Tuesday, 5 April 2022

Commercial passenger vehicle industry

Mr BARTON (Eastern Metropolitan) (12:55): There have been reports in the Australian newspaper that the New South Wales government is developing a proposal for a billion-dollar compensation package for the state’s taxi licence owners. This—

Mr Davis interjected.

Mr BARTON: Thank you, Mr Davis. This speculated package would end up compensating roughly $200 000 per licence in recognition of the severe impact of the rideshare industry. This package under consideration is a far cry from the Victorian taxi licence experience. At the moment this package appears to be speculation. We are still waiting for an official statement from the New South Wales government to understand the true nature of the package.

I visited Sydney last week to attend the NSW Taxi Industry State Conference 2022. We discussed many issues, including the proposed package for the industry as a whole. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to take part in the conference. What really stood out to me was the strength of the New South Wales taxi community and their united front. This is what happens when an industry works together. Without solidarity our voice becomes just white noise. I encourage the Victorian taxi and hire car industry to view this is an example of what can be achieved when we work together. We must repair the past to build a sustainable pathway forward for the future.