Driver latest victim of youths running amok on Cairns buses
The latest alleged attack of a Sunbus driver by a group of about 10 youths has triggered renewed calls for the repealing of a blanket no child left behind policy.
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The latest alleged attack of a Sunbus driver by a group of about 10 youths has triggered renewed calls for the repealing of a blanket no child left behind policy.
The diver was left shaken by the late night attack near the Raintrees Shopping Centre on Friday, after which Sunbus was forced to divert services around the area, the Transport Workers Union said.
According to a TWU statement, prior to the attack the driver contacted the Sunbus base before letting the group onto the bus but was advised to wait for security officers.
However security officers, aware of the group, stated the youths were not a risk.
Being more than ten minutes away security informed the driver to move on without the passengers but the Sunbus base ignored this advice and told the driver to wait according to the TWU, as it is against company policy to refuse children bus rides.
The TWU claimed the youths then attacked the driver and tried to steal the cash tin, however Sunbus stated a security screen fitted to the bus prevented physical assault.
Under the no child left behind policy – make law in response to murder of Sunshine Coast teenager Daniel Morcombe – bus drivers must allow children on board to ensure their safety, even if they do not have money for a fare.
Queensland TWU director of organising Jared Abbott said yet another victim has fallen victim to an outdated policy.
“Drivers all over Queensland are working in fear for themselves and their passengers,” he said.
“This is state funded service, and the Government has a responsibility to protect these workers.”
“A blanket no child left behind policy is in direct conflict with the Workplace Health and Safety Act, which requires a worker to refuse work when there is a serious risk to the worker’s safety”
The attack follows an alleged stabbing of a passenger by a 13-year-old boy earlier this month and the alleged throwing of a spear at a driver last year.
In late 2022 highly trained security staff were be deployed to the Cairns bus network in response to an escalation in violent incidents, anti-social behaviour and fare evasion.
The Friday night incident was not reported to police.
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Originally published as Driver latest victim of youths running amok on Cairns buses
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