Bulletin
January / February 2015
BusNSW Member Conference
Crowne Plaza Coogee
15 - 16 April 2015
Inside Features
www.busn sw.c
om.au
Driver Authority
& Licence
Checks
Bus Fires Emergency
Response
Procedures
CTP Insurance
Set to Rise
Page 18
Page 26
Page 34
ADVERTISEMENT
1/3 PAGE
Contents
Bus & Coach Association (NSW) Inc.
ABN 18 990 675 920
27 Villiers Street
North
Parramatta
NSW 2151
Article
Example
2
Volume 73 Issue 1 Jan / Feb 2015
Postal: Locked Bag 13
North Parramatta NSW 1750
Phone: (02) 8839 9500
Fax: (02) 9683 1465
Email: info@busnsw.com.au
Web: www.busnsw.com.au
Executive Director: Darryl Mellish
Industry Development: Matt Threlkeld
Member Services Manager: Charlie Rosiello
Marketing & Events: Melissa Bowden
Accountant: Sanjana Shankar
Administration & Secretarial: Zina Toffolon
Graphic Design & Reception: Jacqui Jaeger
Print Post Approved No. PP100007572
Disclaimer: Articles reproduced by the
Association are done so in good faith and
therefore, we accept no responsibility for
the accuracy of the contents thereof. All
materials, opinions and reports published
in this magazine are for the interest of
members. No endorsement by BusNSW is
given or implied by their publication.
Regular Features
Executive Director’s Update
For Your Diary
New Members
Notice Board
BIC National News
BusNSW Partnerships Wages Update Branch Register 2014
4
5
5
6
37
38
39
42
Bus & Coach Operations
Cover Story - 2015 BusNSW Member Conference
Driver Procedure for Seatbelts Now on BusNSW Website
APTIA Industry News
Motor Repairer Tradesperson Certificates
NHVR Update
Driver Authority and Licence Checks
Vehicle Monitoring Devices & Work Diaries
24 Hour Support for Bus Drives is Just a Phone Call Away
BusNSW Regional Seminars - March 2015
BusNSW Submission - Review Operation of Regional RTC’s
Bus Fires - Emergency Response Procedures
Safe-t-Ride 3 + 2 Seating
8
10
12
15
17
18
20
22
23
24
26
28
Coach & Tourism
Cover Photograph:
BusNSW Member Conference 2015
Tourism NSW Update
Higer Takes the Small Coach Market to the Next Level
29
30
Business & Finance
BusInsure News
Tips to Avoid Disputes on the Issue of Make Good at end of Lease
CTP Greenslips Set to Rise for the Bus Industry
31
32
34
Advertisers for January / February 2015
ABC
BusInsure
Bustech
Custom
Heritage
Higer
Interact Group
Iveco
King Long
12
2
21
11
24
35
22
7
34
Mercedes
Piper Alderman
Poseidon Technologies
PrimeWorks
Scania
Stillwell Trucks
Transport Seating
Volgren
44
32
19
13
36
20
28
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January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
3
REGULAR FEATURES
Executive Director’s
Letter
We are off and running into 2015, the year of a NSW State election (28 March) and reforms to
Rural and Regional Bus Service Contracts.
With this edition of the Bulletin you will receive the BusNSW 2014 Annual Report, a 2015
Member Conference registration brochure and a BusNSW March 2015 NSW election brochure.
Many NSW Country MPs have been very interested and supportive of bus and coach sector
issues, particularly proposed changes to Rural and Regional contracts. Such interest and
support flows through to improving policy and procedures to support Public Transport services
for communities across the State. After reading commentary on the recent (Victorian and
Tasmanian) and coming elections (Queensland and New South Wales) the stand out item from
a bus perspective is the apparent reduction in industry partnership for achieving the fiscal
constraints state governments are facing. You would expect the opposite should occur with
industry best interests served by working with government, even at times of reform/restraint.
State Governments throughout Australia are using different models for procuring bus services. In
NSW the next round of outer metro contracts will reactivate the debate on whether governments
can obtain value from negotiated, rather than tendered contracts.
In contrast to tendering, the 2015-2023 NSW Rural and Regional contracts are being
“negotiated” which is expected to confirm that working with industry can achieve government
objectives, of value for money and customer satisfaction even during periods of significant
budget pressure.
The BusNSW Annual Report attached with this Bulletin contains details of the focus of BusNSW
in 2015, as well as reporting on the Industry activities for the year just gone.
I remind Members to book accommodation and register for the upcoming 2015 BusNSW
Member Conference to be held at the Crowne Plaza Coogee on Wednesday 15 and Thursday
16 April, 2015. The event is shortly after the March State election and is in the second week of
the school holidays. BusNSW will be inviting the Minister of the day to address delegates and it
is important that Members use the conference as an opportunity to raise matters of importance
and for networking with other members, suppliers and stakeholders.
I look forward to seeing you at the BusNSW AGM set for 19/2/15 at BusNSW from 10.00a.m.
Darryl Mellish
Executive Director
4
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
REGULAR FEATURES
For Your Diary
2015 Public Holidays
2015 BusNSW Diary
1 Jan
26 Jan
3 Apr
4 Apr
5 Apr
6 Apr
25 Apr
8 Jun
5 Oct
25 Dec
26 Dec
28 Dec
Feb 19 AGMs / BoM / Delegates Forum
Mar 2-6 Regional Seminars (Nthn NSW)
Mar 16-19 Regional Seminars (Sthn NSW)
April 8 Board of Management
April 15 RR Operator KPI/Reporting Wk
Apr 15-16 BusNSW Member Conference
May 7 BoM / Associate Member Sem.
May 25 Delegates Forum
July 1-4 CTM
Jul 27 Delegates Forum / BoM
Oct 12-16 Nthn AGMs and Regional Sem.
New Year’s Day
Australia Day
Good Friday
Easter Saturday
Easter Sunday
Easter Monday
Anzac Day
Queen’s Birthday
Labour Day
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
Additional Day**
Oct 26-29 Sthn AGMs and Regional Sem.
**When Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, there is to be
an additional public holiday on the following Monday.
Nov 8-11BIC National Conference
Nov 26 Associate Members Seminar
Dec 7
Delegates Forum / BoM / Christmas Function
2015 School Year
Term 1
27 January to 2 April
Autumn Vacation
3 April to 17 April
Term 3
13 July to 18 September
Spring Vactaion
21 September to 5 October
Term 2
20 April to 26 June
Winter Vacation
29 June to 10 July
Term 4
6 October to 18 December
Summer Vacation
Eastern - 21 Dec to 26 Jan 2016
Western - 21 Dec to 2 Feb 2016
The first day of Terms 1,2 & 3 and the Last Two Days of Term 4 are school development days.
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
5
REGULAR FEATURES
Noticeboard
RMS Information Notice Defect Reporting
Roads and Maritime Services
encourages operators to include on
their defect reporting sheets sufficient
space to include the time/date
reported by the driver and the time/
date when the defect is rectified. It
has been identified during recent
visits to some depots that the defect
reporting sheet does not capture the
time of the reports which may cause
confusion as to whether the bus was
used whilst a defect existed.
The inclusion of reporting times helps
provide clear evidence that the defect
was rectified prior to the bus being
used to provide a service.
The development of this procedure by
operators can assist in the reduction
and mitigation of harms associated
with the specific or specialised bus
service. The addition of this tool
strengthens safety record management
and provides assurance to drivers that
the defect has been rectified in a timely
and efficient manner.
Reminder regarding
New Working with
Children Check
BusNSW wishes to remind operators
that existing employees already in
paid child-related work must have
received clearance under the new
Working with Children check by 31
March 2015.
For all new employees involved in
child-related work, they must apply
for a Working with Children Check
and obtain a clearance before they
commence work.
The check involves a Government
organisation doing a national criminal
history check and review of findings of
workplace misconduct and advising
if the person can work with children.
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January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
The result of a Working with Children
Check is either a clearance to work
with children for five years, or a bar
against working with children. Cleared
applicants are subject to ongoing
monitoring, and relevant new records
may lead to the clearance being
revoked. The Check is fully portable
which means it can be used for any paid
or unpaid child-related work in NSW for
as long as the worker remains cleared.
If you are self-employed and hold a
Certificate for Self Employed
People, you can continue to use this
until it expires, then you must apply for
a Check.
The Office of the Children’s Guardian
(OCG) has established a number of
avenues to assist businesses as they
deal with this transition period. A
Community Engagement Officer, Sue
Gresswell, has been assigned to work
directly with transport sector businesses
to assist them as necessary.
Sue’s details are:
Sue Gresswell
Community Engagement Officer
Office of the Children’s Guardian
General contact number 9286 7219
Email: check@kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au
For any other queries concerning the
Working with Children Check, please
contact BusNSW, or Sue Gresswell
(OCG) on the number above.
Update to Safety
Management System
(SMS) Handbook
In November 2014, RMS released
an updated version of the Safety
Management System (SMS) handbook
which was previously released in
January 2007.
The SMS Handbook is designed to
assist accredited bus and coach
operators to develop and implement
a SMS that meets the accreditation
requirements under the NSW
Passenger Transport Act, Regulations
and SMS Guidelines.
BusNSW provided a number of
changes to the old handbook and
these have largely been accepted by
RMS within the revised November
2014 version.
The 8 elements of the SMS have not
changed, but there are improvements
to the definitions and an emphasis
in the wording on creating and
maintaining a safety culture. I.e.
the importance of not only having
policies but making sure they are
implemented, communicated,
understood, monitored and updated
as needed. Other changes include
•
Improving the sample risk register
(i.e. including wearing seat belts
when fitted).
•
Improved information on what to
do if there is an incident
•
Expanded Drug and
Alcohol guidelines
•
Inclusion of what happens
if an Accredited Operator
or Designated Manager is
unavailable at the time of a
scheduled BOAS audit
•
Clarifying the difference between
the annual internal review and the
ASAR process.
The SMS Handbook is now available
on RMS and BusNSW website www.
busnsw.com.au.
What operators should do
Take the opportunity of the release
of the updated handbook to review
your SMS policies and procedures,
and consider making this your internal
annual review. Operators are also
reminded to review their SMS each
time a new hazard is identified.
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
7
COVER STORY
2015 BusNSW Member Conference
The conference will conclude with an
Industry Forum panel discussion on
the topic of “Developing partnerships
for the common good”.
The Thursday evening Conference
Dinner sponsored by Mercedes-Benz
and Custom will take place in the
Oceanic Boardroom, with a 1960’s
theme providing delegates with an
ideal opportunity to relax and network.
BusNSW would like to thank its
Platinum and Gold Partners for their
continued support of this event.
Conference Registration
The 2015 BusNSW Member Conference is to be held
at the Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach on Wednesday the
15th and Thursday the 16th April, 2015 (second week of
school holidays).
The conference provides operators,
government representatives and
industry suppliers the opportunity to
expand their knowledge on current
issues and changes happening to, and
within, the industry.
The conference theme, “Together
Towards Tomorrow”, reflects the need
for the development of partnerships
involving operators, suppliers, BusNSW
and TfNSW that focus on customers and
result in mutual benefits.
The conference will officially
commence with the Volvo Welcome
Party in the Ocean View Courtyard at
the Crowne Plaza on Wednesday 15th
April, between 6:00pm and 8:00pm.
