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Reintroduction of lapsed Bills When the election was called on 23 February 2009, the Parliament was dissolved by proclamation of the Governor. The dissolution has significant effects on the Parliament as follows: All business on the Notice Paper including Government Bills, Private Members Bills and Questions On Notice lapse; All notices of motions remaining on the Notice Paper such as revocation motions lapse, except for disa
Gambling and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 One of the Government’s Towards Q2 commitments is to support safe and caring communities. In line with this commitment, the Government announced significant gambling reforms during 2008 to reduce the potential harm of gambling in the community. These reforms included a cap on club gaming machines to limit the proliferation of gaming machines in the state, a reallocation scheme for gaming mach
Land Tax Bill 2010 Cabinet approved the rewrite of the Land Tax Act 1915 (LTA) using plain English and contemporary drafting practices. There will be no policy changes in the rewrite. The LTA imposes land tax on the value of a taxpayer’s total landholdings at 30 June each financial year. Land values are determined by the chief executive of the Department of Environment and Resource Management under the Valuation
Personal Property Securities Bill 2009 Following initiation by the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG), the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to proceed with the reform of Australian personal property securities law. An intergovernmental agreement has been signed to this effect by all Australian jurisdictions. Under the intergovernmental agreement, states and territories have agreed to refer power to the Com
Victims of Crime Assistance Bill The Victims of Crime Assistance Bill 2009 repeals the Criminal Offence Victims Act 1995. The Bill provides for a new victims financial assistance scheme. The new scheme will focus on victim recovery by paying for, or reimbursing the costs of goods and services that the victim requires to help them recover from the physical and psychological effects of an act of violence. It aims to provide a tailo
Criminal History Screening Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 The Criminal History Screening Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 proposes to streamline criminal history screening for Queenslanders. These arrangements will reduce duplication of screening and achieve consistency in screening for persons providing services to children and young people or working in a place where the Department of Communities funds or provides disability services, while maintaining
Moratorium Notice for the Wet Tropics River Basins The Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade, published a Moratorium Notice under the Water Act 2000 in the Wet Tropics area prior to the commencement of the preparation of the Wet Tropics Water Resource Plan. A moratorium places a hold on further water development and allocation, where such action is needed to protect natural ecosystems or existing entitlements. It
Liquor Regulation The Liquor Act 1992 (Liquor Act) regulates the sale and supply of liquor in Queensland. A major review of the Liquor Act was completed as part of the 17 Point City Safety Action Plan 2005. The majority of reforms to the Liquor Act, including the introduction of an annual licence fee regime, came into effect on 1 January 2009. Liquor licence fees were comprised of a base fee for the type of li
Agricultural College Bill The Agricultural College and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 (the Bill) will broaden the range of matters that an appropriately skilled board may advise on in relation to the Australian Agricultural College Corporation. The Bill contains provisions to enhance the corporate governance provisions in relation to the Board. Cabinet approved the introduction of the Agricultural College and Other
Aust Uniform Cooperative Laws Agreement Each state and territory legislates to give cooperatives corporate body status distinct from companies. With the exception of Western Australia, each jurisdiction’s legislation contains core consistent provisions which cover fundamental matters such as the cooperative principles, membership, and rules. In Queensland, the governing legislation is the Cooperatives Act 1997. True consistency unde
Bldg and Constr Long Service Leave Amend Reg 2009 The Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Authority, trading as “QLeave”, was established under the Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Act 1991 (the Act) to administer a Portable Long Service Leave Scheme (the Scheme) for eligible workers in the building and construction industry in Queensland. The Scheme is entirely self-funded through a le
Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction Reform and Modernisation Amendment Bill 2009 In July 2008, a review of the civil and criminal justice system in Queensland was launched by the Queensland Government. Former Senior Judge Administrator, the Honourable Martin Moynihan AO QC, was appointed to conduct the review and report on the working of Queensland courts in the civil and criminal jurisdictions with a view to making more effective use of public resources. The report on the r
Credit (Commonwealth Powers) Bill 2009 Under the Uniform Credit Laws Agreement 1993, the Governments of each state and territory agreed to establish and implement a uniform scheme regulating the provision of consumer credit. On 1 November 1996, the Uniform Consumer Credit Code (Credit Code), an appendix to the Consumer Credit (Queensland) Act 1994, commenced operation throughout Australia. Queensland holds the template legislation f
Criminal Code Amendment Bill 2009 On 1 October 2008, the Queensland Law Reform Commission (QLRC) Report, The Excuse of Accident and the Defence of Provocation (the QLRC Report) was tabled in Parliament. The QLRC’s report made a number of recommendations regarding accident and provocation, but also made note of the difficulties sometimes encountered by battered spouses who kill their abusers to rely on existing defences. In this r
Integrity and accountability bill On 6 August 2009, the Government released the discussion paper, Integrity and Accountability in Queensland (the Discussion Paper) to prompt public discussion on topical integrity and accountability issues. An independent round table of experts was appointed to consider public submissions and provide advice to government on proposals for reform. The recommendations of the round table have been c
Radiation Safety Amendment Bill 2009 In December 2002, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to a national review of the regulation, reporting and security surrounding the storage, sale and handling of hazardous materials. The review was initiated to assist counter-terrorism efforts by limiting opportunities for, and enhancing detection of, the illegal/unauthorised use of hazardous materials, including ammonium nitrat
Response to PMB Commissions of Inquiry Amendment Bill The Member for Surfers Paradise and Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for the Arts, Mr John-Paul Langbroek, introduced the Commissions of Inquiry (Corruption, Cronyism and Unethical Behaviour) Amendment Bill 2009 (the Bill) as a Private Member’s Bill on 29 October 2009. The Explanatory Notes to the Bill state the objective of the Bill is to amend the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1950 to e
Surrogacy Bill 2009 The Surrogacy Bill 2009 (the Bill) decriminalises altruistic surrogacy; allows parties to enter into an altruistic surrogacy arrangement where a woman agrees to conceive and carry a child for another person or another person and that person’s spouse; and provides for a court to make an order for the transfer of the parentage of the child born as a result of the surrogacy arrangement. This is ac
Sustainable Planning Reg The purpose of the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 (the Regulation) as subordinate legislation to the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 is to provide a framework to integrate planning and development assessment so that development assessment and its effects are managed in a way that is ecologically sustainable, and for related purposes. The Regulation will support the implementation of the Sustai
Amendment to the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 The amendments to the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 allow for the compulsory acquisition of land outside the urban footprint in the local government areas of Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Brisbane, Ipswich, Redlands, Logan and Gold Coast for the purposes of conserving koalas. The main reason for this amendment is to acquire non-urban land where it has not been possible to negotiate voluntary purcha
Building and Other legislation The Building and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 (the Bill) implements Sustainable Housing Stage 2 measures, miscellaneous amendments to the Building Act 1975 (BA), facilitates the introduction of a Queensland Development Code part for Buildings in Transport Noise Corridors and the abolition of the Plumbers and Drainers Board. The BA, Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002 (PDA), Fire and Rescue Ser
Civil Liability and other Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 The Civil Liability and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 amends and modernises the civil liability and personal injury regime in Queensland. The Bill includes amendments to: re-base and facilitate the future indexation of monetary amounts in the Civil Liability Act 2003 (CLA), the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994 and the Personal Injuries Proceedings Act 2002 (PIPA), including the legal cos
Criminal Code (Honesty and Integrity in Parliament) The Member for Surfers Paradise and then Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for the Arts, Mr John-Paul Langbroek MP, introduced the Criminal Code (Honesty and Integrity in Parliament) Amendment Bill 2009 on 19 August 2009. The Explanatory Notes to the Bill state the purpose of the Bill is to amend the Criminal Code to introduce the offence of giving false evidence to Parliament and the
Criminal Organisation Bill 2009 The Criminal Organisation Bill 2009 allows for criminal organisations to be “declared” by the Supreme Court upon application by the Police Commissioner and for members and associates of declared organisations, on application of the Police Commissioner, to be liable to have control orders imposed on them. Activities that may be controlled by an order include: associating with other persons; posses
Fair Work (Cth Powers) and other Provisions Bill 2009 The Fair Work (Commonwealth Powers) and Other Provisions Bill 2009 contains provisions to: refer certain powers relating to workplace relations to the Parliament of the Commonwealth, to enable the Parliament of the Commonwealth to make laws about workplace relations for employees and employers in Queensland who would otherwise be outside the reach of Commonwealth legislative power; and make some
Amendments to Gambling Bill 2009 The Gambling and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 proposes that the Liquor Act 1992 be amended to include a moratorium on extended trading hours approvals after midnight, but with an exemption from the moratorium only for applications in inner city areas with a concentration of licensed premises with approved extended trading hours after midnight. It is intended that the moratorium be impos
Land Regulation 2009 The Land Regulation 1995 commenced in 1995 and under section 54(1) of the Statutory Instruments Act 1992 was due to expire on 31 August 2009. A review of the Land Regulation was completed. As part of this review, a Regulatory Impact Statement documenting the proposed changes to the Regulation was released in April 2008 for public comment by July 2008.. The amendment and remake of the Regulation i
Qld Civil and Administrative Tribunal and other Leg Amendment Reg (No. ) 2009 On 12 March 2008, the Premier and Minister for the Arts announced that that a new civil and administrative tribunal was to commence in the second half of 2009. The new tribunal would deal with a range of matters currently dealt with by tribunals as well as some civil disputes (including small claims and minor debt matters) and a range of administrative decisions that are currently dealt with in t
SEQ Water Distribution and Retail Restructuring Bill 2009 New institutional arrangements are being implemented in South East Queensland (SEQ) to ensure the efficient and effective supply of water. The South East Queensland Water Restructuring Act 2007 established three statutory authorities to own the bulk supply, bulk transport and manufactured water infrastructure and businesses in SEQ. This Act also established the SEQ Water Grid Manager. These enti
Surrogacy Bill 2009 The draft Surrogacy Bill 2009 (the Bill) decriminalises altruistic surrogacy; allows parties to enter into an altruistic surrogacy arrangement where a woman agrees to conceive and carry a child for another person or another person and that person’s spouse; and provides for a court to make an order for the transfer of the parentage of the child born as a result of the surrogacy arrangement. This
State Penalties Enforcement Bill 2009 Amendments to the State Penalties Enforcement Act 1999: The State Penalties Enforcement and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 (the Bill) amends that Act to: extend driver licence suspension to unpaid amounts for non-motor related offences; strengthen the State Penalties Enforcement Register’s (SPER) existing powers of seizure and sale; create new powers and processes to wheel clamp the vehicle
Trade Measurement On 13 April 2007 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to establish a national system of trade measurement funded and administered by the Commonwealth. Full responsibility for the administration of trade measurement will be transferred to the Commonwealth, consistent with existing powers under the Commonwealth Constitution to make law in respect of ‘weights and measures’. The Trade
Vegetation Management Amendment Regulation 2009 The Vegetation Management Amendment (VMA) Regulation 2009 amends the conservation class of regional ecosystems listed in the Vegetation Management Regulation 2000, in response to the certification of the latest scientific data on remnant vegetation. The VMA Regulation also gives effect to new vegetation management maps, assessment codes and policies and other streamlining reforms consistent with
Building Legislation - Swimming Pools Last year, eight children drowned in Queensland pools. In the last six years, 35 children have drowned in the State’s residential swimming pools. In addition, it is estimated that 50 children a year present to emergency departments for immersion injuries, some of whom suffer brain damage due to lack of oxygen. On 14 December 2008, the Premier announced a review of Queensland’s swimming pool safety
City of Brisbane Bill 2010 On 21 July 2006, the Government announced the review of the Local Government Act 1993 (LGA 1993) and the City of Brisbane Act 1924 (CoBA), with the reviews being undertaken sequentially, beginning with the LGA 1993. The new Local Government Act 2009 (LGA 2009) was passed on 4 June 2009 and on 1 July 2010 will replace the LGA 1993 as the principal legislative framework for 72 Local Governments. Im
Civil and Criminal Jursidiction Reform and Modernisation Amendment Bill 2010 On 28 July 2008, a review of the civil and criminal justice system in Queensland was launched by the Queensland Government. Former Senior Judge Administrator, the Honourable Martin Moynihan AO QC, was appointed to conduct the review and report on the working of Queensland courts in the civil and criminal jurisdictions with a view to making more effective use of public resources. The report on th
Amendments to Credit Bill 2009 The Credit (Commonwealth Powers) Bill 2009 (the Bill) refers constitutional power for credit and advice to the Commonwealth and repeals the Credit Act 1987, Consumer Credit (Queensland) Act 1994, the appended template Credit Code and supporting Regulations. Following introduction of the Bill, the Commonwealth and the State Governments agreed to modify the terms of the referred amendment power
Criminal Code (Images of Violence Against Children) The Member for Moggill and Shadow Minister for Education and Training, Dr Bruce Flegg, introduced the Criminal Code (Filming or Possessing Images of Violence Against Schoolchildren) Amendment Bill 2010 as a Private Member’s Bill in March 2010. The Bill replaced the Criminal Code (Filming or Possessing Images of Violence Against Children) Amendment Bill 2009, which Dr Flegg withdrew. The Explanator
Criminal Code (Serious Assaults on Police) The Member for Southern Downs and Deputy Leader for the Opposition, Mr Lawrence Springborg MP introduced the Criminal Code (Serious Assaults on Police and Particular Other Persons) Amendment Bill 2010 as a Private Member’s Bill in February 2010. The Bill proposed amendments to section 340 of the Criminal Code, which contains the offence of serious assault. The Bill aims to introduce mandatory mini
Racing and Other Leg Amendment Bill 2010 The Racing and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 (the Bill), amends the Racing Act 2002, the Wagering Act 1998, and the Gaming Machine Act 1991 administered by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation. The object of the Bill is to effect the amalgamation of the three existing racing industry control bodies, Queensland Racing Limited, Queensland Harness Racing Limited a
SEQ Water (Distribution and Retail Restructuring) and Other Leg Amend Bill 2010 The South East Queensland Water (Distribution and Retail Restructuring) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 provides the regulatory framework, including operational powers, to enable the three new council owned entities to deliver water and wastewater services to customers within South East Queensland from 1 July 2010. The Bill enables the continued and effective management of water restrict
Education and Training Legislation (Skills Queensland) Amendment Bill 2010 The Education and Training Legislation (Skills Queensland) Amendment Bill 2010 amends the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000 to establish an industry led skills commission in Queensland, to be called Skills Queensland. The establishment of Skills Queensland marks a new approach to ensuring that Queensland’s skills system meets the needs of a growing and diversifying Queensland
Fair Trading Australian Consumer Law Bill 2010 On 2 October 2008, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to a new national consumer law to be implemented by a national application law scheme, and jointly enforced by the Commonwealth, States and Territories. The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) was developed as a single national consumer law based on the former Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) and drawing upon the recommendations of
Integrity Reform Bills 2010 In November 2009, the Government released the Response to Integrity and Accountability in Queensland (the Integrity Response). The Integrity Response detailed a range of administrative and legislative reforms to be implemented by mid-2010. The first stage of legislative integrity reform was implemented from 1 January 2010 with the commencement of the Integrity Act 2009. This Act expanded the rol
Land Valuation Bill 2010 The Valuation of Land Act 1944 provides the legislative framework for the Government to carry out statutory land valuations in Queensland. The purpose of the Land Valuation Bill 2010 is to repeal and replace the Valuation of Land Act 1944 to give effect to reforms of the Queensland statutory land valuation framework. The Bill also contains amendments to the Aboriginal Land Act 1991 and the Torres
Motor Accident Insurance Other Leg Amend Bill 2010 A review of Queensland’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme earlier this year indicated room for improvement, including reducing delivery and acquisition costs and promoting greater price competition. One of the key drivers to these rising costs is the payment of commissions and inducements by the insurers to intermediaries to acquire CTP business, particularly the new vehicle market. These pa
Penalties and Sentences (Sent Advis Council Amend Bill 2010 The criminal justice system plays an important role in creating a safe community for Queenslanders. It is vital that the community has confidence in the sentencing process. The Queensland Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 sets out the purposes of sentencing and the guidelines to be followed. It also contains the sentencing options available to the court. The Penalties and Sentences (Sentencing
Personal Property Securities (Ancillary Provisions) Bill 2010 Following initiation by the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) in 2006, the Council of Australian Governments agreed to proceed with the reform of Australian personal property securities law. An intergovernmental agreement has been signed to this effect by all Australian jurisdictions. Under the intergovernmental agreement, states and territories agreed to refer power to the Commonw
Architects Amendment Bill 2009 The Board of Architects of Queensland (the Board) administers the Architects Act 2002 (the Act). The Act regulates the registration of architects and the practice of architecture in Queensland. The Act has been in operation since 1 January 2003. The practice of architecture has been regulated in Queensland since 1928. The current provisions in the Act provide for a regulation to prescribe qualific
Child Care and another act amendment bill 2010 The Child Care and Another Act Amendment Bill 2010 (the Bill) will amend legislation administered by the Department of Education and Training (DET) to provide for the following matters: Child care services to keep log books of compliance history The Bill will amend the Child Care Act 2002 (the CCA) to introduce a requirement for the licensees of all licensed child care services (other than school
Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution In May 2007, the Review of the Neighbourly Relations was launched. A discussion paper and online survey were released on the Dividing Fences Act 1953. In July 2008, two discussion papers were released entitled “Trees” and “Resolving neighbourhood disputes”. The consultation draft Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution Bill 2010places responsibility for the care and maintenance of a tree on a tree ow
Amended State Financial Institutions and Metway Merger Act_1996 The amendments to the State Financial Institutions and Metway Merger Facilitation Act 1996 (the Act) remove the requirement for directors of the Suncorp group of companies to be residents of Queensland (other than the managing director) as currently imposed under Part 6 of the Act. The amendments also remove and extinguish the State’s guarantee of all insurance and indemnity obligations by Suncorp
Transport (Rail Safety) Bill 2010 The Transport (Rail Safety) Bill 2010 (the Bill) forms part of a system of nationally consistent rail safety laws, based on the national model Rail Safety Bill 2006 (the model Bill). The Bill is designed on a co-regulatory approach, where responsibility for regulatory development, implementation and enforcement is shared between industry participants, industry associations and governments. The ob
Criminal Code (Images of Violence Against Children) The Member for Moggill and Shadow Minister for Education and Training, Dr Bruce Flegg, introduced the Criminal Code (Filming or Possessing Images of Violence Against Children) Amendment Bill 2009 as a Private Member’s Bill in October 2009. The Explanatory Notes to the Bill state the objective of the Bill is to amend the Criminal Code to provide protection for children who are the targets of cyber
Private Members Bill - Disability Services (Criminal History) Bill 2009 The Disability Services (Criminal History) Amendment Bill 2009 was introduced into Parliament as a Private Member’s Bill in October 2009. The Bill would amend the Disability Services Act 2006 (DSA). The DSA is one of a number of pieces of legislation that provides for the criminal history screening of persons who provide services for vulnerable people. The DSA also provided that if a funded non
Swimming Pool safety laws In December 2008, the Queensland Government announced the most comprehensive review of the State's swimming pool safety laws in nearly 20 years. An independent swimming pool safety review committee was then established and presented 23 improvement ideas to the Government for consideration. Following extensive public consultation, the Government adopted all the swimming pool safety review committee
Child Protection and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2010 The Child Protection and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2010 amends the Child Protection Act 1999 and a number of other Acts, including amendments to achieve the policy intent of the Criminal History Screening Legislation Amendment Act 2010. The Child Protection and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2010 includes amendments to enable information sharing for the Helping Out Families initiative, and contains o
Disaster_Management_Amendment_Bill_2010 The Department of Community Safety commissioned a review of disaster management arrangements in Queensland by independent consultants. The consultants recommended that the Disaster Management Act 2003 be amended to improve the operation of disaster management in Queensland. The Disaster Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 contains a number of amendments to the Disaster Management
Manufactured_Homes_Residential_Parks_Amendment_Bill_2010 This submission proposes the introduction of the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Amendment Bill 2010 (the Bill) which addresses issues identified during a review of the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003 (the Act). The Act provides for the positioning and occupancy of manufactured homes in residential parks. The main object of the Act is to regulate and promote fair trading
Temporary confiscation powers Principals and teachers in both State and non-State schools have the power to temporarily confiscate property. For State schools, this is an inherent power based on obligations under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 regarding school management and a common law duty owed to students. For non-State schools the inherent power at common law is also supported by contractual rights. Current
Swimming Pool Safety Review Regulatory Impact Statement On 14 December 2008, the Queensland Government announced the most comprehensive review of the state’s swimming pool safety laws in nearly 20 years. An independent swimming pool safety committee was then established and presented 23 improvement ideas to the Government for consideration. Following extensive public consultation, the Government adopted all the swimming pool safety review committee’s
Building Standards - Temporary Accommodation Buildings The Building and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 2010 amends: the Building Regulation 2006 by adding new part MP3.3 “Temporary Accommodation Buildings and Structures” to the Queensland Development Code and providing for the development and displaying of a checklist in an approved form, of requirements for temporary accommodation buildings and structures; and the Sustainable Planni
Health Legislation (Health Practitioner Regulation National Law) Amd Bill 2010 The Health Legislation (Health Practitioner Regulation National Law) Amendment Bill 2010 (the Bill) provides for administrative and consequential amendments to Queensland legislation to support the implementation of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme for Health Professions (the National Scheme). The Bill is the third and final piece of the National Law for the National Scheme and i
Land_Tax_Bill_2010 The Land Tax Act 1915 imposes land tax on the value of a taxpayer’s total landholdings at 30 June each financial year. Land values are determined by the chief executive of the Department of Environment and Resource Management under the Valuation of Land Act 1944. In August 2009, Cabinet approved a rewrite of the Land Tax Act 1915 using plain English and contemporary drafting practices. Cabinet a
Natural Resource and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 The Natural Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 proposes to amend natural resource legislation administered by the Department of Environment and Resource Management. The proposed amendments will: resolve uncertainty in the location of ambulatory boundaries adjoining tidal and non-tidal waters (other than lakes); clarify the lateral extent of the state’s management powers in non-ti
Property Agents and Motor Dealers Bill 2010 The Property Agents and Motor Dealers and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 (the Bill) implements the recommendation to streamline Chapter 11 of the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 (PAMD Act), which prescribes the processes for the presentation and delivery of residential real estate contracts, and the circumstances in which these contracts may be terminated. The Bill makes paralle
Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 The Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 includes amendments to Queensland’s revenue legislation to maintain its currency and ensure that it operates as intended. Many of the amendments are beneficial to taxpayers and a number of amendments have been operating under administrative arrangements. Other amendments clarify the operation of the legislation or update or correct superseded
Review of Police Powers and Responsibilities Act - Consultation Paper On 5 May 2007, the former Minister for Police and Corrective Services announced a review of the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (the PPRA) and the initial Terms of Reference for the review. The review of the PPRA is being undertaken to ensure that policing powers are adequate and sufficient for both Queensland’s police officers and the community. The Minister for Police, Corrective Se
Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 The Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (the Bill) amends a number of transport acts. Key provisions of the Bill will: Adopt national model legislation dealing with heavy vehicle speeding; Extend the no alcohol limit; Provide for the establishment of an alcohol ignition interlock scheme, aimed at reducing drink driving offences and crashes Facilitate the introduction of digital spe
Exposure Draft of the Aboriginal Land and Torres Strait Islander Land Bill 2010 The exposure draft of the Aboriginal Land and Torres Strait Islander Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 amends the Aboriginal Land Act 1991 and the Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991 which are administered by the Department of Environment and Resource Management. The proposed amendments will: replicate in the Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991, where appropriate, amendments made to
Private Members Bill - Child Protection Bill 2011 The Member for Gregory Mr Vaughan Johnson MP, introduced the Child Protection (More Stringent Offender Reporting) Amendment Bill 2010 as a Private Member’s Bill on 14 April 2010. The Private Member’s Bill proposes to increase the reporting requirements for offenders, restructure penalties for non-compliance and release the information of offenders for non-compliance. The Private Member’s Bill is n
Aboriginal Land and Torres Strait Islander Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 The Aboriginal Land and Torres Strait Islander Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 (Bill) amends the Aboriginal Land Act 1991, the Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991, the Local Government (Aboriginal Lands) Act 1978, the Nature Conservation Act 1992, the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 and the Petroleum Act 1923. Proposed amendments in relation to the Aboriginal Lan
Criminal Code and Other Legislation Amendment Bill The primary objectives of the Criminal Code and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 are to: amend the excuse of accident (section 23(1)(b), Criminal Code) to omit the term ‘accident’ and substitute the term with a phrase which better reflects the ‘reasonably foreseeable consequence’ test; recast the partial defence of provocation (section 304, Criminal Code) to address its bias and flaws, as r
Environmental Protection Amendment Bill 2010 The Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 amends a range of legislation administered by the Department of Environment and Resource Management. This Bill introduces amendments that are consistent with the whole-of-government Regulatory Simplification Plan including amendments to the: Environmental Protection Act 1994 which will ensure industry does not pay fees for a r
Mines and Energy Amendment (No.2) Bill 2010 The Mines and Energy Legislation Amendment (No. 2) 2010 (the Bill) amends the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 (P&G Act) to enable the specification and enforcement of nation-wide introduction of minimum energy performance standards for gas appliances. The Bill also includes various amendments to the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999 and Coal Mining Safety and Healt
Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution Bill In May 2007, the Review of the Neighbourly Relations was launched. A discussion paper and online survey were released on the Dividing Fences Act 1953. The overwhelming community response was that the current Act needs to be modernised in language and many sections clarified (e.g. pool fences, retaining walls, meaning of sufficient fence, and destruction or alteration of a fence by a neighbour).
