RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

As the community transport sector continues to navigate regulatory, funding and technology reform, our providers, supported by the CTO, have remained engaged, active and united, advocating for funding and regulation pursuant to the needs of our communities and preparing the industry for transition. The CTO has continued to consult with its members and advocate on their behalf to ensure the community transport sector is included in the decision making process and is part of every Government related decision across health, disability, aged care and infrastructure.

Since the beginning of 2024, we have submitted four position papers to Government outlining key requests for supporting equitable and inclusive transport:

Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme & WAT Driver Incentive Scheme Eligibility 

Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) Review

Consultation Paper – Exposure Draft Aged Care Legislation

CTO Response to the Disability Royal Commission 

In the past 12 months we have:

• Presented the importance of eligibility for community transport within the IPTAAS Program at the NSW Parliamentary Select Committee
  on Remote, Rural and Regional Health.
• Provided independent support and guidance to help providers navigate the recent major technological transition in the community transport industry.
• Developed the first sector-wide Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to promote cultural competency in service delivery.
• Facilitated Regional Transport Forums across NSW to enhance networking and collaboration within the sector and rebuild regional participation following COVID.
• Hosted the CTO Illuminate Conference – a gathering of more than 250 delegates from across the community transport industry, government stakeholders, industry partners and commercial partners
• Developed a CTO Position statement on transport for people living with a Disability: ‘Transport Reimagined – Community Transport delivering accessible and reliable transport for people with a disability’.
• Launched the first CTO Academy – a transport specific e-learning platform available nationwide to build capability for sustainable service delivery of safe, quality, person centred, care-based transport.  Currently comprising 14 modules that include:
  • Safe operation of a wheel chair accessible vehicle
  • Driver Obligations Vol 1 & Vol 2
  • Governance
  • Knowing and Understanding Your Clients

ONGOING MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

• Strong Information Pathways – weekly newsletter and Industry knowledge-based webinars.
• Relevant and current website.
• Issues identification, risk mitigation, and solution-finding.
• Advocacy through State and Federal Government.
• Participation in sector-wide research, consultation, and discussion forums.
• Partner with members to plan and innovate for future efficiency, productivity, growth and sustainability.
• Discounted tickets to Australia’s largest Community Transport Conference to bring together community transport providers, funders, government stakeholders, academics, industry experts and supporters to learn, discuss, workshop, network and share ideas. 
• Representation at stakeholder forums such as ACCPA, ACOSS, ATAC and more.
• Access to Partner relationships.
• Training and professional development support.
• Cultivation of strong cross sector stakeholder relationships.
• Marketing and Communications resources and support.
• Strong sector leadership.