As bus and coach strives to establish a robust image and foster strong public and corporate relationships, industry events have become an integral part of what we do at the Secretariat. These offer a unique platform to engage with our members and stakeholders, showcase culture and steer policy objectives.
Revelling from the success of the Industrial Relations Seminar this month, we were grateful for all who made the trip across to Canberra to discuss what is undoubtedly the most pressing issue affecting our sector, the recruitment and retention crisis. The event saw the launch of the Recruitment and Retention Policy Manifesto and Workplace Culture Toolkit and Operator Guidelines, which served as an apt support to the discussions raised.
We just hosted our second Technical Meeting of the year, which covered the Bus Safety Working Group, plus updates on width and mass, ADRs, CTAs, training and more. We were delighted to have representatives from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, Department of Transport and Planning Victoria, the Northern Territory government and Transport for Canberra attend the webinar, along with a wide cross section of members including operators and suppliers.
The Secretariat also recently attended the BusWA Bus Show, AGM and networking cocktail function, offering up plenty of ideas for future events, including the 2025 National Conference which will be held in Perth. While in WA, we took part in the Australian Public Transport Industrial Association’s (APTIA) and BusWA members’ industrial relations breakfast, which focussed on the recruitment and retention project, and the new definition of casual employment.
We took the opportunity to meet with Peter Jones, the Executive Director of Transperth, Regional & School Bus Services at the PTA to discuss zero emissions buses (ZEBs), recruitment and retention, and other issues. And we met with the CEO and staff from PTAANZ to discuss future collaboration.
There’s now less than two months to go until the highly anticipated National Bus and Coach Show in Brisbane. The Show is an important milestone in our calendar as it not only brings our peers and the public together under the same roof, but it also gives the industry the opportunity to highlight what’s coming up in the pipeline, as well as acknowledge the best from the past.
If you plan to attend, please remember that while general admission is free, you still need to register (saves queuing up on the day). The last of the discounted accommodation rates are wrapping up, so book now if you haven’t already. There are also very few exhibition spaces left; please get in touch to avoid missing the bus. If you’re interested in partnering with us for the Show or conference, we are interested in talking with you.
Our National Conference in Hobart is coming up in November and we’re busily putting together the final touches for what’s sure to be a memorable event. Thank you to all of those who have stepped forward to partner with us – your involvement will enhance the event immeasurably.
All the events we are privileged to attend of a year play a vital role in shaping the success and reputation of our industry. If we can leverage the power of networking, engagement, knowledge sharing and celebrating successes, we can create meaningful and lasting connections that will help drive our objectives into the future.
As always, if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please do not hesitate to get in contact.
Roz Chivers
Executive Director, BIC
