The Liberal Government continues to be distracted by their obsession to build a billion-dollar stadium in Hobart while Northern Tasmanians living with a disability are left waiting hours for a wheelchair-accessible taxi to arrive at their door.
It appears the government is ignoring the reality that there are not enough disability support services meeting the community's needs.
Transport Minister Michael Ferguson needs to resolve these inadequate transport options to ensure there are enough safe and reliable wheelchair-accessible transport options for the community.
New Horizon Club CEO Belinda Kitto said she has heard multiple stories from participants missing out on important commitments including medical, social and sporting occasions because they have not been able to secure adequate and safe transport.
It is deeply concerning that members living with disability in our community, who are trying to live as self-sufficiently as possible, are unable to secure wheelchair-accessible transport at a time convenient to them.
Paul Lewis, who is an independent taxi operator, has a that licence only allows him to work in the Perth area, restricting his earning potential.
Paul would like the opportunity to operate a wheelchair accessible taxi after experiencing firsthand the difficulty of securing one for his mother.
However, the specialised nature of these vehicles creates a barrier for drivers like Paul to provide this service due to the significant investment required.
"People with disabilities need the certainty of knowing they can get from Point A to Point B in safe and reliable transport when they need it," Mr Lewis said.
"As an independent operator, it means I would be able to expand my service and deliver a trusted transport service to people who are wheelchair bound."
The government says small businesses are the engine room of our economy yet it comes across as lip services when there are so many ways to support business but crucial issues are so often left unresolved.
The government has to get back to basics and ensure that the fundamentals of our community work rather than invest in another stadium that Tasmanians don't need or want.
Janie Finlay MP
Shadow Minister for Small Business
