Backlash over plans to recruit Kiwi drivers for inner west buses
THE new private operator of inner west buses has defended its decision to recruit drivers from New Zealand — a move the State Opposition says could leave young Sydneysiders missing out.
Transit Systems, which in February won the government contract to run the Region 6 network, has ramped up its recruitment drive with offers to cover relocation costs and driver training for applicants across the Tasman.
The job notice, posted on the company’s Linkedin page last week, offered applicants the chance to “live, work and play in Australia’s favourite capital city”.
“We have people in NZ waiting to take your call right now,” it went on to say.
But Labor leader Luke Foley said the company should instead be recruiting drivers from NSW.
He described the move as “a vote of no confidence in our own youth”.
He said it was another example of the government sending jobs overseas after it awarded a $2.3 billion deal to build new intercity trains in South Korea in 2016.