A bill to compensate taxi drivers for the legalisation of ride-sharing companies like Uber has passed Queensland's hung parliament.
But under an amendment moved by the Liberal National Party opposition, the government will be required to outline its plans for the industry within three months and have them implemented within six.
Ride-sharing services were legalised in early September, when the government announced a $100 million assistance package for taxi drivers.
It included immediate payments of $20,000 per licence, capped at two per owner, and a pool of $86.7 million in transitional assistance and hardship payments.
"It is expected the government will be in a position to send invitations to eligible taxi and limousine licence holders regarding the transitional assistance in December to enable payments shortly thereafter," Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said.
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The minister also flagged an "urgent regulation" to hike the fine for illegally stopping in a taxi zone from $48 to $243 to protect rank and hail services, to which the taxi industry retain rights.
During the debate, LNP members hit out at the package as inadequate.
"It is not even close to the mark," Buderim MP Steve Dickson said.
The opposition accused the government of destroying the lives of potentially 3000 families.
Moggill MP Dr Christian Rowan said drivers were angry and disappointed.
"The emotional distress and financial hardship of many in the taxi industry cannot be underestimated," he said.
Labor's Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch pointed to analysis showing the change to the industry would boost the economy by an estimated $474.1 million.
"That presents a huge opportunity, but we understand that change can be hard and disruption can be challenging financially," she said.
Mr Hinchliffe warned the only way to achieve the proposed faster time frame would be to "bypass or condense due process".
"I will be forced to cut short the industry round-table process that has already been established or schedule consultation hearings over the Christmas-new year period," he said.
"This amendment is a joke."
The amended bill passed late Thursday evening.
