Pressure is mounting on the federal government to take action against allegations of sexual harassment and assault by driving instructors. Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie has urged the Labor government to take decisive steps, stating, "get off your arse."

More than 300 individuals have reported experiencing sexual harassment or assault by their driving instructors, with many of the victims being minors at the time. The reported incidents include inappropriate comments, unwanted touching, molestation, and attempted rape. One woman recounted, "I was 16 years old and he rubbed his hand across my chest to indicate which way to turn." Another victim shared, "The instructor put his hand on my knee and said every time I made a mistake he would move his hand further up my leg."

During a Senate Estimates hearing on Tuesday, the Department of Transport revealed that it had not been directed by the minister to explore options for addressing the issue. Transport Minister Catherine King had previously reached out to state and territory leaders in early September but has not confirmed whether the topic will be discussed in their upcoming meeting in 2025.

In response to Senator McKenzie’s criticisms, Assistant Education Minister Anthony Chisholm stated that the federal government is willing to assist but emphasized that the responsibility lies with the states and territories. "The reality of the way that the systems are run is that the states and territories do have responsibility for managing those outcomes," he said.

Senator McKenzie expressed her frustration, stating, "It is appalling. One of the great privileges of being a minister of the crown in this country is you have to take a leadership role and you have to do the right thing." She called for an urgent meeting with state and territory counterparts to enhance safety for learner drivers.

Victims and legal experts have suggested that the federal government should coordinate with states to implement safety measures, such as requiring dashcams in driving instructor vehicles. Currently, while most states mandate dashcams in taxis, none require them for driving instructors. South Australia is the only state with plans to introduce this requirement by 2027, while Western Australia is considering similar measures. Victorian MP Georgie Purcell has also urged the state government to follow South Australia’s example.

Calls for action have been echoed by the Liberals, Greens, and independents David Pocock and Fatima Payman, all urging the Labor government to take steps to improve safety for learner drivers.

When asked if she had sought advice from her department regarding the issue and whether it would be on the agenda for the next transport ministers meeting, a spokesperson for Minister King did not provide a direct answer. Instead, they criticized Senator McKenzie for raising the issue during the estimates hearing, noting that it took her five weeks to do so after the minister's outreach to state and territory leaders.

The spokesperson stated, "Instead of waiting until Senate Estimates, the Senator could have engaged with the Minister's office."

For those affected by sexual assault, support services are available, including the 1800 Respect national helpline and Lifeline's 24-hour crisis line.