The Liberal Nationals are calling on the State Government to waive a number of fees tied to commercial passenger vehicle operators, including taxis, to assist in the economic fallout of COVID-19.
Taxis play a huge role, providing millions of essential trips for Victorians each and every year taking passengers to medical appointments, shopping trips, family visits and getting people home safely each and every day.
With the current restrictions in place and anticipated to remain for some months, taxi owners are yet another group of Victorians struggling with limited business and financial constraints.
At minimum the Government should suspend registration application and annual fees ($55.10) as well as providing additional support to these sole operators and small businesses under the Victoria’s $500 million Business Support Fund.
Comments attributable to Leader of the Opposition, Michael O’Brien:
“Many of these taxi owners are struggling Victorian mums and dads who are just trying to make ends meet during a time that could never have been expected or planned for.
“Every cent counts right now for Victorians and we need to make sure we can do what we can to support our taxi industry.”