The program on Thursday 16th April
will feature a Government Address
from the Minister for Transport (to be
confirmed) post the 2015 State Election,
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January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
and BusNSW Executive Director, Darryl
Mellish, will present an industry report
including a contracts update.
Other topics to be presented during
the day include:
•
Accreditation Reforms and
Technical Matters - Peter Wells,
Director Safety & Compliance,
Roads and Maritime Services
•
Workplace Health & Wellbeing
- Nikki Brouwers, Managing
Director, The Interact Group
•
Vehicle Innovation
Before lunch you will be addressed
by Commonwealth Bank Equities
Economist, Savanth Sebastian (to
be confirmed), who will provide an
analysis of economic trends in the
Australian and global economy.
A Conference Registration Form is
enclosed with this issue of the Bulletin.
Alternatively Registration Forms are
available on the BusNSW website
www.busnsw.com.au or by contacting
BusNSW on (02) 8839 9500.
BusNSW encourages you to book
accommodation and register early!
Please note that Registrations will
close on the 1st April, 2015.
Location
Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach - 242
Arden Street, Coogee NSW 2034.
Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach boasts
a prime location in the heart of
Coogee, a buzzing beachside suburb
in the trendy Eastern Suburbs of
Sydney. Experience all the benefits
of relaxed, seaside living while still
enjoying convenient access to the
airport and CBD.
Accommodation
Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach offers
a versatile range of accommodation.
Enjoy the convenience of double and
interconnecting rooms or spread out in
one of the spacious and contemporary
suites. Rollaway beds are available on
request to accommodate extra guests
in standard rooms.
COVER STORY
To book accommodation at the
Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach online
visit the BusNSW Website www.
busnsw.com.au. To book direct with
the hotel please phone reservations on
(02) 9315 9124 between the hours of
9.00am to 5.00pm Mon - Fri and quote
“BusNSW Conference” to receive the
discounted rates.
Restaurants
Bluesalt is the signature restaurant
at Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach,
offering magnificent ocean views
and an extensive menu of innovative
modern Australian cuisine, featuring
the freshest local seafood, meat and
produce. Complement your meal with
a quality drop from the broad list of
fine local and international wines.
Delegates wishing to have dinner
at Bluesalt restaurant following the
Welcome Party on Wednesday
15th April are required to book in
advance. Please call (02) 9315 9138 to
make a reservation.
Child Minding Services
For information regarding child
minding services please contact the
concierge team prior to arrival on (02)
9315 9124. Please note Crowne Plaza
do not have onsite childcare facilities
but can arrange child minding via
external agencies (charges apply).
Conference Registrations
Conference registrations will take place
in the pre-function foyer adjacent to
the reception area at the Crowne Plaza
Coogee Beach, between 3:00pm and
5:00pm on Wednesday 15th April, 2015,
and between 8:00am and 8:45am on
Thursday 16th April, 2015.
What to Wear
Wednesday Welcome Function:
Smart Casual
Thursday Conference Sessions:
Smart Casual
Thursday Conference Dinner:
1960’s theme
Further Information
For further information please contact
Melissa Bowden at BusNSW on (02)
8839 9500.
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
9
BUS & COACH OPERATIONS
Driver Procedure for Seat Belts Now on
BusNSW Website
Operators would be aware of the
phased introduction of seat-belts
on Contract A buses under the
Government’s School Bus Safety
Program. Guidelines for Operators of
TfNSW Rural and Regional School Bus
Contracts, providing detailed guidance
for operators, were recently posted on
the BusNSW website.
In addition, a short Procedure for Drivers
is now also available on the website. It
covers issues such as seat belt wearing,
booster seats and standees. A copy
of the procedure is set out below.
Operators are encouraged to download
this document from the BusNSW
website and adapt it for use by their
own drivers.
Driver Procedure for Buses Fitted with Seat Belts
1. Students must be encouraged to wear seatbelts where fitted in buses.
2. SEAT BELTS MUST BE WORN signage will be fitted throughout the bus.
3. Drivers should actively encourage students to wear seatbelts but should not leave their seats to do so or jeopardise the
normal operation of the school service (arriving late etc).
4. Drivers must never attempt to physically secure or adjust a seat belt for a student.
5. Any refusal by a student to follow the driver’s instruction to wear a seatbelt must be dealt with under TfNSW’s Guidelines
for Managing School Student Misbehaviour.
6. If parents enquire or approach you for use of a booster seat, they must be told to contact the office. Until you are
instructed by your Manager that a booster seat is specifically approved for a student, the booster seat cannot be used.
7. On Contract A services (i.e. dedicated school bus services), NO STANDEES ARE TO BE CARRIED. If a student overload is
apparent you must contact the depot by two-way radio for instruction.
8. On Contract B services (i.e. a service which carries adult passengers as well as school students), standees ARE
permitted. If students are required to stand, the bus MUST NOT EXCEED 80 kph whilst standees are onboard.
9. Any damage occurring to a seatbelt or seat that renders the seatbelt inoperative must be reported at the end of the shift
via the Vehicle Defect Book.
10.If damage is detected during a shift, no student should be permitted to use that seat if another seat is available. If this
creates a carrying capacity issue, the depot must be contacted immediately by two-way radio for instruction.
10
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
BUS & COACH OPERATIONS
APTIA Industry News
Fair Work (Bargaining
Processes) Bill 2014
The Fair Work Commission will
have to consider whether enterprise
agreements contain productivity
improvements before it approves
them, while unions face additional
hurdles to protected action, under the
Coalition’s latest IR bill.
The Fair Work Amendment (Bargaining
Processes) Bill 2014, introduced into
Parliament on Thursday 27 November
2014, requires the tribunal when
approving enterprise agreements to
be satisfied that parties discussed
productivity improvements during the
bargaining process.
The Bill does not require agreement
on productivity but to make sure
parties have at least considered how
productivity in their workplace could
be improved. This will at least
ensure productivity is part of the
bargaining discussions.
On protected action, the Bill seeks to
amend the Fair Work Act to require
the FWC to have regard to a range
12
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
of non-exhaustive factors to guide its
assessment of whether an applicant
for a protected action ballot order is
genuinely trying to reach an agreement.
The Bill will provide that the FWC must
not make a protected action ballot order
where it is satisfied that the claims of an
applicant for a protected action ballot
order are manifestly excessive or would
have a significant adverse impact on
productivity at the workplace.
The Fair Work Act currently allows
“first resort” industrial action, and the
amendments would provide greater
transparency in what applicants for a
protected action ballot order need to
demonstrate to show they are genuinely
trying to reach an agreement.
Some of the factors, which will need
to be proven by parties seeking
protected action ballots will include a
consideration of the extent to which
the applicant has communicated its
claims to the employer and the extent
to which bargaining has progressed.
Currently Fair Work Act allows
industrial action in pursuit of almost
any bargaining claim, regardless
of how extreme, unreasonable or
unrealistic it may be.
There are now four IR Bills languishing in
the Senate or Lower House. APTIA will
advise on the progress of the recent Bill.
‘No Child Left Behind’
policy upheld
The Fair Work Commission handed
down on 19 December 2014 a landmark
decision upholding the right of an
employer to enforce its “No child is Left
Behind” policy, relating to the carriage of
school children on their buses.
In the decision, Steven Curtis v. Transit
Australia Pty Ltd, [2014] FWC 867, 22
December 2014, Deputy President
Hamilton was required to review the
summary dismissal of an employee
who had breached the Company’s “No
Child Left Behind” policy, in which the
employee had been trained.
The Transport Workers Union,
representing the employee, submitted
that any policy which purports to
remove a driver’s discretion in relation
BUS & COACH OPERATIONS
to refusal of travel to persons who do
not pay a fare (including children who
are not school children) cannot be
lawful or reasonable.
The Australian Public Transport
Industrial Association, represented its
member and submitted that the policy
“No Child Left Behind”, enunciated
by both Queensland Transport and
adopted by Transit Australia, included
all school students at infant and
primary levels as well as students at
secondary level, up to 17/18 years.
APTIA contended that the Policy
applied to all children of school age
who travelled on public transport at
all times of the day, on all days of the
week and was an important policy for
the protection of children.
Registration forms are available on
the APTIA website. The seminar is
part of a larger BIC summit which
culminates in BIC’s Annual dinner on
the same evening.
Members and Associates are
invited to register along with middle
management, industrial relations or
human resources staff. Note that both
the Minister for Employment and the
Shadow Minister for Employment and
Workplace Relations have agreed to
present their strategies.
Other Speakers will include specific
industry topics such as:
•
Health and Well Being
•
Unfair dismissal
Deputy President Hamilton stated:
•
4 yearly review
“In my view (‘No Child Left Behind”)
is both lawful and reasonable having
regard to the principles in Woolworth
Limited v Cameron Brown, 26/ 09/
2005, PR963023. There is nothing
in Government Guiding Principles,
Code of Conduct or Regulations
which prevents this employer in
implementing its stated “No Child Left
Behind” policy.”
•
Employer’s expectations for
IR reform
At the same time APTIA’s second
edition of its national IR and WHS
Guide is to be launched along
with the National Work Health and
Safety which is the result of a 2
year investigation by APTIA and the
Interact Group as part of a BIC/ ACCI
Productivity Leadership Program
The Decision, in which the dismissal
was upheld, provides comfort to
APTIA members that it is lawful and
reasonable for Bus Operators to
adopt safety policies, advocated by
Government, to protect young persons
provided that their employees are fully
aware of those policies.
Registrations now
open for APTIA’s
National IR Seminar
APTIA will hold its second National IR
Seminar in Canberra on Tuesday 24
March 2015 commencing at 10.00am.
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
13
BUS & COACH OPERATIONS
Stakeholder News
Productivity
Commission Inquiry
Employment Minister Eric Abetz has
acknowledged that the initial April
2015 deadline for the Productivity
Commission’s IR review is now
unrealistic and has also indicated he
might not respond to the road safety
remuneration tribunal review this year.
During Senate Estimates hearings in
Canberra on Friday, the Minister again
declined to give a release date for the
Productivity Commission inquiry’s terms
of reference, but said it “would stand
to reason” that the April 2015 deadline
in the draft that was leaked in March,
“would not allow for a comprehensive
review as we had anticipated”.
Asked by Labor Senator Sue Lines
for a reason for the delay, the Minister
said it was a question for Treasury
14
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
(which has portfolio responsibility for
the agency), but continued that “the
Government does have a lot of issues
on its plate and we’re trying to deal
with them”.
“sensible and fair changes” to be
taken to the next election.
“We’d like to be able to do everything
simultaneously but regrettably
sometimes that cannot happen.”
Senator Abetz also on Friday declined
to provide a release date for the
review of the Labor Government’s
Road Safety Remuneration Act 2012
and Tribunal, saying only that “’in due
course’ is closer than it was last time”.
Senator Abetz indicated during an earlier
Estimates hearing, on June 3, that the
terms of reference had been agreed.
“I’m not sure that the end of the year
is necessarily within my definition of
‘in due course’ but it may be,” he said.
“It is ultimately up to the Treasurer to
announce it,” Senator Abetz said at
the time. “I can indicate that, from my
perspective, I think matters have been
settled for its release. But it is up to
the Treasurer to do so.”
Senator Abetz said the Government
would provide its response at the
same time it released the report.
The Coalition ahead of last
September’s election pledged to retain
the Fair Work framework but ask the
Productivity Commission to examine
its “operation and impact, with any
While in Opposition, the Coalition
promised to “urgently” review both the
tribunal’s operation and the need for a
“further level of regulation”.
