SYKES –TAXI PETITION MUST KEEP PRESSURE ON GOVERNMENT

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, says progress on resolving the taxi crisis is excellent news but we must keep up the fight, this includes signing petitions supporting country taxi services.

Earlier this week the Government supported The Nationals’ motion in Parliament to immediately implement measures that will ensure that vital taxi services can continue to meet the needs of rural and regional communities and this is good news! However, Dr Sykes says this is no time to rest!

A petition has been distributed for taxi drivers to collect signatures in an effort to demonstrate to the Government the widespread concern regarding the industry crisis and the enormous range of people who rely on country taxis.

The Petition reads as follows: “The petition draws to the attention of the House the crisis with country taxis and the need for recognition that country taxis are a proxy form of public transport and provide an essential service in country communities.

“The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly of Victoria immediately implement commonsense changes to reduce country taxi operator costs eg. allow flexible hours of service AND make available to country taxi operators the same subsidies as Melbourne taxis and public transport eg. subsidies for the provision of wheel chair friendly taxi services.

Dr Sykes said, “I strongly support this petition and implore all users of taxis to put their name to this cause.

“It’s important that taxi drivers and operators engage their passengers in conversation to alert them to the possible dire consequences if the Government does not act now. If every person that gets into a country taxi over the coming weeks is made aware of the problems and injustices the industry faces I am confident that we will see a massive in flow of signatures.

“Whilst it is essential that we protect this service in the interest of our elderly, frail and disabled, the loss of taxi services would present problems far wider than for just this important group of people.

“Every country Victorian that likes to have a few drinks after the footy needs to realise their lifestyle is essentially under threat. The chances of increased drink driving offences or worse still alcohol related road tragedies will become grossly increased if country towns lose their taxis.

“This is why all country Victorians who use taxis need to make sure they sign these petitions and protect our right to have our transport system protected by the Government, similar to the protection and subsidisation city dwellers enjoy.

“Community groups, organisations and support networks for the disabled, elderly and frail in our communities can also help by ensuring those in the organisation sign and by seeing to it that everyone is aware of this issue.

Dr Sykes concluded, “We are at crunch time! The Government is listening so we must continue to speak out loud and often. These petitions are an excellent vehicle for demonstrating the widespread concern and we must be diligent in ensuring they have the desired impact. We must keep up the pressure for commonsense solutions to be adopted immediately!

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