Transport Minister Simon O'Brien has named Barry MacKinnon as the new Chairman of the Taxi Industry Board (TIB).

Mr O’Brien said Mr MacKinnon would drive a strategic approach to improving taxi services for Western Australians and visitors to the state.

“As the former Chairman of the Disability Commission and a former leader of the WA opposition Mr MacKinnon is fully versed in the democratic process and has extensive experience in board management,” Mr O’Brien said.

“He will be a great asset to the board and ensure issues raised by community and industry representatives are examined independently and recommendations are beneficial to all parties involved.”

“Over the coming weeks, Mr MacKinnon will assist me with the selection process for the remaining six Board members.

“Potential Board members are required to demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge and capacity to enable strategic improvement in the taxi industry.

“Successful applicants will not necessarily be required to have direct experience in the industry or be consumers of taxi services and the reason for this is that once all TIB members have been appointed, a Reference Group will be established with consumer and taxi industry representation,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The Reference Group’s role will be to provide the TIB with industry and consumer views on taxi policies.
 
“I believe it is important that the full potential of the taxi industry meeting the needs of its customers is realised and this new structure will ensure that I am provided with informed and considered guidance in relation to this essential service.

 “An expression of interest for membership of both the Board and the Reference Group will be called shortly and I encourage people interested in being part of these improvements to submit an application.

“I look forward to seeing the Board and Reference Group in operation as soon as is possible,” Mr O’Brien said.

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