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Vic Uber driver court cases in limbo

It's unclear whether court cases against 12 Uber drivers in Victoria will go ahead as the state government moves to legalise the service.

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Source: AAP


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Twelve Uber drivers facing prosecution in Victoria are in limbo amid uncertainty over how a landmark appeal and government moves to legalise the service affects them.

The government in June said it plans to regulate the ride-sharing industry, but the Taxi Services Commission won't say if it will continue prosecuting Uber drivers.

The taxi regulator told AAP it would release a statement providing an update on Friday.

Uber has been contacted for comment.

In May Uber driver Nathan Brenner won an appeal against a $900 fine and charges that he illegally picked up passengers.

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The Melbourne Magistrates Court had in December found him guilty of two counts of operating a commercial passenger vehicle without a licence, and one of driving a commercial passenger vehicle without driver accreditation.

The Victorian County Court dismissed the Taxi Services Commission's charges against Mr Brenner and ordered they pay the costs of his appeal.

Mr Brenner, who used to manage rock groups Men at Work and Split Enz, was one of 13 UberX drivers charged by the commission following a sting operation involving undercover taxi compliance officers.

His appeal heard the $9 fare from that ride couldn't be used as evidence in a criminal prosecution against Mr Brenner because the "antiquated" definitions in the legislation on commercial passenger vehicles excluded Uber arrangements.

After the County Court ruled in Mr Brenner's favour, the taxi regulator said it was disappointed his appeal had succeeded on an obscure technical argument and was considering an appeal.

A month later the government committed to working with Sex Party MP Fiona Patten on new laws, which could be introduced before the end of 2016.

Uber has been given the green light by the ACT, NSW, and West Australian governments, but is banned in the Northern Territory.


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