Tuesday, 15 October 2019

In reply to  Mr DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan—Leader of the Opposition) (13 August 2019)

Ms HORNE (Williamstown—Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Public Transport):

The passage of the Government’s legislative reforms in 2017 and 2018 paved the way for financial assistance of half a billion dollars to eligible taxi and hire car licence holders—the most comprehensive assistance package in Australia. The new regulatory system has also reduced costs for businesses. Licensing has been replaced with a vehicle registration system. From 1 July 2018, the cost of TAC premiums for taxis was slashed by up to $2000 per year.

Every licence-holder, including Mr Dias, received financial support, and in addition to the payments per licence, the Government established the Fairness Fund to provide further support to those who were in particular hardship.

While I am not able to comment on individual cases such as Mr Dias, the assessment of Fairness Fund applications followed exhaustive consideration of individual applications. The Government appointed an independent chair of the Fairness Fund to make recommendations about payments to applicants, and it was audited by KPMG. Together with departmental administrative support, the Chair and the auditors worked very carefully with a wide range of applicants to provide them with every opportunity to supply information in support of their application. All Fairness Fund payments were made in 2017 and early 2018, and the Fund is now closed. The Government recognised that the industry changes could be a distressing time for affected licence holders. From the announcement of the Government’s reforms in August 2016 to the passing of the legislation by Parliament and completion of the financial assistance in 2018, a dedicated support hotline was available 24 hours a day to licence holders and their families. The support hotline offered counselling support and appointments could be arranged in person.