For an investigation into the ACT taxi and hire car industry made under the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission Act 1997, section 19C (acceptance of regulatory references -government-regulated activities), section 19E (terms of regulatory reference) and section 19H (procedure for regulatory reference investigations)

Pursuant to subsection 19C(1) of the Act, I specify the following requirements in relation to the conduct of the investigation:

The Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) is to have regard to the following in its investigation:

i. Provide an assessment of the level of services currently provided by the ACT taxi and hire car industries (including the extent of any change in service levels over recent years), the state of competition within the industries and their costs relative to other comparable jurisdictions.

ii. Provide advice on the need for further changes within the industries taking into account the National Competition Policy Review of taxi and hire car legislation, the recently commenced Road Transport (Public Passenger Services) Act 2001, competition within each respective industry, service levels and community expectations.

iii. Advise on the likely implications for the ACT taxi and hire car industries of changes recently introduced or proposed by the NSW Government.

iv. Where further changes for the ACT are recommended, provide advice on the expected community benefits for each recommended change.

v. Provide advice on what measures may be required to facilitate the establishment of a second taxi network in the ACT and the costs and benefits of introducing such measures.

vi. Provide advice on the measures that may be necessary to ensure that people with a disability receive equivalent access to taxi services to that enjoyed by the general community.

Specified requirements in relation to investigation under section 19E

Pursuant to subsection 19E of the Act, I specify the following requirements in relation to the conduct of the investigation:

In undertaking the investigation, the ICRC is to:

i. conclude the investigation no later than the end of May 2002 and report as soon as practicable thereafter.