TRAINS, SECURITY

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (15:27): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the minister representing the Minister for Transport a question about train security.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON: It has been brought to my attention by several concerned constituents from the northern suburbs that security guards have not been present on trains travelling at night. It was their understanding, as it was mine, that after 7pm a security guard and a TransAdelaide operative would always be present to intervene if any antisocial or violent behaviour occurred. This belief was founded on signage that was previously present on trains stating that security guards and TransAdelaide operatives would be present.

These constituents have independently stated that they have recently caught trains after 7pm when there has been no security guard present. Also, at least four of them stated that they have had reason to feel at risk while travelling on the train. Clearly, the general public catches trains with the security and surety of knowing that after 7pm there will be a security guard present. My questions to the minister are:

1. Am I correct in my belief that it is TransAdelaide policy to ensure that there will always be a security guard present after 7pm? If not, when was this policy changed?

2. Has there been a reduction in the number of security guards employed and available after 7pm?

3. If there has been no change in TransAdelaide policy, why have the signs stating that security guards would be present after 7pm been removed?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (15:28): I thank the honourable member for her important questions. I will refer those questions to the Minister for Transport in another place and bring back a response.