Tougher sentencing for assaults on bus and taxi drivers
Source: NT. Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. Media Release
"Transport Minister Delia Lawrie has announced tough new penalties for people who attack bus drivers and taxi drivers. Ms Lawrie said the maximum penalty for common assault on a bus or taxi driver will increase from one to five years. Bus drivers and taxi drivers provide a vital public service and deserve protection,” she said. The Northern Territory Government will introduce the Criminal Code Amendment (Assault on Public Drivers) Bill in the upcoming February sittings. This will mean that a person who commits a common assault on a bus or taxi driver will now face up to five years imprisonment compared to a maximum of one year. Drivers often work by themselves and during the night which makes them more vulnerable to acts of assault."