❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses concerns about tour and charter operators competing with taxi services in Albany, questioning government action, deregulation intentions, background checks, and future licensing plans. The government denies intentions to deregulate and outlines existing regulatory frameworks and compliance actions.
AnsweredQoN 617Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
TAXI SERVICE - ALBANY
My question relates to taxi services in Albany and to the questions I asked on 22 August 2006. (1) Given that the government has taken limited action only to prevent tour and charter licence operators from engaging in direct competition with taxi operators, what further action does the government propose to protect the livelihood and investment of licensed taxi operators? (2) Does the government intend to use the granting of tour and charter licences as a means of deregulating the taxi industry? (3) What background checks are conducted on tour and charter licence applicants? (4) Does the government plan to issue further tour and charter licences in Albany and the great southern? Hon KATE DOUST
My question relates to taxi services in Albany and to the questions I asked on 22 August 2006. (1) Given that the government has taken limited action only to prevent tour and charter licence operators from engaging in direct competition with taxi operators, what further action does the government propose to protect the livelihood and investment of licensed taxi operators? (2) Does the government intend to use the granting of tour and charter licences as a means of deregulating the taxi industry? (3) What background checks are conducted on tour and charter licence applicants? (4) Does the government plan to issue further tour and charter licences in Albany and the great southern? Hon KATE DOUST
AnswerView source ↗
On behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The government’s taxi and tour and charter regulatory framework sets out rules for TC bus and taxi operations. When TC buses operate like taxis, the government will take and has taken compliance action. (2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
(1) Given that the government has taken limited action only to prevent tour and charter licence operators from engaging in direct competition with taxi operators, what further action does the government propose to protect the livelihood and investment of licensed taxi operators? (2) Does the government intend to use the granting of tour and charter licences as a means of deregulating the taxi industry? (3) What background checks are conducted on tour and charter licence applicants? (4) Does the government plan to issue further tour and charter licences in Albany and the great southern? Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The government’s taxi and tour and charter regulatory framework sets out rules for TC bus and taxi operations. When TC buses operate like taxis, the government will take and has taken compliance action. (2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
(2) Does the government intend to use the granting of tour and charter licences as a means of deregulating the taxi industry? (3) What background checks are conducted on tour and charter licence applicants? (4) Does the government plan to issue further tour and charter licences in Albany and the great southern? Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The government’s taxi and tour and charter regulatory framework sets out rules for TC bus and taxi operations. When TC buses operate like taxis, the government will take and has taken compliance action. (2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
(3) What background checks are conducted on tour and charter licence applicants? (4) Does the government plan to issue further tour and charter licences in Albany and the great southern? Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The government’s taxi and tour and charter regulatory framework sets out rules for TC bus and taxi operations. When TC buses operate like taxis, the government will take and has taken compliance action. (2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
(4) Does the government plan to issue further tour and charter licences in Albany and the great southern? Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The government’s taxi and tour and charter regulatory framework sets out rules for TC bus and taxi operations. When TC buses operate like taxis, the government will take and has taken compliance action. (2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The government’s taxi and tour and charter regulatory framework sets out rules for TC bus and taxi operations. When TC buses operate like taxis, the government will take and has taken compliance action. (2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
On behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The government’s taxi and tour and charter regulatory framework sets out rules for TC bus and taxi operations. When TC buses operate like taxis, the government will take and has taken compliance action. (2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
(1) The government’s taxi and tour and charter regulatory framework sets out rules for TC bus and taxi operations. When TC buses operate like taxis, the government will take and has taken compliance action. (2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
(2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
(3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
(4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
(1) Given that the government has taken limited action only to prevent tour and charter licence operators from engaging in direct competition with taxi operators, what further action does the government propose to protect the livelihood and investment of licensed taxi operators? (2) Does the government intend to use the granting of tour and charter licences as a means of deregulating the taxi industry? (3) What background checks are conducted on tour and charter licence applicants? (4) Does the government plan to issue further tour and charter licences in Albany and the great southern? Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The government’s taxi and tour and charter regulatory framework sets out rules for TC bus and taxi operations. When TC buses operate like taxis, the government will take and has taken compliance action. (2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
(2) Does the government intend to use the granting of tour and charter licences as a means of deregulating the taxi industry? (3) What background checks are conducted on tour and charter licence applicants? (4) Does the government plan to issue further tour and charter licences in Albany and the great southern? Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The government’s taxi and tour and charter regulatory framework sets out rules for TC bus and taxi operations. When TC buses operate like taxis, the government will take and has taken compliance action. (2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
(3) What background checks are conducted on tour and charter licence applicants? (4) Does the government plan to issue further tour and charter licences in Albany and the great southern? Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The government’s taxi and tour and charter regulatory framework sets out rules for TC bus and taxi operations. When TC buses operate like taxis, the government will take and has taken compliance action. (2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
(4) Does the government plan to issue further tour and charter licences in Albany and the great southern? Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The government’s taxi and tour and charter regulatory framework sets out rules for TC bus and taxi operations. When TC buses operate like taxis, the government will take and has taken compliance action. (2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
Hon KATE DOUST replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The government’s taxi and tour and charter regulatory framework sets out rules for TC bus and taxi operations. When TC buses operate like taxis, the government will take and has taken compliance action. (2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
On behalf of the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) The government’s taxi and tour and charter regulatory framework sets out rules for TC bus and taxi operations. When TC buses operate like taxis, the government will take and has taken compliance action. (2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
(1) The government’s taxi and tour and charter regulatory framework sets out rules for TC bus and taxi operations. When TC buses operate like taxis, the government will take and has taken compliance action. (2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
(2) No. (3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
(3) Character references are sought on applicants for TC licences. Drivers of TC buses are required to have an F endorsement on their motor driver’s licence. To obtain an F-class endorsement, applicants must have a clear criminal record and be of good health, which is the same requirement for country taxi drivers. (4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
(4) Omnibus licences are issued on application providing the criteria for the licence are met. However, in view of the concerns about the use of TC plates for taxi-like purposes, great care will be taken before any additional plates are issued.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.