Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has vowed to make “whatever changes are necessary” following the fatal stabbing attack of a delivery driver in Melbourne’s CBD.
Chinese national and father of two Feng Jianming was fatally stabbed on Friday night while making a delivery run for HungryPanda near the Queen Victoria Market.
Another food deliver rider, aged 34, was injured in the alleged altercation.
A 51-year-old man was arrested over the incident. (ABC News)
On Sunday, Mr Carroll said he would continue to work with the Transport Workers Union and other representatives to ensure the safety of gig economy workers.
“As premier I will ensure I do everything I can with the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police that, no matter where you work, no matter where you shop, no matter where you live, that you are safe,” he said.
“We do know that often people in the gig economy, people who are doing transit deliveries, are some of the most vulnerable Victorians and they do need proper protections in place and workplace safety.”
Homicide Squad detectives have arrested a 51-year-old Footscray man over the incident.
Floral tributes were placed outside the State Library where people gathered for the vigil. (ABC News: Keira Proust)
In a statement published on the social media app WeChat, the Chinese consulate said a representative held an urgent telephone conversation with Mr Carroll on Saturday in which the premier conveyed his condolences to Mr Feng’s family.
“Consul-General Fang [Xinwen] undertook to convey Premier Carroll’s message to the family as soon as possible, and requested Premier Carroll, the Victorian government and police to handle the case fairly and in accordance with the law … and effectively safeguard the lives and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens,” the statement said.
“The Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne attaches great importance to the case and immediately activated its emergency consular protection measures.”
The consulate said it would continue to maintain communication with local authorities.
HungryPanda to cover family’s costs, meet with riders in Melbourne
HungryPanda said it was deeply saddened by Mr Feng’s death and extended its condolences to his family, friends and the wider rider community.
“Our thoughts are also with the rider injured in the incident,” the company said in a statement.
The company said it was in contact with Mr Feng’s family and was helping to arrange their visas to travel to Australia.
“The company will cover the family’s travel expenses, funeral costs and necessary related arrangements, alongside an additional financial support payment.
“We are seeking to contact the injured rider to understand his circumstances and offer appropriate assistance.”
HungryPanda says it will meet with Melbourne riders during the week to discuss safety concerns. (ABC News)
The company said it was planning to meet with members of its Melbourne delivery riders next week to discuss their concerns and to help find ways to improve safety.
“HungryPanda has reached out to the City of Melbourne, the Victorian government and Victoria Police to discuss rider and community safety, seek their support and explore practical measures to address risks in public spaces.
“This tragedy has brought these safety risks into sharper focus and reinforced the need for greater attention to rider safety in public spaces.“
Safety concerns on the rise
Last night hundreds of people attended a vigil for Mr Feng, with many raising concerns about safety in the city.
“This is not how we’re picturing Melbourne would be like,” international student Xi Ip said, who was among those at the vigil.
“We were expecting a safer community. We don’t want anything like this to ever happen again. That’s a 47-year-old man who has a family to support.
“This is a pure tragedy … We want police to protect not just citizens but all of the community in the city.”
Hundreds gathered at a vigil for Feng Jianming in Melbourne’s CBD on Saturday. (ABC News: Keira Proust)
Another student Xenith Yen said she was considering moving back home to Shanghai.
“I feel so unsafe in this city and I am paying a very high rate of tax but I don’t get anything back from this city. I want to go back home.”
Student Casper Ge called on the state’s leaders to do more.
“It’s everyone’s right to have a safe city when they’re doing their job. I feel very bad for this poor man.”
Casper Ge attended the vigil. (ABC News)
Ria Li, who lives next to the scene, said she had lived in Melbourne for two years and was concerned about her safety because of drug use in the CBD.
She said she wanted to see steps taken by the government and Hungry Panda, which she said was a well-used delivery service among the Chinese student community, to improve driver safety.
“In Melbourne’s CBD, international students are not a small group,” she said.
“It’s very depressing, it’s very unfair that … someone’s husband, someone’s son and someone’s dad got killed. It’s really depressing as a Chinese to see such tragedy happen right next to my apartment.”
Source: www.abc.net.au
