17 May 2023, 12:33
Victorian Legislative Council, Melbourne
David ETTERSHANK (Western Metropolitan):
My constituency question is for the Minister for Public Transport, Mr Carroll, represented in this place by Minister Shing.
My constituent is Caitlin Morrison, a resident of the Maribyrnong area, who last month was violently assaulted whilst travelling on the number 57 tram route. The unprovoked attack left her with severe and lasting injuries from which she is still suffering.
Ms Morrison was shocked to learn that her number 57 tram, like a significant proportion of the network, did not have CCTV, meaning that police were left with no way to identify her assailant. My constituent asks: what steps has the minister undertaken to ensure the trams in the Western Metropolitan Region, like the number 57 route, are fitted with CCTV capabilities?
Written Answer
Received: 15 June 2023
Hon Ben Carroll MP
(Minister for Industry and Innovation, Minister for Manufacturing Sovereignty, Minister for Employment, Minister for Public Transport)
I thank the Member for Western Metropolitan Region for his question. Providing a safe environment is our number one priority on the public transport network and the assault of any passenger is unacceptable. We are working closely with Victoria Police to assist with their investigation and improve safety across the network. We also encourage any witnesses or people with information about this incident to contact Victoria Police.
Every E-Class tram has internal and external cameras to help identify individuals who commit any offence on or near a tram. CCTV cameras are also installed on C2 and D-Class trams.
The Victorian Government has announced $1.85 billion for 100 Next Generation Trams and a new tram maintenance and stabling facility. This is the largest investment in locally made trams in Australia’s history, setting the standard for modern public transport by delivering more comfortable, more accessible and more energy-efficient journeys for passengers. The new trams have CCTV and will progressively replace some of Melbourne’s longest-serving high-floor trams on routes 57, 59 and 82 in the west of Melbourne from 2025.
[ENDS]
