Skip to content
Government TAS, Transport Automotive

Criminalise intimidation, harassment of Tasmanian bus drivers: report

The McKell Institute 2 mins read

A landmark analysis of Tasamnia’s chronically underfunded bus service has urged the government to shield drivers from abuse with a new offence criminalising the harassment of transport workers.

The McKell Institute’s review of public transport funding also shows Tasmania spends the least per capita of any Australian jurisdiction on services – just $115 a head. This equates to less than one per cent of its total budget. 

“Tasmania’s public transport system has suffered from decades of underinvestment and that’s showing up in people’s daily commutes,” Max Douglass, McKell Institute Policy Analyst, said. 

“This is compounded by the exit of drivers on the receiving end of rising abuse, harassment and even violence from disgruntled passengers.

“Criminalising this behaviour would make it easier to recruit and retain drivers while improving the overall quality and reliability of services.”

The proposal is styled after laws in NSW and South Australia imposing jail terms for assaulting a retail worker. It would make harassing, intimidating and abusing a transport worker a specific criminal offence in Tasmania.

The report, A Better Deal, shows areas with the greatest need for buses such as Glenorchy in Greater Hobart and Launceston’s northern suburbs receive the least services.

“Equal service is not equitable service. These areas have low car ownership, relatively high poverty and should be prioritised for additional services,” Mr Douglass said. 

Overhauling the funding and management of Tasmania’s bus service would provide a much-needed economic shot in the arm to the state. 

“Tasmania is losing out on significant productivity gains by failing to invest in public transport. An adequately funded bus system would create much-needed jobs, help meet emissions targets, unclog roads and reduce traffic accidents,” Mr Douglass said. 

“South Australia, the next most populous state, spends nearly twice per capita on public transport. That’s the absolute minimum Tasmania must look at if it’s serious about creating a bus system that’s fit-for-purpose."


Contact details:

Anil Lambert 0416 426 722

More from this category

  • Government TAS, Union
  • 23/10/2024
  • 14:44
Rail, Tram and Bus Union

LAUNCESTON BUS DRIVERS TO STOP WORK FOR ONE HOUR TOMORROW

Bus drivers will step up their industrial actions on the Metro Tasmania network from tomorrow, with a one-hour work stoppage to affect services in Launceston TOMORROW (Thursday 24 October). Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) Tasmania Secretary Byron Cubit said Launceston bus drivers would stop work for one hour between 1.03pm and 2.03pm, bringing lunch time services to a halt. “Bus drivers are frustrated with the offer from Metro that’s on the table, which is effectively an 18-month pay freeze before the next pay rise kicks in,” Mr Cubit said. “It is disappointing that drivers feel they need to escalate…

  • Transport Automotive
  • 23/10/2024
  • 13:57
Australasian Railway Association

Australian rail industry moves towards national standards

The rail industry has released important research outlining the case for consistent national standards which could save billions of dollars by supporting a more efficient, safer and productive industry. The Harmonisation of Rail Standards Research Report outlines several initiatives to streamline standards, technologies and processes for operating the rail network. The report was jointly funded by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), National Transport Commission (NTC), Office of National Rail Industry Coordination (ONRIC) and the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) and prepared by GHD Advisory. It proposes a national body to oversee the development of a National Rail Standards…

  • Contains:
  • Government Federal, Transport Automotive
  • 23/10/2024
  • 07:39
NALSPA

NEW SURVEY: Plug-in hybrids helping to drive Australian motorists on the path to electrification

A new national poll shows that plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are acting as a stepping stone to driving pureelectric, and that the Federal Government’s Fringe Benefits Tax (EV FBT)exemption is a key reason many Australians are choosing a PHEV.The new research also indicates that importantly drivers are using their vehicles as electric first, and that once they experience a PHEV, they enjoy the advantages and say they are most likely to again select some kind of electric vehicle for their next car.Once Australians get into an electric car, they are very unlikely to turn back.Commissioned by National Automotive Leasing and…

Media Outreach made fast, easy, simple.

Feature your press release on Medianet's News Hub every time you distribute with Medianet. Pay per release or save with a subscription.