Wednesday, 18 March 2020

Ministers statements: COVID-19

Ms HORNE (Williamstown—Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Public Transport) (11:29): I rise to update the house on the government’s latest response to COVID-19 in relation to the operation of Victoria’s public transport network. Public transport is a vital service. Our frontline health, community and education workforce and the people who work in our supermarkets and run our essential services rely on public transport to get them around, which is why it is so important we ensure the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness and ensure our operators follow the very latest advice of our health experts.

As I advised the house yesterday, the public transport network is continuing to operate, as advised by the chief health officer. As of yesterday, on the advice of the Department of Health and Human Services, increased cleaning protocols were activated across the public transport network, including nightly sanitation of touch services and increased daily cleaning. Passenger communications across the network encourage passengers to practise good hygiene and not to travel if unwell. People are being encouraged to consider whether they can stagger their travel patterns and to support social distancing measures.

Last night further advice was provided to the national cabinet. Victoria is already following most of the recommended protocols, but in response to recommendations around increasing the frequency of transport and reviewing longer distance travel, my department has already begun working with operators to review these measures. The latest updates will also be provided to the commercial passenger vehicle industry, which has been a priority for the Victorian regulator. The Andrews Labor government is committed to ensuring a safe working and travelling environment and would like to thank our hardworking public transport operators— (Time expired)