Queensland Rail

[ozbob]

I have sent the following message to the DP and Minister for Transport

====================

10th February 2017

Dear Deputy Premier,

Congratulations.

You have our support. Let's get it all sorted.

Best wishes,
Robert

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes -->'Tough as steel' Jackie Trad will be Queensland's new Transport minister

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad will become the new Transport Minister and Tourism Minister Kate Jones will take on the Commonwealth Games portfolio.

Member for Ferny Grove Mark Furner will also be elevated to cabinet following former transport minister Stirling Hinchliffe's resignation.

Mr Furner said he was "really privileged" and "extremely humbled" to be elevated to cabinet, following Friday morning's caucus meeting.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Ms Trad was as "tough as steel".

"I know no one will get in her way," Ms Palaszczuk said.

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Queensland Cabinet reshuffle: Jackie Trad named as Transport Minister

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Government: Deputy Premier Jackie Trad named new Transport Minister

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Rail's new chief executive could be appointed next week

A NEW chief executive for Queensland Rail could be appointed as early as next week.

The Courier-Mail understands the short-list for the role has been pared back to two leading candidates.

One of the candidates is from North America and the other is from Australia.

Newly appointed QR board chairman Phillip Strachan will sit in on interviews for the first time on Friday.

On Monday, Mr Strachan said selecting a new CEO for QR was one of his top priorities in the role.

"I think it's important for that new chief executive to be recruited, get in place and that provides a new leadership of the business going forward," he said.  ...

[ozbob]

@Curtis_Pitt_MP lures the departure lounge cabinet post of trade minister away from @jackietrad #9News

— Shane Doherty (@ShaneDoherty9) February 10, 2017

[Stillwater]

Not good.  Things continued to go bad during her previous stint as Transport Supremo, after Scott Thompson had his fingers on the levers.  The portfolio should have gone to a 'cleanskin'.  She has too much on her plate, with other ministerial duties.  Infrastructure will become confused with QR operational issues.  Which has precedence? 

She and Andrew Powell will feed off each other politically.  For both of them, the temptation is to continue to play the politics around the transport portfolio, not to address the fundamentals.  Powell will be calling for Trad to be sacked or resign, distracting her from the day-to-day hard slog required of a Queensland transport minister in 2017.  One plus might be that Trad will have to take on the union concerning work practices. 

However, when the Greens threaten her seat, will she become distracted and obsessed with hanging onto it -- putting her personal attention into South Brisbane (and South Brisbane transport issues disproportionately to Queensland transport issues)?  Time will tell.  The government does not have time on its hands.

The Premier knows what she is doing also.  In politics, you give the hospital pass to the person most likely to challenge you for the top job.  Anna Palaszczuk knows this.  Jackie Trad not likely to get a positive profile in the short term from the transport portfolio.  That should keep Trad busy.

What's required is root and branch reorganisation, not only of QR, but also to bring about a transition to PTQ, if the government knows what's good for it.  People are saying if the government can't get a Doomben train to go to Doomben, how good are they.  It is trivial, I know, but all these little slip-ups are magnified in the current climate.

[#Metro]

However, when the Greens threaten her seat, will she become distracted and obsessed with hanging onto it -- putting her personal attention into South Brisbane (and South Brisbane transport issues disproportionately to Queensland transport issues)?  Time will tell.  The government does not have time on its hands.

Jackie Trad has what it takes, but like Stillwater is pointing out, there is very limited time for her to do what she needs to do as her seat is effectively a Greens seat now and I fully expect her to be gone by the next election.

[ozbob]

10th February 2017

Media Release
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Deputy Premier appointed Transport Minister

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad will be appointed Transport Minister with immediate priorities to fast-track the Strachan blueprint for Queensland Rail and progress the critical Cross River Rail project, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

"I have asked Jackie to return to the Transport portfolio, because I need her experience and her toughness to ensure the best possible service for the travelling public," the Premier said.

"Jackie is already working closely with new QR Chairman Phillip Strachan, acting CEO Neil Scales and Citytrain Response Unit head Jacqui Walters to roll-out the recommendations of the Strachan Inquiry into QR."

"QR let down the travelling public.  We have a plan, with wide-ranging recommendations from the Strachan Inquiry, to ensure QR delivers for Queenslanders."

