Taxi scheme review underway

An expert committee will be appointed to inform the Newman Government on the future of the taxi subsidy scheme.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the Taxi Subsidy Scheme will be reviewed to ensure it continues to provide access to those who need it most and is sustainable.

“Invitations have been sent to around 20 disability and community groups who represent users of the scheme including the Queensland Blind Association, National Disability Services as well as taxi operators,” Mr Emerson said.

“We are relying on advice from this panel of experts to review the scheme to ensure it meets the needs of users and remains affordable in the long term.

“Given the strained financial legacy left by Labor it is appropriate to review all programs, including the Taxi Subsidy Scheme.

“With the population aged over 75 expected to increase to 11.4 per cent by 2031 this scheme needs a long-term pathway.

“While an annual $400 cap was previously proposed, the panel will be asked to explore other viable options for the scheme going forward.”

Mr Emerson said the review was even more important given a discrepancy found in initial advice about the scheme’s membership growth.

“An evaluation of the scheme conducted in 2011 for the previous government showed a 98 per cent increase in membership,” he said.

“I requested the Department to check the facts and upon further analysis it was confirmed the scheme had increased by 13 per cent.

“Discrepancies like this make it even more important to conduct a review to ensure we receive a clear and accurate picture of how the scheme works and ensure it continues.

The taxi subsidy scheme currently has:

·         51,000 members as part of the scheme

·         74 per cent of members over the age of 65

·         80 per cent of users spending less than $400 a year and 90 per cent of users spend less than $800 a year

·         an average trip subsidy of $8.20 and 1.85 million subsidised trips taken last year.

Outcomes of the review are due to be finalised by mid-2013.

[ENDS] 11 October 2012

Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625