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Disabled and elderly the victims of rethink on taxi subsidies
AMA Victoria has called on the Victorian Government to rethink recent cutbacks to the Multi Purpose Taxi Scheme that has left many of the state’s disabled and elderly without affordable transport.
Until now the elderly and the disabled with restricted mobility relied on the scheme to cover half the cost of taxi fares but changes have meant the implementation of restricted access and an annual subsidy cap of $550 for the majority of users.
AMA Vice-President Dr Mark Yates said modifications to the scheme would have a negative impact on the ability of the most vulnerable in the community to access important community facilities.
“It is of the utmost importance that the aged and the disabled can have ready access to quality healthcare.”
“By imposing changes to the Multi Purpose Taxi Scheme the State Government is doing unequivocal damage to the peace of mind that comes with knowing that medical care is within easy reach for those who often need it most” said Dr Yates.
Dr Yates said that many people using the scheme, including those suffering dementia, would now have their eligibility reviewed by a government panel.
“What is particularly alarming about the altered scheme is the fear that many of the more than 21 000 elderly people attending day care centres, will be isolated from the community due to an inability to travel.”
“By taking away what has been the most affordable means of transport, the State Government is effectively depriving people with a chance to partake in basic community activities.”
Dr Yates said Victorian Transport Minister Peter Batchelor owed it to the public to review changes as a matter of urgency before the disabled are further disadvantaged.
“We implore Mr Bracks and Mr Batchelor to reconsider cutbacks to Subsidised Taxi Schemes and encourage them to consult with various care groups before making any decisions that could crate massive difficulties for the State’s elderly and disabled” said Dr Yates
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