Rita Saffioti: A few bad eggs are affecting the entire taxi industry and now its time to crack down

West Australian

a day ago

1. We have many hard working taxi drivers in the taxi industry but recently we have received complaints about drivers refusing to use meters and drivers not appropriately displaying their authorisation. It's unfortunate because this behaviour is impacting the whole industry, and those doing the right thing. This is why we're doing a compliance crackdown. Working with the Department of Transport we will be looking at undercover compliance officers, increasing spot checks at taxi ranks and also educating the community on their rights and the rules around taxi use.
2. WA's first residential battery rebate scheme opened this week. Up to 100,000 households will be able to access the rebates including up to $5000 for Synergy customers and up to $7500 for Horizon Power customers. No interest loans of up to $10,000 are also available for eligible customers. It could save households up to $1500 annually.
3. We have now passed more than 500,000 fares booked under our landmark Regional Capped Airfares Scheme. That's one fare every three minutes. This scheme is saving regional families thousands of dollars and giving people peace of mind that if they need to fly to Perth for urgent family or personal reasons, they won't be stung with high prices.
4. Incredible to see so many kids from the regions in Perth for Country Week this year. We know how important this week is for so many regional kids and their families, which is why we're providing $8 million over the next four years to help families with the cost, so more students can attend.
5. I was able to get up to Geraldton this week to chat to local groups about funding we're providing for better sporting facilities. Looking forward to delivering new change rooms at the very busy sports park, and big improvements to the netball facilities.
6. The Matildas play their first ever game in Bunbury this Saturday. What an incredible event it will be for the Bunbury community to see these elite athletes in action. We're proud to have supported this game and want to see more top level sports played in our regions.
7. A reminder that the WA Student Assistance Payment applications close Friday. Parents can claim $250 for each secondary student and $150 for each kindergarten or primary student. Head to the Department of Education website for more information.
8. Great news this week that the short-term rental accommodation and vacant property rental incentive schemes have been extended until the end of this year. Since we established the schemes in the past 18 months, we've added more than 700 homes to long term rental stock across the State. We're looking at every opportunity to boost housing supply.
9. Dockers fans. We're on roll. Six in a row as we head over to Sydney. If we win here, is it time to start dreaming? Hoping the ground holds up.
10. Speaking of the Dockers — what a great game it was last week for the Starlight Foundation. Thanks to everyone that supported the event and donated to such an incredible cause.