Page 1479 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 26 September 1989
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Nathan Stirling has been informed that he may apply for funding from these programs when submissions are due. He has been forwarded the funding guidelines. This process is followed by all accommodation services who at the appropriate time submit for funds annually which are objectively assessed.
Taxi Vouchers
Mr Jensen asked the Minister for Community Services and Health, without notice, on 24 August 1989 a question about subsidised taxi travel for people with disabilities in the ACT. He indicated that some pensioners and other disabled persons were currently unable to obtain vouchers for subsidised travel while others, who would appear able to afford to pay full fare, had the benefit of previously issued vouchers. He sought clarification of this matter.
Mr Berry: The answer to Mr Jensen's question is as follows:
My department currently administers the ACT taxi subsidy scheme for people with disabilities, commonly referred to as the taxi scheme. The scheme commenced operation in 1986, providing subsidised taxi travel for people whose disabilities prevent their using public transport. It provides a 50 per cent fare subsidy, to a maximum subsidy of $15 per trip. Eligible scheme members are issued with travel vouchers, with a maximum of 75 every five weeks, and may use these for travel in multi-cabs or other taxis.
There are currently about 1,500 members of the scheme. Recently, because of budget constraints, it was decided to place new members on a waiting list rather than admit them immediately to the scheme. I see this as an interim measure only. I have asked my department to examine the matter, to check that available funds are being used as efficiently and effectively as possible, and report to me on policy options. I have also asked these officers to liaise with other agencies to explore alternative means for disabled people to obtain access to suitable means of transport. My department is in consultation with other State governments who operate subsidised taxi schemes for people with disabilities, and many of these are experiencing budgetary difficulties similar to the ACT.
In addition, my department has supplemented scheme funds this financial year by $60,000. I believe that this demonstrates the high priority placed on the scheme.
I note that the ACT, like most other States and territories, operates a means test free scheme. Most governments introduced their taxi schemes as a post-international year of disabled persons (IYDP) initiative to offer social justice to people who, because of disability, could not access taxpayer funded transport systems. Application of a means test conflicts with this philosophy and the principles and objectives of the more recent Disability Services Act.
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