ATIA ATIA Australian Taxi Industry Association
2013 ATIA’s MISSION STATEMENT ATIA LIFE MEMBERS
Formed by the State and Territory 1976 N. S. Lake Associations to represent the taxi industry on Federal issues. 1986 C. H. Dwyer OAM
1988 R. L. Kermode AM, MBE Encourage the continued development of quality taxi services and build a 1988 F. A. Lang reputation that positions Australian taxi services at the forefront of world 1988 N. P. Hawke standards.
1990 K. K. Lambert OAM
Utilise the annual Australian Taxi 1993 J. W. Kagan Conference to present to the industry the latest developments available in 1995 J. L. Bowe products and services. 1998 R. W. Morrow
To encourage practices aimed at 1999 A. J. Goodridge providing for the safety, security and well being of all taxi industry 2001 K. B. Foley participants. 2002 J. J. McKeough OAM
Attain the objectives of the association 2006 W. Sievers OAM through legitimate examination of legislation and regulations governing 2009 H. J. Harrison the operation of taxis. 2013 N. Sach
Australian Taxi Industry Association Ltd ABN 45 008 664 980 PO Box 1388 North Lakes Qld 4509 p: (07) 3467 3560 f: (07) 3054 7227
www.atia.com.au
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... 1! NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING...... 2! ATIA PRESIDENT’S REPORT...... 3! ATIA CEO’S REPORT...... 4! NEW SOUTH WALES TAXI INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION REPORT ...... 7! VICTORIAN TAXI ASSOCIATION REPORT ...... 8! CANBERRA TAXI INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION REPORT...... 9! TAXI COUNCIL QUEENSLAND REPORT...... 10! TAXI COUNCIL SOUTH AUSTRALIA REPORT...... 11! TAXI COUNCIL OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA REPORT ...... 12! TAXI COUNCIL OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY REPORT ...... 14! DIRECTORS’ REPORT...... 16! DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION ...... 19! INCOME STATEMENT ...... 20! BALANCE SHEET...... 21! CASH FLOW STATEMENT ...... 22! STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY ...... 22! NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...... 23! UNAUDITED DETAILED STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE...... 26! INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT ...... 28!
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AUSTRALIAN TAXI INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Members are advised that the forty-fifth annual general meeting of the Australian Taxi Industry Association Limited will be held as follows -
Date: Sunday, 30 March 2014 Time: 12 noon Venue: The Studio, Level 2 Crown Convention Centre Great Eastern Highway, Burswood Perth, Western Australia AGENDA
1. Confirmation of Minutes of the forty-fourth Annual General Meeting 2. President’s Report 3. Executive’s Report 4. Presentation of Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2013 5. Confirmation of subscriptions for 2015 6. Election of Executive Members (Messrs K Foley, B Wilkins and J McKeough to stand down by rotation, plus vacancy created by Mr W Sievers' resignation) 7. Election of Office Bearers 8. Determination of Honorariums 9. Confirmation of Auditor 10. Confirmation of conference venue city for 2015
Yours faithfully
Blair Davies Company Secretary 25 February 2014
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AUSTRALIAN TAXI INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
ATIA PRESIDENT’S REPORT
2013, as with past years, again proved to be challenging for the taxi industry with very few of our jurisdictions escaping problem areas distracting, and in some cases, hindering ability to provide full attention to our travelling public.
Sadly, the Victorian Taxi Industry Inquiry, rather than offering a way forward for the industry by Government created what appears to be both financial and operational difficulties for networks, taxi owners, lessees, and even bailee drivers.
The Victorian Government’s decision to reduce the administration charge from 10% to 5% on credit card transactions in taxis appears to have been made without any serious analysis of the costs involved or the likely flow-on effects to other parts of the taxi industry. Surely when all of the ramifications of this decision are understood the government will need to reconsider its position.
During the year a situation arose in Victoria where a Commissioner of the Fair Work Commission (Commissioner Ryan) ruled in favour of a taxi driver against a taxi operator, ruling that the driver was an employee of the operator and therefore entitled to all of the benefits and protections that accompany being an employee. The decision was both wrong in law and on the facts. Importantly, it was completely inconsistent with previous rulings of the Federal Court that rightly had determined the relationship between taxi drivers and taxi operators to be one of bailment and not employment.
Your Board could not allow this decision to stand without challenge and accordingly an appeal was lodged to the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission. Pleasingly, the Full Bench agreed that Commissioner Ryan had ruled incorrectly and accordingly quashed his decision.
In summary, had Commissioner Ryan’s decision been allowed to stand the industrial landscape of the taxi industry nationally would have changed forever. Furthermore, it would have exacerbated the shortages of drivers that continue to cause widespread problems for our industry, especially given any relief by way of changes to the Migration Act appears to be no closer.
