Premier – Sole Traders

Despite the government rolling out an additional round of support, including the welcomed Business Support Fund specifically for non-employing sole traders, a large chunk of non-employing sole traders will miss out. 

Transport Options to Improve Rural Public Transport Networks

It is time that we address the transport disadvantage that exists in regional Victoria. Creating adaptable, cost-effective and reliable transport solutions is vital if we are to maintain regional Victoria as a great place to live and visit. The school bus could be this solution.

I cannot support the Six-month extension

Mr Rod Barton MP the member for Eastern Metropolitan and the leader of the Transport Matters Party says that the Government did not consider the many options submitted by the non-government members, which range from month by month, three months and their own six-month plan.

No 12-month Extension, Premier

The Andrews Government announced it would propose legislation changes in the Victorian Parliament, which will extend by 12 months the public health directions protecting Victorians from coronavirus. If successful, this would continue the current state of emergency, which has been in place for almost…

Stand up for Sole traders, Premier!

There have been thousands of sole traders who have not turned a dollar since, March, yet whose overheads have not diminished and all the while trying to keep a roof over their head and food on the table for their families.

Financial Support for Taxis and Commercial Passenger Vehicles

The Government asked me, a non-government member to be part of a CPV Advisory Panel to advise Minister on measures to assist the CPV industry through this difficult time. The Panel made a number of recommendations, costing $22 million and it has been accepted.

Public Transport and Roads merge shows vision for state

“This gives us an opportunity to look at the big picture of mobility across the state as we recover from Covid-19 and consider physical distancing, congestion, road safety and public transport integration as an interconnected system.”

Justice Bill – good for people, good for “good” businesses says Barton

Class Action would have been simpler and of more benefit to participants if contingency fee legislation introduced in Victoria’s State Parliament this week had been in place three years ago.

WAGE THEFT: Barton says Fairness Matters

“This bill comes down to some pretty basic principles of corporate behaviour and fair conduct. The idea of fairness and fair compensation is one of the key reasons I’m in this parliament and I’m determined that workers get what they deserve.”

TOLLS: Fair go on tolls for families blocked again

The Andrews Labor Government and Liberal Party members joined forces in parliament yesterday to once again block attempts by Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton to make tolling fairer for families and public transport users.

Barton asks state ministers to save local TV

Eastern Metro MP Rod Barton has asked the Andrews Government to intervene and save the broadcast licence for community television station Channel 31. 

Fairness matters – keep local television on air

Channel 31 is due to be axed at the end of June, but we can see no reason why we would scrap a local television service that is still being used and enjoyed, that is sustaining itself, and is so obviously needed and valued by the community.

Make road tolls fairer for taxis and essential workers

From the end of June taxi tolls of up to $17.70 per day will no longer apply, instead drivers will pay tolls based on the gantry points they pass under, just like any other CityLink customer, with full toll costs passed on to customers.

Delays on north east link acquisitions

A respite for residents and businesses waiting for compulsory acquisition notices from the North East Link Authority could be a blessing for some and a challenge for others according to Eastern Metro MP Rod Barton.

Support needed to keep essential taxis working

A support package to keep taxi drivers working is essential to maintain transport options for Victoria’s elderly, disabled and vulnerable according to Eastern Metro MP and Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton.

“Drivers have had it tough for the last few years and for many this will be the last…