State Government to double officers in push to boost remote community drivers licence access

A pilot program aimed at improving drivers licence access in remote communities will double the number of officers in the North West and implement culturally appropriate publications. The Driving Access and Equity pilot program was formed in response to a lack of access to driving services, instructors and eligible vehicles which was seen as a key barrier to youth employment in regional areas. As part of the program, the number of officers employed to deliver driver and vehicle licencing services to remote Kimberley, Pilbara and Mid West communities will be doubled from five to 10. The additional officers will allow the Department of Transport to visit more remote communities and increase the volume of visits to communities they already service. Community consultation also identified the need for culturally appropriate publications, with the DOT set to work with Aboriginal translation services to provide publications for the Kimberley and Pilbara. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said not being able to access the services required to gain a driver’s licence was one of the biggest barriers to employment and training for young people in the regions. “Doubling the remote driver and vehicle licensing teams in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Mid-West is a vital first step to help more people obtain and maintain their driver’s licence and give them the best chance to get a job,” she said. Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said there were a number of major road projects under way across the Kimberley which offered employment and training opportunities. “Often a key part of this work involves having a driver’s licence,” she said. “This program will make it easier for residents in remote communities to access the services they need to gain and maintain their licence.” Since last year, there have been 168 visits Department visits to 63 remote communities in WA.