NSW taxi package puts ACT to shame

On, 7 November 2022 the NSW Government increased the assistance package to taxi licence holders, from $645 million to $905 million.

In response to this NSW announcement, ACTTPOA is calling on the Barr Labor Government to repair the damage done by the on demand transport passenger vehicle reforms stated in the 2015 Taxi Industry Reforms. For taxi licence lease fees, they were halved in 2016, and halved again in 2017.

The consequences of the reforms have been far-reaching. Today, the industry is in mayhem, with illegal touting plaguing public events, widespread non-compliance, and a severe shortage of drivers in Canberra ACT.

Taxi licence holders in ACT continue to face financial devastation when the Government dropped government lease fees down to $5000 per annum. This has negatively impacted on taxi plate values, now only a fraction of their value. Plate owners have lost their financial independence, their superannuation, and their incomes. Many are still paying legacy debts for an asset that is virtually valueless.

NSW has set the standard that ACT should rise to meet and offer equitable compensation or a non-taxable assistance package of $76 million. A small price to pay by the ACT Government for the damage caused. This can be accommodated by a $1 levy which has been successfully implemented in NSW, Victoria and WA.