Senator Abetz last November
appointed Rex Deighton-Smith, of
Jaguar Consulting, to conduct the
review, receiving his report in April.
BUS & COACH OPERATIONS
Motor Repairer Tradesperson Certificates
New laws commenced 1
December 2014
The Motor Dealers and Repairers Act
2013 is a consolidation of the current
Motor Dealers Act 1974 and the Motor
Vehicle Repairs Act 1980.
Three year renewal
Currently trades certificates do not
have an expiry date.
This means there is no process for
checking if certificate holders are still
working in the industry.
Motor vehicle repairers will now be
required to renew their tradesperson
certificate every 3 years. The renewal
date will be determined by the day
and calendar year in which the holder
was granted their certificate:
•
•
•
tradesperson’s certificates
granted in 1980 up to and
including 1987 will be due for
renewal in 2015. For example,
if a person was granted a trade
certificate on 23 August 1985 ,
their certificate will be due for
renewal on 22 August 2015
tradesperson´s certificates
granted in 1988 up to and
including 2008 will be due for
renewal in 2016. For example, if
a person was granted a trades
certificate on 17 April 1990, their
certificate will be due to renewal
on 16 April 2016
tradesperson´s certificates granted
in 2009 up to and including 2014
will be due for renewal in 2017. For
example, if a person was granted
a tradesperson´s certificate on 30
June 2010, then their certificate will
be due to renewal on 29 June 2017.
The cost of renewal will be $45 over 3
years ($15 per year), which covers Fair
Trading´s processing costs.
What happens if I don’t
renew my tradesperson
certificate on time?
ensuring that restricted or conditional
tradesperson certificates are gradually
phased out.
Tradespeople who fail to renew their
certificate by the renewal date have 3
months to apply for the restoration of
the certificate. If a tradesperson fails to
restore their certificate within this period,
they have to make a new application for
a tradesperson certificate.
Repair classes
The cost of restoring or renewing a
tradesperson certificate is $45. The
application for a new tradesperson
certificate is $66.
If you have an expired unrestricted
tradesperson certificate, NSW Fair
Trading will accept this as satisfying
the qualification requirements for a
tradesperson certificate in the same or
equivalent class of repair work.
Restricted, conditional, provisional and
radiator repairer trades certificates will
not be accepted for new applications
for a tradesperson certificate.
There will be 12 classes of repair work
for tradespeople:
•
automotive electrician
•
body maker
•
compressed natural gas mechanic
•
liquefied natural gas mechanic
•
liquefied petroleum gas mechanic
•
motor cycle mechanic
•
motor mechanic
•
panelbeater
•
trailer and caravan mechanic
•
transmission specialist
•
underbody work
•
vehicle painter.
Key aspects of the changes to repair
classes include:
Existing certificate holders
•
Holders of tradesperson certificates
issued under the Motor Vehicle
Repairs Act will get a tradesperson
certificate when they renew on the
same or equivalent terms as their
existing certificates.
one certificate will allow the
holder to operate from a vehicle
or a fixed workshop
•
the existing gas mechanic repair
class has been expanded into 3,
reflecting the highly specialised
skills required to repair and install
the different types of gas equipment
•
the new underbody work
repair class is made up of the
former brake mechanic, exhaust
repairer and front end specialist
repair classes.
This arrangement will apply to all
existing tradesperson certificate
holders, with a few exceptions.
Tradespeople with a restricted,
conditional or provisional tradesperson
certificate or a radiator repairer
tradesperson certificate will keep their
existing certificate but will be required
to renew every 3 years. NSW Fair
Trading will not approve applications
for new tradesperson certificates
in these restricted classes. This
allows for existing holders of these
certificates to continue to work, while
Existing certificate holders in these
repair classes will move over to the
new underbody work repair class but
will be only allowed to do the work
that their existing certificate allows
them to do (e.g. exhaust repairs).
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
15
BUS & COACH OPERATIONS
Minimum qualification
requirements
before 1 September 2015 and there is
a corresponding class of repair.
New applicants for a tradesperson
certificate must have a prescribed
Certificate Level III qualification for
the relevant class of repair work.
These qualifications are linked to units
of competency from the nationally
accredited training packages endorsed
by the Australian Skills Quality
Authority and delivered by Registered
Training Organisations. These
qualifications are being prescribed
as they represent what is recognised
nationally as what´s required to
complete repair work with the
necessary level of skill and knowledge.
There will be no corresponding
class of repair for existing restricted,
conditional, provisional or radiator
repair classes.
Current course providers
Some training courses that are not
part of nationally accredited training
packages are currently recognised for
the issue of a tradesperson certificate.
However, under the new arrangements
such courses will cease to offer a
pathway to a tradesperson certificate.
Work exempt from the Act
Work involving the installation or
replacement of certain accessory
fittings will no longer be licensed
under the Act, however it will all be
covered by consumer guarantees
provided under the Australian
Consumer Law. Tasks involving the
following accessory fittings fall within
this definition:
•
skirts
•
ute linings
Currently, such courses only allow a
person to be granted a restricted or
conditional tradesperson certificate.
For example a certificate limited to
paintless dent repair rather than a
certificate for a panel beater.
•
spoilers
•
wiper blades
•
vehicle detailing
•
weather shields
•
side steps, rails and step boards
Restricted and conditional
tradesperson certificates will not be
issued under the new Act and, while
such courses can still be delivered,
they will lose their `approved´ status
under the new laws.
•
head light protectors
•
bonnet protectors
•
luggage and roof racks
•
protective awnings, car top tents,
enclosures, canopies
•
spare wheel racks and carriers
•
water carriers
•
jerry can carriers
•
light globes
•
tow bars (bolted)
•
sound systems and radios
•
wheels.
What if I have qualifications
under the old Act?
If you qualified for an unrestricted
tradesperson certificate under the
Motor Vehicle Repairs Act, but do
not apply for a certificate before 1
December, your qualification will be
recognised under the new legislation,
as long as you enrolled in the course
16
For those who commenced, but not
yet completed a course before 1
September 2015, you will be eligible
for a tradesperson certificate once you
have completed your qualification.
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
A tradesperson certificate will no
longer be required for authorised RMS
examiners when doing the work of an
RMS examiner. NRMA road side assist
employees who provide emergency
breakdown repairs to their members
will also no longer be required to have
a tradesperson certificate under the
new Act.
Underbody work on caravans and
trailers or trailers will not require a
tradesperson certificate, but must be
done at a licensed repair business.
Work on the non-motor vehicle parts
of caravans, trailers and recreational
motor vehicles (such as living spaces)
are exempt from the Act.
A tradesperson certificate will no
longer be required for certain types of
vehicles. These include:
•
vehicles not acquired for
the transport of goods or
passengers on public roads (e.g.
agricultural equipment)
•
vehicles with a mass over 4.5
tonnes (i.e. those covered by the
Heavy Vehicle National Law)
•
vehicles that are not capable
of being registered in NSW
(e.g. quad bikes, segways,
motorised wheelchairs and
battery powered bikes).
BusNSW has recently met with RMS
due to industry concerns associated
with allowing untrained mechanics
to work on heavy vehicles, including
buses over 4.5 tonnes. It appears
that the new national heavy vehicle
laws and their implementation has
caused some confusion for the
NSW Department of Fair Trading,
however the NSW Government
has now vowed to make changes
to the new state-based laws.
BusNSW will keep Members
informed of changes.
BUS & COACH OPERATIONS
NHVR Update
NHVR leadership team
in place for 2015
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
(NHVR) Chief Executive, Sal Petroccitto,
recently announced three new
appointments to the NHVR leadership
team following a nation-wide search for
the best available skill, expertise and
experience to drive regulatory reform for
Australia’s heavy vehicle industry.
“These appointments bring new skills
and capabilities to our leadership
team and ensure one of the key
building blocks of the NHVR’s new
organisational structure is in place, “
said Mr Petroccitto.
“On behalf of the NHVR Board, I am
delighted to welcome these talented
individuals to our organization,
as we embark on a new phase of
stabilization and delivery in collaboration
and partnership with industry and
government “ Mr Petroccitto said.
Executive Director (Productivity and
Safety) – Mr Geoff Casey
Executive Director (Engagement and
Partnerships) - Ms Karen Vohland
Executive Director (Regulatory
Compliance) - Mr Tony Kursius
“Geoff, Karen and Tony will join the
NHVR over the coming weeks with all
new executives on deck and ready for
the year ahead by late February.
“For me, last year’s priorities were to
build relationships with industry and
key government agencies and restore
their confidence in our ability to get
the job done, “ said Mr Petroccitto.
“This year, the NHVR leadership team
will deliver on those key initiatives that
industry has been calling for, such as
improvements to Australia’s heavy
vehicle maintenance and accreditation
regimes, fatigue management options
tailored to industry needs and more
consistency in roadside enforcement.
“With strong support from our industry
and government partners, I am
very proud of the momentum we
achieved last year and am looking
forward to a very successful 2015, “
Mr Petroccitto said.
NHVR 2015
Executive appointments
Mr Geoff Casey
Executive Director
(Productivity and Safety)
Geoff Casey has an extensive
background in regulatory compliance,
risk management, the establishment and
implementation of safety management
systems and related government policy
in safety-critical industries.
He has significant experience in
regulatory and government roles within
the highly-regulated aviation industry
including Airservices Australia and the
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Geoff comes to the NHVR from his
most recent role as the Manager of
Operational Safety, Investigations and
Risk, within the safety department
of Qantas Airlines, where he
has responsibility for monitoring
and maintaining operational risk
management practices and standards,
investigations, data analysis and
the communication of safety-critical
information to the Executive, Board
and various regulatory authorities.
Ms Karen Vohland
Executive Director
(Engagement and Partnerships)
Karen Vohland has held senior
executive roles in the public and
private sectors with more than 25
years’ experience in media, public
relations and stakeholder engagement.
Karen currently holds the role of
Director (Tourism and Stewardship)
with the Great Barrier Reef Marine
Park Authority (GBRMPA) and has
been instrumental in shaping the
agency’s tourism and stakeholder
engagement activities, including its
Tourism Reef Advisory Committee, 12
Local Marine Advisory Committees,
three regional offices and the highly
successful Reef Guardian Stewardship
Program which includes commercial
fishers, farmers, local government
and schools. Before this, Karen was
the Communications and Education
Director for GBRMPA for seven years.
Karen has also held senior
communication roles in the public health
sector, emergency services and the
television media, and has operated her
own successful marketing company.
Mr Tony Kursius
Executive Director
(Regulatory Compliance)
With over 20 years’ experience at
senior executive-level in regulatory
and service delivery roles with the
Queensland Government transport
portfolio, Tony Kursius’ expertise
spans corporate human resource
management, land transport (including
registration and licensing), road safety,
rail safety, road use management and
transport compliance functions.
In recent years, Tony assisted the
NHVR to establish its regulatory
and compliance function, holding
the temporary position of Director
(Compliance Transition) in 2013-2014.
Tony has worked closely with other
road transport authorities across the
country in the years leading up to the
establishment of the national Regulator
and has extensive knowledge and
practical understanding of the strategic
and operational challenges in achieving
national regulatory reform.
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
17
BUS & COACH OPERATIONS
Driver Authority and Licence Checks
Issue
To highlight problems with the current
administration of Driver Authority (DA)
and Licence checks for accredited bus
operators in NSW.
