Workforce
RECRUITMENT
AND RETENTION

Empowering Australia Workforce

The Australian Public Transport Industrial Association (APTIA) was formed at a meeting of bus and coach operators and their state associations on August 24 2009. On the 31st January 2010, APTIA was registered, under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009, as a federally registered organisation. APTIA is the industrial arm of Bus Industry Confederation.

The Bus Industry Confederation has an Industrial Relations Working Group made up of representatives across the Australian bus and coach industry from small to large organisations delivering moving people services in a variety of tasks including public transport, school services, long distance and touring, charter and express services. The goal of the group is to facilitate an industrial relations environment by reaching an agreed national approach to issues in which our industry operates. 
About us
APTIA Council
The Council, elected at the Annual General Meeting with the Chair and Vice Chair, determines the strategic direction of the association. It comprises voting members only, made up of:

Tony Hopkins

Chair • Bus Operator Group

Tony Hopkins

A transport, tourism, and logistics expert and bus industry veteran of 40 years, Tony has delivered comprehensive passenger transport solutions for some of Australia’s most renowned bus brands.

Tony has served as a chair, president, vice president and committee member on the executive of various state and national industry associations for the past 14 years including the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC), Australian Public Transport Industry Association (APTIA), Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) and the former National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Taskforce.

Tony is an active contributor to the community and wider industry, lobbying state, and federal governments to create improvements for various bus operators across the country. 

Steve Heanes

Vice Chair

Steve Heanes

A transport, tourism, and logistics expert and bus industry veteran of 40 years, Tony has delivered comprehensive passenger transport solutions for some of Australia’s most renowned bus brands.

Tony has served as a chair, president, vice president and committee member on the executive of various state and national industry associations for the past 14 years including the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC), Australian Public Transport Industry Association (APTIA), Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) and the former National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Taskforce.

Tony is an active contributor to the community and wider industry, lobbying state, and federal governments to create improvements for various bus operators across the country. 

Rolf Mitchell

Bus Operator Group

Rolf Mitchell

A transport, tourism, and logistics expert and bus industry veteran of 40 years, Tony has delivered comprehensive passenger transport solutions for some of Australia’s most renowned bus brands.

Tony has served as a chair, president, vice president and committee member on the executive of various state and national industry associations for the past 14 years including the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC), Australian Public Transport Industry Association (APTIA), Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) and the former National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Taskforce.

Tony is an active contributor to the community and wider industry, lobbying state, and federal governments to create improvements for various bus operators across the country. 

Industry Statistics

Everyday, more Australians are transported by bus and coach on the nation’s road network than rail – even in our largest capital cities. Buses and coaches offer an alternative to the car, plus provide a vital lifeline to individuals and communities, promoting social inclusion and access to education, healthcare, employment and social opportunities.
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services requires a taskforce of over 85,000 Australians
Bus and coach provides a huge range of jobs in communities across the nation, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, skilled production workers and transport professionals (in specialised fields like planning, social work and even psychology).
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia contributes indirect benefits
As the leading public transport sector, we manage congestion and facilite productivity in our cities and regions. If public transport disappeared overnight, the cities that generate 80% of Australia’s GDP would grind to a halt.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services requires a taskforce of over 85,000 Australians
Bus and coach provides a huge range of jobs in communities across the nation, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, skilled production workers and transport professionals (in specialised fields like planning, social work and even psychology).
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia contributes indirect benefits
As the leading public transport sector, we manage congestion and facilite productivity in our cities and regions. If public transport disappeared overnight, the cities that generate 80% of Australia’s GDP would grind to a halt.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.

What is a bus?