Property Agents, Motor Dealers, Commercial Agents and other Bills The Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 (PAMD Act) provides for the licensing and regulation of real estate agents, resident letting agents, pastoral houses, property developers, motor dealers, auctioneers and commercial agents. The Property Agents Bill 2010, the Motor Dealers and Chattel Auctioneers Bill 2010, the Commercial Agents Bill 2010 and the Agents Financial Administration Bill 2
Govt Response to Scrutiny of Leg Report No 42 19 August 2010, the Scrutiny of Legislation Committee tabled its Report No. 42 entitled Review of Part 7 of the Statutory Instruments Act. The report reviewed the practical operation of the expiry and periodic review requirements in part 7 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1992 and related matters, including administrative policies and practices, explanatory notes, regulatory impact analysis and
Body Corporate and Community Management Amendment Bill 2010 Community titles schemes involve the collective ownership and management of common property and body corporate assets. Under the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997, most costs associated with living in a scheme are proportioned by a lot owner’s allocated contribution schedule lot entitlement. On 19 February 2010, following a review of the lot entitlement system, the Government anno
Occupational Licensing National Law Bill 2010 The Occupational Licensing National Law (Queensland) Bill 2010 (the Bill) applies the schedule to the Occupational National Licensing Law (Victoria) 2010 which was hosted and passed by the Victoria Parliament. The Bill provides for the following matters - To apply as a law of Queensland the Occupational Licensing National Law (the Law); The Law provides for a national licensing system and is the
Qld Industry Participation Bill 2010 The principle of promoting participation by capable, competitive companies in major Government-funded construction, infrastructure, resource and capital asset investment projects in the State has been the main thrust of the Queensland Government’s existing Local Industry Policy - a fair go for local industry (LIP) since its introduction in December 1999 and its revision in 2007. This has been re
Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 The Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 provides the regulatory framework for managing groundwater impacts on water supply bores and natural springs associated with the liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petroleum industry and for the supply of coal seam gas water associated with the LNG industry as recycled water that augments town drinking water supply sources. The Bill also amends nat
Liquor Amend Reg (No 2) 2010 Wujal Wujal The Liquor Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 2010 (the Regulation) amends the Liquor Regulations 2002 by extending the Wujal Wujal alcohol restricted area boundary to include several lots of land owned by the Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council, including all roads and foreshores that pass through or bound the land lots. The Regulation also applies a bona fide traveller exemption to several roads, i
Release of the Exposure Draft of the Indigenous Cultural Heritage Acts Amend Bill 2011 The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 and the Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003 were due for review within five years of coming into effect. In 2008, a review of the laws began, including consideration with industry and Traditional Owner groups. The exposure draft of the Indigenous Cultural Heritage Act Amendment Bill 2011 amends the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 and th
Justice and other Legislation Amendment Bill The Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations is responsible for the administration of more than 140 Acts. Periodically these Acts are reviewed to identify minor, technical or other amendments which can be made to ensure that the Acts continue to operate in the manner intended. The amendments required as a result of this review are generally included in the one annual Bill, the Just
Natural Resource and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 The Natural Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2010 amends natural resource legislation administered by the Department of Environment and Resource Management to: ban the use of fluids containing the hydrocarbons benzene, toulene, ethylbenzene or xylene (B-TEX) above a maximum amount, or chemicals which would produce B-TEX chemicals so they cannot be used when stimulating (frac
Electoral Reform and Accountability Bill 2011 The Electoral Reform and Accountability Bill 2011 proposes reforms to Queensland’s electoral system to increase the transparency of relationships between political parties, candidates and donors. The Bill builds on the integrity and accountability reforms introduced by the State Government. The Government committed in 2009 to introduce a cap on political donations if the Commonwealth Government
Gas Security Amendment Bill 2011 The Gas Security Amendment Bill 2011 amends the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 (P&G Act) to enable implementation of the Prospective Gas Production Land Reserve (PGPLR) policy. The PGPLR policy will allow conditioning of an exploration tenure over certain gas prospective land to ensure gas produced from a subsequent production lease over the same area is supplied to the Austra
Govt submission on review of fundamental legislative principles The Legislative Standards Act 1992 sets out the “fundamental legislative principles” (FLPs) relating to legislation that underlie a parliamentary democracy based on the rule of law. The Legislative Standards Act establishes the meaning of FLPs by requiring that legislation has sufficient regard to the rights and liberties of individuals and to the institution of Parliament, with a non-exhaustive
Parliament of Qld Reform and Modernisation Amendment Bill 2011 In August 2009, the Government released the Integrity and Accountability in Queensland discussion paper to promote public discussion on improving Queensland’s integrity and accountability framework. The consultation on the paper highlighted the importance of the Legislative Assembly possessing and maintaining a high standard of scrutiny over the legislative process. In response to this feedback
Proclamation under Corporations Act 2001 Under the Corporations (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2001 (the Act), the Parliament of Queensland referred to the Commonwealth Parliament the powers: to enact the Corporations Act 2001 and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 as Commonwealth legislation extending to each State; and to make laws about forming corporations, corporate regulation and financial products and service
Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Amendment Bill 2011 The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Amendment Bill 2011 implements the national uniform laws on residential tenancy databases adopted by the Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs. In particular, the amendments to the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 assist applicants for rental properties to understand the use of tenancy databases and to obtain a copy of
Business Names (Commonwealth Powers) Bill 2011 The Australian Business Number / Business Names Registration Project is a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) initiative to reduce business regulation. In April 2007, the COAG requested the Small Business Ministerial Council, in consultation with the Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs, to develop a business model for a national business names system. A business case was subsequently dev
Family responsibilities Commission Amendment Bill 2011 The Cape York Welfare Reform (CYWR) Trial commenced in July 2008 and aims to build stronger and more resilient communities; re-establish local Indigenous authority; enable children to achieve their full potential; support engagement in the real economy; and move individuals and families from welfare housing to home ownership. The Trial operates in Aurukun, Hope Vale, Coen and Mossman Gorge with t
Major Sports Facilities Amendment Bill 2011 The Major Sports Facility Act 2001 governs the use of major stadiums in Queensland including Suncorp Stadium. Condition 42 of the Suncorp Stadium Development Approval limits the number of sporting events at the stadium with crowds exceeding 25,000 to 24 per annum. There have been 20 major sporting events (that is, with crowds exceeding 25,000) at Suncorp Stadium as at August 2011. Unprecedented su
Qld Reconstruction Authority Amendment Regulation 2011 The purpose of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Amendment Regulation 2011 is to enable the Development Scheme for the Grantham Reconstruction Area to take effect. On 8 April 2011, to support the request of the Council and to fast-track the rebuilding efforts at Grantham, Grantham was declared a Reconstruction Area by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Regulation 2011. The declaratio
Rural and Regional Adjustment Regulation 2011 The Rural and Regional Adjustment Act 1994 (the Act) establishes QRAA primarily to administer assistance schemes that foster the development of a more productive and sustainable rural and regional sector in Queensland. Section 11 of the Act requires that all approved assistance schemes be set out in detail in regulation. The Rural and Regional Adjustment Regulation 2000 (the Regulation) is the
Contract Cleaning Amendment Regulation 2011 The Contract Cleaning Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Scheme in Queensland. provides long service leave benefits to contract cleaning industry workers. Such benefits are for service to the industry rather than to one employer. The Scheme recognises that because of the transient nature of the industry and the propensity for contracts to change hands on a regular basis, relatively few worker
Fair Trading Inspectors Bill 2011 A 2002 Office of Fair Trading review of the Fair Trading Act 1989 and a 2007 review of the then Department of Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine Industry Development by the former Service Delivery and Performance Commission identified that there were inconsistencies in the inspectorate provisions contained in the fair trading legislation. Inspectorate provisions are provisions which deal with the app
Education and Training and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 The Queensland Government is committed to protecting all children from harm and ensuring that the highest possible standards of safety and well-being are upheld in Queensland schools. To this end, the Bill makes a number of amendments to ensure this commitment to Queensland children and their families is upheld. The Education and Training Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 will: extend the mandatory
2011-12 Budget The priority of the 2011-12 Budget is on funding recovery and restoration works following the natural disasters of late 2010 and early 2011. Measures to moderate the cost of living pressures on householders and to support key sectors such as construction and tourism are also a focus. Major new expenditure initiatives approved in the 2011-12 Budget include: funding to implement the Flying Start su
Electricity Price Reform Bill 2011 The Electricity Price Reform Bill 2011 amends the Electricity Act 1994 and the Electricity Regulation 2006, to replace the current Benchmark Retail Cost Index (BRCI) methodology for determining notified electricity prices commencing 1 July 2012. The legislative amendments will allow for the implementation of a new price setting methodology in Queensland, and changes to eligibility for the Queens
Local Government Electoral Bill 2011 The new stand alone Local Government electoral legislation is an essential component of the Local Government Reform program and a Queensland first. By moving Local Government electoral provisions into one stand alone piece of legislation, the proposed Bill will provide a single practitioner-friendly Act and point of reference for Councils, Local Government candidates, the Electoral Commission of
Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery - future management arrangments A Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) on the review of the Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery was released for consultation between 14 December 2010 and 8 April 2011. The RIS identified various management options for the future of the fishery, in particular for snapper. In response to the consultation process a number of actions are proposed, including amendment to the Fisheries Regulation 2008, to redu
Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 The Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 includes a range of amendments to water-related legislation. Amendments to the Water Act 2000 establish a Single Process framework for the concurrent development of water resource plans (WRPs) and resource operations plans (ROPs). The Single Process framework will provide stakeholders with the opportunity to consider both the draft WRP and draft
Response to Private Members Bill - Criminal Proceeds Confiscation (Serious and Organised Crime Unexplained Wealth) Amendment Bill 2010 The Member for Southern Downs and Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Mr Lawrence Springborg MP, introduced the Criminal Proceeds Confiscation (Serious and Organised Crime Unexplained Wealth) Amendment Bill 2010 as a Private Member’s Bill on 24 November 2010. The Bill amends the Criminal Proceeds Confiscation Act 2002 (CPC Act) and the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 and allows the State to seek an unexplain
Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 The Bill amends the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 to implement a new Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) within Queensland. This new system: Places obligations for safety on a responsible supplier who is the first point of sale (ie the manufacturer or importer) in Australia or New Zealand. Establishes a national register where all suppliers and certain
Forensic Disability Bill 2011 Queensland Government has previously committed to implementing recommendations 5.1 and 22 of the reports titled Promoting balance in the forensic mental health system – Final Report – Review of the Queensland Mental Health Act 2000 (Butler Report) and Challenging Behaviour and Disability – A Targeted Response (Carter Report) respectively. The implementation of these recommendations involves esta
North Stradbroke Island Sustainability Bill 2011 In June 2010, the Premier and Minister for the Arts released the Government’s vision for a sustainable North Stradbroke Island. The vision includes the phasing out of mining and dedication of up to 80 percent of the island as protected area, to be jointly managed with the Traditional Owners of the region, by 2027. Over half of the island is to be protected area by the end of 2011. The Premier and
Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 consultation On 5 May 2007, the then Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport announced a review of the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (PPRA). The review was undertaken in three stages: members of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) identified and recommended areas of enhancement within the PPRA; the PPRA Review Committee was established to consider the QPS proposals and make further p
Response to Private Members Bill Electoral Reform Bill The Member for Beaudesert, Aidan McLindon MP, introduced the Electoral Reform Bill 2010 as a Private Member’s Bill in November 2010. The Explanatory Notes to the Bill state that the objective of the Bill is to amend the Electoral Act 1992 to: introduce a compulsory preferential method of voting; introduce a voluntary voting system; prohibit the distribution of how-to-vote cards; and prohibit the
Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 The Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 makes amendments to a number of Acts to put in place better processes or clarify existing legislation. Significant amendments include: Streamlining processes that support the delivery and establishment of the Gold Coast Rapid Transit light rail project and provide for light rail operational and technical requirements. The streamlined admin
Domestic and Family Violence Protection Amendment Bill 2011 Domestic violence is a serious and complex issue which has significant human and economic costs. In 2009–10, the Queensland Police Service recorded 49,372 domestic and family violence occurrences, an increase of 11.5 percent on the previous year, and the courts received 22,754 applications for domestic violence orders, an increase of eight percent on the previous year. The human cost of domestic
Fairer Water Prices for South East Queensland Amendment Bill 2011 In April 2011, the Premier and Minister for Reconstruction announced proposed amendments to the South East Queensland Water (Distribution and Retail Restructuring) Act 2009 to address community concerns about the responsibility for setting water and sewerage prices in South East Queensland (SEQ). The proposal included the imposition of a price cap on customers’ water and wastewater bills and ena
Sustainable Planning Amendment Bill 2011 Amendments to the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 will facilitate the introduction of an adopted infrastructure charging regime across Queensland. The introduction of an adopted infrastructure charging regime for a three year period, while further infrastructure charging reform is underway, is a key recommendation of the Infrastructure Charges Taskforce. The amendments to Sustainable Planning Act
Weapons Amendment Bill 2011 In 2006, the then Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport announced a review of the Weapons Act 1990 and subordinate legislation and established the Weapons Review Committee that considered submissions from the public, the weapons industry and the Queensland Police Service. The Committee identified over 440 proposals for legislative change to the Act, the Weapons Categories Regulation 1
Work Health and Safety and Safety in Recreational Water Bills 2011 The harmonisation of work health and safety (WHS) laws is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ National Reform Agenda aimed at reducing the regulatory burden and creating a seamless national economy. The objects of harmonising WHS laws through a model framework are to protect the health and safety of workers, improve safety outcomes, reduce compliance costs for business, and improve eff
Body Corporate and Community Management (Specified Two-lot Scheme Module) Regulation 2011 The Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 provides a legal framework for the establishment and management of community titles schemes. To achieve the flexibility required to meet the different needs of schemes, the Act provides management processes and procedures through a set of regulations. A new regulation for the Act has been developed specifically for community titles schemes con
Chicken Meat Industry Amendment Bill 2011 The Chicken Meat Industry Amendment Bill 2011 deals with the future of the Chicken Meat Industry Committee (CMIC) which was examined as part of the Independent Review of Queensland Government Boards, Committees and Statutory Authorities in 2009. The government accepted the review recommendation to abolish the CMIC as a statutory body, but agreed that this would await the outcome of a review of th
Fair Trading (Safety Standards) Regulation 2011 The use of bunk beds poses a significant risk of serious injury to young children. A mandatory product safety standard addressing key hazards associated with bunk beds has applied to bunk bed manufacturers and suppliers since 2002. However, bunk beds purchased prior to this time which do not meet the mandatory safety standard are still used in some private homes and short-term accommodation premis
Fisheries Legislation Amendment and Repeal Regulation (No. 1) 2011 The Fisheries Legislation Amendment and Repeal Regulation (No.1) 2011 provides for amendments to the Fisheries Regulation 2008 which will incorporate relevant and reviewed provisions that currently exist in the Fisheries (Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish) Management Plan 1999 and insert a new declared Fish Habitat Area for Pine River Bay, located in the north west region of Albatross Bay (Wei
Amendments to the Liquor Act 1992 in Holidays and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 Currently under the Liquor Act 1992 a club secretary is required to keep on the club premises a register of the name of each member of a reciprocal club visiting the premises, and the name of the reciprocal club, if the club has a community club licence, community other licence or a restricted club licence. The Holidays and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 amends the Liquor Act 1992 to remov
Police Powers and Responsibilities (Motor Vehicle Impoundment) Amendment Bill 2011 Between 2007 and 2009 the Queensland Police Service (QPS) evaluated the vehicle impoundment scheme under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (the Act). While the type 2 vehicle impoundment scheme was initially the subject of the evaluation, amendments are also made to the type 1 vehicle impoundment scheme where analogous provisions exist. Eight recommendations were made by the QPS t
Biosecurity Bill 2011 The Biosecurity Bill 2011 will streamline and enhance Queensland’s capacity to respond to biosecurity challenges of the future. It ensures Queensland has the flexibility to respond to evolving biosecurity risks, and is built on the strategic concept of mitigating the risk and impacts to the economy, the environment, social amenity and human health associated with biosecurity matter. The purpose
Commonwealth Games Arrangements Bill 2011 In May 2011 the Premier lodged the Candidature File (or Bid Book) for the Gold Coast’s bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games (the Games). The announcement of the successful host city was made in November 2011 at the Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly at St Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. The Commonwealth Games Arrangements Bill 2011 (Bill) establishes the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth
Disaster Readiness Amendment Bill 2011 On 1 August 2011, the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry released its Interim Report, which made 175 recommendations focused on flood preparedness before the next wet season. On 23 August 2011, the Premier and Minister for Reconstruction released the Queensland Government Response to the Floods Commission of Inquiry Interim Report, which supported all recommendations relevant to the State G
Multicultural Recognition Bill 2011 The new Queensland Multicultural Policy, A multicultural future for all of us, was launched on 19 July 2011. A key theme of the new policy is Multicultural Recognition legislation. This theme was developed following the strong support for statutory recognition of multicultural principles demonstrated during the community consultations for the review of the multicultural policy. The Multicultural
Surat Basin Rail (Long-term lease) Bill 2011 The Surat Basin Rail project proposes to construct the 210 kilometre ‘Southern Missing Link’ between Wandoan and Banana to enable the large-scale mining and export of thermal coal from the Surat Basin through the Port of Gladstone. Private sector development of the $1 billion plus railway will deliver significant benefits for Queensland including opening up the estimated four billion tonnes of th
Sustainable Planning and other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 The Sustainable Planning and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 amends a range of legislation as outlined below. The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 will be amended to enable Local Government officers to access the Queensland Motor Vehicle Registry to investigate an alleged dog attack which caused death, grievous bodily harm or bodily harm to a person or animal. The Local Governmen
Vocational Education and Training (Commonwealth Powers) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2011 In December 2009, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to national reforms to the regulation of vocational education and training (VET) including the establishment of a national VET regulator. COAG developed an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) which required signatories to refer legislative power to the Commonwealth to allow it to regulate VET. All states and territories, includi
SEQ Water (Distribution and Retail Restructuring) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 In April 2011, the Premier and Minister for Reconstruction announced proposed amendments to the South East Queensland Water (Distribution and Retail Restructuring) Act 2009 to address community concerns about the responsibility for setting water and sewerage prices in South East Queensland (SEQ). The proposal included the imposition of a price cap on customers’ water and wastewater bills and enab
Building Boost Grant Bill 2011 To assist housing affordability, supply and construction jobs, the 2011-12 State Budget announced the availability of a Queensland Building Boost Grant (QBB grant) of $10,000 for the purchase or construction of a new home in Queensland valued at less than $600,000. The QBB grant is available for eligible transactions undertaken between 1 August 2011 and 31 January 2012. The amendments to the Stat
Domestic and Family Violence Protection Bill 2011 Domestic and family violence is a serious and complex issue that affects many Queenslanders each year. The human and economic costs are significant. Women and children die as a result of domestic and family violence, work and educational opportunities are affected and people become homeless. In 2009–10, the Queensland Police Service recorded 49,372 domestic and family violence occurrences, an incr
Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Bill 2011 In December 2009, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to the National Partnership Agreement on the National Quality Agenda for Early Childhood Education and Care. This included the commitment to establish a jointly governed, uniform National Quality Framework (NQF) for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services. Under the NQF sits a national rating and assessment process fo
One Funding System for Better Services Bill 2011 The Queensland Government provides financial and other assistance to non-government entities and local governments for a variety of purposes and activities, including the arts, research, education, the environment, community infrastructure and facilities, and the delivery of social and human services. The One Funding System for Better Services Bill 2011 proposes a single set of laws for regulati
Protecting Primary Production Amendment Bill 2011 The Protecting Primary Production Amendment Bill 2011 proposes a number of desirable, non-controversial, amendments to six Acts within the portfolio jurisdiction of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies as suitable for an omnibus or miscellaneous amendment Bill. These amendments will ensure the effective administration/operation of the respective Acts and implement the outcome
Govt Response to Scrutiny of Legislation Committee Report No 46 The Scrutiny of Legislation Committee (SLC) conducted a review of part 8 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1992 (SI Act). The SLC examined the practical operation and continuing effectiveness of part 8 of the SI Act which contains requirements regarding the content, notification and availability of forms made under authority conferred by legislation. The SLC’s report, Review of part 8 of the St
Stock Route Network Management Bill 2011 The Queensland stock route network comprises approximately 2.6 million hectares of roads declared as stock routes and reserves for travelling stock. These roads and reserves also have iconic cultural heritage, recreational, environmental and biodiversity attributes. The Stock Route Network Management Bill 2011 contains reforms to the management and use of the stock route network in Queensland and
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Holding Bill 2012 The primary purpose of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Holding Bill 2012 (the Bill) is to address issues arising from the implementation and operation of the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (Land Holding) Act 1985 (the Land Holding Act). The Land Holding Act allowed residents of Indigenous Deeds of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) and reserve land to apply for perpetual leases for res
Education Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 The Education Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 will amend legislation administered by the Department of Education, Training and Employment to provide for the following matters. The Bill amends the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 to enable State Schools of Distance Education to deliver e-kindy to eligible children. E-kindy is a kindergarten program delivered via distance education to chil
Family Responsibilities Commission Amendment Bill 2012 The Cape York Welfare Reform Trial operates in the communities of Hope Vale, Aurukun, Mossman Gorge and Coen. The objective of the Trial is to restore local authority, build stronger and more resilient communities and change behaviours in response to chronic levels of welfare dependency, social dysfunction and economic exclusion. A central feature of the Trial is the Family Responsibilities Commis
Holidays Amendment Bill 2012 Following a review of the Holidays Act 1983 undertaken by the previous Queensland Government, the Act was amended in 2011 to, amongst other things, move the Queen’s Birthday public holiday from the second Monday in June to the first Monday in October, with the change commencing in 2012. The Holidays and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 provides for: the movement of Labour Day from May to th
Government response to the review of the Fair Work legislation Queensland Government response to the recommendations of the report of the review of the Fair Work legislation Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Following the public release of the final report of the Fair Work legislation review panel on 2 August 2012, State Ministers were invited to make written submissions in response to the report recommendations to the Honourable Bill Shorten MP, Fed
Government position on Multicultural Recognition Bill 2012 The Member for Inala and Leader of the Opposition, Ms Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, introduced the Multicultural Recognition Bill 2012 as a Private Member’s Bill in August 2012. The Bill sought to recognise the diversity of the people of Queensland through providing for a Multicultural Queensland Charter, a Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council and developing, monitoring and reporting on multicul
Authority to Reintroduce the Heavy Vehicle National Law Bill 2012 The Council of Australian Governments has agreed to the development of a national framework for the regulation of all vehicles exceeding 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (heavy vehicles). In February 2010, Queensland accepted the role of host jurisdiction for the national reform to create a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and a single consolidated body of Heavy Vehicle National Law to govern all hea
Mines Legislation (Streamlining) Amendment Bill 2012 The primary purpose of the Mines Legislations (Streamlining) Amendment Bill 2012 (the Bill) is to amend Queensland resources legislation to facilitate sustainable growth of the resources industry to establish Queensland as a world-leading resource investment and development destination. The Bill improves the regulatory and tenure approvals processes for mineral, petroleum, geothermal and greenhou
Penalties and Sentences and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 As part of its election commitments, the Government pledged to increase the penalty unit value from $100 to $110; and introduce a nominal administration fee on all criminal justice related outcomes in the Supreme and District ($300) and Magistrates ($100) Courts where an offender is found guilty.  The Penalties and Sentences and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 delivers on these commitments b
Public Service and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 As part of its election commitments, the Government pledged to revitalise frontline services and restore public sector accountability, including streamlining of functions, containing the escalating costs associated with public sector administration and reducing the public sector’s management overburden. The Public Service and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 will improve the operation of exis
Animal Care and Protection Bill 2012 The Government’s First 100 Day Action Plan included amending the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 to protect Queensland’s iconic dugong and turtle populations. The Animal Care and Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 will repeal the current exemption from animal welfare obligations under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island people who d
Criminal Law Amendment Bill 2012 As part of its election commitments the Queensland Government undertook to introduce amendments within its first 100 days of forming Government to toughen the sentences for evade police, murder (including the murder of a police officer) and serious assaults committed upon police officers. The Criminal Law Amendment Bill 2012 delivers on these pre-election commitments by: amending the Criminal Co
Electricity Act Amendment Bill 2012 (Queensland Solar Bonus Scheme Review) The Queensland Solar Bonus Scheme (the Scheme) has achieved its policy objectives to make solar photovoltaic (PV) systems more affordable for Queenslanders, stimulate the solar power industry and encourage energy efficiency. The Scheme pays eligible households and other small customers for the surplus electricity generated from solar PV panel systems, which is exported to the Queensland electricit
South East Queensland Water Amendment Bill 2012 The South East Queensland Water (Distribution and Retail Restructuring) Amendment Bill 2012 (the Bill) proposes to remove the special industrial relations measures, in particular the Workforce Frameworks, that were mandated by the former Government to apply to council employees who transferred to the South East Queensland (SEQ) distributor-retailers and for those Allconnex Water (Allconnex) employ
Water Amendment Regulation (No.1) 2012 The Water Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2012 was prepared to provide for the implementation of the levy on petroleum tenure holders to fund the underground water management functions currently aligned to the Queensland Water Commission (the Commission). The underground water management functions of the Commission are described in Chapter 3 of the Water Act 2000. The levy will provide for the recov
Treasury (Cost of Living) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 The Treasury (Cost of Living) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 (the Bill) amends legislation to implement a number of election commitments. The Duties Act 2001 is amended to reinstate the principal place of residence transfer duty concession (or home concession), the previous transfer duty rate structure and the phasing-out point for the reducing rebate for the first home concession fro
Environmental Protection (Greentape Reduction) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 The Greentape Reduction project commenced in 2010 with the aim to reform the licensing application and assessment process under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to reduce costs for industry and government, uphold environmental standards for the community, and overall improve service delivery outcomes. The project rebuilds the approval processes for environmental licensing under the Environme
Parliament of Queensland and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2012 he State Election of March 2012 and subsequent South Brisbane by-election have resulted in a Legislative Assembly consisting of 78 government members and 11 non-government members. Following the election, the Premier received advice from the Clerk of the Parliament (the Clerk) that the practicality of the election result dictated that the number of members and the balance of numbers between govern
Amendments to the Mental Health Act 2000 The Queensland Mental Health Commission Bill 2012 establishes the first ever Queensland Mental Health Commission (QMHC) to: Drive ongoing systemic reform towards a more integrated, evidence-based, recovery-oriented mental health and alcohol and other drugs system in Queensland; Lead coordinated action by government, non-government and private sector agencies which deliver services to people with
Criminal Law Amendment Bill No.2 2012 As part of its pre-election commitments, the Government committed to: ensuring that victim impact statements be read out in court if the victim wishes; toughening the sentencing laws for drug traffickers who target children; requiring drug traffickers to serve at least 80 percent of their sentence before parole eligibility; and requiring all graffiti offenders to remove graffiti and to strengthen
Criminal Law Child Exploitation and Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2012 As part of its Six Month Action Plan the Queensland Government committed to amend laws to address: “synthetic drugs, penalties for child pornography and some child sex offences, including a new child grooming offence”. Key provisions of the Criminal Law (Child Exploitation and Dangerous Drugs) Amendment Bill 2012 deliver on these commitments by: amending the Criminal Code to: amend the definit
Criminal Proceeds Confiscation Unexplained Wealth Serious Drug Offender Amendment Bill 2012 In a pre-election commitment, the Government committed to ‘introduce tough new unexplained wealth and drug trafficker declarations to target the ill-gotten gains of drug criminals’. The Criminal Proceeds Confiscation (Unexplained Wealth and Serious Drug Offender Confiscation Order) Amendment Bill 2012: amends the Criminal Proceeds Confiscation Act 2002 and the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 to i
Electronic Conveyancing National Law (Queensland) Bill 2012 Queensland is a participant in the reform to introduce a national electronic conveyancing system (e-conveyancing) and has agreed with the other participating jurisdictions to establish a nationally consistent legislative framework for e-conveyancing. This is to be achieved by legislation in agreed terms (the national law) being first enacted in New South Wales and then applied as law in other jur
Health Practitioner and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 On 26 March 2008, the Council of Australian Governments signed an Intergovernmental Agreement to provide for a single national registration and accreditation scheme for health professions (the National Scheme). Health professions must meet six criteria for inclusion in the National Scheme. The dental technology and speech pathology professions have twice been denied inclusion into the National Sch
Housing and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 Australian Housing Ministers (State, Territory and Commonwealth) are establishing a consistent regulatory environment to support the growth and development of the not-for-profit community housing sector. This will contribute to a stronger business and governance environment for not-for-profit entities to partner with Government and the private sector, including financiers. Key features of this Na
Queensland Mental Health Commission Bill 2012 The Queensland Mental Health Commission Bill 2012 (Bill) establishes the first ever Queensland Mental Health Commission (QMHC) to: drive ongoing systemic reform towards a more integrated, evidence-based, recovery-oriented mental health and alcohol and other drugs system in Queensland; lead coordinated action by government, non-government and private sector agencies which deliver services to peop
Mining and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 The purpose of the Mining and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 is to amend the Mineral Resources Act 1989 and the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to reduce red tape and associated costs for the small scale mining sector and deliver a suite of other reforms to enhance the management of Queensland’s resources. Small scale mining operations generate important economic and employment opportuni
Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2012 The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) is driving a national program of micro-economic reforms in a range of sectors to produce single regulatory environments for the Australian economy. In February 2010, Queensland accepted the role of host jurisdiction for a national reform to create a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and a single consolidated body of Heavy Vehicle National Law which will
Police Powers and Responsibilities (Motor Vehicle Impoundment) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 The Government has committed, through the ‘Safer Streets Crime Action Plan’, to introduce the toughest anti-hooning laws in the nation. The ‘Putting the Brakes on Hoons’ policy includes: hooning cars clamped and off the road for three months for the first offence; and hooning cars forfeited or crushed for any subsequent offence within the next 5 years. To achieve this commitment, the Police Power
Waste Reduction Amendment Bill 2012 The Waste Reduction and Recycling and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012amends a range of legislation administered by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection. The Bill amends: the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 to finalise implementation of the Government’s commitment to repeal the waste levy. These amendments complete the Government’s commitment to repeal the waste lev
Transport Infrastructure Waterways Management Regulation 2012 The Transport Infrastructure (Waterways Management) Regulation 2012 sets out the various on-water activities which are controlled or require approvals on Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast waterways. These activities include anchoring, mooring and grounding of watercraft, time limits for living on watercraft, take off and landing of aircraft and the authorisation or prohibition of particular conduct. T
Anti Discrimination Act 1991 Government Eligibility Policies Recent litigation has highlighted the potential for certain government policies where eligibility for government assistance, services or support is based on citizenship or Visa status, to be subject to complaints of racial discrimination under the Anti Discrimination Act 1991. Cabinet approved amendments to the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 to provide an exemption for government eligibility policie
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Legislation (Providing Freehold) Amendment Bill 2013 Existing land tenure legislation does not make ordinary, individual, freehold available as an option to Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders living in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities. Land in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities is generally held in trust either under a Deed of Grant in Trust under the Land Act 1994 or as transferred land under the Aboriginal
Youth Justice (Boot Camp Orders) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 As part of its 2012 election commitments, the Government committed to a two year trial of a youth boot camp diversion program. The youth boot camp diversion program, which consists of an early intervention boot camp in the Gold Coast area and a sentenced youth boot camp program in the Cairns and surrounding area, is an initiative under the Safer Streets Crime Action Plan. These programs will targ
Commercial Arbitration Bill 2012 Arbitration is a formal dispute resolution process in which two or more parties refer their dispute to an independent third person (the arbitrator) for determination. The result of the arbitration, known as the award, is enforceable in the same manner as a court judgment. The Commercial Arbitration Act 1990 currently governs domestic commercial arbitrations in Queensland. The Act, which is one o
Classification of Computer Games and Images and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 The National Classification Scheme (NCS) is a cooperative arrangement between Commonwealth, State and Territory governments underpinned by an Intergovernmental Agreement on Censorship and supported by a legislative framework comprising the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (Cth) (the Commonwealth Act) and complementary State and Territory legislation. The relevant Q
Gold Coast Waterways Authority Bill 2012 A re-established Gold Coast Waterways Authority is part of the government’s commitment to improving access to Gold Coast Waterways. The re-established Gold Coast Waterways Authority will oversee the management, sustainable use and development of Gold Coast Waterways. The purpose of the Authority is to provide the best possible navigational access, boating infrastructure and waterways management at
Racing and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 The Government’s Six Month Action Plan includes amending the Racing Act 2002 to establish a new racing industry structure. The Bill implements the Government’s Six Month Action Plan by removing Racing Queensland Limited as the control body for the thoroughbred, harness and greyhound codes of racing and establishing the Queensland All Codes Racing Industry Board (all-codes board) as well as three
South East Qld Water Restructuring and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 The Government is committed to planning properly for Queensland’s future water needs and increasing efficiency in the delivery to households and businesses. Under the former Government, there were four bulk water supply entities, adding unnecessary complexity and costs (reduced to three with the merger of Seqwater and WaterSecure in June 2011). The South East Queensland Water (Restructuring) and
