❓ Question regarding taxi driver misconduct and government response. Minister acknowledges the seriousness of the issue and outlines measures being taken to improve safety and security in the taxi industry.
AnsweredQoN 802Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
TAXI INDUSTRY — DRIVER MISCONDUCT
Before I ask my question I would like to acknowledge the safe arrival of the member for West Swan’s twins last week. I refer to recent revelations in The West Australian that taxidrivers who have engaged in inappropriate behaviour such as trying to kiss a nine-year-old or directly asking a passenger for sex have only received cautions or infringements, and I ask — (1) Has the minister personally investigated these claims? (2) Are these drivers still in the industry? (3) Does the state government believe that drivers who behave in this way should remain in the industry? (4) What has the minister done to ensure that these drivers are removed from the industry permanently? Mr T.R. BUSWELL
Before I ask my question I would like to acknowledge the safe arrival of the member for West Swan’s twins last week. I refer to recent revelations in The West Australian that taxidrivers who have engaged in inappropriate behaviour such as trying to kiss a nine-year-old or directly asking a passenger for sex have only received cautions or infringements, and I ask — (1) Has the minister personally investigated these claims? (2) Are these drivers still in the industry? (3) Does the state government believe that drivers who behave in this way should remain in the industry? (4) What has the minister done to ensure that these drivers are removed from the industry permanently? Mr T.R. BUSWELL
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
I refer to recent revelations in The West Australian that taxidrivers who have engaged in inappropriate behaviour such as trying to kiss a nine-year-old or directly asking a passenger for sex have only received cautions or infringements, and I ask — (1) Has the minister personally investigated these claims? (2) Are these drivers still in the industry? (3) Does the state government believe that drivers who behave in this way should remain in the industry? (4) What has the minister done to ensure that these drivers are removed from the industry permanently? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
(1) Has the minister personally investigated these claims? (2) Are these drivers still in the industry? (3) Does the state government believe that drivers who behave in this way should remain in the industry? (4) What has the minister done to ensure that these drivers are removed from the industry permanently? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
(2) Are these drivers still in the industry? (3) Does the state government believe that drivers who behave in this way should remain in the industry? (4) What has the minister done to ensure that these drivers are removed from the industry permanently? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
(3) Does the state government believe that drivers who behave in this way should remain in the industry? (4) What has the minister done to ensure that these drivers are removed from the industry permanently? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
(4) What has the minister done to ensure that these drivers are removed from the industry permanently? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
(1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
I refer to recent revelations in The West Australian that taxidrivers who have engaged in inappropriate behaviour such as trying to kiss a nine-year-old or directly asking a passenger for sex have only received cautions or infringements, and I ask — (1) Has the minister personally investigated these claims? (2) Are these drivers still in the industry? (3) Does the state government believe that drivers who behave in this way should remain in the industry? (4) What has the minister done to ensure that these drivers are removed from the industry permanently? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
(1) Has the minister personally investigated these claims? (2) Are these drivers still in the industry? (3) Does the state government believe that drivers who behave in this way should remain in the industry? (4) What has the minister done to ensure that these drivers are removed from the industry permanently? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
(2) Are these drivers still in the industry? (3) Does the state government believe that drivers who behave in this way should remain in the industry? (4) What has the minister done to ensure that these drivers are removed from the industry permanently? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
(3) Does the state government believe that drivers who behave in this way should remain in the industry? (4) What has the minister done to ensure that these drivers are removed from the industry permanently? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
(4) What has the minister done to ensure that these drivers are removed from the industry permanently? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. (1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
(1)–(4) In relation to the first aspect, I have not received any additional advice in relation to the issue with the young girl. I have received advice in relation to the issue of the driver who in my view entirely inappropriately requested or made requests of his female passengers. That driver’s licence is currently suspended, and it is my understanding that that driver will not be returning to the industry. This is a significant issue. The behaviour of taxidrivers and the behaviour of some taxi customers is something that not only concerns the government, but also I think there is a broader level of concern across the community. That is why we are doing things to address it. That is why we are investing in new security cameras in our cabs. As of Monday this week, there are 122 security cameras fitted to our cabs that record image and voice, which will help enormously in the investigation of the types of complaint that the Leader of the Opposition raised. One of the issues that arises in these circumstances is that when the matters are referred to the police, on 50 per cent of the occasions when police request closed-circuit television or in-car footage, it is unable to be provided. That is not a good outcome. That is why we are investing the money in the new cameras; the new cameras will address that situation. That is why we are investing in a major review. Mr E.S. Ripper : Aren’t you late with those new cameras? Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : No. The opposition never did it when it was in government. I would be very careful — Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You’ve been in government for three years or more. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : And they are going in. There are 144 in, and there is a rollout program across a two-year period. There are 2 000 cabs in Western Australia. The newer cabs have cameras that are a lot more effective; the older cabs have cameras that are largely defective. They are being replaced. Let me again state in this house that we have made, and will continue to make, a concerted effort to improve safety and security in our cabs. Cabs should be safe places. When a person gets in a cab in the evening to go home, they should be able to do so safely and with an expectation that it will be safe. When a cab driver gets in his or her cab to go to work, they should do so with an expectation that they will not be assaulted or bashed. These are serious matters that we are addressing. Not only are the cameras going in the cars, but also a new secure rank will be opening soon in Northbridge. We have dramatically increased the number of compliance vehicles on the road on Friday and Saturday nights, when 40 per cent of taxi trips are taken, and there are now more and more inspections of cabs. I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
I will give members a very simple statistic. In 2008, there were 717 inspections of taxis; last year there were 5 035. Vehicles are not inspected without an investment in resources and vehicles are not inspected without an intent to make a difference. We have, Leader of the Opposition, an intent to make a difference; we have an intent to improve the taxi industry in terms of security, standards and availability. The only party in this chamber that opposes improvements to the taxi industry around availability and standards, including the security cameras, is the opposition. The opposition’s only piece of public policy engagement around the taxi industry has been in two areas: firstly, to oppose the introduction of new cabs on the roads to enable people to actually get a cab when they want one; and, secondly, to paint them gold. We have a serious agenda to make cabs safer; the former Labor government did not.
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