A cease and desist order appears to be no impediment to app-based passenger service Uber, which is advertising for a Brisbane marketing manager despite its drivers being fined for accepting passengers.
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Uber posted the job ad on July 28, more than two months after the state government reversed its support for the “ride-sharing” company and issued a cease and desist order.
It was a sign the company saw a future in Brisbane, despite the government’s legislative roadblocks, which have so far seen three Uber drivers fined.
When approached for comment, Uber directed queries to the company’s Australia and New Zealand media spokeswoman, who insisted on providing a written response to questions.
In that written statement, Uber Brisbane general manager Mike Abbott glossed over any concerns about the company’s viability in the city, in light of the state government’s cease and desist order.
“We have experienced incredible demand from Brisbanites, both drivers and riders, for Uber in their city,” Mr Abbott said.
“Riders are crying out for safe, reliable and affordable ways to get around the city.
“Drivers enjoy the flexibility and being able to make some extra money through driving on the Uber system.“
That extra money may not go far, however, if they come face-to-face with Queensland Transport officials.
A spokeswoman for Queensland Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the cease and desist notice issued to Uber on May 21 was still in effect.
“To date, infringement notices have been issued to three drivers for either driving without a driver authorisation and/or providing a taxi service without a taxi service licence,” she said.
“We will continue to crack down on anyone who is breaking the law.”
The spokeswoman said drivers operating without authorisation were subject to a fine of $1707, with a maximum court-imposed penalty of $11,385.
Providing a taxi service without an appropriate licence attracted a $1366 fine, with a maximum court penalty of $18,216.
Mr Abbott was undeterred.
“We love being in Queensland,” he said.
“The reception we have had has been fantastic, we're growing and we look forward to being part of the future of transportation in the state.”
Fairfax Media asked Uber whether the company had ignored the state government’s cease and desist order.
That query was ignored.
The Queensland Taxi Council has backed the government crackdown on Uber, saying all operators should comply with existing legislation.