Tourism and Events Queensland Bill 2012 Tourism Queensland is a statutory body established under the Tourism Queensland Act 1979 (the Act). It promotes and markets Queensland tourism domestically and overseas. Events Queensland is a propriety limited company established in 1989 to support and develop events that are capable of generating sustainable economic activity by attracting visitors from interstate and overseas. The Bill repeals
Amendment of the Water Fluoridation Act 2008 Under the Water Fluoridation Act 2008 (the Act) public potable water suppliers (water suppliers) are required to implement water fluoridation at a relevant public potable water supply (water supply) by a date prescribed in a regulation. To date, 70 supplies have been fluoridated and the installation of the necessary infrastructure for fluoridation funded by the State Government is anticipated to
Weapons and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 In April 2012, the Government announced that it would introduce mandatory minimum penalties for weapons offences to address the illegal use of firearms. The Bill provides for mandatory minimum periods of imprisonment for the following offences under Weapons Act 1990 (the Act): unlawful trafficking (s 65), unlawful supply (s 50B) and unlawful possession of firearms (s 50). The Bill also provides fo
Body Corporate and Community Management Amendment Bill 2012 A body corporate, comprising all lot owners in a community titles scheme, is responsible for the ownership and management of the body corporate assets and the scheme’s common property. Under the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 most costs associated with the administration of the body corporate and the management of the assets and common property are proportioned by each lot owner
Guardianship and Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 As part of the Queensland Government’s 100 day action plan, the Government committed to ‘commence drafting legislative amendments to install the Independent Public Advocate as a statutory authority’, within the first 30 days. The Public Advocate is established under the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 as an integral part of Queensland’s guardianship system, which protects and promotes th
Waste Reduction and Recycling Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 2012 The Waste Reduction and Recycling Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 2012 amends the Waste Reduction and Recycling Regulation 2011. The Regulation is subordinate legislation under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. The Act contains regulation making powers, including the ability to make a regulation about used packaging. This amendment regulation gives effect to the provisions of the National E
Building and Other Legislation Bill 2013 The Building and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 amends the Building Act 1975 (Building Act), Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 (Water Supply Safety Act) and South-East Queensland Water (Distribution and Retail Restructuring) Act 2009 (SEQ Water Restructuring Act) to reduce red tape and save time and money in the assessment of building work over or near a sewer, water main and s
Education Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 The Education Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 will: support implementation of the move of Year 7 to secondary school from 2015; include the Preparatory year (Prep) in a state school student’s basic allocation to recognise Prep as the first year of schooling; and allow for the cancellation of the enrolment of international students at state schools for non-payment of fees. The Bill makes techni
Industrial Relations Transparency and Accountability Amendment Bill 2013 The Queensland Government is committed to strengthening the accountability of state-based industrial organisations following allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption involving officials past and present of the National Office of the Health Services Union. In a bid to prevent similar occurrences in Queensland, the government considered options to increase transparency and improve the
Nature Conservation Amend and Repeal Regulation No1 2013 The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection has reviewed the governing legislation for marine mammals in Queensland – the Nature Conservation (Whales and Dolphins) Conservation Plan 1997 and the Nature Conservation (Dugong) Conservation Plan 1999. As a result of the review, the department has prepared new marine mammal legislation for Queensland, now consolidated within the Nature Conser
TAFE Qld Bill 2013 The TAFE Queensland Bill 2013 establishes TAFE Queensland as the public provider of vocational education and training (VET) in Queensland. The Government commissioned the Queensland Skills and Training Taskforce to review the VET sector in Queensland and one of the Taskforce’s key recommendations was the establishment of TAFE Queensland as an independent body. The Bill is being introduced as a re
Amendments to Criminal Law Amendment Bill No2 2012 The Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (the WCR Act) allows large employers who meet certain criteria, including being financially viable and having over 2,000 full time employees, to apply to Queensland Workers’ Compensation Regulatory Authority (Q-COMP), to cease insuring through WorkCover Queensland (WorkCover) and self-insure their workers’ compensation liabilities under the WCR
Family Responsibilities Commission Amendment Bill 2013 The Cape York Welfare Reform Trial (the Trial) operates in the communities of Hope Vale, Aurukun, Mossman Gorge and Coen. Cape York Welfare Reform aims to restore local authority, build stronger and more resilient communities and change behaviours in response to chronic levels of welfare dependency, social dysfunction and economic exclusion. The State Government has approved a 12 month extension o
G20 Safety and Security Bill 2013 The 2014 meeting of the Group of Twenty (G20) is to be hosted by Australia. Queensland has been nominated by the Prime Minister as the primary venue for the G20. A G20 meeting consists of a number of meetings under the G20 umbrella. From a Queensland perspective, the two most important of the meetings will be the Heads of State/Heads of Government meeting (Leaders’ meeting) to be held in Brisbane
Local Government Amendment Bill 2013 The Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 proposes amendments to the City of Brisbane Act 2010, the Local Government Act 2009, the Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2012 and the Sustainable Planning Act 2009. Amendments to the Local Government Act 2009 include appropriate transitional and financial arrangements to support de-amalgamation on 1 January 2014 by
Nature Conservation Amendment Bill 2013 The Queensland Government is committed to improving access to national parks and other public lands, while ensuring that the protected area estate is managed in a manner appropriate to the values that it contains. The Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No.2) 2013 is the result of the second stage of the review of the Nature Conservation Act 1992, aimed at delivering on key
Queensland Independent Remuneration Tribunal Bill 2013 In July 2013, the Premier announced the establishment of the Tribunal to determine the future remuneration and allowances for Members of Parliament under a five point plan to reform the Parliamentary entitlements system. The Queensland Independent Remuneration Tribunal Bill 2013: establishes the Queensland Independent Remuneration Tribunal as an independent statutory authority with legally binding
Strengthening Discipline in State Schools Amendment Bill On 8 April 2013, the Queensland Government announced its goal to strengthen school discipline as part of the Queensland Government action plan for Queensland schools: Great teachers = Great results. The aim of the Great teachers = Great results initiative is to lift standards of teaching and give schools more autonomy so they can get on with the job of providing a safe and supportive learning env
VETE Skills Qld Amendment Bill 2013 The Vocational Education, Training and Employment (Skills Queensland) and Another Act Amendment Bill 2013 will: amend the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000 to abolish Skills Queensland and transfer its functions relating to apprentices and trainees, vocational placements, group training organisations, principal employer organisations, employment exemptions and non-departmental
Milk Pricing (Fair Milk Mark) Bill 2013 The Milk Pricing (Fair Milk Mark) Bill 2013 (the Bill) was introduced by Mr Shane Knuth MP, Member for Dalrymple, on 2 May 2013. The Bill proposed the establishment of a ‘fair milk mark’ that can only be placed on milk that has been purchased from dairy producers at a ‘fair milk price’. The Bill proposed that the responsible Minister would set the fair milk price, which would be at least eight
Response on Body Corporate and Community Management Amendment Bill On 14 September 2012, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice introduced the Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 (the Bill) into the Queensland Parliament. Following introduction, the Bill was referred to the Queensland Parliament’s Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee (the Committee) for its detailed examination. Cabinet noted the Commi
Commonwealth Games Brand Protection Bill 2013 Brand protection legislation is desirable for the following reasons: The Games budget includes income from sponsorships. Corporate sponsors expect measures to ensure the rights they acquire to associate themselves with the Games are not diluted by having unauthorised people also associating themselves with the Games. The level of protection will directly affect the commercial value of sponsorships
Environmental Protection and Other Leg Amendment Regulation No1 2013 The Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2013 (the Amendment Regulation) amends the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008, to give effect to the provisions of the Environmental Protection (Greentape Reduction) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2012 (the Greentape Reduction Act), passed by Parliament on 31 July 2012. The Amendment Regulation includes pr
Response Land Protection Legislation Flying fox Control Bill 2012 The Member for Dalrymple, Mr Shane Knuth MP, introduced the Land Protection Legislation (Flying-fox Control) Amendment Bill 2012 as a Private Member’s Bill on 21 June 2012. The Bill amends the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 and the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to control the health risks posed by flying-foxes. The policy intent of these amendments is to empower a landow
Qld Reconstruction Authority Bill 2013 In January 2013, ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald and an associated monsoon trough passed over parts of Queensland and New South Wales over a number of days, causing widespread impact including severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes. Following these disasters, the recovery and reconstruction of affected communities is an immediate priority. However, there will also be a strong focus on building Queensla
Succession to the Crown Bill 2013 In October 2011 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Perth, leaders of the Realms agreed to changes to the rules for Royal Succession. In July 2012, the Australian, States and Territories Governments, through Council of Australian Governments, agreed to support three reforms to the rules on royal succession proposed by the United Kingdom’s Government: To allow for succession regardle
Port Pilotage Amendment Bill 2013 The Transport Legislation (Port Pilotage) Amendment Bill 2013 transfers the responsibility to provide and deliver port pilotage services for ports north of Brisbane (excluding Abbot Point) from Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) to the government owned port authorities. The amendments in the Bill include: providing that the provision of, or arranging for the provision of, pilotage services in speci
Qld Building Services Authority Bill 2013 On 30 November 2012, the Transport, Housing and Local Government Committee tabled its Report No. 14 entitled ‘Inquiry into the Operation and Performance of the Queensland Building Services Authority’. The Transport, Housing and Local Government Committee made a total of 41 recommendations which covered a range of key issues affecting home builders, building contractors and industry participants. I
2013-14 State Budget The 2013-14 Budget is the second LNP Budget. The restoration of the State’s finances remains a key priority for the Government. The 2013-14 Budget was framed in the context of a difficult external environment and the need to fund the costs of natural disasters. The Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 included measures to give effect to the 2013-14 Budget. The Bill also inclu
Education and Care Services Bill 2013 The Education and Care Services Bill 2013 repeals the Child Care Act 2002 and establishes a new regulatory framework for education and care services in Queensland currently regulated under the Child Care Act 2002. On 1 January 2012 the Education and Care Services National Law (Queensland) Act 2011 commenced. This Act applied a nationally consistent regulatory framework for education and care servi
Energy and Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 The Energy and Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 formalises the Queensland Government’s decisions to: cease the Queensland Gas Scheme’s (the Gas Scheme) operation on 31 December 2013; cease the Smart Energy Savings Program (SESP) at the earliest opportunity; and facilitate the transfer of water and sewerage services for the new Noosa Council on 1 January 2014. The Gas Scheme commenced in 2005
Justice and other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 The Attorney-General is responsible for the administration of over 200 statutes. Periodically, these Acts are reviewed to identify amendments which are desirable for ensuring that the Acts continue to operate in the manner intended. Other amendments to legislation may be identified as a result of court or tribunal decisions or representations by administering agencies and stakeholders. The Jus
Trade and Investment Qld Bill 2013 In November 2012, the Treasurer and Minister for Trade commissioned Mr John Mickel and Mr Geoffrey Thomas to undertake a comprehensive review of Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ). The terms of reference encompassed all aspects of TIQ’s functions, structure and operations, ranging from resourcing and organisational capacity to the effectiveness of TIQ’s current service delivery priorities and
Treasury and Trade Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 The Treasury and Trade and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013: repeals unused Acts, removes redundant provisions, corrects typographical errors and omissions and clarifies and streamlines Acts as administered by Queensland Treasury and Trade; makes technical amendments to the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994 including an amendment to ensure that the Queensland Police Service and other governme
Transport and Other Legislation (Heavy Vehicle National Law) Amendment Bill 2013 The Transport and Other Legislation (Heavy Vehicle National Law) Amendment Bill 2013 makes consequential amendments to remove provisions that regulate heavy vehicles in existing Queensland legislation that will be covered by the Heavy Vehicle National Law (National Law). The National Law is a single rule book applying throughout Australia regulating the operation of heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonn
Land, Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 The Land, Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 amends the Water Act 2000 to implement recommendations relating to levees from the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry’s Final Report. The Bill provides the legislative framework for a consistent approach to regulate the construction of new levees and modification of existing levees. The Bill also amends a number of Acts within the natu
Liquor and Gaming Red tape reduction Amendment Bill The Queensland Government is committed to reducing red tape in the liquor and gaming industries. In accordance with this commitment, the Liquor and Gaming (Red Tape Reduction) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 amends liquor and gaming legislation to reduce the regulatory burden, including: removal of the requirement for gambling internal control systems, other than in casinos, to be approv
Criminal Law Amendment (Public Interest Declaration) Amendment Bill 2013 The Criminal Law Amendment (Public Interest Declarations) Amendment Bill 2013 amended the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1945 to empower the Governor in Council to declare that a relevant person must be detained under that Act. The Governor in Council may make a ‘public interest declaration’ if satisfied it is in the public interest to make the declaration. A ‘relevant person’ is a person who is subj
Qld Civil and Administrative Tribunal The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Justice of the Peace) Amendment Bill 2013 (Bill) incorporates the following key elements: enabling two justices of the peace to constitute the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) for determining minor civil disputes, excluding disputes with a value of more than $5,000 and urgent residential tenancy matters; and requiring one of the
Vegetation Management Framework Bill 2013 The Vegetation Management Framework Amendment Bill 2013 (the Bill) amends the Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VMA), Wild Rivers Act 2005 and the Land Act 1994, to implement a number of significant reforms that support the government’s commitments to: grow a four pillar economy based on construction, resources, agriculture and tourism; reduce regulatory burden for landholders, business and governme
Agriculture and Forestry Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 The Agriculture and Forestry Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 proposes a number of amendments to portfolio legislation that will ensure the effective administration and operation of the respective Acts, fulfil an election commitment, achieve a reduction in red tape including through the omission of redundant legislation and implement the outcomes of legislative reviews and national proposed arrange
Amendments to the Nature Conservation Act 1992 Severe drought and extensive wildfire across much of western and northern Queensland in early 2013 has resulted in the loss of fodder and extreme hardship for many graziers. Drought declarations are in place for 13 local government areas covering about a third of the state. In addition to a range of drought relief measures already available to affected graziers, the Queensland Government is lookin
Nature Conservation Protected Plants Amendment Bill 2013 The Nature Conservation (Protected Plants) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 amends the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and the Vegetation Management Act 1999. The Bill includes provisions to enable a reduction in unnecessary administrative and regulatory burden associated with the protected plants legislative framework and to streamline assessment processes whilst maintaining protection of t
Agricultural College Amendment Bill 2013 The Agricultural College Amendment Bill 2013 provides for amendments to the Agricultural College Act 2005 (the Act) to restructure and rename the Australian Agricultural College Corporation and to replace the existing advisory board with a new governing board. The Australian Agricultural College Corporation (AACC) is established under the Act as a corporation sole. As a Registered Training Authori
Biosecurity Bill 2013 Queensland’s current biosecurity legislation is reactive, prescriptive and includes obsolete, overlapping and inconsistent approaches. It lacks the flexibility to enable efficient responses to Queensland's emerging biosecurity risks. The Biosecurity Bill 2013 will deliver a cohesive legislative framework that provides flexible powers to respond in a timely and effective way to animal and plant dis
Criminal Law Criminal Organisations Disruptions Bill 2013 To deliver on the commitment to implement tougher laws to tackle criminal gangs, the Government has implemented a comprehensive package of legislative reforms contained in three Acts: the Tattoo Parlours Act 2013, the Vicious and Lawless Association Disestablishment Act 2013 and the Criminal Law (Criminal Organisations Disruption) Amendment Act 2013. As foreshadowed in Parliament during the Octob
Electoral Reform Amendment Bill 2013 The Electoral Reform Amendment Bill 2013 amends the Electoral Act 1992, which governs parliamentary elections in Queensland, to: remove the caps on political donations and electoral expenditure; introduce a new public electoral funding model, including a Policy Development Payment to registered political parties with an elected member; introduce monthly disclosure of political donations of $12 400
Penalties and Sentences Indexation Amendment Bill 2013 The penalty unit is the basic monetary value for most fines and penalty infringement notices (PINs, commonly called ‘tickets’). When an offence is created by legislation, the legislation also prescribes the penalty. In most cases the penalty is prescribed as a multiple of the penalty unit. The value of the penalty unit is prescribed in section 5 of the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 and is $110
Response to Private Members Bill Criminal Code Looting in Declared Areas The Member for Yeerongpilly introduced the Criminal Code (Looting in Declared Areas) Amendment Bill 2013 as a Private Member’s Bill in March 2013. The Explanatory Notes to the Bill indicate that the primary objective of the Bill is to amend Queensland’s Criminal Code to insert new item 13A (Stealing by looting in a declared area) into existing section 398, which sets the punishment regime for the
Property Occupations and other fair trading Bills 2013 The Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 provides for the licensing and regulation of real estate agents, resident letting agents, pastoral houses, property developers, motor dealers, auctioneers and commercial agents. In February 2013, four draft Bills designed to split and repeal the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 were released for a four week public consultation process and re
Disability Services Restrictive Practices Amendment Bill 2013 The Disability Services Act 2006 and the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 create a regulatory framework for the use of restrictive practices on adults with intellectual or cognitive disability who have challenging behaviours. The scheme applies to disability services provided or funded by the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services. The overall objective of the fr
Public Service and Other Legislation (Civil Liability) Amendment Bill 2013 The Public Service and Other Legislation (Civil Liability) Amendment Bill 2013: amends the Public Service Act 2008 to include a civil immunity provision for state employees amends the Police Service Administration Act 1990 to provide police and non-sworn members with civil immunity consistent with that proposed for other public servants. The State currently provides indemnities and legal assistan
Education Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Bill 2013 The Education (Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority) Bill 2013 will: establish the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) as the new statutory authority to oversee curriculum, certification, assessment and testing frameworks for all Queensland schools; and repeal the Education (Queensland Studies Authority) Act 2002 and abolish the Queensland Studies Authority. The QCAA
Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 The need for the proposed Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 (the 2013 Regulation) is due to the automatic expiry of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (the 2002 Regulation) under the requirements of the Statutory Instruments Act 1992. A consultation Regulatory Assessment Statement (RAS) for the review of the 2002 Regulation was released for public comment between 28 March 2013 and 26 April 2013
Industrial Relations Fair Work Harmonisation Bill 2013 The Industrial Relations (Fair Work Harmonisation No. 2) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2013 amends the Industrial Relations Act 1999 to create a new industrial relations framework for the Queensland jurisdiction which will provide a simplified and flexible industrial relations system that is adaptable for local service delivery, innovation and productivity improvements. The Bill also includes ame
Liquor Red Tape Reduction and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 Government is committed to reducing the regulatory burden on the liquor and gaming industry to support tourism as one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy. In accordance with this commitment, the Liquor (Red Tape Reduction) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 amends liquor and gaming legislation to implement a number of red tape reduction and miscellaneous proposals, including: exte
North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability Bill 2013 The North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability and another Act Amendment Bill 2013 amends the North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability Act 2011 to extend mining to 2035 and removes the restricted mine path at the Enterprise Mine on North Stradbroke Island. Cabinet approved the introduction of the North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability Amendment Bill 2013 into
Tattoo Parlours, Vicious Lawless Disestablishment and Criminal Organisations Disruption Bills On 28 September 2013, in the wake of violence at Broadbeach involving criminal motorcycle gangs, the Queensland Government announced its commitment to: adopt a zero tolerance crackdown on criminal gangs; provide whatever additional resources are necessary for the Queensland Police Service to carry out this crackdown; introduce a range of tougher laws to tackle criminal gangs; and support any move
Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation Amendment Bill 2013 On 23 March 2013 the Finance and Administration Committee tabled its report on its Inquiry into the Operation of the Queensland Workers’ Compensation Scheme. The Committee’s report included 32 recommendations. In response to the Committee’s report and recommendations, the Queensland Government has proposed a number of legislative amendments to the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003
Appropriation Bill (No.2) 2013 Section 35 of the Financial Accountability Act 2009 provides that if expenditure from the Consolidated Fund exceeds the amount approved by annual appropriation (known as unforeseen expenditure), the Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Treasurer, may authorise the expenditure within four weeks of the end of the financial year. Unforeseen expenditure must also be formally approved by
Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 The Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 (the Bill) amends various Health portfolio Acts to support the policy initiatives of the Government, and to improve the effective operation of the relevant Acts. Key policy initiatives being given effect by the Bill include: amendment of the Public Health Act 2005 will establish the maternal death statistics collection to increase awareness of maternal de
Petroleum and Gas Production Safety Regulation and Fee Decision RIS The Petroleum and Gas (P&G) Safety and Health Fee is a full cost recovery fee system for the Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate (the Inspectorate), to undertake its regulatory role under the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004. This P&G Safety and Health Fee was introduced in 2010, replacing the previous cost recover fee system, in order to better fund the Inspectorate allowing them t
Police Powers and Responsibilities Amendment Bill 2013 The Bill will amend the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 to improve efficiency of delivering policing services and enhance community safety. The Bill improves the delivery of police services and utilisation of police resources by: removing the need for senior officer approval to take a DNA sample allowing the Commissioner to use non-government laboratories to analyse DNA samples amendin
Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2013 The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (the Bill) amends the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (RTRAA) to facilitate a smooth transfer of public housing tenancies to Community Housing Providers. The legislative amendments will enable a Community Housing Provider to capture Commonwealth Rent Assistance in the rent charged to
Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 The Bill amends the Biological Control Act 1987, the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995, the Environmental Offsets Act 2014, the Environmental Protection Act 1994, the Nature Conservation Act 1992, the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993. The Bill amends the Environmental Protection Act to require auditor certificati
Family Responsibilities Commission Amendment Bill 2014 Welfare reform is an approach to community development that commenced in 2008 in the communities of Hope Vale, Aurukun, Mossman Gorge and Coen. It aims to restore local authority, build stronger and more resilient communities and change behaviours in response to chronic levels of welfare dependency, social dysfunction and economic exclusion. The key component of welfare reform is the Family Respon
Chicken Meat Industry Committee Amendment Bill 2014 The Chicken Meat Industry Committee is a statutory committee established under the Chicken Meat Industry Committee Act 1976. The Chicken Meat Industry Committee’s primary functions are to facilitate negotiations of agreements between chicken growers and processors, to facilitate mediation and arbitration of disputes (where required), to represent growers and processors and to provide information o
Crime and Misconduct and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 On 3 July 2013, the Queensland Government tabled its response in the Legislative Assembly to the two recent reviews of the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC): the review by the Independent Advisory Panel of the Crime and Misconduct Act 2001; and the inquiry by the Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Committee (PCMC) into the CMC’s release and destruction of Fitzgerald Commission of Inquiry doc
Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 The Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 seeks to amend the Land Act 1994 to implement the first phase of major reforms to the state land tenure system arising from the Queensland Government's response to the Parliamentary report on the Inquiry into the future and continued relevance of government land tenure across Queensland. The Bill provides for: the introduction of rolling term leas
Environmental Offsets Bill 2014 The Environmental Offsets Bill 2014 sets the foundation for the State’s environmental offset framework, standardising the currently inconsistent offset arrangements in the five existing Queensland Government offset policies. The Bill provides the foundation for what an offset is and how it is to be provided; complementing assessment provisions in existing legislation, which govern if and when an
Private Members Bill Classification of Publications Billboard Advertising Bill The Member for Dalrymple, Mr Shane Knuth MP, introduced the Classification of Publications (Billboard Advertising) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 as a Private Members Bill on 23 May 2013. The Explanatory Notes to the Bill indicate that the primary objective of the Bill is to regulate billboard advertising and mobile billboard advertising throughout Queensland and change the behaviour of
Response to Private Members Bill Public Health (Exclusion of Unvaccinated Children from Child Care) Amendment Bill On 23 May 2013, Mrs Jo-Ann Miller MP, Member for Bundamba, introduced the Private Member’s Bill, Public Health (Exclusion of Unvaccinated Children from Child Care) Amendment Bill 2013 (the Bill). The object of this Bill is to give a person in charge of an education and care service or child care service the ability to refuse that a child who is not fully immunised be enrolled in the child care fac
SEQ Water Distribution and Retail Restructuring Bill 2014 The South-East Queensland Water (Distribution and Retail Restructuring) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 provides a streamlined approval process for new water and sewerage connections (the utility model) for south east Queensland distributor-retailers by merging two current approval processes. The utility model will streamline the water and sewerage approval and connection process for dev
Criminal Code and Another Act (Stock) Amendment Bill 2014 In January 2012, in response to primary industry calls for law reform on stock-related offending, the then Attorney-General approved the formation of a Stock Working Group to review provisions of the Criminal Code and other Acts relating to stock. The Chair of the working group was Mr John Jerrard QC, former Justice of the Queensland Court of Appeal, and the working group was made up of various st
Water Supply Services Bill 2014 Urban water and sewerage services are mainly delivered by local governments across Queensland. Current regulation of these providers under the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 is burdensome, has not improved asset management or water security outcomes and does not adequately identify or seek to address risks. The Water Supply Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 transforms the
Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 The Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 implements outcomes from the review of the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws in Queensland. The aim of the review was to consider the impact of the laws on business, and identify any aspects that were considered unworkable or have had unintended consequences including unanticipated cost burdens. Key changes being given effe
Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 In satisfaction of a commitment under the Government’s Six month action plan (January – June 2013), a formal review of key aspects of the Youth Justice Act 1992 has been completed. The Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014, developed following community consultation on effective responses to youth crime, implements the outcomes of this review. The Bill delivers a number of refo
Major Events Bill 2014 The purpose of the Major Events Bill 2014 is to facilitate major events being held in Queensland. Major events legislation is desirable as major events are a significant contributor to Queensland’s economy. They attract both business investment and visitors to the state. Most other Australian States have major events legislation in place. Major events legislation will put Queensland on equal foot
Family Responsibilities Commission Amendment Regulation 2014 Welfare reform is an approach to community development that is in place in the communities of Hope Vale, Aurukun, Mossman Gorge and Coen. Welfare reform aims to restore local authority, build stronger and more resilient communities and change behaviours in response to chronic levels of welfare dependency, social dysfunction and economic exclusion. The Family Responsibilities Commission (FRC), a ce
Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Bill 2014 The Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Bill 2014 is a significant step towards the modernisation of Queensland’s resources legislation. The Bill is a key component of the Modernising Queensland’s Resources Acts Program which will transform the legislative framework for mining, petroleum and gas, greenhouse gas storage and geothermal energy by implementing common processes. This harmo
Land Sales and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 The Land Sales Act 1984 regulates the sale of proposed allotments (i.e. unregistered subdivisions of land) and proposed lots (i.e. lots, such as apartments, in a community titles scheme sold off the plan). It establishes a regulatory framework to facilitate property development while ensuring appropriate consumer protections are provided. The Land Sales and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 w
Local Government Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 The Local Government Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 proposes amendments to the City of Brisbane Act 2010, the Local Government Act 2009 and the Local Government Electoral Act 2011. Amendments to the Local Government Electoral Act 2011 include: empowering the chief executive officer (CEO) of a local government to be the returning officer for a council election unless the CEO advises the Electoral
Safe Night Out Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 Violence in and around licensed venues is a serious problem for Queensland. While a number of measures have been implemented to address alcohol and drug-related violence, such as the state-wide lockout, a moratorium on late-night trading hours and the Drink Safe Precinct trials, the problem has continued. On 23 March 2014, the Queensland Government released the draft Safe Night Out Strategy. The d
Water Amendment Regulation No 1 2014 Level of Service (LOS) objectives help to minimise the risk of water supply security issues for South East Queensland (SEQ) by specifying the performance of bulk water supply system that Seqwater must meet when undertaking their long term water supply planning activities. The previous LOS objectives were developed at the end of the 2001-2009 drought and required the SEQ bulk water supply system t
Water Legislation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill 2014 The Water Legislation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill 2014 (the Bill) amends the Water Act 2000 (Water Act) and the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008. It addresses the process for making a water supply emergency declaration and imposing emergency water restrictions; the declaration of a temporary full supply level; and the governance framework for category 1 water authoriti
Energy Legislation AEMC Payments Bill 2014 As rule maker and market developer for Australian energy markets, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) makes and amends the detailed rules for the operation of the National Electricity Market and elements of the natural gas markets in accordance with the National Electricity Law and the National Gas Law. As part of its market development role, it also conducts market reviews with a view
Queensland Child Protection Reform Bills On 1 July 2013, the Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry issued its landmark report making 121 recommendations to improve Queensland’s child protection system. The aim of the recommended reforms is to make it easier for families to get support so that wherever possible, children can remain safely at home. In December 2013, the Queensland Government tabled a response to the Commission
Construction and Tourism (Red Tape Reduction) Amendment Bill 2014 The Government is committed to reducing red tape on industry and the community. The liquor and gaming red tape reduction program is being progressed in phases, with two Bills already delivered in May 2013 and November 2013. The Construction and Tourism (Red Tape Reduction) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 will amend the Gaming Machine Act 1991 to reduce red tape on community clubs by: r
TAFE Qld Dual Sector Entity Amendment Bill 2014 The TAFE Queensland (Dual Sector Entity) Amendment Bill 2014 provides for the creation of dual sector entities in Queensland. A dual sector entity is an entity that delivers both higher education and vocational education and training (VET). In delivering VET, the dual sector entity can use the term TAFE. The Bill will enable the merger between Central Queensland University and Central Queensland
Electricity and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 The Queensland Solar Bonus Scheme (the Scheme) provides for eligible participants to supply surplus electricity generated from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems into the Queensland electricity grid. Participants in the Scheme are paid a feed-in tariff for their surplus exported electricity. The feed-in tariff is paid by distributors and costs are passed through to electricity customers via network
Forestry Amendment Bill 2014 Under automatic expiry provisions in the Statutory Instruments Act 1992, the Forestry Regulation 1998 must be remade. The Regulation was scheduled to expire in 2009 but its expiry was extended on the basis that provisions of the Forestry Act 1959 (the Act) were under review. The Regulation is now scheduled to expire on 31 August 2014 and needs to be remade before then. The relevant provisions of t
Further Education and Training Bill 2014 The Further Education and Training Bill 2014 will: repeal the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000; create new training legislation for Queensland to support the Government’s reform priorities for vocational education and training (VET), including streamlining and modernising the State’s regulatory system for apprenticeships and traineeships; and repeal the Higher Education (Gene
Child Protection Offender Reporting Amendment Bill 2014 The government has committed to introducing more stringent monitoring of sex offenders and tougher conditions for offenders who make up the Queensland component of the National Child Offender System (NCOS) (formerly the Australian National Child Offender Register). The Child Protection (Offender Reporting) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 gives effect to that commitment by increasing the
Qld Training Assets Management Authority Bill 2014 The Government is reforming the provision of vocational education and training (VET) services in the State. That reform process follows recommendations made by the Queensland Skills and Training Taskforce and the Independent Commission of Audit. The transfer of State VET assets to a specialist management entity is part of the Government’s VET reforms, and is intended to: allow TAFE Queensland a
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land (Providing Freehold) Bill 2014 Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders living in Queensland’s 34 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities cannot currently obtain freehold title. Land in these communities is held by a trustee under communal land title and development and individual interests are created by leasing. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land (Providing Freehold) and Other Legislation Amendment B
Criminal Law Amendment Bill 2014 The main purpose of the Criminal Law Amendment Bill 2014 (the Bill) is to clarify or otherwise improve the operation of criminal law and criminal law related statutes within the portfolio of the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice. The Bill provides miscellaneous criminal law and other amendments to a number of Acts including: Acts Interpretation Act 1954; Bail Act 1980; Criminal Code; Dange
Electricity Competition and Protection Legislation 2014 The National Energy Retail Law (Queensland) Bill 2014 and the Electricity Competition and Protection Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 implement the Government’s decision to increase competition by removing retail price regulation in south east Queensland (SEQ) and introducing a more light-handed market monitoring approach for small (residential and small business) customers, commencing from 1 July
Professional Engineers and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 The Government is implementing reforms to the Professional Engineers Act 2002 (the Act), following a review by the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland and an industry consultation process conducted by KPMG. The amendments to the Act are based on the review findings and address many of the issues which had been raised, with the key amendments including: Clarifying critical definitions in
Qld Heritage and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 The Queensland Heritage and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 (the Bill) progresses important reforms to support owners and managers of heritage places; streamlines the process by which places are entered in the Queensland Heritage Register, provides flexibility and additional power to local governments in how local heritage places are identified and managed, and ensures our unique heritage is
Review of the Child Protection Act 1999 In July 2013, the Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry released its report, Taking Responsibility: A Road Map for Queensland Child Protection. The Commission of Inquiry found that the child protection system was under immense stress and made 121 recommendations aimed at building a sustainable and effective child protection system over the next decade. In December 2013, the then Quee
Statutory review of the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009 The Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009 (VOCA Act) commenced in December 2009. The purposes of the Act are to declare the fundamental principles of justice to underlie the treatment of victims; implement the principles of justice and set out processes to make complaints about conduct inconsistent with the principles; and establish a financial assistance scheme for victims who have suffered from a
State Development and Public Works Organisation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 The State Development and Public Works Organisation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 (the Bill) implements the government’s election commitment to restore community objection rights removed by the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014 under the former government. The Bill repeals section 47D of the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 (SDPWO Act).
