DRIVE NOW March/April 2022

5. KEY CHALLENGES TO
THE FUTURE OF THE MULTI
PURPOSE TAXI PROGRAM:
POST-COVID-19 SUPPORT;
AND THE NATIONAL
DISABILITY INSURANCE
SCHEME
FINDING 16: The commercial passenger vehicle
industry was significantly negatively impacted by
measures put in place in response to the COVID-19
pandemic. The introduction of travel restrictions and
lockdowns substantially decreased demand for services
during these periods causing ongoing financial strain
for many industry participants. However, this was
eased for some by Victorian Government financial
support.
FINDING 17: The ongoing impact of the COVID-19
pandemic makes it difficult to accurately assess
the impact of COVID-19 or potential post-COVID-19
pathways for the commercial passenger vehicle
industry.
FINDING 18: Ensuring the ongoing financial viability
and service delivery of the commercial passenger
vehicle industry, including the Multi Purpose Taxi
Program, should be a key consideration in the Victorian
Government’s post-COVID-19 industry recovery
strategies.
FINDING 19: The roll out of transport funding from
the National Disability Insurance Scheme will have
an impact on the operation of the Multi Purpose Taxi
Program. There may be risks to the viability of the
Program due to:
• changes in market demand as clients transition
to transport funding under the National Disability
Insurance Scheme
• the absence of a lifting fee for wheelchair
accessible vehicles when transporting National
Disability Insurance Scheme clients, potentially
resulting in suppliers leaving the market and
demand not being met.
RECOMMENDATION 17: That the Victorian
Government work with other Australian States and
Territories to implement a nationally consistent
approach to transport subsidy programs.
RECOMMENDATION 18: That the Victorian
Government advocate to the National Disability
Insurance Agency for the National Disability
Insurance Scheme to provide subsidised transport
for all clients that supports social connection and
participation in the community.
RECOMMENDATION 19: That the Victorian
Government continue to work with the National
Disability Insurance Agency to ensure that the
roll out of transport funding under the National
Disability Insurance Scheme ensures wheelchair
users receive equal services to all other transport
users, including the retention of wheelchair lifting
fees for commercial passenger vehicles.
RECOMMENDATION 20: That the Victorian
Government requires commercial passenger
vehicle drivers that undertake Multi Purpose Taxi
Program work to get a National Disability Insurance
Scheme Worker Screen Check. In implementing this
requirement, the Government should establish a
clear transition plan for the industry in line with the
transition plan it established for other industries
under the Victorian Safety Screening Policy: for
registered NDIS providers operating in Victoria.
FINDING 20: The Victorian Government has
committed to developing an integrated transport
strategy under the Transport Integration Act 2010 (Vic).
The roll out of transport funding under the National
Disability Insurance Scheme presents an opportunity to
renew efforts to implementing the strategy to ensure
people with a disability can choose the transport option
which best suits their needs.
The full report on the Inquiry into the Multi Purpose Taxi
Program can be found at https://bit.ly/37tJ8OB. It includes
full details on the findings, recommendations and rationale
by the LCEI Committee. The Government has six months to
respond in writing to any recommendations made.
www.drivenow-magazine.com.au March/April 2022
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