A Queensland Government taskforce has released a discussion paper on reform of ride-sharing regulation.

Services such as Uber are still illegal in the state, and the paper suggests a range of options, from maintaining the status quo to deregulating the industry.

It also examines possibilities for reforming compulsory third party (CTP) premiums, including the establishment of a new category for ride-sharing vehicles.

“Because taxis travel far greater distances than private vehicles on average, they are deemed to be more exposed to potential crash involvement and, therefore, have higher premiums,” the paper says. “Notably, ride-sourcing vehicles currently operate with private vehicle CTP only.

“This is somewhat of a point of contention in that they carry passengers for a charge, [but] do not fall within the current regulatory framework and therefore do not technically align with any existing CTP category in Queensland.”

The paper says the introduction of a new category may still prove unfair because “drivers vary in the amount of time they are active in providing ride-sourcing services”.

It suggests a “floating” CTP premium, based on the amount of business use, may be more appropriate.

“Additionally, if a personalised transport vehicle was fitted with a telematics device that monitored driver behaviour and reported such data to the insurer… then ‘floating’ CTP premiums established on an individual risk basis could be scoped for feasibility.”

The taskforce will present a series of recommendations to the Government next month.