The Uber files: firm knew it launched illegally in Australia, then leaned on governments to change the law

Exclusive: company acknowledged in documents leaked to the Guardian it had used hyper-aggressive tactics' in global expansion

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Uber understood it was operating illegally when it launched in Australia and fiercely lobbied governments to legalise its lucrative Australian operations, documents leaked to the Guardian reveal.

Taxis and hire cars are required by Australian state laws to obtain a licence prior to operating, but Uber set up shop in Australia in 2012 without the required permits.