Media Release

Media Alert
March 28, 2017

The last of the SES evacuations from vulnerable areas around Mackay and Airlie Beach have now been completed by our taxis. This effort has been ongoing through the night.

Due to the intensified wind and rain, the last taxi has now ceased operations. We will recommence as soon as authorities deem it safe after Cyclone Debbie has passed.

Residents needing assistance should call Emergency Services on 132 500 or 000.
ENDS

Townsville Taxis
Burdekin Taxis

Media Alert
3/27/2017

Townsville Taxis and Burdekin Taxis wish to advise residents across the region that we are working with emergency services and are on call to provide evacuations of vulnerable residents in the pathway of Tropical Cyclone Debbie at no charge if requested by authorities.

We are also available to assist at no charge in the transportation of any emergency services or SES personnel during the emergency period.

Emergency services personnel and residents that require evacuation must call emergency services on 132 500, not Townsville Taxis or Burdekin Taxis.

Taxis in all areas will continue to be available while safe prior to the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Debbie and be available as soon as practicable after the cyclone has passed. We will be following police and council instruction on when we can resume service.

Residents should stay updated on the Townsville Disaster Information Facebook page or https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au.
ENDS

Media Release
February 7, 2017

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) will play an active role in ensuring the industry’s voice is heard in the lead up to the next state election, according to CEO Benjamin Wash.

He said that advocacy was a key role of the peak body and that the decision of the State Government to abandon over 16,000 small business operators who abided by the law, in order to placate a multinational company that sends profits overseas, would bother many Queenslanders.

“This Government failed to uphold the rule of law, and allowed a wealthy foreign company to operate with almost no enforcement, in clear breach of regulations. This should send shockwaves through every industry in the state,” he declared.

“It is our responsibility to represent our members and tell Queenslanders which politicians have let down hard-working small business owners.”

He said TCQ has a responsibility to remain non-partisan in

Media Statement​
January 25, 2017

Reports this morning that Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) is supporting One Nation are incorrect. No finances whatsoever are going towards any political candidate or party. Senator Pauline Hanson and Steve Dickson MP addressed a general meeting of TCQ yesterday and pledged to support the taxi industry and fight for fairness in upcoming legislation around personalised transport. We welcome that support, and we also welcome the support of any other MP from any party. For the past two years TCQ members have financially contributed to our campaign for fair legislation and yesterday’s commitment was a continuation of that. Like all peak bodies, TCQ relies on the financial support of members.
ENDS

Media Release
January 10, 2017

The news that Brisbane restaurateurs Augustine and Judy Tso have been forced to close popular eatery Augustine’s on George after 31 years due to the development of the Queen’s Wharf project is sad for the state and for small business operators, according to Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ).

TCQ Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Wash says while he understands the need for development and the closure of the building, it doesn’t appear as though the State Government really cares about the impact on the business owners.

He compared their plight to that of taxi owners who, “are small business owners who pay their taxes, yet were hung out to dry by the Government who changed regulations to suit a multinational company that pays no GST or tax.”

“Everyone understands progress, but this Government believes that progress means steamrolling over small business operators in the process,” he said.

“Most

​Media Release
December 30, 2016

The following statement is attributable to Benjamin Wash, CEO Taxi Council Queensland:

Taxis continue to provide Queenslanders with the most reliable and safest form of door-to-door transport. New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year however all available cars and drivers will be on the road. Taxi fares do not increase on New Year’s Eve, and we recommend customers in the City and Valley entertainment precincts utilise one of many secure ranks, where their wait time will be minimised even at peak times. Taxi Council Queensland wishes everyone a happy and safe new year.
ENDS

Media Release
December 22, 2016

The peak body representing Queensland’s taxi industry says there will be extended taxi ranks in operation along with an increase in staff during the Christmas-New Year period.

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) Chief Operating Officer Wayne Crookes says all existing city and Fortitude Valley ranks will remain but there will be extensions to the Wickham Street rank in the Valley as well as Eagle Street in Brisbane’s CBD.

“From past experiences, we understand the need to extend the rank lines in these two locations over the holiday season with both the Wickham and Eagle Street ranks to be serviced by extra supervisors and staff.
“It is also the first time we have to deal with the new lockout laws during this traditionally busy period but our ranks will be suitably staffed and organised to cater for the expected numbers.”

TCQ also reminds patrons that the Warner Street Rank in Fortitude Valley will

Media Release
November 28, 2016

Taxi Council Queensland – Taxi Industry Award winners

The Taxi Council Queensland 2016 Industry Award winners are as follows:

Driver of the Year (conventional vehicle) – Malcom Lamb from Yellow Cabs Rockhampton. Malcolm was the first person to bring a Silver Service vehicle into the fleet, and since then has provided exceptional service to clients.

Driver of the Year (wheelchair accessible vehicle) – William Paull from Mackay Whitsunday Taxis. William has described being a driver as the ‘best job he has ever had’, and finds the experience of assisting wheelchair bound customers and brightening their day incredibly rewarding.

Significant Achievement Award – Bill Parker from Yellow Cabs Brisbane. Bill is an outstanding advocate for the taxi industry, and places a massive emphasis on customer service.

Customer Service Award – John Wilson who has been with Yellow Cabs Brisbane for 38 years. John has had many roles

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

Media Release
October 25, 2016

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) has revealed that other countries are insisting that rideshare drivers are proficient in not only verbal but written English while the Queensland Government is lowering the standards.

TCQ chief executive officer Benjamin Wash referred to the decision by the London Transit Authority that “drivers of private hire vehicles must speak, listen to, read, and write English to a set level” as sensible regulation but said Uber in the UK opposed the move.

“The reality is that Uber and other rideshare companies across the world want no regulations because their business model is based on a race to the bottom.

Mr Wash said Reuters reported only last week that Uber was taking legal action against London’s insistence that their drivers know English.

“Instead of doing what other countries have done, and raising the bar to ensure rideshare meets the high standards expected