3 May 2010: Australia: We have missed the bus, train and the ferry!

[ozbob]

Media Release 3 May 2010

Australia:  We have missed the bus, train and the ferry!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has said the Federal Government's response to the Henry Tax review ignores most of the recommendations made in the review process particularly with respect to congestion management (1).  Unless congestion is brought under control it matters little with tinkering at the edges of superannuation and taxes as the costs of congestion will swamp any notional longer term gains.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Henry Tax Review was a great opportunity to move forward with congestion management initiatives. A true user pays system for road use would have gone a long way to cutting the costs of congestion.  The State Infrastructure Funding description is vague and is under capitalised for a true meaningful impact (2)."

"Public transport throughout Australia needs significant investment.  For too long roads have sucked up most of the transport capital for little return.  Congestion costs are escalating and threaten to stagnate the economy.  The funding paradigm for transport needs turning.  The Henry Tax Review recognised that, it is to our peril that those recommendations were ignored."

References:

1. http://www.futuretax.gov.au/pages/default.aspx

2. http://www.futuretax.gov.au/pages/InvestingInInfrastructure.aspx

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

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