Violence against Queensland bus drivers continues to rise
A new report has found violence against Queensland bus drivers is on the rise and previous State Government measures don’t seem to be making a difference.
The McKell Institute report found 711 drivers had been abused or assaulted in 2021, up from 654 in 2020.
Incidents ranged from verbal abuse to drivers having objects thrown at them, to violent assaults. Object throwing has risen 85 per cent in the period under review.
Drivers have also reported being spat on during the COVID-19 pandemic, causing health concerns and psychological effects.
McKell Institute Queensland executive director, Sarah Mawhinney, said the report is an urgent reminder to the Queensland Government.
“This report shows the Government has not done enough to protect our transport workers who are essential to the running of our state.
“They have worked so tirelessly in dangerous conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“They deserve to be able to go to workplaces free from violence and intimidation, like all other workers.
“The methods in which our bus drivers have been terrorised have reached an alarming level, while there has been limited funding efforts by the State Government to meet this growing challenge.”
The report details attacks against bus drivers by adults and children, including one at Loganholme in 2021 where chemicals were thrown at the driver’s face.
In May this year, a teenager threw a spear through the side window of a bus in Cairns, narrowly missing the driver.
In October 2016, a man ignited a backpack containing petrol and diesel on a Brisbane bus, killing its driver, Manmeet Alisher.
The McKell Institute report called on the State Government to work with drivers and the transport industry to develop a comprehensive state-wide plan to improve safety.
