Help secure the Future of TMP

The final report for the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Act 2017 reforms was tabled on 26th November 2019. The government initially had 6 months to respond to each of 13 recommendations arising from the inquiry. However, due to COVID, this deadline has been extended to at least the end of 2020.

Rod Barton MP has now been appointed to an advisory panel charged with advising Ben Carroll MP, Minister for Public Transport, to develop the government’s response to the inquiry recommendations. It is a rarity and a privilege to have a non-government member invited to such a position.

With 13 recommendations to consider this is a not a trivial task. In particular, the complex nature of recommendations number 2 and 5 (below) require good thought and sound reasoning to ensure the industry puts up a strong case with workable and realistic solutions.

Transport Matters Party (TMP) has been working hard behind the scenes engaging experts in the field to develop a robust economic proposal to support industry arguments.

There are no guarantees of success but TMP is determined that no stone will be left unturned as we push our agenda through to the end.

Rod Barton is but one man; he is only as strong as the push behind him and Transport Matters Party.

Help secure TMP’s future for only $22 a year. It is a small price to pay to ensure the party travels smoothly through a compulsory re-registration process with the Victorian Electoral Commission. Success in this process will ensure that TMP retains the resources needed to advocate strongly for the industry and be able to finish the job it has started.

You can join online here https://www.transportmatters.org.au/join.

Don't forget to share the link with your colleagues, family and friends.

If you or others wish to check on membership status or require assistance to join, call Linda on 0439 654 552. Membership can be processed over the phone.

The party re-registration process will be initiated in early October.

Together, we can achieve so much. Be part of the movement, make it count.

Don't delay, sign up today!

​INQUIRY RECOMMENDATIONS

RECOMMENDATION 1: That the Victorian Government provide counselling services for stakeholders affected by the commercial passenger vehicle industry reforms.

RECOMMENDATION 2: That the Victorian Government consider reviewing the transitional funding package and how it was structured, in particular in relation to the difference between entities and individuals.

RECOMMENDATION 3: That when designing future compensation payments the Victorian Government take into consideration the taxation outcomes of proposals before they are put into place, to ensure the payments represent maximum value for Victorians. This should include seeking advice from external tax experts and proactively engaging with the Australian Tax Office.

RECOMMENDATION 4: That the Victorian Government provide financial advice on managing debt to former licence holders who are experiencing significant financial hardship as a result of the reforms.

RECOMMENDATION 5: That the Victorian Government develop a policy position on the commercial passenger vehicle industry that clarifies its stance on:

• • long-term employment conditions
  • driver standards
  • supply of vehicles; and
  • fares and pricing.
  
  

RECOMMENDATION 6: That the Victorian Government require booking service providers to disclose their trip data and provide live data on the number of vehicles logged into their systems. This information would be used by the Department of Transport in understanding congestion problems in central Melbourne.

RECOMMENDATION 7: That the Victorian Government amend the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Act 2017 to reintroduce an offence for touting across Victoria.

RECOMMENDATION 8: That the Victorian Government review the $1 commercial passenger vehicle industry levy to clarify its position on:

• • considerations for rebates or removal of the levy in regional centres
  • the levy’s finishing date; and
  • consideration of alternative funding models.

RECOMMENDATION 9: That the Victorian Government review the maximum fares set by the Essential Services Commission and introduce fare pricing indexation in line with the Consumer Price Index.

RECOMMENDATION 10: That the Victorian Government consider introducing fare pricing for booked commercial passenger vehicle services.

RECOMMENDATION 11: That the Victorian Government review the disparity in fares and driver incomes across the commercial passenger vehicle industry with a view to ensuring the sector is a level playing field for all participants.

RECOMMENDATION 12: That the Victorian Government consider requiring CCTV cameras to be installed in all commercial passenger vehicles.

RECOMMENDATION 13: That the Victorian Government review current signage and identification requirements for commercial passenger vehicles to ensure they protect public safety without being unnecessarily onerous on the industry.