- $6 million hardship fund established to support taxi industry
- Applicants' eligibility to be determined by independent authority
Eligible Perth metropolitan taxi plate owners can now apply for hardship funds as part of the Liberal National Government's $27.5 million Transition Assistance Package.
Transport Minister Dean Nalder said taxi plate owners who had held an ownership interest in a Perth metropolitan taxi plate between July 1, 2014 and December 18, 2015 and were experiencing a reduced income and an inability to liquidate assets due to taxi industry reform could apply for support.
"The $6 million hardship fund is available to eligible Perth metropolitan taxi plate owners who may be suffering severe financial hardship as a direct result of the industry reforms," Mr Nalder said.
"People who are experiencing difficulty in providing life's necessities such as food, shelter clothing, medical expenses, education and other basic requirements are encouraged to apply.
"Taxi plate owners who are unable to liquidate assets in order to meet the costs of those basic necessities or to pay outstanding debts are eligible for support."
The Minister said the State Government had appointed a non-government, independent organisation and independent chairman to determine an applicant's eligibility to access financial assistance from the hardship fund. The chairman will make recommendations to the Minister for consideration and decision.
"These payments will be means and asset-tested and assessed against a set of guidelines, with eligibility reviewed on a case-by-case basis consistent with social security assessments," he said.
"The Government is committed to providing support for existing taxi plate owners during this transition and I encourage those most affected to seek guidance and support to help them through these changes."
All eligible Perth taxi plate owners will be contacted and provided information about the hardship fund.
Fact File
- Application forms and information relating to the $6 million hardship fund is available at http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/hardshipfund
- The hardship fund is separate from the Transition Adjustment Assistance Grant which provides a payment of $20,000 for each Perth metropolitan-owned Conventional and Multi-Purpose taxi plate purchased prior to December 18, 2015 or $6,000 for each owned Peak Period and Area Restricted plate purchased prior to December 18, 2015
Minister's office - 6552 6400
