Industry Unites at BIC Conference to Tackle Workforce Challenges and Drive Future Skills

The Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) held its annual conference in Perth last week, bringing together key stakeholders under the theme Unity, Collaboration and Harmonisation. The event served as a vital platform for addressing pressing workforce challenges and exploring future opportunities in the passenger transport sector.

ISA was represented by Camilla Elmes, Senior Engagement Manager, and Dale Northeast, newly appointed Transport & Logistics Industry Engagement Manager, who attended Thursday’s sessions.

The BIC Conference served as a critical forum for addressing some of the most pressing workforce challenges facing the passenger transport sector. A central theme throughout the sessions was the acute shortage of drivers, which continues to place pressure on service delivery across the country. Delegates also raised concerns about limited access to suitable training pathways, particularly in regional areas, and the rise in antisocial behaviour, which is impacting both driver safety and passenger experience.

Health and wellbeing emerged as a key priority, with participants emphasising the need to support the current workforce while also preparing for the future. This includes identifying new skills required for the transition to zero-emission buses, as the industry moves toward more sustainable transport solutions.

There was a strong and unified call for greater collaboration between government, industry, and training providers to improve national harmonisation and enable a more mobile and adaptable workforce. Delegates stressed the importance of creating visible career pathways for young people and new entrants, fostering inclusive and safe workplaces, and raising pension thresholds to attract and retain workers, especially in regional and remote communities.

ISA is currently working on projects designed to address some of these key challenges, including the Addressing Heavy Vehicle Driver Shortages project, which aims to develop a collaborative action plan to tackle current shortages and identify barriers requiring industry and government intervention.

In parallel, ISA is also working to enhance career information for the Transport and Logistics industry by developing resources that support attraction and retention. This includes detailed job role descriptions, skills and knowledge requirements, and career pathway mapping for priority occupations.

The conference explored innovative training approaches, including the use of simulated training environments to better prepare new drivers and upskill existing staff in addressing current capability gaps.

Thursday ended with a celebratory awards ceremony. Congratulations to all the recipients. Winners and details of the event can be seen here - National winners announced at glittering industry event - Bus Industry Confederation.

ISA extends its thanks to BIC for hosting a valuable event that brought the industry together for these critical conversations.

Image: Jason O’Dwyer – Queensland Bus Industry Council, Madonna Hegerty – Kinetic, Kirsten Jongsma – Bus Industry Confederation, Varenya Mohan-Ram – Bus Industry Confederation