Everyday, more Australians are transported by bus and coach on the nation’s road network than rail – even in our largest capital cities. Buses and coaches offer an alternative to the car, plus provide a vital lifeline to individuals and communities, promoting social inclusion and access to education, healthcare, employment and social opportunities.
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services requires a taskforce of over 85,000 Australians
Bus and coach provides a huge range of jobs in communities across the nation, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, skilled production workers and transport professionals (in specialised fields like planning, social work and even psychology).
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia contributes indirect benefits
As the leading public transport sector, we manage congestion and facilite productivity in our cities and regions. If public transport disappeared overnight, the cities that generate 80% of Australia’s GDP would grind to a halt.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services requires a taskforce of over 85,000 Australians
Bus and coach provides a huge range of jobs in communities across the nation, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, skilled production workers and transport professionals (in specialised fields like planning, social work and even psychology).
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia contributes indirect benefits
As the leading public transport sector, we manage congestion and facilite productivity in our cities and regions. If public transport disappeared overnight, the cities that generate 80% of Australia’s GDP would grind to a halt.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.

Manufacturing

Everyday, more Australians are transported by bus and coach on the nation’s road network than rail – even in our largest capital cities. Buses and coaches offer an alternative to the car, plus provide a vital lifeline to individuals and communities, promoting social inclusion and access to education, healthcare, employment and social opportunities.
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services requires a taskforce of over 85,000 Australians
Bus and coach provides a huge range of jobs in communities across the nation, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, skilled production workers and transport professionals (in specialised fields like planning, social work and even psychology).
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia contributes indirect benefits
As the leading public transport sector, we manage congestion and facilite productivity in our cities and regions. If public transport disappeared overnight, the cities that generate 80% of Australia’s GDP would grind to a halt.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services requires a taskforce of over 85,000 Australians
Bus and coach provides a huge range of jobs in communities across the nation, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, skilled production workers and transport professionals (in specialised fields like planning, social work and even psychology).
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia contributes indirect benefits
As the leading public transport sector, we manage congestion and facilite productivity in our cities and regions. If public transport disappeared overnight, the cities that generate 80% of Australia’s GDP would grind to a halt.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.

Fleet

Everyday, more Australians are transported by bus and coach on the nation’s road network than rail – even in our largest capital cities. Buses and coaches offer an alternative to the car, plus provide a vital lifeline to individuals and communities, promoting social inclusion and access to education, healthcare, employment and social opportunities.
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services requires a taskforce of over 85,000 Australians
Bus and coach provides a huge range of jobs in communities across the nation, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, skilled production workers and transport professionals (in specialised fields like planning, social work and even psychology).
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia contributes indirect benefits
As the leading public transport sector, we manage congestion and facilite productivity in our cities and regions. If public transport disappeared overnight, the cities that generate 80% of Australia’s GDP would grind to a halt.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services requires a taskforce of over 85,000 Australians
Bus and coach provides a huge range of jobs in communities across the nation, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, skilled production workers and transport professionals (in specialised fields like planning, social work and even psychology).
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia contributes indirect benefits
As the leading public transport sector, we manage congestion and facilite productivity in our cities and regions. If public transport disappeared overnight, the cities that generate 80% of Australia’s GDP would grind to a halt.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.

Operations

Everyday, more Australians are transported by bus and coach on the nation’s road network than rail – even in our largest capital cities. Buses and coaches offer an alternative to the car, plus provide a vital lifeline to individuals and communities, promoting social inclusion and access to education, healthcare, employment and social opportunities.
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services requires a taskforce of over 85,000 Australians
Bus and coach provides a huge range of jobs in communities across the nation, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, skilled production workers and transport professionals (in specialised fields like planning, social work and even psychology).
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia contributes indirect benefits
As the leading public transport sector, we manage congestion and facilite productivity in our cities and regions. If public transport disappeared overnight, the cities that generate 80% of Australia’s GDP would grind to a halt.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services requires a taskforce of over 85,000 Australians
Bus and coach provides a huge range of jobs in communities across the nation, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, skilled production workers and transport professionals (in specialised fields like planning, social work and even psychology).
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia contributes indirect benefits
As the leading public transport sector, we manage congestion and facilite productivity in our cities and regions. If public transport disappeared overnight, the cities that generate 80% of Australia’s GDP would grind to a halt.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.

