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QBIC and BIC respond to Queensland Electrical Safety Act review

QBIC’s executive director has responded to the Act’s review and the “sensible approach” taken to regulating electric bus and coach work in Queensland

Both the Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) and the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) have responded to the review of Queensland’s Electrical Safety Act 2002.

In 2023, both QBIC and BIC expressed concerns that the review would result in only qualified electrical workers, not vehicle mechanical staff, would be able to work on and maintain electric vehicles such as buses.

The response to this review has ruled out this change as part of the Act’s review.

QBIC executive director Jason O’Dwyer says both QBIC and BIC are satisfied with the “sensible approach” taken in reviewing the Act, which was released by the Electrical Safety Office.

“In our joint submission, QBIC and BIC strongly advocated for the recognition of the current safety record within the passenger transport industry,” O’Dwyer told ABC.

“We emphasised that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), operators and their personnel already adhere to secure work systems, evident in the industry’s low incident benchmarks.”

As an active collaborator with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), regulatory training organisations and state transport regulators, QBIC and BIC continue to aim for a nationally safe industry.

O’Dwyer says the two bodies believe that a unified national approach is crucial for achieving consistency and safety throughout the industry, catering to all Australians.

“QBIC and BIC express contentment with the report’s logical decision to maintain the current exemption of propulsion parts of EVs from the scope of the Electrical Safety Framework in Queensland,” O’Dwyer says.

“We anticipate further collaboration with the Electrical Safety Office in reviewing upcoming draft legislations.

“QBIC acknowledges some proposed changes in other sections that may raise concerns but assures a vigilant stance to ensure the decision’s original intent is preserved throughout future parliamentary processes.”

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