BAV WELCOMES NEW LEGISLATION TO PROTECT TRANSPORT WORKERS

Bus drivers and the broader transport workforce keep our state on the move.

And they should feel safe while they do so.

Bus Association Victoria welcomes the Victorian Government's recent announcement of legislation to establish Workplace Protection Orders, announced yesterday by the Premier, Ben Carroll. and Deputy Premier, Gabrielle Williams. 

For too long transport staff have faced abuse, assault and intimidation simply for doing the jobs they are paid to do. 

Drivers work across the length and breath of our state and are often the first and only point of contact with passengers. Threats and violence aimed at transport staff don't just make them feel unsafe, they also disrupt the safety of all Victorian's who rely on public transport.

These new powers will ban or limit access to workplaces to those who treat transport staff unacceptably. These orders can last up to 12 months and contain significant penalties for breaches. 

We want to thank both the Premier, the Deputy Premier and the whole Government for listening to our workers, industry leaders and the union movement. These protections will help not only bus drivers and transport staff but workers in retail, fast food and hospitality. 

We look forward to working with the Government on educating our members and their staff on the detail of this new scheme ahead of the commencement of this legislation in July of next year. 

#PublicTransport #BusIndustry #WorkplaceSafety