Sunbus driver attacked

Call to ditch no child left behind policy

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 on to 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 10 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.

A Kinetic spokesman said the company was working with Translink, police, and industry partners including the TWU to best support drivers and the community, with protective screens now fitted on all Cairns busies.

“These screens were effective in protecting a driver during from physical assault in an incident that occurred last week with security also attending,” he said.

“Instances of criminal activity are reported to and dealt with by police.” Under the no child left behind policy – enacted as law in response to the 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 Queensland TWU director of organising Jared Abbott said yet another victim has fallen victim to an outdated policy.

“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.