John Bowe President ATIA
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ATIA CEO’s REPORT implications. It potentially created uncertainty for the status of taxi bailment The Australian Taxi Industry Association agreements all across Australia. (ATIA), as the industry’s national peak On very short notice then, the ATIA representative body, performs two key Executive moved decisively to assist the roles – respective taxi operator to lodge and then 1. providing leadership on matters with prosecute an appeal to the FWC Full national application or significance; Bench. This was no trivial exercise due to and the relatively substantial costs involved 2. supporting member State/Territory and to the complex constraints applicable associations by facilitating the to FWC appeals. exchange of advice, expertise and Pleasingly for the operator, the ATIA and resources across jurisdictional the taxi industry in the broad, the FWC boundaries. Full Bench in December 2013 handed
down its decision to uphold the appeal, This report presents the major activities quash the September FWC decision, and undertaken by the ATIA in 2013 under the dismiss the original application for unfair following headings: dismissal remedy. • Fair Work Commission decisions; • Disability Standards for Accessible Importantly, FWC Full Bench’s reasoning Public Transport; was insightful. At clause 13, they state, “… for there to be an employment • Taxi Rank Master Plans; relationship, certain fundamental elements • Smart Phone Taxi Booking Apps; must exist. An employment contract is, at • Lobbying; its essence, a work-wages bargain, so • Executive Committee; that the “irreducible minimum of mutual • International Memberships; and obligation” necessary to create such a • 2013 Australian Taxi Conference. contract is an obligation on the one side to perform the work or services that may FAIR WORK COMMISSION DECISIONS reasonably be demanded under the contract, and on the other side to pay for Coming as a complete and unexpected such work or services.” The FWC Full surprise to all within the industry, in Bench went on to conclude on the facts, September 2013 the Fair Work “… that those fundamental elements of an Commission (FWC) handed down a employment relationship did not exist.” decision that the relationship between a Melbourne taxi driver and his respective In addition to reasserting the accepted taxi operator was one of employment common law position, the reasoning rather than bailment, and as a supplied by FWC Full Bench for its consequence, the FWC had jurisdiction to decision provides helpful further hear a claim by the driver for unfair clarification of the differences between dismissal. bailment and employment relationships. This FWC decision effectively sought to The transcript of the Full Bench’s decision overturn the prevailing and accepted can be found on the FWC website common law position that taxi bailment (http://www.fwc.gov.au/decisionssigned/ht agreements were distinguishable from, ml/2013FWCFB9339.htm). and inconsistent with, employment contracts (or contracts of service). It also Having re-established certainty in relation effectively sought to set aside, and/or to their legal status, the ATIA will continue disregard, a number of important legal to promote the efficacy of fair and proper precedents determined in higher courts taxi bailment agreements for use by taxi than the FWC – including decisions won operators and drivers. by the ATIA on the industry’s behalf in the Federal Court against the Australian Tax DISABILITY STANDARDS Office. The ATIA retained its membership of the If left to stand, the September FWC Public Transport National Advisory decision would have had industry wide Committee (APTNAC) in 2013.
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Somewhat disappointingly though, this Committee met only once during the year In late 2013, MRCagney commenced and that was by teleconference. development of a taxi rank master plan for Perth. It is expected that this project will Significantly, the ATIA provided written be completed in the first half of 2014. and verbal submissions to the 5 year review of the Disability Standards for All completed taxi rank master plans are Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT) published as public documents that are during 2013. These submissions available for downloading from the ATIA advocated for changes to the DSAPT website (www.atia.com.au). WAT response time target. The existing target needs to be replaced with a new SMART PHONE TAXI APPS target (or possibly a set of targets) that does not seek to hold entities accountable Smart phone taxi booking apps continued for performances that are completely to be a very significant issue during 2013, outside their control. especially as everyday consumers followed their tech savvy counterparts in The ATIA’s submissions also advocated embracing the technology. The for the creation of a national labelling smartphone taxi booking apps provided by system for mobility devices. A proper authorised networks enjoyed good take- labelling system is required to identify – up and acceptance by both drivers and consumers over 2013. Of concern, 1. whether a particular wheelchair/ rd mobility scooter is fit and safe for – various unauthorised 3 party apps (a) carriage inside the passenger claimed growth in the numbers of compartment of a WAT; and downloads of their apps by drivers and (b) a passenger to travel in during consumers. transit (otherwise the passenger must transfer to a regular seat in With the notable exception of South the taxi); and Australia in late 2013, State Governments and their respective regulators