Bob
Katter commits political suicide with the ludicrous banning of Uber
Authorities in Queensland are continuing with
their crackdown on Uber’s services with fines being hiked for drivers violating
recently-modified laws. As per the new law, drivers caught driving for the
ride-sharing service would be fined heavily.
New rules were passed which would fine Uber drivers up to AUD 2,356 if
caught driving for the ride-sharing service in Queensland. The effects of the
modified law continued to affect people after harsher penalties were passed by
the Queensland Parliament. Meanwhile, the government, which opposed the laws,
warned that LNP-supported amendments to the bill could make even chartered
buses and limousines illegal, provided they do not have a taxi license.
A private member’s bill was introduced by the Katter’s Australian Party
(KAP) recently. While presenting the bill, KAP MP Rob Katter accused Uber of
damaging the taxi industry. Political parties such as Labor and the LNP were in
favour of higher and harsher fines while Katter Party suggested that
‘offenders’ be given demerit points. The former had their way as they voted
with KAP to pass amendments that would increase fines for both Uber and the
driver.
Katter said the changes were a clear message to ride-sharing firms. He
added, “They don’t make the decisions, we do here. Someone has to be the
grown-up and say ‘I’m sorry you might get a cheaper ride tonight but in the
long run this does not serve the national interest’. That’s the question that
needs to be addressed, not the tide is coming. That’s not a reason to do it”.
Further, the purview of the offence was modified so that it became
easier for Transport Inspectors to fine those working for ride-sharing
services. The changes were passed by a majority of votes in the hung
parliament.
However Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said changes, which were
not supported by the government, would mean that all ‘pre-booked passenger
services’ could be considered illegal. The minister explained his argument that
the new changes would adversely affect anyone who provides a booking service
for a service using a motor vehicle to transport passengers for a fee.
The minister said, “To be clear, this may now mean that charter bus
services, tourist services, chartered school bus services, community transport
services, limousine services, shuttle services and hotel accommodation transfer
services are all deemed illegal if not operated by a licensed taxi. It also
means CTP insurance required for some of these services, may be, depending on
the insurer AUD6300.”
The minister also said that he was seeking urgent legal advice over the
amendments with a view to make amends to the law that might not go down well
with most people.
On the other hand, the move by the politicians was matched by Uber,
which created a new “Katter” option when customers opened their app. Customers
would then be greeted with a message which shows ‘no cars available’, and a hat
icon. The firm said that it would continue business as usual.
Despite all the noise and developments, ride-sharing could still be
legalised in Queensland because a review report is due in August. The passing
of the new amendments, which is against the government’s interest, could also
mean that the government would come up with a more powerful amendment later.
Some industry observers say that Bob Katter, arguably the most backward
MP in Australia has just made Queensland the most backward state by pushing for
the outlawing of Uber.
One critic said it’s an embarrassment. “Australia should be a 21st
century nation adopting technology and innovation, but here we have backward
politicians in a backward state making us a backward country.
“Bob Katter has committed political suicide, even though he doesn’t know
it yet. He barely won his electorate in the last federal election and I am sure
voters will send him to an over due retirement in July.
“We need innovative politicians that are not ruled by dodgy unions such
as the taxi unions in Queensland that have clearly funded the Katter party for
him to push such draconian laws against Uber”, he said.
This story has been brought to you by the Emerald Chamber of Commerce Inc.
(Ph: 07 4982 3444)
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