Arabic version: رئيس وزراء فيكتوريا يتعهد بتغييرات في السلامة بعد مقتل سائق توصيل

According to ABC News, Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has pledged to make “whatever changes are necessary” after delivery driver Feng Jianming was fatally stabbed in Melbourne’s CBD.

Mr Feng, a 47-year-old Chinese national and father of two, was making a delivery for HungryPanda near the Queen Victoria Market on Friday night when an alleged altercation occurred. Another food delivery rider, aged 34, was injured. Homicide Squad detectives arrested a 51-year-old Footscray man over the incident.

Mr Carroll said community safety was his top priority and that he would work with the Transport Workers Union and other representatives on protections for gig economy workers. He said people doing transit deliveries were among Victoria’s most vulnerable workers and needed proper protections and workplace safety.

The Chinese consulate said on WeChat that a representative spoke urgently with Mr Carroll on Saturday. The premier conveyed condolences to Mr Feng’s family, according to the consulate, which said it had activated emergency consular protection measures and would continue communicating with local authorities.

HungryPanda said it was deeply saddened by Mr Feng’s death and was helping arrange visas for his family to travel to Australia. It said it would cover travel expenses, funeral costs and necessary related arrangements, as well as provide additional financial support. The company also said it would seek to assist the injured rider and meet Melbourne riders next week to discuss safety concerns.

Hundreds attended a vigil for Mr Feng on Saturday, where attendees raised concerns about safety in the city. Floral tributes were placed outside the State Library.