Spreading the good word is, admittedly, not something that the BIC is prone to doing on a regular basis. What, with the recent Victorian deferral of bus replacement and upgrade orders, consistent regulatory skirmishes and seemingly endless clashes with transport gentry being front and centre, you can forgive anyone working in bus and coach for their somewhat weary disposition.
But today, there’s some good news.
Wrapping their wits about them and armed with their trusty, newly-pressed one-pagers and accompanying materials in tow, a BIC contingent made up of secretariat staff and councillors descended upon Parliament House on a cold and dreary Canberra morning.
The aim was simple: Pin down a selection of Ministers, Shadow Ministers and Senior Advisors and enlighten them about the continuing plight of the bus and coach industry in Australia ahead of the upcoming federal election in May.
Eight meetings ensued, centring on three of our most pressing policy areas
- energy and infrastructure
- local content
- workforce, recruitment and pensions.
The result? Overall, the day proved itself a successful endeavour, rendering the valuable opportunity to pitch BIC as a national voice for the sector, highlighting the challenges facing all manner of bussies and even garnering some much-needed support.
These meetings serve as a reminder that collaboration truly is king. We look forward to further building on the momentum gained on the day the BIC went up The Hill, and leverage on the conversations and partnerships that will go on to shape the future direction of our industry.
Lastly but not least(ly)…
The Secretariat has (finally) found itself one team member greater. After almost four months without a captain at the helm, we’re happy to announce that Varenya Mohan-Ram, of prior TWUSuper Fund fame, has been appointed Executive Director.
With over 30 years of strategic management, government and transport experience, Varenya has made supporting industry the cornerstone of his career. He’s stood on various industry committees and boards, plus he led the Northern Territory Branch of the ALP as General Secretary.
He recently said…
“I am truly humbled to be chosen as the BIC ED… in the time I’ve worked with the bus sector, I have felt great respect for the individuals who provide such an important community and economic service for Australia.
“I look forward to your ideas, your knowledge and guidance in helping me shape a better tomorrow for our sector.”
Meanwhile, back in Canberra, the team are looking forward to working with their new chief, including on the National Conference (BNC25) in Perth in October (registrations now open).
Tony ‘Hoppy’ Hopkins, Chair of the BIC Council, said that “… his many years of involvement within the bus and coach industry… will be pivotal in growing the organisation’s reputation and reach.
“I’ve no doubt that his strategic background will serve to help bring about some long-awaited changes.”
Varenya’s first official engagement will see him speak at the QBIC Annual Conference in Cairns, and he’ll take the BIC reins on Monday, 7 April 2025.
In the meantime, you can read our full media release. Stay tuned for an update in our April issue, plus a feature interview with ABC Magazine.
Until then…
