Review of Secure Jobs Better Pay Legislation
The initial review of the Secure Jobs Better Pay legislation has been handed down with 19 draft recommendations. It’s a case of the nothing-to-see-here-show, with the report acknowledging that it’s unlikely that the ramifications of changes to the legislation, namely single-interest and intractable bargaining have yet to be fully tested. The Review Panel made one overarching recommendation for the Australian Government to conduct a further review in 2 to 3 years’ time to adequately assess the operation of the SJPB amendments.
A response to the draft is due 16 February 2025. APTIA has previously contributed case studies and supporting positions to the ACCI Workplace Policy Group and continues to provide updates as relevant. Thank you to those who responded to the survey that went out. The ACCI Workplace Policy Group is appreciative of your input, and this will be used to reinforce our position in the reply submissions.
If you’d like to read all 400 pages of the draft report, you can go here. Otherwise, we’ll update you when the final recommendations are handed down.
NHVR – Fatigue Regulatory Advice – Working Group
On 3 February 2025, APTIA and bus industry representatives from Murrays, Kinetic, Buslines and Keolis Downer (Transdev and Flagstaff were also represented, but unable to make the first session) met with the NHVR to discuss the formulation of a Bus Driver specific regulatory advice.
In the first meeting we discussed issues that directly and indirectly impact driver fatigue. Including, split shifts, government contracts, commuting, spread of hours and the ageing workforce.
We will meet again to expand on these issues and consider new ideas. From here, the NHVR will draft the advice which will be sent to the group for review.
More to come.
NTC – Driver Health Screening
In January, APTIA provided feedback to a draft discussion paper regarding proposed changes to Driver Health Screening. This paper covers three main health issues: cardiovascular disease, diabetes and sleep-related health matters, and impacts drivers from the whole transport sector.
The paper will be release for public consultation in March. At this time, I would encourage you to review the paper and provide your feedback.
Tony Sheldon Meet
The Chair of APTIA and I met with Tony Sheldon and his chief of staff to discuss pain points in the Bus Industry. The Senator listened with intention as we spoke about the supply issues in Victoria, challenges with the transition to zero emission fleets and shortages of drivers across the nation. Ideas to combat the driver shortage regarding changes to the pension were received well and we will continue to do more work in this space.
We have an open dialogue with the Senator who is keen to hear from us. If there is anything that you think he should know, please get in touch with me.
