The Nationals in government will ease pressure on taxi operators and protect essential transport services by addressing the compulsory third party (CTP) insurance imbalance.
Under the proposal, taxis will be brought into the same CTP insurance classification as other rideshare vehicles, establishing a fairer system for operators providing comparable passenger transport services.
Currently, regional taxi operators face CTP insurance premiums of up to $5,200. Rideshare operators pay base premiums of between just $500 and $700.
The NSW taxi industry faces mounting financial pressures, with more than 600 taxis leaving NSW roads over the past two years. The recent closure of Southern Highlands Taxis also highlights the real threat other regional services face.
A NSW Parliamentary Committee recommended bringing taxis and rideshare under a single CTP classification within six months of its April 2026 report. However, the Minns Labor Government has not taken any action.
Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said regional NSW is hit hardest when taxi
operators are forced to close.
“Taxis are a critical local transport option for so many people, particularly in regional NSW where there are often few, if any, alternatives to having a car,” Mr Singh said.
“When the local taxi service disappears, it’s not just a business owner and their family who are hit hard by the closure, it’s also older residents struggling to get to medical appointments, people with disability losing their independence and families losing an essential service.”
“Once again, recommendations have been made to the Minns Labor Government and subsequently put in the bottom drawer to gather dust.”
“The industry and peak bodies have been calling for action, a parliamentary committee has recommended a solution, and only The Nationals in government will make the change.”
