Executive Update

Conference Update – May 16 | Fuel Crisis | Government Advocacy 

Over the past few months The BusSA Board, Working Groups, Partners and I have again been very active in delivering support, connections and advocacy to assist our member’s operations and the wider bus and coach industry in SA, here’s an update of what’s been happening and ahead. 

BusSA Annual Conference Program and Registration – Saturday May 16

All is going well for the Bus SA Annual Conference Saturday May 16 at the new location, the Torrens Parade Ground and Drill Hall right in the heart of the city. We’ve had strong interest from operators and supplier partners alike; we’ve confirmed further detail and speakers to the well rounded program, networking drinks on Friday May 15 plus an extensive coach and bus display right outside the venue, so there’ll be plenty to take in and experience for everyone! 

The BusSA Conference is the key opportunity for bus operators, partners, Government and regulators to join together to share issues, learnings, opportunities and actions to support and add value to your bus business and to improve the wider bus and coach industry in SA.

While the insight and learning from our expert industry leaders will be varied, this year our program will focus on: details of and how to best prepare for the school bus services contract tendering process; critical updates from state department and national passenger transport regulators; and the safety and sustainability of bus and coach operations. In 2026, we also debut the APTIA workplace relations breakfast featuring Piper Alderman.

BusSA Industry Awards

BusSA are proud to again highlight the BusSA Awards to recognize and celebrate the excellence, passion and dedication of the bus and coach industry workforce in South Australia with two key awards: Driver and Young Achiever of the Year.

We’ve already received top quality nominations, so don’t miss this opportunity to recognise those in your team that are doing a great job – nominations close Friday May 1.   

See the updated Conference Program, Registration and Award details here.

We look forward to seeing you in May!

Fuel Crisis Update

BusSA and the BIC have been actively engaging with the State and Federal governments to address fuel supply and cost pressure issues and ensure the industry is supported throughout the fuel crisis 

• BusSA, DIT  and DfE have been surveying bus operators and while there have been some issues with localised regional shortages, to date there are no recorded service disruptions.
• As you know, all the DIT and DfE contracts have fuel indexation provisions, but unfortunately there is a lag. BusSA is advocating for early assistance but as a result of the current lag in indexation, operators have a negative cash flow effect on the way up and a positive cash flow effect on the way down. BusSA will closely monitor the actual indexed fuel rates once they are confirmed to ensure they reflect the actual costs incurred by operators. 
• There are two impacts from the government announcement on excise tax. In the first instance, the halving of the diesel fuel excise (for 3 months) should affect the ticket (pump) price. In the second instance, it seems that fuel tax credits may actually rise. Even though the excise is halved, the road user charge has been zeroed and, counterintuitively, the net effect would be to increase (as of 2 April anyway) the fuel tax credit by just over six cents. The fuel tax credit for on-road heavy vehicles is a simple formula: excise minus the road user charge. Before 2 April 2026, that was 52.6 minus 32.4 = 20.2 c/L. From 2 April 2026, it is 26.3 minus 0 = 26.3 c/L. Up 6.1 cents.
• The public transport (inc government school bus) industry is classified as an essential service for fuel distribution purposes under the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act 1984. But it is unclear what this will mean in practice. BIC are now also advocating for school charter services to be considered an essential service.
• BIC have just relased a further notice to members reagrding The Fair Work Commission (Commission) have published a Notice of Intent to make a road transport contractual chain order (RTCCO) establishing fuel cost recovery mechanisms for road transport operators. 
• For those with private contracts eg school/mining/corporate, we encourage you to have discussions re rising fuel cost and the additional cost recovery required. 
• We’re keen to continue hear from members on what you are experiencing on the ground regarding supply, costs and adverse feedback/cancellations by customers. Please contact me on cspurr@bussa.asn.au or 0433 553 875.

Government Update

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport | Departmental Issues Agenda

Following the State election, BusSA and BIC have confirmed a meeting the new Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Joe Szakacs and the Department at the end of this week. The key matters on our agenda are:

• Fuel crisis update and support measures for the bus and coach industry
• National Priorities: 1) Workforce shortages, 2) Decarbonisation, 3) Manufacturing and local jobs
• SA  Priorities: 1) Reconfirm local operator and cost pressure support regarding fuel crisis, 2) Murray Bridge and other regional service investment, 3) Local workforce recruitment initiatives.

School Bus Services

I met with the Department for Education recently regarding school bus services:

They have advised that contract tender stage 1 panel arrangement has been delayed. The Department will provide a further update on the tender schedule, key matters and specifications update at the BusSA Conference on May 16, as well as holding a tender briefing session online as the panel arrangement is released.

The Office of the Industry Advocate will also present at the Conference to provide insight into the support they can provide. I and a number of operators attended the in-person tender for success session in early March, it was a valuable session with insights, tips, and good opportunity for questions, I encourage you to also register for their tender for success sessions online on June 3.

Please contact me should you have any queries or feedback on our industry issues, advocacy and member support.

Regards 

Craig Spurr
Executive Director
E: cspurr@bussa.asn.au
M: 0433 553 875

BusSA Conference and Awards  – Saturday May 16 at Torrens Parade Ground and Drill Hall

• Key opportunity for bus operators, partners, Government and regulators to connect to share issues, learnings, opportunities and actions to support your bus/coach business and our industry.
• New venue and APITA Workplace Relation Breakfast for added experience and value.
• Industry Networking event evening of Friday May 15. 
• Enhanced Partner engagement and extensive bus/coach display.
• Celebrate the passion, hard work and expertise of our Industry with the BusSA Awards! Nominations close Friday May 1.

See the updated Conference Program, Registration and Award details here.