With the budget back in balance the Hodgman Liberal Government can continue to invest in support for Tasmanians in need.
I am pleased to announce the Taxi Subsidy Safety Net Scheme has been extended for an extra 12 months, until 30 June 2018.
We have listened and responded to the concerns of people who felt they would have diminished access to transport support once the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) kicks in, by ensuring a safety net remains in place.
The Taxi Subsidy Safety Net Scheme provides Taxi Subsidy Scheme members extra time to adjust to the changes brought about by the introduction of the NDIS.
The Government continues to work with the National Disability Insurance Agency, the Australian Government and other state and territory governments to make sure Taxi Subsidy Scheme members get the transport support they need when they become NDIS participants.
Taxi Subsidy Scheme members aged 4-11 and 29-34 who are due to become NDIS participants in 2017-18 will also be able to continue to use their Taxi Subsidy Scheme smartcards until 30 June 2018.
From today the Department of State Growth will be contacting affected Taxi Subsidy Scheme and Safety Net members about this change.