Victoria’s former taxi industry watchdog takes on boating safety
Newly merged state government entity blends taxi, bus, ride-share safety with boatingA government department set up more than a decade ago to work out why Victoria’s taxi service was in such a mess has now added the state’s recreational boaters to its list of responsibilities.
As of July 1, Transport Safety Victoria was merged with Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria, formerly the Taxi Services Commission. The Taxi Services Commission was originally formed in 2011 to launch an inquiry into the state’s taxi industry in response to a number of concerns aired about its conduct.
The Taxi Services Commission had since evolved into Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria, looking after the smooth operation of the state’s taxis, buses and ride-share services such as Uber, in the lead-up to its merger with Transport Safety Victoria.
Boating will be the only recreational activity that Safe Transport Victoria, which is so new it is yet to formally launch a dedicated website, will manage.
No change for boaters
It has assured the state’s 400,000 boaters who own around 200,000 boats and jet skis that they will not need to change the way they renew their licences or registrations.
“You do not need to do anything,” Safe Transport Victoria said in a statement announcing the merger.
“Your boat licence, vessel registration and bus operator accreditation will be automatically transferred to the new entity. Renewal notices will now be sent by Safe Transport Victoria.
“We look forward to a new era as Safe Transport Victoria.”
A spokesperson for Safe Transport Victoria told boatsales.com.au that bringing the two regulators together would “increase transport safety” by strengthening existing resources, “and allowing experience, skills, monitoring and enforcement to be seamlessly shared across the transport portfolio”.
“Three safety branches – Bus Safety Victoria, Maritime Safety Victoria, and Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria – now sit under the Safe Transport Victoria umbrella,” the spokesperson said.
Better safety outcomes
“Safe Transport Victoria will make it easier for drivers and operators of taxis and rideshare services, buses, recreational boaters and maritime services to access the crucial information and services they need.
“By combining (the) knowledge and experience of our regulatory experts from these industries, we’ll deliver better safety outcomes for our operators and all Victorians who use these essential transport services.
“This move has brought together transport safety regulation in Victoria - supporting our commercial fishing industries and water-based tourism operators - while helping to keep people safe when they are enjoying the recreational water activities they love.”
Of note, the spokesperson said the creation of the new entity had “no impact” on Better Boating Victoria, the group set up to manage the $32 million a year Better Boating Fund and deliver the Victorian Regional Boating Strategy that will set the framework for recreational boating over the next decade.
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