The Liberal Party in Western Australia has backed the introduction of new consumer-focused ridesharing applications such as global group Uber, which launched in Perth last month as an alternative to traditional taxi dispatch services.
Among its business at the weekend, the WA Division of Liberal Party passed a motion calling on the state government to remove any legislative or regulatory barriers preventing consumers from accessing for hire or ridesharing services using on-demand smartphone apps.
Uber uses technology such as mobile phone apps to link customers directly with cab drivers, but its arrival has not been welcomed by everyone in the industry.
There have also been questions about whether Uber can offer fares below $60, the state's current mandatory minimum fee for any standard charter vehicle.
The state government has been cautious in statements about Uber.
The industry in WA is heavily regulated and dominated by Swan Taxis, a former drivers’ cooperative that is now controlled by a Singapore-based group.
Other business-related motions that were carried:
- Called on the state government to put forward a realistic plan in the next budget to sell assets with a view to reducing debt.
- Sought new laws to provide police with additional powers to disperse pickets or protests.
- Opposed any increase to gold royalties.
- Called for the repeal of the Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Act 2003 in recognition of the successful coexistence and marketability of GM and Non-GM crops since 2009.
- Opposed the introduction of tolls in any form and on any vehicle type on WA roads.
- Sought a plan to privatise sections of public housing in the Fremantle area that have been subject to significant levels of anti-social behaviour.
