Transport Matters Party to contest state poll

ANOTHER political party has thrown its hat in the ring ahead of November’s state election, with the Transport Matters Party (TMP) announcing its registration earlier this month.

TMP says it will “make a difference for people who are challenged by public transport both metropolitan and regional areas”, and will voice concerns about the state of Victoria’s public transport system, including taxis, hire cars, on demand vehicles, trams, trains and buses.

The party was formed by long-time hire care operators Rod Barton and André Baruch, partially in reaction to the Labor government’s proposed deregulation of the taxi industry.

“Transport Matters Party will participate in the 2018 Victorian State Election with one clear objective – to give back a voice to local communities,” party leader Ron Barton said.

“TMP is going to be the party that will challenge the current government and make the public aware that they have another choice in political parties come November 24.”

TMP applied for registration as a political party on January 19 and the Victorian Electoral Commission announced the application’s success on April 30.