Taxis and Uber

Shadow Minister for Public Transport, David Davis

Matthew Guy and the Liberal Nationals have long argued that both taxis and Uber can coexist and provide more jobs and better transport services for Victorian passengers.
After two years of confusion and inaction, the Andrews Labor Government now proposes a new tax on everyone who uses taxis and Uber.
Daniel Andrews’ new tax will mean higher fares for all taxi and Uber passengers and it will particularly affect those living in the regions and the elderly that use taxis to get to and from medical appointments.
Anything that makes transport more expensive for Victorians is not a good outcome.  Victorians are already struggling with cost of living pressures and another new tax will make life even tougher for many.
The Andrews Labor Government must recognise that taxi license owners have an asset and that it is important they are given certainty and stability so they are not unfairly penalised and can plan for their future.
The Premier claims his $2 levy on 35 million taxi trips will raise just $44 million. Daniel Andrews is predicting he’ll lose at least $26 million of riders’ money just collecting the levy.
Daniel Andrews has a bad habit of using taxpayers’ money to buy his way out of political problems and this is yet another example.
That’s why we need to be sure that Victorian taxpayers won’t be bailing the Andrews Labor Government out of another problem they’ve caused themselves.
Daniel Andrews promised Victorians no new taxes – he has broken that promise.

Media contact:      Michael Lewis         0433 495 454         michael.lewis@opposition.vic.gov.au