Port Hedland taxi drivers strike over lack of action on youth crime, rock-throwing

Taxi drivers across Port Hedland have gone on strike to demand action on youth crime which they say is putting their lives in danger and costing thousands of dollars every week. On March 6, all Hedland taxi companies ceased operation in the hope local and state government bodies would “pay attention” to escalating dangerous incidents of rock throwing in the Pilbara town. Ozi Taxis owner Kristi Spoljaric said rock throwing had been an issue for many years but had escalated recently as kids took to social media to brag and compete in crimes. “These kids are competing with each other to see who can do the most damage or who can get a taxi driver to chase them and it has become too dangerous and too expensive for our taxis to operate,” she said. “My company, along with all other taxis in Hedland, is sick and tired of being told to ‘just file to police’. We need real action and we need it now.” Ms Spoljaric said a meeting had been scheduled with various state and local government representatives and she hoped operation regional shield, which was rolled out in the Kimberley last month, would be extended to the Pilbara. “There obviously needs to be more than just the operation, but it’s at a point where we need immediate action to stop the damage in the short-term, and a long-term plan for when the operation isn’t around,” she said. “Over the last few years, there have been so many extra requirements on taxi drivers which have cost us so much money, but when it comes to safety of drivers no one seems to care. “In a town like Hedland we are needed, but until something is done, we will not operate.” The North West Telegraph asked Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel a series of questions; whether Mr Michel supported calls for the operation regional shield to be rolled out in the region, and whether he was aware of the ongoing taxi strike. Mr Michel did not respond to the questions directly, but said he encouraged the Hedland community to continue to work with police. “They do a fantastic job in the community and I commend them for their hard work,” he said. “I am regularly in contact with the Police Minister and local police, and they are aware of the issues that the Hedland community are facing. “It is disturbing to see this TikTok trend emerge and I know that the Minister for Police is working hard to address this complex issue.” “The Town of Port Hedland recognises the community apprehensions concerning crime and antisocial behaviour and empathises with the current frustration felt across the community,” he said. “We are currently taking steps to address these matters in the community but cannot achieve this alone. “Community safety is at the forefront of the council’s focus and it has advocated the State Government for action similar to that experienced in the Kimberly region.”