Calls grow for thugs who attack bus drivers to get jail time

BUS drivers and industry representatives are calling for the Andrews Government to back legislation that would set mandatory minimum sentences for serious attacks.

BUS drivers and their industry representatives are calling for the Andrews Government to back legislation delivering mandatory minimum sentences for serious attacks on them.

The campaign for harsher penalties against thugs who ­assault drivers is ramping up, with the state Opposition ­introducing a Bill to the Legislative Council last week.

BUS DRIVER ATTACKS ARE RISING — AND THAT CAN’T GO ON

OFF DUTY COP BASHED AFTER STANDING UP FOR BUS DRIVER

BUS DRIVERS SPAT ON, ABUSED BY PASSENGERS

New security screens on some buses protect drivers from violent attacks.

A large increase in the number of violent incidents on buses in the past few years has led to the call for action, with Dyson group manager Paul Giusti telling the Herald Sun many attacks stemmed from something as simple as asking passengers to touch on with their myki card.

“That can send what seems like a rational person into an aggressive outburst,” he said.

Mr Giusti said laws in other jurisdictions where it’s “first strike and you are in jail” should apply in Victoria.

The government is now paying half the cost of ­fitting all new buses with driver screens, in recognition of risks that those at the wheel face.

But Bus Association of ­Victoria executive director Dr Chris Lowe said a “legislated deterrent” of tough sentences for serious acts of violence was also required.

He said more protections were needed given the “significant impact of increased violence on drivers and the risks to community safety of violent actions and threats on buses”.

Bus Association of Victoria executive director Dr Chris Lowe. Picture: Alison Wynd

Opposition public transport spokesman David Davis introduced the Bill last week that would introduce mandatory minimum sentences for severe ­assaults on buses.

Mr Davis told the state parliament that it was important to send “the strongest and clearest signal to those who would commit offences on our buses”. He added: “Bus drivers provide an essential service to the Victorian public, at considerable riskto their person.”

The Andrews Government has indicated it won’t expand its mandatory sentencing laws for emergency services workers to other sectors.

But a spokesman said: “We’ll continue to work alongside bus drivers and industry to consider other options to ­ensure their safety.

“Bus drivers do a very ­important job in getting us where we need to go, and we would ask that people treat them with ­respect.

“Around two-thirds of all buses are currently fitted with CCTV, with that number ­continuing to rise as more new buses are introduced across the network.”

[e-mail]