SYKES – COUNTRY TAXI CRISIS – GOVERNMENT’S DISINTEREST EXPOSED

The Bracks’ Government’s disinterest in the country taxi crisis and the callous disregard for the wellbeing of the vulnerable in country Victoria was exposed this week in Parliament by The Nationals.

The Nationals’ leader, Peter Ryan, put questions to the Minister for Transport and to Mr Bracks regarding the crisis in the industry and the enormous expense country taxi operators incur providing wheelchair accessible taxi services, without the subsidies city operators receive.

Mr Batchelor’s response was evasive and devoid of substance. Mr Batchelor claimed the Government had been quick and decisive in dealing with the crisis by lifting the cap on the Multi-Purpose Taxi Program.

The Nationals, Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, said, “The fact that the Government imposed the heartless and excessive cap in the first place seems to have escaped Mr Batchelor’s attention!

“The Government also failed to mention that the community, taxi operators, The Nationals’ and even some of the Government’s backbenchers have been running a campaign to have the cap lifted for 18 months… hardly quick and decisive!

Dr Sykes spoke in Parliament for 15 minutes on the country taxi crisis, highlighting the problems and providing examples of Government ignorance, arrogance and disinterest.

Dr Sykes also offered a range of commonsense solutions provided to him by country taxi operators. Many of the suggestions would pose no cost to the Government and other solutions would see country operators receive the same support as Melbourne taxi operators and public transport providers.

Dr Sykes said, “For example, let us look at the better integration of taxis into the community transport system. It works in Mount Beauty and Maryborough, where taxis are an integral part of the community transport system. It’s working, and very often it’s a cheaper option.

“Or what about allowing country taxis to display advertising as buses and trams do in Melbourne… why the constant double standards?

“Country taxis provide an essential service, especially in small communities such as Bright, Myrtleford and Euroa, where public transport is almost nonexistent.

“I will continue to work with the taxi operators in an effort to ensure Government implementation of the many commonsense solutions country operators have provided.

Dr Sykes concluded, “I call on the Bracks’ Government to live up to their claim of governing for all Victorians… because from where I stand, in country Victoria, it appears the Government is not interested in the needs of the disabled, needy, frail and elderly… or anyone who lives outside of the metropolitan area.”

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