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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-06-04 Daily Xml
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Ministerial Statement

Taxi and Chauffeur Vehicle Industry Review

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning, Minister Assisting the Minister for Housing and Urban Development) (14:03): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN: Today the government has announced a review into the taxi and chauffeur vehicle industry. Taxis and chauffeur vehicles are vital for our tourism industry and they are an important part of our public transport network. They must be attractive to customers, affordable and support the image of South Australia that we are trying to project interstate and around the world.

However, the industry is changing. Globally, transport industries are experiencing rapidly evolving markets, changing consumer demands and developments in technology. Our regulations and requirements must keep pace with these changes. In my time as minister, I have met many drivers and operators who provide an exceptional service, but there is concern that service standards must improve to meet these changing demands.

These changes present a significant opportunity to review the taxi and chauffeur vehicle industry and the various regulations that govern these services. In broad terms, the key elements of this review will focus on the public expectations of safe, reliable and cost-effective travel, the working conditions and remuneration of drivers, opportunities for innovation and competition, and the future viability of the industry as a whole.

I am determined to ensure that a level playing field is maintained within the industry and that neither current operators nor new entrants to the market are disadvantaged. Our regulations should foster innovation—

Members interjecting:

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN: —encourage fair competition—

Members interjecting:

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN: —and provide peace of mind to all commuters about the safety and reliability of their service.

Members interjecting:

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: I am on my feet; just sit down. We need to have question time so that members can actually hear what each other are saying. I am here to look after the house and give you all equal time so, if you could just listen in silence, that would be great. Minister.

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN: Thank you, Deputy Speaker. In the terms of reference outlined today, the government has made it clear that we are working with both industry and the public to ensure our industry is providing the best possible service. Both the Taxi Council of South Australia and the Chauffeur Vehicle Association have supported the government's efforts to improve standards for both passengers and the industry.

Three eminent South Australians have been chosen to lead this review: Greg Crafter, Michael Luchich and Jane Jeffreys. Greg Crafter, a highly-regarded former South Australian government minister and member of the Passenger Transport Board from 1994 to 2004, provides a knowledge of the industry and its regulations that is second to none.

Mr Michael Luchich has more than 20 years of commercial experience across a range of industries and, with experience leading organisations such as Telstra, Dimension Data and the Australian Information Industry Association, provides first-rate insight into emerging technology and its application to the benefit of consumers and industry. Jane Jeffreys has extensive experience in tourism and hospitality as a board director of the South Australian Tourism Commission and the Adelaide Convention Centre, and delivers a primary focus on ensuring tourists and visitors to our state are welcomed and keep coming back.

This experienced review panel will produce a discussion paper in consultation with the industry and stakeholders and be released publicly for feedback. The final report and recommendations will be presented to government by the end of this year for consideration. Public feedback is not only welcome but highly encouraged and can be directed to DPTI.TaxiHireCarReview@sa.gov.au.

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