As South Australians grapple with a cost-of-living crisis, the Malinauskas Labor Government is again breaking its promise to not introduce, nor increase, state taxes.
Today the government revealed it is proposing to double the point-to-point levy by adding another $1 to every taxi and ride-share journey, a 100% increase on the current tax.
“Every time a passenger jumps into a cab or a ride-share the proposed hike would mean they will be forced to pay $2 to solve Labor’s former mismanagement,” said Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.
The money will fund a proposed taxi plate buy-back scheme.
“Since the Malinauskas Government was elected, Labor has delivered a 28% increase in rates and fees.
The point-to-point transport levy was introduced in 2017 to assist taxi licence holders to move to a new regulatory model but a government review heard from the taxi industry that the transition has had a devastating impact on them.
While the wide-ranging review into the state’s Passenger Transport Act is welcome, South Australians can’t continue to pay more taxes to pay for Labor’s mismanagement.
“The previous Labor government threw the taxi industry under the proverbial bus when rideshare came into the state. Now Minister Koutsantonis is passing the buck to South Australians to fork out for their reform package.
“We are not against the Labor government finally admitting to failing the taxi industry, or providing support, but in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, how can it justify passing the cost onto consumers?
While the review’s outcomes, which have only just been released, will require time for the Opposition to fully consider, there are some positive aspects welcomed by Mr Hood.
“Businessowners and those engaged in tourism and hospitality are screaming out for the introduction of rideshare services in the regions so it is welcome news that one of the recommendations is to remove those barriers.
“I also hope that the Access Taxi recommendations will make it easier and more accessible for those who require that form of transport because excessive wait times and cancelled pick-ups is unacceptable.