2025-02-17
The Greens NSW are calling on the Minns Labor Government to reform the regulation of NSW taxi and rideshare services following the latest in a long series of reports into the experiences of disabled people.
The latest reports are horrifying and particularly graphic, but unfortunately unsurprising, with the Greens having raised repeated and persistent issues regarding the experiences of people with disabilities to the NSW Government and the Point to Point Commissioner
as recently as late last year.
Quotes attributable to Abigail Boyd, Greens NSW MP and Spokesperson for Disability Rights and Inclusion:
“This is a well-known issue identified across jurisdictions by the disability community and advocates, and yet governments have failed to act with the urgency needed to protect vulnerable taxi and rideshare users from abuse, harassment and discrimination.
“Governments have known for years that the current regulatory framework leaves vulnerable members of our community, including disabled people, particularly vulnerable to abuse, exploitation and mistreatment.
“This government has been quick to crack down on any number of issues in the name of supposed community safety, but when it comes to clear evidence of systemic abuse and exploitation of disabled people, it’s radio silence. The Minns Labor government needs to get its priorities in order, because it’s simply not good enough.
“Taxi and rideshare services are widely used by disabled people as an essential form of daily transport. Governments must act now to ensure everyone can travel safely and without fear of harm, harassment and discrimination.
“The Greens are calling on the NSW Government to urgently order a review into the taxi regulator’s complaint-handling system, its powers to investigate discrimination and harassment and its resourcing capacity to enforce compliance.”
For further comment:
Angus Hoy - 0416 130 969
abigail.boyd@parliament.nsw.gov.au