Transport workers call for tougher bashing penalties to be expanded to protect them too

RAIL, tram and bus workers have jumped on board a campaign by the emergency services sector to demand a crackdown against thugs who attack them.

RAIL, tram and bus workers have jumped on board a ­campaign by the emergency services sector to demand a crackdown on thugs who ­attack them.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union and Transport Workers Union — backed by Ambulance Employees Australia — will tomorrow call for Premier Daniel Andrews to toughen penalties for assaults on public transport workers.

A formal motion for debate will be put forward during Labor’s state conference, calling “on the Victorian government to legislate tougher protections and fund a public awareness campaign to support frontline public transport and emergency service workers”.

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Transport workers are calling for a crackdown on thugs who assault them. Picture: Rebecca Michael

A letter has been sent to Public Transport Minister ­Jacinta Allan and Emergency Services Minister James ­Merlino saying there had been a spate of recent attacks in the transport sector.

It is co-signed by cross-factional group including RTBU secretary Luba Grigorovitch, AEAV secretary Steve McGhie, and TWU secretary John Berger.

“In the last two years alone, over 150 incidents of abuse have been reported,” it says.

“Whether it be verbal, physical or psychological abuse, no worker deserves to be subjected to such pressure in the workplace.”

The urgency motion is ­likely to be debated shortly after Premier Daniel Andrews speaks to the Labor faithful, and is one of many tricky ­issues he will need to navigate this weekend. Some Cabinet members raised concerns about his approach on mandatory jail sentences for people who attack emergency services workers, because of the special reasons courts use for mental impairment.

Premier Daniel Andrews will speak at the conference on Saturday. Picture: Nicole Garmston

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It is understood that Mr Andrews told ministers people could still plead not guilty, and that mandatory prison would only follow a conviction for assaults causing injury.

The Police Association and paramedics union both called for tougher sanctions, after two women were allowed to walk free despite attacking a paramedic who suffered a broken ankle.

Legislation has not yet been drafted, with an expectation that judges will not be able to reduce sentences — which will start at a minimum six months — for serious attacks where someone has been influenced by drugs or alcohol.

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