Background
Clause 15 of the Passenger
Transport Regulation 2007 requires
bus operators to ensure that “each
person engaged to drive a vehicle
used to provide the service, holds an
appropriate driver licence and… driver
authority.” To meet this obligation,
RMS requires each operator to
regularly check that their drivers’
licences and DAs remain current.
Until 2008, operators met this
obligation by accessing both the
Driver Authority Information Database
(administered by TfNSW) and the
Heavy Vehicle Licence Enquiry System
administered by RMS. At that time,
the “MyRTA” website was not a
suitable option for HV licences since it
required the actual licence holder (i.e.
the driver) to establish a password in
order to access their records.
In 2009, TfNSW established a link
between DAIS and RTA licence data.
This meant that a non-current driver’s
licence on the RMS system would lead
to a non-current DA on DAIS. As a
result, operators only needed to check
that the Driver’s DA was current in
order to ensure that both the DA and
licence were current. As a result, DAIS
has been the system used by bus
operators to check driver’s authorities
and licences since that time.
More recently, TfNSW provided
BusNSW with a weekly list of cancelled,
suspended or expired DA numbers
18
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
which BusNSW placed on its website
and which provided bus operators with a
further resource to check if their drivers’
DAs were current. This system ceased in
early 2014.
Context
The recent transfer of responsibility
to RMS for driver authorisation (in
addition to driver licences) has created
problems for bus operators. In the
first instance, RMS has stopped
providing BusNSW a list of cancelled,
suspended or expired DA numbers,
for “privacy reasons”.
In addition, bus operators have from
time to time experienced technical
difficulties when trying to access the
DAIS. As a result, RMS has advised
that operators should use the TfNSW
‘MyRecords’ database to check DA/
licence details.
Current Position
There are three separate databases
relevant to DA/licence checking.
These databases are compared below.
As can be seen, there are issues
associated with each of the three
databases. The detailed consent
requirements of the “MyRTA”
database makes that system
impractical for a bus operator needing
to regularly check the DA/licence
status of each of their drivers.
Conversely, and contrary to BusNSW’s
earlier understanding, the cross
referencing between licence and
DA information on both the “DAIS”
and “My Records” databases is
apparently not automatic and occurs
on an infrequent basis (possibly
weekly). This means that a driver may
have lost their licence but could still
hold a current DA until the licence data
is cross checked.
Recommendations/
discussions
Clearly, the current system is
unsatisfactory and inconsistent with
the regulations requiring the operator
“ensures” currency. Bus operators
are under a requirement to ensure
that their drivers DAs/licences are
current at any given time, however the
databases set up by the regulators are
inadequate for that purpose.
What is needed is a single database
that is easy to access to ensure that
both drivers’ DAs and licences are
current at the time the database
is accessed. This is particularly
important given that an operator may
have many hundreds of drivers, whose
DA/licence status they are expected to
monitor on a daily basis.
In this context, BusNSW understands
that STA is notified by RMS when a
driver’s DA is suspended. BusNSW
has recommended that a similar
system be available whereby the bus
driver’s last known employer is notified
when a DA is suspended cancelled
or expired. To date, RMS has not
supported such a move.
In the absence of such a system,
BusNSW seeks from RMS a much
better system whereby the information
held by RMS can be more readily shared
with the bus operator to enable them to
meet what is an onerous legal obligation.
BusNSW will continue to raise
this matter with RMS/TfNSW and
advocate for a sensible solution.
REGULAR FEATURES
Database
Owner
DAIS
TfNSW
Functionality
Issues
Database was set up to allow a bus operator to check Driver Authorities. Operator may check multiple DAs at any
one time. 1. Technical difficulties with bus operators unable to access
database from time to time.
2. RMS licences are cross-checked with DAIS, however it would
appear this only occurs on an infrequent basis and RMS are not
able to advise the frequency (not daily as understood
by industry). This means that, at a given time, a driver may have
a current DA on DAIS but not have a current licence.
My Records
TfNSW
Database allows a bus operator to check Driver Authorities. Operator may check multiple DAs at any one time.
1. BusNSW is unclear whether the DA information on My Records
is cross-checked against RMS licence information.
2. If so, it is unclear how often licence information is cross-checked.
BusNSW suspects that, like DAIS, this may be done on an
infrequent basis (possibly weekly), meaning that a driver may
hold a current DA on the system while their licence has been
cancelled, suspended or expired.
My RTA
RMS
Database allows third party (e.g. bus operator) to check driver licences
1. Bus operator must register to use the database and must obtain
a signed consent form from each driver on each occasion checks
are undertaken. Operator must also keep record of all signed
consent forms
2. Appears that licence data is not cross checked with DA data. BusNSW is seeking confirmation.
3. Appears operator can only check one driver’s licence at a time.
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
19
BUS & COACH OPERATIONS
Vehicle Monitoring Devices and Work Diaries
BusNSW has received enquiries from
operators on the current requirements
for Vehicle Monitoring Devices (such
as Tachographs) and Work Diaries,
and whether there is any link between
the two. This article summarises the
requirements for both.
•
Vehicle Monitoring Devices
This means that the only operators
requiring VMDs in NSW are
those operating:
Vehicle Monitoring Devices (VMDs)
automatically record details about a
vehicle whether the engine is on or off.
These details include:
•
The lengths of time during which
a vehicle is moving or stationary
during a journey;
•
The speeds at which the vehicle is
driven; and
•
The distance the vehicle has
travelled between stops.
The specific requirements for VMDs
for buses and coaches in NSW were
introduced by TfNSW in 2006 via an
Order under the Passenger Transport
Act 1990. That Order modified RMS
requirements for VMDs by exempting
the following services from the need to
install and monitor VMDs:
•
Buses undertaking regular
route services;
•
Buses undertaking school
bus services;
Buses undertaking both regular
route services AND charter
services where the journey is less
than 80 kilometres.
•
Charter services undertaken by
buses which are also used for
regular route services, where the
charter is 80 kilometres or more;
•
All other coach or charter services
beyond an 80 kilometre radius of
the vehicle’s usual depot.
Importantly, where VMDs are used, they
must meet RMS Specification 531 for
VMDs (available from the RMS website).
Work Diaries
While both Vehicle Monitoring Devices
(VMDs) and Work Diaries can be
used to monitor driver fatigue, the
requirements between the two are
not related. Again, regular route and
school services do not require Work
Diaries (whatever the distance). Coach
and tourist services require drivers to
complete Work Diaries but only for
journeys which are 100km or more from
the “driver’s base”. The driver’s base is
usually the operator’s depot, garage or
any other place from which the driver
operates and receives instruction.
The following table summarises the
VMD/Work Diary requirements for
bus and coach operators in NSW.
Members may also contact BusNSW
for further information and assistance.
VMDs
Work Diaries
Regular Route and School Services
(ANY DISTANCE)
Not Required
Not Required
Long Distance Tourist and Charter
Only required if journey
is beyond an 80 km radius of the depot Only required if journey
100km or more from
the driver’s base
BUS & COACH OPERATIONS
24 Hour Support for Bus Drivers is Just a
Phone Call Away
BusNSW Gold Partner
delivers on industry
recommendations
Workplace health and wellbeing
specialists, The Interact Group, have
recently announced that they will
provide a new 24 hour confidential
telephone counselling service to bus
operators and their drivers in response
to industry recommendations.
Managing Director of The Interact
Group, Nikki Brouwers, said that this
type of service is an excellent tool for
Operators to ensure the optimal health
and wellbeing of their Drivers.
“A confidential 24/7 telephone
counselling service is invaluable
to Drivers who strive to meet the
demands of their job,” she said.
“Through the confidential telephone
service, Drivers have access to a
22
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
health professional 24 hours each day
so no matter what time an incident
occurs, they have a third party they
can contact to confidentially discuss
the matter with.”
“What we can then determine from
each confidential phone call is if
psychological treatment is required
and connect them with our Registered
Psychologists,” Nikki said.
The telephone service will also
provide Operators with an indication
of the health and wellbeing of their
Drivers which may assist them in
the management and prevention of
future incidents.
“We measure the effectiveness of
the EAP service by utilising outcome
measures to assess the effectiveness
of intervention,” she said.
The 24 hour confidential telephone
service is available to Operators and
Drivers through the Interact Group’s
Employee Assistance Program. Uptake
of the EAP by the bus industry has
significantly increased in past months.
“Demand for our EAP has significantly
increased within the bus industry
with Operators wanting to provide
their Drivers with easier access to
assistance should they require it. This
indicates to me that the health and
wellbeing of Drivers is at the forefront
of both Operators, and the industry’s,
mind,” Nikki said.
The Interact Group has hosted more
than 50 key industry leaders from the
bus industry this year at its Interact Bus
Leadership Forum and surveyed more
than 300 Drivers across the industry.
BUS & COACH OPERATIONS
BusNSW Regional Seminars - March 2015
BusNSW will continue its free Regional
Seminar series in 2015 with ten
seminars planned for Northern and
Southern NSW in March. The seminar
program provides face to face advice
to members and a forum where
members can have queries answered
and issues clarified. The seminars
will take place just prior to the NSW
State Election which will be held on 28
March 2015.
•
School Student Transport Scheme
(SSTS) – TfNSW proposed reforms
•
•
Accreditation Update – Including
BOAS reforms and audit results
***BusNSW Partners will have vehicles
on display for members to view***
•
Industrial Relations – FWA
Changes, Enterprise Agreements
and PVTA Review
Seminar venues and dates are
as follows.
•
School Bus Safety – Seat belt
implementation update
The following topics will be covered:
•
NSW Passenger Transport
Legislation – update on changes
to Act and Regulations
•
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
update and Technical matters
•
Additional topics from Transport
for NSW and RMS
•
Rural and Regional Contracts –
update on contract renewal process
and funding model, including
proposed arrangements for
reporting, KPIs and governance
Member Services and
Superannuation Update
All sessions below will be from
11:00am to 1.00pm except for Ulladulla
which will be from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
The free seminars are limited to
BusNSW members. Refreshments will
be provided.
Members are therefore encouraged to
book their place early. To reserve your
place, complete the booking form
included with this issue and fax to
BusNSW on (02) 9683 1465 or email us
at: ztoffolon@busnsw.com.au.
Region
Date
Location
Ballina
Mon 2 March
Ballina RSL - 240 River St, Ballina
Coffs Harbour
Tues 3 March
Ex-Servicemen’s Club - Pacific Hwy & Vernon St, Coffs Harbour
Tamworth Dubbo
Wed 4 March
West Diggers Club - Kable Ave, Tamworth
Thur 5 March
Dubbo RSL – Cnr Wingewarra & Brisbane St, Dubbo
Cowra
Fri 6 March
Cowra Services Club - Brisbane St, Cowra
Griffith
Mon 16 March
Griffith Ex-Sevicemen’s Club – Jondaryan Ave, Griffith
Wagga
Canberra
Tues 17 March
Wagga RSL – Dobb St, Wagga
Wed 18 March
Kangaroos RLFC - Cnr Stuart and Richard St, Queanbeyan
Merimbula
Thur 19 March (am)
Club Sapphire – 119 Main St, Merimbula
Ulladulla
Thur 19 March (pm)
Milton-Ulladulla Bowling Club – St Vincent St, Ulladulla
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
23
BUS & COACH OPERATIONS
BusNSW Submission - Review into the
Operation of Regional Transport Coordinators
Thank you for the opportunity to
comment on this review. We have
canvassed members and offer the
following comments.
