Success, Queenslanders! Your ride home from the Valley/Jupiter’s/Surfers just got a hell of a lot easier to sort.
The Queensland State Government has today announced that ridesharing services like Uber will be legalised in the state, under an amended set of laws that will come into effect from September 5th.
Queensland was seemingly the state most at odds with the service, with Federal MP Bob Katter vehemently against the service, with his party attempting to introduce legislation back in April that would’ve given Traffic Inspectors greater scope to inspect suspected Uber vehicles, as well as issue hefty fines.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed that Queensland will remove the red tape blocking the legal operation of Uber in the state, with over 80 pieces of legislation either removed or amended.
In a post on her Facebook page, Palaszczuk also confirmed that the Government will issue a $100million assistance package to existing taxi operators to help ease the industry through the transition, which includes waiving $4million in fees over the next 12 months.
Crucially, and unlike legislation in place in New South Wales, Queensland Uber customers will not be taxed per ride.
“It’s time.From September 5 this year, my Government is levelling the playing field so ride-booking companies will be able to operate in Queensland, in concert with the taxi industry.My Government will usher in sweeping reforms that will create a level playing field. We want to put a premium on passenger safety, and ensure all operators follow a new, fair set of rules, with the best interests of consumers at heart.Queensland is the innovation state. We are advancing Queensland. We are embracing innovative new technologies and business models right across our economy and up and down our state, and the personalised transport sector is no different.But at the same time as we embrace the future, we will do it in a way that supports the taxi industry. This is a challenge all Governments across Australia have faced.This is because the taxi industry is different from many other industries that have faced disruption, because it has been heavily regulated by Government for generations.Not only will there be a $100million industry assistance package, including over $4million in waived taxi fees over the next 12 months, but 80 pieces of taxi red tape will be cut.After all, none of us want to leave any of our fellow Queenslanders behind.And unlike some other states, including New South Wales, we will do it without imposing a new tax on passengers.Our independent review consulted extensively because it’s important this done right. We had to find the balance between Queenslanders who make millions of ride bookings each year and their right to better affordability, choice of service and consistency in safety, and transitioning the taxi industry into the digital era.These reforms strike that balance.”
Queensland joins New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, and the ACT on the list of states and territories that have legalised Uber.
Ball’s very much in your court now, Victoria.
Source: ABC News.
Photo: Carl Court/Getty.