Ms Trad was Minister for Transport in 2015.

The Premier said the Deputy Premier will also retain Infrastructure and Planning responsibilities.

The Premier will announce all portfolio arrangements after meeting with Ministers later today.

[ozbob]

10th February 2017

Media Release
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

New Ministerial arrangements

Today I will recommend the Governor make the following appointments.

These appointments reaffirm my Government's commitment to Queenslanders to - create jobs and opportunities, restore services, deliver our biggest event – the Commonwealth Games in 2018, and attract investment and tourists to our great State.

Jackie Trad (Member for South Brisbane)

Deputy Premier

Minister for Transport

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning

Curtis Pitt (Member for Mulgrave)

Treasurer

Minister for Trade and Investment

Kate Jones (Member for Ashgrove)

Minister for Education

Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games

Mick de Brenni (Member for Springwood)

Minister for Housing and Public Works

Minister for Sport

Mark Furner (Member for Ferny Grove)

Minister for Local Government

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships

Glenn Butcher (Member for Gladstone)

Assistant Minister for Transport and Infrastructure

[Stillwater]

We have an Assistant Minister for Transport and Infrastructure (Glenn Butcher).  It will be interesting to see what he has direct responsibility for and what duties he will be delegated by Ms Trad.

[#Metro]

We have an Assistant Minister for Transport and Infrastructure (Glenn Butcher).  It will be interesting to see what he has direct responsibility for and what duties he will be delegated by Ms Trad.

Give him bus reform! He's not in Brisbane so he couldn't care less if the bus routes in Brisbane were all changed

[ozbob]

.@QueenslandRail passengers forced to disembark at Windsor station last night after their train took the wrong turn. https://t.co/sDQRrMTL5A pic.twitter.com/pHrcnuLy6Q

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) February 10, 2017

[HappyTrainGuy]

Why didn't the driver turn left instead of turning right to take the flyover. The ministers head should go flying over this mess.

[ozbob]

^

[#Metro]

Why didn't the driver turn left instead of turning right to take the flyover. The ministers head should go flying over this mess.

Huh? I was under the impression that the routes were set by network control, not the train drivers themselves?

[ozbob]

[techblitz]

Why didn't the driver turn left instead of turning right to take the flyover. The ministers head should go flying over this mess.

Pretty much the same as if one were to see a 'browns plains buz' destowed 140 pulling in to cannon hill...or how about a 'the gap buz' destowed 385 motoring down sandgate rd @ Toombul.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

10th February 2017

RAIL Back On Track welcomes Deputy Premier Jackie Trad as Minister for Transport and Mr Glen Butcher as Assistant Minister for Transport and Infrastructure

These are difficult days for public transport in SEQ.  We welcome today's confirmation by the Premier of the Minister, and Assistant Minister for Transport.

The task of reform must begin today.

The Deputy Premier has always been willing to listen in her previous role as Opposition Transport spokesperson and more recently as a former Minister for Transport.

We look forward to continuing this relationship with the Deputy Premier and establishing a working relationship with the new Assistant Minister to help improve public and active transport for Queensland.

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Mr Glenn Butcher

>> https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/members/current/list/MemberDetails?ID=915661556

[James]

Jackie Trad, deputy premier and minister for multiple portfolios. This is not what was needed! I suspect this is a cynical move by the right faction/AP to stave off any leadership challenge from the left faction/Trad. Like the Health ministry, the Transport ministry is the poison chalice of the Queensland cabinet.

Trad has also been the main 'attack dog' for the ALP, with Annastasia being 'Queensland's mum'. Trad will play politics until the sun goes down, and Emerson, Powell etc. will happily play along. Her attention is going to continue to be divided and she won't be able to give the portfolio her full focus, particularly with the looming Greens threat and CPV.

She'll need all the luck she can get.

[ozbob]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government-speculation-treasurer-curtis-pitts-portfolio-could-change-in-cabinet-reshuffle/news-story/d9210738ce5b827c0e409f1d7d3a7a55

... Ms Trad said she wanted to reform QR into one of the best performing rail services, but it would "not happen overnight".

"I'm under no illusions about the task ahead of us," she said.

