SYKES – COUNTRY TAXI CRISIS – GOVERNMENT TO INVESTIGATE

The Government has agreed to review the country taxi industry.

This decision follows the request in Parliament this week by The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, for the Government to immediately identify and implement common sense solutions to the crisis currently affecting country taxi operators.

Dr Sykes said, “Political action, public outcry and intense media pressure regarding the financial plight of country taxi operators has paid off.

“There has been tremendous support for country taxis displayed by regional media, in particular the ABC’s Kathy Bedford.

“The Weekly Times’ Daniielle Le Grand has also highlighted the problems of high expenses and reduced income for country taxis especially since the Bracks’ Government slashed the Multi-Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) fare subsidies for disabled and needy people.

Dr Sykes continued, “I, along with my Nationals colleagues, and members of the opposition, have repeatedly raised the slashing of the MPTP in Parliament over the past twelve months.

“Initially we achieved a partial back down by the Government but now we have the opportunity for a major increase in the MPTP and broadening of the eligibility criteria. This is particularly important for country Victoria where taxis are a proxy form of public transport.

“I will be attending the North East Regional Victorian Taxi Association meeting on 1 August, in Benalla. It is my intention to draw on local experiences and suggestions for practical solutions in order to make a common sense contribution to the review.

Dr Sykes concluded, “I will monitor the situation closely and ensure that the Government not only reviews country taxi services, but that sound steps are taken to prevent further losses of services from country communities.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989