Public Health Childcare Vaccination Amendment Bill 2015 The Public Health (Childcare Vaccination) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 amends the Public Health Act 2005 to give the person in charge of an education and care service, approved under the Education and Care Services National Law (Queensland) or the Education and Care Services Act 2013, the discretion to refuse enrolment and/or attendance of an unvaccinated child, unless the child: has
Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation Amendment Bill 2015 The Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 implements election commitments made by the Government in the ‘Improving safety for Queenslanders at work’ policy platform. Key changes being given effect by the Bill include: reinstate common law rights for injured workers that were affected by changes made by the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and O
Guide Hearing and Assistance Dogs Amendment Bill 2015 In 2013, a full review of the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 (the Act) commenced to ensure the Act continues to deliver on its objectives for people with disability as well as industry. A stakeholder review panel was established to assist in the review of the Act. The panel consisted of government and non-government representatives, including peak/advocacy bodies, tourism and housing
Holidays Amendment Bill 2015 The Holidays and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 implements the election commitment made by the Government to honour the real Labour Day by reinstating the Labour Day public holiday, moving it from its current date of the first Monday in October to the first Monday in May each year. The commitment also provides for the movement of the Queen’s Birthday public holiday from June to October. The
Industrial Relations Restoring Fairness Amendment Bill 2015 In 2013, the Industrial Relations Act 1999 was amended to provide for statutory individual employment contracts, known as high income guarantee contracts. The Health and Hospital Boards Act 2011 was also amended to facilitate the use of contracts, particularly for senior doctors. The Government has committed to removing high income guarantee contract arrangements and restoring rights and entitleme
Exhibited Animals Bill 2015 The current Queensland legislation regulating animal exhibition is fragmented and there are gaps in the management of some animal welfare and safety risks. Some exhibitors need multiple licences (each with their own fees and processes) because they are regulated under more than one Act. Some species cannot be exhibited at all, even if the associated risks can be minimised. The reforms contained i
Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 The Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 proposes amendments to the Local Government Electoral Act 2011 and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Act 2011. To ensure local government elections are run to the same high standards of independence and efficiency as state and federal elections, the Bill amends the Local Government Electoral Act 2011 to ensure a local government
Parliament of Queensland Amendment Bill 2015 During the election campaign, the Australian Labor Party released a policy document titled Labor will ensure that integrity and accountability are restored in Queensland, which included a commitment that autonomy of the Speaker in Parliament would be restored. In a letter dated 5 February 2015 to Mr Peter Wellington MP, the Premier and Minister for the Arts, as then Leader of the Opposition, commi
Payroll Tax Rebate Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 The Payroll Tax Rebate, Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 gives effect to a 2015 election commitment by the Government, funded for three years, in relation to a payroll tax rebate on the wages of apprentices and trainees (the Rebate). The Bill also proposed to amend the following: Payroll Tax Act 1971 – to give effect to the Rebate by extending the application of existing provis
Building Queensland Bill 2015 The Building Queensland Bill 2015 (the Bill) arises as a result of the Government’s election commitment to establishing Building Queensland as an independent statutory body. Building Queensland will be an effective step in ensuring a whole-of-government perspective is brought to major infrastructure planning and investment in Queensland. The Bill provides for Building Queensland to have the follow
Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2015 The Heavy Vehicle National Law Act 2012 (HVNL) is a national scheme legislation central to the national heavy vehicle reform agenda. The Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2015 makes necessary changes to: implement nationally agreed reforms to encourage the use of electronic work diaries promote further harmonisation of the penalties for offences throughout the HVNL remove unnecessary admin
Industrial Relations (Restoring Fairness) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 The Industrial Relations (Restoring Fairness) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 amends the Industrial Relations Act 1999 to restore fairness to Queensland public sector and local government sector employees in line with the Government’s election commitments and priorities. The Bill includes amendments to: re-instate conditions for government workers, including by amending provisions relat
Qld Training Assets Repeal Bill 2015 The Queensland Training Assets Management Authority Repeal Bill 2015: repeals the Queensland Training Assets Management Authority Act 2014 and abolishes the Queensland Training and Assets Management Authority (QTAMA); transfers the assets and liabilities of QTAMA to the Department of Education and Training; provides that the Chief Executive Officer and the board members go out of office; and p
Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 The Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 (the Bill) implements election commitments made by the Government in the ‘Improving safety for Queenslanders at work’ policy platform. Key changes being given effect by the Bill include: allowing work health and safety (WHS) entry permit holders to enter a workplace immediately if they suspect a contravention has occurred and
Crime and Corruption Amendment Bill 2015 The Crime and Corruption Amendment Bill 2015 (the Bill) aims to restore independence and integrity to the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC). The Bill makes amendments to the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 to: ensure the CCC chief executive officer (CEO) is not a commissioner, but retain a five member commission with the requirement for an additional ordinary commissioner to ensure the commissio
Criminal Law (Domestic Violence) Amendment Bill (No 2) 2015 In February 2015, the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence provided its report, Not Now, Not Ever: Putting an End to Domestic Violence in Queensland (the report) to the Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier and Minister for the Arts. The report contains 140 recommendations on how the Government and the Queensland community can better address and reduce domestic and family viole
Disability Services and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 Queensland will transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) from 2016 with full implementation due by 1 July 2019. As part of Queensland’s readiness, the government is reviewing Queensland Government legislation to ensure legislation enables and supports transition to the NDIS and full scheme implementation in Queensland. This project involves two stages: Stage One (dual system)
Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 The Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 (the Bill) amends various Health portfolio Acts to support the implementation of policy initiatives to protect and improve the health of Queenslanders, and to improve operation of the relevant Acts. In particular, the Bill amends: the Food Act 2006 to establish a statewide menu labelling scheme and to enable the chief executive of Queensland Health to aut
Proposed introduction of fixed four-year terms for the Legislative Assembly On 9 November 2015, the Finance and Administration Committee tabled its report (No. 16) on the inquiry into the introduction of four year terms for the Queensland Parliament, including consideration of the Private Member’s Bills titled Constitution (Fixed Term Parliament) Amendment Bill 2015 and Constitution (Fixed Term Parliament) Referendum Bill 2015. The Committee recommended that the Private M
North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2015 The Bill amends a number of pieces of legislation, primarily the North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability Act 2011 (NSIPS Act), to reinstate the substantive phase out of sand mining on North Stradbroke Island by 2019 and protect the natural environment. The NSIPS Act regulates mining activity at the three remaining mines on the island - Enterprise, Yarraman and Vance. The original le
Hospital and Health Boards (Safe Nurse and Midwife to Patient Ratios) Amendment Bill 2015 The purpose of the Hospital and Health Boards (Safe Nurse-to-Patient and Midwife-to-Patient Ratios) Amendment Bill 2015 (the Bill) is to provide a legislative framework to enable nurse-to-patient and midwife-to-patient ratios and workload provisions to be mandated in public sector health service facilities. The Bill implements the Government’s commitment in the Nursing Guarantee policy to legislat
Planning Bill 2015 In May 2015, the Government released the Better Planning for Queensland – Next Steps in Planning Reform Directions Paper to outline the government’s policy for planning reform and how it will establish a fairer and more transparent system that enables better planning in Queensland. From 10 September 2015 to 23 October 2015 the Government undertook public consultation on a draft legislative reform
Plumbing and Drainage and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 The Bill amends the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002 and the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 to establish a dedicated plumbing industry regulatory body within the Queensland Building and Construction Commission. The regulatory body will be known as the Service Trades Council. The Housing Act 2003 is amended by the Bill to introduce a deeming provision to clarify that any dev
Racing Integrity Bill 2015 The Racing Integrity Bill 2015: establishes the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission and allows for the appointment of a full-time Racing Integrity Commissioner under the proposed Racing Integrity Act. amends the Racing Act 2002 to allow for a new seven member, Racing Queensland Board, and repeals the control boards, the Racing Animal Welfare and Integrity Board and the Racing Disciplinary Board
Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 The Government has committed to taking action to address alcohol-related harm in and around Queensland’s licensed venues. To achieve this the Government is implementing a comprehensive policy framework to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence (the Policy), based on evidence and best-practice approaches. This Policy includes both legislative and non-legislative elements, and also provides for the contin
Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Smoke Free Places) Amendment Bill 2015 The Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Smoke-Free Places) Amendment Bill 2015 amends the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998 to: create more smoke-free public places across Queensland prohibit the sale of smoking products from temporary retail outlets make minor and technical amendments to clarify or strengthen Queensland’s tobacco laws. The objective of the Bill is to strengthen existing
Further Education and Training (Training Ombudsman) Amendment Bill 2015 Working Queensland sets out the Queensland Government’s plan for creating jobs and lowering unemployment in order to lead Queensland to future prosperity. It also includes the commitment to establish an independent Training Ombudsman with the power to investigate complaints made about vocational education and training (VET), including apprenticeships and traineeships, in Queensland. The Further E
Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 The Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 amends the Water Reform and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2014 (the WROLA Act). The Bill provides for: explicitly reinstating the principles of ecologically sustainable development in the new purpose of the Water Act 2000 (the Water Act) (as contained in the WROLA Act) replacing references to “responsible and productive management” with “sustainable mana
Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 A first stage of reforms has been completed in relation to legislative amendments to the Youth Justice Act 1992, Childrens Court Act 1992, and Penalties and Sentencing Act 1992. The Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 provides for the: reinstatement of both the sentencing principle in the Youth Justice Act 1992 that a detention order and detaining of a child in custody for an
Domestic and Family Violence Protection and Another Act Amendment Bill 2015 The Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence (the Taskforce) in its final report, Not Now, Not Ever: Putting an End to Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland (the Taskforce Report) made 140 recommendations, including specific changes to the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (DFVP Act). The Queensland Government response accepted these recommendations and identified the
Family Responsibilities Commission Amendment Bill 2015 The Family Responsibilities Commission (FRC) is a key mechanism supporting the Welfare Reform program operating in the communities of Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale, Mossman Gorge and Doomadgee. Welfare Reform is designed to restore local authority and build stronger and more resilient communities. The FRC operates by convening conferences in relation to community members brought to its attention throug
Transport Operations Marine Safety Bills 2015 The Transport Operations (Marine Safety—Domestic Commercial Vessel National Law Application) Bill 2015 and the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 are cognate bills which are required to: ensure the seamless interaction between Queensland’s marine legislation and the National Law; and progress primary legislative amendments to facilitate the remake of th
Multicultural Recognition Bill 2015 Queenslanders come from over 220 countries speaking over 220 languages. A multicultural society provides opportunities for a diversified workforce and business ventures, access to tourism and export markets. Migrants and refugees make a significant contribution to the Queensland economy and community. The fiscal contribution of migrants to Australia is $1.6 billion in the first year after arrival
Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 The Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 (the Bill) has been prepared for the protected area estate. These amendments: reinstate ‘the conservation of nature’ as the sole object of the Nature Conservation Act 1992; remove redundant provisions from the Nature Conservation Act 1992 that allowed the chief executive to grant stock grazing permits for emergency drought relief on
Retail Shop Leases Amendment Bill 2015 Under section 122 of the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 (the Act), a review of the operation of the Act has been conducted to decide whether the Act’s provisions remain appropriate for the Queensland retail sector. The amendments to the Act contained in the Retail Shop Leases Amendment Bill 2015 (the Bill) are the outcome of the review consultation processes, including public consultation on a discus
Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2015 and Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2015 The Financial Accountability Act 2009 (the FA Act) contains statutory processes for the finalisation of departmental appropriations at the end of the financial year. Section 35 of the FA Act provides that should expenditure from the Consolidated Fund exceed the amount approved by annual appropriation, the Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Treasurer, may authorise the expenditure.
Relationships Civil Partnerships and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2015 The Relationships (Civil Partnerships) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2015 implements the Government’s election commitment to restore civil partnership ceremonies. The Bill ensures that adult couples, regardless of their gender, can have an official civil partnership ceremony to acknowledge and celebrate their relationships. The Bill reinstates civil partnership ceremonies by: renaming the Relatio
Establishment of Domestic and Family Violence Death Review and Advisory Board The report of the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland (the Taskforce), Not Now, Not Ever: Putting an End to Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland (the Taskforce report), released on 28 February 2015, recommended enhancing the existing Domestic and Family Violence Death Review Unit located in the Office of the State Coroner (the Unit), and, in consultation with key
Energy and Water Ombudsman Amendment Bill 2015 The Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland (EWOQ) provides a free, independent dispute resolution service for residential and small business customers to help them resolve complaints with energy and water suppliers. Small businesses for these purposes are currently defined as businesses using less than 100 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity per year. This definition means that many businesses that
Liquid Fuel Supply Ethanol and Other Biofuels Mandate Bill 2015 The Queensland Government is committed to growing the Queensland economy through a vibrant biofuels and bio-manufacturing industry which will support regional Queensland. One way to support the Queensland biofuels industry is a biofuels mandate. In June 2015, the Government released a discussion paper on a proposed mandate for ethanol and biobased diesel. There is strong community support for bio
Jobs Queensland Bill 2015 Working Queensland sets out the Queensland Government’s plan for creating jobs and lowering unemployment in order to lead Queensland to future prosperity. It also includes the commitment to establish Jobs Queensland as an independent statutory entity providing strategic industry advice to Government on skills demand and long-term workforce planning, with a focus on making the Queensland vocationa
Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No.2) 2015 The Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2015 proposes amendments to the City of Brisbane Act 2010 (COBA), Local Government Act 2009 (LGA), Local Government Electoral Act 2011 (LGEA) and the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA). The Bill amends the COBA and the LGA to clarify that an accepted how-to-vote card under the LGEA section 179 is not ‘election material’ for the pur
Mental Health Bill 2015 A Draft Mental Health Bill was released for a two-month consultation period to 26 June 2015. An extensive range of consultation workshops and meetings were held during the consultation period. Feedback provided during consultation indicated strong support for the Bill from most stakeholders. Mental health consumers and their representative groups were particularly supportive of the provisions of t
Queensland Productivity Commission Bill 2015 While the current interim Queensland Productivity Commission (the Commission) has been operating since May 2015 as a public service office in the Treasury portfolio, the Queensland Productivity Commission Bill 2015 establishes the Commission as an independent statutory body to formalise its operational independence from Government. The establishment of the Commission was a key election commitment
Administrative responsibility for Queensland Industrial Relations Commission The previous Government amended the Industrial Relations Act 1999 to alter the administrative functions of the president of the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission and impose an additional requirement on persons able to be appointed to the position of deputy president (Court). The administrative responsibility for the Commission and Registry is to be returned to the president. In addition,
Review of the operation of the Adoption Act 2009 The Minister for Communities, Women and Youth, Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Multicultural Affairs has initiated a review of the operation of the Adoption Act 2009 (the Act) and will review the impact of Queensland’s adoption legislation on children and families. The Act requires the Minister to ensure the operation of the Act is reviewed, as soon as practicable, five years after comm
Workers Compensation Regulation 2015 and response to Committee report on Bill The Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Amendment Regulation 2015 (the amendment regulation) prescribes regulation to support the operation of section 193A of the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (the Act). Key changes being given effect by the amendment regulation include: Prescribing conditions for entitlement, the amount of compensation payable and the administrative proce
Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 The Terrorism (Preventative Detention) Act 2005 and the Public Safety Preservation Act 1986 provide powers for the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to deal with terrorist incidents occurring in, or affecting Queensland. Since September 2014, nationally, there has been a significant escalation of terrorist related activity with three terrorist acts having been committed and a further six imminent p
National Injury Insurance Scheme (Queensland) Bill 2016 The establishment of a National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS) alongside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was recommended by the Productivity Commission in its 2011 Inquiry Report, Disability Care and Support. The Productivity Commission proposed that a NIIS would cover the lifetime (i.e. until death) care and support needs of catastrophically injured people across four main stream
Transport Legislation (Taxi Services) Amendment Bill 2015 The Transport Legislation (Taxi Services) Amendment Bill 2015 makes amendments to enable prosecutions of illegal taxi services and increase deterrence by: simplifying offence provisions and elements of proof; introducing evidentiary aids; enhancing powers of Transport Inspectors; and increasing monetary penalties. Cabinet approved the amendments to the Transport Legislation (Taxi Services) Amendme
Domestic and Family Violence Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 The Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence in its final report, Not Now, Not Ever: Putting an End to Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland made 140 recommendations, including specific changes to the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (DFVP Act). The Queensland Government response accepted these recommendations and identified the commencement of the review of the DFVP
Farm Business Debt Mediation Bill 2016 The Government is committed to assisting rural producers and communities across the State that are affected by debt and unprecedented drought conditions. With 83.92% of the State drought-declared, the additional $77.9 million in funding over five years for the Rural Assistance and Drought Package provided in the 2016-17 Budget comes at a crucial time for rural and regional Queensland. The $36 mill
Gaming Legislation Amendments The Government has considered amending the way in which gaming machine revenue from clubs that operate from more than one premises is taxed. Revenue from gaming machines is subject to a monthly gaming machine tax. For clubs, the rate of taxation is progressive. When a club operates from more than one premises, gaming revenue from all the club’s premises is aggregated before the progressive tax rat
Gene Technology Queensland Bill 2016 Gene technology activities in Australia are regulated through an integrated national legislative scheme which aims to protect the health and safety of people and the environment by identifying and managing risks. State, Territory and Commonwealth legislation are all required to achieve a nationally consistent scheme to provide full regulatory coverage for gene technology. Currently, Queensland’s g
Grammar Schools Bill 2016 In Queensland, grammar schools are established and regulated in accordance with the Grammar Schools Act 1975. The following eight grammar schools have been established over the period 1863 to 1892: Brisbane Grammar School; Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School; Ipswich Grammar School; Ipswich Girls Grammar School including Ipswich Junior Grammar School; Rockhampton Grammar School; Rockhampton Girls’
Industrial Relations Bill 2016 The purpose of the Industrial Relations Bill 2016 is to regulate Queensland’s industrial relations jurisdiction, which comprises the state and local government sectors. The Bill replaces the Industrial Relations Act 1999. The Bill was prepared in accordance with recommendations made in the report of the Industrial Relations Legislative Reform Reference Group entitled ‘A Review of the Industrial R
Limitations of Actions (Institutional Child Sexual Abuse) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse identified that one of the most significant barriers for victims seeking justice was that they were unable to meet the limitation periods within which to commence their claims. The Royal Commission considered that states and territory Governments should remove any limitation periods. The Limitations of Actions (Institutional C
Major Sports Facilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 The Major Sports Facilities Act 2001 (the Act) provides a process by which events are ‘declared’ for the purpose of regulating advertising near event venues. The Act enables the regulation of advertising to protect event sponsors from unauthorised advertising by rival businesses that have not contributed to an event. The capacity to protect events and sponsors from unauthorised advertising makes v
Response Agriculture and Environment Commmittee Vegetation Management (Reinstatement) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 On 17 March 2016, the Deputy Premier, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade and Investment introduced the Vegetation Management (Reinstatement) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 into Parliament. The Bill was considered by the Agriculture and Environment Parliamentary Committee, which tabled its report on 30 June 2016. In its report, the committe
Response to the Parliamentary Committee Report relating to smoke alarms The Member for Kawana, Mr Jarrod Bleijie MP, introduced the Fire and Emergency Services (Smoke Alarms) Amendment Bill 2015 as a Private Members’ Bill on 2 December 2015. The Explanatory Notes to the Bill state the purpose of the Bill is to implement recommendations from the Coronial Inquest into the 2011 Slacks Creek house fire. The Bill does not address the installation of smoke alarms in bedroom
Animal Management (Protecting Puppies) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 Significant animal welfare issues can arise if breeding dogs and their progeny are housed and/or managed in conditions that fail to meet the dogs' behavioural, social, psychological and/or physiological needs. The Animal Management (Protecting Puppies) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 (the Bill) amends the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 to require owners of breeding dogs to r
Brisbane Casino Agreement Amendment Bill 2016 In July 2015, the Destination Brisbane Consortium was announced as the Queensland Government’s preferred proponent to deliver an iconic tourism, leisure and entertainment precinct in the heart of the Brisbane CBD. In December 2015, the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Bill 2015 (the QWB Bill) was introduced into the Legislative Assembly. The QWB Bill ratifies the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Casino Agreement
Child Protection Reform Amendment Bill 2016 and Director of Child Protection Litigation Bill 2016 In 2013, the Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry made 121 recommendations to transform the existing child protection system. The Queensland Government is implementing legislative amendments to respond to the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations in three stages. The Child Protection Reform Amendment Bill 2016 (CPRA Bill) and the Director of Child Protection Litigation Bill 2016 (D
Government Response - Health and Ambulance Services Committee Report - Mental Health and Mental Health Recovery Model Bills 2015 The Health and Ambulance Services Committee released a Report on the Mental Health Bill 2015 and the Mental Health (Recovery Model) Bill 2015. The Committee’s Report makes 15 recommendations. The Committee was unable to make a recommendation on whether either Bill should be passed, with Government members supporting the Mental Health Bill 2015 and Opposition members supporting the Private Member’s
Motorcycle Licensing Reform Reforming the Queensland motorcycle licensing system is a priority outcome for the Government. The most direct way to try and improve motorcycle rider safety is to ensure novice riders have the appropriate skills and experience to ride a motorcycle on the road. The Government sought feedback from the community and key stakeholders and following an evaluation a holistic approach to reforming the mo
Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2016 The purpose of the Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2015 is to provide a regulatory framework to facilitate treatment with medicinal cannabis, while also preventing unauthorised use of such products. Under this proposed regulatory framework, the supply chain of medicinal cannabis will be extremely tight. A medical practitioner who believes their patient may benefit from treatment with medi
Mineral and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 The Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014 (the Act) was the first step in Modernising Queensland Resources Acts Program. While the Act primarily served to establish a new common Act for resources tenures, it also contained other changes to implement a range of additional policy objectives. The Mineral and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 (the Bill) amends or repeals the r
Mineral Resources (Aurukun Bauxite Resource) Amendment Bill 2016 The Mineral Resources (Aurukun Bauxite Resource) Amendment Bill 2016 (the Bill) amends the special provisions of the Mineral Resources Act 1989 (MRA) which apply to an Aurukun project. The Ngan Aak-Kunch Aboriginal Corporation commenced proceedings in the High Court of Australia to challenge certain Aurukun provisions on the grounds that they are inconsistent with the Racial Discrimination Act 197
Government Response - Health Legislation Waiting List Integrity Amendment Bill 2015 On 19 May 2015, the Queensland Member for Caloundra, Mark McArdle, introduced the Health Legislation (Waiting List Integrity) Amendment Bill 2015 (the Bill), proposing amendments to the Health Ombudsman Act 2013 and the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011, to provide for the auditing and reporting of data relating to waiting times for patients of Hospital and Health Services. The Health and Ambul
Child Protection (Mandatory Reporting - Masons Law) Amendment Bill 2016 The Queensland Law Reform Commission (QLRC), in its report Review of Child Protection Mandatory Reporting Laws for the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector, recommended that child protection mandatory reporting provisions in the Child Protection Act 1999 (CPA) be expanded to apply to particular professionals working in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector. The Queensland Gover
Legislation (Declaration) Amendment Bill 2016 The Legislation (Declaration) Amendment Bill 2016 validates the Mental Health Act 2016 and the Racing Integrity Act 2016 and, in particular, validates the assent given to both Acts. The Bill is required because the Acts as assented to differ from the Acts as passed by the Legislative Assembly. The difference is the result of administrative errors made in the Acts presented for assent. Cabinet app
Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 The Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 (the Bill) makes legislative amendments to a range of health portfolio Acts to support the implementation of policy initiatives to protect and improve the health of Queenslanders, and to improve the operation of the Acts. The Bill amends: the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 to facilitate general practitioners having access to the Queensland
Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation (National Insurance Scheme) Amendment Bill 2016 The Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation (National Injury Insurance Scheme) Amendment Bill 2016 implements the Queensland Government’s agreement on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to implement the National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS) for workplace accidents by 1 July 2016. Key changes being given effect by the Bill include: enabling eligible workers who sustain serious per
Review of the operation of the Adoption Act 2009 The Minister for Communities, Women and Youth, Minister for Child Safety and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence has finalised a review of the operation of the Adoption Act 2009 and produced a report on the outcomes of the review. In September 2015 the Minister released the discussion paper, ‘Public consultation for the review of the operation of the Adoption Act 2009’, and
Electricity and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 In December 2015, the Queensland Government, announced its intention to effect a merger of Energex and Ergon into a single business under a new parent company (Parent Co). A separate Energy Services Business will be established as a subsidiary of Parent Co. The merger is to be implemented on 1 July 2016 with the objective of improving network efficiencies. Implementation of the merged network b
Environmental Protection (Chain of Responsibility) Amendment Bill 2016 When sites on which potentially environmentally damaging activities are conducted are subject to receivership, administration or liquidation, company financial structures can make it difficult to pursue financial accountability for, and require, clean-up, leaving substantial environmental legacies which need to be addressed by the State and ultimately funded by taxpayers. Amendments to the Environ