"We've got a blueprint (for reform) through the Strachan report

"I'm determined and focused to fix the rail system for the people of southeast Queensland."

Ms Trad said she was aiming to reduce the two-year timetable to fix the driver shortage.

"There is a path we can take to accelerate training," she said. ...

Ms Trad said she was aiming to reduce the two-year timetable to fix the driver shortage.

I will put it this way. If the timetables mess is not sorted by January 2018, I think there is no way the AP Government will be returned ..

[red dragin]

Why didn't the driver turn left instead of turning right to take the flyover. The ministers head should go flying over this mess.

Huh? I was under the impression that the routes were set by network control, not the train drivers themselves?

I think it's meant to be a comment that a regular punter would make 

[ozbob]

I wonder how the QR Board meeting went today?

[BrizCommuter]

I wonder how the QR Board meeting went today?

They probably drank a bit of G&T.
Board told by exec that everything is going fine.
Board happy with that.
No questions asked.
Another glass of G&T.
Hometime.
Board collect pay check.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Why didn't the driver turn left instead of turning right to take the flyover. The ministers head should go flying over this mess.

Huh? I was under the impression that the routes were set by network control, not the train drivers themselves?

[#Metro]

How sad!! 

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Strachan inquiry finds restrictive union work rules part of problems at Queensland Rail

AS PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk faced the media over the damning results of a probe into how the wheels came off Queensland Rail, it wasn't long before an uncomfortable question lobbed: "Are you on a collision course with the unions?"

The reply signalled less of a looming head-on crash than an embarrassing bingle between old friends.

"I respect the union," Palaszczuk replied during Monday's press conference.

"We will work with the union because I firmly believe that the union wants the best for the travelling public as well," she continued.

"And we will be making that incredibly clear to them this afternoon."

It came less than an hour after the delivery of damning findings by the commission of inquiry into the QR problems that the unions helped create the rail havoc that tipped the network into crisis.

The inquiry lifted the lid on the generous conditions secured for QR train drivers and guards by the Rail Tram and Bus Union that had proven anything but a win for commuters or taxpayers.

Train crew productivity had plummeted 7 per cent in two years partially due to changes to crewing rules negotiated by the unions, including a bonus 20-minute break. And the inquiry found a QR preference to operate with an up to 10 per cent undersupply of drivers ensured lucrative overtime payments.

At the height of the timetable fiasco, when hundreds of services were cancelled and commuters stranded on platforms, overtime payments for train crew had soared.

The unions had also secured further control over driver number thanks to "closed shop" internal recruitment rules and a blowout in training times to ­18 months.

It did nothing to boost productivity, according to the inquiry. But it did help shore up the unions' membership base, according to QR sources frustrated by the rule.

But by last October, the shortages had spiralled out­ of control. Train drivers' overtime had shot up an astonishing 19 per cent in a year. The combination of restrictive union work rules, an "ambitious" increase in services following the Redcliffe rail line opening and poor planning combined to create an avalanche for the Palaszczuk Government.

Over coming weeks, the disaster would lift the lid on not just ineffective management of­ the taxpayer-funded statutory authority, but the fact the union was driving the gravy train.

The union overtime rort would be exposed, while union claims internal hiring rules sped up driver training were shot apart.

"Queensland Rail has historically operated with a structural shortfall of train crew, despite budgeted and vacant positions being available in order to provide overtime opportunities for train crew," the inquiry found.

"This persistent shortfall of train crew was well known within Queensland Rail and not considered an issue."

As one former QR executive described it in the words of business tycoon Warren Buffett: "You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out."

In the case of QR, the rail fail has exposed the cosy relationship between the first-term Palaszczuk Government and the unions, whose vociferous campaigning on asset sales had helped pull off the impossible and annihilate the Campbell Newman government within three years.

Griffith University political scientist Dr Paul Williams says the Palaszczuk Government election win set the scene for a resurgence of the Labor factions. But the long-standing problem of Labor being perceived as puppets of the unions could also become its weak spot at the next election, he says.

"There is a real sense that the caucus are very aware of the power the unions have. It's always been there, but now it's very open and overt.

"Clearly we are seeing some policy shaped around union interests. The ties were always close so the muscle was always there, but the muscle is being flexed.

