A parliamentary committee has recommended the Andrews Labor Government reconsider its proposed taxi reform legislation, including its new $2 tax on every taxi trip.

Daniel Andrews’ own Labor MPs were among the committee members who have recommended to amend the Bill to “provide for a reduced rate of levy in rural and regional areas” and that the Government considers reducing the $2 levy.

Local State MP, Tim Bull, said the report proved the ‘Uber’ tax was unfair on East Gippsland taxi users and the Government needed to change it.

“If Daniel Andrews again breaks his promise not to introduce any new taxes, a lower rate for regional passengers that have limited public transport options, is a more sensible outcome,” he said.

“For country people, a tax on taxi trips is a tax on people who can’t take the bus home with the weekly groceries, or travel to and from the doctors.

“Often, these are short and regular trips, so Daniel Andrews’ proposed $2 tax is a significant increase.”

The Committee also recommended extending existing Multi Purpose Taxi Program concessions to all trips and exempting these concession holders from the $2 tax.

“This new tax is one of eleven that has already been announced or implemented by Daniel Andrews despite the fact that on election eve he promised no new taxes,” Mr Bull said.

“Consumers and the taxi industry have been stuffed around by this government for too long and it’s time they were given the certainty to plan for their future with confidence.”

The report was tabled in Parliament last week by the Economy and Infrastructure Committee.

Thursday, June 15, 2017