The iconic Sydney fireworks are at risk of being cancelled as train strikes spark safety concerns for thousands who rely on public transport on New Year’s Eve.
Police Commissioner Karen Webb said she could not rule out cancelling the fireworks show if 250,000 revellers are able to get home safely that night.
‘I have grave concerns,’ she said on Friday.
‘Each year, we police New Year’s Eve on the basis that 250,000 people can come into the city and then safely leave the city.
‘Leaving the city is based on access to transport, including trains.
‘And if trains aren’t available, and people can’t leave the city, I have very large concerns of the risk that will create to the public because families won’t be able to get home and they’ll be trapped in the city with no way out.
‘I haven’t ruled out that I will recommend to the government that we cancel the fireworks. It’s that serious.’
The major update comes after the Federal Court dismissed the NSW government’s technical argument trying to invalidate the industrial action on Thursday afternoon.
Trains in the city were still running on Friday morning but services were delayed or outright cancelled across the network.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra line were suffering the worst delays in an interview with 2GB.
‘We are being hit hard by the union’s industrial action… trains are running, they’re not running to timetable, unfortunately,’ Ms Haylen said.
‘We will continue to experience delays and cancellations, it’s likely to get worse throughout the day.’
Cancellations have been reported on the T3, T9, and T1 lines.
The Minns government said it will continue its attempt to block the strikes in court.
Officials argue the rail strikes should be suspended because it damages the state economy and puts the public’s safety at risk.
The Fair Work Commission will hear the case on December 23 and Christmas Eve.
Premier Chris Minns said the state and the unions were still ‘miles apart’ in their negotiations.
‘I can’t promise that we will win those court cases, and I want to make it absolutely clear that even if we don’t win in the Fair Work Commission or through the court process, I cannot be dragged back to the negotiating table and pay an exorbitant amount of money with a blank cheque,’ Mr Minns said.
The Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU) represents more than 35,000 workers in rail and public transport industries across the state.
The union has not yet implemented the more than 200 work bans at its disposal but new bans will be put in place soon if their negotiations continue to fail.
Union leaders can bar members from working with contractors and place a limit on the number of kilometres workers can travel among other things yet to be enacted.
A reduction in the kilometres workers will travel is expected to begin next week if members approve.
RTBU president Craig Turner warned that he was willing to bring in more work bans beginning Christmas week if his union’s demands were not met.
Mr Turner tried to soothe travellers anxieties during an appearance on 2GB where he said that delayed trains are not uncommon at this time of year.
‘[Trains] won’t be running to timetable honestly … not many trains do over the year anyway, so people shouldn’t be worried, they shouldn’t be worried,’ he said.
