Fairer wages for Qld bus drivers

The Palaszczuk Government has taken firm action to make bus driver wages fairer and more consistent across the board.

The wage increase will be available to drivers working for private bus operators delivering TransLink and qconnect services across Queensland.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said from July 1, bus drivers delivering urban TransLink and qconnect services could progressively receive a higher ordinary time wage rate compared to the various rates of pay they receive currently.

“We’re delivering on the Palaszczuk Government’s promise - backing bus drivers and supporting operators with a funding allocation of $116 million to provide them a better deal across the state,” Mr Bailey said.

“This is an industry assistance package to ensure bus drivers receive fair and equal wages. While these drivers are employed by private companies, the Palaszczuk Government is doing what it can to level the playing field and to support private operators in retaining quality drivers.

“We recognise the hard work that bus drivers put in every day to help us move around our cities and towns, getting people to the places they need to go and connecting communities.

“They play a critical role in keeping our communities moving. Higher rates of pay will deliver benefits for some of our lower paid drivers.

“Queensland’s bus drivers are proud of their work and I am proud to support them.”

Mr Bailey said wages parity had already been achieved for bus drivers employed by Transit Australia in Cairns, on the Sunshine Coast, and in Townsville.

“Those new enterprise agreements have secured service continuity – it’s been a win for both drivers, and the customers who rely on their services,” Mr Bailey said.

"Bus drivers play an incredibly important role in our community - helping people get where they need to be safely."

Funding will be available to private bus operators who apply and meet the criteria as part of new service contracts with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

ENDS

Media contact: Dominic Geiger, 0447355565