Fixing the Trains

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad has pledged to fix the trains in her first speech to Queensland Parliament this year.  

“Last week the Premier released the Strachan Commission of Inquiry Report into train crewing practices at Queensland Rail,” Ms Trad said.   

“The report lays bare the problems at the heart of Queensland Rail and exposes critical management failures.

“While the report is a damning indictment on management practices at Queensland Rail, it also serves as a blueprint to rebuild for the future.

“The problems that led to driver shortages were many years in the making, but as Transport Minister I am absolutely committed to fixing the trains.

“That’s why we have accepted all 36 recommendations made by the Commission of Inquiry in full.

“We are 100% committed to boosting train crew numbers – including through external recruitment – and restoring services for the travelling public.

“From Gympie North to the Gold Coast, our CityTrain service is the backbone of our transport network for thousands of Queenslanders.

“Commuters deserve better, which is why I plan to get on with the job of implementing each and every one of the recommendations from the Strachan Inquiry – driving Queensland Rail to deliver a better passenger service.

“Queensland Rail has been instructed to provide the Government with a high level response plan within 30 days.

“We have also appointed a new Chair, Mr Phillip Strachan, and Queensland Rail is in the final stages of appointing a new CEO.

“I want to thank all of the frontline staff at Queensland Rail who have been working diligently behind the scenes to deliver services in challenging times.

“We will fix the trains. It will take time and it will be difficult but we will do it.”

ENDS

Media contact: Anna Jabour 0429 890 942