Safety on the bus network will be boosted with an additional $750,000 to deliver more Transport Safety Officers (TSOs) and
Safety on the bus network will be boosted with an additional $750,000 to deliver more Transport Safety Officers (TSOs) and additional resources to target antisocial behaviour in the Northern Territory.
“An extra $750,000 will deliver more staff and resources to crack down on anti-social behaviour and provide a safer bus network,” says Treasurer and Transport Minister Delia Lawrie.
“The Henderson Government is committed to delivering safer streets through tough new laws and more resources for law and order.
“This funding will increase the permanent number of TSOs from four to six, provide two vehicles for them to patrol the bus network, and employ a manager.
Lawrie also introduced the Public Transport (Passenger Safety) Bill into Parliament today and the Criminal Code Amendment (Assault on Drivers of Commercial Passenger Vehicles) Bill was debated.
The Public Transport (Passenger Safety) Bill will give TSOs stronger powers to use reasonable force to restrain and detain people causing problems on the bus network.
“TSOs will be given additional training to equip them with the skills to use their new powers to deal with problem passengers,” Lawrie says.
“Under the changes to the Criminal Code, the maximum penalty for assaulting a bus, taxi driver or commercial passenger licensed driver will be increased from one to five years.
“Since TSOs started work in 2006, an independent review has been conducted about their
effectiveness and we are making changes based on the recommendations of that report.
“The additional $750,000 funding in the Budget gives more resources to TSOs and will boost the investment already made by the Northern Territory Government in CCTV.
“Over $800,000 has been invested in 245 CTTV cameras and they are helping catch offenders.
“The Northern Territory Government is delivering safer streets by boosting safety on the bus network.”