Public transport operators employ Authorised Officers who perform a range of functions including checking tickets, providing information, assistance and customer service, and deterring anti-social behaviour. Authorised Officers have broad statutory powers to inspect tickets, request a person supply a name and address, confiscate tickets, remove a person from public transport infrastructure and to arrest a person.
Authorised Officers are authorised by the Department of Transport (DoT) under theTransport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983 and relevant Regulations. Prospective Authorised Officers are vetted by the transport operator and the DoT during recruitment, receive specific and ongoing training and are required to abide by a publicly available Code of Conduct issued by the DoT.
An Authorised Officer cannot perform duties unless they have an approved Identity Card and Badge issued by the DoT. An Authorised Officer must wear their identification uniform badge, in a clearly visible manner while on duty, unless they are working undercover. Authorised Officers must show their identity cards when requested by passengers.