seemed to 2. the locations of structural points on be afraid to tackle the app issue the mobility device where it is safe objectively. In the ATIA’s view, smart and secure to attach a WAT’s tie- phone apps are just the most recent down straps (i.e. clearly innovation, in a long history of marked/labelled, certified anchorage innovations, that have been embraced by points for every wheelchair/mobility the industry for improving the efficiency scooter). and effectiveness with which taxis can be booked and dispatched. In proper Not unexpectedly, the federal government perspective, the technology is election in late 2013, and change of “complementary and evolutionary” rather government, significantly disrupted the 5 than “disruptive and revolutionary”. year review process. Accordingly, Accordingly, all State Governments and ongoing advocacy of the industry’s their regulators should rightly follow the interests in respect of the DSAPT will South Australian lead and treat the remain a key focus for the ATIA in 2014. booking and dispatching of taxis by smartphone app as just another “means” TAXI RANK MASTER PLAN of doing just that. The providers of smart Acting on concerns that the industry phone taxi booking apps should have to needed professional tools and support be, or become, authorised networks, materials in order to more effectively complying with all of the rules and argue its case with Local Governments requirements associated with that role so and property owners for improved taxi that taxi passengers and drivers are not ranking arrangements, the ATIA put at avoidable risk or treated unfairly. commissioned MRCagney to produce a generic, “Taxi Rank Design Specification” In 2014, the ATIA intends to engage the in 2011. This generic plan was with the National Taxi Regulator Group subsequently customised and city specific and selected media, promoting a more plans produced for Brisbane, Sydney, comprehensive understanding of the Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra. smartphone app issue that cuts through
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the hype and hyperbole of vested interest INTERNATIONAL MEMBERSHIPS protagonists. In particular, the ATIA will be advocating regulation of minimum The ATIA continued its membership of the service levels for the following criteria that US based Taxicab, Limousine and every taxi booking app should be required Paratransit Association (TLPA) in 2013. to meet – Evidencing the strong bond between the 2 1. safety; organisations, the ATIA’s CEO was 2. service quality; appointed by the TLPA Board in February 3. fares & payment; as an international vice president of TLPA, 4. no discrimination; and re-elected to that position by TLPA 5. responsibility; members at the October general meeting. 6. accountability; 7. lawful. The ATIA also continued its association with the International Association of Further details in relation to these criteria Transport Regulators (IATR). This are published on the ATIA website organisation has been at the forefront of (www.atia.com.au). promoting best regulatory practices in a range of areas of interest to ATIA. LOBBYING Accordingly, the ATIA views its engagement with IATR as supportive of its In 2013, ATIA directed lobbying resources promotion of best practice initiatives to to support its member, the Victorian Taxi Australian based taxi regulators. Association, in relation to the Victorian Taxi Industry Inquiry (VTII). This included Fostering and developing the ATIA’s making representations to federal international relations with the TLPA, politicians representing Victorian seats IATR and the New Zealand Taxi and those with known associations to Federation (NZTF) are viewed as ongoing Victorian State politicians. ATIA was also priorities for 2014. active in the run up to the 2013 federal election, promoting the value of the 2013 ATC Australian taxi industry as both a social and economic asset for the wider The 2013 Australian Taxi Conference community. (ATC) was held in Adelaide during April. Once again the conference proved to be In 2014, the ATIA will continue its practice an wonderful opportunity for industry of making direct, timely, transparent and members to meet and discuss the latest targeted representations to innovations, trends and developments parliamentarians in Canberra. This impacting our industry. strategy of personal briefings, with a particular focus on identifying members Our thanks again go to the conference favourably disposed or empathetic to the convener, Mr Wally Sievers, and the Taxi taxi industry’s interests, continues to be Council South Australia for their support the most productive and effective use of and assistance in hosting the national our advocacy resources. conference.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONCLUSION There were a number of changes to the In summary, 2013 was a very productive Executive Committee in 2012. ATIA Vice year for the ATIA. In particular, it served President, Mr Neil Sach, retired in April to highlight once again how important it is 2013 after almost 11 years on the to have an effective peak representative Executive Committee. In recognition of body operating at a national level to his outstanding service, Mr Sach was protect and promote the best interests of made a Life Member of the ATIA at the taxi licence owners, operators, drivers, 2013 AGM. Mr McBride resigned his dispatch networks and customers. position in April 2013 and Mr Sievers resigned his position in late November Blair Davies 2013. Mr David Samuel and Mr Benjamin Chief Executive Officer Wash were elected as new members of ATIA the Committee in April 2013.
