Page 4558 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 31 October 2018
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MR RAMSAY: I thank Miss Burch for her question. We have linked regularly with Woden Community Service. Woden Community Service are an outstanding community service organisation who have operated for many years, offering high quality counselling and high quality community services more broadly. They were chosen for this on the basis of their expertise and their long history in that regard. We have full confidence in the way that they are continuing to carry out those counselling services for people who may be affected.
MISS C BURCH: Minister, how will counselling services assist taxi plate owners who have had their financial livelihoods destroyed by the policy of your government?
MR RAMSAY: I reject the premise of the question. I note again that there has been a significant evaluation taking place in relation to this and that the evidence is quite clear that there have been a range of ways that people have been affected. The evaluation has indicated—and the government agrees with the evaluation that has been provided to it—that individuals who purchased their licences directly from the government in 1995 or earlier, and who held onto them, have received a full return on their investment.
We do note that there has been a good, sound return on that over a number of times where there has been the limited market and what we will be doing—
Members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Members! Please! Mr Wall, Mr Coe, Mr Barr, please! Minister Ramsay.
MR RAMSAY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. We are working to ensure that people who are seeking on-demand transport around Canberra so that they can move around this wonderful city can do so with a range of options, which have been very positively received. We have noted that there has been a sound return on investment for those who have had a very well-protected form of investment over time and at this stage we are also providing counselling support for those who might otherwise be affected.
MR WALL: Minister, is it not insulting to taxi plate owners for your government to be offering mental health counselling to address the unnecessary stress and anguish that you have caused as a result of your government’s policies?
MR RAMSAY: No, it is not. It is supportive of those members.
Mr Wall interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Wall, enough.
Mr Wall interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Wall! You are warned.
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