The Andrews Government has confirmed plans for a VicRoads 'joint venture' with the private sector, while denying the move will result in privatisation.
If such an arrangement went ahead, the government confirmed it would maintain control over service pricing, road network access and motorist data.
“We’re going to put in place a joint-venture partnership with the private sector to ensure that we get a modernised, adaptable service.
“This is not a privatisation, it’s effectively a partnership that hopefully will work for the Victorian people ... [and] hopefully get them the IT systems they deserve,” said Victorian Treasurer, Tim Pallas.
Roads Minister, Ben Carroll said the pandemic had proven services, such as learner tests, needed to be modernised and moved online.
In addition to investing in the VicRoad's IT system, the government has emphasised its expectation that a partner would make systems accessible to other areas of government such as Victoria Police, in return for a concession to run registration and licensing services for up to 40 years.
While the government went as far as promising motorists a better service from a partly privatised VicRoads registry, there were no guarantees made in regards to fee structures.