Ipswich MPs have condemned the Crisafulli LNP Government cuts to train station staff across
Ipswich Stations, warning the move will make train stations less safe and impact vulnerable
commuters while cutting the wages of staff by up to $30,000.
Station staff play a vital role in assisting passengers (e.g. commuters in wheelchairs), responding to
incidents, and maintaining a visible presence that helps deter anti-social behaviour.
These service reductions mean less support for commuters, particularly during peak periods and late
at night, and weaken safety across the network.
The cuts have raised serious concerns for vulnerable passengers, with fears that people with
disabilities could be left stranded without assistance, school students may be left without adequate
supervision when travelling home, and basic station facilities such as toilets may be closed.
Frontline Queensland Rail workers have also warned the changes will increase pressure on
remaining staff, forcing fewer workers to manage growing passenger demand while maintaining
safety and service standards.
Local MPs say these are significant cuts to an essential public service and are calling on the Crisafulli
Government to reverse the decision and commit to maintaining properly staffed, safe and accessible
train stations for all Queenslanders.
Quotes attributed to Wendy Bourne MP:
“Cutting hours for staff further puts community safety and support at risk at Ipswich West train
stations.
“These cuts will pile more pressure onto frontline QR workers who are already working hard to keep
services safe and running.
“Ipswich is growing fast, and our services should be growing, not falling behind.”
Quotes attributed to Lance McCallum MP:
“These are massive cuts to an essential service that will make our stations less safe.
“Commuters with disabilities will be left at the station, and there will be no station staff there when
school kids catch the train home and toilets will be locked while workers are facing pay cuts of up to
$30,000.
“It’s another example of the LNP taking us backwards.
Quotes attributed to Jennifer Howard MP:
“People rely on staff at our railway stations for assistance, safety and support, especially the
vulnerable, and removing those staff will make our transport network less accessible, not more
efficient.
“This decision will hit everyday Queenslanders first, families, students, older people and those who
need assistance, yet those are the very people who deserve better, not cuts.
“Public transport isn’t just about trains running, it’s about people feeling safe, supported and able to
travel with confidence. Removing station staff undermines that.
Quotes attributed to Charis Mullen MP:
“Our community relies on the public transport network, so cutting train station staff will be felt by
us.
“We have seen cut after cut from the Crisafulli LNP Government, so it’s no surprise they have come
for frontline Queensland Rail staff.
“Station staff assist passengers, respond to incidents, and maintain a visible presence to deter anti
social behaviour. These cuts will have a direct impact on customer safety on the network.
For media inquiries, please contact ipswich.west@parliament.qld.gov.au.
