May 2013 - Taxi Talk Magazine

Supporting
Reform
David Samuel
VTA CEO
4 | May 2013
I imagine that by the time people read this, the government will have
released their response to the Taxi Industry Inquiry’s final report and
its recommendations. I know the team at Taxi Talk did their utmost
to hold off production of this edition in anticipation of an announcement,
unfortunately they couldn’t wait any longer.
In many ways this reflects the context that many readers of this edition
face, and have faced over the last couple of years as they have
continued to run their businesses in the face of uncertainty. Hopefully,
that uncertainty has been replaced by a set of sustainable reforms
that will help ensure our industry is able to build on the impressive
improvement in customer satisfaction results over the last few years.
I am of the view that reform is necessary to ensure this occurs.
The VTA has made it abundantly clear that we support reform of the
industry but do not agree with all of the recommendations in a number
of areas. In our view, a small number of the proposed reforms will
not achieve better outcomes for taxi customers and the taxi industry.
An impressive feature of the Victorian taxi industry over the last two
years has been the considered, responsible and constructive approach
taken by industry participants during this challenging time.
Many people went to great lengths and personal expense to contribute
to the Inquiry process - hopefully their efforts will be reflected in
how the government respond.
Change in some form is inevitable and necessary. From the outset
of the Inquiry process, the government, via the Minister and former
Premier, made it clear that they wanted to see a complete re-think
of how the industry is regulated. It was understood that aspects of
the regulatory regime, at the time, had failed to deliver the intended
results - better outcomes for taxi customers and a viable and thriving
industry.
Premier Napthine has not wasted any time making his presence felt
within government and more broadly in the community. There have
been a number of significant announcements, including the appointment
of Dean Yates as the Secretary of a reformed Department of
Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure. With the establishment
of the Taxi Services Commission due in July 2013, the industry will
have a less direct relationship with the department. Despite this, we
wish Mr Yates all the best in his new role. We also wish Jim Betts,
former Secretary for the Department of Transport, all the best in his
future endeavours.
Finally, let me encourage everyone in the taxi industry to continue
the considered, responsible and constructive approach to dealing
with the challenges we face. To ensure that our customers and our
industry get the best out of this process, a constructive relationship
with the State Government is vital. D
Taxi Talk - Voice of the Taxi Industry