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Uber dispute gets heated as taxi drivers try to storm Victorian Parliament

Thursday, 9 Mar 2017 09:14:17

Police form a line to stop protesters metres from the front door of Victoria's Parliament. (ABC News: Patrick Rocca)

Melbourne taxi drivers have tried to force their way into Victoria's Parliament ahead of a debate on legislation to reform the industry.

A line of police blocked the protesters after they climbed Parliament's stairs and started shouting a short distance from the building's front door.

The protesters then retreated, but said they would remain in front of the building until the debate, which is scheduled for this afternoon.

One protester fainted in the commotion and was given first aid by ABC cameraman Patrick Rocca at the scene, before emergency services were called.

"I was filming the protesters but I saw her go down and dropped my camera to help," he said.

Taxi protesters try to get into Victoria's Parliament Photo: The taxi union has been critical of the compensation offer saying it is not enough. (ABC News: Patrick Rocca)

The Victorian Government is planning to introduce industry-wide changes, including regulating Uber and scrapping taxi licences.

It has argued the changes will create a more even playing field and better services.

But the taxi union has been critical of the Government's compensation offer of up to $250,000, saying it does not cover what many drivers originally paid for their licences.

Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the Government's compensation scheme was fair.

"There are some that are facing additional financial hardship because of the level of debt they have entered into," she said.

"There is a $50 million fairness fund which recognises the financial hardship they might be facing."

Taxi drivers have staged several recent protests, including travelling in a slow convoy along the Tullamarine Freeway from Melbourne Airport for a rally on Spring Street, and another which held up traffic on the Bolte Bridge.

Meanwhile, Uber has been emailing its users in Victoria to urge them to lobby the State Government not to introduce the $2 levy on all taxi, Uber and hire car rides.

AustraliaPlus


 

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