Penalties and Sentences (Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council) Amendment Bill 2016 The Penalties and Sentences (Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council) Amendment Bill 2016 amends the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 by establishing the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council, an independent body which will enhance the community’s confidence in the criminal sentencing process. The Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council provides the government, the judiciary and the community wit
Changes to Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme and commercial fishing in freshwater A review of legislative arrangements for managing freshwater fisheries resources in Queensland (under the Fisheries Act 1994 and the Fisheries Regulation 2008) has been undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Key issues presented in a Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement released in late 2014 related to management arrangements for and potential to expand the Stocked Impoun
Public Health (Water Risk Management) Amendment Bill 2016 The Bill amends the Public Health Act 2005 to implement a legislative framework that: improves the management and control of health risks associated with the supply and use of water in hospitals and residential aged care facilities, in particular the health risks associated with Legionella bacteria; and provides greater transparency of water testing activities being undertaken by facilities. The B
Australian Crime Commission (Queensland) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 CrimTrac is a national information management system which enables Australia’s law enforcement agencies to share information. In November 2015, all jurisdictions agreed that CrimTrac should be merged into the Australian Crime Commission (ACC). This will bring together Australia’s national criminal intelligence and information capabilities. The Australian Crime Commission (Queensland) and Other Leg
Biosecurity Regulation 2016 The Biosecurity Act 2014 was passed on 6 March 2014 and assented to on 13 March 2014, and commences on 1 July 2016. The Biosecurity Act 2014 repeals six Acts as well as associated subordinate legislation and makes amendments to three other Acts. The Biosecurity Regulation 2016 supports the Biosecurity Act 2014. The Biosecurity Regulation 2016 contains a range of provisions that provide technical
Education and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 The Education and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 (the Bill) makes amendments to various Acts within the education portfolio. The main objectives of the Bill are to: make the Preparatory (Prep) Year the compulsory first year of formal education for all Queensland school children and enable Prep-aged children to register for home education; provide a contemporary and streamlined governance
Exhibited Animals Regulation 2016 The Exhibited Animals Act 2015 was passed on 11 June 2015 and will commence on 1 July 2016. The Act replaces six licensing schemes and provisions spread across four Acts with a single licensing scheme under a single Act. The Exhibited Animals Regulation 2016 will support the Exhibited Animals Act 2015. The Regulation comprises several elements, including prescribing certain lower-risk categories
Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2016 The purpose of the Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2016 is to provide a regulatory framework to facilitate treatment with medicinal cannabis, while also preventing unauthorised use of such products. The Bill provides two pathways for a patient to receive treatment with medicinal cannabis: Under the single-patient prescriber pathway, a medical practitioner who believes their patient may be
Proclamation under the Corporations (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2001 Under the Corporations (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2001 (the Act), the Parliament of Queensland referred to the Commonwealth Parliament the powers: to enact the Corporations Act 2001 and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 as Commonwealth legislation extending to each State; and to make laws about forming corporations, corporate regulation and financial products and service
Public Safety Business Agency and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 The Public Safety Business Agency (PSBA) was formally established by the Public Safety Business Agency Act 2014 (PSBA Act) on 21 May 2014. The PSBA Act authorises the PSBA to hold stated corporate and business support services for the Queensland Police Service (QPS), Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and the Inspector-General of Emergency Management (IGEM). The PSBA chief executive off
Government response to Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources Committee Report No. 23 On 12 November 2015, the then Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade, Hon Jackie Trad MP, introduced to the Parliament a package of three Bills - the Planning Bill 2015, the Planning and Environment Court Bill 2015 and the Planning (Consequential) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015. The Bills were referred t
Child Protection (Offender Reporting) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 The Government will introduce new legislation to give effect to recommendations made by the Crime and Corruption Commission through its review of the Child Protection (Offender Prohibition Order) Act 2008 (CPOPOA). The Child Protection (Offender Reporting) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 introduces a holistic response to reportable offender management, streamlines the administration of t
Criminal Law Amendment Bill 2016 The Criminal Law Amendment Bill 2016 (the Bill) amends section 304 (Killing on provocation) of the Criminal Code to exclude an unwanted non-violent sexual advance from the ambit of the defence. The Bill also contains a number of other amendments intended to improve or streamline the operation of the criminal laws of Queensland. Cabinet approved the introduction of the Criminal Law Amendment Bill
Fisheries (East Coast Trawl) Management Plan 2010 - amendments to protect the sustainability of scallops The trawl industry over the last year or more has expressed concern about declining scallop catches. Catch rates between January 2015 and April 2016 were the lowest in 39-year record of catches. A stock assessment was completed in October 2016 and shows that the biomass is potentially as low as 6% of its original biomass, and is at the lowest in the recorded history of the fishery. Urgent action
Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 The Land Title Act 1994 (Land Title Act) and Land Act 1994 (Land Act) underpin land administration in Queensland. The Land Title Act provides the basis for Queensland’s titling system and the Land Act provides the legislative framework for the administration of Queensland’s extensive portfolio of state land. The Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 progresses a number of minor amendmen
Local Government Electoral (Transparency and Accountability in Local Government) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016) The Local Government Electoral (Transparency and Accountability in Local Government) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 proposes amendments to the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (AI Act), the Building Act 1975 (Building Act), the Local Government Electoral Act 2011 (LGEA), the Planning Act 2016 (Planning Act), the Planning and Environment Court Act 2016 (PECA), the Planning (Consequent
Mental Health Amendment Bill 2016 The Mental Health Amendment Bill 2016 (the Bill) amends the Mental Health Act 2016 (the Mental Health Act) and the Public Health Act 2005 (the Public Health Act) to support implementation of the Mental Health Act. The Bill amends the Mental Health Act to clarify that oral or written statements made by a person: during an assessment regarding unsoundness of mind or fitness for trial are not admiss
Transport Operations (Road Use Management) (Offensive Advertising) Bill 2016 There are occasions when vehicles display advertising images or slogans that are sexually explicit or otherwise offensive to members of the community. The advertising industry, through the Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB), provides a well-respected complaints management process based on the Australian Association of National Advertiser’s Code of Ethics (the Code). Complaints about breaches of
Government response to Limitation of Actions and Other Legislation (Child Abuse Civil Proceedings) Amendment Bill 2016 On 16 August 2016, the Limitation of Actions (Institutional Child Sexual Abuse) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 (the Bill) was introduced into the Legislative Assembly by the Premier and Minister for the Arts. The Bill makes a number of amendments to: to retrospectively abolish limitation periods that would apply to claims for damages brought by a person where that claim is founded on th
Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Bill 2016 The Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Bill 2016 (the Bill) ensures that regional communities in Queensland, in the vicinity of large resource projects, benefit from the operation of those projects. The Bill limits the use of fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workforce arrangements and ensure that local workers from nearby regional communities are not excluded from employment in the operation of tho
Government response to Committee Report into Heavy Vehicle National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 The Heavy Vehicle National Law Act 2012 (HVNL) is a national scheme legislation central to the national heavy vehicle reform agenda. The Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2016 makes necessary changes to: reform chain of responsibility obligations and executive officer liabilities to confirm that each responsible party has a primary duty of care to ensure the safety of their transport activ
Victims of Crime Assistance and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 The Final Report on the review of the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009 (the VOCA Act review report) was tabled in the Legislative Assembly by the Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Acting Minister for Training and Skills in December 2015. The Government accepted all of the 15 VOCA Act review report’s recommendations. The VOCA Act review report identified amendments to the Vic
Water Legislation (Dam Safety) Amendment Bill 2016 The Inspector-General of Emergency Management (IGEM) undertook a review into SunWater and Seqwater’s Warnings Communications at the request of the Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports, Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply. One of the recommendations of the review was that the legislation and guidelines should be reviewed to ensure consistency and define key terms. The Water Le
Liquid Fuel Supply Regulation 2016 The Liquid Fuel Supply Act 1984 was amended by the Liquid Fuel Supply (Ethanol and Other Biofuels Mandate) Amendment Act 2015 to establish a biofuels mandate under which fuel sellers have obligations to sell at least a prescribed percentage of sustainable biobased petrol and sustainable biobased diesel. The Liquid Fuel Supply Regulation 2016 (the Regulation) prescribes sustainability criteria for
Review of the Right to Information Act 2009 and Information Privacy Act 2009 The Right to Information Act 2009 (RTI Act) gives a right of access to documents held by government agencies and Ministers. It also requires government agencies to proactively make information available through publication schemes and disclosure logs. The Information Privacy Act 2009 (IP Act) provides a right of access to and amendment of personal information and details privacy principles that g
Stock Route Network Management Bill 2016 Queensland’s stock route network is made up of roads or routes declared under the Stock Route Management Act 2002 along which stock may be moved on foot; and reserves (including camping, water, pasture and trucking reserves) dedicated under the Land Act 1994 for the purpose of travelling stock. The stock route network traverses approximately 72 000 km of Queensland and is also used for other purp
Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Bill 2016 Cross River Rail is the Queensland Government’s highest priority infrastructure project. In April 2016, the Government announced it would establish a Delivery Authority that will lead the development, procurement and delivery of the Cross River Rail project and support wider economic and social outcomes from this transformational project. In June 2016, the Queensland Government announced it would
Adoption and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 The Minister for Communities, Women and Youth, Minister for Child Safety and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence finalised a review of the operation of the Adoption Act 2009 and tabled a report in Parliament on the outcomes of the review on 8 August 2016. The review found that, while the Adoption Act was continuing to work effectively, there were opportunities to enhance ce
Amendments to Constitution of Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 On 25 February 2016, the Committee of the Legislative Assembly tabled its report on the Review of the Parliamentary Committee System. On 19 April 2016, the Premier and Minister for the Arts tabled the Government response to the Report, accepting all recommendations and stating that the Government would introduce legislation into the Parliament to amend the Constitution of Queensland 2001 (the Co
Environment Protection (Underground Water Management) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 The Environmental Protection (Underground Water Management) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill will amend the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) and the Water Act 2000 to ensure that the environmental impacts of groundwater take are better managed and that deficiencies in the make good arrangements for groundwater take are addressed. The Bill amends the environmental authority process u
Heavy Vehicle National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 The Heavy Vehicle National Law Act 2012 (HVNL) is a national scheme legislation central to the national heavy vehicle reform agenda. The Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2016 makes necessary changes to: reform chain of responsibility obligations and executive officer liabilities to confirm that each responsible party has a primary duty of care to ensure the safety of their transport activ
Keno Amendment Regulation (No 1) 2016 The Keno Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2016 amends the Keno Regulation 2007 to provide that appointed keno agents may carry on operations for the conduct of a keno game up to two hours after liquor sales cease or for the same period of time as the allowed hours for gaming machines at the premises. Prior to 1 July 2016, both keno operations in licensed premises and gaming machine operations were re
Rail Safety National Law (Queensland) Bill 2016 The Rail Safety National Law (Queensland) Bill 2016 is a major component in implementing the national rail safety reforms in Queensland. The reforms will deliver a more consistent approach to policy and regulation across Australia, and remove economic inefficiencies that had been created by existing inconsistencies in the rail regulatory regimes between states and territories in Australia. The Bi
Serious and Organised Crime Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 The Serious and Organised Crime Legislation Amendment Bill (the Bill) implements the Government’s primary legislative response to three reviews commissioned by the Government in relation to organised crime: Queensland Organised Crime Commission of Inquiry; Review of the Criminal Organisation Act 2009; and Taskforce on Organised Crime Legislation. The Bill also introduces the Government’s self-
Transport Operations Passenger Transport Taxi and Limousine Industry Assistance Amendment Bill 2016 In August 2016, the then Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games announced reforms to the regulation of personalised transport in Queensland. To accompany these reforms, a $100 million Industry Adjustment Assistance Package (IAAP) was also announced in order to assist the taxi and limousine industry to adjust to an increase in competition. The IAAP includes business advisory support, tr
Water (Local Management Arrangements) Amendment Bill 2016 The Local Management Arrangements (LMA) Project involves the potential transfer of up to eight of SunWater’s channel irrigation schemes to new entities that will be owned and controlled by the irrigation customers in each scheme. In order to implement LMA, the Water (Local Management Arrangements) Amendment Bill 2016 will allow for the business associated with each channel scheme to be transferred
Youth Justice and Other Legislation (Inclusion of 17 year old Persons) Amendment Bill 2016 The youth justice system in Queensland currently applies to young people aged between 10 and 16 years of age, with 17-year-olds treated as adults in the criminal justice system. Inclusion of 17-year-olds in the adult criminal justice system is inconsistent with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the law in all other Australian states and territories. It is also inconsist
Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Bill 2017 The Security of Payment discussion paper was released in December 2015, followed by extensive consultation. The Queensland Building Plan: A discussion paper for industry and consumers, released in November 2016, proposed reforms to key areas including security of payment. Consultation outcomes reinforced previous analysis of systemic problems within the building and construction industry. The resu
Government Response to Parliamentary Committee Report on Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Bill 2016 On 8 November 2016, the Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Bill 2016 (the Bill) was introduced into the Legislative Assembly and referred to the Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Committee (committee) for consideration. The committee tabled its report on the Bill, Report No. 42, on 7 March 2017. Report No. 42 made seven recommendations, including that the Bill be passed. Th
Tow Truck and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 The towing industry in Queensland is regulated by the Tow Truck Act 1973 and Tow Truck Regulation 2009, however removing vehicles from private property, such a car parks, is not covered by the regulatory framework. In response to the growing community concerns regarding the removal of vehicles from private property the Queensland Government commissioned an independent investigation. The independe
Amendments to the Mental Health Amendment Bill 2016 The Mental Health Amendment Bill 2016 (the Bill) amends the Mental Health Act 2016. The Bill was introduced into the Legislative Assembly on 30 November 2016. The Government identified further provisions for inclusion in the Mental Health Act 2016 to address matters relating to the Mental Health Review Tribunal. Specifically, the proposed amendments to the Bill will amend the Mental Health Act 20
Corrective Services (Parole Board) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 On 9 August 2016, the Premier and Minister for the Arts announced an independent review into the parole system in Queensland following the alleged murder of an elderly Townsville woman by a man on parole following his release from the Townsville Correctional Centre that same day. Mr Walter Sofronoff QC was appointed to conduct the review. On 1 December 2016, Mr Sofronoff delivered his report to t
Police Powers and Responsibilities (Commonwealth Games) Amendment Bill 2017 The 2018 Commonwealth Games (the Games) are to be hosted on the Gold Coast between 4 and 15 April 2018 with events also being held in Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville. The Queensland Police Service is partnering with the Office of the Commonwealth Games and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation to plan and deliver the security and public safety response for the Games. A regulation und
Release of draft Great Artesian Basin and Other Regional Aquifers Water Plan The Water Resource (Great Artesian Basin) Plan 2006 (GAB WRP) is due to expire on 1 September 2017. The Water Act 2000 outlines the process that must be undertaken when developing a replacement water plan. A draft water plan for the Great Artesian Basin and Other Regional aquifers has been developed to replace the existing GAB WRP based on an analysis of the effectiveness of the existing GAB WRP,
Education (Overseas Students) Bill 2017 The Education (Overseas Student) Bill 2017: repeals the Education (Overseas Students) Act 1996 and provides for new legislation to regulate providers of courses to overseas students, which better aligns with Queensland’s responsibilities under the cooperative model of shared responsibility between the Australian and Queensland government; provides a new legislative framework for the regulation of
South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017 and amendments to the Planning Regulation 2017 The Queensland Government has reviewed the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 and associated regulatory provisions to take into account changes in the region, revised growth, population and employment projections and evolving government policies. Under the Planning Act 2016, as commenced on 3 July 2017, the regulatory provisions to support the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017 (S
Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 The National Registration and Accreditation Scheme for Health Professions (the National Scheme) was implemented through the adoption of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (National Law) by all states and territories in 2009 and 2010. The National Law regulates the following 14 health professions: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practice, Chinese medicine, chiropractic, de
Court and Civil Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 The justice portfolio encompasses the administration of over 150 statutes which are periodically reviewed to identify amendments to ensure that the Acts continue to operate in the manner intended. The Court and Civil Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 makes miscellaneous amendments to various statutes in the justice portfolio, including amendments to: the Classification of Computer Games and Images
Crime and Corruption and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 The Crime and Corruption and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 (the Bill) will give effect to the Queensland Government’s commitment to widen the definition of 'corrupt conduct' in the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 by including conduct, such as collusive tendering or fraud in applications for licences or permits issued by government, by people outside the public sector that impairs or could im
Finance and Administration Committee Report No. 34 Farm Business Debt Mediation Bill 2016 On 30 August 2016, the Government introduced the Farm Business Debt Mediation Bill 2016. The Farm Business Debt Mediation Bill 2016 includes a legislated farm debt mediation process and transforming the QRAA (formerly the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority) into the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority with new powers and responsibilities. On 26 May 2016, the Member for Mt Isa, M
Queensland’s Personalised Transport Horizon – Stage Two Reforms In August 2016, the Queensland Government released Queensland’s Personalised Transport Horizon: Five Year Strategic Plan for Personalised Transport Services 2016-2021 which outlined reforms to the regulation of personalised transport in Queensland. The first stage of this reform program involved immediate changes which legalised ride-booking services such as Uber and provided a fairer regulatory
Public Health (Infection Control) Amendment Bill 2017 The Public Health (Infection Control) Amendment Bill 2017 (the Bill) responds to a recent incident involving unsafe infection control practices at a Brisbane dental clinic. Those practices, which included inadequate staff training and sterilisation procedures, were found to be placing staff and patients at risk of coming into contact with infectious, blood-borne diseases, and breached the mandator
Governments response to Private Members Bill - Bail (Domestic Violence) and Another Act Amendment Bill 2017 The Private Member’s Bill – Bail (Domestic Violence) and Another Act Amendment Bill 2017 (PMB) was introduced on 14 February 2017 by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Tim Nicholls MP. The PMB proposes amendments to the Bail Act 1980 (Bail Act) to: reverse the presumption for bail; provide for the use of tracking devices for a person released to bail; require notification of bail information to vic
Building and Construction Legislation (Non-conforming Building Products - Chain of Responsibility and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2017 Non-conforming building products (NCBPs) pose a significant risk to the health and safety of all Queenslanders. The use of NCBPs threatens the integrity of a building, putting all users of the building, as well as people on building sites potentially at risk. Incorporating NCBPs in a building can also impose significant costs on owners to rectify damages or undertake remedial action. The Queenslan
Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 The Public Safety Preservation Act 1986 (PSPA) and the Terrorism (Preventative Detention) Act 2005 (TPDA) provide powers for the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to deal with terrorist incidents occurring in, or affecting Queensland. Since September 2014, nationally, there has been a significant escalation of terrorist related activity with four terrorist acts having been committed, a further twelv
Education (Accreditation of Non-State Schools) BIll 2017 The Education (Accreditation of Non-State Schools) Bill 2017 implements the outcomes of a review of the legislative framework for the regulation of non-state schools undertaken by the Department of Education and Training. The Bill will: replace the existing Education (Accreditation of Non-State Schools) Act 2001 with modern legislation; continue the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB) a
Gasfields Commission and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 The Gasfields Commission (the commission), an independent statutory body, was established to manage and improve sustainable coexistence between rural landholders, regional communities and the onshore gas industry. The commission was formally established on 1 July 2013. In December 2016, the Government considered the recommendations from an independent review of the commission and approved making a
Healthy Futures Commission Queensland Bill 2017 The Healthy Futures Commission Queensland Bill 2017 provides the legislative framework for the establishment and operation of the Healthy Futures Commission Queensland (the Commission). The overarching purpose of the Commission is to support the capacity of children and families to adopt a healthy lifestyle, with particular focus on reducing health inequity. In doing so, the Commission will focus
Land Access Ombudsman Bill 2017 The Land Access Ombudsman Bill 2017 sets out the legislative framework to enable the establishment of an independent Land Access Ombudsman by setting out the functions, powers and administrative arrangements of the Office of the Land Access Ombudsman. It also migrates existing provisions contained in the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Transitional Regulation 2016 related to land
Government Response to Parliamentary Committee report on Personalised Transport Reform Amendment Bill 2017 The Transport and Other Legislation (Personalised Transport Reform) Amendment Bill 2017 (the Bill) was introduced into the Legislative Assembly on 21 March 2017. The Bill contains a simplified regulatory framework for personalised transport services that promotes greater choice for customers while ensuring safety, accessibility and accountability in relation to the provision of these services. The
Outcome of review of state interests in the planning system The Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning (DILGP) undertook a review of how state interests are expressed in the planning system to ensure the statutory instruments supporting the new Planning Act 2016 contribute to an improved and more efficient system. The review of state interests included the release of the draft Planning Regulation, the draft State Planning Policy and t
Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 The Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 (the Bill) amends eight transport Acts and four non-transport Acts. The Bill also makes a number of consequential amendments to various regulations to support primary legislation changes. The amendments reflect the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ ongoing program of maintenance and due diligence in regulatory review, ensuring that legi
University Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 Each of the seven Queensland public universities are established as statutory bodies under their own Act (the university Acts). The university Acts provide for matters including the size, composition and functions of the governing body, the powers of delegation, and the power to make university statues about certain matters. Since 2012, all Australian universities have been regulated by the Terti
Biosecurity (White Spot Syndrome Virus) Amendment Regulation 2017 White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is the cause of White Spot Disease in crustaceans. WSSV was detected in farmed prawns in the Alberton/Woongoolba region in late 2016. During March 2017, commercial harvested samples of greasy prawns, brown tiger prawns and banana prawns from the northern Moreton Bay were confirmed positive to WSSV by the Australian Animal Health Laboratory. Movement Control Orders
Local Government (Councillor Complaints) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 The Local Government (Councillor Complaints) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 proposes amendments to the Local Government Act 2009 and the Public Service Act 2008 to give effect to the government’s response to the recommendations of the independent councillor complaints review panel’s report ‘Councillor Complaints Review: A fair, effective and efficient framework’ (Councillor Complaints R
Weapons Legislation (Lever Action Shotguns) Amendment Regulation 2017 Concern emerged in 2015 over the proposed importation of a large number of Adler A110 lever action shotguns with high capacity magazines of seven rounds as opposed to the more commonly available three or four round shotguns. In May 2015, the Australian Government announced a review of the National Firearms Agreement (NFA) to ensure it was still appropriate for today’s environment. The classificat
Hospital Foundations Bill 2017 The current Hospitals Foundations Act 1982 provides for the establishment and regulation of hospital foundations (foundations). Foundations help their associated Hospital and Health Service and support the Queensland public health system generally by raising funds to improve facilities, supporting educational and training opportunities for staff, funding research, and supporting and promoting the
Child Protection Reform Amendment Bill 2017 The Queensland Government has committed to implementing the child and family reforms recommended by the Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry (QCPCOI) in its 2013 final report Taking Responsibility: A Roadmap for Queensland Child Protection. The reforms are being delivered as part of the Supporting Families Changing Futures reform program released in April 2016. The review of the Child
Review of the Child Protection Act 1999 The 2013 Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry report, Taking Responsibility: A Roadmap for Queensland Child Protection, made 121 recommendations for achieving shared responsibility for supporting for supporting families and keeping children safe. The Queensland Government response accepted those recommendations and is continuing to progress a wide-ranging reform program for the child
Regulation of Labour Hire Industry On 15 December 2016, the Queensland Government published the Issues Paper titled ‘Regulation of the Labour Hire Industry 2016’ (Issues Paper). The Issues Paper sought feedback from stakeholders on the components of a labour hire licensing scheme and other measures to stop the exploitation and mistreatment of workers, ensure the bona fides and provide minimum standards for Labour Hire Providers (L
Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation (Coal Workers Pnemoconiosis) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 Key changes being given effect by the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation (Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 include: Introducing a medical examination process for retired/former coal workers with suspected coal workers’ pneumoconiosis or a Coal Mine Dust Lung Disease; Introducing an additional lump sum compensation for workers with a pneumoconiosis injur
Labour Hire Licensing Bill 2017 On 2 December 2015, the Queensland Legislative Assembly agreed to a motion that the Finance and Administration Committee inquire into and report on the practices of the labour hire industry in Queensland (the Inquiry). On 30 June 2016, the Committee tabled its report (No. 25) in relation to the Inquiry. The Government accepted the recommendation of the Report and noted the Report contained distu
Major Events (Gold Coast Commonwealth Games) Regulation 2017 The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) will be held from 4 to 15 April 2018. The Major Events Act 2014 (the Act) facilitates major events being held in Queensland. Under the Act, a regulation may prescribe an event as a major event and trigger the provisions of the Act that are required for the event. The Major Events (Gold Coast Commonwealth Games) Regulation 2017 (the Regulation) will f
Heavy Vehicle National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 The Bill amends the Heavy Vehicle National Law Act 2012 (HVNL) to improve safety and productivity in the heavy vehicle transport industry, and amends Queensland transport laws to improve road safety, clarify duties of drivers involved in crashes and to improve the customer experience for learner licence applicants. The HVNL amendments are part of an ongoing national review and maintenance process.
