Len Hitchen appointed Taxi Industry Board chairman

21/1/95

A leading Western Australian tourism consultant and former industrial advocate, Mr Len Hitchen, has been appointed chairman of Perth's new Taxi Industry Board.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton announced the appointment today, saying Mr Hitchen, aged 50, had a strong background in tourism and business, as well as experience in legal and industrial matters.

"Mr Hitchen brings a wealth of experience to the job at a very important phase in the development of Perth's taxi industry," Mr Charlton said.

"I am confident he will inject innovation and inspiration to the new board, which will have the responsibility of taking the industry in new directions."

Mr Hitchen is a former chairman and chief executive of the WA Tourism Commission, a former deputy director of the Department of Tourism and has worked in Crown Law and the Premier's Department.

In the 1970s, he was assistant industrial registrar in the WA Industrial Commission, as well as Commonwealth deputy industrial registrar.

He is currently a tourism consultant and is also the serving president of the East Fremantle Football Club.

His appointment is for two years.

The remaining six board members will be appointed next week, once Mr Charlton has conferred with Mr Hitchen.

Expressions of interest from the industry to serve on the board attracted 80 applicants.

The TIB replaces the former Taxi Control Board under new industry legislation passed by Parliament last year.

Mr Charlton said the TIB would have broad representation and appointment of the six industry representatives would be finalised before the end of January.

Media contact:  Dean Roberts 321 7333