Ministerial Statement: Queensland Government and TWU to establish Bus Safety ...

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Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
29/09/2010

Queensland Government and TWU to establish Bus Safety Committee

The Bligh Government in conjunction with the Transport Workers Union will establish a Bus Safety Committee in an effort to curb the number of assaults on bus drivers.

The committee would be made up of representatives from relevant bus companies, bus drivers, the TWU, Queensland Police, Translink, Department of Workplace and Health Safety and Department of Transport and Main Roads.

It will meet for the first time at Parliament House on Tuesday 5 October.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the committee is the brainchild of TWU Secretary Hughie Williams who met with Government representatives recently.

"Hughie Williams has been a strong safety advocate for transport workers, particularly bus drivers," Ms Nolan said.

"The new committee will have a common purpose as the safety of bus drivers and staff is a priority for the government and union."

According to Translink there have been 79 recorded assaults on bus drivers in the last financial year.

"That's a figure of concern and one which deserves the co-ordinated attention of government departments and the TWU," Ms Nolan said.

Mr Williams said the establishment of the bus safety committee is a step in the right direction to address violence on the bus network.

"Over the last 12 months there has been an enormous increase in dangerous assaults on bus drivers, particularly around the Sunshine and Gold Coast areas," he said.

"It is only a matter of time before a driver may lose control while being assaulted with potential for collision, injuries and loss of life.

"The TWUis concerned for its members who drive these buses as well as commuters on board."

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