The NSW Government has accepted all recommendations from the Office of Transport Safety Investigations report into the Greta bus crash and will progress major reforms aimed at improving passenger, driver and community safety.
The Minns Labor Government will implement reforms to improve safety for bus passengers, drivers and communities in the wake of the Greta bus crash in June 2023 which claimed the lives of ten people.
Today the Government has tabled the Office of Transport Safety Investigations (OTSI) final report and accepted, or accepted in-principle, all 21 recommendations for Transport NSW on passenger safety, driver management, road design and safety systems.
Acting on key OTSI recommendations the Government will consult with the bus industry to implement the biggest reform of the NSW Bus Safety Regulatory Framework in 20 years under new legislation that will include:
- A new set of safety duties for bus operators, company officers, procurers, bus safety workers and drivers.
- A strengthened compliance and enforcement framework with expanded tools proportionate to the level of risk that includes education and a tiered offence and penalty structure.
- Continuing with the work of the NSW Bus Taskforce, including the establishment a new regulator in consultation with the bus industry, which would administer the new framework and oversee compliance of the bus industry.
In parallel to the OTSI investigation the NSW Government has also been improving safety by implementing findings of the NSW Bus Industry Taskforce, including all five recommendations from the Safety Report that the Taskforce produced in direct response to the Hunter Valley crash.
To date, 33 of the 58 recommendations made by the Taskforce have been implemented.
These include strengthening regulatory safety, such as updating the Safety Management System Guidelines for accredited bus operators, revising the Fit and Proper Person Policy for bus drivers and operators, commencing a technology initiative to improve safety outcomes, and updating the Annual Self-Assessment Reporting tool for bus operators.
Increasing seatbelt use has been a major focus, including fitting seatbelts to more rural, regional and outer-metropolitan buses, and delivering the 'Buckle Up on the Bus' safety campaign, which encourages passengers-particularly children and young people-to wear seatbelts where they are provided on buses.
Work to address the Taskforce's remaining recommendations is ongoing and Transport for NSW continues to work closely with industry through audits, engagement, and education to strengthen safety practices and meet regulatory requirements.
As part of its broader commitment to road safety, the NSW Government is continuing to deliver the $2.8 billion Towards Zero Safer Roads Program which is focused on reducing fatalities and serious injuries through evidence-based road safety improvements across metropolitan, regional and rural NSW, with 62 per cent of road safety funding in 2026-27 to go to regional areas.
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"I want to thank Jim Modrouvanos and the Office of Transport Safety Investigations for this important work that will make the people of NSW safer.
"Our thoughts are with the victims, survivors, families, first responders and the entire community affected by this tragedy, which continues to have a profound impact.
"We can't undo the immense loss and trauma caused by this crash, but we learn and change from it - and we are doing that.
"The recommendations in OTSI's report provide a clear path to strengthening safety across our bus network, and the NSW Government is committed to acting on them for our communities."
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:
"This tragedy deeply affected families and communities right across Australia, but particularly NSW and the Hunter, where its impact continues to be felt every day.
"Having spoken with family members who lost their loved ones, I know that no amount of time that passes can reduce the devastation and loss they feel. The grief and trauma of this loss will last a lifetime.
"That's why safety must always remain at the centre of every decision we make across our road and transport network. To ensure that other families do not have to share this trauma and loss.
"By acting on OTSI's recommendations and continuing to invest in safer roads, safer vehicles and stronger safety standards - we will reduce risks and better protect the people who use our road and transport system every day."
Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:
"Transport for NSW again extends its heartfelt sympathies to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.
"We have already begun delivering on OTSI's recommendations. A key part of this work is our ongoing collaboration with NSW Police, NSW Health, Australian Government agencies and industry partners to improve safety outcomes across the network.
"We will continue implementing recommendations from both OTSI and the Bus Industry Taskforce, with a focus on practical measures that improve passenger safety and strengthen public confidence in the bus industry."
