So more guns mean less crime does it? What a pity they don't let people carry their guns on to airliners. I'd feel so much safer en route.

Do want gun laws watered down? Go to http://www.australia.gov.au/about-government/contact-government/contact-ministers-members-and-senators
Betta hurry, the gun freaks are busy gaming the political system to open the floodgates

Toni,

"More guns, more deaths"

Cum hoc ergo propter hoc.

Hi ARMCHAIR CRITIC...

I'm sorry I don't really know precisely, why they say one thing, but mean something altogether different. I can tell you quite categorically, just about all police Commissioners are terrified of the media, as are the remainder of the senior executive command (Assistant Commissioner's and above).

To your specific inquiry; why are some crimes, the author of which are clearly terrorist, but are not openly acknowledged as such, by police in media releases? Probably because they don't wish to show their hand as it were, during the preliminary stages of the investigative process.

It's not that they're especially nervous about appearing live on TV or being heard on Radio. They need to be particularly guarded even cautious, not only for what the say but how they say it, to avoid causing any undue alarm or affront to the listening public. Alternatively a careless variation from the 'approved script' could negatively influence matters currently under investigations. Moreover in instances of some especially brutal homicides, or other fatalities, one needs to be both mindful and cautious not to cause any unnecessary distress or desolation, particularly for the NOK, who've yet to be located by police and appraised of their relatives demise?

The media are especially adroit at teasing out facts from police they interview, therefore they need to be on guard to ensure they don't release data that's germane to an investigation or may compromises that particular inquiry. That is in essence, why these 'word games' occur between police and the media. Hope it helps you ARMCHAIR CRITIC?

//why not "More guns, less crime" when there is an increase in gun ownership and a continuing fall in crime?//

Cum hoc ergo propter hoc.

If only you'd devoted as much time to your Latin & your logic as your rifle & your gun*.

//I didn't know being assaulted was part of the job.//

You oughta catch the bus more often, AC. It's good for your wallet, good for the planet, and good for your soul. I don't drive so I catch the bus all the time, and I see all the deadbeats, lowlifes and un-sectioned lunatics that regularly frequent public transport. When the light is bad, I talk to the driver rather than strain my eyes reading my book. And yeah, they get heavily abused. I've never witnessed any assaults but the drivers tell me it is a thing and they fear it happening to them.

//Bus drivers should go on strike.//

Yes they should, even though I'll have trouble getting to work. They should demand guards, like they have on every train service. Failing that, they should demand the Transport Command of the police ride the busses instead of the trains - because I only ever see police on the trains, and the trains already have a guard.

o sung wu, I'm interested in your views on the Transport Command and why they all seem to be trainspotters but never on the busses?

*This is my rifle, this is my gun, this is for fighting, this is for fun.

Hey Toni,
Yes I should catch the bus more often; I do sometimes, but not as often as I should.
"I see all the deadbeats, lowlifes and un-sectioned lunatics that regularly frequent public transport."

- The elderly, overweight middle aged men, schoolkids and foulmouthed mums with kids and prams.

It's almost like a social event sometimes.

"They should demand guards, like they have on every train service."

I'll be surprised if they don't do something after this.
I think it would be negligent not to.
I thought maybe they could put in a partition or something so the driver is secure, but I'm not sure it's practical.
Your idea is probably better, though it would cost more.

I think it would be a hard enough job as it is with traffic, people, constant stopping and accepting fares without some hostile passengers making things worse.
I usually thank or acknowledge the bus driver when I get off, and the times I've spoken to them they seem like nice enough people and have some interesting stories.