The School Bus Payment Modernisation process in Queensland has been in progress for several years with no committed outcome from
The School Bus Payment Modernisation process in Queensland has been in progress for several years with no committed outcome from the Government at this time.
The then Minister, Paul Lucas was to make an announcement in April 2007, this did not happen, Industry was informed of pending announcements in July, September and December 2007, again no announcement.
Industry is concerned that if no commitment or announcement is made in the very near future that funding may miss the Budget for financial year 2008/09, if this happens what guarantees do operators have, how much longer do they need to wait?
Will the current Minister, John Mickel, come out with a relevant cost model?
If he does, will this incorporate enough funds for new vehicles and safety devices?
A recent press release celebrating child safety on the way to school and back home he said: “The safety of our school children is a paramount concern for the government, as it is for the entire community, and statistically the safest way a child can travel to and from school is by school bus.”
The question is will the new contracts allow operators the freedom of making school buses even safer by installing lap sash safety belts?
Or is it not worth the capital expense for Queensland Transport?
This editorial is all about questioning, and we hope you, our audience, can give us some answers.
Let us know if safety belts are what school bus operators in Queensland, and around the country, would like to install, send us your feedback.