Battle begins to keep Uber out of Mackay
THE fight to keep the Uber taxi service out of Mackay has begun.
Taxi Council Queensland president Max McBride came out swinging today, saying if Uber was allowed to operate in Mackay it would be disastrous for the industry and for local jobs.
"The Uber taxi service seeks to gain commercial advantage here in Mackay by breaking laws, not paying tax and not insuring their vehicles or training their drivers properly," Mr McBride said.
RELATED: Do you want Uber in Mackay? Readers divided
"Uber do not meet any Australian or Queensland standards whatsoever and, effectively, they take virtually all of the profit and leave very little opportunity for anyone in the taxi industry, including their own drivers."
"Uber is a $40 billion global company that uses their non-compliance with any Australian law to basically create an unfair market advantage over existing players, and if Uber was to compete on an equal playing field they wouldn't exist."
Mr McBride's concerns relate to the Queensland Government's Varghese Inquiry, an independent review of taxi and rideshare services in Queensland, with a report expected to be released next week.
"The review will ensure Queenslanders are provided with safe and efficient personalised transport services and with a sustainable industry to deliver the services," the Department of Transport and Main Roads website states.
When Mr McBride was asked whether the Uber taxi service was working in Mackay, he said no.
"The Uber taxi service is currently operating in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and they have just started operating in Toowoomba," he said.
Reader poll
Do you want to see Uber in Mackay?
This poll ended on 23 June 2016.
Current Results
Yes
75%
No
24%
This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.
Coming out to support the Mackay taxi industry in its call to stop Uber from operating in Mackay is Ash Dodd, the candidate for the Katter Australia Party in the Dawson electorate.
"The Katter Party is putting their full weight behind the taxi industry to protect them from global companies like Uber, which will destroy our domestic industry," Mr Dodd said.
"We have got taxi workers and owners who are struggling to make ends meet now and we need to look after local people.
"So the question is are we going to help a $40 billion global company like Uber come here and diminish our taxi industry, or are we going to support local people and their businesses?"
The Daily Mercury tried to contact Uber for comment, but at this time they have not responded.