Passengers

Everyday, more Australians are transported by bus and coach on the nation’s road network than rail – even in our largest capital cities. Buses and coaches offer an alternative to the car, plus provide a vital lifeline to individuals and communities, promoting social inclusion and access to education, healthcare, employment and social opportunities.
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services requires a taskforce of over 85,000 Australians
Bus and coach provides a huge range of jobs in communities across the nation, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, skilled production workers and transport professionals (in specialised fields like planning, social work and even psychology).
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia contributes indirect benefits
As the leading public transport sector, we manage congestion and facilite productivity in our cities and regions. If public transport disappeared overnight, the cities that generate 80% of Australia’s GDP would grind to a halt.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services requires a taskforce of over 85,000 Australians
Bus and coach provides a huge range of jobs in communities across the nation, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, skilled production workers and transport professionals (in specialised fields like planning, social work and even psychology).
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia contributes indirect benefits
As the leading public transport sector, we manage congestion and facilite productivity in our cities and regions. If public transport disappeared overnight, the cities that generate 80% of Australia’s GDP would grind to a halt.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.

Passengers

Everyday, more Australians are transported by bus and coach on the nation’s road network than rail – even in our largest capital cities. Buses and coaches offer an alternative to the car, plus provide a vital lifeline to individuals and communities, promoting social inclusion and access to education, healthcare, employment and social opportunities.
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services requires a taskforce of over 85,000 Australians
Bus and coach provides a huge range of jobs in communities across the nation, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, skilled production workers and transport professionals (in specialised fields like planning, social work and even psychology).
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia contributes indirect benefits
As the leading public transport sector, we manage congestion and facilite productivity in our cities and regions. If public transport disappeared overnight, the cities that generate 80% of Australia’s GDP would grind to a halt.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services requires a taskforce of over 85,000 Australians
Bus and coach provides a huge range of jobs in communities across the nation, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, skilled production workers and transport professionals (in specialised fields like planning, social work and even psychology).
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia contributes indirect benefits
As the leading public transport sector, we manage congestion and facilite productivity in our cities and regions. If public transport disappeared overnight, the cities that generate 80% of Australia’s GDP would grind to a halt.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.

Long distance, Tour and Charter

Everyday, more Australians are transported by bus and coach on the nation’s road network than rail – even in our largest capital cities. Buses and coaches offer an alternative to the car, plus provide a vital lifeline to individuals and communities, promoting social inclusion and access to education, healthcare, employment and social opportunities.
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services requires a taskforce of over 85,000 Australians
Bus and coach provides a huge range of jobs in communities across the nation, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, skilled production workers and transport professionals (in specialised fields like planning, social work and even psychology).
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia contributes indirect benefits
As the leading public transport sector, we manage congestion and facilite productivity in our cities and regions. If public transport disappeared overnight, the cities that generate 80% of Australia’s GDP would grind to a halt.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services
The life cycle of a bus and its associated services requires a taskforce of over 85,000 Australians
Bus and coach provides a huge range of jobs in communities across the nation, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, skilled production workers and transport professionals (in specialised fields like planning, social work and even psychology).
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia contributes indirect benefits
As the leading public transport sector, we manage congestion and facilite productivity in our cities and regions. If public transport disappeared overnight, the cities that generate 80% of Australia’s GDP would grind to a halt.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.
The economic impact of bus and coach in Australia
If governments did not provide route and school services, an estimated 1 billion+ passenger trips per year would transfer to an alternative travel mode, such as the car, which could add over 1.4 million cars to our roads. This would impact congestion levels and increase carbon emissions, plus other pollutants.

Governance and Strategy

As the leading industry association for the bus and coach industry sector, the Bus Industry Confederation is committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct across all our operations.
Our governance framework is designed to promote integrity and trust, encompassing clear policies and procedures that guide decision-making and oversight. Our governance and strategy documents, below, are periodically updated.
Constitution of the Bus Industry Confederation
Download the BIC Constitution
Constitution of the Bus Industry Confederation
Download the BIC Constitution
Constitution of the Bus Industry Confederation
Download the BIC Constitution
Strategic
 Plan 2024-27
Download the BIC Constitution
Strategic
 Plan 2024-27
Download the BIC Constitution