It is: what is being done to ensure that passengers on V/Line bus and train services are complying with the COVID-19 Stage 4 restrictions when seeking to travel from Melbourne to my electorate of Northern Victoria?

It has been raised with me that the validity of passengers’ reasons for travel on these routes are not being appropriately checked in any way before leaving Melbourne, during their journey, or even when they disembark.

Reportedly, a number of passengers have also been travelling on these buses and trains recently without wearing masks.

I also understand there is growing frustration among V/Line staff that multiple warnings and concerns being voiced by them about these problems are going unheeded both by V/Line management and Victoria Police.

I would therefore appreciate the Minister’s urgent advice on these very serious and important issues.