplace law issues.
Industry Panel - Recruitment and retention of staff
Nikki Britt is a well-respected and passionate health professional and has spent more than three decades assisting people with an injury, illness or disease to recover by returning them to work. A recognised industry thought leader, Nikki leads Navigate Health providing premium services that support the health benefits of work. Nikki’s expertise is recognised through her involvement in the inaugural Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM) Health Benefits of Work (HBOW) Signatory Steering Group (SSG) and a former board membership of the National Employment Services Association (NESA).
Nikki has also actively participated in numerous working parties and reference groups for the Department of Social Services (DSS formerly known as DEEWR) over the past two decades.
Chief Operating Officer at FIP Group Kylie is a perfect addition to the Senior Leadership Team at the FIP group with over 10 years’ experience in senior leadership roles and over 20 years of delivering outcomes in Leadership, Human Resources and Organisational Development roles. Most recently, Kylie’s focus includes delivering strategic and operational projects, HR business partnering, industrial relations solutions, project and change management outcomes, and HR advice merger and acquisition activity.
Brendon is the Head of People and Culture at Buslines Group. He has overall responsibility to drive strategic human resource (HR) matters relating to the Buslines workforce as well as overall responsibility to manage the function including payroll, learning and development, recruitment, employee relations and daily human resource services to support the business.
Brendon strives to support the leaders of tomorrow to become resilient and manage career ambitions in both human resources related roles and also generalist leadership pathways in the industry.
Brendon aspires to foster harmony and growth and will do this through active listening and frequent engagement with frontline workers, driving adoption of modern technology throughout the business, and eradicating silos to have one common purpose. Brendon’s goal is to understand, motivate and champion causes to better the working environment and our contribution to the industry.
Varenya Mohan-Ram is the National Business Relationship Manager for the TWUSUPER Fund – the Superannuation fund for the Transport Industry. Varenya works across multi-industries in transport including the bus sector, aviation sector, road transport sector, waste sector, furniture removalist sector, warehouse sector and refrigerated transport sector. Supporting business has been a cornerstone of Varenya’s career. He holds a Bachelor of Science, a Diploma of Financial Services in Superannuation, Masters Of Business Administration (MBA) and has completed Finance for Senior Executives at Harvard Business School in Boston MA. Varenya works with employers to ensure compliance with superannuation legislative requirements including setting up clearing houses, ensuring their staff is mentally well, and financially prepared for retirement.
Industry Panel - Insecure employment
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.
Steve Schofield is Group Head-HR & Industrial Relations at Downer EDI Ltd. He was also on the board of Foodbank New South Wales Ltd.
Steve previously held the position of General Manager-Industrial Relations at Qantas Airways Ltd., Assistant Director-Resource Planning at Australia Royal Navy, General Manager-Human Resources at Komatsu Australia Pty Ltd., Director-Human Resources for Schindler Lifts Australia Pty Ltd. and Director-Human Resources at Goodman Fielder Pty Ltd.
Steve received an MBA from Macquarie Graduate School of Management. Downer EDI, are in a joint venture arrangement with international transport operator Keolis.
Ezra is the Employment Relations Manager at Queensland Trucking Association Ltd and consults to the Queensland Bus Industry Council.
He is a motivated professional specialising in creating workplaces that are profitable, efficient, and rewarding to work in. Ezra holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management and is a skilled problem solver with the ability to think on his feet and offer creative solutions. Ezra states that he is energetic, passionate and possesses a deep desire to help businesses and the individuals they employ achieve great success.
Stephen is a solicitor and risk management professional who has helped businesses from a range of industries to meet their compliance needs. He has worked both as an industrial relations and safety lawyer and as a consultant to industry in all sectors. His work includes multi-million-dollar tender documents, Discussion Papers, industry submissions and grant proposals. He has implemented complex change projects and Enterprise Agreements and has developed discussion papers and high-level reports for government. He offers businesses outstanding communication skills, meticulous project management and the ability to transform complex issues into practical solutions.