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recent events in Victoria have clearly NEW SOUTH WALES TAXI INDUSTRY highlighted the folly of artificially ASSOCIATION REPORT restraining fares at unsustainably low levels and not allowing drivers and 2013 represented a year of consolidation operators to cover increases in fixed and for the NSW Taxi Industry. There were operating costs. Recent spikes in the cost mixed results in terms of addressing key of LPG and insurance, which are an issues with the NSW Government, ongoing concern to the NSW TIA, further however on the whole, the NSW TIA is highlight the ignorance being portrayed by cautiously optimistic that it has moved IPART when it comes to setting taxi fares. forward and that there will be better opportunities for the industry in 2014. The NSW TIA was also successful in defending a serious challenge from the Although the NSW Government issued TWU in the NSW Industrial Relations 250 new licences, as well as 196 Commission to substantially lower ‘replacement’ licences, the industry bailment rates in NSW. This was the managed to maintain a relatively stable most significant challenge to the industry position in terms of licence values whilst from the TWU in many years and it was providing a very good service to the pleasing to see that the Union, in the face travelling public of NSW. It was pleasing of comprehensive and well established that the NSW Government did not accept evidence, withdrew their application within the full recommendations of the NSW the first two hours of the hearing. The Independent Pricing & Regulatory NSW TIA has made it clear that it is Tribunal (IPART) which would have prepared to work within the established resulted in a much greater number of arrangements of the NSW Bailment licences being released into the market. Agreement and actively encourage The Government chose a responsible operators to comply with its requirements, path of focussing its licence release policy however, it will vigorously defend any on dealing with peak demand issues, attempt to undermine the fundamental rather than simply following the economic basis of this agreement. dogma of IPART. 346 additional licences is however a significant number for the The review of the NSW Passenger industry to absorb and the NSW TIA will Transport Act, 1990, announced by the be advocating strongly for a more modest Government in 2012, was placed on hold approach in 2014. by the NSW Government. This review remains the biggest issue for the NSW The NSW Government also announced Taxi Industry as it will set the path for the that it would freeze fares in 2014, future regulation of the industry for many although it did introduce a new peak years to come and will attempt to deal surcharge for Friday and Saturday nights with such matters as unauthorised Apps in Sydney. Again, although not the and independent booking systems. It is outcome that the NSW TIA was seeking, it expected that this review will be finalised was nonetheless a far better decision than in 2014 and as such, remains the key the fare reduction that was being sought priority issue for the NSW TIA. by IPART. The NSW Government’s approach was again based on a To help underpin the advocacy efforts of pragmatic policy of addressing peak the NSW TIA in its engagement on issues demand issues and not one of radical pertaining to IPART and the Review of the economic ideology that has become the Passenger Transport Act, 1990, the hallmark of IPART’s approach to taxi industry retained the services of Deloitte issues in NSW. Access Economics to undertake an economic impact assessment of the NSW The NSW TIA has publicly advised Taxi industry on the State of NSW. This however that whilst the taxi industry would study found that the NSW Taxi industry be able to cope with a fare freeze for 12 makes an annual contribution to the State months, this is not sustainable beyond this in excess of $1.15 billion, and provides a timeframe as drivers and operators must consumer surplus benefit in the order of be able to recover costs and make a $550 million each year. In addition, the reasonable return in the future. The industry provides downstream economic
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benefits for other key industries in NSW, including the NSW Government. 2014 is including the automotive, insurance, shaping up as yet another challenging technological and legal sectors. year, with IPART again proving it is moving further away from reality however The issue of unauthorised Apps continues the NSW TIA is well placed to tackle these to be a frustration for the NSW TIA, issues head on and actively advocate for however recent public announcements by a stronger industry into the future. some of these App vendors have publicly exposed these organisations for their opportunistic behaviour and why they Brian Wilkins should be properly regulated or dealt with President from a compliance perspective. NSW Taxi Industry Association Furthermore, the NSW TIA is encouraged by recent international developments which are seeing a trend by regulators to VICTORIAN TAXI ASSOCIATION hold unauthorised Apps accountable for REPORT their actions. This issue is however one that requires constant vigilance and the The main focus of 2013 in Victoria was NSW TIA is actively pursuing this matter once again been Victorian Taxi Industry with the NSW Government accordingly. Inquiry (VTII). Importantly, 2013 saw the release of the Final Report and also the Country NSW taxis continue to perform State Government's response to that well, often in trying circumstances as a report. The VTA was pleased to be able to consequence of illegal activities by hire secure some important outcomes for cars and aggressive competition from members, the industry and taxi users. Community Transport. The NSW However, the VTA remain concerned that Government is looking into the issue of a number of the reform measures threaten pre-booking times for hire cars which may to erode customer service rather than yield some improvement in the regulatory improve it. oversight of this transport sector. It is important to remember that when the Key highlights of the year included the VTII got underway customer satisfaction NSW Taxi Industry’s support to the Royal in relation to the taxi service in Victoria sat Australian Navy’s International Fleet at an all-time low of around 55%. Review which was held in October at the However, by the time the VTII concluded same time as other major events including the satisfaction rating was sitting at 69%. the NRL Grand Final. This was the Given there was no decisive intervention biggest international event to be held in by government during the two and half NSW since World Youth Day and the year Inquiry, or any tangible actions by the Sydney Olympics, and the NSW Taxi VTII themselves, this can be put down to Industry provided an exemplary service to determined and hard work by all industry the public, despite the significant demand participants. As VTA President, I am pressures placed upon it. proud of the way our industry responded to the significant challenges and hostile Other key highlights include the NSW environment that confronted it. TIA’s support to Alzheimer’s Australia and its “Is It Dementia Campaign”, plus our The nearly three-year Inquiry has certainly ongoing sponsorship of Guide Dogs taken its toll on many. In that time we NSW/ACT, both of which brought positive have seen two significant fleet operators media coverage for the industry and forced out of business and many pushed strengthened our Corporate Social up against the wall. The industry also Responsibility credentials. faced a significant barrage of negative, and at times simply misleading, media Overall, despite some of the challenges coverage. At the VTA we did our utmost to presented to the NSW TIA, particularly combat this and dedicated significant from IPART, it was a year that resources to the challenge. demonstrated the resilience of our industry and has led to a strengthening of The State Government responded to the our relationship with key stakeholders, VTII's recommendations in May 2013.
