VA21 Monday 25 March 2002

Veterans' Affairs Minister Danna Vale today denied claims veterans would be

disadvantaged by new tendering guidelines for veterans' transport services.

"New South Wales Council of Social Services' claims that the proposal will result in

veterans losing access to services are baseless and incorrect," Mrs Vale said.

"Under current arrangements, the Department of Veterans' Affairs acts on behalf of eligible

veterans and war widows to provide transport to and from medical appointments.

"These services are being delivered by a range of providers, including hire car and taxi

companies, as well as community transport organisations, through formal and informal

arrangements.

"For some time now ex-service organisations have been calling for veterans to have

greater flexibility and control over their own bookings.

"Under the proposal, veterans and war widows will be able to call a single number, no

matter where they are, that will put them directly through to a local service provider, with

whom they can discuss their specific transport needs.

"The proposal gives veterans and war widows greater flexibility and greater independence

over how they are transported.

Mrs Vale also rejected NCOSS's claims that the proposal would lead to taxi companies

having a monopoly on services.

"All appropriately qualified providers, including community transport organisations, will

have equal opportunity to tender for these services," Mrs Vale said.

"As has always been the case, the Department will be seeking to engage contractors that

have a demonstrated ability to meet the transport needs of veterans, while delivering value

for money, which is our obligation to Australian taxpayers.

"All veteran transport contractors, regardless of whether they use taxis, hire cars or

community transport, are expected to provide a high level of service to their passengers.

"Veterans and war widows can expect to receive that high level of service regardless of

which provider they use."

Minister Vale said an exposure draft of the transport tender guidelines was released earlier

this month and DVA was currently taking comments from transport providers.

"I invite NCOSS to provide me with details of their concerns and encourage them to work

constructively with DVA to ensure that the tender process delivers the best possible result

for the veteran community," she said.