Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton has welcomed 13 recommendations tabled in Parliament today that open the opportunity to repair the past and pave the way for a viable and sustainable future for Victoria’s Commercial Passenger Vehicle industry.

Mr Barton was instrumental in bringing the inquiry into the CPV reforms and said the past 10 months had been hugely successful in identifying the unintended consequences of taxi industry reform and the issues and needs of Victoria’s Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry as it grows and evolves.

“My work starts now as I work with the Government and Ministers to make sure that all of these recommendations are implemented in full,” Mr Barton said.

“This “bakers dozen” offers recognition of the harm that was done to individuals and families by the 2017 reforms and I believe they have the potential to move the industry forward and deliver a level and fair playing field in the future.”

The CPV Inquiry involved thorough and extensive discussions with a range of stakeholders to determine the best outcome for the struggling industry.

“Many of the stories we have heard as a committee have been personal and heartbreaking. I sincerely thank all of those who took the time to tell their story. The tales of how reform has impacted families are still very raw and painful wounds.”

“The deregulation of the taxi and hire car industry has had a wide impact on families and on the financial stability of the industry.

“The reforms have had an environmental impact with a massive increase in the number of vehicles on the road, and the reforms resulted in dangerous and varying safety standards and processes that have put both users and drivers at risk,” he said.

Mr Barton said it was important that the committee had recognised the seriousness of the issues faced in the industry and the damage that had been done.

“I now invite the Government to work with me to repair the past and shape a future commercial passenger vehicle industry in an ethical, viable and sustainable way.  We can again build respect and pride both within and for the CPV industry in Victoria.”

ENDS

Click here for a copy of the full report

Listen to speeches from EIC members as the report was tabled in the Legislative Council here.