e-Blast: Taxi subsidy scheme extended until end of October 2021

QDN commends the Palaszczuk Government’s announcement to ensure National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants continue to have access to taxi subsidies.

Queensland’s Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS), which provides a co-contribution payment of up to $25 per trip for NDIS participants with disability who are unable to use other forms passenger transport, will be extended until the end of October 2021. 

The Palaszczuk Government has also agreed to extend TSS memberships due to expire on June 30 by another six months and would continue the lift incentive payment for drivers of wheelchair accessible taxis to give priority to TSS members who are required to travel in a wheelchair.   This means close to 4,000 members won’t have to visit their doctors and organise a certificate to prove membership is still required, which is particularly beneficial during this COVID-19 time.

A copy of the media release by the Minister for Transport can be found here.

QDN has led a concerted campaign over many years, with people with disability, our allies and the broader disability sector to secure certainty and continuity for people with disability.  It is important for all Queenslanders to have access to transport, and this measure will make sure there are not funding gaps for NDIS participants.

The TSS is a vital subsidy that provides an accessible option in circumstances where there is a lack of accessible public and private transport options, especially regional, rural and remote communities, or where a person cannot use public transport due to the complexity of their condition.  It allows people with disability to have their rights upheld as a citizen of their community.

QDN will continue to campaign for longer term improvements in relation to the TSS and assessible, affordable transport options.