Keith Pitt, transport department, on call for law reform after alleged Uber driver murder

In the wake of an alleged murder, Keith Pitt has hit out at ‘a lack of action on youth crime’ as the transport department says drivers can voluntarily install their own safety measures into rideshares.

Unions and families are calling for better safety measures, but will politicians introduce them?

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has offered no comment on improving safety measures for drivers in the wake of Hervey Bay Uber driver Scott Cabrie’s death.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt has laid blame on the state for not cracking down on wayward youth.

Two teens have been charged with Mr Cabrie’s murder after he was allegedly chased down and stabbed after picking up them up as part of his job.

This publication sought comment from both Mr Pitt and Transport Minister Mark Bailey after the Transport Workers Union mooted changes including rights to a minimum wage, rights to workers’ compensation, protection from unfair deactivation and better enforced rights.

Ride Share Drivers United also called for companies such as Uber to stop allowing customers with low ratings to book rides.

“Firstly I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Mr Cabrie at this difficult time,” Mr Pitt said.

But Mr Pitt pointed out the changes suggested by the unions would not impact driver safety in the moment.

“Nothing the union is suggesting would have saved a life, not one,” he said.

“This is a law and order issue which falls squarely at the feet of the Palaszczuk Government.

“The Queensland State Labor Government has failed to take meaningful action on youth crime and it is now at crisis point.”

Mr Pitt said there were many unanswered questions around the state’s treatment of youth crime.

The transport department says Uber drivers can install safety features in their own vehicles. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sarah Matray

“The question needs to be asked: what is the Palaszczuk Government doing to address youth crime to make our communities safe?” he said.

“The Coalition Government committed $400,000 for CCTV cameras in Hervey Bay and Federal Labor can’t even be bothered to respond to my request that this will be delivered.

“Our community deserves better.”

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey was also quizzed on union suggestions and safety measures.

Mr Bailey’s office referred the query to a Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson.

“Rideshare drivers play an important role in transporting people around our communities and any attack is abhorrent,” they said.

“Our thoughts are with Mr Cabrie‘s family and friends at this tragic time.

“The matter is currently being investigated by Queensland Police and is before the courts and there is no further comment on this particular issue.”

The spokesman said rideshare operators could volunteer to install safety measures themselves.

“Current safety regulations for Queensland rideshare vehicles include that all journeys must be pre-booked and cannot be hailed from the street or from a taxi rank,” he said.

Approved security cameras are mandatory in all taxi, limousine and rideshare vehicles where the driver or passenger is anonymous or where cash transactions are accepted or the point of payment is made in person before, during or after the journey.

“Rideshare operators may also voluntarily install an approved security camera system in their vehicle if they do not meet this risk profile,” the spokesperson said.

“These cameras must comply with a number of requirements, such as privacy protections relating to the download and use of camera recordings.

“As a booking entity, we are aware Uber has also installed safety features within their app for drivers and passengers.”

The family of Bundaberg cabbie Bryan Hodgkinson, who was murdered in the 1980s, have called for dividers and central locking systems to be installed in all rideshare cars.