Sydney New Year's Eve iconic fireworks may not take place this year; know why
PTC Web Desk: Sydney's renowned New Year’s Eve fireworks display, a major attraction drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators each year, could be cancelled this year due to ongoing industrial action by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU). The union’s demands for higher pay and improved working conditions have led to disruption on the rail network, posing significant concerns for public safety and the feasibility of the event.
The New South Wales (NSW) Police Commissioner, Karen Webb, expressed serious concerns regarding the safety of revellers who typically gather in large numbers to watch the spectacular fireworks show. She highlighted the crucial role of public transport, particularly trains, in enabling large crowds to leave the city after the celebrations. Webb noted that without proper transportation services, people could be stranded in the city, which poses a major safety risk, especially for families.
"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," Webb said during a press briefing.
In response to these safety concerns, Webb mentioned that the police force has always secured the event with the understanding that 2,50,000 people who enter the city can safely depart afterward. Given the current situation, she suggested that cancelling the fireworks could be a necessary measure to prevent any potential chaos or dangerous crowd conditions. "I haven’t ruled out that I will recommend to government that we cancel the fireworks. It’s that serious," she added.
However, the RTBU state secretary, Toby Warnes, disagreed with the notion that the cancellation of the fireworks was a legitimate threat, calling it an attempt to use fear tactics. Warnes criticised the government's response, accusing them of resorting to hysteria instead of attempting to resolve the ongoing dispute.
"Instead of attempting to resolve the dispute, the government is resorting to hysteria and scaring the public of NSW," said Warnes, dismissing the claims made by police authorities.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Jo Haylen urged rail workers to halt their industrial actions, emphasising that disrupting the public transport system during the New Year’s Eve period would be unacceptable. She stressed the importance of allowing businesses and families to come together and celebrate the holiday.
The rail workers are seeking a substantial 32% pay increase over four years and a reduction in working hours to 35 hours per week. These demands have led to tensions between the government and the union, with both sides showing little sign of compromise.
- With inputs from agencies
