'Union Calls For Training" - Mount Druitt Standard 1/9/10

We provide an article that was issued on the 1st September 2010 by reporter Susan Lui:

Self-defence for private drivers

Busways has welcomed a cal by the NSW Transport Workers Union (TWU) for private bus drivers to be given self-defence training.

Following a spate of attacks on buses in Mt Druitt and in other parts of Western Sydney, TWU State Secretary Wayne Forno said private bus companies should implement such training for drivers.

Mr Forno said self-defence training had been available to public bus drivers for more than 10 years and should be available to all bus drivers.

Busways human resources manager Brad Cooper supported the call.

'We've got to do whatever it takes to minimise risk. Any training is good to help drivers deal with situations,' Mr Cooper said.

However he said self-defence knowledge will not necessarily deter rock-throwing attacks.

'Rock throwing is a separate issue. It's always going to be there - it's a community issue,' he said. 'For us the drivers safety is paramount and we encourage them to follow the company's protocols in the case of a bus attack.'

Mr Cooper said Busways trainee ships trained drivers to deal with difficult situations.

Mt Druitt bus lobby group Save Our Bus Services chairman John Svoboda said self-defence training would help bus drivers deal with potential violence but agreed it would not prevent rock throwing attacks.

'This is an external missile heading towards the bus and the only thing bus drivers can do is try to avert it if they know they are being hit, ' Mr Svoboda said.

'So this may not help as possible averting of the missile may cause an accident.'

The group has suggested wire meshing on the outside of buses, more police patrols and targeted school educational program.

Police want anyone with information about those throwing objects at buses to call Mt Druitt police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The investigation is continuing.


This story reiterates that society has changed, back in my young days we never heard of 'rock throwing' people were decent, caring and understanding. People were giving up seats on buses for the elderly and disabled . Today, the young just sit down and think they are old and disabled. This tradition is a dying tradition of respect for the person that needs it. Same with the 'rock throwing' skim rock in far away ponds or lakes where no harm can be caused - do something else rather than cause potential harm and injury. Wake up and care! There are more important things to do rather than do things that is totally negative - think about the people you live around - think about them!!!!