Bioptic Drivers Australia welcomes new ACT Minister for Transport, urges continued leadership amid national review

Canberra, ACT — Bioptic Drivers Australia (BDA) welcomes the appointment of Tara Cheyne MLA as the new ACT Minister for Transport and looks forward to continuing the Territory’s strong record of evidence-based, inclusive mobility policy and support for bioptic driving.

BDA acknowledges the constructive and solutions-focused engagement established with the outgoing Minister, whose support for transparent consultation and functional vision based assessment created a solid foundation for national reform. This continuity ensures a smooth transition as Minister Cheyne assumes responsibility for the transport portfolio.  

For over 10 years, ACT residents have been safe drivers using the bioptic glasses assistive technology. The ACT has demonstrated national leadership in recognising the needs of people with central vision conditions who may meet functional requirements for conditional driver licences. The Territory’s early engagement with BDA reflects a commitment to modernising mobility rehabilitation pathways, aligning with international best practice and ensuring lived experience informs policy development.

Belinda O’Connor, Founding Director of Bioptic Drivers Australia, said BDA is eager to meet with Minister Cheyne to continue advancing this work.

“The ACT has shown that mobility rehabilitation pathways and conditional licensing can be approached with rigour, compassion, and evidence. We welcome Minister Cheyne and look forward to continuing a collaborative relationship that supports safe, independent mobility for people with central vision conditions.”

National consultation on bioptic driving standards is now underway, with jurisdictions examining opportunities to modernise licensing frameworks and improve access to adaptive technologies. BDA will continue representing Australians with central vision conditions throughout this process, ensuring that functional vision assessment, rehabilitation pathways, international best practice and lived experience remain central to reform.

Media contact: biopticdriversaus@gmail.com Further info: biopticdriversaus.com