Kennett poised to reform ‘crippled’ taxi industry, makes suicide claims

NEIL MITCHELL EXCLUSIVE

Matthew Guy will appoint former Premier Jeff Kennett to take charge of Victoria’s taxi industry if he wins November’s state election.

Mr Kennett confirmed on 3AW that will become head of Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria, replacing the taxi commission, if Mr Guy becomes premier.

He also claimed recent changes to the taxi industry, most noticeably the devaluing of taxi licences in the wake of the ride-sharing introduction, have led to suicides.

“I’m aware of three or four,” the current Hawthorn football president told Neil Mitchell.

“There was almost last week another one that we were able to pull from the brink.

“(Transport Minister Jacinta Allan) knows of one or two in her own electorate who are just crippled; they’re not only crippled financially, they’ve worked all their lives.”

Mr Kennett said he would also be happy to take on the role under an Andrews government.

“I can’t fix what has happened,” he said.

“I can’t dwell on this, it’s only part of the role. I want to rebuild the credibility of the industry.

“I want people to understand this is a terribly important part of Victoria life.”

Click PLAY to hear the full interview