Media Release
Local employer takes Prime Minister’s Award
10 August 2007
Morwell City Taxis last night won the Prime Minister’s Employer of the Year Award in the Medium Employer category at Parliament House, Canberra.
The annual national awards recognise excellence in the employment of people with disability within small, medium and large business. Morwell City Taxis was nominated by Australia’s largest provider of vocational rehabilitation services, CRS Australia.
“Morwell City Taxis won this award because of their innovative work training programme that helps job seekers gain the skills, confidence, experience and the necessary paperwork to become a taxi driver. Through this programme they have hired 12 people with disability,” Margaret Carmody, General Manager of CRS Australia, said.
Director of Morwell City Taxis, Carmen Giddens, said, “I have found that people with disability are not only well-suited to the taxi industry, but have consistently demonstrated a positive attitude and dedication to their job. This has led to a motivated, committed team and low employee turnover, which clearly makes good business sense.”
Each year, thousands of employers, small and large, partner with CRS Australia for help to find motivated, hardworking staff to fit the business’s unique requirements.
“Morwell City Taxis is a role model for other employers. Their training model for hiring people with disability has been endorsed by the Victorian Taxi Association’s State Council and adopted by other Victorian taxi companies,” said Vincent Massaro, CRS Australia Regional Manager. “It’s fantastic that Morwell City Taxis’ commitment to hiring and recognising the abilities of people with disability has been recognised by winning such a major national award,” he said.
The Minister for Human Services, Senator Chris Ellison, who has ministerial responsibility for CRS Australia, congratulated both Morwell City Taxis and CRS Australia.
“One in five Australians have a reported disability, meaning we are all likely to know someone with a disability, whether we’re aware of it or not,” Senator Ellison said. “People with a disability significantly contribute to our community. They are valued employees who bring a range of diverse skills, talent and abilities to the workplace.”
For more information, visit www.crsaustralia.gov.au.
Media Contacts
Minister's Office, Michael Barrett – 0419 424 359.
CRS Australia, Keirin Thompson – 02 6211 6996 or keirin.thompson@crsaustralia.gov.au.