State slammed for dropping taxi travel subsidy

THE State Government has been accused of showing “callous disregard” for the disabled community over its refusal to extend a travel subsidy.

More than a dozen disabled groups, the LNP and the Taxi Council Queensland are pleading for the Taxi Subsidy Scheme to be extended for two more years for people on the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The State Government subsidy, which covers 50 per cent of a taxi fare to a maximum of $25, is due to be dropped after June 30 for people on the federally funded NDIS.

Up to 10,000 NDIS participants would have access to travel payments under the federal scheme, however disabled groups have raised concerns that users would be worse off.

Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said a petition supporting the subsidy highlighted community outrage.