Uber becomes legal in Queensland starting Sept. 5 - Palaszczuk

Finally, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has given Uber and other ride-sharing companies the go signal to operate legally across Queensland starting next month.

Queenslanders can start booking ride-hailing services like Uber starting Sept. 5 after Palaszczuk allowed ride-booking companies to operate in concert with the taxi industry as a way of levelling the playing field.

“It’s time,” Palaszczuk said on Facebook. “From September 5 this year, my Government is levelling the playing field so ride-booking companies will be able to operate in Queensland, in concert with the taxi industry.

“Queensland is the innovation state. We are advancing Queensland. We are embracing innovative new technologies and business models right across our economy and up and down our state, and the personalised transport sector is no different.”

However, Palaszczuk clarified that the government will ensure all operators follow a new, fair set of rules, with "the best interests of consumers at heart.”

Uber general manager for Queensland Sam Bool welcomed the government's decision and thanked Queenslanders for their support.

"We commend the Government for taking this once in a generation opportunity to deliver reform that will benefit the vast majority of Queenslanders," Bool said in a statement.

"This is the direct result of the incredible way more than half a million Queenslanders have embraced ridesharing as a safe, affordable and reliable way to get around, and the support from thousands of local residents who are sharing rides to earn extra income on their own terms."

Queensland taxi industry assistance

To strike a balance, she appeased taxi operators with a $100 million industry assistant package that covers $4 million in waived taxi fees over the next 12 months, and reduction of 80 pieces of taxi red tape.

“As we embrace the future, we will do it in a way that supports the taxi industry. This is a challenge all Governments across Australia have faced,” Palaszczuk added.

“This is because the taxi industry is different from many other industries that have faced disruption, because it has been heavily regulated by Government for generations.”

Despite the government’s taxi industry assistance plan, Palaszczuk also claimed that no new tax will be imposed on passengers.

“Unlike some other states, including New South Wales, we will do it without imposing a new tax on passengers,” she said.

She also justified the government’s delay in deciding on the fate of ride-sharing companies in Queensland.

“Our independent review consulted extensively because it’s important this is done right,” she pointed out. “We had to find the balance between Queenslanders who make millions of ride bookings each year and their right to better affordability, choice of service and consistency in safety, and transitioning the taxi industry into the digital era. These reforms strike that balance.”