Uber launches ‘the Katter option’ in response to the Queensland Government’s tough new laws

IF YOU log onto the Uber app in Queensland today, you’re in for a nasty surprise.

Uber’s Queensland users are in for a fright.

IT’S THE last thing you want to see when you log into Uber: a screen bearing the message “no cars available”.

That’s what greets Queensland users of the ridesharing app if they click on the so called “Katter option”, a gimmick created by Uber’s developers in response to the state government's tough new laws.

The Katter’s Australian Party’s private member’s Bill, passed last night by the Queensland Parliament with Opposition support, allows transport inspectors to fine Uber drivers up to $2356, while administrators can be fined up to $23,560.

Paid ridesharing remains illegal in Queensland under current taxi regulations, but the government is reviewing those regulations.

“Your MP voted with Katter to take Uber away from you,” says a message that pops up within the app.

“Request a trip on the ‘Katter’ option to see a Qld without Uber. #keepQLDmoving”.

Users who do as suggested are taken to an eerie version of the map that normally allows them to track their drive en route.

Instead of a car icon creeping nearer with an estimated arrival time, the “no cars available” message appears.

An Uberless nightmare.

Uber takes on Queensland MPs.

Uber Queensland general manager Sam Bool said the “Katter option” aimed to bring pressure on state MPs who chose “backroom deals” over listening to their electorates.

“Hundreds of thousands of Uber riders in the state will see that their MP chose to vote against them, and have a view of what Queensland could look like if the government continues to do backroom deals with the Katter Australia Party,” Mr Bool said.

He accused the government of “playing politics” while ignoring the pleas of thousands of Queenslanders who supported ridesharing.

“We are astounded that a government that claims to be pro-jobs and pro-innovation has taken such a backwards step for Queensland Mr Bool said.

“They have undermined the credibility of their own review process to appease Mr Katter, who continues to threaten the state’s leaders to get his way.

“We will continue to stand by our driver-partners and riders and fight for their choices, especially when their government clearly has no interest in doing so.”

The new law gives transport inspectors greater power to investigate people suspected of operating an illegal taxi.

It also lessens the burden of proof required to penalise drivers, but did not include a Katter’s Australian Party proposal to punish them with demerit points.

New laws spearheaded by Katter’s Australian Party clamp down on Uber drivers. Picture: Brendan Radke

Federal MP Bob Katter told the ABC the new legislation should send a message to the $60 billion multinational.

“A lot of people have been soft targets, I hope we won’t be in Queensland,” he told the ABC.

“They don’t make the decisions, we do here. Someone has to be the a grown-up and say ‘I’m sorry you might get a cheaper ride tonight but in the long run this does not serve the national interest’. That’s the question that needs to be addressed, not the tide is coming. That’s not a reason to do it.”

Uber’s director of public policy Brad Kitschke said Queensland drivers would continue to operate as normal.

He said most fined drivers had been allowing the matter to go to court, with the government failing to follow through and prosecute.

“Drivers over the last year haven’t been paying fines,” Mr Kitschke told ABC radio.

“They’ve been electing to go to court and have a court adjudicate the matter. The government has 12 months ... to prosecute or let fines lapse and what the government has been doing is letting those fines lapse.

“The law is so old and outdated they can’t be sure the ride-sharing participants are committing an offence.”

The changes do not prevent reforms to follow the lead of NSW, South Australia, Western Australia and the ACT in legalising ridesharing.

Queensland Uber drivers previously faced maximum fines of $1413.

— With AAP

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