Transport Policy
for the Transport
Disadvantage
A number of BusNSW Members are
involved in Transport Working Groups
which involve Regional Transport
Coordinators (RTCs). Information
provided to members during 2014
suggests that TfNSW are well
advanced in the development of plans
relating to the work of RTCs and the
transport disadvantaged (refer below).
BusNSW is concerned that many of
these plans have taken place without
consultation with the NSW bus
industry which operates services in
many of the affected areas.
BusNSW is further concerned
that there is a lack of definitive
and coordinated information on
the provision of services for the
transport disadvantaged in NSW.
There are, instead, a wide range of
24
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
policy documents and initiatives at
various stages of development//
implementation/completion, that
impact on having a robust framework
for integrating services in the RTC
regions. These include:
•
A TfNSW working paper which
discusses the development of RR
transport servicing principles –
this has not been made available
to BusNSW.
•
RTCs have submitted draft annual
plans for approval – BusNSW does
not have access to these plans.
•
TfNSW is developing a
Community Transport Agreements
Strategic Plan – BusNSW is not
involved in the development of
this plan.
•
The Community Transport
Agreements Branch is developing
a new “business plan” to refocus
goals - BusNSW is not involved in
the development of this plan.
•
The NSW Government has
developed the Long Term
Transport Master Plan and the
Regional Transport Plans.
•
Changes to the NSW Passenger
Transport Act and Regulations will
impact on contracts, accreditation
and the ability to operate
without contracts. It is not clear
what accreditation standards
community organisations and
local councils will need to meet
and how this may impact on their
ability to provide services to the
transport disadvantaged.
•
New Rural and Regional Bus
Service Contracts are being
developed in isolation of
service planning guidelines and
consideration of opportunities to
utilise existing resources to service
the transport disadvantaged.
•
Procurement of Trainlink
services has been undertaken
prior to the abovementioned
plans being finalised.
•
TfNSW have put out fact sheets
indicating that CT operators “will be
able to bid for bus service contracts
BUS & COACH OPERATIONS
to be put to tender”. This suggests
that TfNSW has pre-conceived
ideas in regard to the future role of
community transport.
•
TfNSW have advised BusNSW
regarding service variations that
“any person or organisation
including the contracted bus
operator, can propose a change
to passenger-carrying services”.
It is unclear how such proposals
would be made or be assessed
by TfNSW.
•
The second five year review
of the Disability Standards for
Accessible Transport is currently
underway.
•
The National Disability
Insurance Scheme is soon to be
implemented in NSW.
•
The NSW Government’s broader
response to the review of interregional transport in NSW is still
being assessed.
•
TfNSW’s proposed expansion
of 131500 facilities into regional
areas is not clear.
•
TfNSW is reforming SSTS
application and administration
systems in regional NSW.
Clearly, many if not all of the above
plans impact on the transport
disadvantaged and the rural and
regional areas where some of that
disadvantage is most pronounced.
Any review into the role of RTCs needs
to take all of these proposals into
account. Can you please clarify if there
is a clear position on servicing the
needs of the transport disadvantaged
so that BusNSW can make a more
informed comment on the current
RTC review? The role of RTCs should
be considered once a clear policy
framework exists that integrates the
various initiatives mentioned above.
Service Procurement
and Provision
Currently, it is unclear how transport for
the transport disadvantaged is going
to be procured and what policy and
procedures will be adopted.
Critically, it is also unclear exactly how
persons are to be assessed as being
“transport disadvantaged”. BusNSW
considers that a clear definition of
“transport disadvantaged” is needed
at the outset of the review. BusNSW
understands transport disadvantaged to
mean: persons with limited or no access
to private transport, and who have
difficulty accessing conventional public
transport. However, without a clear
definition of “transport disadvantaged”
agreed by all parties, the review of RTC
operations may be less productive.
BusNSW understands that the intent
of the community transport program is
to coordinate and provide for a more
efficient use of transport resources
that exist in local communities. In that
context, the new Rural and Regional
Bus Service Contract funding model
currently being developed by TfNSW,
should include a mechanism that
facilitates operators using existing
fleet resources to provide alternative
transport to the disadvantaged where
a need is identified and the local RR
contract operator is best placed to
provide the service. Many RTCs do not
appear to consider RR contract holders
for providing transport services outside
their contracts.
Role of Transport
Coordinators
The feedback received from BusNSW
members, indicates a wide variation
in the level of satisfaction with RTCs,
highlighting inconsistencies in approach
and a lack of willingness to facilitate/
consider existing RR contract holders
when looking to meet certain transport
needs. While it would appear from some
of the documents outlined earlier, that
decisions have already been made
in terms of community transport and
RTCs, BusNSW would nevertheless
offer the following general comments on
the role of RTCs:
•
RTCs are generally able to identify
gaps in their regions, however
a clear and transparent policy
framework is needed to dictate
how those gaps are met.
•
RTCs should be able to provide
input into developing appropriate
strategies if a clear policy
framework is provided.
•
RTCs can play a part in facilitating
consultation with stakeholders
but this must include consultation
with bus contract holders. It would
appear that some RTCs have
a strong focus on community
transport and avoid consultation
with bus operators in their region.
•
Working in conjunction with
Ability Links and the regional
Linkers should be of benefit to the
local communities.
In short, there is an enormous amount
taking place in the community transport
space, at the local, commonwealth
and particularly state level. Any review
into the role of RTCs needs to take
all of these proposals into account.
Furthermore, meaningful consultation
between TfNSW and the bus industry
needs to take place at a holistic policy
level, rather than in relation to transport
reviews such as the current one, in
isolation of other broader policy changes.
We would welcome the opportunity to
discuss these matters further in person.
Yours sincerely
Darryl J Mellish
Executive Director
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
25
BUSINESS & FINANCE
Bus Fires - Emergency Response Procedures
Administrative Controls
Training, Emergency
Response and
Operational Processes
Recommended
Operational Emergency
Response Practice
A survey of the operational emergency
response practices and processes
were undertaken and as with the
maintenance, the types of actions
and practices to be employed are
dependent on the systems used on
the bus or buses. The key to correct
emergency response programs is
considered to be that:
•
Programs are simple and
understood by everyone in the
organisation
•
Staff are fully trained in these
programs
•
Refresher training is conducted
on a regular basis
•
Programs are developed in
conjunction with the emergency
response agencies within the
operating area
•
•
Emergency response programs
are developed with the bus
manufacturer and suppliers
Programs address any special
situations such as what to do
when transporting disabled or
elderly passengers.
Operational
Emergency Response
Training Programs
Emergency Response Training
Programs should be delivered to
drivers and operational staff and
include at a minimum:
•
The location and use of the fire
extinguishers.
•
Multiple training is required if
different extinguishers are fitted to
each bus
•
• The evacuation of passengers
whether they are mobile,
wheelchair bound, elderly, and/or
children
•
•
•
• The correct use of any cut off
valves or switches that cut of
isolate fuel or electrical supplies (if
applicable)
• The warning systems in each
different style of bus and what
action they should take when an
alarm is activated
• What actions need to be taken
should an event occur.
Emergency Incident
Response Check List
A summary of the types of actions
that should be taken in the event of an
incident are given below:
1. Stop immediately (in a safe place
if you can).
2. Apply the parking brake and
hazard lights.
3. Open the doors.
4. Tell the passengers to leave the
vehicle immediately and indicate
the nearest safe place to assemble.
26
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
5. Stop the engine and switch off
the master switch (if it is
immediately accessible).
6. Check that passengers have
evacuated the vehicle.
7. Leave the vehicle yourself.
8. Call the operational base and or
the emergency services. Provide
as much information as possible
about your location, the nature
of the fire, number of passengers
and any injuries.
9. Identify the source of the fire.
10. If it is safe to do so, use the fire
extinguisher to fight the fire.
11. DO NOT OPEN THE ENGINE
COMPARTMENT IF THAT IS
WHERE THE FIRE IS.
12. Secure the surrounding area and
warn other traffic as best you can.
13. Make sure that passengers and
bystanders are at a safe distance.
14. Follow the advice of emergency
services and assist them as best
you can.
15. Advise the passengers what
arrangements are being made
for them.
Simple and straightforward instructions,
along with regular training of drivers
and operational support is key to
provide appropriate levels of response.
Appendix 2 provides a sample of a one
page emergency response sheet that
could be tailored to the specific bus
or buses with a copy of the instruction
kept in each bus.
Note: This information is souced from
BIC Fire Mitigation Advisory
BUSINESS & FINANCE
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
27
BUS & COACH OPERATIONS
Safe-t-Ride 3 + 2 Seating
Transport Seating has released a 3 +
2 seating design and configuration for
the Australian Bus Industry aimed at
providing increased carrying capacity in
conventional school buses and coaches.
increase to 83 passengers plus driver
Ferguson says, adding that this is idea
for school bus operators where just
one bus may be needed instead of
using two buses.
At the 2013 NSW bus show BCI 14.5
meter bus with steerable rear axle,
which can carry up to 83 passengers
plus driver, was well received by the
NSW bus operators as they see this is
the answer to the recently announced
by the Minister in July 2012, seat belts
be installed on dedicated regional
school buses under Contract A.
Its five seats across instead of four
and seats are 400mm wide as the
standard Safe-T-Ride seat has 450mm
wide cushion and the isle will be
narrower at approx. 310mm wide.
Fergusons Version is marketed as
the Safe-t-Ride seating combo with
a 1200mm wide three seater on the
offside and 800mm two seater on the
near side of the bus.
You can get more capacity on a 14.5
meter bus where 57 passengers can
28
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
Fergusons sees a market for Safe-tRide 3 + 2 seats in school buses where
narrow isles shouldn’t be a concern.
School children only walk down the
aisle for a few minutes and then
they’re seated for a hour.
Operators may choose to place
normal sized seating in the first nine
rows, and then use the Safe-t-Ride 3 +
2 configuration at the back of the bus
to increase the capacity.
The 3 + 2 seats have been tested at
the CrashLab in Sydney late 2010 by
simulating the three seats as 2 + 1
together due to the lack of equipment
to test actual three seats as one
seating unit..
Following CrashLab testing, Safe-tRide 3 + 2 combo is now Australian
Design Rules approved. Among the
first to use Transport Seatings 3 +
2 seating combination is Calvary
Christian College on Brisbane
Southside back in 2010 fitted to a BCI
Classmaster.
According to college Council Member
Ian Stanley, the upgrade from 57 seats
in the Classmaster to 65 seats allowed
the college to move from non-belted
buses into lap-sash belts.
He says “Safe-t-Ride seats represents
a saving over comparable seats”.
COACH & TOURISM
Tourism NSW Update
Funding to Promote
Legendary Pacific Coast
The North Coast Destination Network
will receive $52,500 from the NSW
Government’s Regional Visitor Economy
Fund (RVEF) to drive visitation to the
Legendary Pacific Coast. Minister for
Regional Tourism John Barilaro said,
“Funding received from the RVEF will
contribute to a cooperative marketing
campaign between the North Coast
Destination Network and Wotif.com,
which aims to increase visitor spend and
overnight visitation along the touring
route over the course of the year.”
