Grant Arthur Doggett charged after 67-year-old bus driver allegedly stabbed on Sunshine Coast

The Transport Workers Union is demanding the reinstatement of the Bus Safety Forum after a Sunshine Coast bus driver became the latest victim of “a string of violence” on Queensland buses.

A 67-year-old bus driver was allegedly stabbed in the neck by a 44-year-old Parrearra man in Caloundra on Saturday, July 12.

The Transport Workers Union is demanding the reinstatement of the Bus Safety Forum after a Sunshine Coast bus driver became the latest victim of “a string of violence” on Queensland buses.

In a statement released on Monday, the TWU claimed anti-social and violent behaviour is on the rise across the state, with “countless incidents and five high-profile attacks on drivers and passengers in as many months”.

The most recent alleged act of violence took place in Caloundra on Saturday morning.

Emergency services were called to Caloundra Station near Cooma Tce and Latona Ave at 11.30am following reports of a fight between two men.

Police allege the physical altercation between a 44-year-old Parrearra man and a 67-year-old man resulted in the 67-year-old being stabbed in the neck.

The older man was assessed by paramedics at the scene, before being rushed to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

Police charged Grant Arthur Doggett, 44, with serious assault of a person over 60, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife in a public space.

He faced Caloundra Magistrates Court on Monday where he was remanded in custody. Mr Doggett’s matter will return to court on September 11.

Commuters look on as two bus drivers discuss the events of an alleged stabbing at the bus interchange at Caloundra Station. Photo: West Wide Productions

The driver underwent surgery to close the laceration on his neck on Sunday and is now recovering, according to the TWU.

The union’s statement argued the Forum was “the only structured platform where drivers, unions, operators, and government bodies come together to confront one of the most pressing and ongoing issues facing the public transport industry: violence and abuse directed at bus drivers”.

“Translink and the State Government’s decision to discontinue the Forum is disappointing and dangerous,” a union spokesman said.

“It’s also completely unacceptable that such a significant move was made without direct consultation with drivers and their representatives, those who are most affected by these serious issues.”

Calling for the Forum’s “immediate reinstatement”, the TWU said “anything less sends a message to drivers that their safety is not a priority”.

A 67-year-old bus driver was allegedly stabbed in the neck by a 44-year-old Parrearra man in Caloundra on Saturday, July 12.

TWU Queensland director of organising Josh Millroy said he wrote to Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg over a month ago, but has “been met with silence as the attacks continue”.

In response, Mr Mickelberg said he was taking the matter “extremely seriously”.

“My thoughts are with the bus driver, his family, and the first responders who provided assistance during this distressing incident,” he said.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe on our public transport, and any act of violence against bus drivers or other passengers is completely unacceptable.

“While the Bus Safety Forum can be reconvened to address safety concerns, we are also looking at different options to prioritise issues with key stakeholders to improve safety outcomes.

“This is something we are taking extremely seriously. Ensuring a safe working environment for bus drivers and other frontline transport workers is a top priority.”

Mr Millroy said this latest attack on the Sunshine Coast was “absolutely devastating”.

“Translink and the State Government’s decision to scrap these Safety Forums, without any consultation with drivers or their union, is a disgrace,” he said.

“Five serious assaults since March and countless more incidents of aggression and verbal abuse shows the urgency of this issue.

“Removing the Forum removes transparency. It silences driver voices. It strips workers of a vital avenue to influence decisions that directly impact their safety.”

Mr Millroy said the government’s silence “is simply not good enough”.

Former bus driver Terry Russell said verbal abuse and violence forced him to leave the industry.

“I’ve been spat on, punched in the chin and had a knife held to my throat, all while working as a driver in Queensland,” he said.

“I couldn’t take it any longer, and in 2022 I quit my 11-year career as a bus driver.

“Translink, the State Government and bus operators need to work with unions to fix these safety issues.”