Unprecedented, a Northern Territory bus operator has sought industry representation via Queensland
By David Goeldner | March 15, 2013
With a change of job and location comes an unprecedented move by a large Northern Territory bus operation to seek industry representation through the Queensland Bus Industry Council.
A precedent has been set by former Greyhound Chief Operating Officer Tony Hopkins’ recent move to Darwin as General Manager of the Buslink Vivo operation formed in late 2012 to service the Ichthys Liquefied Natural Gas project in the Northern Territory.
Hopkins, pictured, is also President of the Queensland Bus Industry Council, a position he retains until council elections on April 7.
Even with Hopkins relocation to Australia’s top end, he says he will recontest the QBIC presidency, and continue to represent Buslink Vivo as a member of the Queensland-based council.
QBIC Executive Director David Tape says the council’s constitution does not preclude membership of a Northern Territory operator.
“This is the first time we have had an operator outside of Queensland as a member of QBIC, but under our rules there is nothing to preclude membership,” he says.
“The only stipulation in our rules about Queensland is the secretary of the association must live in the state, or within 65 kilometres of the border.”
Tape, who is also the council’s secretary, is a Brisbane resident.
Buslink Vivo officially joined QBIC in early March, coinciding with Hopkins official start with the Darwin-based operator as its general manager.
Hopkins will be one of three candidates up for election of executive committee positions at QBIC’s annual general meeting, being held immediately after the council’s Hamilton Island conference on April 6.
Currently joining Hopkins on the QBIC executive are vice-president Rolf Mitchell representing Hornibrook Buslines, and Tony Gear as acting treasurer representing Cross Country Tours, and who recently replaced Skye Naismith in the role.
If re-elected Hopkins would start his second annual term of a maximum of three years as QBIC President.