Opposition Senator Andre Worrell is advising Government that it may have to provide private sector companies with incentives to allow them to hire people with disabilities. Senator Worrell says the national development fund may need to consider providing grants for organisations to make their work spaces disabled-friendly. He made the suggestion during his contribution to the Resolution: National Policy for Improving the Lives of Persons with Disabilities.

Government Senator Lisa Cummins wants to see vehicles illegally parked in disabled parking spaces towed away. Senator Cummins made the call while throwing support behind the amendment to the Road Traffic Act to raise the penalty for illegal parking in disabled parking spaces from $500 to $5000. The Minister of Energy and Business Development says there needs to be a stricter response to persistent violations. She was making her contribution to the Resolution: National Policy for Improving the Lives of Persons with Disabilities. Senator Cummins adds those guilty of parking in spaces allocated for the disabled must consider that they are inconveniencing these vulnerable individuals.

In light of recent robberies and shooting incidents, PSV operators are thinking about their own safety. The Alliance Owners of Public Transport is especially concerned and is calling on members to install cameras in all PSVs and also implement other measures to protect workers. Director of Communications and Public Affairs Mark A. Haynes says security systems are costly, but necessary and worthwhile. He notes it is not fair that after working long hours, PSV operators are robbed of their earnings. Mr. Haynes says commuters must also be vigilant and look out for suspicious behaviours on PSVs. He adds that the PSV umbrella body also awaiting the introduction of the proposed cashless payment system.