A violent incident on a Junee bus has sparked calls for stricter rules. Photo: Bidgee/Wikimedia Commons.
A violent altercation on a Junee to Wagga Wagga bus heavily used by school students has triggered urgent questions about why “random” members of the public are allowed to board rural services at peak school travel times.
A video of the incident, published by The Junee Bulletin, shows two men confronting each other in the aisle of a moving bus. One man in a black top approaches another in a grey hoodie from behind before appearing to place an object around his neck. The second man then retaliates, headbutting him several times as shocked schoolchildren watch on from their seats.
“I have seen the vision and I am appalled that this incident occurred in the presence of children, compromising their safety,” Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke said in a statement.
“Quite frankly, I don’t believe random members of the public should be able to jump on a rural bus service used by schoolchildren, at least not without a police check and Working With Children Check.”
Under current NSW rules, however, the service is part of the public transport network and is open to adult fare-paying passengers, even on routes and timetables dominated by school travel.
“Fare-paying passengers do not need a WWCC because they do not have responsibility for children on these services and are not considered to be doing child-related work,” a Transport for NSW factsheet states.
The incident has sparked concern among parents, particularly given how commonly rural routes double as de facto school transport.
“You need a WWCC and a screening to enter a public school as a visitor. How can random adults be allowed on a bus with schoolchildren?” one commentator asked on social media.
Junee, home to one of regional NSW’s largest jails, has also seen heightened community sensitivity around youth safety issues.
Region asked Transport for NSW whether it would consider introducing regulations for adults on services heavily used by school students following the incident, but it did not directly address the question.
“The safety and security of all passengers and drivers on our network is the number one priority,” a spokesperson said.
“We are aware of an incident on a Junee bus service on Friday afternoon which is currently being investigated by police.
“As this is a police matter, Transport is unable to make any further comment at this stage.”
NSW Police said officers were called to the bus following reports of an assault on Friday (19 June). A 61-year-old man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Junee Hospital.
Following inquiries, police arrested a 52-year-old man later that day. He was taken to Junee Police Station and later refused bail in court. He has been charged with breaching an apprehended violence order, affray, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He is due to appear in Wagga Local Court on Monday 29 June.
Following the incident, Riverina Anglican College deputy principal Anthony Heffer wrote to parents offering support for students who may have witnessed the violence.
“It has come to the attention of the college that there was a violent incident on the Junee bus on Friday afternoon involving adults from the general public,” he said.
“This will have been quite distressing for all students involved and I wish to convey our sadness that any young people were witness to such behaviour.
“If this has caused any ongoing concerns for your child, or if you feel they would benefit from additional counselling or support, please contact me at the college and I can arrange a staff member to meet and support your child.”
Original Article published by Oliver Jacques on Region Riverina.