Lapsed Legislation for Re-Introduction into Legislative Assembly When the election was called on 29 October 2017, the Parliament was dissolved by proclamation of the Governor. The dissolution has significant effects on the Parliament as follows: All business on the Notice Paper including Government Bills, Private Members Bills and Questions On Notice lapse; All notices of motions remaining on the Notice Paper such as revocation motions lapse, except for disall
Tow Truck and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 The towing industry in Queensland is regulated by the Tow Truck Act 1973 and Tow Truck Regulation 2009, however, removing vehicles from private property, such a car park, is not covered by the regulatory framework. In response to the growing community concerns regarding the removal of vehicles from private property the Queensland Government commissioned an independent investigation conducted by M
Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 Key changes to the Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 include: introducing an offence of industrial manslaughter (negligence causing death); establishing an independent statutory office for work health and safety prosecutions; expanding the jurisdiction of the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) to hear and determine disputes relating to work health and
Government Response to Committee Report No 33 Sustainable Queensland Dairy Production (Fair Milk Price Logos) Bill 2016 On 13 October 2016, the Sustainable Queensland Dairy Production (Fair Milk Price Logos) Bill 2016 was introduced into Parliament by Mr Shane Knuth MP, Member for Dalrymple. The Bill provides for the establishment of logos for containers of fresh milk produced in particular regions, and for which fair prices have been paid to dairy farmers. It also provides a mechanism for setting fair prices and t
Plumbing and Drainage Bill 2017 The Government is in the final stages of completing a review of the regulatory framework for plumbing and drainage in Queensland. The scope of the review included the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002 (the Act), associated regulations and associated codes to ensure their continued relevance. The Plumbing and Drainage Bill 2017 (the Bill) represents the first stage of reforms which will result in the
Police and Other Legislation (Identity and Biometric Capability) Amendment Bill 2018 At the special meeting of the Council of Australian Governments on Counter-Terrorism on 5 October 2017, leaders agreed to establish a National Facial Biometric Matching Capability and signed an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) on Identity Matching Services. This is to help to protect Australians by making it easier for security and law enforcement agencies to identify people who are suspects or
Mineral, Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 The Mineral, Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 (the Bill) is an omnibus Bill. The Bill’s primary objectives are to: implement four recommendations of the Gasfields Commission Review to update the statutory negotiation and alternative dispute resolution process for conduct and compensation agreements (CCA) and make good agreements (MGA); make amendments to streamline the process for
Local Government Legislation (Validation of Rates and Charges) Amendment Bill 2018 On 6 November 2017, the Supreme Court of Queensland delivered its judgement in the matter of Linville Holdings Pty Ltd v Fraser Coast Regional Council [2017] QSC 252. The Court declared that for each of the financial years ending on 30 June 2015, 30 June 2016 and 30 June 2017, Fraser Coast Regional Council failed to validly make and levy rates and charges, because it did not decide by resolution a
Youth Justice (Transitional) Regulation 2018 The Youth Justice (Transitional) Regulation 2018 (the Transitional Regulation) provides for the transfer of young people who are in the adult criminal justice system on commencement (both sentenced and not sentenced) into the youth justice system. The Youth Justice and Other Legislation (Inclusion of 17-year-old Persons) Amendment Act 2016, which authorises the making of the Transitional Regulati
Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 1 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 On 12 October 2017, the Premier and Minister for the Arts introduced the Local Government Electoral (Implementing Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 (the Belcarra Bill 2017). The Belcarra Bill 2017 lapsed with the dissolution of the 55th Parliament. Consistent with the Belcarra Bill 2017, the Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 1 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amend
Police Powers and Responsibilities (Commonwealth Games) Amendment Regulation 2017 The 2018 Commonwealth Games (the Games) are to be hosted on the Gold Coast between 415 April 2018 with events also being held in Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville. The Queensland Police Service is partnering with the Office of the Commonwealth Games and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation to plan and deliver the security and public safety response for the Games. The Police Powers and
Modernising the Fisheries Act 1994 Queensland’s fisheries resources are managed by the Queensland Government on behalf of the broader community. Over the last decade it has become apparent that the current framework used to manage these resources is not optimising the potential economic, social and environmental outcomes these resources could generate for the community. The Queensland Government released the Sustainable Fisheries
Enhancing Reef Protection Regulation - Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement The Reef 2050 Plan commits the Queensland and Australian Governments to achieving at least a 50 per cent reduction in nitrogen in priority areas by 2018, up to an 80 per cent reduction in nitrogen runoff by 2025, and at least a 20 per cent sediment reduction in priority areas by 2018, up to a 50 per cent reduction in sediment runoff from key reef catchments by 2025. In its 2016 report, the Great
Waste Reduction and Recycling Amendment Bill 2017 The Waste Reduction and Recycling Amendment Bill 2017 (the Bill) seeks to implement the legislative framework for a container refund scheme (CRS) and a lightweight plastic shopping bag ban, and to make provision for streamlining and improving the End of Waste Code framework. This will provide Queensland with the opportunity to increase the rate of recycling and to reduce litter. The CRS provisions
Nature Conservation (Special Wildlife Reserves) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 The Nature Conservation (Special Wildlife Reserves) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 seeks to introduce a new class of privately managed protected area under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, a special wildlife reserve, which is protected from incompatible land uses, and also seeks to streamline administrative processes for private protected areas. This will provide a secure investment e
Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2018 The Bill amends the Heavy Vehicle National Law Act 2012 (HVNL) to improve safety and productivity in the heavy vehicle transport industry. The HVNL amendments are part of an ongoing national review and maintenance process, with amendments being made to implement the following nationally agreed reforms: strengthening investigative and enforcement powers for authorised officers; increasing freight v
Review of Queensland Trading (Allowable Hours) Act 1990 Queensland’s shop trading hours are regulated by the Trading (Allowable Hours) Act 1990 (the Act) and through various Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) trading hours Orders. On 31 August 2016, the Government approved the establishment of an independent reference group, chaired by Mr John Mickel and comprising of the National Retail Association, the Master Grocers Association, the
Trading (Allowable Hours) Amendment Bill 2017 In response to concerns raised by business and community that Queensland’s trading hours arrangements are difficult to navigate and may act as a disincentive to business expansion, employment and economic growth, on 31 August 2016, the Government appointed Mr John Mickel as the Chair of an independent reference group to conduct a review and report back to Government. The reference group, comprised
Land Explosives and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 The Land, Explosives and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 (the Bill) amends nine existing Acts to enhance worker and community safety and security in the explosives and gas sectors; address operational issues associated with the overlapping tenure framework for coal and coal seam gas; enhance titling legislation; facilitate Indigenous people’s access to land; and update compliance provisions
Vegetation Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 The government is committed to introducing legislation to further protect remnant and high conservation value regrowth vegetation; updating and improving the mapping of protected vegetation; amending accepted development vegetation clearing codes based on Queensland Herbarium advice; and aligning the definition of High Conservation Value with high-value regrowth vegetation. Legislative amendments
Government Response to Finance and Admin Committee Report No 37 - Trading Allowable Hours Act Amendment Bill 2017 The Finance and Administration Committee examined the Trading (Allowable Hours) Amendment Bill 2017 and tabled its report on 28 April 2017. The Committee recommended three amendments: that the Trading (Allowable Hours) Amendment Bill 2017 be amended to include the Cairns CBD in the defined tourist area. that the Bill be amended, as per the Queensland Treasury’s advice, to refer to an appropriate a
Queensland Government Response to the Statutory Review of the Biodiscovery Act 2004 The Biodiscovery Act 2004 (the Act) regulates the take and use of native biological material collected from State land or in Queensland waters for the purpose of biodiscovery. Biodiscovery is the analysis of molecular, biochemical or genetic information about native biological material, and the subsequent use of it for commercial purposes. The Act provides the regulatory and contractual framework
Non-Exempt (Large) Shop Trading Hours on Easter Saturday Amendments to the Trading (Allowable Hours) Act 1990 allow non-exempt shops in areas without seven-day trade to open on Easter Saturday, with the normal Saturday trading times of 8am to 6pm to apply. Such an amendment would reinstate provisions that formally applied. Cabinet noted the amendments to the Trading (Allowable Hours) Act 1990 would allow non-exempt shops in areas without seven-day tradi
Ministerial and Other Office Holder Staff and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 The Ministerial and Other Office Holder Staff and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 (the Bill) amends the Ministerial and Other Office Holder Staff Act 2010 and the Parliamentary Service Act 1988 to provide the Director-General and the Clerk respectively with explicit power to conduct criminal history checks to assess the suitability of a person to be engaged under these Acts in a Ministerial
Mines Legislation (Resources Safety) Amendment Bill 2017 and Government submission to Committee Inquiry The safety and health of workers in Queensland’s mining sector is regulated under the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 (CMSHA) and Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999 (MQSHA). These Acts establish mining sector specific safety and health obligations which are distinct from general workplace obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act). The Mines Legislation (Re
Response to Committee Report on Vegetation Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 The Vegetation Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 was introduced into the Legislative Assembly during the 6 – 8 March 2018 sitting of Parliament. The Bill was referred to the State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee for examination with a report back date of 23 April 2018. The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Indust
Disability Services and Other Legislation (Worker Screening) Amendment Bill 2018 Under the Disability Services Act 2006, Queensland has a fully operational worker screening system for people working or volunteering with people with disability in service outlets (the yellow card system). The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguarding Framework will apply in Queensland following full scheme implementation of the NDIS in Queensland. This Framework provi
Disaster Management (QDMC Membership) Amendment Regulation 2018 The Disaster Management Act 2003 (the DMA) creates a State disaster management framework that is based on State, district and local levels of disaster management. The Disaster Management Regulation 2014 (the Regulation) prescribes the membership, business, meetings and other matters for the State, district and local disaster management groups and prescribes the disaster districts. Sections 17 and
Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 The Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 (the Bill) amends the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (PPRA) to enhance the delivery of efficient, quality front line services. The Bill creates a new high-risk missing person scheme to provide police with powers to enter certain places with a warrant from a Supreme Court judge or a magistrate, to search f
National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (Commonwealth Powers) Bill 2018 The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse’s (Royal Commission) Redress and Civil Litigation Report was publicly released on 14 September 2015. The Report recommended establishment of a single national redress scheme to provide eligible applicants who experienced institutional child sexual abuse with a monetary payment, access to counselling and psychological care, and
Local Government Electoral (Stage1 - Belcarra) Bill 2018 On 6 March 2018, the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs introduced the Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 1 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 (the Belcarra Bill) which proposed to implement the five recommendations of the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) report Operation Belcarra: A blueprint for integrity
Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement - Reviewing the management of protected wildlife in Queensland The conservation and management of protected plants and animals – collectively termed ‘protected wildlife’ – in Queensland is regulated under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) and subordinate legislation – the Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2017, the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006 and the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 (the Nature
Liquor and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 An independent evaluation report of the first six months of operation of Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence Policy (TAFV Policy) initiatives (the Report) has now been released. The Report raised concerns about a lack of fidelity to 3am “last drinks”, due to widespread use by licensees of temporary late-night extended hours permits to extend liquor service hours to 5am. The Report also noted, based
Corrective Services Amendment Bill 2017 The Corrective Services (No Body, No Parole) Amendment Bill 2017 (the Bill) provides the framework to require the parole board to refuse to make a parole order for a prisoner convicted of prescribed fatal offences unless the board is satisfied the prisoner has cooperated satisfactorily in the investigation of the offence to identify the location, or the last known location of the remains of the vi
Penalties and Sentences (Drug and Alcohol Treatment Orders) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 The Penalties and Sentences (Drug and Alcohol Treatment Orders) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 (the Bill) provides an appropriate framework for the establishment, imposition and management of a new sentencing order called a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Order (Treatment Order). The Bill implements the reintroduction of diversionary processes and programs and the recommendations of the Drug
Electricity and Other Legislation Batteries and Premium Feed-In Tariff Amendment Bill 2017 Falling technology costs are making small-scale renewables and complementary battery storage devices an attractive proposition for households and businesses to manage their electricity use. However, for customers who receive the Solar Bonus Scheme (SBS) premium feed-in tariff, a lack of clarity in the SBS rules is potentially stifling uptake of secondary systems and battery technology. The Elect
Guardianship and Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 The Guardianship and Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 (the Bill) progresses a number of reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of the guardianship system or improving the clarity of Queensland’s guardianship legislation (i.e. the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000; the Powers of Attorney Act 1998; and the Public Guardian Act 2014). A number of the legislative refor
Amendment to Criminal Law (Historical Homosexual Convictions Expungement) Bill 2017 The Criminal Law (Historical Homosexual Convictions Expungement) Bill 2017 (the Bill) provides a framework for the expungement of historical convictions or charges for homosexual acts. The Bill substantively implements the recommendations of the Queensland Law Reform Commission Report No. 74 - August 2016, Expunging criminal convictions for historical gay sex offences. Amendments to be introduced
Public Consultation - Births Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 2003 The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Leader of the House has initiated a review of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 2003 (the Act) to ensure the Act provides a contemporary framework for the registration of life events that: facilitates the ongoing relevancy, efficiency and effectiveness of Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages (RBDM) in delivering services to meet
Consequential Marriage Equality Amendment to Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act The Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 (Commonwealth) (MADRF Act) commenced in December 2017. The MADRF Act introduced marriage equality by amending the definition of marriage to enable same-sex couples to marry. All Australians regardless of sex or gender have the right to be married in Australia. Same-sex marriages have been taking place since the commencement of the
Local Government (Dissolution of Ipswich City Council) Bill 2018 and appointment of interim administrator Over the past 14 months, a number of Ipswich City Council Councillors, employees and contractors have been charged by the Crime and Corruption Commission with a variety of misconduct and corruption offences. These events have raised concerns about the administration and operations of the Ipswich City Council. The policy objectives of the Local Government (Dissolution of Ipswich City Council) Bill
Fisheries (Sustainable Fisheries Strategy) Amendment Bill 2018 Queensland’s fisheries resources are managed by the Queensland Government on behalf of the broader community. Over the last decade, it has become apparent that the current framework used to manage these resources is not optimising the potential economic, social and environmental outcomes these resources could generate for the community. Competition for access to these resources has increased to th
Planning (Container Refund Scheme) Amendment Regulation 2018 The Container Refund Scheme (CRS) is to commence on 1 November 2018. The objectives of the CRS are to increase the recycling of beverage containers, reduce the number of containers that are littered, and to provide opportunities for social enterprise and benefits for community organisations. The Planning (Container Refund Scheme) Amendment Regulation 2018 amends the Planning Regulation 2017 to su
Economic Development and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 The objective of the Bill is to provide for increased operational efficiency of legislation under the administration of the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning. The Bill proposes to amend the following Acts: Building Queensland Act 2015 to implement the Queensland Government’s response to three recommendations of the report An Administrative Review of Buildi
Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 The Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 amends Health and other portfolio legislation to give effect to key policies and improve the operation of relevant Acts. The Bill gives effect to recommendations of the Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis Select Committee of the Queensland Parliament by establishing a notifiable dust lung disease register. The Bill amends the Public Health Act 2005 to
Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 Queensland is the host jurisdiction for the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (National Law), under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 (Qld). The National Law establishes 15 National Boards that regulate 16 nationally registered health professions. It also establishes the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, which is the administrative arm of the Natio
Reviews of Forensic Disability Act 2011 and Forensic Disability Service System in Queensland A review of the Forensic Disability Act 2011 (the FDA review) has been completed by the Queensland Government as required under section 157 of the Act. The FDA review attaches an independent review of the Forensic Disability Service System conducted by eminent sector representatives, Professor James R.P Ogloff AM, Dr Danny Sullivan, and Dr Janet Ruffles acting for the Centre for Forensic Behaviou
Whole of Government National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) legislative review The Queensland Government is progressing a whole-of-Government legislative review as part of Queensland’s transition to full scheme implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) from 1 July 2019. This is to ensure the necessary legislation is in place to support the NDIS, and reflect the Queensland Government’s ongoing role to champion accessibility and inclusion. An options p
Waste Reduction and Recycling (Waste Levy) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 In March 2018, the Queensland Government committed to developing a recycling, resource recovery and waste management strategy, underpinned by a waste disposal levy (the levy) that did not directly impact Queensland households. The levy is intended to act as a price signal that encourages waste avoidance and resource recovery behaviour, and discourages disposal as the first option. Public consultat
Personalised Transport Ombudsman Bill 2019 The Personalised Transport Ombudsman Bill 2019 (the Bill) establishes a new legislative framework to deliver a Personalised Transport Ombudsman (PTO) and makes amendments to the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994 (TOPTA), Integrity Act 2009, Public Service Act 2008, Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998 and Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 for various purposes. The Bill wil
Transport Legislation (Road Safety and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019 The Bill amends several transport Acts with a focus on road safety initiatives. The road safety amendments intend to reduce death and serious injury caused by drink drivers and speeding drivers. Key road safety initiatives will enhance the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program (Interlock Program) to motivate and support drink drivers to separate their drinking from driving. Amendments will introduce
Fair Trading (Fuel Price Reporting) Regulation 2018 Queensland is establishing a compulsory fuel price reporting scheme as there is currently no unified national approach to monitoring fuel prices. Consumers will be empowered to seek out the best deals for fuel purchases because complete and accurate information will be available for the first time. The scheme is not expected to impact adversely on market competition because it will make available
Coal Mining Safety and Health (Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis) Amendment Regulation 2018 Following the re-identification of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) in 2015, the Queensland Government has been actioning a response which encompasses dust exposure, health screening and support for workers with the disease. This has included the implementation of recommendations from both the independent review conducted by Monash University in collaboration with the University of Illinois at C
Police Service Administration (Discipline Reform) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 The Police Service Administration (Discipline Reform) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 (the Bill) amends the Police Service Administration Act 1990, Crime and Corruption Act 2001 and the Police Service (Discipline) Regulations 1990 to create a modernised and more efficient police discipline system. The role of the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) as the oversight body is being enhanc
Environmental Protection (Great Barrier Reef Protection Measures) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 Protecting the Great Barrier Reef is one of the Queensland Government’s priorities under Our Future State - Advancing Queensland’s Priorities. The Environmental Protection (Great Barrier Reef Protection Measures) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 (the Bill) provides the framework to accelerate progress towards the water quality targets by regulating key agricultural and industrial activiti
Government response to property law review recommendations about body corporate lot entitlements The Commercial and Property Law Research Centre of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has undertaken a review of property law on behalf of the Queensland Government. The review included consideration of issues arising under the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997. QUT has provided the Government with a report titled ‘Property Law Review: Lot Entitlements under the Body Corp
Waste Reduction and Recycling Regulations - Container Refund Scheme and Waste ERA Framework On 7 September 2018, the Review of the Regulated Waste Classification and Waste- Related Environmentally Relevant Activity (ERA) Frameworks Decision Regulatory Impact Statement was published. The Environmental Protection (Waste ERA Framework) Amendment Regulation 2018 subject of the regulatory impact statement amends the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 to reform the environmentally releva
Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2019 The Bill amends the Heavy Vehicle National Law Act 2012 (HVNL) to improve safety and productivity in the heavy vehicle transport industry. Amendments to the HVNL would clarify existing requirements, create consistency with national workplace health and safety laws, and further improve national rules and standards that apply to heavy vehicles. A number of provisions would improve roadside enforceme
Waste Reduction and Recycling (Waste Levy) Amendment Regulation 2019 In March 2018, the Queensland Government committed to developing a recycling, resource recovery and waste management strategy, underpinned by a waste disposal levy (the levy) that did not directly impact Queensland households. The levy is intended to act as a price signal that encourages waste avoidance and resource recovery behaviour and discourages disposal as the first option. The Waste Reducti
Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 of Belcarra) Amendment Bill 2019 The Queensland Government is committed to continue its rolling program of Local Government reform to strengthen the equity, transparency, accountability and integrity of Local Government in Queensland. It is also committed to supporting Local Government and enhancing public confidence in the sector. The Crime and Corruption Commission, in its report Operation Belcarra: A blueprint for integrity an
Natural Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 The Natural Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 amends 24 Acts as follows: to Queensland’s resources Acts to cap the overall life of mineral and coal exploration permits, provide greater flexibility for holders of exploration authorities to make decisions in response to exploration results and have sufficient time to explore the area prior to mandatory partial relinquishment. to t
Vegetation Management (Clearing for Relevant Purposes) Amendment Bill 2019 On 21 March 2018, Mr Robert Katter MP introduced the Vegetation Management (Clearing for Relevant Purposes) Amendment Bill 2018 (the Bill) into the Queensland Parliament as a Private Member’s Bill. The Bill was referred to the State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee, which tabled its report on 3 September 2018. Cabinet approved the government’s respon
Response to Parliamentary Committee Inquiry into establishment of a pharmacy council In October 2018, the Queensland Parliament Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee tabled its Report Number 12: Inquiry into the establishment of a pharmacy council and transfer of pharmacy ownership in Queensland. The Report found that there is no public interest case for establishing a separate state authority, such as a pharmacy council, in
Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement - regulation of industrial cannabis The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is responsible for managing the licensing framework for the commercial production of industrial cannabis in accordance with part 5B of the Drugs Misuse Act 1986. Industrial cannabis (hemp) contains low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis. Part 5B of the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 provides the licensing framework f
Health and Wellbeing Queensland Bill 2019 The Health and Wellbeing Queensland Bill 2019 aims to: improve the health and wellbeing of the Queensland population; reduce the burden of chronic disease through targeting risk factors for those diseases; and reduce health inequity in Queensland communities. To achieve these aims, the Health and Wellbeing Queensland Bill 2019 would establish a health promotion agency, Health and Wellbeing Queensl
Work Health and Safety (Amusement Devices-Public Safety) Amendment Regulation 2019 The Work Health and Safety (Amusement Devices – Public Safety) Amendment Regulation 2019 was developed in response to recommendations of the Best Practice Review of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, which was undertaken following the tragic fatalities at Dreamworld in October 2016. The amendment regulation implements enhanced safety in major amusement parks and for amusement rides registere
Disability Services (NDIS) and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2019 The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (the NDIS Commission) would commence operation in Queensland from 1 July 2019. The NDIS Commission will have responsibility for the oversight of registered NDIS providers in Queensland, with the exception of operating a worker screening system and community visitor function and authorising the use of restrictive practices. These functions will remain the
Disability Services and Other Legislation (NDIS) Amendment Bill 2019 The Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors (DCDSS) has been progressing a whole-of-Government legislative review to ensure Queensland has the necessary legislation in place to support full scheme implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) from 1 July 2019. The Disability Services and Other Legislation (NDIS) Amendment Bill 2019 progresses amendments to su
Education (Queensland College of Teachers) Amendment Bill 2019 In 2015, the Queensland Government committed to transform and modernise the teaching profession under the Letting Teachers Teach initiative and establish two new classifications called Highly Accomplished Teacher (HAT) and Lead Teacher (LT), aligned to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST), for which teachers would be able to apply for recognition in 2019. Eligible teachers wh
Medicines and Poisons Bill 2019 and Therapeutic Goods Bill 2019 The Medicines and Poisons Bill 2019 and Therapeutic Goods Bill 2019 aim to repeal the current outdated medicines, poisons and therapeutic goods framework and replace it with a new regulatory framework. The Health Act 1937, Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996, Health Regulation 1996, Pest Management Act 2001 and Pest Management Regulation 2003 are difficult to apply in practice, outdated and
Agriculture and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 The Agriculture and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 (Bill) proposes a number of amendments to portfolio and other legislation. The principal Acts proposed to be amended by the Bill are: Animal Care and Protection Act 2001; Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008; Biosecurity Act 2014; Chemical Usage (Agricultural and Veterinary) Control Act 1988; Drugs Misuse Act 1986, Part 5B; Environmen
Replacement of Fisheries Regulation 2008 - first tranche of fisheries reforms Amendments were made to the Fisheries Act 1994 and the Fisheries Regulation 2008 (the Regulation) for commencement in May 2019, in order to deliver on the principles and commitments outlined in the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017-2017 (the Strategy). The Regulation is due to expire on 1 September 2019 under the Statutory Instruments Act 1992. The Regulation is proposed to be replace
Government response - Committee Report - Local Govt Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 Belcarra) Bill The Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 (the Belcarra Stage 2 Bill) proposes further amendments to the Local Government Act 2009, the Local Government Electoral Act 2011 and the City of Brisbane Act 2010 to build on the intent of the reforms in the Belcarra Stage 1 Act and progress the Government’s ongoing program of reforms to im
Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 The Queensland Government committed to commencing a review of the Youth Justice Act 1992 (YJ Act) in Working Together Changing the Story: Youth Justice Strategy 2019 - 2023. As part of the review, priority legislative amendments were identified that would complement other government initiatives aimed at reducing the high number of young people held on remand. The Youth Justice and Other Legislat
Community Based Sentences (Interstate Transfer) Bill 2019 The Community Based Sentences (Interstate Transfer) Bill 2019 (the Bill) provides for Queensland’s participation in the national scheme for the formal transfer and enforcement of community based sentences between Australian jurisdictions. National model legislation currently operates in relation to the transfer of prisoners and those on parole, and this Bill extends the principle to community base
Health Transparency Bill 2019 The Health Transparency Bill 2019 (Bill) has three main components: establishes a legislative framework for obtaining information about public and private hospitals and residential aged care facilities (RACFs) for publication on a website; amends the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 to introduce a minimum nurse and support worker skill mix ratio and minimum average daily resident care hours in
Resources Safety and Health Queensland Bill 2019 The safety and health of workers in Queensland’s resources industries is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy. Following the re-identification of Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (CWP) in 2015, a Parliamentary Select Committee was established to conduct an inquiry and report into CWP in coalmine workers in Queensland. A key recommendation of the Select Committee was to
Workers Compensation & Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 The Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 (the Bill) amends the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (WCR Act), the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Regulation 2014 (WCR Regulation), the Further Education and Training Act 2014 (FET Act) and the TAFE Queensland Act 2013 (TAFEQ Act). In addition, the Bill repeals the Commonwealth Game
Natural Resources and Other Legislation (GDA2020) Amendment Bill 2019 The Natural Resources and Other Legislation (GDA2020) Amendment Bill 2019 amends several Acts to adopt the latest national standard for measurement of position - the Geocentric Datum of Australia (GDA2020) - determined under the National Measurement Act 1966 (Cwlth) as the standard in Queensland legislation for the future collection and sharing of position information, and to clarify or update to
Environmental Protection (Rehabilitation Reform) Amendment Regulation 2019 The Queensland Government is delivering improved rehabilitation and financial assurance outcomes in the resources sector through a broad package of reforms. In 2016-17, the Government undertook a review of the financial assurance framework for the resources sector (Queensland Treasury Corporation was commissioned to undertake modelling and support the review). The review recommended the developme
Review of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Acts The Queensland Government has commenced a review of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 and the Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003. The review provides an opportunity to examine whether the legislation is still operating as intended, is achieving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders, is in line with the government’s broader objectives to reframe t
Police Powers Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 The Police Power and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 amends the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000, the Child Protection and Offender Prohibition Order) Act 2004, the Crime and Corruption Act 2001, the Criminal Code, the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012, the Justice and Other Information Disclosure Act 2008 the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992, t
Summary Offences and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 The Summary Offences and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 amends the Summary Offences Act 2005 and the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 to address the rise in offending behaviours and civil disruption caused during some gatherings and assemblies. The Bill introduces new offences under the Summary Offences Act 2005 aimed at individuals who use a dangerous attachment device to disrup
Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 The Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 (the Bill) includes amendments to support the expansion of electronic conveyancing (e-conveyancing) and amends revenue legislation to maintain currency and ensure proper operation such as: Duties Act 2001, Duties Regulation 2013 and Taxation Administration Act 2001 amendments support the phased expansion of e-conveyancing and an expanded rang
Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Bill 2018 The Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Bill 2018 establishes a financial provisioning scheme to replace the current financial assurance arrangements for resource activities and a legislative basis for the Mined Land Rehabilitation framework. The Bill will require mine operators with a site specific environmental authority to prepare a plan for how and when mined land is rehabil
Queensland Competition Authority Amendment Bill 2018 The Queensland Competition Authority Amendment Bill 2018 (the Bill) amends Queensland’s third party access regime contained under the Queensland Competition Authority Act 1997. The Queensland access regime sets out a framework which provides a legal right for a party seeking access to a declared service to negotiate terms and conditions of access with the access provider. The primary purpose of
Appropriation Bill (No.2) 2018 & Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No.2) 2018 The Financial Accountability Act 2009 (the FA Act) contains statutory processes for the finalisation of departmental appropriations at the end of the financial year. Section 35 of the FA Act provides that should expenditure from the Consolidated Fund exceed the amount approved by annual appropriation, the Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Treasurer, may authorise the expenditure. T
Holidays and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 In August 2019, the Queensland Government announced a proposal to declare Christmas Eve (24 December) as a part-day public holiday from 6pm to 12 midnight commencing in 2019; and the public release of a Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) seeking stakeholder comment on the proposal. A total of 1779 submissions were received in response to the Consultation RIS, of which 1271 submissions
Amendments to Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Bill 2018 The Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Bill 2018 (the Bill) was introduced to Parliament on 15 February 2018. It establishes a financial provisioning scheme to replace the current financial assurance arrangements for resource activities and a legislative basis for the Mined Land Rehabilitation framework. The Economics and Governance Committee provided its report on the Bill on 2
Local Government (Integrity) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 The Local Government (Integrity) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 (the Bill) continues the Government’s rolling program of reforms to improve accountability, transparency and integrity in the Local Government system and Local Government elections. The program of reforms includes: the passage of the Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 1 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendme
Transport Legislation (Disability Parking and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019 The Queensland Government is committed to creating a future where Queenslanders with a disability have the same access to opportunities as every other Queenslander. The Department of Transport and Main Roads administers Queensland’s Disability Parking Permit Scheme, providing convenient access to facilities in wide parking bays. Eligibility for a disability parking permit is based on the applicant
Motor Accident Insurance and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 In July 2018, at the Parliamentary Estimates Hearing, the Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships committed to bringing legislation to Parliament to stop claim farming in Queensland’s Compulsory Third Party insurance scheme. Claim farming involves anonymous persons cold-calling members of the public about whether they, or their family members,
