NT transit officers able to ban, arrest people for anti-social behaviour on buses
The Transport Workers’ Union is celebrating the changes brought in for tougher security on bus networks. But the union secretary say more action needed to be taken.
Northern Territory
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New powers granted to public transport workers are a positive step to improved safety but not enough, according to the representing union.
In recent days, transit officers across the Northern Territory were granted more powers to deal with anti-social behaviour on public transport.
People caught misbehaving on bus networks could face bans and be arrested under the amendments made to the Public Transport Act.
Transport Workers’ Union SA/NT branch secretary Ian Smith said the initial move was encouraging.
“Any powers that we give security and police in the network is a major plus,” he said.
Mr Smith said the union had been working with the government to address concerns about the bus networks.
While the increased powers were viewed as a step forward, Mr Smith said more work was needed to boost safety.
“We need more security officers but we also need driver protection screens implemented on all buses,” he said.
“At the time (the ones that we had) were satisfactory but now they’re not. We need a solid screen that can’t be penetrated.”
Mr Smith said the union would continue working with the community on solutions to increase safety.
“We won’t stop until we can see that people are generally safe and we’ve changed what occurs on buses,” he said.
The changes come in from Monday after being passed in February, with weeks of training provided for workers.
Transit officers will be able to ban people from travelling on public transport who they believe have engaged in unlawful activity on buses, as well as at bus stops or interchanges.
They are able to make arrests if an officer is assaulted and for a range of offences witnessed in the vicinity of buses and bus interchanges.
Contracted security officers working for the network will also receive extra powers.
They can ask for people to supply their name, date of birth and address and can stop people from getting on a bus.
They don’t have the power to use force to remove the person.
Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler said the increased powers have been brought in to ensure a sense of safety for all workers and travellers on public transport.
“Passengers and bus drivers have a right to feel safe when using the public transport network, and these new powers will assist our hardworking transit officers to maintain a peaceful environment on our buses,” she said.
“This is another step we have taken as a government in addressing anti-social behaviour in our community.”
In December the Transport Workers Union wrote to Ms Lawler asking for tougher penalties for people caught doing the wrong thing on public transport.
The NT News has requested up to date data on public transport worker assaults.
Between July 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021 there were 7650 reports of anti-social incidents on public transport across the Northern Territory.
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