Mark Bailey.
A Personalised Transport Ombudsman responsible for hearing complaints about rideshare, taxi and limousine industries from drivers, passengers and operators is being established in Queensland.
The ombudsman recommendation stemmed from the broader 2016 reforms that effectively legalised Uber and other rideshare operators in Queensland.
The Personalised Transport Ombudsman Bill 2019 was introduced to the Queensland Parliament on February 13 by transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey.
“We said we would establish an independent ombudsman for the industry as part of the reforms we introduced in 2016 and that’s what this legislation supports,” he says.
Bailey says the role will also complement the work of other agencies at both a state and federal level.
“The legislation clearly outlines the ombudsman’s independence and integrity, handing it appropriate powers to resolve complaints for the personalised transport industry.”
Bailey says the Palaszczuk Government continues to monitor the implementation of its 2016 reforms, which included a $100 million Industry Adjustment Assistance Package for taxi, rideshare and limousine licence holders.
“We are committed to reviewing these reforms, to look at what has worked well and what can be improved.
“We are constantly talking to the industry through this transition and acknowledge that it is still in the middle of the most disruptive chapter in its history.
“The establishment of a Personalised Transport Ombudsman will be an independent umpire that acts as a common voice for industry accountability.”
The ombudsman will be appointed by the Governor in Council under the PTO Act.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will establish the position once the passage of the Bill has been assured.
