Despite describing the owner-operator of the school bus services to Eulomogo and Firgrove Estate as a man who “provided a valuable service to families in and near Dubbo for many years” and had been “highly regarded in the community,” tribunal member Simon Rice decided Mr Barrett’s bus driving career should be brought to an end.

The Department of Transport began action against the long-time driver during the year after two charges of assault against young passengers were found proven in Dubbo Local Court, although no convictions were recorded.

The department recorded 24 complaints against Mr Barrett between June 1993 and December 1999 of which 12 allege verbal abuse of school children, 14 allege physical abuse of school passengers, and three allege actions in breach of safety requirements.

The 24 complaints involved 63 individual incidents.

“Many of the complaints were serious in that they alleged deliberate physical contact with children who were passengers on his bus,” Mr Rice stated.

“They allege conduct which, if true, would be a clear breach of his responsibility towards the children as members of the travelling public and, more seriously, as vulnerable people in his care.”

Two drink driving charges against Mr Barrett in 1993, one of which was found proven without a conviction and the other that resulted in a conviction, fine and licence disqualification, were also discussed at the hearing.

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In his finding Mr Rice stated he was concerned that Mr Barrett’s response to the complaints brought against him were of “almost complete defensiveness and denial, “

“This failure on Mr Barrett’s part indicates to me the likelihood that Mr Barrett will continue to act in a manner which will give the travelling public cause for concern and complaint if he were to retain his authority,” he stated.

Wayne Dippel, the father of both children assaulted by Mr Barrett, who also gave evidence before the Tribunal said he felt “elated” when told of the decision yesterday.

“I’ve got a sense that justice has been done and that I have been vindicated in my position.

“His behaviour should have been put a stop to a long time ago.”