<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>An interstate battle between taxi drivers has caught the attention of state governments ahead of the State of Origin decider this week.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/queensland" rel="" target="_blank" title="New South Wales"><span>New South Wales</span></a><span> government has called on its </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/queensland" rel="" target="_blank" title="Queensland"><span>Queensland</span></a><span> counterparts to fix an "unfair" loophole which allows Queensland cab drivers to pick up return fares across the border in NSW, but mostly bans NSW drivers from doing the same in Queensland.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads spokesperson said it creates a financial "disadvantage" for NSW cabbies.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/darling-downs-zoo-queensland-update-woman-arm-injured-animal-bite/8e913db2-37d4-44d0-b0a6-2b07dd1b8318" rel="" target="_blank" title="Queensland zoo 'won't punish' big cat after woman loses arm in attack"><strong><span>Queensland zoo 'won't punish' big cat after woman loses arm in attack</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>NSW cabs can take passengers across the broder to Queensland but can't pick up a return fare back across the border.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The state's taxi industry complains Queensland cabbies have been operating in NSW during major events, such as Bluesfest in Byron Bay.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It said the rule also impacts NSW residents needing specialised transport services when they return from appointments in Queensland.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/queensland-and-new-south-wales-taxi-issue-passengers-cant-cross-border-on-one-side/93f76eda-cedf-444b-8608-5dbeb4d65ea0" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"They are currently unable to book their trusted NSW drivers for return journeys and often endure extended wait times," a spokesperson said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>NSW Minister for Transport John Graham has asked his Queensland counterpart Brent Mickelberg to fix the issue.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Graham said the playful rivalry between the two states shouldn't extend to taxi drivers.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/red-sea-ship-attack-crew-of-liberia-flag-greek-owned-ship-abandon-it-after-attack-uk-military-says/4156be03-d459-4352-a2b7-94c9a01034c8" target="_blank"><strong><span>Crew abandons ship in Red Sea after 'drone boat' attack</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Our two states compete hard, whether that is to attract tourists and visitors, in business or on the sporting field – as will be seen again on Wednesday night in the State-of-Origin series decider, which we expect the Blues to win," he said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"To do so, we both require a level playing field and that is what we are calling on Queensland to help us provide when it comes to cross-border transport."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>NSW Taxi Council chief executive Nick Abrahim said the state's drivers would welcome more cross-border flexibility.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We would like to see this measure extended to allow for all passengers to be given the opportunity to return in a NSW taxi for all trips that cross the border," he said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/finance/us-dollar-falling-why-worlds-king-currency-going-backwards-explained/a7d39032-98ca-4509-ae72-1967171b6ec6"><strong><span>The world's most important currency is suddenly sliding backwards</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Legislation was passed by the Queensland government in 2007 to allow taxis to take cross-border fares.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>This opened up business for drivers in places like Mungindi, which straddles the border.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The same rule does not apply to NSW drivers aside from dedicated cab ranks in Queensland.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A spokesperson for the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads told 9news.com.au there are three dedicated cross-border ranks for NSW-registered taxis in Queensland.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Different regulatory frameworks apply between Queensland and New South Wales," the spokesperson said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"TMR understands that New South Wales regulations permit customers travelling from New South Wales to Queensland to use New South Wales and Queensland-registered taxis.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Queensland taxis being allowed to operate in New South Wales is a matter for the New South Wales government."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The statement continued: "TMR is not aware of any previous request from the New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads to consider changes to the cross-border arrangements.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"This request requires consideration by the Queensland government."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>9news.com.au understands there have been no passenger complaints directed to TMR regarding this issue.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>.</span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-to-follow-9news-digital/29855bb1-ad3d-4c38-bc25-3cb52af1216f" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span>: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. 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