A CABBIE protesting against the Victorian government’s plans to shake up in the taxi industry seemed to have more important things on his mind.

While thousands face financial hardship with the government wanting to buyback taxi licences, potentially leaving people with hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt, one cabbie decided it would be a good time to prank Channel Nine and Channel Seven.

A taxi driver spoke to the broadcast stations about the protest on Bolte Bridge in Melbourne, but told them his name was Tsim Booky. It’s now been revealed by the Greek community that his “name” actually is the word in Greek for fellatio.

People on social media have dubbed him a legend and said he should be the next Prime Minister.

Others slammed him for tarnishing the rally where cabbies were trying to get the government to offer more compensation for its buyback scheme.

A post on social media said the taxi industry was in turmoil and working families were threatened with financial struggles.

“It would be funny under different, more relaxed circumstances but we are talking about the financial future of many Victoria families,” the post said.

“Does he not care that he disrespects the same government he demands better compensation? Does he not respect his own self esteem or his brother cabbies who are bleeding? Does he not care that he embarrasses his own Greek community? Should we the consumer not take them seriously either?

“How can (cabbies) get support when you have clowns representing them on public television. Either take yourselves seriously cabbies or you will disappear by progress and technology.”

After Monday’s protest, the cabbies vowed it still wasn’t over.

Protester David Singh told Fairfax Media they wouldn’t end their fight, especially with an election just 18 months away.

“This isn’t over, they want it to go away but this isn’t going to go away,” he said.

The Victorian government wants to deregulate the taxi industry by abolishing taxi licences and introducing a single registration for taxis, hire cars and ride-share services like Uber.

It proposes to compensate taxi licence holders by paying $100,000 for their first licence and $50,000 for up to three others.

However, some licences cost up to $500,000 and many holders fear the buyback scheme will send them broke.

— with AAP