25 September 2007
New research launched by Monash University today has exposed the critical nature of transport disadvantage in Australia.
It has found marginalised social groups are socially excluded because they have poor access to transport.
No Way to Go: Transport and Social Disadvantage in Australian Communities was co-edited by Professor Graham Currie, Professor of Public Transport at Monash University's Institute of Transport Studies.
The book is a critique of governments at all levels for their inaction on development of appropriate transport infrastructure and how this impacts on the most vulnerable in the community. It is particularly scathing of a lack of Federal leadership on the issue.
Professor Currie said the young, elderly, disabled, indigenous Australians and ethnic groups were systematically excluded from life-opportunities due to lack of appropriate local transport.
"Social problems caused by a lack of appropriate transport is a major problem in Australia. The problem is growing as fuel prices increase, suburban-sprawl trends continue and our population ages," he said.
"The problem is almost an epidemic in the fringe of Australian cities and in rural areas.
"Policy makers have neglected the problem and how it acts to limit life-opportunities for many of the most vulnerable people in our community."
The book -- a series of papers from leading overseas experts, specialists from within Australia and government policy makers -- analyses and makes major recommendations on transport disadvantage.
Professor Currie said there was an immediate need to implement a range of programs.
"Firstly, we need to understand the critical nature of the problem," he said. "Secondly, all levels of government need to work together -- particularly the federal government, which has lacked leadership in this area.
"Thirdly, we need to provide accessible, cheap transport, including better public-transport options, and make better use of cars."
No Way to Go: Transport and Social Disadvantage in Australian Communities
(edited by Professor Graham Currie, Dr Janet Stanley and John Stanley) is published by Monash University ePress.
Professor Currie is available for interview. For more information contact John Watts on +61 3 9905 9201 or 0448 574 148.
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