Royalty Administration Modernisation Program Consultation Paper The Office of State Revenue is responsible for administering the State’s tax and royalty legislation, which includes mineral and petroleum royalties. The Taxation Administration Act 2001 provides a comprehensive and contemporary revenue administration framework for administering the tax legislation the Office of State Revenue administers, being duties, land tax, payroll tax and betting tax. A nu
Appropriation Bill (No.2) 2019 and Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No.2) 2019 The Financial Accountability Act 2009 (the FA Act) contains statutory processes for the finalisation of departmental appropriations at the end of the financial year. Section 35 of the FA Act provides that should expenditure from the Consolidated Fund exceed the amount approved by annual appropriation, the Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Treasurer, may authorise the expenditure. T
Criminal Code (Non-consensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Amendment Bill 2018 The Criminal Code (Non-consensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Amendment Bill 2018 (the Bill) creates new offences targeting the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, including threats to distribute intimate images and in circumstances where the material may not exist. The Bill: introduces a new offence prohibiting the non-consensual distribution of intimate images of another person in a way t
Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2018 The Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2018 (the Bill) provides certainty and clarity for women, health practitioners and the community about the circumstances in which a termination is lawfully permitted. It also includes measures to ensure reasonable and safe access to termination services. The Bill is based on the recommendations and draft legislation in the Queensland Law Reform Commission report
Report on Review of Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 Under section 240 of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (the Act), a review has been conducted to determine whether the Act would benefit from any amendment. As part of the review, a discussion paper was released for public consultation (the Consultation Paper) in 2012. Ninety-seven responses to the Consultation Paper were received from a representative crosssection of Quee
Justice Legislation (Links to Terrorist Activity) Amendment Bill 2018 The Justice Legislation (Links to Terrorist Activity) Amendment Bill 2018 (the Bill) ensures that there is a presumption that neither bail nor parole will be granted to those persons who have demonstrated support for, or have links to, terrorist activity. The Bill: reverses the statutory presumption in favour of bail for any adult or child offender who has previously been convicted of a terrorism
Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Bill 2018 The Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 (the Bill) amends the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (WWC Act) and introduces automated blue card application processes to prevent people commencing paid work while a blue card application is pending. The Bill also contains amendments to the WWC Act which implement re
Human Rights Bill 2018 The Human Rights Bill 2018 (the Bill) implements a Human Rights Act for Queensland based on the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006. The Bill would protect and promote human rights, help build a culture in the Queensland public sector that respects and promotes human rights, and help promote a dialogue about the nature, meaning and scope of human rights. The Bill adopts
Housing Legislation (Building Better Futures) Amendment Bill 2017 The Housing Legislation (Building Better Futures) Amendment Bill 2017 (the Bill) delivers key objectives of the Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027 by modernising the housing regulatory framework so consumers are protected and empowered, and the industry can supply quality services. The Bill amends the Housing Act 2003, Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003, Residential Services (Accr
Civil Liability and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in the Redress and Civil Litigation Report (the Report) made recommendations for improving the capacity of the justice system to provide fair access and outcomes to survivors of child sexual abuse wishing to pursue a claim for civil damages for personal injury arising from the abuse. On 16 August 2016, the Government released
Qld Civil and Administrative Tribunal & Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 (Bill) implements amendments arising from conclusions of the Report on the Review of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 to improve the operational efficiency of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) to better achieve the objects of the Queensland Civil and Administrat
Criminal Code and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 The Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council (the Council) is an independent body established under Part 12 of the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992. The functions of the Council include, if asked by the Attorney-General, to advise the Attorney-General on matters relating to sentencing. On 25 October 2017, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Leader of the House issued terms of reference
Private Members Bill - Liquor (Rural Hotels Concession) Amendment Bill 2018 On 2 May 2018, Mr Robbie Katter MP, Member for Traeger, introduced the Liquor (Rural Hotels Concession) Amendment Bill 2018 which sought to create a concessional fee of 10% of the otherwise payable licence fee for commercial hotels located in ‘very remote Australia’. To balance supporting very remote Queensland communities with ensuring the effective operation of the legislative framework, the Q
Consultation on proposed amendments to Child Protection Act 1999 The Queensland Government is continuing to drive implementation of the Supporting Families Changing Futures (SFCF) reform program to build a new child protection and family support system for Queensland. Following a review of the Child Protection Act 1999 (the Child Protection Act), undertaken between 2015 and 2017, priority amendments were progressed through the Child Protection Reform Amendment
Electoral and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 The Electoral and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 (the Bill) is proposed to: implement the further legislative stage of the Government’s response to certain recommendations in the Report of the Crime and Corruption Commission titled Operation Belcarra: A blueprint for integrity and addressing corruption risk in local government; facilitate operational improvements and support efficiencies in
Government Response to Education, Employment and Small Business Committee Report No 13 The Working with Children Legislation (Indigenous Communities) Amendment Bill 2018 (the PMB) was introduced into Parliament by Mr Robbie Katter MP, Member for Traeger, in October 2018. On 14 February 2019, the Education, Employment and Small Business Committee (the Committee) tabled its Report No. 13 on the PMB. Recommendation 2 of the Committee Report was that the Attorney-General and Minister fo
Changes to Building and Construction Industry QLeave levy The portable long service leave scheme for Queensland’s building and construction industry is established under the Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Act 1991. The portable long service leave scheme is funded by a portable long service leave levy, currently fixed at 0.25% of assessible building costs above a threshold of $150,000. The levy is discounted for large bui
Local Government Waste Management Reforms Consultation RIS In late 2017, Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC) was engaged to undertake a review of the local government waste management provisions in part 2A of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Regulation 2011, and chapter 5A of the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008, and consider a number of options for addressing issues raised by stakeholders. QTC was engaged to investigate the potential impacts f
Community Services Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Bill 2019 The Community Services Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Bill 2019 (Bill) provides for a portable long service leave (PLSL) scheme for the community service sector that: covers workers engaged by a community services employer to perform community services work; also covers workers engaged by a community services employer to support the provision of community services work; covers self-employe
Ministerial Integrity Obligations In September 2019, the Crime and Corruption Commission (the CCC) made five recommendations involving areas for improvement to ensure conflicts of interest are declared and to reduce risks of corruption. The Queensland Government accepted all the recommendations put forward by the CCC. Recommendations three and four sought the creation of new criminal offences relating to conflicts of interest, whi
QBCC (Mechanical Services Licences) and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2019 The mechanical services licensing framework regulates work on heating and cooling systems in complex buildings and work on medical gas systems. These systems contribute to the overall health and safety of the community and can have fatal consequences if incorrectly installed or maintained. For example, legionella bacteria can grow and spread through air conditioning units for large buildings, such
Associations Incorporation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 Incorporated associations and charitable entities are a vital part of Queensland’s not-for-profit (NFP) sector as they play an important role in generating community connections and strengthening civil society. The Government is committed to resolving a number of issues important to the NFP sector that have been restricting the sector’s ability to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. The Ass
Biodiscovery and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 Biodiscovery makes a valuable contribution to the State’s economy through innovative research and the commercialisation of research products using native biological material. The Biodiscovery Act 2004 (the Act) regulates the take and use of native biological resources from State land or Queensland waters for biodiscovery research and commercialisation. Since the Act’s commencement, the biodiscover
Criminal Code (Child Sexual Offences Reform) Bill 2019 The Criminal Code (Child Sexual Offences Reform) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 contains a comprehensive package of amendments intended to improve the responsiveness of the criminal justice system to child sexual offending and the victims of child sexual offences by: implementing recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse - Criminal Justi
Draft South East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy 2019-2024 In May 2018, the Queensland Government released its response to the Koala Expert Panel’s (the Panel) report Queensland Koala Expert Panel: A new direction for the conservation of koalas in Queensland. The Panel’s report detailed six key recommendations and a number of supporting recommendations on the most appropriate and realistic actions to address the decline of koala populations in South East
Electoral (Accountability, Integrity and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019 The Electoral and Other Legislation (Accountability, Integrity and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019 (the Bill) provides for reforms to the State electoral system, including: introduction of electoral expenditure caps and donations caps for registered political parties and their associated entities, candidates and third parties involved in electoral campaigning; increases to public election fun
Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 The justice portfolio encompasses the administration of over 150 statutes which are periodically reviewed to identify amendments to ensure that the Acts continue to operate in the manner intended. Other amendments to legislation may be identified as a result of court or tribunal decisions or representations by administering agencies and stakeholders. The Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bil
Implementation of The Spit Master Plan Bill 2019 On 25 May 2019, the Queensland Government released The Spit Master Plan (the master plan). A State funding commitment of $60 million was also announced to commence the implementation of the master plan, which comprises three overarching programs of work including: a capital works program to oversee the funding and delivery of a series of capital works projects, such as public realm improvements o
Transport and Other Legislation (Road Safety, Technology and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2020 To improve safety on Queensland roads and support the introduction of the Digital Licence App, the Transport and Other Legislation (Road Safety, Technology and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2020 (the Bill) amends the: Gaming Machine Act 1992 Keno Act 1996 Liquor Act 1992 Photo Identification Card Act 2008 Public Safety Preservation Act 1986 Summary Offences Act 2005 Tobacco and Other Smoking Prod
Disease test orders for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) The amendments to the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 provide a legislative framework for police to apply to a magistrate for a disease test order to have a person tested for COVID-19. This will apply in circumstances where a person wilfully coughs, spits or sneezes at or on another person and has been arrested for a relevant assault offence under the Criminal Code. The disease test or
Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 The Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 (the Bill) amends: the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 to implement recommendations of the expert panel appointed to advise on Queensland Health’s governance framework by: moving Queensland’s public sector health services to a networked governance model; and removing institutional barriers to public sector health services and implement important chang
Amendments during consideration in detail of Agriculture and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 The Agriculture and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 (the Bill) was introduced into the Legislative Assembly on 22 August 2019. Clause 132 of the Bill amends section 10A of the Summary Offences Act 2005 to provide (broadly) that a gathering of three or more people on such used for specified purposes is unlawful if the conduct of the gathered persons, taken together, would cause a person in t
Public Health (Declared Public Health Emergencies) Amendment Bill 2020 The Public Health (Declared Public Health Emergencies) Amendment Bill 2020 allows a declared public health emergency to be extended by regulation for periods of up to 90 days. This will allow the Queensland Government to communicate with certainty about public health emergency arrangements up to 90 days in advance. The Public Health (Declared Public Health Emergencies) Amendment Bill 2020 includes
Government response to Private Member’s Bill - Anti-Discrimination Gender Specific Language Amendment Bill 2018 The Member for Traegar, Mr Robbie Katter MP, introduced the Anti-Discrimination (Right to Use Gender-Specific Language) Amendment Bill 2018 as a Private Member’s Bill on 19 September 2018. The Explanatory Notes to the Bill indicate that the primary objectives of the Bill are to protect an individual’s right to use traditional gender based language and to protect businesses and other organisations
COVID-19 Emergency Response Bill 2020 On 29 January 2020, the Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services declared a public health emergency in relation to the outbreak of COVID-19. Following the Public Health and Other Legislation (Public Health Emergency) Amendment Act 2020, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Bill 2020 (the Bill) represents a second and whole-of-government response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bill inclu
Amendments to Parliament of Queensland Act The laws, practices and procedures of the Legislative Assembly assume that the business of the Assembly will be conducted by members being physically present during sittings. Amendments to these provisions are necessary to enable the Assembly to meet by electronic means during the current COVID-19 public health emergency. The Bill makes legislative amendments to allow the Queensland Legislative As
Amendments to the Public Health Act 2005 On 29 January 2020, a public health emergency was declared under section 319 of the Public Health Act 2005 for COVID-19. Since 28 March 2020, a public health direction made by the Chief Health Officer has been in place requiring anyone arriving in Queensland from overseas to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days in a hotel or other premises nominated by an emergency officer for the Public Health
Disability Services and Other Legislation (Worker Screening) Amendment Bill 2020 Queensland agreed to implement a nationally consistent National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) worker screening system. Implementation of this system will mean that clearances and exclusions will be portable across roles and employers within the NDIS. The Disability Services and Other Legislation (Worker Screening) Amendment Bill 2020 (the Bill) would: ensure Queensland has made all legislat
Corrective Services and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 The Corrective Services and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 (the Bill) provides a response to the immediate risks identified in the Crime and Corruption Commission’s Taskforce Flaxton: An examination of corruption risks and corruption in Queensland’s prisons (Taskforce Flaxton), supports implementation of recommendations from the Queensland Parole System Review (QPSR), and improves operation
Conduct of Executive Council Meetings On 11 March 2020, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was characterised as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. The Queensland Government has undertaken extensive activities to prepare for the impact of COVID-19 and to protect the health and safety of all Queenslanders. The ability for meetings of the Executive Council to be conducted by technological means has been identified as an
Referral of voluntary assisted dying laws to Queensland Law Reform Commission In November 2018, the Premier and Minister for Trade asked the Parliamentary Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee (the Committee) to inquire into aged care, end-of-life and palliative care, including voluntary assisted dying. On 24 March 2020, the Committee tabled its ‘Aged care, end-of-life and palliative care’ report, making 77 recommend
Further extension of declared public health emergency for COVID-19 Under the Public Health Act 2005, a declared public health emergency will lapse unless it is extended by a regulation. The public health emergency declared on 29 January 2020, and most recently extended by the Public Health (Further Extension of Declared Public Health Emergency– COVID-19) Regulation (No. 3) 2020, was due to expire on 17 August 2020 unless further extended by regulation. To ensure
Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 On 28 November 2019, the Minister for Housing and Public Works, Minister for Digital Technology and Minister for Sport tabled in the Legislative Assembly the government responses to two independent reports into the building and construction industry: The Building Industry Fairness Reforms Implementation and Evaluation Panel report and the Special Joint Taskforce report. The reports made recommenda
Co-operatives National Law Bill 2020 The Co-operatives National Law Bill 2020 (Bill) repeals the Cooperatives Act 1997 (Qld) and applies the Co-operatives National Law (CNL) as the law of Queensland, with certain modifications set out in the Bill. The Bill also applies the Co-operatives National Regulations (CNR) as the law of Queensland, and provides for the making of local regulations, which will allow for Queensland-specific juris
Amendments to Health legislation to create position of Deputy Chief Health Officer The amendments to the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 create the position of Deputy Chief Health Officer to support the Chief Health Officer in exercising the Chief Health Officer’s functions under the Public Health Act 2005 during the COVID-19 emergency and afterwards. The amendments to the Public Health Act 2005: allow the Chief Health Officer to delegate some COVID-19 emergency powers to th
Nature Conservation & Other Legislation (Indigenous Joint Mgt – Moreton Island) Amendment Bill 2020 On 27 November 2019, the Federal Court of Australia made a native title consent determination recognising the Quandamooka Peoples’ native title rights on Moreton Island (Mulgumpin). As part of the consent determination process, the State of Queensland and the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), the representatives of the Quandamooka People, agreed to work towards the joint ma
Consultation RIS for licensing pharmacy business ownership The Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee (Committee) tabled Report No. 12, 56th Parliament – Inquiry into the establishment of a pharmacy council and transfer of pharmacy ownership in Queensland (Committee Report) in October 2018. One key recommendation was that the Pharmacy Business Ownership Act 2001 (Act) be amended to enable Queensland
Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020 On 7 November 2019, the Queensland Government released Tackling Plastic Waste – Queensland’s Plastic Pollution Reduction Plan (the Plan). The Plan identifies and prioritises actions to reduce plastic waste and the economic and environmental impacts of plastic pollution. To help meet these objectives, a key action of the Plan is the introduction of legislation to enable a ban on the supply of singl
Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 The primary objectives of the Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 (the Bill) are to: provide for the statutory appointment of a Rehabilitation Commissioner; clarify and improve residual risk requirements to better manage the risks to the State from former resource sites; and improve the operation of environmental protection legislation. The Bill provides for the s
Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020 The conservation and management of protected plants and animals – collectively termed ‘protected wildlife’ – in Queensland is regulated under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) and subordinate legislation – the Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2017, the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006 and the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006, collective
Consultation Report next stage of amendments Child Protection Act 1999 The Queensland Government is continuing implementation of the Supporting Families Changing Futures (SFCF) reform program to build a new child protection and family support system for Queensland. Following a review of the Child Protection Act 1999 undertaken between 2015 and 2017, priority amendments were progressed through the Child Protection Reform Amendment Act 2017 to support the implementatio
Amendments during consideration in detail of Civil Liability and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 On 15 November 2018, in response to recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in the Redress and Civil Litigation Report, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Leader of the House introduced the Civil Liability and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 (the Bill) into the Legislative Assembly. The Bill amends the Civil Liability Ac
Child Death Review Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 Following the death of Mason Jet Lee, on 10 April 2017, Government publicly released the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) report, A systems review of individual agency findings following the death of a child (QFCC report) and accepted the report’s single, overarching recommendation to ‘consider a revised external and independent model for reviewing the deaths of children known to the
Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 The Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 gives effect to presumptive workers’ compensation laws for first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Bill follows on from considerations arising from a Queensland stakeholder reference group and in the context of national reviews into mental health of first responders (the 2018 B
Child Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 The Queensland Government accepted all six recommendations from the Findings of Inquest into the death of 22 month old Mason Jet Lee delivered by Deputy State Coroner Bentley of the Coroners Court of Queensland on 2 June 2020. In accepting recommendation six, related to permanency and adoption for children in care, the Queensland Government committed to working with stakeholders to progress the re
Public Service and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 The Bridgman review, which reported on how Queensland public sector employment laws could best meet the objectives of fairness in the employment relationship, responsiveness of employees to the community and to the government and inclusiveness of public sector employment, was released in March 2020. The Bridgman review complemented the Coaldrake Review into the Queensland Public Sector Workforce R
Amendments during consideration in detail of Community Service Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Bill 2019 On 27 November 2019, the Minister for Education and Minister for Industrial Relations introduced the Community Services Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Bill 2019 which provided, at section 2, a 1 July 2020 commencement start date for the scheme. Due to the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic, an amendment to the Bill is required to change the commencement date for the scheme to be a date fixed by
Criminal Code (Consent and Mistake of Fact) and Other Legislation Amend Bill 2020 The Criminal Code (Consent and Mistake of Fact) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 will implement the recommendations of the Queensland Law Reform Commission’s report ‘Review of consent laws and the excuse of mistake of fact’ (the QLRC report) and progress a second tranche of the Government’s legislative response to the final evaluation report of the Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence Policy
Appointment to Law Reform Commission The Law Reform Commission (the Commission) is constituted in accordance with the Law Reform Commission Act 1968 (the Act). Section 10(1) of the Act states that the function of the Commission is to take and keep under review all the law applicable to the State with a view to its systematic development and reform. Section 4(1)(a) of the Act provides that each person appointed to be a Member of the
Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill 2020 The government has committed to improving the regulatory environment for craft brewers and artisan distillers to support industry development and cut red tape. Before COVID-19, the artisan liquor industry in Queensland was a growth sector. The pandemic has highlighted the need for reforms to support craft brewers and artisan distillers throughout the state. A single licence category for craft br
Child Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 The Queensland Government accepted all six recommendations from the Findings of Inquest into the death of 22-month-old Mason Jet Lee delivered by Deputy State Coroner Bentley of the Coroners Court of Queensland on 2 June 2020. In accepting recommendation 6, related to adoption for children in care, the Queensland Government committed to working with stakeholders to progress the recommendation, in
Appointments to Law Reform Commission The Law Reform Commission (the Commission) is constituted in accordance with the Law Reform Commission Act 1968 (the Act). Section 10(1) of the Act states that the function of the Commission is to take and keep under review all the law applicable to the State with a view to its systematic development and reform. Section 4(1)(a) of the Act provides that each person appointed to be a Member of the
Extension of COVID-19 related commercial leasing measures On 7 April 2020, the National Cabinet agreed to a Mandatory Code of Conduct – SME Commercial Leasing Principles During COVID-19 (National Code) which provides for good faith leasing principles for negotiations between landlords and tenants to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which are impacted by social distancing measures and business closures in response to the COVID-19 public health
Forest Wind Farm Development Bill 2020 The primary objective of the Forest Wind Farm Development Bill 2020 is to facilitate a pathway to tenure for the development of the Forest Wind Project by Forest Wind Holdings Pty Limited (the proponent), on plantation licence areas in the Toolara, Tuan and Neerdie State forests in the Wide Bay Burnett region. The proponent is seeking to establish a large-scale wind farm (up to 226 turbines) gene
Local Government Act 2009 - Councillor Vacancies amendments The Local Government Act 2009 is amended so that mayoral and councillor vacancies are filled in accordance with a new process. The amendments also provide for transitional arrangements in relation to actions taken, including any appointment of a runner-up to a vacant office, in the period starting on 12 October 2020 and ending immediately before commencement (the relevant period) and for how vac
Environmental Protection (Transhipping Activities) Amendment Regulation 2020 The Environmental Protection (Transhipping Activities) Amendment Regulation 2020 (the Amendment Regulation) will give full legislative effect to the Queensland Government’s transhipping policy. The primary objectives of the Amendment Regulation are to clearly prescribe transhipping as an environmentally relevant activity (ERA) and require the refusal of environmental authority applications for tr
Wet Tropics (Review) Amendment Management Plan 2020 The Wet Tropics Management Plan 1998 (Management Plan) regulates activities inside the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area which have the potential to impact on the Area’s world heritage values and integrity. It is a key instrument in meeting Australia’s international obligations under the World Heritage Convention to protect and manage the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area.
Lapsed Legislation for reintroduction to Legislative Assembly The Parliament was dissolved on 6 October 2020 for the 2020 State election, held on 31 October 2020. The dissolution had significant effects on the Parliament as follows: All business on the Notice Paper including Government Bills, Private Members Bills and Questions On Notice lapsed; All notices of motions remaining on the Notice Paper such as revocation motions lapsed, except for disallowance m
Weapons Categories (Replica Firearms) Amendment Regulation 2020 The Weapons Legislation (Replica Firearms) Amendment Regulation 2020 (the Amendment Regulation) amends the Weapons Categories Regulation 1997 to address a rise in police calls for assistance relating to replica firearms. The Amendment Regulation adds replica firearms to the category of restricted items. It also removes replica firearms, that are not also functioning firearms, from category R weap
Amendments to the Legal Profession Act 2007 The Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Guarantee Fund (the Fund) is administered by the Queensland Law Society (QLS) under the Legal Profession Act 2007 (LPA). It was established to provide a source of compensation for persons who have lost trust money or property due to a dishonest default by a solicitor law practice. Section 396 of the LPA prohibits the payment from the Fund of amounts in excess of
Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 The Queensland Government’s youth justice initiatives in the Working Together Changing the Story: Youth Justice Strategy 2019-2023 (Youth Justice Strategy) and the Five-Point Action Plan (5PP) are having a positive impact on overall youth crime trends, with an overall decrease in unique youth offenders. However, there remains a small cohort of recidivist youth offenders engaging in persistent, imp
Proposals to respond to serious recidivist youth offenders The Queensland Government remains committed to community safety, reducing youth offending and reducing crime victimisation. Queensland Police Service (QPS) data shows a continued decrease in the number of unique youth offenders coming to the attention of police. However, there is a small cohort of serious recidivist youth offenders who engage in persistent and serious offending and are driving mu
Repeal of Public Safety Business Agency Act 2014 In 2013, the Public Safety Business Agency (PSBA) was created by the then Government and was formally established by the Public Safety Business Agency Act 2014 (the PSBA Act) to provide corporate services for the Queensland Police Service (QPS), Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and the Office of the Inspector-General of Emergency Management. The PSBA also provides information and comm
Building Queensland Repeal Bill 2021 cAs part of the Government’s COVID-19 Fiscal and Economic Review (2020) and the implementation of its Savings and Debt Plan, the Queensland Government announced that it had identified opportunities for the structural reform of statutory bodies and agencies, where their functions can be integrated within existing Government departments. The Building Queensland Repeal Bill 2021 (the Bill) repeals t
Queensland Veterans Council Bill 2021 Anzac Square was dedicated on Remembrance Day 1930 as the State’s war memorial. It is on Crown land reserved under the Land Act 1994 for the purposes of historical and parks and cultural purposes and is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. The governance arrangements for Anzac Square have been reviewed, taking into account the importance of Anzac Square as the State’s war memorial, the expa
Water Legislation (Water Restrictions) Amendment Bill 2021 Water service providers can set water restrictions under the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 (the Water Supply Act) for the volume of water, hours of use and the way water is used. It is an offence to contravene a water service provider’s water restriction with penalties attached. The Water Legislation (Water Restrictions) Amendment Bill 2021 (the Bill) amends the South-East Queens
Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 Improving confidence in the housing sector is a key pillar of the Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027, including by reviewing and modernising the housing legislative framework. Renting is an increasingly important housing option for many Queenslanders and the Queensland Government undertook extensive consultation in 2018 to identify reform priorities and in 2019 on reform options for immediate p
Third Annual Report - Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse The Queensland Government is committed to continuing to implement the significant reform agenda proposed by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (Royal Commission). This includes better prevention and responses to child sexual abuse and improved support and access to justice for those with lived experience of institutional child sexual abuse. The Queensland Gover
Personalised Transport Ombudsman Repeal Bill 2021 The appointment of the Personalised Transport Ombudsman (PTO) under the Personalised Transport Ombudsman Act 2019 (PTO Act) was deferred due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the personalised transport industry. The Department of Transport and Main Roads undertook a review and looked at whether a newly created PTO would provide the stated benefits to industry, particularly as operators re
COVID-19 Emergency Response and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 Queensland’s public health response to COVID-19 has been swift and decisive throughout 2020. The management of outbreaks in the community has proven to be rapid and effective and the low rates of community transmission has enabled restrictions on the movement and gathering of people to be significantly eased. However, there is still the potential for further outbreaks and restrictions, in some fo
Defamation (Model Provisions) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 In November 2004, the former Standing Committee of Attorneys-General endorsed the model defamation provisions (MDPs) and thereafter each state and territory enacted legislation to implement them. In Queensland, the Defamation Act 2005 commenced on 1 January 2006. In June 2018, the former Council of Attorneys-General (Council) agreed to reconvene the Defamation Working Party (DWP), led by the New S
Stage 2 public sector reforms Public sector reforms arise from the recommendations of the independent review of public sector employment laws, A Fair and Responsive Public Service for All by Mr Peter Bridgman (the Bridgman Review, 2019). Restoring fairness in public sector employment has been a key priority of the Queensland Government since 2015 when the employment security policy was reinstated to commit to maximum employme
COVID-19 Emergency Response and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 On 29 January 2020, a public health emergency was declared for all of Queensland under the Public Health Act 2005 (PH Act) in relation to the outbreak of COVID-19. The COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020 and the Justice and Other Legislation (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Amendment Act 2020 were introduced to protect the health, safety and welfare of Queenslanders, mitigate the spread of COVID-19
Police Legislation (Efficiencies and Effectiveness) Amendment Bill 2021 The Police Legislation (Efficiencies and Effectiveness) Amendment Bill 2021 (the Bill) amends the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (PPRA), Oaths Regulation 2021 (Oaths Regulation), Police Service Administration Act 1990 (PSAA), Police Service Administration Regulation 2016 (PSAR) and the Weapons Act 1990 (Weapons Act). The amendments are designed to support the efficient and effective
Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 The Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 (the Bill) amends various laws to enhance the delivery of efficient, quality, front line services. The Bill expands the existing police banning notice regime to apply to adults who unlawfully possess a knife in licensed premises, a public place in a safe night precinct and public events where alcohol is sold. The Bil
Child Protection Reform and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 Queensland is more than halfway through the 10-year Supporting Families Changing Futures reform program (SFCF). As part of the SFCF reforms, the Child Protection Act 1999 (CP Act) has been progressively amended (2014, 2016 and 2017) and comprehensively reviewed from 2015 to 2017. There has been strong stakeholder support for further legislative reform, particularly for strengthening childre
Public Health and Other Legislation (Extension of Expiring Provisions) Amendment Bill 2020 In 2020, amendments were made to the Public Health Act 2005 and the Mental Health Act 2016 to support the Queensland Government’s health response to COVID-19. Given the urgency of the amendments, sunset and expiry clauses were inserted into the amending legislation which are due to expire in early 2021. To ensure the Queensland Government can continue to respond to any potential outbreaks of COVID
Police Service Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 The Police Service Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 (the Bill) modernises the legislative framework governing Protective Services and amends the identification requirements for police officers acting as public officials under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, the Forestry Act 1959, the Recreation Areas Management Act 2006 and the Marine Parks Act 2004 (Queensland Parks and
Amendments during consideration in detail Public Health and Other Legislation (Further Extension of Expiring Provisions) Amendment Bill 2021 Proactive and effective contact tracing has been critical to preventing widespread community transmission of COVID-19 when positive cases have been detected in the community. The ‘Check In Qld’ app (App) has significantly enhanced Queensland’s contact tracing system and is widely used across the State. Amendments will be moved during consideration in detail to the Public Health and Other Legislat
Public Health and Other Legislation (Further Extension of Expiring Provisions) Amendment Bill 2021 In 2020, amendments were made to the Public Health Act 2005 and other legislation to support the Queensland Government’s response to COVID-19 and the Queensland economy and businesses affected by the pandemic. Given the urgency of the amendments, sunset and expiry clauses were inserted into the amending legislation, which are due to expire in September 2021. The public health emergency for COVID-1
Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 On 10 May 2021, the Queensland Law Reform Commission submitted its final report and Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. The Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 provides for a voluntary assisted dying scheme that is compassionate, safe and practical. Under the Bill, a
Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 On 13 November 2018, the government introduced the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 (Bill). On 14 February 2019, the Education, Employment and Small Business Committee tabled Report No. 12 on the Bill, recommending that the Bill be passed. The Bill amends the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 and introduce
Proclamation under Corporations (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2001 Under the Corporations (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2001 (the Act), the Parliament of Queensland referred to the Commonwealth Parliament the powers: to enact the Corporations Act 2001 and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 as Commonwealth legislation extending to each State; and to make laws about forming corporations, corporate regulation and financial products and servi
Inspector of Detention Services Bill 2021 Since 2016, a number of reviews into elements of Queensland’s criminal justice system have considered the existing layers of accountability over Queensland’s places of detention and recommended the establishment of an independent inspectorate to oversee adult prisons, youth detention centres and police watch-houses. These reviews include the Queensland Parole System Review, the Independent Review
