The Andrews Labor Government must take immediate action to resolve the transport issues impacting the Australian Open.
Reports of taxi drivers unreasonably refusing fares or demanding cash-only trips is unacceptable and is harming Victoria’s reputation as an international events destination.
Worse still, these incidents have the potential to leave vulnerable Victorians – including the elderly, those with disabilities and young women unable to safely travel home.
Shadow Minster for Public Transport, Richard Riordan, said the current situation was untenable and the Andrews Labor Government needs to step in.
“The Victorian Government must take immediate action to ensure that visitors are not victim to price gouging and can enjoy Victoria without an undue burden when travelling to and from events,” Mr Riordan said.
Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sport and Events, Sam Groth, said Melbourne’s reputation as the events capital of Australia was at risk unless this issue was resolved.
“If Melbourne wants to maintain its position as the major events capital of Australia, the Victorian Government must take action to ensure that visitors to our city have the appropriate services to travel safely, efficiently and affordably,” Mr Groth said.
“Services for major events don’t stop at the stadium gates, we need to create an environment that has the capacity to handle the major influx of visitors and accommodate a thriving schedule of major national and international events.”
