Community Transport Services Tasmania
 

Mr President, I rise to shed light on the exceptional work of Community Transport Services Tasmania, or CTST.  Members may recall CTST's work from its response to the Inquiry into Rural Health Services in Tasmania.  CTST is a not-for-profit charitable organisation with a rich history spanning over three decades.  Its mission is clear:  to provide affordable transport to support people to live well, and connect with their community. 

 

With an extensive fleet of more than 90 vehicles, and a dedicated pool of about 300 volunteers across Tasmania, CTST plays a vital role in supporting frail and aged individuals, people with conditions affecting their independence, and other disadvantaged community members.  Every year, CTST's dedicated volunteers travel an astonishing four million kilometres to complete more than 180 000 trips, serving over 10 000 Tasmanians.  By doing so, they are donating the equivalent of $4 million plus to our community. 

 

Their unwavering commitment to community wellbeing and independence, has established them as one of the largest community transport providers in Australia.  Acknowledging the need to bridge service gaps in Tasmania's transport network, CTST introduced the innovative concept known as Area Connect.  This initiative aims to provide localised transport services that fill the gap between public bus routes and community-based transport providers.  It operates as a profitable community business, reinvesting surplus resources into the communities it serves, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life. 

 

CTST plays a pivotal role in ensuring rural and remote Tasmanians can access essential healthcare services.  Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, CTST was operating at full capacity under the state government-funded Home and Community Care, or the HACC program, and delivering a service level that was a remarkable 60 per cent above the funded outputs.

 

In response to this increasing demand, CTST implemented various service innovations, including centralising intake and assessment, adopting a central booking model, establishing a statewide virtual call centre and extended operating hours.  These changes allowed CTST to serve more clients, ultimately delivering close to 180 000 trips, as stated earlier.  However, the pandemic precipitated a significant drop in demand, enabling CTST to temporarily reopen referrals for statewide consumers. 

 

Today, CTST has again reached full capacity, returning to its pre-COVID-19 levels of activity.  Despite receiving modest increases in recurrent funding, CTST struggles to keep up to the rising demand for its services, the specific increase in cost to transport businesses and the level of overservicing it has delivered above its funding, especially in the HACC (Home and Community Care) category.

 

While telehealth services have merits, they are far from a universal solution.  Many of CTST's users face socio-economic disadvantages and lack access to digital technology, rendering physical face‑to‑face contact a crucial aspect of their access to health care.  Also, many Tasmanians do want to be able leave their home if they choose.

 

In recent months CTST has witnessed a surge in demand with an influx of new registrations and increased activity among currently registered consumers.  As a result, the organisation has had to make the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily cease new registrations for the Home and Community Care program and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.  This move ensures that CTST can maintain the high-quality services provided to registered consumers. 

 

During this pause, CTST is focusing on assessing existing referrals and meeting the current transportation needs of registered consumers, while closely monitoring the number of registered consumers.  The aim is to reopen referrals for eligible consumers as soon as space becomes available. 

 

In response to the Government's recommendation for organisations to seek partnership opportunities as part of the aged care reform, our ageing population and increasing complexity of service provision, CTST has initiated discussions on a potential merger with the Mersey Community Care Association. 

 

I am the patron of that wonderful organisation and have spoken about it previously in this place.  Change is constant in our world.  Both organisations share a common vision of providing high-quality services and believe the political climate is conducive to strategic consolidation.  The possible benefits of such a partnership merger are significant.  It would expand service reach, enhance operational efficiency, diversify the service portfolio, create career opportunities and fortify government advocacy efforts.  This merger would represent a significant step towards creating an innovative and sustainable Tasmanian‑based organisation, ensuring seamless services for the Tasmanian Government. 

 

Community Transport Services Tasmania has an illustrious history of providing vital community transport services in Tasmania.  As it continues to adapt to the ever-evolving political climate and needs of our community, exploring partnerships and mergers is the next logical step.  This is to ensure the success of its unwavering mission of supporting those in our community who need them most.  CTST and volunteers are wholly dedicated to continuing their work to improve transportation services for those in need and, ultimately, to enhance the lives, wellbeing and dignity of Tasmanians throughout our state.