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Danny O'Brien raises alarm over rising crime on Gippsland public transport, urges government action

Danny O'Brien has raised concerns over a 49% rise in Gippsland public transport crime, urging urgent action from the Allan Labor government to ensure passenger and driver safety.

By news@gippsland - 4th April 2025 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien has raised concerns for the safety of Gippsland public transport users. The concern has stemmed from recent data released by the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) that shows an increase in criminal offences recorded in and around public transport across the six local government areas that form the Gippsland region for the fourth year in a row.

Danny O'Brien said 418 transport-related offences in 2024, including assaults, theft, and drug use, demand urgent government action

Crime rates surge

When compared with CSA data from 2021 there was an increase in criminal offenses in and around public transport in Gippsland of more than 49 per cent in 2024. Mr O'Brien said it is a very concerning trend and one that the Allan Labor Government must take action to stamp out.

"Public transport is a crucial service for our community and an area where I am continually calling for improvements in service frequency and reliability. It is very concerning to me that Gippslanders who use these services are now having to worry about criminal behaviour as well."

"I wrote to the then Minister for Public and Active Transport in 2023 following the assault of a local bus driver to ask what was going to be done to improve the situation. It is clear from these growing figures that no effective action has been taken," Mr O'Brien said.

Transport safety urged

Mr O'Brien said there were 418 offences reported on or around public transport in Gippsland throughout 2024 - more than one a day. "These offences include crimes like drug use, theft and assault. This includes assault on both passengers and drivers. I would hope that we would never find ourselves in a situation that requires us to have Protective Services Officers on every bus and train, but it is clear that something needs to be done."

"Limited though it is, public transport is crucial for many Gippslanders to get to and from work or medical appointments and passengers and drivers deserve to feel safe. The Allan Labor Government needs to ensure it is taking any and all appropriate measures to guarantee the safety of Victorians while on or around public transport," Mr O'Brien said.

Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com