Since writing two weeks ago about the taxi compensation schemes introduced by state governments, I have been overwhelmed by the response. 

And it is with quite a sense of disquiet that I return to the issue.

I have received emails describing the financial devastation and personal desperation being suffered by licence holders in New South Wales and Victoria. I have also seen emails to senior political leaders in Queensland predicting bankruptcies, family disintegration and self-harm.

It has led me to the position that I don’t really think issues such as this need to be subjected to extensive legal analysis. That is because it appears to me to be an obvious choice between what is right and what is wrong – a choice between what is humane and what is inhumane.

How any government, any parliament, can believe that wreaking this sort of havoc on an industry is acceptable begs belief. Those that are affected by this legislative devaluation of their businesses and livelihoods are saying: “If this can happen in our industry it could happen in any industry.” 

Earlier in the week I was asked a simple question: can legislation be changed once introduced? The answer is that legislation can always be changed, even once it has become the law. By way of example the NSW government is apparently considering changes to the legislation introduced earlier in the year to outlaw greyhound racing because, it seems, they did not appreciate the impacts of their proposed changes at the time.

So yes, there is always the chance of a political solution that is a fair, reasonable and humane. I would urge everyone affected by this legislation to actively contact their local politicians to make your feelings known. And, most importantly, keep your chins up and keep fighting.    

Sean Kelly is a Director at Kelly Legal and can be contacted on sean.kelly@kellylegal.com.au or at www.kellylegal.com.au

Sean’s articles can be accessed on the Daily Mercury website at http://www.dailymercury.com.au/ or you can find Sean’s column “Mind Your Own Business” in APN newspapers each Wednesday.