"Annastacia Palaszczuk does actually need to campaign to say she is her own woman, we are our own government, the unions support Labor, but they don't run Labor.

"A big one (criticism) will be that it's too close to the union movement."

The win marked a return from the political wilderness after the humiliating drubbing of Anna Bligh's administration and its asset sales agenda.

Such was the hit to Labor's popularity from the landslide defeat by Newman in 2012, desperate party officials slashed membership fees to the price of a McDonald's Happy Meal.

The unions tipped in more than $370,000 to Labor Party state coffers in the months before the 2015 poll. That included a lump $25,000 donation to the ALP from­ the RTBU.

Williams says the union influence today is "rooted in the defeat and recovery of Labor".

Unions sitting on the Left had "played a proportionately bigger role in the Labor's recovery and mobilisation (mainly because of asset sales) than normal".

"They've played a big role in the recovery and they've played a big role in the victory.

"The whole Labor machine stirred to life after the defeat of 2012 and it appears the Left are much better mobilised, resourced, energised to recover than the two Right factions.

"We are seeing the proof of that pudding today in that the Left has a very strong representation in caucus, in the Cabinet."

The 2015 LNP defeat sparked an all-night victory celebration by Labor's left leaning unionists that extended into the next morning.

Officials from the Electrical Trades Union, Construction Forestry and Mining Energy Union and others from the Left were spotted bleary eyed but exuberant at the Breakfast Creek Hotel that morning lauding the win and their role.

Talk had already turned to the factional make-up of the new Cabinet.

The win heralded a strengthening of the dominant Left – aligned to unions including the RTBU, CFMEU and the ETU.

Criticisms of the new Palaszczuk Government's pro-trade agenda quickly surfaced.

One of Parliament's first pieces of legislation reversed changes to union conditions and perks brought in by the LNP.

Union "encouragement" clauses were reinstated, making it easier for delegates to sign-up public servants as members. Right of entry laws were introduced, enabling union officials to enter construction sites. Labour Day was returned to May.

Licensed plumbers were given the sole rights to installing water meters, with Treasurer Curtis Pitt praising the unions' advocacy on the issue.

The ALP also established a state-funded business offering metering, solar and other household electrical services to the private market to placate the ETU after merging the state's energy retailers.

Labor also killed off the LNP's ineffective union transparency measures, which had included forcing union officeholders to release their credit card statements.

But moves to strengthen the trade unions in Queensland led to some cautionary advice from Health Minister Cameron Dick in late 2015. Addressing branch members on the Sunshine Coast in November that year, Dick warned the party must remain relevant amid a "record low" for the Labor movement.

He referred to a decision before the election boosting the role of affiliated trade unions in the selection process for the state parliamentary Labor leader.

"As a party, we need to find ways to speak to, to connect with and to share the aspirations of the workers of the future who will be more individualistic and a lesser part of a mass working movement," he told members.

Skip forward to May 2016 and trouble was brewing in one of the state's most heavily unionised workforces – Queensland Rail. The RTBU was negotiating a series of new enterprise agreements.

Negotiations for QR's 471 drivers and cohort of guards had dragged on months when members in September voted for rolling work stoppages.

The strike plan was a looming disaster for QR; already under strain from the driver shortage – although the severity of the shortfall was then still a guarded secret.

QR was also about to open the $1 billion Redcliffe line and rollout an "ambitious" new timetable, despite being hopelessly understaffed.

It was in this climate that it began negotiating driver wage and conditions.

The inquiry found QR "may have accepted overly restrictive crewing rules because it negotiated the new train crew enterprise agreement while operating with a train crew shortfall and while implementing a major timetable change".

The Courier-Mail revealed this week that the board had pushed back, refusing to endorse the driver deal because of an "excessive" pay rise for train crew. It is understood Treasurer Curtis Pitt – one of the two responsible ministers for QR – intervened to ensure the rise went ahead.

His office has denied issuing any "legally binding" directive to the QR board. But the rail inquiry found the board had not only been kept in the dark about the magnitude of the driver shortages, but had been cut out of the bargaining.

The board was "not asked to formally approve either the in-principal acceptance of the 2016 Train Crew Enterprise Agreement", the inquiry revealed.

