Hunter Valley Bus Crash Survivors Express Forgiveness for Driver, Advocate for Industry Reform

Survivors of the 2023 Hunter Valley bus crash, which claimed the lives of 10 wedding guests, have publicly forgiven the driver, Brett Button, who was under the influence of opioid painkillers at the time of the incident. Sharyn and Jason Junkeer, who sustained serious injuries in the crash, shared their perspective on forgiveness, stating that holding onto anger was detrimental to their healing process.

"To just hold on to this anger and hatred towards him, it was really unhelpful to me and my healing," Sharyn Junkeer told ABC's Australian Story. Her husband, Jason Junkeer, added that their marriage provided a foundation for moving towards forgiveness. The couple attended Button's trial at Newcastle District Court, where he pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 43 other charges.

While acknowledging the court's recognition of the event's severity, the Junkeers expressed a sense of empathy for Button and his family, noting his apparent pain during the proceedings. Similarly, Matt and Leanne Mullen, who lost their daughter Rebecca in the crash, conveyed sympathy for Button's daughter, who supported him throughout the trial. "I guess it's because she was a daughter, like Rebecca," Matt Mullen said, reflecting on the father-daughter bond.

Despite their personal forgiveness, the families are adamant about pursuing further accountability and systemic change within the bus industry. They are advocating for a coronial inquiry into the crash to address questions they believe remain unanswered. "One feeling I had, though, was that he shouldn't be the only one," Leanne Mullen stated. "Sentencing Brett for all those years was a beginning of accountability. But it doesn't end with Brett Button."

The Junkeers and Mullens are continuing their push for national reform in the bus industry, emphasizing the need to prevent future tragedies. "What I can do in my control is help put energy and the spotlight on the right areas so that it doesn't happen again," Jason Junkeer said.

In parallel with the families' advocacy, Linq Buslines, the company that operated the bus involved in the crash, has collapsed. Creditors have resolved to wind up the company and its associated entities, which reportedly had significant liabilities exceeding its assets. An ASIC report indicated substantial fines issued to the company and an undetermined sum owed to the newlyweds who had booked the bus for their wedding guests. Legal action has also been initiated by Mitchell Gaffney against Linq Buslines in the NSW District Court.

Brett Button was sentenced to 32 years in prison with a 24-year non-parole period. He appealed the sentence in October 2025, arguing it was excessive, but the appeal was dismissed by a panel of judges.