Safe Transport Victoria, the state’s transport safety regulator, says it will ensure a Shepparton kindergarten, which is the focus of an investigation into how a three-year-old child was left on a bus for several hours, has “appropriate safety systems in place before the facility is permitted to recommence bus services”.
Lulla’s Children and Family Centre is being investigated after Alyza Morrison was left on its bus for several hours unattended during the day of March 8 after being picked up from home to be taken to the centre.
Safe Transport Victoria, also known as Transport Safety Victoria, has confirmed it is assisting with an investigation into the matter, which is being led by the Victorian Department of Education and Training.
“The safety of passengers on bus services is our highest priority,” director safety operations and policy Chris Banks said.
“The investigation into this incident is being led by the Department of Education and Training, with support from Safe Transport Victoria.”
Safe Transport Victoria said as safety regulator for the bus, commercial passenger vehicle and maritime sectors, it was assisting the investigation.
As a result, Safe Transport Victoria said it was continuing to work with Victoria Police, WorkSafe Victoria, and the Department of Education and Training as required.
It said Safe Transport Victoria’s regulatory approach was designed to ensure that bus operators had required safety processes in place before providing services.
