Media Release
November 8, 2016
Reports last week in the Adelaide Advertiser that Uber is “openly defying the State Government by allowing dozens of its drivers to work illegally” comes as no surprise, according to Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ).
TCQ Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Wash says the Queensland Government equally cannot expect Uber to abide by any legislation, which he pointed out is still to be drafted.
“Uber has conned the Queensland Government, all other state Governments and the public into thinking that it cares about safety, but it doesn’t.
“I don’t want to say ‘I told you so’ but it’s the truth – we issued endless warnings about safety and no one listened.”
The Advertiser report revealed that Uber is allowing South Australian drivers to work without the proper accreditation.
“Uber refused to accept the Government regulations, announced in April, arguing they were too costly and time-consuming compared to regulations interstate,” the report said.
Mr Wash said this was typical of Uber’s behaviour across the world.
“When responsible governments have allowed for rideshare by putting in place sensible safety-based regulations, Uber has always spat the dummy and refused to play by the rules.
“The inconvenient truth is that Uber doesn’t care about customer safety, nor do they care about taking responsibility for what happens in their vehicles. They are an app and if you have a problem good luck at trying to find them in the Netherlands or wherever they send you.”
He called on the Queensland Government to fast track legislation that offered greater consumer protection, and issued a warning to Queenslanders.
“The Queensland Government has allowed rideshare to operate with almost no regulations and no checks and balances. Travel at your own risk!”
Quoted article – http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/uber-defying-state-goverment-by-allowing-dozens-of-its-drivers-to-work-illegally/news-story/eee14075b6f09d46443b562cead879d2
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