Bill Yan brings forth safety laws after bus attack footage emerges

Footage of violent bus attacks has emerged, sparking calls for stronger safety measures for bus drivers. See the video.

Footage of violent bus attacks has been released as a petition calling for better safety measures on public transport is set to be tabled in parliament.

CCTV of the September 16 incident shows a man talking to a Darwin bus driver, before climbing the safety screen between them and kicking the worker three times – twice in what appears to be his head.

The driver brought the bus to a “sharp halt” to keep himself and his passengers safe on the Stuart Hwy in Pinelands, where speeds of up to 80km/h are allowed.

The footage shows passengers being thrown from their seats as a result.

A month later, another bus driver was almost stabbed on the job.

Logistics and Infrastructure Minister Bill Yan said it was clear attacks on public transport risked the safety of drivers and passengers.

Mr Yan said the footage was “sickening” and showed how “desperately” legislation to protect front line workers in the Territory was needed.

“No one should go to work and think they might be a victim of a crime like this, but it’s the reality for many workers in the Territory and it’s not good enough,” he said.

“In the election, just eight weeks ago, the CLP was given a clear mandate to deliver these changes to keep our community safe.

“This crime crisis needs a crisis response.”

Mr Yan said legislation to protect frontline workers would be discussed in parliamentary sittings on Tuesday.

“This includes making spitting on a frontline worker trigger a three-month minimum mandatory sentence,” Mr Yan said.

“Spitting on, punching, kicking or biting police and Territory workers should result in a mandatory minimum sentence, not a get out of jail free card.”

He said he would also be tabling a petition on behalf of the Transport Workers Union calling for “fit-for-purpose driver protection screens”.

Mr Yan said 37 of 79 Territory buses had already been fitted with the screens.

He expected the remainder would be complete by mid-November.

Originally published as Bill Yan brings forth safety laws after bus attack footage emerges