Uber seeks meeting with Qld MP Rob Katter

Uber representatives have asked Queensland crossbencher Rob Katter to meet them to discuss his concerns about the ride-sharing app.

Katter Australia Party (KAP) MP Rob Katter

Queensland crossbencher Rob Katter wants harsher penalties for Uber drivers. (AAP)

Ride-sharing app Uber has moved to meet with the Katter's Australian Party after it called for harsher penalties for their drivers in Queensland.

Crossbencher Rob Katter will table a bill in state parliament this week to dock three demerit points from drivers the first time they are caught working for Uber and six demerit points every time after.

He claims fining drivers alone has not stopped Uber operating and the app is killing the taxi industry.

But Uber has urged Mr Katter to meet them before he introduces the bill.

"We're surprised and disappointed Mr Katter has refused to meet with us to discuss his concerns, many of which seem to be based on misinformation peddled by a taxi industry seeking to protect its monopoly," an Uber spokesman told AAP on Monday.

"We hope Mr Katter will give us the opportunity to help him understand why over 200,000 Queenslanders are choosing Uber as a safe, reliable and affordable alternative."

Earlier on Monday Mr Katter accused the multinational ride-sharing app of side-stepping regulations, which taxis abided by, and avoiding paying taxes by sending cash overseas.

"If we do nothing, this is money that will eventually be taken offshore instead of flowing back into the services we need," he added.

Taxi Council Queensland chief executive Benjamin Wash called on Labor and the Liberal National Party to back the Katter party bill in state parliament.

Mr Wash said in most other industries, like restaurants or medical practices, it would be illegal for unlicensed operators to continue after being penalised.

"How can we stand by and allow illegal taxis to operate without any safety regulations that protect Queenslanders and ensure a level playing field for genuine taxis, which are abiding by the law," he said.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world