Executive Update   
Conference Wrap  | Forward work

We’re thrilled with the positve feedback received following our BusSA Conference held last weekend, at which over 90 delegates contributed to the event’s success.

I really enjoyed being a part of and witnessing the discussion, support and connection that took place, demonstrating the importance, opportunities and strength of the industry here in SA.

Thank you especially to our Presenters and Partners who shared their industry insight, expertise and current work programs to enrich the experience for all. 

Among our other member initiatives, some key matters that were raised at the Conference for our upcoming work include:

• Regional service reviews: the need for Government stakeholders to actively consider additional funding where demand requires, which will also help reduce the significant metro/regional spend disparity.
• Service SA and Driver accreditation: system limitations that reduce the validity length, plus the increase in requests for specialist health assessments that were not previously required. Please contact Bill.Georgopoulos@sa.gov.au for specific assistance.  
• BusSA commend the Department for Education School Bus Transport Working Group that has met for the first time today to progress the review and development of Driver Requirements and Student Behaviour guides and other safety and efficiency matters.
• The Industry’s transition to zero emissions will be heavily dependent on the multi stakeholder plan for ensuring sufficient new energy and associated infrastructure.
• BusSA will progress our work in preparation for the School Bus Service Contract process including future research to help determine vehicle suitability and all associated operating costs – with a reminder that all BusSA Committee Meetings are open for members to attend. We’ll send an invite to members when we confirm the time of the next meeting.      
• In the absence of a State based Accreditation Regime; BusSA’s commitment to make a Management System Framework available to support operators to enhance their safety systems where needed, associated with the NHVL Chain of Responsibly requirements.         

I welcome your feedback and ideas on our upcoming work program, the Conference or any other initiatives to support our members and industry.

Regards 

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

Member Support – Industrial Relations
APTIA Update

From National IR Manager, Ian MacDonald:

The next couple of months are very important to the Industry in that BIC and APTIA will launch its Recruitment and Retention Project in Canberra on 4 July 2024.

You are now invited to register for the launch, the National IR Seminar and the Cocktail event following the seminar.
Registration is as easy as logging into the link below.

The project, supported by both APTIA and BIC, is designed to improve the image of the passenger transport industry and, as such, make employment and a career in the industry a more palatable option.

We have been fearless with our current assessment of the industry, after month’s of investigation, and made recommendations which are both advocative and educative.

I hope you will continue to support the project by attending the launch.

To register log into the following:

https://movingpeople.eventsair.com/QuickEventWebsitePortal/national-ir-seminar-2024/24irseminarinfosite/Agenda

The full “Everybody Out’ Monthly Update will be made available directly to members. It has more about the project and the launch but also details some very interesting topics including:

1. The prospect of changes to the NES to allow double annual leave at half pay as with the Covid period.
2. The ACTU wanting to change the threshold for providing flexible work from ‘reasonable business reasons’ to ‘unjustifiable hardship’.
3. Busting some myths about the right to disconnect.
4. The Government has submitted a 3.6% wage rise to the FWC in this years minimum wage determination.
5. Note also the movement regarding incentives for taking on apprentices.

Member Support – Technical Webinar 
Infrastructure Protection for Electric Bus Depots | 30 May

Electric buses (e-buses) with lithium-ion batteries (LIB) bring with them new risks for bus depots.

High-pressure water mist systems are the best way to meet the new fire protection requirements.

Join our webinar to learn more with speaker Barry Farrell.

Event Details: 10-11.00am, 30 May 2024 

Register Here: https://fire-protection.com.au/fpt_events/infrastructure-protection-for-electric-bus-depots-webinar/

Supported by BusSA Partner – United Safety and Survivability