The Sydney to Melbourne XPT service derailed near Wallan, about 60km north of Melbourne, in February last year, killing two people and seriously injuring
Australia: Hundreds protest Sydney bus route cuts
Around 400 residents of Sydney’s eastern suburbs gathered in Randwick on May 30 to protest looming cuts to bus services in the area.
The proposed changes, which include cutting 25 routes and modifying another 23, are part of the state Liberal-National government’s preparations for the privatisation of Region 9, one of the few remaining parts of Sydney with state-operated buses.
Bids for the eight-year contract to operate bus services in Region 9 have now closed, and the tender will be awarded in November. The successful bidder is meant to commence operations in April 2022, completing the shift of all Sydney bus routes to private operation.
Workers at Downer Group’s Pakenham East Rail Depot and Stabling Yard, who have been on strike for secure jobs, are yet to settle a new enterprise agreement. Sue Bolton reports.