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Victoria moves closer to ride-sharing rules

Victoria is to develop rules for ride-sharing services such as Uber, after the Government agreed to hammer out a framework over the winter parliamentary break.

Sex Party leader Fiona Patten, who is pushing to legalise ride-sharing, introduced a bill to Parliament but a vote was adjourned last week after Labor agreed to work on developing regulations.

“They’ve actually assured me they would have something for us after the winter break to look at, and we will be working with them to get this done as soon as possible,” Ms Patten said.

Transport Minister Jacinta Allan says ride-sharing is complex and issues to be considered include passenger safety, equity for the taxi industry and access for people with disabilities.

“Fiona Patten’s bill provides a way forward on a number of these issues, but there is more to be done to develop a safe, fair, workable framework and provide certainty to the industry,” she said.

The Coalition says it backs a quick resolution and will introduce its own bill if the matter is not resolved by August.

Progress in Victoria comes after NSW said in December it would legalise ride-sharing.

The NSW Government last week moved ahead with legislation including a $250 million taxi industry assistance package, funded by a $1 levy on point-to-point trips.

The legislation also allows the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) to collect data from booking services and taxi service providers, under plans to improve premium calculations.

The authority has started a review of compulsory third party (CTP) insurance for point-to-point vehicles, and is also looking at how the premium system can deliver more risk-based pricing.

“SIRA is continuing to work closely with key stakeholders to develop a fair solution and create business practices and processes to ensure the CTP framework provides a level playing field for point-to-point vehicles,” Roads, Maritime and Freight Minister Duncan Gay told Parliament.

A parliamentary committee is considering other industrial issues, including a push by the opposition to have a ride-sharing minimum wage.