Victoria Police says it is not investigating the circumstances around how a three-year-old girl was left on a bus for several hours outside a Shepparton kindergarten, instead of being taken inside.
Alyza Morrison was left on a bus for several hours on March 8 after being picked up from home in the morning and taken to, but not inside, Lulla’s Children and Family Centre in Shepparton.
At the time, Victoria Police said it was investigating the incident, as did the Department of Education, but police have now said Transport Safety Victoria is looking into the matter.
Attempts to contact Transport Safety Victoria over several days, however, have only resulted in emails bouncing back or an automated reply email warning a response may take seven to 10 business days, and an automated answering service disconnecting calls.
A Department of Education spokesperson confirmed it was still investigating the case, but would not comment on any developments.
“The department takes the safety, security and wellbeing of every child extremely seriously, with an investigation of the incident currently under way,” the spokesperson said.
“It would be inappropriate to comment whilst an investigation is ongoing.”
Meanwhile, Alyza’s mum, Skye Seadon, said she was feeling frustrated as she waited for a conclusion to the investigation.
“It makes me feel helpless. Helpless is how I really feel,” she said.
“I actually feel like nothing is getting done and I feel like no-one really cares at this time.”
Ms Seadon said the family was also facing eviction in a matter of weeks so their rented home could be repaired after being damaged in last October’s floods. This at a time Shepparton is experiencing a housing crisis.
“Hopefully something comes up,” she said.
“We don’t want to go to a caravan park or anything like that.
“We would like to find a home that we can make ours so our kids have their own rooms and stuff.”
She said at this stage, the family was facing the prospect of having to accept emergency accommodation.
“The only thing with that is you have to move every 10 days. So you’ve got to take your stuff and your family to the next place every 10 days,” Ms Seadon said.
“I’ve done it before and I don’t ever want to do it again.
“It’s very hard, especially now that I’ve got five kids. You’ve got to take all the five kids and all their stuff and carry it all along with you.
“It’s really hard, but if I have to do it I will.”