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They accepted (with some amendments fares in regional Victoria might work was and variations) the bulk of the also released. Both of these recommendations. Legislation was almost developments were concerning for a immediately introduced into the number reasons relating to either their Parliament of Victorian that effectively set contents or unreasonably short the foundations for the Government's timeframes. reform agenda. The VTA were able to secure some important amendments for Finally, the VTA expect 2014 to contain industry participants in the urban and many challenges broadly related to the outer suburban licence zones. More introduction of a number of the legislation is expected early in 2014. Government's reforms. Thank you for taking the time to read this report and for In line with the recommendations the your support throughout 2013. Essential Services Commission (ESC) was directed by the Minister to undertake a significant review of the structure and Kevin Gange level of Victorian taxi fares. The VTA was President disappointed that after the three year VTII Victorian Taxi Association taxi operators and taxi drivers would still not receive a long overdue fare adjustment. CANBERRA TAXI INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION REPORT During 2013 the Victorian Taxi Directorate (VTD) was wound up and replaced with Despite labelling 2012 as one of the worst the Taxi Services Commission (TSC). Mr years for the ACT taxi industry, 2013 was, Graeme Samuel was announced as the if any different, worse. Canberra has Chair of the TSC. Two other experienced a downturn in activity in a few Commissioners Merran Kelsall and areas, but from the taxi industry point of Douglas Shirrefs were appointed to assist view, the problem is greatly influenced by Mr Samuel. Ms Marnie Williams was an excessive number of taxis. announced as the CEO of the TSC. The number of leased government-owned 2013 saw some significant staff changes licences that were returned to the at the VTA with the retirement of long department during the year reinforced this standing Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr view. Around fifteen were surrendered in Neil Sach. Neil has dedicated a large part December alone. This has been of his professional life to the taxi industry happening for several years, but the and for this we thank him. The VTA have number returned during 2013 was greater asked Mr David Samuel to take over as than that of previous years. CEO of the VTA. In previous years, surrendered licences During 2013 the VTA also held a have been re-issued through offering rejuvenated State Conference which was them to a reserve list of persons who had a great success and well attended. entered a ballot for a limited number of Naturally the conference was dominated licences and failed to obtain an initial by discussion relating to the offer. That list has now passed its “use by” Government's response to the VTII. The date and has been dissolved. Association also hosted important industry forums open to all during the year and The CTIA believes there are in excess of spent considerable time visiting members thirty government owned licences, and in regional Victoria. about two perpetual licences, being held by the Department of Territory and Towards the end of 2013 some important Municipal Services (TAMS) and as at the decisions were announced and some end of 2013, it is understood that none of important processes began. It was the surrendered licences may be re- announced that the cap on the electronic issued until a method of allocation and set surcharge would be introduced as of 1 of conditions attached to the acceptance February 2014. A draft paper discussing of a licence are determined. how the price notification system for taxi
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The CTIA has no problem with the re- Australian dollar falling 15% over the past issue of the surrendered licences under 18 months and interest rates being at conditions that discourage the acceptance record lows there is some optimism that of leases by persons who are ill prepared the economy has bottomed, with good to handle the responsibilities of operating evidence of a return to reasonable growth a taxi business, who are charged less in our more traditional segments of the than commercial rates for their lease and urban travel market. who are not made to understand that a contract must involve commitment to a Unregulated Apps minimum period of time. In Queensland, Taxi Booking Companies As service delivery has been excellent for (TBC) are required to hold Service a number of years the CTIA strongly Contracts with the Queensland opposes any thought that any new government that cause these companies licences should be issued, but feels the to take responsibility for all aspects of a surrendered licences should be available taxi service, from response times and fleet for re-issue within a reasonable time. presentation to managing complaints and Failure in the past of the department to be the control of lost property. Taxi Council in a position to address a shortage of Queensland (TCQ) has concerns licences has damaged service delivery regarding unregulated apps which centre and the image of the taxi industry. on customer safety, service delivery and the fact that the app organisations operate The Canberra Centenary celebrations did as taxi dispatch companies while not bring some welcome extra work for the needing to hold Service Contracts with the taxi industry in 2013, but the nine-month government. In Queensland this means federal election campaign meant that the that rogue app providers are not subjected number of business visitors and lobbyists to regular compliance audits by the was greatly reduced. Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) that can result in sizeable fines for The promise of cutbacks to public service non-performance, do not need to meet numbers by the new federal government any standard whatsoever and do not have is a worrying sign, but the inability of the to provide any form of after-sales service, Department to re-issue the thirty odd effectively parasitically relying on these surrendered licences until new conditions services being provided by Service are established, should give the taxi Contract holders. In effect, unregulated industry some breathing space. app providers leach off the services provided by Service Contract holders, The CTIA looks forward to working with having no dedication to the quality of TAMS as new conditions for the lease of service being provided. If the State government owned licences are Government is truly committed to service developed. quality in the taxi industry it must ensure that unregulated app companies operate under the same regulatory regime as John McKeough other taxi companies. Chairman Canberra Taxi Industry Association Strategically TCQ does not believe that the unregulated app industry has made substantial inroads into our market as a TAXI COUNCIL QUEENSLAND result of the following factors: REPORT 1. In Queensland almost all TBCs provide an app-based booking facility at no For Queensland, 2013 was characterised cost to the driver or the consumer. by an economy adjusting to the fall in demand for commodities, including a 2. In Queensland most TBCs have access dramatic reduction in employment and to 100% of the available taxi fleet in investment in the mining sector. As a that particular area. result the taxi industry across Queensland 3. With most Queensland TBCs experienced reductions in demand across generating more than 60% of demand most jurisdictions. However, with the through their booking services the
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potential market opportunities are cancel two or three meetings with limited for unregulated app providers. Queensland regulators?
Media Policy TCQ would encourage any jurisdiction wanting to reform its taxi regulations to TCQ has continued to pursue our media examine the Queensland regulatory strategy that was rolled out in 2012. To model. date the strategy has been very effective in reducing the negative media comment that has previously caused politicians to Max McBride impose unwarranted regulations on the President industry with limited discernable benefits Taxi Council of Queensland to the quality of Queensland taxi services.
Meter Legislation TAXI COUNCIL SOUTH AUSTRALIA REPORT Automation of taximeter tariffs has been an initiative that TCQ has advocated for With a State Election pending in March some time. Pleasingly, the Government 2014, the Taxi Council SA felt it was legislated the change to occur with a two- opportune to step up its lobbying of the stage process, allowing manufacturers major parties on the critical issue of new time to introduce the technological taxi licenses. changes required. While there is an obvious cost to the industry in respect to The forward estimates for the 2013/14 this initiative, TCQ believes that reducing budget calls for the release of another overcharging (both intentional and $7.4 million in additional taxi licences unintentional) to be an important step which is not supported by recent research toward building higher levels of by the Australian National University’s community confidence in regard to the Professor Des Nicholls showing we have services we provide. an excess of licenses in the State.
Security Camera Standards The Council called for a commitment from both major parties to maintain a TMR has introduced new minimum moratorium on additional licences, and is standards for security cameras in taxis. seeking the adoption of the Nicholls While the industry believes more could be model, or a variation of it, to bring the done with forward and rear facing external industry’s profitability back to a more cameras, especially in terms of reducing sustainable level. at fault accidents involving taxis, we have been pleased with the process undertaken 2013 also brought some good news for by TMR and the three year phase-in SA taxi drivers and owners with some period for the new standards. welcome relief in the form of a reduction to the previously enormous Compulsory Regulatory Reform in Other Jurisdictions Third Party (CTP) premiums that they have been paying. The one-off reduction The Queensland taxi industry continues to of $1200 in premium costs was the result be astounded at the apparent direction of of changes by the Government to a no- taxi regulation in some other jurisdictions, fault policy. Unfortunately, the relief is especially in Victoria. only short-lived, with an increased premium expected again in 2104. One of Why didn’t Fels and his inquisitors visit the Taxi Council’s big ticket items will be Queensland which produces a to seek reform to the method used by the disproportionately high percentage of Motor Accident Commission to set their national demand, retains very high CTP premiums. community satisfaction levels, maintains high vehicle standards and response Changing technology created some times, and provides a substantial range of challenges and also some benefits for the after sale services? Why did the Inquiry SA industry in 2013 as the Council worked with the Department of Transport to
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ensure that “illegal’’ booking applications program’s success was obvious with 46 do not get a stronghold in the State. per cent more candidates passing our Smartphone booking apps not associated Knowledge of Adelaide Testing Sessions with a Central Booking Service (CBS) and than in the previous year and a 21 per therefore not meeting the requirements of cent rise in the number of trainees safety, traceability and reporting, have passing the driver training course from been prohibited. So too, the mobile 2012. The Council is looking to build on EFTPOS technology which lacks the those results in 2014. traceability offered by payment facilities such as Cabcharge and hard-wired Finally the “We all want to get home onboard EFTPOS devices. safely’’ campaign, launched with billboards and radio advertising during the Technology, however, has made a peak Christmas season in November and dramatic difference to visitors at Adelaide December, resonated