Taxi Council South Australia

Formulated a Code of Practice for taxi operators and drivers, which gained acceptance by Government and formed the basis of current legislation.

Negotiated and won the rights to administer a pilot feeder service at Hallett Cove Beach. The service was so successful it was continued on a commercial basis following a tender.

Established TAXI WATCH which is widely accepted as an excellent community policing scheme.

Conducted Feasibility Study of the Potential Role of Taxis in Community Transport which is being used as a blueprint by various councils when planning passenger transport needs.

Developed formal shift lease agreements to provide legal protection and an alternative contractual agreement for drivers and owners.

Negotiated and won the rights to conduct the first national taxi conference to be held in Adelaide for over 10 years. The conference was the most successful conference run by the Australian Taxi Industry Association attracting 440 participants.

Continued a policy of active involvement in training through membership of the Transport and Storage Skills Centre and Transport and Distribution Training Council.

Secured membership of the Adelaide Convention and Tourism Authority.

Contributed to various Regional and Government planning reviews and studies i.e. 2020 Vision, Northern Adelaide Plan, Southern Areas Transport Advisory Committee, Southern Communities Transport Scheme etc.

Secured several country taxi companies as members of SATA.

Secured Access Cabs as members and promoted an awareness within the taxi industry of taxi users with disabilities.

Promoted the use of taxis as an alternative to drink driving through the major campaign “Who’s Taking You Home Tonight?”

Conducted a series of Industry Seminars with a focus on “Cab Image”.

Maintained and developed this State’s national recognition (TCSA) is the only organisation recognised through membership of the Australian Taxi Industry Association and the International Taxi-Cab and Livery Association).

Encouraged and participated in a variety of Regulation changes and reviews.

Contributed to the implementation of the successful television campaign “Take a Taxi”.

Negotiated the establishment of the Aberfoyle Hub feeder service through meetings with Happy Valley Council and STA.

SATA provided the administration support for the Taxi Industry Advisory Panel (TIAP)

Supported ATIA in the Australian Taxation Office Federal Court case and we won. Taxi drivers are now not deemed to be employees for the purposes of the Australian Taxation Act – which means you do not have to handle PAYE (tax installments) and contribute to the Superannuation Guarantee Levy.

Prepared and lodged a submission to the Ministers for Local Government and Transport on behalf of 200 country taxi operators, proposing that the licensing of country taxis come under the umbrella of the Passenger Transport Board.

Prepared a submission to the state government proposing that taxi operators be exempted from paying Workcover Levies in lieu of a special insurance cover for drivers.

Prepared numerous submissions to the state and federal governments with a view of enhancing the viability of taxis in South Australia.

Represented members and the taxi industry on numerous committees, boards and inquiries to ensure that our voice is properly heard.

Gained registration as a Registered Training Organisation authorised to offer and run state and federal accredited courses (including the PTB Taxi Driver Accreditation Course for new drivers).

Established the Taxi Industry Training Centre to deliver a high standard of training using industry qualified trainers and assessors.

Took over the transfer and leasing of licences and the responsibility for lost property from the Passenger Transport Board.

Assisted members by providing advice on a wide range of matters including attendance in court.

Through careful management of the Association’s affairs, was able to keep membership fees at $4.00 per week (workers union fees commence at $8.00 per week).

Applied for taxi fare increases on behalf of the industry.

Assisted members with vehicle maintenance and warranty matters.

Organised the 1998 State taxi Industry Conference at the Lakes Resort Hotel.

Tendered and won the right to organise and run the Year 2000 Australian Taxi Industry Association national conference in Adelaide.

Provide free quasi-legal advice to members and a referral service to our solicitors.

Actively recruited and trained new taxi drivers.

Presentations from all camera suppliers before they became compulsory.

Assistance with parking and traffic infringement notices.

The National Competition Policy reforms and the threat of deregulation of the taxi industry.

The provision of a wide range of high standard state and federally accredited training courses and continued to recruit and train new drivers.

The battle to ensure the continued viability of the taxi industry in this state.

Assistance to taxi companies to tender for bus routes and other contracts involving the increased use of taxis.

Consultation with Adelaide Airport Ltd to ensure the best available access and facilities for our taxis at Adelaide Airport.

The improvement of value added services to our members including competitive domestic insurance premiums.

The recruitment of new members.

The establishment of a Taxi Industry Council.

Further outsourcing of PTB and Registration and Licensing Branch functions.

Continue to fight to improve the image and maintenance of superior customer service in the SA Taxi Industry.

After numerous meetings with Airport management, SATA decided to provide “Taxi Customer Service Officers”. Fully funded out of member’s funds they worked at the rank and the layoff providing service to taxis and assistance to the airlines’ passengers.

Since all three radio companies have united and became members, the Committee considered that freshening of SATA’s image was needed and as such it resolved to commence the process by pursuing a new association name, Taxi Council SA and a new logo.

In a combined planning and decision making process, industry and government together developed and implemented “One Stop Shop” at Netley. For the first time since the dissolution of the Metropolitan Cab Board our Operators can streamline these functions and payments at the one location, giving more time to our cabbies to get on with business.

With the support of the Premier’s Taxi Council the TCSA managed to have the expiation fee raised from $28 to $45 for vehicles illegally parked in taxi ranks. At a recent meeting, the Premier signaled his intention to raise it again to $70.

The Taxi Council magazine bi-monthly. The Taxi Council recently entered into an agreement with Bowden Printing for the printing and the procurement of advertising.

Developed and run the Taxi Driver of the Year Awards, The 2007 will be the tenth year of the awards. They provide recognition to taxi drivers who provide an excellent standard of customer service.

Established an “Industry Information” Bulletin system to distribute information to drivers and the industry.

The Council organised Taxi Concierges at ranks around Adelaide metropolitan area to provide service, information and orderly to passengers and drivers.

Hosted the Australian Taxi Industry National 2007 Conference.

Established Sub-Committees to focus on various sections of the industry eg. Taxi Ranks, Industry Future.

Conducted a “be patient” campaign during the peak periods of November and December.