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Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2017-03-29 Daily Xml
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Transport Subsidy Scheme

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (15:16): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking questions of the minister—some meaty questions, no less—representing the Minister for Transport regarding the South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme (SATS).

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT: The South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme, or SATS as it is much more conveniently known, is provided through the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure. It enables people who have disabilities that impede their ability to catch public transport to receive up to 80 subsidy vouchers per six months. The subsidy is either 50 per cent or 75 per cent of the total fare, depending on the significance and nature of the person's disability. The scheme does not require people to use access cabs with their voucher and some people may still be able to transfer into a standard cab and have their wheelchair stored in the boot during travel. The scheme is essential for South Australians with disability to lead independent lives.

However, it has come to my attention that SATS voucher users may have to pay the full $1 levy that would be put in place as part of the taxi reforms to accommodate Uber and other ride sharing services in the state. I understand there seems to be some confusion as to whether that $1 should be added to the total fare and therefore paid by the passenger themself or not. My questions to the minister are:

1. Will the minister confirm if taxi drivers are expected to levy the $1 charge against SATS voucher users?

2. If yes, will SATS voucher users have to have the levy implemented in full against them or are the taxi drivers expected to absorb this cost themselves?

3. Could the minister please confirm if SATS users are required to pay the full $1 levy and whether the minister will be levying the $1 charge for every trip undertaken which utilises a SATS voucher?

4. While I'm on the subject, could the minister also please clarify whether the on-time bonus and lifting fee for access cabs are also available to drivers in country areas?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (15:18): I thank the honourable member for her questions. Of course, I will make sure that the questions are passed on to the minister responsible in the other place and the questions are taken on notice accordingly.

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