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New chair for BusWA

Adam Barnard will replace Ray Gannaway as Chairman of BusWA as announced at the AGM

BusWA will become more measurable to its members with new Chairman Adam Barnard who plans on pushing the association’s agenda on a state and federal level.

Barnard, who is Managing Director of tour and charter operator ADAMS, was announced as the new Chairman of BusWA at the 2014 AGM this month, alongside newly appointed Vice-Chairman Joe Giuppa.

Barnard replaces Ray Gannaway who has spent the last six years with the organisation and three of those as Chairman.

Barnard has been a member of other associations in Western Australia over the last few years, but is excited to be taking on the role with BusWA particularly as the organisation is aligned at a national level with the Bus Industry Confederation.

“One of the first things I will be doing is continuing to push the agenda of Ray Gannaway and that is to raise industry standards,” he says.

“I think the foundations have been laid in the last two years – however I would like to see a more specific agenda created with measurable outcomes that proves the committees value to its members.”

Barnard also says the WA industry is historically unregulated, which is a major issue he would like to tackle in the role.

“There is no serious effort to ensure compliance in Western Australia and I think that is something that needs to be addressed by the industry itself potentially through self -regulation.

“To be frank, I believe a 10-year-old could potentially fill out the blank spaces and be granted an Omnibus licence in WA and I am less than convinced that the travelling public would find this acceptable.

 “My role as Chairman is, I believe, to continue to raise the minimum standard of the industry.”

Barnard expects his many contacts, including those in power and the opposition at a state level, will work in favour of the association.

 “I’m excited and I think I’ve got a lot to offer.”

The 2014 AGM of BusWA was a very well attended function with a bus and coach display covering all major manufacturers.

Over 100 operators attended the meeting and display which saw 19 different types of buses and coaches were on show.

Western Australia Transport Minister Dean Nalder was keynote speaker at the event.

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