More training and testing for taxi drivers
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Independent testing and authorisation of Queensland taxi drivers must be implemented immediately if the Bligh Labor Government is to clean up the taxi industry, the LNP said today.
Shadow Minister for Transport Fiona Simpson said the Workplace Ombudsman had recommended taxi driver training improvements in his scathing report on the industry.
“Despite spending the past 12 months talking about reforming the industry, what is clear from the Workplace Ombudsman’s report is that the Minister for Transport has achieved little in cleaning up the taxi industry.
“Common sense changes, like ensuring that all taxi drivers undergo independent training and assessment is something the Minister hasn’t implemented yet.
“Queenslanders deserve a taxi industry that delivers quality service,” she said.
“We can’t see these recommendations swept under the carpet, like this Government has done so many times before with bad reports.”
Ms Simpson said she had concerns about the mandatory identification from passengers at night.
“Violence against taxi drivers is unacceptable, but I know many people are concerned about how their details would be recorded and who has access to this information.
“The safety of drivers and passengers has to be considered and taking a big brother approach may not solve any problems.”
Friday, 25 June 2010