18/6/98
Transport Minister Eric Charlton today refuted claims that the review into transport assistance for students was a cost-cutting exercise.
"The review is aimed at finding the most equitable solution for parents across the State whose children needed to catch buses to get to school," Mr Charlton said.
"The task of providing assistance to students was transferred from Education to Transport in 1995 and this exercise provides the opportunity for all parties to have input.
"We want to develop the best and most equitable system and to do that we require feedback from the community."
Mr Charlton said he refuted accusations that the review group, chaired by Mrs Barbara Morrell, was aimed purely at cost-cutting.
"There are obviously fears among contractors that the services could shrink but this has never been the objective," he said.
"We want to put in place a student transport assistance scheme which suits everybody and most importantly provides people with options and flexibility about accessing their school of choice.
"It is important for everybody to understand that this exercise is not about reviewing contractual agreements; it is about the level and type of service being provided to the community."
Mr Charlton said the review was about identifying weaknesses in the system and, through interaction with the community, find ways of rectifying them.
For further information contact Barbara Morrell on 041 2381418.
Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333
