Media Release

KAP Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter is ready to support demonstrations over Uber’s first day of operation in Cairns and Townsville today. Mr Katter believes the economies of Cairns and Townsville have, “just lost millions a year”.

Mr Katter said, “Whatever form a demonstration will take on this corporate invasion, I am more than willing to support it, even if it’s only standing in the street holding an Australian or the Eureka flag.
And the Eureka would be a good flag to fly because those miners were little business men, owner-operators being pressed out of business by the Government and foreign corporations.
“As Brad Tassell said in the last election when running for the KAP in Leichhardt -- almost $40m a year in Cairns is tied up in taxis. So currently that $40m stays in FNQ. Under Uber, at least a quarter of that will now go overseas.
“And almost every single taxi in Cairns is locally owned. Over 160 family members are associated with taxis in Cairns. A lot of these taxis are superannuation investments for retirement.
“In a deregulated taxi market, services will plummet. Gone will be oversighting and scrutiny of drivers, virtually:- no cameras, no meters, no distress alarm no base, no taxi ranks, no ‘early hours of the morning’ service, no services for the disabled, no commercial insurance for passengers. But what we will have is variable pricing (ie. sky high prices at peak hours).
“Probably 200 jobs are dependent on taxis in Cairns which could fall into extremely poorly paid part time jobs.
“Oh what a great day for Cairns and Townsville.”
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