Former Cairns train driver blows whistle on naps at the wheel

QUEENSLAND Rail will investigate photographs of drivers who appear to have been asleep at their post.

A Queensland Rail train driver allegedly caught sleeping at his post. Faces have been blurred for legal reasons.

• Rail boss had safety warnings
• State to seize drug gear
• Senior train driver derailed for drug trafficking

QUEENSLAND Rail will investigate photographs of drivers who appear to have been asleep at their post.

Exclusive photos taken by former driver Barry Ammenhauser in 2015 show drivers apparently sleeping while on duty on passenger trains from Cairns to Kuranda and Townsville.

He took the photos during a time he alleges he was bullied by other staff including notorious Cairns depot senior driver and convicted drug dealer Graham Parsons.

A spokesman for QRail said the photos would be investigated.

“There is no confirmation to suggest the train was in motion or that the drivers are indeed asleep, or when the images were taken,” the spokesman said.

“The images provided appear to show the second, spare driver who travels with the main driver operating the train on some regional service.”

Mr Ammenhauser is adamant the trains were moving and the spare drivers – who should be watching the rails for any danger – were asleep.

>> HOT OFFER: Full Cairns Post digital access for 50c a day

“They’re supposed to be vigilant at all times – I was carrying these guys,” he said.

Mr Ammenhauser was medically retired from QRail in 2015.

“I have nothing to lose,” he said, knowing that personal attacks could result from his whistleblowing.

His 30 years as a QRail driver ended while under the supervision of Parsons.

Parsons’ tenure as Driver In Charge ended in disgrace in March 2017 when drug trafficking charges against him came to light.

In a bizarre conflict of interest, Parsons acted as the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees rep for the drivers as well as in a managerial role.

Mr Ammenhauser alleged drug use was rife among Cairns QRail staff at the time.

“A driver was done 12 months before Parsons was caught,” Mr Ammenhauser alleged. “He would be bright red, sweating like a pig, we would have the airconditioning on full bore in the middle of winter.”

QRail would not comment on Parsons or Mr Ammenhauser as they are no longer in its employ. The AFULE have been asked for comment.

Originally published as Former Cairns train driver blows whistle on naps at the wheel