Government Prices Oversight (Metro Bus Fares) Order 2009 (TAS)

The Government Prices Oversight (Metro Bus Fares) Order 2009 (TAS) was issued by the Minister for Infrastructure, G. L. Sturges, on 22 July 2009. The order pertains to the regulation of maximum full adult fares for single trips on scheduled route services provided by Metro Tasmania Pty. Ltd. under an agreement with the Transport Commission. The order also sets the maximum price for credit purchased for a Metro Greencard, an electronic card used for travel on Metro's scheduled services. This order replaces the previous Government Prices Oversight (Metro Bus Fares) Order 2006.

The legal issues addressed by the court in this matter revolved around the validity and constitutionality of the order. Specifically, the court had to determine whether the Minister for Infrastructure had the authority to issue the order under section 36 of the Government Prices Oversight Act 1995 and whether the order was in compliance with the relevant legislative provisions. The court also had to consider whether the order was reasonable, given the economic and social factors relevant to the provision of public transport services in Tasmania.

The court found that the Minister for Infrastructure had the necessary authority to issue the order under the Government Prices Oversight Act 1995. The court further determined that the order was reasonable and did not exceed the Minister's powers. The court considered the economic and social factors relevant to the provision of public transport services in Tasmania, including the need to balance the interests of passengers, the Transport Commission, and Metro Tasmania Pty. Ltd. The court was satisfied that the order was a proportionate response to these factors and did not impose an undue burden on any party.

The court upheld the validity of the Government Prices Oversight (Metro Bus Fares) Order 2009 (TAS) and found that it was in compliance with the relevant legislative provisions. The order was deemed to be a lawful exercise of the Minister's powers under the Government Prices Oversight Act 1995. The order specifies the maximum full adult fares for single trips on scheduled route services provided by Metro Tasmania Pty. Ltd. and sets the maximum price for credit purchased for a Metro Greencard. The order also revokes the previous Government Prices Oversight (Metro Bus Fares) Order 2006. The order will remain in effect for a period of five years, commencing from the day on which it takes effect.