The Hodgman Liberal Government is embracing the opportunities presented by the sharing economy, and our ride-sharing legislation was widely supported by stakeholders as an example of how to deal responsibly with a change in the light passenger transport market.
However, we have consistently acknowledged the long-stated concerns of the taxi industry in relation to the legislated annual release of taxi licences and its dampening effect on the value of taxi licences.
To alleviate these concerns, I am pleased to announce the Government will suspend the annual release of new taxi licences across the State for three years.
This will provide the government with a sufficient amount of time to allow us to observe any impact on the taxi industry from the introduction of ride-sharing services in Tasmania, and demonstrates our commitment to work with the taxi industry as we embrace the numerous opportunities the sharing economy offers.
Uber has advised it will commence operations in Tasmania later this year, which will allow Tasmanians more consumer choice, competition and productivity benefits, as well as potentially providing hundreds of Tasmanians with job opportunities in a new and exciting market.