When you use public transport, you may come into contact with train and bus guards (referred to as transit officers). Transit officers are responsible for ensuring that you and other members of the public are safe when using public transport (buses, trains, ferries) and are given some legal powers similar to the police, which apply when using public transport or being on public transport property.
It is common for serious offences to occur as a result of Transit Officers approaching young people travelling on public transport without a valid ticket, not paying to travel or failing to produce their concession card.
If this happens to you, it is important that you give the Transit Officer your name, address and date of birth and you most likely will receive an infringement notice (fine).
If you refuse to provide your details to the Transit Officer, then the situation can escalate whereby you can be detained and charged with an offence (Refusing to Supply Details). It can escalate further if you argue and lash out at Transit Officers as you may be arrested and charged with a serious offence (Assault Public Officer). If bodily harm is caused to the Transit Officer and you have turned 18, you may get a mandatory prison sentence of not less than 6 months.