PSO train plan under threat over ticket inspector job fears

A PLAN to roll out PSOs on trains from the end of next week is under threat because the transport workers union fears the move could threaten ticket inspector jobs.

A PLAN to roll out protective services officers on trains from September 2 is under threat because the transport workers union fears the move could threaten ticket inspector jobs.

Rail Tram and Bus Union secretary Luba Grigorovitch told the Herald Sun Victoria Police and the state government were yet to talk to the union about the planned introduction of PSOs.

“We are waiting for them to consult with us,” Ms Grigorovitch said.

“Authorised officers travel on trains and provide safety, security and network knowledge to passengers … PSOs have no jurisdiction on trains.

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“The initial rollout for PSOs were for deployment of them at stations from 6pm until last train, full stop.”

Ms Grigorovitch said allowing PSOs to conduct patrols on trains would affect both authorised officers and drivers.

“If Victoria Police want PSOs to be able to travel on trains then they need to go through a proper consultation process,” she said.

Rail Tram and Bus Union secretary Luba Grigorovitch says the union is still waiting for consultation from police and the government. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said he hoped the issue could be resolved quickly.

He also said he believed the union had been consulted.

“We have got PSOs trained and ready to go,” Mr Ashton told 3AW.

“We are keen to do that and so are the PSOs, who are keen to provide better service to the community.

“Being on the trains enables them to deal with more crime. It is in addition to the PSOs on the platforms.”

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton hopes the PSO on trains issue can be resolved quickly. Picture: Stuart McEvoy

Mr Ashton said he was keen to assure the union it was not about taking jobs away from ticket inspectors.

“They are thinking if PSOs are on the trains they will lose their jobs,” he said.

“That is absolutely not the case. We have no interest whatsoever in PSOs checking tickets. “That’s the job of the authorised officers and in fact we haven’t got the equipment to do it anyway.

“I’m hoping it will be close to (September 2) if it is not within a few days of it.”

In January police trialled PSOs patrolling tram and train stops during the Australian Open. The trial formed part of the state government’s $2 billion Community Safety Statement — which includes funding for 100 flexible PSOs to target hot spots across the public transport network.

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