Taxi drivers in Townsville, Queensland, staged a 24-hour strike on Wednesday to protest rising violence, physical assaults and repeated vandalism targeting drivers and their vehicles.

The drivers, many of Indian origin, say they are facing increasing safety risks while trying to earn a living, with incidents including rocks being thrown at taxis and young people allegedly damaging vehicles before running away.

Taxi driver Prabhjot Singh said drivers were being assaulted “for no reason apparently”.

Gurpreet Singh, a driver with RLTaxi, said a bottle was smashed on his head a few days ago. Another taxi driver, Monty Sharna, suffered a head injury that required six stitches.

Taxi operator Harinam Singh said young people were throwing rocks at vehicles before running away and hiding their faces. Drivers are calling for stronger action against those responsible.

The 24-hour stoppage was intended to send a clear message that the ongoing violence must be addressed and drivers need better protection.

The protest comes amid wider challenges facing Townsville’s taxi industry, including driver shortages, long passenger wait times and financial pressures.

The attacks have also prompted calls for greater respect and safety for transport workers.

“You don’t have to agree with immigration levels to treat immigrants with respect. These people have families, work hard to earn a living, and deserve to be safe just like everyone else,” one person commented.

Another said:

“All public transport employees deserve to be respected and free from threatening, aggressive and violent behaviours.”

A third person said: “These are humans providing services to other humans, no one should be treated like this. Crime in Townsville is getting worse, where are the leaders?”

Taxi operators say the strike was about ensuring drivers can work safely and that repeated acts of violence and vandalism are taken seriously.

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