It also seems that an industry association’s members are active, participating in the association’s activities, when that association is responsive to member needs. We at the APIA secretariat enjoy our contact with the members, whether it is at events or on committees, and we appreciate the input and guidance provided. On the other hand, I trust that the members agree that the staff at the secretariat are keen to assist. Of course APIA can’t provide all the answers, but we do strive to find ways to help members achieve industry-wide goals.
The Health Safety and Environment committee came about when the members indicated the common-sense approach of combining the two committees covering safety and environment. The HSE Committee has continued to monitor the major study on fatigue management being undertaken by TMS Consulting and it instigated a review of the Code of Environmental Practice. Both these reports are expected to be released in the next few months.
When the participants in the CSG industry indicated their concern about gathering lines and the need for guidelines, APIA helped to co-ordinate an expert committee, which was managed by former regulator John Fleming, to develop the official APIA PE gathering lines Code of Practice. The latest version of this will, by the time April Pipeliner is released, be referenced in legislation.
When the Economic Policy Committee indicated they needed to expand their work on broader gas policy, APIA’s policy adviser Steve Davies, worked with the committee to develop a report and to raise extra funds from the Owner Members to engage a consultant to assist with the Committee’s work. When the Owners Committee agrees on this report, it will be released in its final form, but the work being undertaken has been of benefit already in helping to argue the case for natural gas and highlighting the need for improved access to gas supply. Even before it has been finalised the report has helped to raise APIA’s profile in the broader gas debate.
And that brings me to the Owners Committee. This group disbanded sometime around 2004. But, in 2007 the Owners indicated renewed interest. This committee provides broad policy direction to the secretariat and the Economic Policy Committee. From time to time the secretariat also arranges for the Owners Committee to spend a day in Canberra to meet relevant politicians and senior bureaucrats. While APIA is most successful in influencing government policy by effective liaison with the bureaucracy (our issues don’t directly impact on voters – and therefore votes – and therefore politicians!), the meetings with politicians and their political advisers means they hear the message from senior business people and this helps to reinforce our policy work.
Of course the Pipeline Operators Group, which has been operating successfully for many years and very capably led by James Smith of DBP, is at the forefront of sharing knowledge and experience about operations and maintenance. We are now looking at possibly expanding the POG influence to also include offshore pipelines and the distribution networks. We are in the process of taking our message to relevant companies.
Of course, I can’t leave this edition without mention of one of the major contributors to APIA – both in time and effort. Mark Twycross was President when I was appointed Chief Executive; in fact, he was one-third of the panel who interviewed me. As President, he helped me to settle in to my role, which was a very new experience after more than two decades in and around politics. As he has stepped down from the Board, it gives me an opportunity to thank him for the opportunity to work in this fabulous industry, with its very enthusiastic members. I’m pleased Mark will maintain his interest in APIA. In fact, he is very closely involved in organising the May Brisbane seminar this year, to the point that you will see me hand over the reins of seminar chair to him – maybe just this once, but let’s see…