- By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
The recent horrific attack on a bus passenger in Onehunga that tragically took the life of an Aucklander has shaken our city, and particularly public transport users.
The Government utterly condemns this senseless and horrific loss of life and is taking action to make public transport safer for workers and passengers alike.
Kiwis deserve to be able to get on a bus, train or ferry and be safe doing so.
That’s why our Government is determined to create a safer environment for everyone on public transport by working with police and delivering funding for safety improvements on our buses.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell and I have been working with police and Auckland Transport in response to the horrific attack in Onehunga.
To increase safety and provide reassurance to public transport workers and passengers, Aucklanders will see a greater police presence on public transport services.
As Transport Minister, I’ve written to the Justice Select Committee asking it to explore if changes are needed to the Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill that could include making offences against all public transport users an aggravating factor.
The Bill already provides for a new aggravating factor for offences against public transport workers.
This is about making sure public transport remains safe for everyone, whether you’re a worker or a passenger.
It sends a clear message that violence and abuse in these spaces will not be tolerated.
Our Government is ensuring the $15 million in Budget 2024 funding for bus driver safety and work conditions is provided to Public Transport Authorities by the end of 2024.
This funding will be used for safety improvements, including retrofitted safety screens and real-time CCTV monitoring.
The Government also recently approved $23.1m for four critical frontline volunteer service organisations to replace storm-damaged assets and provide training and equipment to improve New Zealand’s response to future emergency events. This funding includes:
- $14.6 million for Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
- $3.1 million for Coastguard New Zealand.
- $3.1 million for New Zealand Land Search and Rescue (LSAR).
- $2.3 million for Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC).
This urgently needed investment will lead to quicker, more coordinated responses and ensure hard-working volunteers have what they need to protect themselves and others.