Pitt met with the RTBU and smaller Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees in September last year, according to his ministerial diary. He has said the meeting discussed QR's New Generation Rollingstock project but his office could not rule out that the negotiations came up.

The meeting was held just weeks before the unions secured an in-principle deal for train crew in October, halting strike plans.

It strengthened internal recruitment rules, locking out retired and interstate drivers from applying for hundreds of vacancies.

The major sticking point for board members was a proposed 12 per cent pay rise over four years for drivers and guards, far outstripping consumer price index rises. Productivity would lift by less than 1 per cent under the deal. And it came despite the tight Budget and extra burden it would create for taxpayers. (The Government tips subsidies of about $2 billion into QR passenger services.)

It is understood board members were furious at the political intervention, with the agreement drawn up by external consultants and presented as a "done deal".

Pitt replied to questions about the board being sidelined saying it was important the Government had an "early look" at the bargaining framework.

The LNP is expected to push for further detail in Parliament next week.

"There's a rotten smell about the rail unions' stranglehold on this Labor Government and Curtis Pitt is at the core of it," Opposition transport spokesman Andrew Powell says.

The Palaszczuk Government is now racing to tackle the long-standing union rules that helped bring QR to its knees in its first real union battle. It risks another timetable meltdown during next year's Commonwealth Games if it fails.

The inquiry found there had been little progress in hiring drivers since the crisis and warned it would "become increasingly difficult" to meet extra demand created by the Games. It recommended opening up recruitment to create a driver surplus.

While union talks with the Government have begun, it is expected the RTBU will not give up ground easily.

State secretary Owen Doogan this week dismissed internal hiring was a problem.

"The recruitment of train crew from internal (staff) has historically been the way ... forever and a day," he said. He, instead, took aim at the QR Board. He blames driver training delays on a shortage of driver trainers.

Palaszczuk has said union talks will cover external recruitment.

"We want to see Queensland Rail performing as one of the best in the nation and that means good, strong leadership," she said.

Asked how they would unwind the union control, Palaszczuk responded: "We're going to get them in the room ... and we are going to talk to them.

"As I've said, I am quite sure that they have the same views as me and my Cabinet, when it comes to making sure that we have enough train drivers, enough guards to service the travelling public."

More than three months after the rail problems emerged, Paul Williams says the Government risks being stranded at the platform by voters if it fails to stand up to the unions in its first major public challenge.

"There won't be much in the next election and Labor are going into it with this Achilles heel," he said.

[#Metro]

Now we have a second example, this time from Red Team side, of a democratically elected politician intervening into internal business affairs to override the QR board (sound familiar?) to get their way.

The Courier-Mail revealed this week that the board had pushed back, refusing to endorse the driver deal because of an "excessive" pay rise for train crew. It is understood Treasurer Curtis Pitt – one of the two responsible ministers for QR – intervened to ensure the rise went ahead.

His office has denied issuing any "legally binding" directive to the QR board. But the rail inquiry found the board had not only been kept in the dark about the magnitude of the driver shortages, but had been cut out of the bargaining.

The board was "not asked to formally approve either the in-principal acceptance of the 2016 Train Crew Enterprise Agreement", the inquiry revealed.

Curtis Pitt MP has a lot of questions to answer now - firstly why didn't treasury notice when overtime payments started climbing, and secondly why the QR board was not involved in the approval over a really basic HR decision about pay?

A failure of PUBLIC OWNERSHIP. Sell QR shares off to permanently close this OVERRIDE political interference pathway. Put a hard bottom line on the organisation.

Shouldn't wage bargaining be a matter between the QR Board and the employees concerned?
Otherwise, why does the board exist & why are we paying them?

The whole organisation seems to be just one big CA$H COW now - milked by all and sundry, including via executive bonuses.

And we are just going to put on the blindfold and say "Yes - let's just extend the contract! Anything goes!"

Oh, and I note the board and executive STILL have their jobs?   

[ozbob]

As the ' story ' further unravels it really is confirming the appalling organisational & structural failures for the administration, operation and delivery of public transport in Queensland, particularly SEQ.

Nothing short of root-and-branch reform is needed now.  We have shown how this can occur - formation of Public Transport Queensland.  A proper statutory authority with the means to withstand political interference and task and manage operators in a competitive environment but not losing sight of the community service obligation that does underpin public transport.

