Deputy Premier Jackie Trad was shouted down as tensions escalated at the rally. Photo: Amy Remeikis
Queensland's Deputy Premier has been heckled by taxi drivers at an anti-Uber rally, as tensions between the two groups continue to worsen.
Ms Trad faced the group of about 250 taxi drivers and their supporters outside the Queensland Parliament to explain while she understood the industry's concerns, the review she had ordered was necessary to ensure any new legislation laid out a level playing field.
While invited to talk, Ms Trad met a somewhat mixed hostile reaction from the drivers, who began to boo and shout questions as she attempted to address the crowd. Photo: Amy Remeikis
But while invited to talk, Ms Trad met a somewhat mixed hostile reaction from the drivers, who began to boo and shout questions as she attempted to address the crowd.
"I am acutely aware of how significant this issue is in terms of the established taxi industry," she said.
"That's why this government has moved to set up an independent review..."
Ms Trad was cut off to calls of "that's bullshit", "rubbish" and shouts, while some taxi drivers began shoving others to stop shouting and let Ms Trad talk.
"Just listen mate, please listen," competed with "just give up", as the crowd began to move forward.
"As I said, I understand your passion and I understand your anxiety and I completely hope that you are able to express through the review, through the review, what your concerns are and how we can move forward."
But Ms Trad lost the crowd when she said the government had to acknowledge that "digital disruption, digital technology" was having an impact.
"Oh no, that's rubbish, that's rubbish," one driver called.
"Please listen to me, mate - please respect your honourable deputy premier, please mate," others implored.
But as the shouted questions and comments became longer and drivers continued to argue with each other about interrupting, Ms Trad stopped and pulled an organiser aside to say that while she was happy to engage, "I am not going to stand here and be yelled at," while inviting some members of the group inside for a meeting.
After attempting to answer another question from the crowd about why the government was attacking his retirement plan, and fielding a comment from Labor MP Rob Pyne about Uber's lack of wheelchair access, Ms Trad left the rally and Robbie Katter and Shane Knuth, who have introduced a bill which would see Uber drivers lose their licence, stepped in, to calls of "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie."
Last week, two taxi drivers were charged with the alleged assault of three rival Uber drivers in Brisbane, prompting the government to announce its review.
That's due to return in August, which representatives from both sides have complained is too long.
Meanwhile, the parliamentary committee review into the Katter MPs bill is continuing.
Committee members heard from transport departmental officials that Uber was "thwarting" its attempts to fine it, by banning identified inspector's phones from using its app.
The Katter legislation will need the support of one of the major party and either of the two sitting independents to pass.
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