“The Legendary Pacific Coast is one
of Australia’s premier touring routes,
traversing the Pacific Ocean coastline
from Sydney to Brisbane. The journey
takes visitors through some of the
State’s most striking landscapes,
dotted with friendly regional towns,
attractions and adventures to be
discovered,” he said.
North Coast Destination Network
Executive Officer, Ms Belinda Novicky
said, “We aim to continue to increase
the positive response the North Coast
is receiving in overnight visitation
with Wotif bringing a database of
more than 1.5 million subscribers to
The Legendary Pacific Coast and its
participating partners. This is a two
pronged campaign with the first stage
to be launched on 2 February.”
NSW Government
welcomes more airline
seats between China
and Australia
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister
for Tourism and Major Events Troy
Grant has welcomed news the Federal
Government has signed a new bilateral
agreement with China that will increase
the number of airline seats and services
between the two countries.
Capacity between Australia and China
will immediately increase by 136 per
cent from 22,500 to 53,000 seats per
week. In October 2015, an additional
8,000 seats will be released followed
by an additional 6,000 in October
2016, bringing the total extra capacity
to 67,000 seats per week or triple the
current number.
‘This proactive measure from the
Federal Government will help Sydney
and NSW capitalise on China’s
burgeoning tourism market by providing
more capacity and choice for Chinese
travellers who wish to visit Sydney and
NSW and experience everything we
have on offer,’ Mr Grant said.
‘China is a priority market for NSW, so
working with the Chinese travel trade
to secure extra capacity for Sydney is
key to the NSW Government’s goal of
doubling overnight visitor expenditure
by 2020.
‘NSW is the number one Australian
state for Chinese visitors. In the year
ending September 2014 around
444,000 Chinese visitors stayed nearly
12.1 million nights and spent over
$1.57 billion dollars.
‘The NSW Government’s tourism and
major events agency, Destination NSW
will work together with Sydney Airport
to secure as many additional seats as
possible for Sydney and NSW.
Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer,
Sandra Chipchase said the tourism
industry was excited at the prospect of
working with airlines to secure as many
extra seats as possible for Sydney and
New South Wales.
‘According to year end September 2014
figures, we have generated significant
growth from China (+8.6% visitors) and
expenditure (+15.2%) and this aviation
initiative is great news for our industry.’
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
29
COACH & TOURISM
Higer Takes the Small Coach Market to the
Next Level
Higer Bus and Coach is taking the small
coach market to the next level with the
launch of the Higer H7170 Platinum.
The ultra-luxurious small coach,
designed primarily for the high-end
corporate transport market, boasts
19 plush, leather reclinable captain’s
seats in a 2+1 configuration.
CEO of Higer’s local distributor WMC
Group, Neil Bamford, says he is
excited to bring this new generation of
coach to the market.
“The idea for the Higer H7170
Platinum actually came from the
team here in Australia. We wanted
to take everything that was great
30
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
about our Higer H7170 Munro and
make it amazing. So we talked to our
customers, took on their feedback and
created a prestige vehicle of which we
are very proud,” he says.
The Higer H7170 Platinum includes
carpet throughout the cabin, a USB port
in every seat, a bar fridge, mood lighting,
ceiling-mounted 24 inch LCD screen and
oversized luggage compartment.
“We’ve heard from our customers
that they love the reliability of the
Higer H7170 Munro but were after
something a little extra special for
transporting high-end corporate
clients,” Neil says. “This is the perfect
vehicle for the corporate market.
“The same reliable components
operators have always valued
in the Higer H7170 Munro are in
the Platinum. From the industryleading Cummins engine and Allison
automatic transmission, through to
Thermo King air conditioning and
Wabco traction control, the Higer
H7170 Platinum is a reliable, easy-toservice, low-maintenance vehicle.”
Neil says Australia is a strong testing
ground for all new models and concepts.
“The market is so demanding, Higer
knows that if a model is well-received
in Australia it will perform well in other
markets, too.”
BUSINSS & FINANCE
BusInsure News
These are the benefits to you:
•
To Fund or Not to
Fund….... That is
the Question
With rising interest rates and the
continued increase in general costs of
running a business, maintaining cash
flow in your business is one of the prime
objectives in planning for future growth.
While Insurance is a necessity of
business today, Insurance premiums
are often one of the largest lump sum
payments most businesses face.
•
Available for most
Business Insurance including
workers compensation.
Working Capital - funds are retained
in the business to work for you
rather than a loss of funds outright
from which no return is available.
•
Cash Flow - ability to regulate the
spread of outgoings to a level to
suit your business commitments.
•
No Additional Guarantees
- security is taken over the
insurance policies. Thus no
additional guarantees are
required. Assets are left free for
other business needs.
These payments can direct capital away
from other investment areas which may
be vital to the future of the business.
•
What is Insurance
Premium Funding?
Alternate Credit Facility - premium
financing is another form of credit
available to your business.
•
Tax Deduction - instalments,
including interest, are
tax deductible.
•
Extremely cost effective
compared to paying “cash”
Insurance premium funding simply
allows individuals and businesses
to spread insurance costs over an
extended period up to 12 months
although we usually recommend that
you agree to a 10 month period.
•
Fixed rate contracts whereby all
monthly expenditures are known
and set in advance.
Importantly, documentation is
simple and straight forward and your
involvement is quick and easy and these
days we have made arrangements for
you to deal with this via the internet.
Don’t make the mistake of reducing
your coverage, instead, spread your
payments over monthly instalments,
the advantages over traditional single
up-front payments are significant
If you would like to know more,
contact BusInsure on 1800 287 467
(1800-BUS-INS).
BusInsure – Bus & Coach Industry
Insurance Specialists
Experience the BusInsure Difference
Contact:Martin Roberts –
BusInsure Divisional Manager
Office: 02 9966 9603
Freecall: 1800 BUSINSURE
(1800 287 467)
Mobile: 0400 603 503
Email: martinr@businsure.com.au
Website:www.businsure.com.au
BusInsure is a trading name of
Austbrokers RIS Pty Ltd ABN 25 094
825 859 AFS licence 23929
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
31
BUSINESS & FINANCE
Tips to Avoid Disputes on the Issue of Make
Good at the End of a Lease
The issue of make good is often not
given much consideration at the time
a lease is being negotiated, but rather
only considered as the expiry date
of the lease approaches or when the
lease has already ended. Partner, Tony
Britten-Jones, and Associate, Adam
Rinaldi provide an overview of make
good considerations that should be
addressed by landlords and tenants
when negotiating a lease to avoid
unexpected surprises.
The scope of a tenant’s obligation
to make good at the expiry or earlier
termination of a lease term is often a
source of dispute between a landlord
and tenant. Disputes regarding make
good can be costly and time consuming
for both the landlord and tenant.
The issue of make good is not always
given sufficient consideration at the
time of entering into the lease. At
this stage, the parties’ attention is
usually directed to negotiating the
32
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
more contentious issues such as the
commercial terms of the lease (i.e.
rent, security and term) and the scope
of the indemnities. The issue of make
good is often not given priority until
the expiry date approaches or the
lease has already ended.
The current trend in most leases is for
there to be a covenant requiring the
premises to be reinstated to “open plan
presentation” which requires the tenant
to remove all plant and equipment
irrespective of whether it has been
installed by the landlord or tenant.
It is also common for a lease to state
that the tenant is required to make
good the premises to their condition at
the commencement date of the lease
subject to fair wear and tear. Where
this is the case, a condition report
(usually containing photographs of the
premises at the date of occupation)
should be prepared evidencing the
agreed state of the premises at the
time the tenant takes occupation
to avoid dispute as to the tenant’s
reinstatement obligations.
The landlord may want to vary the
default position where the landlord
does not require the tenant to remove
its fitout. The landlord may require
the tenant’s fitout to remain where a
fitout is particularly suited to a specific
use and substantial capital works are
required to change that use. Examples
include restaurants, medical centres,
food outlets, fitness centres, bars
and other purpose built facilities. In
these circumstances, the landlord may
prefer the tenant to leave all or part of
its fitout in the premises as this may
benefit a future tenant.
The cost of removing a fitout can
in some cases exceed the value of
using or on-selling the fitout. This is
common with office fitouts. In these
circumstances, the landlord may
prefer to have the tenant remove the
BUSINESS & FINANCE
fitout so as to reinstate the premises
to an open plan presentation.
However, especially in the cases
of restaurants and bars, the fitout
may have value and be capable of
being sold. For example, there is a
secondary market for large items of
equipment such as fridges, ovens,
fryers and other similar items. In these
circumstances, the tenant may prefer
to carry out an extensive make good
of the premises so as to be able to reuse or sell such valuable items.
It is therefore important that the terms
of the lease clearly define the scope
of the tenant’s make good obligations
as there will invariably be competing
interests on the issue.
Fixtures
Where a lease is not clear in relation
to the ownership of the tenant’s fitout
or where the lease does not clearly
state what is to happen with tenant
fixtures and alterations, disputes are
likely to arise in relation to the scope
of the tenant’s make good obligations
and the issue of whether a part of the
tenant’s fitout constitutes a fixture may
also need to be addressed.
The general law position in relation to
fixtures is that a fixture becomes part of
the premises and must be left behind
by the tenant when the lease ends.
The fixture therefore becomes part of
the land and owned by the landlord
regardless of who owned the item and
affixed it to the property. As such, an
item of fitout may become a fixture by
virtue of the manner it is installed.
In determining whether an object has
been converted from a chattel to a
fixture, the Court generally has regard
to the following:
as to items which are to be owned
by the landlord and remain affixed to
the premises at the end of the lease is
also important.
1. the degree of annexation and
physical attachment of the object
to the land – if an object is fixed
to the land to any extent by any
means other than by its own
weight, then generally it is a
fixture; and
Tenant considerations: The cost of
making good the premises can be a
very expensive process for a tenant.
This cost should be taken into account
when negotiating the commercial
terms of the lease. In some cases,
it may be prudent to agree to leave
items such as air-conditioning units or
alarms which have little resale value
but which may benefit a future tenant.
If there are any items of equipment
that the tenant does not intend to
become fixtures and wishes to remove
from the premises upon the expiry
date, this should be addressed at
the lease negotiation stage, or at
least, prior to installation. An express
acknowledgement as to the ownership
of any items of property that the
tenant wishes to remove from the
premises at the end of the lease as
well as ownership of or obligations
in relation to items the tenant does
not wish to remove at the end of its
occupation should be included in the
lease or in some other written form.
2. the intention of the parties in
affixing the item to the land – if
the item is attached with the
intention that it will remain
in position permanently or
indefinitely or for a substantial
period of time, then generally it is
a fixture.
However, it needs to be borne in mind
that the general law position can be
changed by including appropriate
wording dealing with this issue in the
lease document.
Key Considerations
Landlord considerations: The landlord
will own chattels installed by the
tenant that have been converted into
“fixtures” unless the lease provides
otherwise. It is therefore important
that the extent of the tenant’s make
good obligations is clearly stipulated
in the lease. It is a good idea to agree
up front which items of a tenant’s
fitout are to remain the property of
the tenant and must be removed by
the tenant at the end of the lease.
Conversely, clear up front agreement
It is also important to ensure that
photographic and other evidence
of the property condition at the
commencement of the tenant’s
occupancy is retained by both the
landlord and the tenant until the
tenant has vacated and completed its
make good.
Article kindly provided by
Piper Alderman.
