Commercial passenger vehicle industry
Mr BARTON (Eastern Metropolitan) (11:42): My question today is for the Attorney, representing the Premier. Today is a sad day. It marks five years since the bill that decimated the taxi and hire car industry was introduced. We were promised a level playing field, but the words were just wind and the industry was blown away. ‘Greater competition’, they said; our industry went from 15 000 drivers to 120 000 drivers. Ironically passengers are now paying more than ever, as rideshare surge prices whenever it suits them, and it suits them a lot. Drivers are earning less than ever, fighting for crumbs, a living wage beyond their reach. Owners of perpetual taxi and hire car licences continue to pay debt of hundreds and thousands of dollars for something they no longer own. Families, like mine, lost businesses, their homes and their retirement and their future. So I ask: Premier, the legislation promised a level playing field in the industry; what happened?
Ms SYMES (Northern Victoria—Leader of the Government, Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (11:43): I thank Mr Barton for his question for the Premier. Your ongoing advocacy in relation to transport matters and in particular taxidrivers is to be commended. I know this is a particular passion of yours, and I will seek further particulars to respond in detail to the question that you have raised.
Mr BARTON (Eastern Metropolitan) (11:44): Thank you, Attorney. The commercial passenger vehicle industry has been in turmoil for almost five years. The future of wheelchair-accessible taxis now is not known. Last year we passed legislation that means the Essential Services Commission must now consider a Fair Work Commission annual wage review and the commercial viability of operating a taxi licence. What was the Essential Services Commission’s main concern last Friday, when they released it? Opportunities for lowering taxi fares and making drivers the working poor. Our taxidrivers are working for a rate of pay and a set of conditions that most Victorians would not accept. So, Premier, where does the Andrews government see the taxi industry in five years time?
Ms SYMES (Northern Victoria—Leader of the Government, Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (11:44): Mr Barton has asked for a response from the Premier, and I will pass that on accordingly.