Mr Coghlan has managed the vending machines at the station for the past 20 years, and was notified in early February that his partnership with V/Line would end, with no opportunity to tender for the contract.
The government allowed him 30 days to remove his machines, a timeline that was verbally extended to six months after state Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe raised the issue in parliament. However, no official date had been provided.
“I am appealed by the lack of certainty and dismal communication through the process,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“After two decades servicing the Shepparton station, V/Line informed Greg his time was up, and they’d be replacing his business with an international company.
“Not only was there no communication until the service was axed, but there’s also zero certainty for Greg and his staff, with no date as to when they’ll be kicked out of the precinct.”
Ms O’Keeffe criticised V/Line’s procurement process, arguing it failed to uphold commitments to probity, visibility and fair dealing.
“There’s been no visibility over how this decision has been made and absolutely no fair dealing for Goulburn Valley Vending Service,” she said.
Mr Coghlan has written to Victorian Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams, seeking clarity and a fair process.
Ms O’Keeffe also urged the minister to communicate with Mr Coghlan to allow him and his staff to plan for their future.
