Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie was privileged to be sworn in a Minister of the Crown in July 2021. Born and raised in rural Victoria, Bridget was encouraged to be proud and passionate about regional Australia. A staunch supporter of the small business, agriculture, forestry, mining and manufacturing industries, she is looking forward to promoting and supporting safe and prosperous regional communities. Bridget firmly believes it is in the national interest for regional Australia to be strong and successful. She recognises the importance of jobs, education, a skilled workforce and self-sufficiency. Previously, Bridget McKenzie had the honour of serving as Deputy Leader of the Nationals (2017) and was appointed Australia’s first female Agriculture Minister (2019). It was during this time she introduced key policies such as the dairy code, as well as boosted biosecurity measures to help protect Australia’s primary industries. In addition to her current ministerial role, Bridget is also the Leader of the Nationals in the Senate and is the first woman to be elected to that position. In her role as Senator for Victoria, Bridget has chaired several committees including the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade committee as well as the committee for Joint Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade committee. As Minister for Rural Health (2017), Bridget drove the establishment of the Murray Darling Medical School to increase the number of GP’s practicing in rural areas. During the 2019-20 bushfires, she advocated for the provision of emergency support and recovery projects to assist affected communities to recover. Among her other achievements, Bridget fought to achieve landmark legislation for cooperatives, including support for Australia Post to ensure its focus on rural and regional Australia and equitable local content in regional broadcasting. In 2019 she authored on contributions made to the nation by former Prime Minister and Country Party giant, Sir John ‘Black Jack’ McEwen. Bridget lives in Wodonga and enjoys all things outdoors, including learning to play golf, shooting and sailing when she can.

Roz Chivers joined the Bus Industry Confederation in August 2021 as the Executive Director. The previous 3 years, Roz was the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director Policy and Advocacy at the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). Roz is highly regarded for her advocacy, communication, and engagement expertise. At ALGA she was responsible for the design and delivery of advocacy campaigns – both public facing and via quiet diplomacy and for seizing opportune moments to advocate for positive outcomes for local governments and local communities. Prior to joining ALGA Roz spent fifteen years in public services working for the NSW and ACT governments. In that time, she gained an understanding of the passenger transport industry and the moving people task through a variety of roles including leading the transport planning team for the ACT Government at the time when the government shifted its focus to sustainable transport. Roz was also responsible for leading the development of the Belconnen to City Busway project and lead the ‘walking school bus’ project. At the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Roz worked with regional bus operators on projects to tempt regional commuters to use buses rather than cars on their daily commute to Canberra.

Since April 2023, Dean Moule has been the National Technical Manager for the Bus Industry Confederation. Based in Melbourne, and initially starting out as an auto electrician, Dean has over 37 years’ experience in the automotive industry, specifically specialising in buses. His manufacturing, service, engineering and product development experience stems from his time at Ansair (former bus bodybuilder), Mercedes-Benz Bus and Volvo Buses. Dean spent 11 years focusing on electromobility –­ hybrid and full electric – including developing training, chassis and body design, product introductions and specifications. During his tenure at Volvo Buses, he was the Director of Product and Electromobility, which involved the global launch of the BZL Electric City Bus in Australia and Southeast Asia. On occasion, Dean had previously assisted the Bus Industry Confederation between 2014-2020, liaising on new legislation and industry initiatives such as thermal safety protection.

Trucking runs in Glenn’s veins. Not only was Glenn a long-distance driver, his father was a truck driver and his son followed suit as well. After leaving school at 17 to start in the transport industry, Glenn founded his own business at the age of 20 operating road trains throughout regional Australia. Glenn drove road trains as a furniture removalist between Perth and Darwin for 11 years. He then came off the road to spend more time with his young family and became an organiser with the West Australian branch of the Transport Workers Union in 1991. Aside from working as an organiser, Sterle served on his local branch committee, and was ultimately elected to the union's federal council in 1998. During his time at the union, Glenn also served on numerous transport related industry and government bodies including WA’s fatigue management working party. In 2003, Glenn received the Centenary Medal for services to training in the road transport industry. In 2004 Glenn was elected as a Senator for Western Australia. Following his career in the union movement, Glenn entered the Parliament to advocate for the rights of working people as well as the issues he cares passionately about including continuing the fight for better wages and conditions in the transport industry. In 2012 he was presented with life membership of the Transport Workers Union in recognition of his work both at home and abroad. Glenn still drives trucks to support community groups and charities in northern Australia as well as runs a campaign to clean up roadhouses and facilities for truck drivers. He now serves as Chair of the Senate’s Rural Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee and Chair of the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee.

Tony Hopkins is the Chief Executive Officer, Regional Australia Division of ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC), one of the country’s largest urban, school, and charter bus operators and part of the international ComfortDelGro group. 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 including Greyhound and Buslink VIVO. He 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 with various bus operators across the country. Tony’s lifetime commitment to the bus industry was recognised in 2021, when he was presented with QBIC’s Outstanding Achievement Award. The same year, his division was honoured with the QBIC Environmental/Innovation Award, as well as a High Commendation in the 2021 NSCA Foundation/GIO National Safety Awards of Excellence.

Andrew Reason, Metro Manager Customer Experience, brings over 20 years of experience in public sector customer delivery. Joining Metro in 2023, he has focused on enhancing the customer experience within the Metro Tasmania public transport network. Most recently, Andrew led a project addressing anti-social behaviour across the Metro Tasmania bus network, collaborating closely with Metro’s consultant to conduct a baseline review and audit while researching best practices across Australia and New Zealand. Andrew is dedicated to implementing innovative solutions to mitigate anti-social impacts across the Metro network and improve the overall customer experience and journey.

Taking Busways into its 82nd year, Byron Rowe represents the third generation of family leadership. Since assuming the role of Managing Director, he has overseen more than 60% growth, transforming Busways into Australia's largest Australian-owned private bus company. Byron's business acumen, dedication to innovation, and commitment to exceptional customer service continue to propel Busways toward becoming Australia’s leading public transport provider. At 38, Byron is among the youngest leaders in Australia’s public transport sector. While focused on current operations, he is also laying the foundation for the future, driving long-term strategic planning, enhancing organizational structure and culture, and championing digital transformation across the business.

With more than 12 years' experience in the Melbourne and UK bus industries, Graham brings extensive experience and understanding of the keys to delivering consistently high-performing bus Operations Joining Kinetic in 2022 as GM - Service Delivery, Graham has held the role of GM - Melbourne, and is currently Executive GM (VIC/TAS/NSW). Graham Strived for excellence and finding 'better ways' through innovation, His strong leadership skills have driven positive cultural change and improved business performance. He played a pivotal leadership role in the successful transition of the Metropolitan Bus Franchise (MBF) in Melbourne.