with customers and Airport who have benefited from the drivers alike, increasing awareness of upgraded concierge, layoff and rank safety issues and promoting a mutually facilities in place since March. respectful relationship. The campaign language has since between adopted The Taxi Council’s management of T-Tag more broadly by Government and we technology, a cashless electronic system would expect to explore opportunities to allowing entry to the layoff, is now well further leverage the campaign messaging received by drivers who, after some initial over the coming year. teething problems, agree it’s a much improved system than the old one of The Council has continued to build on its handling cash. strong relationships with drivers, Government, police and customers, There has been continual improvements ensuring the industry has an influence in made to the Airport service over the past the decisions which will drive it forward in year, such as the installation of CCTV for a positive manner. the concierge at the rank, giving visitors to Adelaide three extra taxis waiting for them at the rank, fed by an expanded layoff, Jim Triantafyllou with capacity for 350 cars, up from 180 President vehicles previously. Taxi Council SA
In the City, the TCSA has been pro-active in drawing a commitment from the TAXI COUNCIL OF WESTERN Adelaide City Council (ACC) to form a AUSTRALIA REPORT consultative committee of taxi, council and Government representatives, to iron out The year just gone is probably one of the issues relating to the lack of ranks in the most stable the WA taxi industry has CBD. The immediate concern is the lack experienced. With a returning State of kerb space for existing ranks and the Liberal/National Government and even a inclusion of taxi ranks at the planning returning Minister for Transport, the WA stage for a number of up and coming Taxi industry enjoyed a period of political accommodation, entertainment and high- stability and continuity of policy, provided traffic sites expected for the city in the a consistently and exceptionally high level coming years. The Council is looking of service delivery and experienced a forward to an ongoing strong and small increase in the number of taxi collaborative relationship with the ACC. licences issued and new drivers becoming registered. Still on a positive note, we’ve achieved good results with our driver training and Towards the end of 2013, a new type of recruitment programs this year , thanks to taxi vehicle graced the streets of Perth. As a concerted effort to attract recruits part of a four-year trial of purpose-built through the Drivers “wanted now’’ DVD taxis, 50 London Cabs (TX4 model) sent through the Job Networks and commenced plying for hire. Naturally supported by TCSA’s stands at two Jobs these iconic cabs created a lot of positive and Skills Expos throughout 2013. The media and public attention.
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going challenge for both industry and A new Bill was introduced to the State government. The industry struggles to Parliament which will, when passed, attract operators who are willing and able create a taxi driver (demerit) licensing to provide the larger and more expensive system. The legislation aims to create a type of vehicle required. It also struggles demerit point system, similar to the to maintain a sufficient supply of specially general motor drivers licence demerit trained drivers to deliver this service to point system, whereby undesirable passengers. The state government behaviours can be recorded against their encourages operators to take up these licence and enforcement action taken licences by offering grants and incentives when required. and also encourages drivers to prioritise this service through providing generous A modest fare increase of some 2% was lifting fees and other incentives. Despite granted and this was well received by these generous incentives offered by the drivers. Being introduced in the lead up to state government, only a small increase in the festive season and period of peak the number of multi-purpose taxi licences demand, this ensured the increase was were taken up and the allocated licence readily absorbed and accepted by issue remains undersubscribed. passengers. 2013 also presented many challenges for The TCWA continued to lobby the industry, the greatest being a government for a review of the Key downturn in demand. Performance Indicators (KPIs) on which service levels and future plate releases With a softening mining/resource sector, are determined. One of the main external the economy slowed and so too did factors affecting pick-up times is the ever- consumer confidence, retail spending and worsening traffic congestion in Perth. But to a lesser extent, demand for taxi despite this, service delivery during the services. Fortunately not many licences year was generally very high indeed, with were issued through the year so drivers’ around 99.5% of passengers being picked incomes and operator viability were up, within usual business hours, within 10- reasonable static. 15 minutes of requesting a conventional taxi. Naturally, like any other major city in The TCWA works tirelessly in its efforts to the world, there will be times of ultra-peak create positive public awareness, demand for services and at such times, enhance taxi services, attract and retain the level of demand will exceed the supply drivers to the industry and generally, of taxis. In Perth that ultra-peak demand protect members’ investment and for taxis generally occurs for some 8 confidence in the industry. In order to hours each week. When we put this into achieve this it is vital that the regulatory perspective, i.e. 8 hours out of a total 168 framework not only remains, but is hours a week, or 4.7%, and given also enhanced so it can attract the necessary that those 8 hours generally fall in the levels and type of investment as well as early hours of Saturday and Sunday offer fair rewards to all participants mornings (a time when some commuters commensurate with their level of are unfit to drive their own motor-vehicles investment, risk and