Staley: Taxi tax unfair

Member for Ripon Louise Staley has attacked State Government legislation to introduce a $2 tax on every taxi, Uber or ride-sharing service across Victoria.

Ms Staley said the increased fee would help pay for the State Government’s $494-million compensation fund to taxi licence holders affected by Uber legislation.

But it was unfair to charge country taxi passengers an extra $3 when Uber services were only available in Melbourne and Geelong. “Local taxi passengers will be slugged an extra $2 every time they catch a taxi. Why should regional Victorians be hit with this tax when Uber only operates in the city?” Ms Staley said.

“Uber has not yet expanded its operations into country Victoria, yet Daniel Andrews wants country Victoria to help pay for services in Melbourne; that is not fair.”