Darwin bus driver allegedly attacked with knife, union hits out at safety measures

A union is blaming inadequate protective screens, claiming drivers are at-risk of violent offenders while on the job.

A bus driver was allegedly attacked with a knife on Thursday. Picture: Supplied.

A worker’s union is calling for Darwin buses without full-length screens be taken off the road after a passenger allegedly tried to stab a driver this week.

On Friday, the Transport Worker’s Union of Australia issued a statement, claiming drivers were serving with inadequate protection.

The statement alleged a bus driver was passing through Ludmilla on Thursday afternoon when a passenger tried to stab the driver with a knife, jumping up and leaning over a “substandard” driver protection screen.

It is understood the driver made a full police report at the Palmerston police station later that day.

The statement noted it was the latest dangerous matter concerning a Darwin bus driver.

It comes just weeks after another serious incident where a driver was repeatedly kicked in the head by a passenger in a horrifying incident while they were driving a bus along the Stuart Hwy in Pinelands.

In that incident, which occurred on September 16, the driver suffered facial injuries.

A TWU spokesman slammed the alleged attack as “disastrous”. Picture: Supplied.

TWU SA/NT branch secretary Sam McIntosh blasted the latest incident.

“What happened yesterday could have been disastrous – we should not have any bus on the road which does not have a full length fit-for-purpose protection screen,” he said.

“Our drivers are currently at risk every time they get behind the wheel of one of those buses.

“The current situation is completely untenable (and) those buses that still do not have appropriate protection screens should not be allowed to leave the depot unless the drivers’ safety can be guaranteed.”

With the driver taking a leave of absence following the incident, Mr McIntosh confirmed an “urgent meeting” had been requested with NT WorkSafe.

“Two of the incidents in recent weeks have involved offenders bypassing substandard screens to attack drivers – the safety of our drivers and our community must be the priority,” he said.

“No bus should leave the depot without an appropriate screen in place or, at the very least, with security on board that can provide comprehensive protection for the driver.”

NT Police have been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Darwin bus driver allegedly attacked with knife, union hits out at safety measures