DEATH OF MICK WARREN AND KEVIN BAKER 

2023 finished in the worst way possible for rail, tram and bus workers with a horror crash at Bindarrah, near the SA/NT border, taking the life of two RTBU members.

Port Augusta Delegate Mick Warren and fellow Pacific National train crew Kevin Baker were killed when their train collided with a truck at a level crossing on the Barrier Highway.

Mick and Kevin were both highly-respected members of the rail industry and much-loved members of the RTBU family. They will be dearly missed by everyone who knew them.

The RTBU sends its deepest condolences to the families, friends and comrades of both Mick and Kevin. The collision is under investigation by both the police and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, but there was no suggestion the train crew were at fault in any way. It has been reported that the level crossing is on flat land and has active protection (flashing lights).

The 75-year old truck driver survived with minor injuries, but police have already charged him with two counts of death by dangerous driving.

Regardless of the outcome of the investigations into this incident, it is clear that much more needs to be done to tackle level crossing safety.

Your Union will be seeking meeting with all State and Territory Governments to see what more can be done to stop drivers from taking stupid risks around level crossings. 

National Office will also be making sure that level crossing safety is front-at-centre in the upcoming national review of the Rail Safety National Law.

Finally, I know that RTBU members across the country are hurting and grieving the loss of Mick and Kevin, and many members have already reached out to see how they may be able to help them families.

I would like to thank everyone who has contacted National Office offering their support.

Things are still very raw and fresh, and funeral arrangements are still to be made. We will make sure members are kept informed of fundraisers, and of other ways in which members can pay their respects to Mick and Kevin, at the appropriate time.

Shayne Kummerfeld ASSISTANT NATIONAL SECRETARY