Liverpool Council parking patrol officers assaulted in CBD

Four council parking officers were assaulted in two separate incidents in the Liverpool CBD, in what have been condemned as “disgusting” acts of violence.

Four council parking patrol officers were assaulted over three days.

Four council parking officers were assaulted in two separate incidents in the Liverpool CBD, in what Liverpool Council chief executive Kiersten Fishburn condemned as “disgusting” acts of violence.

The assaults occurred over three days; in one incident two rangers were responding to complaints a car was parked in a ‘no stopping’ zone outside a school.

Ms Fishburn said on both occasions members of the public intervened to protect the victims, with two parking patrol officers requiring medical attention.

In one incident, rangers were responding to complaints a car was parked in a ‘no stopping’ zone outside a school. Picture: John Appleyard

“This is completely unacceptable. These are people doing their job and they should be able to do it in safety,” she said.

“There is never an excuse to resort to violence. Council has a strict duty of care to its employees and any assault on a staff member will be reported immediately to the police.”

Ms Fishburn said it was “not appropriate for council to comment further on matters subject to investigation”, and that it was providing to support to the victims, including their right to privacy.

“Council has offered staff involved, and members of their immediate family, access to free counselling sessions.”

In the past year, five incidents involving seven staff were reported to Liverpool Council in which members of the public acted aggressively towards and/or physically assaulted parking patrol officers.

“No one likes being fined, but there are rules about when you can park and where,” Ms Fishburn said.

Avenues for those who disagree with a parking fine include contacting Revenue NSW or Liverpool Council’s internal ombudsman.

Complaints relating to members of council staff can be referred to the council’s internal ombudsman on 1300 36 21 70 or liverpool.nsw.gov.au/council/internal-ombudsman.

Parking infringement notices can be reviewed through Revenue NSW if the recipient believes there is an error or is seeking leniency due to special circumstances that contributed to the offence.

See revenue.nsw.gov.au/fines/pn/review.