Other States can manage it, why not Queensland?   

[#Metro]

Fish rots from the head down - shocking political stewardship!

[ozbob]

^ indeed, and it is not just recent has been 5 years in the making (at least).

As I have said many times, a series of incompetent governments ... has not helped at all.

We are staring at a political rout of the major political class in Queensland come #qldvotes.

Can they save themselves?  We have given some clues ...   

[#Metro]

QR Hiring Traincrew

Train Drivers
Apply nowJob no: EXPDRVR17
Work type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Brisbane
Categories: Train Crew

Queensland Rail has provided the people of Queensland with safe, customer-focused and efficient rail services since 1865. Last year alone, there were more than 50 million customer journeys on our CityTrain network in South East Queensland (SEQ), and the network extended by six stations out to Kippa-Ring. As our service grows, so too must our workforce.

We are seeking to recruit customer and safety oriented individuals to fill the role of Locomotive Driver in the Brisbane SEQ region.

Your responsibilities include:

Driving all forms of traction and trains operated at the depot competently in accordance with our standards and procedures
Applying agreed train management techniques competently to ensure efficient and safe train operations and re-accredit as required
Providing a quality customer service for Queensland Rail passengers


We are seeking applicants who possess the following:

Previous experience working for Queensland Rail as a Locomotive Driver
Australian Citizenship or Australian Permanent Residency
Demonstrated practical Train Driving experience preferably in Electric Passenger Train Operations.
A Category 1 Rail Safety Medical Clearance /or ability to attain
Motivated to be engaged in a fast tracked program to transition competence in Queensland Rail's operating context
Technology savvy with the ability to adopt to online learning delivery quickly
Secondary experience  level preferred - up to three years recent experience of driving Loco or Electric Trains


Apply to position number EXPDRVR17  by clicking onto the "Apply" button.  Please submit a resume and covering letter outlining relevant experience by 5pm, Sunday 26th February 2017



The recruitment and selection process for this position might require shortlisted applicants to undertake Psychometric Assessment, Pre-Employment Health Assessment and background checks that might also include Criminal History and Credit Checks.


Advertised: 11 Feb 2017 E. Australia Standard Time
Applications close: 26 Feb 2017 E. Australia Standard Time

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland rail advertises for drivers 134 days after crippling service cancellations

ONE hundred and thirty-four days after Queensland Rail's crew shortages caused crippling service cancellations, the transport body has publicly ­advertised for more drivers.

But the job advertisement ignored a key recommendation of last week's commission of inquiry by excluding applicants who did not have previous experience.

Written entirely in red with a giant "apply now" button, the ad went live on Saturday – days after a damning report found little progress by QR in hiring more drivers.

The QR commission of inquiry last Monday found internal hiring rules shutting out external applicants contributed to the shortage, linking it to a blowout in training times.

Overtime had also soared thanks to a preference to operate with a built-in driver shortage. The rule had locked out experienced drivers made redundant by rail freight business Aurizon and also risked depleting QR train guard ranks by giving them first dibs on the jobs.

QR's Saturday job ad came after it negotiated with the unions to recruit outsiders from mid-January, however, external applicants without prior driving experience remain shut-out.

An automatic message generated minutes after ­applying for the job informs novice applicants: "We have assessed your application and after careful consideration, will not be taking your application further."

This is despite the inquiry recommending that recruitment efforts should be extended to include external candidates without prior train driving experience to boost competition.

It found the move could expedite a recovery.

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 13th February 2017 page 13

Fresh faces bring hope for change

[ozbob]

http://careers.pageuppeople.com/544/caw/en/job/669078/train-drivers

Train Drivers

Apply now Job no: EXPDRVR17
Work type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Brisbane
Categories: Train Crew

Queensland Rail has provided the people of Queensland with safe, customer-focused and efficient rail services since 1865. Last year alone, there were more than 50 million customer journeys on our CityTrain network in South East Queensland (SEQ), and the network extended by six stations out to Kippa-Ring. As our service grows, so too must our workforce.

We are seeking to recruit customer and safety oriented individuals to fill the role of Locomotive Driver in the Brisbane SEQ region.

