Emu Run Experience crash survivor calls on Patrick Bedford to stand down from chairman role

A Central Australia tour bus crash survivor has called on the company owner, who has been charged with work health and safety offences, to step aside as chairman of a prominent NT tourism body.

The scene of an Emu Run Experience tour bus crash near Hermannsburg in Central Australia in June 2022. Picture: Daniel Sumpton

Tourism Central Australia chairman Patrick Bedford is facing calls from a maimed survivor of a fatal tour bus crash to temporarily stand down after he, his company and a mechanic were hit with multiple charges following the 2022 rollover.

Mr Bedford, the owner of tour company Emu Run Experience, is being urged to stand down from his role at Tourism Central Australia (TCA) by Sydney resident Joshua Clements.

Mr Clements and his partner were two of the 21 people aboard a tour bus returning to Alice Springs along Larapinta Drive from a day trip in June 2022 when a tyre on the vehicle blew out.

The blowout, which occurred approximately 5km outside of Hermannsburg, caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle which then overturned, resulting in the death of a 69-year-old passenger and injuries to all the remaining occupants.

Joshua Clements and Elysse Lloyd in Central Australia before they were involved in a life-altering crash. Picture: Supplied

Mr Clements, who has just undergone spinal fusion surgery as a result of the broken back he suffered in the crash – his partner Elysse suffered broken bones and a partially severed ear – said the pair’s lives changed forever the day of the crash.

“The crash has had a catastrophic effect on our lives, with both of us losing our employment, both having multiple surgeries,” he said.

“Leading the lives we did before the crash will sadly never be possible.

“We both have PTSD and panic attacks from the crash – the devastation of it I cannot overstate.”

Patrick Bedford is the chairman of Tourism Central Australia. Picture: File

Since Mr Bedford, Emu Run Experience, and company mechanic, Ian Jackson, were charged last month by NT WorkSafe with workplace health and safety offences stemming from the crash, Mr Clements has been urging politicians and the TCA board intervene to stand Mr Bedford down as chairman of the body until the court case has concluded.

“Are you able to make any comment as to why someone [facing charges] continues to represent the Northern Territory as a senior tourism ambassador?” Mr Clements asked Chief Minister Eva Lawler in an email on May 30.

Medication Joshua Clements was placed on due to physical and mental injuries he sustained in the wake of the Emu Run Experience crash near Hermannsburg in June 2022. Picture: Supplied

Mr Clements emailed TCA on February 22 – before charges were laid – advising that he would be instructing his lawyers to formally request of the board that Mr Bedford stand down.

In response to Mr Clements’ email, on March 6 TCA chief executive, Danial Rochford, wrote that the board had sought legal advice.

The bus following the crash near Hermannsburg. Picture: Joshua Clements

“The board have met, and it has been determined that this is not a Tourism Central Australia matter, and it would be inappropriate for them to make comment,” Mr Rochford wrote.

Mr Bedford declined to take the NT News’ calls last week and Mr Rochford is overseas and not available to comment.

Acting CEO Steve Jarrett did not respond when contacted for comment via email by this masthead.

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade told this masthead Tourism Central Australia had not advised it of any changes to its board composition.

An injured Elysse Lloyd in the wake of the fatal Emu Run Experience tour bus crash in June 2022. Picture: Supplied

The charges against Mr Bedford, his company and Mr Jackson, the mechanic, are listed for mention at the Darwin Local Court on July 2.

Emu Run is charged with four offences of failing to comply with a health and safety duty and failing to ensure the health and safety of its employees and passengers.

Mr Bedford faces three charges of failing to exercise due diligence as a company officer, while Mr Jackson faces three charges of breaching his duty as a worker by failing to ensure his acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons.