The Report on Government Services (RoGS) contains disturbing new data on safety perceptions on public transport at night.
Victoria is the worst nationally, with the most negative perceptions of night-time safety on public transport of any Australian state or territory. Perceptions in Victoria are that 26 per cent of commuters feel unsafe at night.
In New South Wales the equivalent figure is 18.9 per cent – a difference of more than 7 per cent.
In Queensland the comparison figure 18 per cent – a difference of 8 per cent.
The national average is 20.8 per cent – far below the Victorian figure.
Most of the period in question predates the COVID-19 pandemic.
Significantly, the figures shows a significant decline in perceptions of safety since the Andrews Labor Government came to power.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Public Transport (Metro) David Davis:
“Victorian public transport commuters are entitled to feel safe, but too many don’t feel secure on our transport system.”
“Disturbingly, in Victoria perceptions of safety are much worse than the national average and have deteriorated badly under Daniel Andrews.
“How will we ever maximise the usage of public transport if commuters don’t feel safe?
“Under Andrews commuters don’t feel safe, we feel much less safe than in all other states. We shouldn’t have to feel fearful, but under Labor we do.”