Your responsibilities include:

    Driving all forms of traction and trains operated at the depot competently in accordance with our standards and procedures
    Applying agreed train management techniques competently to ensure efficient and safe train operations and re-accredit as required
    Providing a quality customer service for Queensland Rail passengers

We are seeking applicants who possess the following:

    Previous experience working for Queensland Rail as a Locomotive Driver
    Australian Citizenship or Australian Permanent Residency
    Demonstrated practical Train Driving experience preferably in Electric Passenger Train Operations.
    A Category 1 Rail Safety Medical Clearance /or ability to attain
    Motivated to be engaged in a fast tracked program to transition competence in Queensland Rail's operating context
    Technology savvy with the ability to adopt to online learning delivery quickly
    Secondary experience  level preferred - up to three years recent experience of driving Loco or Electric Trains

Apply to position number EXPDRVR17  by clicking onto the "Apply" button.  Please submit a resume and covering letter outlining relevant experience by 5pm, Sunday 26th February 2017

The recruitment and selection process for this position might require shortlisted applicants to undertake Psychometric Assessment, Pre-Employment Health Assessment and background checks that might also include Criminal History and Credit Checks.

Advertised: 11 Feb 2017 E. Australia Standard Time
Applications close: 26 Feb 2017 E. Australia Standard Time

[ozbob]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-rail-advertises-for-drivers-134-days-after-crippling-service-cancellations/news-story/93a33863ec12caacaede73e6ffde0ae2

QUEENSLAND Rail is expected to announce Toronto rail executive Andy Byford as its new leader this week.

He is the front runner to replace Helen Gluer, who resigned amid the rail turmoil.

Her successor can expect a remuneration package in excess of $700,000.

Mr Byford comes highly experienced, serving as chief executive officer at the Toronto Transit Commission — the third largest transit network in North America — for the past five years.

He previously worked in the UK and as chief operating officer at Sydney's RailCorp.

The new CEO will be tasked with an organisational shake-up to change a culture at QR described by the Inquiry as one of "complacency" and reluctance to "share bad news"

[achiruel]

Sounds like Andy Byford would be an ideal candidate to head PTQ.

[dancingmongoose]

Some interesting comments from our friend Chris Hale

www.linkedin.com/hp/update/6236693809468710912

[ozbob]

13th February 2017

Media Release
Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jackie Trad

Queensland Rail driver and guard training boosted

The Palaszczuk Government has boosted the size of Queensland Rail's driver and guard training intake, a core step towards fixing the train timetables.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said that speeding up the driver and guard training process was a key recommendation of the Strachan Commission of Inquiry.

"The Strachan Inquiry was clear – we need to boost driver and guard numbers quickly and safely," Ms Trad said.

"We are hitting the ground running, with 25 trainee drivers and 40 trainee guards starting today.

"This follows external recruitment advertisements over the weekend for previous Queensland Rail drivers to re-join the company and boost our ranks.

"My top priority is to ensure that Queensland Rail's customers have reliable, efficient train services.

"Our goal is to accelerate the training time from 18 months, down to an industry standard of nine months, while maintaining quality and safety.

"There is no quick solution – fixing Queensland Rail will take time, dedication and most of all innovation and change.

"Our Government's response sets out that change and the direction we need to turn Queensland Rail around, which will involve major changes to Queensland Rail's structure and operations.

"I am committed to drive the reform of Queensland Rail so it delivers a modern transport system which Queenslanders can be proud of."

Today's driver school with 25 trainees is more than double the average intake prior to the opening of the Redcliffe Peninsula line and the guard school is increasing from 26 to 40, creating a steady stream of new recruits.

Other initiatives to restore a high level of service from Queensland Rail will include:

    Establishing a Citytrain Response Unit, headed by Jacqui Walters, to monitor, audit and report on the implementation of the Strachan Inquiry's recommendations.
    Assess testing of the current timetable to enable stable, reliable services and sufficient training capacity to facilitate the long-term return to full service levels.
    Transparent and timely reporting to TransLink regarding issues that may affect service delivery, to enable customers to plan real time alternative travel arrangements.
    Ensuring that ongoing negotiations with traincrew unions focus on best practice rules regarding continuous working time and other crewing practices to alleviate overtime pressure on traincrew.

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