A DEAL to make Uber legal could be imminent with the State Government in negotiations to legalise ride-share services in Victoria.
Transport Minister Jacinta Allan and Upper House Sex Party MP Fiona Patten met yesterday to discuss the private member’s Bill due to be debated tomorrow.
It is understood the Regulation of Ride Sharing Bill 2016 is gaining momentum in the Legislative Council, prompting the government to begin talk of striking a deal to introduce joint party regulation.
The negotiation will include delaying the vote until after parliament’s winter break, it is believed.
The State Government is thought to be keen to work with crossbenchers rather than pass a private member’s Bill.
“I had a very productive meeting with Minister Allan in which we discussed the various options surrounding the issue of ride-share services in Victoria and the Bill,” Ms Patten said.
“There is always the possibility that the government will take on our Bill and use it as the basis to legalise and regulate ride sharing however, and that is a real, live possibility right now.
“I implored the government to act.”
Early last year the government struck a similar deal with the Sex Party to introduce protest buffer zones around abortion clinics.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said the government was keen to find a suitable outcome on the issue.
“Fiona and I had a productive discussion and I look forward to continuing to work with her and others in considering this complex and important issue,” Ms Allan said.
The Bill was introduced last month in a bid to force the government to pay attention to “the public’s mood” and spark action.
The Coalition has been a keen supporter of Uber and is expected to support passing the Bill in a partyroom meeting this morning.
Opposition spokesman David Hodgett said “after 18 months of inaction by this dysfunctional government, Matthew Guy is once again showing the leadership that Daniel Andrews won’t”.
The Victorian Greens have previously backed legalising the industry.
The proposed legislation would mean drivers would be banned if convicted of sex crimes, violent offences and some drug charges and operators would face fines of more than $181,000 if they failed to comply with requirements.
Compensation for present taxi licence holders is not included but the plan is expected to pave the way for compensation for taxi owners who have been affected financially.
— with Tiffany Korssen
Read more: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/uber-deal-may-be-imminent-with-state-government-negotiating/news-story/feffb320ae8dc5792095bae38d67a336?login=1
