The state government will hold a roundtable to tackle violence and safety concerns affecting bus drivers, following the alleged stabbing of a worker on the Sunshine Coast.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg last week announced the meeting, which is expected to take place in coming weeks.
The Transport Workers’ Union told Sunshine Coast News that it welcomed the forum, which will bring together unions, operators, drivers and other key stakeholders.
Topics on the agenda include driver safety, workplace facilities, protective barriers and possible legislative changes.
The government is also working with Sunshine Coast Council to improve security at the Caloundra Bus Interchange, with a focus on facilities for drivers.
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A 67-year-old bus driver was allegedly stabbed in the neck at the station, near Cooma Terrace and Latona Avenue, on July 12.
A 44-year-old Parrearra man was charged with serious assault of a person over 60, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, and possessing a knife in public.
It prompted calls from the Transport Workers’ Union for stronger safety measures on public transport.
The roundtable’s outcomes are expected to help shape future safety initiatives across Queensland’s transport system.
Mr Mickelberg said the announcement of the meeting marked the first step in a broader strategy to improve public transport safety.
“Violence against bus drivers is unacceptable,” he said.
“Every Queenslander deserves to feel safe getting to work, school or home.
“We are focused on frontline transport worker safety and taking an important step forward to ensure we’re tackling this issue head-on, collectively.
“Working together is the key to building a safer public transport network for everyone.”
The TWU told Sunshine Coast News that it welcomed the roundtable.
“We also thank our members for their outpour of support and enthusiasm to fight for safety improvements,” it said.
The group stated that it expected an expedited process to secure a safe break room at the Caloundra Bus Interchange and a full emergency roundtable with topics including the reinstatement of the Bus Safety Forum, with increased driver representation; pushing for tougher sentencing and penalties for assaults on drivers; conducting a state-wide review of rest areas at major interchanges; the alignment of Translink and operator safety policies; and an expedited rollout of driver safety screens across the state.
“The TWU is not backing down. We are committed to ensuring the safety of every driver across Queensland,” it said.
“No one should fear going to work, especially not the workers who keep our communities moving.
“We will attempt to work with the government or any government to get the results our drivers need.
“If they don’t step up and deliver on their promises, we will hold them to account with a ferocious TWU campaign.
“We’re proud of our wins in the bus industry in recent years, off the back of the TWU’s ‘Our Public Transport’ campaign, but the fight isn’t over.”
