Australia’s community transport faces tipping point, says ACTA
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The Australian Community Transport Association (ACTA) is set to tackle key issues facing the sector at the National Community Transport Conference 2024.
With a focus on aged care and NDIS reforms, the event aims to equip providers with the tools and knowledge needed to enhance service delivery and shape the future of community transport in Australia.
This year’s conference theme, “Sustainable Mobility: Navigating the Future Together, Tipping Point,” underscores the critical moment the sector faces. Presentations from the Department of Health and Aged Care and the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority will provide essential insights from a governmental perspective. Topics to be discussed include service delivery improvement, service costs and fees, driver safety, cyber risk, and ACTA’s involvement in the Community Transport Pricing Policy pilot.
ACTA CEO Murray Coates emphasised the urgency of the moment, stating, “Community transport delivery has reached a tipping point, and 2024 presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop ground-breaking models and policies that will build and maintain a sustainable, efficient community transport sector.”
Australia’s community transport system is vital for approximately 237,500 elderly people and those with health conditions or impairments. It plays a crucial role in maintaining independence, ensuring medical appointments are kept, and fostering social connections, making it much more than just a mode of transportation.
The conference will also address the needs of the providers and the extensive volunteer workforce that keeps the system running. Nationwide, 10,000 volunteers and staff contribute to covering 95.7 million kilometres each year, with volunteers dedicating over 2 million hours annually.
The conference will also showcase the latest advancements in transport technology, with demonstrations of accessible vehicle conversions and electric vehicle innovations aimed at ensuring a sustainable future.
As the only national peak body for community transport, ACTA provides a crucial platform for networking among transport providers, government officials, academics, and industry specialists.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