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
33
BUSINESS & FINANCE
CTP Green Slips Set to Rise for the
Bus Industry
BusNSW has received a number of
calls from operators in recent times
concerning escalating costs for
Compulsory Third Party (green slip)
insurance for buses. Unfortunately
this appears to be a trend that is likely
to continue. BusNSW insurance arm
BusInsure can use its buying power
to obtain the best price for BusNSW
members and needs your ongoing
support for this to occur. The following
article has been prepared to give
members a better understanding of
how green slip prices are set.
often be many years after an accident.
they can meet claim payments into
the future. Over recent years the
investment return on low risk assets
such as Government Bonds has
fallen from over 7% to around 2.5%
which is a record low rate of return.
This reduces the amount insurers
can rely on to pay future claims and
in turn impacts on premiums.
The two main factors used for
determination of CTP price are:
1. The size of the vehicle:
a.Vehicles with 16 or
more seats
b.Vehicles with less than
16 seats
2. The location where the vehicle
is garaged:
a. Sydney,
b. Outer Sydney,
Why are CTP
costs growing?
c. Wollongong,
d. Newcastle / Central Coast
CTP insurance is provided by licensed
insurers who set their own premiums
within guidelines set by the Motor
Accidents Authority. Insurers take
various factors into account when
setting Green Slip prices including the
cost and frequency of injury claims, and
the amount of funds they need to set
aside to pay future claims, which can
e. Country NSW.
There are a numbers of factors
currently impacting on Green Slip
prices at the moment that are resulting
in increases. These include:
•
Insurer’s returns are at historic lows:
Insurers are required to invest the
premiums they collect to ensure
•
Claims are up: The overall
number of claims being made
has increased sharply (20%)
over the past four years. The
number of claims being made per
10,000 registered vehicles has
risen in recent years (from 23 in
2008 to 29 in 2011). In part, this
increase is explained because the
proportion of people injured in
crashes who are making a claim
has increased significantly (25%)
in the past four years.
It would appear that these trends are
likely to continue in the short term.
BUSINESS & FINANCE
Implications for
Bus Operators
Cost increases for CTP have different
impacts on different types of operator.
The increase has probably been most
significant for metropolitan operators
who, as a result of Government policy,
were forced to competitively tender for
bus services and whose tender bids may
not have predicted the significant price
rise for CTP insurance. Operators with
negotiated short term outer-metropolitan
contracts may also face this issue.
In contrast, current rural and regional
bus contracts index CTP costs based on
quotes from third party insurers, which
ensures these costs which are outside
an operator’s control are adequately
covered. In the proposed new R&R
contracts, TfNSW has sought to replace
this formula with one based on CPI, thus
passing on to the operator a significant
risk in regard to any broader increase
in CTP costs. BusNSW has voiced its
opposition to this proposal and will
continue to oppose what it sees as an
unfair move when a contract margin
is determined by TfNSW and highly
unlikely to support the risk
Implications for Coach
and Charter Operators
There has been discussion on the
methodology described above for
the determination of CTP prices and
questions raised as to whether it is
equitable for LDTC operators to have
the same basis for CTP pricing as
regular passenger service operators.
Unfortunately there is no easy fix to
this issue as there would be winners
and losers in the LDTC sector
depending on what new methodology
was adopted. Consideration also
needs to be given to risk associated
with other vehicles (i.e. private cars)
and what the outcome may be for
the whole industry if there was a full
review of the system.
What can operators do to
reduce their CTP costs?
While the trend toward higher premiums
is generally based on broader economic
trends, individual risk factors can impact
on operators’ premiums. Each insurer
may offer discounts or impose loadings
based on a wide range of individual
factors. Bus operators don’t have to
renew their Green Slip with the same
insurer each year, and operators should
consider the options available at the time
of renewal.
BusNSW Platinum partner, BusInsure,
is available to assist operators in this
context. With a large number of bus
clients, BusInsure can use its economies
of scale to negotiate premiums with
CTP insurers that may be less than if
the operator was to negotiate in their
own right. For further information on
how BusInsure can help in this regard,
contract a member of the BusInsure
team on 1800 287 467 or by email at
info@businsure.com.au.
36
REGULAR FEATURES
BIC National News
As I write the year has started with
a bang, with an early state election
called in Queensland by Premier
Campbell Newman. The election is to
be held on 31 January, more than two
months ahead of schedule.
It is unclear why the date for the
election has been brought forward in
Queensland, but with the latest polling
showing voters split 50-50 between
the major parties, it looks like it will be
a close contest. The enormous existing
majority for the Government means it
is unlikely a change of Government will
occur. The key questions in Queensland
are what the extent of the swing against
the Government will be and whether the
Premier can hold his own seat, where he
is under considerable pressure from a
very popular candidate.
The Queensland election is one of two
key state elections that will be held in
2015, the other one being the NSW
state election on Saturday, 28 March.
Both of these elections could have big
implications for our industry.
In Queensland the uncertainty
surrounding bus contracts, is a key
issue for the Queensland industry. The
BIC understands that the Newman
Government proposes to tender bus
contracts in September 2015 including
Brisbane Transport. The Queensland
Bus Industry Council (QBIC) and their
members are opposing this proposal.
The privatisation agenda, particularly
of state owned assets, was in part
an underlying cause of the heavy
defeat the Bligh Government suffered
in 2012. It will be interesting to see
the public response in this election
to asset privatisation and the bus
tendering proposals.
The NSW state election is also
interesting for our industry because until
the resignation of John Robertson as
Opposition Leader we had a distinct
contest between a strategy aimed at
winning seats in regional centres and a
strategy focussed on Sydney.
Through the announcement of his
enormous $20 billion infrastructure
plan for the Greater Sydney Region,
including significant investment in
public transport infrastructure and
services, NSW Premier Mike Baird
played a hand geared towards
retaining and winning key marginal
electorates in urban areas. As
Opposition Leader, John Robertson’s
focus on retaining state ownership of
the electricity poles and wires, in order
to keep electricity costs down, was
in stark contrast to the Premier’s and
was aimed at retaining and winning
key seats in regional centres.
As the polls have shown over the past
few months Premier Baird’s strategy is
working, with the Government holding
a significant lead going into 2015. John
Robertson, perhaps miscalculated in
assuming that people living in regional
centres, particularly regional cities, do
not hold similar lifestyle aspirations
to those living in capital cities. This
includes access to good public transport
services, and in outer metropolitan areas
of Sydney and regional centres this
means bus services.
The appointment of Luke Foley as
Opposition Leader in NSW is an
opportunity for the Labor opposition
to pivot away from poles and wires as
a strategy and focus more on urban
and development and public transport
investment. As Shadow Minister for
Planning and Infrastructure Luke Foley
would be well aware of the electoral
value of good policy in this area.
The BIC will watch both elections
with interest and work with State
Associations to ensure that moving
people policies feature in both
campaigns. As seen in the recent
Victorian state election the public
transport policies of major parties
were a crucial factor in deciding the
outcome. No doubt the pressure
coming from the Federal ALP
for Federal involvement in public
transport and functioning cities and
regions can only further influence
the Prime Minister to rethink his
Government’s position on positive
policies and investment into buses
and public transport generally.
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
37
BusNSW Platinum Partners
BusNSW Gold Partners
ADVERTISEMENT
1/3 PAGE
Information on BusNSW Partners is available at www.busnsw.com.au
REGULAR FEATURES
Wage Rates - Bus Drivers
From First Full Pay Period After 1 July 2014
Operators with TfNSW Contract and 2012
Enterprise Agreement approved by FWC
Operators with TfNSW Contract and No
Enterprise Agreement
NOTE - Includes 3.3% Increase
NOTE - Includes Recommended 3.3% Increase
(Industry Template Rates)
(BusNSW Recommended Rates)
PERMANENT
38 hour week Per Hour
$
954.75
PERMANENT
38 hour week $
954.75
25.1250
Per Hour
25.1250
Time & Half 37.6875
Time & Half 37.6875
Time & Three Qtrs 43.9688
Time & Three Qtrs 43.9688
Double Time
50.2500
Double Time
50.2500
62.8125
Double Time & Half
62.8125
Permanent 25%
Double Time & Half
Annual Leave Loading
Annual Leave Loading
Permanent 25%
CASUALS
CASUALS
(Inc. 24.58% loading for OTE)
Per Hour (Inc. 24.58% loading for OTE)
31.3007
For Non - OTE (Inc. 15% loading)
Per Hour 31.3007
For Non - OTE (Inc. 15% loading)
Time & Half 43.3406
Time & Half 43.3406
Double Time 57.7875
Double Time 57.7875
Double Time & Half
72.2344
Double Time & Half 72.2344
ALLOWANCES
ALLOWANCES 1
D/C when issue tix or collect fares (Per day) 14.3246
D/C when issue tix or collect fares (Per day) 14.3246
Articulated Bus (Per shift)
6.2180
Articulated Bus (Per shift)
6.2180
Crib break no toilet facilities (Per shift) 2.1978
Crib break no toilet facilities (Per shift) 2.1978
Meal 11.9611
Meal 11.9611
Work before 6am/ after 6pm (Per day)
2.1978
Work before 6am/ after 6pm (Per day)
2.1978
Broken shift finish after 10pm (Per day)
2.9820
Broken shift finish after 10pm (Per day)
2.9820
1.
There are other allowances that apply under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award (Refer next page)
Disclaimer
Where appropriate the information in these pages is based upon figures provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO). While BusNSW makes every effort to
ensure the accuracy of the information provided, BusNSW does not give any guarantee, undertaking or warranty whatsoever in relation to the guide, including
in relation to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the guide. Operators are encouraged to seek their own legal and financial advice.
By agreeing to use this guide of information, the user agrees to indemnify BusNSW against any loss or liability suffered by a user or a third party, arising out of
the provision of the information, howsoever caused.
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
39
REGULAR FEATURES
Wage Rates - Bus & Coach Drivers
From First Full Pay Period After 1 July 2014
Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award (PVTA) Rates
PVTA
PVTA
PVTA
GRADE 22
GRADE 33
GRADE 44
Inc. 3% Wage Panel Review
Determination
Inc. 3% Wage Panel Review
Determination
Inc. 3% Wage Panel Review
Determination
PERMANENT
$
PERMANENT
748.80
PERMANENT
38 hour week 708.20
Per Hour
18.6368
Per Hour
19.7052
Per Hour
Time & a Half 27.9552
Time & a Half
29.5578
Time & a Half
30.5882
Double Time
37.2736
Double Time 39.4104
Double Time
40.7842
Double Time & a Half 46.5920
Double Time & a Half
49.2630
Double Time & a Half Annual Leave Loading
38 hour week $
Annual Leave Loading
Permanent
17.5%
CASUALS *
(inc. 25% loading for OTE)*
(inc. 25% loading for OTE)
774.90
20.3921
50.9803
Annual Leave Loading
Permanent CASUALS
38 hour week 17.5%
Permanent 17.5%
CASUALS *
(inc. 25% loading for OTE)
Per Hour
23.2960
Per Hour
24.6315
Per Hour
25.4901
Time & a Half (e.g. Saturday)
32.6144
Time & a Half (e.g. Saturday)
34.4841
Time & a Half (e.g. Saturday)
35.6861
Double Time (e.g. Sunday)
41.9328
Double Time (e.g. Sunday)
44.3367
Double Time (e.g. Sunday)
45.8822
Double Time & a Half
54.1893
Double Time & a Half
56.0783
Double Time & a Half (Public Holiday) 51.2512
ALLOWANCES
ALLOWANCES
ALLOWANCES
Articulated Bus (per shift)
11.68
Articulated Bus (per shift)
11.68
Articulated Bus (per shift)
11.68
Meal (per occasion)
12.03
Meal (per occasion)
12.03
Meal (per occasion)
12.03
Uniform (Reimbursement)
Uniform (Reimbursement)
Uniform (Reimbursement)
Work Diary (Reimbursement)
Work Diary (Reimbursement)
Work Diary (Reimbursement)
Medical: Diff between medical cost and
medicare rebate5
Medical: Diff between medical cost and
medicare rebate5
Medical: Diff between medical cost and
medicare rebate5
Travel: base rate for hours travelling plus
expenses (if car 0.78 per km)
Travel: base rate for hours travelling plus
expenses (if car 0.78 per km)
Travel: base rate for hours travelling plus
expenses (if car 0.78 per km)
Living Away from Home: 8 hrs at base rate
plus meal and accommodation costs
Living Away from Home: 8 hrs at base rate
plus meal and accommodation costs
Living Away from Home: 8 hrs at base rate
plus meal and accommodation costs
First Aid6 Per hour (OTE only)
First Aid6 Per hour (OTE only)
First Aid6 Per hour (OTE only)
0.3744
0.3744
0.3744
*
Casuals working overtime are paid the same overtime as permanent drivers (i.e. No casual loading for overtime) Refer to permanant rates.