effort. and further exacerbated by other transport services being either reduced or not At an Executive level, the Taxi Council available), the taxi service in Perth continued to enjoy the support, performs remarkably well. When we membership and representation from taxi compare taxi service delivery to other companies, taxi operators, taxi drivers, the transport modes, taxis in Perth outperform WA Country Taxi Association and the bus, train and ferry services in overall West Australian Taxi Association as with service performance. And unlike other elected and nominated representatives transport modes, taxi services are from the WA Police Service and provided at no cost to the government. consumers. The Rt. Hon. Lord Mayor, Lisa Scaffidi, continued to sit on the Taxi Service delivery for wheelchair accessible Council Executive. The TCWA is indeed taxis, however, is still behind the honoured to have such a high level of conventional service levels. This is an on- support. This structure, along with the
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membership and broad representation, Previously, Katherine operators had to places the TCWA in a strong position as a travel to Darwin for the inspection, and professional peak industry body going Alice Springs was left in a kind of limbo. forward in to the year 2014 and beyond. Taking one item at a time, I believe there will be more successes, with the co- operation of the government. We are Kevin Foley currently trying to get the age limit for the Chairman series 20 Prius extended from 6 to 7 Taxi Council of Western Australia years, as we believe it to be an
exceptional car. Also on the agenda is a request that taxi drivers be permitted to TAXI COUNCIL OF THE NORTHERN demand the fare up front, at the TERRITORY REPORT commencement of hiring. We could be the only jurisdiction where drivers are not The last 12 months have seen changes to permitted to do this. the Taxi Council of the NT, with the departure of the previous Executive A big issue is the discussion taking place Committee, and of the Executive Officer, with government on the possibility of Col Newman. Our new Executive operators buying the plates that they Committee is evenly distributed between lease from the government. Deregulation the networks, and as President I am – that is the NT government buying up all pleased to have Les Whittaker back with the plates in the NT in 1999, and leasing us as Executive Officer. Les was the them back to operators – has done founding president of the council in 1986, nothing to improve the industry. In fact it but has been out of the industry for some has had a detrimental effect. Operators years, although he has been involved in who know they will never own a plate, but industry training with a local RTO. will have to give it back to the government when they leave the industry, are not Darwin has been seeing unprecedented going to have the same commitment to development, with the $34 billion Inpex the industry as someone with business gas plant under construction. The influx acumen, who is looking for an attractive of workers – or people looking for work - business to invest in, with the possibility of has led to a shortage of housing and a capital gain on their investment. rise in the cost of living generally. The Discussions are only starting, but there taxi industry, along with other local are positive signs that a “sell back” businesses, is hard pressed competing scheme may be implemented. with Inpex for good workers. Bus drivers who take workers to and from the Inpex After a few years of open slather site earn $110,000pa. Construction will (following deregulation), a cap was put on continue for 3 or 4 years. Taxi drivers taxi numbers, and things settled down have to make enough to pay the high somewhat. However, an operator in rents being demanded for housing – Katherine made a request that the cap around $500 per week for a 2 bedroom there be lifted, so that they could build unit. They also have to cope with fuel and their fleet up, to compete with a food costs that are much higher than in breakaway group. As a result Katherine other capital cities. Many of our drivers now has 19 taxis for a population of are overseas born university students, 10,000, and they’re really hurting. They who have no long term commitment to the are asking for the cap to be put back on, industry, and we are seeing a drop in but the government is saying no, let standards. market forces decide.
We do look forward to working with the NT The City of Darwin Council is currently Government, particularly Hon Peter working on a CBD plan, and has indicated Styles, the new Transport Minister, in that they would like us to have input whose electorate I live. The minister has regarding the location and size of taxi already shown keen interest in the ranks. This is a bone of contention at industry. Our first win was obtaining present, with some taxi bays having been approval for annual camera inspections in removed. One meeting has taken place, Alice Springs and Katherine, carried out and we all came away feeling reasonably by myself as a licensed inspector.
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confident.
In March 2013, the two RTOs delivering training for the industry in Darwin were audited by ASQA. Following the audit, one RTO no longer has scope to deliver the training, and the other has added more in the way of practical assessments, including on-the-job assessing and operating a wheelchair accessible taxi. This has increased the cost of training, which is now $950. We are aware that in some states it is not mandatory to do the TLIC2040A unit, Provide Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Services to Passengers with Disabilities, unless the applicant intends driving an MPT. In the NT it is mandatory for all - are we the odd one out again?
There are challenges in the year ahead, but I believe we are establishing a rapport with government, and will meet these challenges, and see positive changes.
Stephen Hall President Taxi Council of the Northern Territory
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