The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to improving the lives of Tasmanians living with disability, with the next stage of the Sustainable Transport Solution underway.
The Tasmanian Government has engaged the services of National Disability Services (NDS) to undertake an industry examination of accessible vehicle availability across Tasmania.
Minister for Disability Services, Jo Palmer, said access to safe, secure and reliable transport for people living with disability is key to creating a more inclusive Tasmania.
"The Tasmanian Government is committed to improving the lives of the one in four Tasmanians who live with disability," Minister Palmer said.
"Our roundtable last year focussed on understanding unmet transport demand and this audit will help determine the opportunities available to make better use of underutilised disability service vehicles that could help meet the demand of our disability community."
Minister for Transport, Eric Abetz, said taking a deeper look at industry vehicle availability will play a vital role in delivering the Government's Sustainable Transport Solution.
"We know that taxi and ridesharing services are very limited in some areas of Tasmania, and we are looking for innovative solutions to address some long-standing transport challenges that Tasmanians living with disability continue to face," Minister Abetz said.
"An important part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is to help develop stronger communities for all Tasmanians."
National Disability Services State Manager Lizzie Castles said NDS Tasmania, as the leading peak body in Tasmania and Australia for disability organisations, is pleased to be working with the Tasmanian Government to undertake the project.
"This disability sector is deeply committed to pioneering innovative strategies that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve full social and economic inclusion within the community and access to transport plays a key role in achieving full inclusion," Ms Castles said.
The final report and recommendations for the Tasmanian Government to consider is expected to be handed down in early June 2025.
