| 
July
2007
FROM
THE CEO
On behalf
of the VTA, and I’m sure all those involved with the
taxi industry, I extend condolences to the families and friends
of those killed in the Kerang train disaster.
Our thoughts are
also with those who survived the event and who will no doubt
be scarred by the terror and trauma they experienced and witnessed.
In the June edition
of Taxi Talk, the VTA advised of its opposition to changes
to taxi driver entry requirements regarding to the period
a full Victorian driver licence must held by new arrivals.
Instead, the VTA called for all overseas arrivals wishing
to be issued with a Victorian driver licence to be properly
tested by VicRoads, including a proper drive test.
It is pleasing
to note that the VTA is not a lone voice on this important
public policy and safety issue.
Coroner Jane Hendtlass
in handing down her finding in regard to the death of a child
struck by a motor vehicle recommended that VicRoads undertake
a drive test for certain new arrivals seeking a Victorian
driver licence.
The VTA continues
its call for the Victorian Government to quit pussy footing
around with this important matter and immediately require
VicRoads to properly test all arrivals from overseas who wish
to be granted a Victorian driver licence.
If they do this,
the scheme must block off the opportunity of obtaining a driver
licence in another State or Territory without a drive test.
Otherwise, it is too easy to then convert such other licence
to a Victorian licence, still without a drive test.
After all, it is
a privilege to hold a Victorian driver licence, not a right,
and this privilege must only be granted after competence is
demonstrated.
On the subject
of drivers, taxi driver accreditation is now with us (1 July)
with certification giving way to accreditation. On the surface
not much appears to have changed, but dig a bit deeper and
it has.
Under this new
driver accreditation regime the focus is squarely on performance.
But, time will tell whether the intended benefits are realized.
More than just the words will have to change.
Neil Sach
VTA CEO
|
