Media Release
July 13, 2015
Queensland’s taxi industry is mobilising resources to stamp out illegal taxi services that continue to operate despite being ordered by the Government to stop.
Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) has announced a new member-driven campaign encouraging owners, operators and drivers to engage their local MP’s and reinforce the importance of upholding the rule of law.
“Our members, some 15,000 small business owners, are resilient and strong and are determined to spread the message about right versus wrong,” said chief executive officer Benjamin Wash.
“It’s these law-abiding mums and dads and retirees who have invested their life savings, who could be sent to the wall if the law is not upheld and anyone is allowed to flout regulations.”
TCQ has also congratulated the Palaszczuk Government for staying strong in the battle against illegal taxis.
“The State Government, particularly the Deputy Premier, has been prepared to make strong comments in the public domain regarding the importance of upholding regulations that serve the public interest.”
Some 2000 infringement notices have so far been issued in Queensland against uber drivers with fines totalling two million dollars, but the San Francisco-based corporate giant continues to snub its nose at the law.
“It is clear that illegal taxi providers have no intention of abiding by the rules, therefore legislative amendments are now required to improve enforcement.”
Mr Wash said if illegal taxis were allowed to operate, everything else is now fair game.
“Why not open a restaurant and refuse to abide by food safety regulations, or illegally dredge the Great Barrier Reef?
“We are sending a message to companies that if you can afford to pay the fines you don’t need to abide by the law, and we can’t – or won’t – stop you.”
He said the industry welcomed competition and any company had the right to put its case to the Government, but “should not operate until it is lawful to do so”.
A Brisbane radio station recently pulled its uber-sponsored advertising from all of its programming, something TCQ has welcomed.
“Media outlets should not be promoting an illegal service.”
ENDS