Opposition Leader and Shadow Transport Minister Shane Love has again called on the Cook Labor Government to speed-up the delivery of the legislation needed to fix the tow truck industry.
The repeated calls follow a WA Police operation targeting Perth’s tow truck sector, revealing over a dozen drivers alleged to be operating under the influence of drugs while driving, as well as uncovering direct connections between businesses and outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Mr Love used Parliamentary Question Time to ask Transport Minister Rita Saffioti why West Australian motorists have been left waiting seven years for the long-promised action.
“Once again the Minister gave bland assurances about the progress of the reform and when West Australians might finally expect to see a draft bill,” Mr Love said.
“The people of Western Australia were given assurances of bolstered consumer protection and measures by the WA Labor Government to address the violent behaviour in the industry.
“Despite these promises made a year ago, vulnerable motorists are still burdened with exorbitant towing and storage fees or, worse yet, exposed to the risk of violence.”
Mr Love said the Minister has procrastinated on this issue for months, concrete actions must be taken to safeguard both motorists and the industry operators who uphold their responsibilities.
The Opposition is pressing the WA Labor Government for explanations regarding the prolonged delay in implementing their touted ‘second phase’ of tow truck industry reforms.
“Despite the grand promises made by WA Labor, Western Australia finds itself in a state of uncertainty, questioning the whereabouts of these long-awaited legislation and background checks,” Mr Love said.
“As West Australian motorists remain vulnerable to unscrupulous practices, some even falling victim to violent incidents on our roads, Minister Saffioti’s inaction on these reforms is unacceptable.”
“The WA Labor Government must take immediate action to address this situation and deliver a draft bill. The time for action is now.”
