Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
After eight years working for Transport Canberra, Brett has had his fair share of negative encounters driving a bus.
They’re the people who help us get from A to B, and those who ensure our most vulnerable community members can access important services.
However, Canberra’s frontline workers – including health workers, bus drivers and parking inspectors – are among those most likely to experience threats, physical assault and verbal abuse while on the job.
“You go to work to do your job, you don’t expect to get hurt,” local bus driver Brett* said.
After eight years working for Transport Canberra, Brett has had his fair share of negative encounters driving a bus.
“For me, things have gotten worse since COVID … people just seem to be more aggressive,” he said.
Brett believes that many Canberrans have simply forgotten how to behave.
“A lot of people don’t even acknowledge you; they just walk in straight past you,” he said.
Sometimes a situation can escalate, like the time a passenger threw a can at Brett’s head.
“That’s the sort of thing that can happen. You never know what’s going to trigger someone,” Brett said.
“This guy went from nought to 100 in less than a second. If someone gets on the bus and wants to be violent, there’s only so much you can do.”
And he’s not the only bus driver to have these experiences.
“Drivers have had drinks thrown over them – all sorts of things have happened. You shouldn’t have to put up with that.”
After only eight months working as an ACT Government parking compliance officer, Anushka* can empathise with Brett’s stories.
Just a few weeks ago, a disgruntled Canberran approached Anushka when he was issuing a fine for a car parked in a loading zone.
The owner of the illegally parked car approached Anushka aggressively and began yelling and swearing at him.
“I was trying to explain the rules, but he didn’t want to listen. He just kept screaming at me,” he said.
“Luckily there were another two inspectors close by … we always stay close in case something happens. When they walked over, he left.”
Anushka understands the frustration of receiving a parking fine, particularly given the current cost of living.
“The community should understand, we don’t have a personal issue with anyone. We’re just trying to do our job,” he said.
“We’re trying to help the community. Everyone should have access to parking.”
Fortunately, Access Canberra and Transport Canberra have several measures in place to help support their staff members through workplace incidents.
“I feel like they really care about our safety … they really support me well,” Anushka said.
“When it’s all said and done, it’s still a good job. I won’t be changing anytime soon,” Brett said.
And in the meantime, Brett wants to issue a little reminder to Canberrans.
“Use your manners, a bit of politeness. And don’t use the bus like your own personal bin.”
Support services are available to Canberrans who have experienced occupational violence through WorkSafe ACT.
* For personal privacy, surnames of interviewees have been removed.
Anushka has been yelled and sworn at while doing his job.
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