State Government welcomes Latham's rail security pledge

16/9/04
The Gallop Government has welcomed the Latham Labor team's commitment to spend $30million to boost the protection of Australia's rail network.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said Federal Labor had recognised the importance of protecting Western Australia's urban transport system from attack.
"Until now, the Howard Government has completely ignored the issue of rail security on our urban network," Ms MacTiernan said.
"Given our commitment to providing a world-class public transport system and doubling the size of our passenger rail network, we would welcome the opportunity to access Federal funding to help address this emerging issue."
Ms MacTiernan said the additional funding would bolster the State Government's own initiatives aimed at improving domestic safety on Perth's expanding urban rail network, including:

• increasing the number of transit guards;
• installing on-train cameras to record activities in each carriage;
• increasing platform video surveillance;
• installing emergency call buttons on trains and platforms;
• improving lighting at stations; and
• providing both locked compound and patrolled car parks.