2.
Grade 2: Driver of School bus with carrying capacity of less than 25 school children. Note that lower rates may apply to new employees.
3.
Grade 3: Driver of School bus with carrying capacity of 25 or more school children OR regular route vehicle with carrying capacity of less than 25 passengers
OR vehicle which undertakes charter, single day tours or which operates regularly between fixed terminals with a return distance less than 650 km
4.
Grade 4: Driver of regular route vehicle with carrying capacity of 25 passengers or more
5.
Applies where the operator requests the employee to obtain a medical report OR where the employee is required to use a doctor of the operator’s choice
6.
Where operator appoints employee as First Aid Officer and employee holds First Aid Certificate
Disclaimer
Where appropriate the information in these pages is based upon figures provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO). While BusNSW makes every effort to
ensure the accuracy of the information provided, BusNSW does not give any guarantee, undertaking or warranty whatsoever in relation to the guide, including
in relation to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the guide. Operators are encouraged to seek their own legal and financial advice.
By agreeing to use this guide of information, the user agrees to indemnify BusNSW against any loss or liability suffered by a user or a third party, arising out of
the provision of the information, howsoever caused.
40
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
REGULAR FEATURES
Wage Rates - Other Staff
From First Full Pay Period After 1 July 2014
Mechanics
Clerical / Administration
Cleaner
(No Enterprise Agreement)
(No Enterprise Agreement)
(No Enterprise Agreement)
Manufacturing and Associated Industries
Clerks – Private Sector Award 2010
Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2010.
and Occupations Award 2010
GRADE 1
Inc. 3% Wage Panel Review
Determination
Inc. 3% Wage Panel Review
Determination
Inc. 3% Wage Panel Review
Determination
PERMANENT (Full Time)
$
746.20
1st Year Level 1 (Per week)
681.40
38 hour week
691.40
19.64
2nd Year Level 1 (Per week)
715.10
Per Hour 18.1947
0.3866
3rd Year Level 1 (Per week)
737.60
CASUALS
1st Year Level 2 (Per week)
746.10
(inc. 25% loading)
2nd Year Level 2 (Per week)
760.10
Level 3
(Per week)
788.20
Level 4
(Per week)
827.60
Level 5
(Per week)
861.30
PERMANENT
$
(Level C10) Per Hour Tool Allowance per hour (OTE)
Per Hour 24.55
APPRENTICES
Completed Yr 10 or Less
A
Stage 1 Per hour
8.25
10.80 11.78
Stage 3 Per hour 14.73 14.73
Stage 4 Per hour
17.28 17.28
Completed Yr 11
9.48
$
CASUAL CLEANER
(inc. 25% loading)
Per Hour 22.74
B
9.23
Stage 2 Per hour Stage 1 Per hour
PERMANENT CLEANER
9.82
Stage 2 Per hour 10.80 11.78
Stage 3 Per hour 14.73 14.73
Stage 4 Per hour
17.28 17.28
Completed Yr 12
Stage 1 Per hour
9.94 10.80
Stage 2 Per hour 11.57 12.55
Stage 3 Per hour 14.73 14.73
Stage 4 Per hour
18.02 18.02
CASUALS
(inc. 25% loading)
1st Year Level 1 (Per hour)
22.41
2nd Year Level 1 (Per hour) 23.52
3rd Year Level 1 (Per hour) 24.26
1st Year Level 2 (Per hour)
24.55
2nd Year Level 2 (Per hour) 25.00
Level 3
(Per hour)
25.93
Level 4
(Per hour)
27.22
Level 5
(Per hour)
28.33
Apprentice Tool Allowance
Stage 1 Per hour (OTE)
0.1624
Stage 2 Per hour (OTE)
0.2126
Stage 3 Per hour (OTE)
0.2899
Stage 4 Per hour (OTE)
0.3402
Rates for Apprentices who commenced
Apprenticeship after 1 January 2014
Adult Apprentices
Stage 1 Per hour
15.71
Stage 2 Per hour 16.87
Stage 3 Per Hour
17.35
Stage 4 Per Hour
18.02
Disclaimer
Where appropriate the information in these pages is based upon figures provided by the Fair Work
Ombudsman (FWO). While BusNSW makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information
provided, BusNSW does not give any guarantee, undertaking or warranty whatsoever in relation to
ALLOWANCES
the guide, including in relation to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the guide. Operators are
For other allowances (i.e Leading Hand) and
encouraged to seek their own legal and financial advice.
traineeship details please refer to the Award.
A. Minimum wage rates for apprentices comencing or
continuing an apprenticeship prior to 1 January 2014.
By agreeing to use this guide of information, the user agrees to indemnify BusNSW against any loss or
liability suffered by a user or a third party, arising out of the provision of the information, howsoever caused.
B. Minimum wage rates for apprentices commencing an
apprenticeship on and from 1 January 2014
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
41
REGULAR FEATURES
Branch Register 2015
Central Tablelands
Chairman: Darren Sinclair 6334 2400
Secretary: Anthony Dodd 6362 3197
Delegates:Darren Sinclair 6334 2400
Frank D’Apuzzo9747 7000
Alt Del:
Anthony Dodd 6362 3197
Vacant
Coach Operators
Chairman: Phillip Baker
9632 3344
Secretary: BusNSW
8839 9500
Delegates:Phillip Baker
9632 3344
Garry Baxter
9625 4000
Alt. Del: Garry Archbold
Goulburn / ACT
Chairman: Mark Culmone
Secretary: Chris Moule
Delegates:Stacey Scott
Peter Ferris
Alt. Del: Mark Culmone
9623 9999
4821 8495
4677 1564
4821 2320
9747 7000
4821 8495
Lismore
Chairman: Robert Creighton6625 2225
Secretary: Helen Green
6662 2561
Delegates:Todd Smith6632 1227
Helen Green
6662 2561
Alt. Del: Joga Sodhi
6624 8734
Ken Smith
6632 1227
Mid North Coast
Chairman: Peter Cavanagh6562 7800
Secretary: Simon Eggins 6552 2700
Delegates:Peter Cavanagh 6562 7800
Simon Eggins 6552 2700
Alt. Del: Richard Eggins 6552 2700
New England
Chairman: Paul Harmon 6722 3598
Secretary: Mal Whitton
6722 1897
Delegates:Mal Whitton
6722 1897
Paul Harmon 6722 3598
Alt. Del: Greg Symes
6722 1897
Steve Stewart 6732 2580
Board of Management
Brett Allen
Frank D’Apuzzo Peter Ferris Jim Glasson Paul Harmon
Karim Hussain John King Darryl Mellish Stephen Rowe Steve Scott 42
6927 3022
9747 7000
9747 7000
9890 0000
6722 3598
4751 1077
4423 5244
8839 9500
9497 1800
9153 8787
January / February 2015 BusNSW Bulletin
North Coast
Chairman: Nigel Tooth
6652 3201
Secretary: Nigel Tooth
6652 3201
Delegates:Harvey Atwal 0403 352 211
Alt. Del: Nigel Tooth
6652 3201
Ken Baldwin
6564 7269
Metropolitan Branch (inc. Newcastle/
Central Coast & Wollongong
All Metro & Outer Metro operators are
considered Branch Delegates.
North West
Chairman: Paul Hope6742 0457
Secretary: Chris Lanham6762 3999
Delegates:Paul Hope 6742 0457
Chris Lanham6762 3999
Alt. Dels: Geoff Searle6765 1900
Fiona Hemmings6760 9084
Orana
Chairman: Eddie Ogden6372 2489
Secretary: Vacant
Delegates:Eddie Ogden 6372 2489
Jeff Neill6372 2489
Alt. Del: Grant Hennock6852 4063
Riverina
Chairman: Brett Allen
6927 3022
Secretary: Susan Chaffey6948 3216
Delegates:Brett Allen 6927 3022
Dennis Kane
6929 3257
Brett Drinnan
6056 3100
Alt. Dels: Anthony Goode 6947 1374
Dean Lake
03 5453 2097
Brad Lodge
6029 8657
Andrew Atley 03 5881 9000
South Eastern
Chairman: Anton Klemm6495 6452
Secretary: Anton Klemm 6495 6452
Delegates:Peter Ingram6492 5188
Anton Klemm6495 6452
Alt. Dels: Garry Scarlett6492 3956
Peter Jamieson6495 6452
South West Slopes
Chairman: Ralph Garwood6382 6323
Secretary: Don Wilkinson6382 4055
Delegates:Ralph Garwood6382 6323
Don Wilkinson6382 4055
Alt. Del: Richard Loader6343 1797
Geoffrey Hill6382 5704
Tweed Byron
Chairman: Gail Campbell 6684 1593
Secretary: John Blanch6686 2144
Delegates:Gail Campbell 6684 1593
John Blanch6686 2144
Alt. Del: Chris Webster 6679 5991
Brian Bowden 6684 7444
Upper Hunter
Chairman: Tony Howard 6546 6178
Secretary: Kay Cumberland6545 2110
Delegates: Col Sexton
4938 5251
Tony Howard 6546 6178
Alt. Del: Guy Shelton
4992 1745
West Wyalong
Chairman: Paul Curr
6892 7363
Secretary: Col Perry
6977 1235
Delegate: Paul Curr
6892 7363
Jeanie Dixon 6974 1411
Alt. Del: Max Heffer6972 2702
Shoalhaven
Chairman: John Kennedy4421 7596
Secretary: Simone King4423 5244
Delegates:Jim Kellam 4455 4444
John King4423 5244
Alt. Del: David Tagg 4421 7596
Matthew Neville4423 2122
Life Members
F.L.D. Kennedy,
I. Ferris,
R.W. Rowe,
A.R. Royle,
S.J.J. Bosnjak,
R. Treuer,
P. Jones,
B.G. MacDonald,
W.K. Todd,
R. Hertogs,
P. Threlkeld.
For Conference information and to book accommodation
online visit www.busnsw.com.au