On the agenda for :
• National Competition Policy: The ATIA will continue to play a leading role in promoting the public benefits delivered by regulated taxi markets. Regulated taxi markets have been shown by empirical research to consistently outperform their deregulated counterparts on the important metrics of safety, pricing and service. While the threat remains from interests pushing hypothetical merits of open entry markets, the ATIA will strongly pursue its industry advocacy role using facts based lobbying.
• Australian Road Rules (ADRs): The ATIA will continue to seek changes to the ADRs that facilitate the delivery of better taxi services, particularly in CBD locations. As a case in point, we advocate that taxis should be allowed to pick-up/set-down passengers wherever safe to do so.
• Accessible Taxi Services: The ATIA will continue to promote a viable and important role for taxis in the delivery of accessible public transport services. Working with industry, HREOC and other stakeholder organisations, we will be aiming to responsibly progress compliance with the requirements of the Disability Standards for Public Transport by the target deadlines.
• Australian Design Rules: The ATIA will continue to advocate design standards for taxis that protect safety, promote flexibility, and facilitate improved service delivery.
• Franchising Code of Conduct: The ATIA will continue to seek a general exemption for the Taxi Industry from the provisions of the Franchising Code of Conduct. We strongly contend that the relationship between taxi booking companies/networks and their affiliated taxi owners/operators is demonstrably different to that of a franchisor and franchisee.
• Industry Best Practice: The ATIA will continue to encourage best practice through sponsoring research, and the sharing of information and experience between member bodies. As an adjunct to this role, we support the development and implementation of national standards where appropriate (e.g. security cameras in taxis).
• Australian Taxi Conferences: The ATIA will continue to convene annual conferences that provide important forums for networking, discussion and learning as well as the opportunity for suppliers to showcase leading edge technologies and innovations.
• Taxation Issues: The ATIA performs an ongoing liaison role with the ATO on GST and other taxation issues.
• Environmentally Sustainable Transport: The ATIA is committed to promoting taxis as a “clean and green” alternative to private motor vehicle travel. Through the use of low emission, environmentally friendly fuels (e.g. LPG) and hybrid technologies, taxis are a very significant contributor to the public transport system’s ability to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in Australia’s cities.
• Federal Government Lobbying: Over the term of the current Parliament the ATIA will provide personal briefings to all Members of Parliament to ensure they are better equipped to understand the importance of the Australian Taxi Industry and the ATIA’s position on matters of national significance. In particular, the briefings will focus on the contribution made to the community and economy by a viable, full-service, private sector funded, Taxi Industry.