Public Trustee (Advisory and Monitoring Board) Amendment Bill 2021 In March 2021, the Public Advocate’s report, Preserving the financial futures of vulnerable Queenslanders: A Review of the Public Trustee’s fees, charges and practices (the Report), was tabled in the Legislative Assembly, together with the Government Response to the Report. In response to recommendation 30 of that Report, Government committed to establishing an advisory and monitoring board to pro
Justice Legislation (COVID-19 Emergency Response — Permanency) Amendment Bill 2021 The Justice Legislation (COVID-19 Emergency Response—Permanency) Amendment Bill 2021 (the Bill) permanently implements certain aspects of temporary laws that were made in the Justice portfolio in response to the COVID-19 emergency. The Bill amends the following pieces of legislation: the Oaths Act 1867 to allow affidavits and statutory declarations to be signed electronically and witnessed over au
Evidence and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 In June 2021, a discussion paper titled Shielding confidential sources: balancing the public’s right to know and the court’s need to know was released seeking feedback on the development of shield laws to better protect journalists’ confidential sources. The Evidence and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 (the Bill) amends the Evidence Act 1977 (Evidence Act), Criminal Code, Magistrates Act 19
Amendments to Electoral and Other Legislation (Accountability, Integrity and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019 On 28 November 2019, the Electoral and Other Legislation (Accountability, Integrity and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019 (the Bill) was introduced into the Legislative Assembly and was referred to the Economics and Governance Committee (the Committee) for inquiry and report. Chapters 2 and 3 of the Bill contain amendments relating to: funding and expenditure for State elections and signage at St
Amendments to the COVID-19 Emergency Response Bill 2020 On 29 January 2020, the Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services declared a public health emergency under section 319 of the Public Health Act 2005 (PH Act). As a first response, the Public Health and Other Legislation (Public Health Emergency) Amendment Act 2020 (Public Health Emergency Act) was urgently passed by Parliament on 18 March 2020. As a second response on 22 April 2020,
Consultation summary report Review of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 On 8 December 2020, the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities announced that the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) would conduct a full review of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (ACPA). The review will ensure the legislation keeps pace with contemporary animal welfare standards, practice and community expectations. On 4
Amendments relating to directions to rectify building work The Queensland Building and Construction Commission’s (QBCC) compliance and enforcement powers include the ability to direct a person to rectify defective or incomplete building works or remedy consequential damage. From 1 October 1999, the rectification period, within which a person must comply with the direction, was legislated in the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 (QBC
Environmental Protection (Ministerial Designations) Amendment Bill 2021 The Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) regulates activities that cause environmental harm, including environmental nuisance and prescribes when an activity that causes serious or material environmental harm, environmental nuisance or that contravenes a noise standard will be unlawful. The EP Act also provides for where certain types of environmental nuisance are excluded from being an offe
Reforms arising from the review of the Racing Integrity Act 2016 The Racing Integrity Act 2016 (RI Act) established the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC), an independent statutory body with a range of functions regarding the integrity of the racing industry, including the greyhound, thoroughbred horse and harness horse racing codes. QRIC was established as a body which would be independent of Racing Queensland and the racing industry. A review of th
Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 2022 The Racing Integrity Act 2016 established the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission an independent statutory body, with a range of functions regarding the integrity of the racing industry, including greyhound, thoroughbred horse, and harness horse racing codes. The Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 2022 makes key policy changes: establishment of an independent external Queensland Racing Appeals Pa
Creation of a new public holiday in 2021 in the Moreton Bay Scenic Rim and Brisbane City local government areas On 2 August 2021, the Queensland Government announced that this year’s Royal Queensland Show would be cancelled in response to a South East Queensland lockdown and related cluster of COVID-19 cases. On 4 August 2021, the Queensland Government announced its intention to repeal the associated show day public holiday scheduled for Wednesday, 11 August 2021 and announced that a public holiday would be
Queensland University of Technology Amendment Bill 2021 The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is a public university established by the Queensland University of Technology Act 1998 (QUT Act). The QUT Act establishes the QUT Council (the Council) as the governing body responsible for ensuring QUT’s proper and effective management and operation. QUT’s 22-member Council is one of the largest governing bodies of Queensland’s public universities. T
Amendments Justice Legislation (COVID-19 Emergency Response—Permanency) Amendment Bill 2021 Under section 7 of the Governors (Salary and Pensions) Act 2003 (the Act), former Governors, who held office for at least five years are entitled to a lifetime pension of 35% of their Governor’s salary. The Minister may also approve a pension for a Governor who leaves office with less than five years’ service because they are incapable of performing the duties. A surviving partner of a deceased fo
Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Bill 2021 Queensland was awarded the hosting rights for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games (Brisbane 2032) by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 21 July 2021, following a majority vote of IOC Members at the 138th IOC Session. On the same day, the Premier, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane and the President of the Australian Olympic Committee executed the Olympic Host Contract (OHC) with the IOC. The O
Queensland Government response to the 2021 Review of the Industrial Relations Act 2016 For workers covered by the Queensland Industrial Relations system, it has been five years since the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (IR Act) was introduced following a comprehensive review conducted by Mr Jim McGowan AM in 2015. Since commencement of the IR Act on 1 March 2017 there have been changes made to the national industrial relations system and the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respe
Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 The Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 (Bill) improves the operation of health legislation and advance the health of Queenslanders. The Bill includes amendments to the: Ambulance Service Act 1991 to ensure the framework for the management of confidential information is clear and aligned with the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 and remove the disqualification criteria that require
Small Business Commissioner Bill 2021 Small businesses are a significant component of the Queensland economy. They represent around 97 per cent of all businesses and employ over 914,000 people, or 42 per cent of the private sector workforce in Queensland. They collectively contributed $117.3 billion to the state’s economy in 2019-20. The temporary Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) was able to support National Cabinet’s Man
Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA), commercial beekeeping is currently permitted on apiary sites in 49 national parks until 31 December 2024, under arrangements established as a result of transferring State forest land to national parks. National parks are managed to provide, to the greatest possible extent, for the permanent preservation of the area’s natural condition and the protecti
Public Health and Other Legislation (Extension of Expiring Provisions) Amendment Bill 2022 In 2020, amendments were made to the Public Health Act 2005 and other legislation to support the Queensland Government’s response to COVID-19, the Queensland economy and businesses affected by the pandemic. Given the urgency of the amendments, sunset and expiry clauses were inserted into the amending legislation. These amendments were extended by the Public Health and Other Legislation (Further Ex
Building and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 The Queensland Government is continuing to implement the Queensland Building Plan (QBP) to make the industry safer, fairer and more sustainable, which fosters confidence, creates job opportunities and strengthens the State’s economy. The Building and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (the Bill) enhances QBP-related reforms by amending several building-related Acts: Architects Act 2002 Buildin
Review of offences in Summary Offences Act 2005 The Summary Offences Act 2005 provides a law and order based response to the offences of ‘Urinating in a public place’ (under section 7), ‘Begging in a public place’ (under section 8) and ‘Being intoxicated in a public place’ (under section 10). A review of these provisions allows for an examination into the ongoing utility of public urination, public intoxication and begging offences as measures
Animal Care and Protection Amendment Bill 2022 On 8 December 2020, the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Minsters for Rural Communities announced a review of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (ACPA). The amendments contained in the Bill are informed by public and targeted stakeholder consultation on the ACPA, consideration of national and international animal welfare legislation and scientific literature. The Bill provides new o
Transport Legislation (Road Safety and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2022 The objectives of the Transport Legislation (Road Safety and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2022 (the Bill) are to improve road safety, allow a broader range of motorised mobility devices (MMDs), make improvements to court and other processes, and make minor enhancements to transport and housing legislation. Amendments to the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (the TORUM Act) impro
Amendments to Royalty Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 On 4 June 2020, the Prime Minister announced the $25,000 HomeBuilder Grant (HomeBuilder Grant), available to eligible owner-occupiers who build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home, where the contract is signed between 4 June 2020 and 31 December 2020. The Australian Government provides funding for the payment of the grant. States and Territories will administer the grant on behal
Queensland Future Fund Bill 2020 The Queensland Future Fund Bill 2020 (Bill) implements a Government commitment to establish a Queensland Future Fund. The first future fund to be established will be the Queensland Future (Debt Retirement) Fund (‘Debt Retirement Fund’). The Debt Retirement Fund, which will provide funding for reducing the debt of the State, will underpin Queensland’s future economic success by having a sustaina
Royalty Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 As part of the 2019-20 State Budget, the Government announced a review of Queensland’s petroleum royalty regime (Petroleum Royalty Review). The objectives of the review were to ensure greater certainty, equity and simplicity, and identify opportunities to simplify the current petroleum royalty regime, while providing an appropriate return to Queenslanders from their valuable non-renewable resource
Petroleum Royalty Review In the 2019-20 State Budget the Government announced a review of Queensland’s petroleum royalty regime. The objectives of the review were to ensure greater certainty, equity and simplicity, and identify opportunities to simplify the current petroleum royalty regime, while providing an appropriate return to Queenslanders from their valuable non-renewable resources. The review, independently chaire
Appropriation Bill 2020 and Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2020 The Financial Accountability Act 2009 (FA Act) contains statutory processes for the finalisation of departmental appropriations at the end of the financial year. Section 35 of the FA Act provides that should expenditure from the Consolidated Fund exceed the amount approved by annual appropriation, Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Treasurer, may authorise the expenditure. This is k
Superannuation (State Public Sector) (Scheme Administration) Amendment Bill 2021 In March 2021, the boards of QSuper and Sunsuper entered into a heads of agreement to undertake exclusive due diligence on a proposed merger. The proposed merger, if progressed, will establish Australia’s second largest superannuation fund. QSuper is established under the Superannuation (State Public Sector) Act 1990 (the Superannuation Act) as the superannuation fund for State public sector emplo
Amendments to the National Injury Insurance Scheme (Queensland) Act 2016 The National Injury Insurance Agency (Queensland) Amendment Bill 2021 (Bill) abolishes the board of the National Injury Insurance Agency (Queensland) (the Agency) and appoints the Insurance Commissioner as the chief executive officer responsible for the management of the Agency under the National Injury Insurance Scheme (Queensland) Act 2016. The change to the governance structure of the Agency is
Queensland Future Fund (Titles Registry) The Queensland Future Fund Act 2020 established the Queensland Future Fund and its first sub-fund, the Debt Retirement Fund (DRF). The DRF will be managed by QIC Limited (QIC) and structured to act as an offset against State debt by credit rating agencies when they assess Queensland’s debt burden. In September 2020, the COVID-19 Fiscal and Economic Review (CFER) recognised a $5.67 billion contri
Repeal of the Queensland Productivity Commission Act 2015 and other amendments On 7 September 2020, the Queensland Government announced that, as part of the Savings and Debt Plan, the Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC) would be integrated into Queensland Treasury to establish the Office of Productivity and Red Tape Reduction (OPRTR), better driving the government’s productivity agenda. The legislative amendments facilitate the integration of the productivity and regula
Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2021 and Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2021 The Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2021 and Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2021 seek Parliamentary approval of unforeseen expenditure in 2020-21. This is an annual process under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 to finalise departmental appropriations at the end of each financial year. On 15 July 2021, the Governor in Council authorised unforeseen expenditure incurred during the 2020-21 f
Betting Tax and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 The Government has committed to a more sustainable funding model for the Queensland racing industry. To implement this new funding model, amendments are required to the Betting Tax Act 2018 to: apply a 5 per cent racing levy (the betting tax), effectively raising the rate from 15 per cent to 20 per cent; incorporate bonus bets (or free bets) into the betting tax calculation (including the racing l
State Penalties Enforcement (Modernisation) Amendment Bill 2022 The State Penalties Enforcement (Modernisation) Amendment Bill 2022 (the Bill) amends the State Penalties Enforcement Act 1999 (SPE Act), State Penalties Enforcement Regulation 2014 (SPE Regulation), Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 and Traffic Regulation 1962 to reflect the integration into the Queensland Revenue Office (QRO) of certain fine administration functions undertaken
Amendments to support video recorded evidence and testing and examination of human remains On 5 April 2019, Mr Terry Ryan, State Coroner, delivered his findings under the Coroners Act 2003 of the inquest into the disappearance and death of Daniel James Morcombe. Recommendation 2 of the findings provides that the Queensland Government amend the Criminal Code to ensure a time limit is imposed on the testing of human remains in circumstances where the prosecution and defence fail to reach
New Seller Disclosure Scheme for Sales of Freehold Land From August 2013 to January 2018, the Commercial and Property Law Research Centre at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) was engaged to undertake a broad-ranging, independent review of Queensland’s property laws. This review included an issues paper, interim report and Final Report – Seller Disclosure in Queensland on seller disclosure. QUT recommended that a statutory seller disclosure
Major Sports Facilities Amendment Bill 2022 The Major Sports Facilities Act 2001 (the MSF Act) establishes Stadiums Queensland (SQ) as the Authority responsible for managing, operating, using, developing and promoting facilities in Queensland for the staging of national and international sport, recreational, entertainment or special events. In 2018, a Stadium Taskforce was established to review the pricing and practices of SQ. The Stadium T
Government Response to the Community Support and Services Committee Report No. 16, 57th Parliament The Community Support and Services Committee tabled its report on the Criminal Law (Raising the Age of Responsibility) Amendment Bill 2021 (the Report) on 15 March 2022. The Report contains four recommendations for Government action that propose a range of operational responses relating to: the adequacy of training provided to residential care workers and legal stakeholders in relation to particul
Building Units and Group Titles and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 The Building Units and Group Titles and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (the Bill) contains amendments to improve the operation of the Building Units and Group Titles Act 1980 and the Mixed Use Development Act 1993 to make body corporate governance arrangements more transparent and fairer for proprietors (for example, unit owners). The Bill makes a minor unrelated amendment to the Fair Tradi
Public release of exposure draft of Bill to implement a seller disclosure scheme From August 2013 to January 2018, the Commercial and Property Law Research Centre at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) was engaged to undertake a broad-ranging, independent review of Queensland’s property laws. This review included an issues paper, interim report and Final Report – Seller Disclosure in Queensland on seller disclosure. QUT recommended that a statutory seller disclosure
Personal Injuries Proceedings and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 Claim farming is the process by which a third party (the claim farmer) cold-calls or approaches individuals to pressure them into making a compensation claim. Claim farmers seek to induce or harass individuals to make a claim with the promise of quick, easy and significant compensation and then sell the individual’s personal information to a legal practitioner or other service provider who then ha
Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 The Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (the Bill) introduces a range of reforms relevant to the liquor, gaming and fair trading portfolio. The Bill amends the Casino Control Act 1982 (Casino Control Act) to enhance the rigour of Queensland’s regulation of casinos. The amendments address concerns regarding casino integrity that have been the focus of national high-profile all
Response to Parliamentary Committee Report No 22 Inquiry into serious vilification and hate crime On 31 January 2022, the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee (LASC) tabled its Report on serious vilification and hate crime in Queensland in the Legislative Assembly. Pursuant to the Parliament of Queensland Act 2001 (POQ Act), a Government response to the LASC Report must be tabled in Parliament. The Report contains 17 recommendations, primarily relating to the operation of offences, the improvem
Child Protection (Offender Reporting and Offender Prohibition Order) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 The Child Protection (Offender Reporting and Offender Prohibition Order) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (the Bill) seeks to ensure the legislative framework which underpins the child protection registry scheme remains contemporary, accounts for changes in offending patterns and is continually improved to enhance its ability to protect the lives and sexual safety of children. The Bill am
Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 The Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (the Bill) proposes amendments to the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 to ensure they remain fit for purpose as the main instruments of environmental and waste regulation. The proposed amendments: support industry and streamline administrative processes better protect the environ
Police Service Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2022 The Police Service Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2022 (the Bill) aims to improve the effectiveness of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES). Amendments in the Bill to the Police Service Administration Act 1990 (PSAA) improves the police discipline system by: allowing the start of a disciplinary proceeding to be delay
Corrective Services (Emerging Technologies and Security) Amendment Bill 2022 The Corrective Services (Emerging Technologies and Security) Amendment Bill 2022 (the Bill) amends the Corrective Services Act 2006 (CSA) and the Youth Justice Act 1992 (YJA) to strengthen responses to internal and external threats and emergencies and ensure that frontline corrective services officers and youth detention centre staff and management have the necessary tools to be agile and responsi
Police Powers and Responsibilities Bills 2022 The Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 and the Police Powers and Responsibilities (Jack’s Law) Amendment Bill 2022 amend the following legislation: Child Protection (Offender Reporting and Offender Prohibition) Order Act 2004; Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000; Summary Offences Act 2005; Transport Operations (Road Use Management – Road Rules) Reg
Amendments During Consideration in Detail to Police Service Administration Act 1990 The amendments to the Police Service Administration Act 1990 (PSAA) amends the existing special constable provisions of the PSAA to allow for the employment of former police officers as paid special constables. Special constables employed under the new provisions will be police officers and members of the QPS for the purposes of the PSAA. They will have police powers and be subject to the same dis
Government response to Legal Affairs and Safety Committee Report No 38 The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee (the Committee) tabled its Report No. 38: Examination of the Working with Children (Indigenous Communities) Amendment Bill 2021 (LASC Report No. 38) on 31 October 2022. The Working with Children (Indigenous Communities) Amendment Bill 2021 (Private Member’s Bill) proposes amendments to the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 to enab
Property Law Bill 2023 The Property Law Bill 2023 (Bill) will replace the current Property Law Act 1974 with modern legislation, drafted in accordance with contemporary drafting practices and using plain English to simplify, streamline and modernise Queensland’s property legislation. The Bill also introduces a statutory seller disclosure scheme for freehold land in Queensland. The Bill is broadly consistent with the re
Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 The Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 (Bill) amends the: Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (PPRA) and other legislation to expand the scope of the police drug diversion program (PDDP); Drugs Misuse Act 1986 (DMA) to increase the maximum penalty for trafficking in dangers drugs; PPRA to create a circumstance of aggravation to the police evasion o
Criminal Code (Serious Vilification & Hate Crimes) & Other Legislation Amendment On 31 January 2022, the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee tabled its Report No. 22, 57th Parliament, Inquiry into serious vilification and hate crimes (LASC Report) in the Legislative Assembly. The Report contains 17 recommendations, primarily relating to the operation of offences, the improvement of record keeping and reporting of serious vilification and hate crime, and community education and
Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 In response to the Queensland Government’s election commitment to legislate against coercive control, in March 2021 the independent Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce (the Taskforce) was established to examine coercive control, the need for a specific offence of domestic violence and the experience of women across the criminal justice system. The Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative C
Information Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 The Information Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 (the Bill) contains amendments making key reforms to the information privacy framework, including to: align the definition of ‘personal information’ in the Information Privacy Act 2009 (IP Act) with the definition in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Commonwealth Privacy Act); adopt a single set of privacy principles in the IP Act, based
Appointment to the Queensland Law Reform Commission The Queensland Law Reform Commission (the Commission) is constituted in accordance with the Law Reform Commission Act 1968 (the Act). Section 10(1) of the Act states that the function of the Commission is to take and keep under review all the law applicable to the State with a view to its systematic development and reform. Section 4(1)(a) of the Act provides that each person appointed to be a Me
Victims of Crime Assistance and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 On 28 September 2023, the Queensland Government announced a significant reform package to better support victims of crime and their families. The Victims of Crime Assistance and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 (Bill) seeks to implement the announced reforms to increase the amount of financial support available to victims of crime and their families by amending the Victims of Crime Assistanc
Appointment of members to the Queensland Law Reform Commission The Queensland Law Reform Commission (the Commission) is constituted in accordance with the Law Reform Commission Act 1968 (the Act). Section 10(1) of the Act states that the function of the Commission is to take and keep under review all the law applicable to the State with a view to its systematic development and reform. Section 4(1)(a) of the Act provides that each person appointed to be a Me
Strengthening Queensland tobacco legislation to further reduce smoking Smoking remains a significant public health concern in Queensland as it continues to be the leading preventable cause of death and disease.  The Queensland Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998 and the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Regulation 2010 aim to improve the health of the community by reducing exposure to tobacco and other smoking products. This is achieved mainly by:   restrict
Government response to Food (Labelling of Seafood) Amendment Bill 2021 (Private Members Bill) On 17 November 2021, the Member for Traeger, Mr Robbie Katter MP introduced the Food (Labelling of Seafood) Amendment Bill 2021 (the Bill) as a Private Member’s Bill. The Explanatory Notes to the Bill indicate the objective of the Bill is to require by law mandatory country of origin labelling for seafood sold in the food service sector, through “dining outlets”, across Queensland, in order to: in
Public Health and Other Legislation (COVID-19 Management) Amendment Bill 2022 COVID-19 remains the most significant public health challenge for Queensland, and this is expected to continue as the virus continues to mutate at a rapid rate. With the risk of COVID-19 scaling up and down as transmission continues and new variants emerge, it is therefore necessary to amend the Public Health Act 2005 to support a proportionate response to the ongoing risk of COVID-19, outside a
Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and OLAB 2022 The Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (Bill) will strengthen public safety and confidence in health services and improve the operation of the national registration and accreditation scheme for health professions. The Bill amends the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (National Law), set out in the scheduled to the Health Practitioner Reg
Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 The Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (Bill) amends eight health portfolio and related Acts to facilitate initiatives that promote the health of Queenslanders, support the effective provision of health services and make technical improvements to improve the operation of health and related legislation. The Bill includes amendments to the: Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 to: str
Local Government Electoral and Other Legislation (Expenditure Caps) Amendment Bill 2022 The Local Government Electoral and Other Legislation (Expenditure Caps) Amendment Bill 2022 (the Bill) amends the City of Brisbane Act 2010, the Local Government Act 2009 and the Local Government Electoral Act 2011, to implement a local government electoral expenditure caps scheme. The Bill implements the government’s policy in relation to the recommendations of the Economics and Governance Commit
Public Sector Bill 2022 The Public Sector Bill 2022 (the Bill) represents implementation of stage two public sector reforms arising from the recommendations of an independent review of public sector employment laws by Mr Peter Bridgman, titled A Fair and Responsive Public Service for All (the Bridgman Review). The Bill repeals the Public Service Act 2008 and replaces it with the new Public Sector Act 2022, to provide a
Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 The Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (the Bill) amends three Acts to: deliver a government commitment for strengthened water measurement; ensure regulatory frameworks remain effective; and deliver improvements to underground water management. The Independent Audit of Queensland Non-urban Water Measurement and Compliance (June 2018) and the Federal Murray-Darling Basin Compliance Compact (June
Amendments Child Protection (Offender Reporting and Offender Prohibition Order) OLAB 2022 The amendments to the Child Protection (Offender Reporting and Offender Prohibition Order) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (the Bill) amends the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (PPRA), Police Service Administration Act 1990 (PSAA), Police Powers and Responsibilities Regulation 2012 (PPRR), Summary Offences Act 2005 (the SO Act), Youth Justice Act 1992 (the YJ Act) and the Bil
Amendments to Youth Justice Act 1992 The Government has committed to building new youth detention centres (YDCs) in Woodford and Cairns, and is developing interim options to manage demand in the short to medium term, until the two new YDCs become operational in 2026. Amendments to the Youth Justice Act 1992 clarify the administrative arrangements for holding young people in police watchhouses until beds become available in YDCs. The
Strengthening Community Safety Bill 2023 On 29 December 2022, the Government announced a suite of actions to strengthen the response to serious offending, particularly among young people. The announced actions included legislative reforms to require courts to take into account previous bail history when sentencing young people and increasing penalties for young people or adult offenders for stealing a car or for posting about vehicle-re
Integrity and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 The Integrity and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 (the Bill) is the second set of legislative amendments to implement integrity reforms recommended by Professor Coaldrake in his Report, Let the sunshine in: Review of Culture and accountability in the Queensland public sector (Coaldrake Report) and Kevin Yearbury in his Strategic Review of the Integrity Commissioner’s functions (Yearbury Repo
Tow Truck Bill 2023 The Tow Truck Act 1973 (the Act) provides the regulatory framework for the safe and efficient retrieval of vehicles from crash sites and various other locations, in regulated areas of Queensland. While elements of the current Act have been updated over the years, Queensland's regulated tow truck scheme has remained largely unchanged for decades. The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)
Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 The objectives of the Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 (the Bill) are to: facilitate the transition of certain regulatory services from the Department of Transport and Main Roads to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR); and improve road safety, improve administrative and legislative processes, and clarify existing requirements. To ensure the continuity of regulatory servi
Implementing response to review of powers and penalties under Environmental Protection Act In April 2022, retired Judge Richard Jones and Barrister Susan Hedge were engaged to undertake an independent review into the adequacy of existing powers and penalties under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act). The review aimed to identify whether the tools available to the enforce the duties under the EP Act, particularly in relation to nuisance, are sufficiently contemporary to deal w
Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Bill 2022 The Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Bill 2022 (Bill) repeals and replaces the existing Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 2003 (BDMR Act) to ensure registration services remain relevant, responsive and contemporary. The key objectives of the Bill are to: strengthen the legal recognition of trans and gender diverse people; better recognise contemporary family and parenting str
Monitoring of Places of Detention (Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture) Bill 2022 On 21 December 2017, the Commonwealth Government ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT). OPCAT aims to prevent torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of persons deprived of their liberty through a two-part system of independent monitoring of places of detention, which requires ratifying state parties to: accept periodic visits by the United Nations
Domestic and Family Violence Protection (Combating Coercive Control) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 In response to the Queensland Government’s commitment to legislate against coercive control, in March 2021 the independent Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce (Taskforce) was established to examine coercive control, review the need for a specific offence of domestic violence and the experience of women across the criminal justice system. The Domestic and Family Violence Protection (Combating Coer
Consultation on civil surveillance reforms On 20 July 2018, the former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Leader of the House asked the Queensland Law Reform Commission (QLRC) to review Queensland’s laws relating to civil surveillance and the protection of privacy in the context of current and emerging technologies. On 29 June 2020, the QLRC’s Report No. 77 - Review of Queensland’s laws relating to civil surveillance and the pr
Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023 exposure draft In September 2022, the Queensland Government released the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (the Plan). The Plan contained commitments to legislate key elements of the Plan, as well as establish new legislative infrastructure frameworks. A draft Bill – the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill – has been prepared, which seeks to implement these legislative elements of the Plan. An exposu
Gas Supply and Other Legislation (Hydrogen Industry Development) Amendment Bill 2023 In the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, the Queensland Government committed to preparing legislation to support the effective regulation of hydrogen development and use. Pipelines will be critical infrastructure needed to facilitate the transportation of hydrogen and other gases to markets or large facilities, such as transporting hydrogen from a production facility to an export terminal. The
Trusts Bill 2022 The Queensland Law Reform Commission (QLRC) conducted a review of the Trusts Act 1973 (Trusts Act) to examine whether the Trusts Act provides an adequate, effective and comprehensive framework for the regulation of trusts (including charitable trusts) in Queensland and identified opportunities for the Trusts Act to be modernised, simplified, clarified or updated. The QLRC’s Final Report included a
IR and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 In May 2021, an independent review of the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (IR Act) was announced by Honourable Anastasia Palaszczuk, Premier and Minister for the Olympics, and the Honourable Grace Grace, Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing. In late June 2021 the two independent reviewers, Mr John Thompson and Ms Linda Lavarch, commenced the review. On 25
Trading (Allowable Hours) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 Trading hours of shops in Queensland are regulated by the Trading (Allowable Hours) Act 1990 (the Act) and, in limited circumstances, by orders of the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC). Key functions of the Act include prescribing categories of shops which are exempt from trading hours restrictions, setting permitted trading hours of non-exempt shops, and empowering the QIRC to mak
Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 The Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 contributes to meeting objectives of the Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027, by: amending the Housing Act 2003 to support the Homes for Homes donation deed model to operate in Queensland; and amending the Retirement Villages Act 1999 to increase transparency, accountability, and consistency of financial reporting in retirement villages. Homes for Hom
Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Surgeons) Amendment Bill 2023 The Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Surgeons) Amendment Bill 2023 (Bill) amends the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law to protect the title ‘surgeon’ within the medical profession to safeguard the public and strengthen the regulation of cosmetic surgery in Australia. This will be achieved by making it an offence for a medical practitioner to knowingly and recklessly use the
Queensland Government response to 2022 Review of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 The operation of Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) (WHS Act) has been the subject of two recent reviews, the 2022 Review of Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (the WHS Act Review) and the 2018 Review of the model work health and safety laws (the Boland Review). Commissioned by the Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing, the WHS
Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 The Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 (the Bill) contains amendments to clarify and improve several existing processes of the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997. This includes changes to authorisation of alternative insurance where a body corporate cannot obtain mandatory insurance, and in relation to the process for termination of comm
Emblems of Queensland Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 The Emblems of Queensland Act 2005 (Emblems Act) prescribes the eight official emblems which are used to identify the state including the Coat of Arms, the State Badge, the State Flag, and the Floral (the Cooktown orchid), Faunal (the koala), Bird (the brolga), Gem (the sapphire) and Aquatic (barrier reef anemone fish) emblems. On 22 October 2022, it was announced that the State fossil emblem is
Waste Reduction Recycling Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 On 11 December 2021, the Queensland Government announced a 10-year $2.1 billion waste package, including a $1.1 billion Recycling and Jobs Fund. Concurrently, announcements were made concerning changes to the waste levy zone and rate; adjustments to local government annual payment arrangements; removal of the clean earth waste levy exemption; and changes to the operational purposes exemption fram
Consultation Paper Review of Food Act The Food Act 2006 is the primary piece of food safety legislation in Queensland. It gives effect to the nationally agreed Model Food Provisions and the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Food Standards Code) and is designed to ensure food for sale is safe and suitable for human consumption, to prevent misleading conduct in relation to the sale of food and to apply the Food Standards Co
Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 The justice portfolio encompasses the administration of over 200 statutes which are periodically reviewed to identify amendments to ensure that the Acts continue to operate in the manner intended. Other amendments to legislation may be identified as a result of court or tribunal decisions or representations by administering agencies and stakeholders. The Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bil
Education (General Provisions) OLAB The Education (General Provisions) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 (the Bill) represents a significant review of the legislative framework supporting delivery of high-quality legislation in Queensland. The Bill amends the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 (EGPA) and other legislation to ensure Queensland’s education legislative framework is contemporary and reflects emerging strate
Emergency Services Reform Amendment package The Emergency Services Reform Amendment package is the first stage of emergency service and disaster management reforms being undertaken to meet recommendations made in the following reviews: the ‘Independent review of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services’ and the ‘Review of Queensland’s Disaster Management Arrangements (QDMA)’. The Emergency Services Reform Amendment package involves: establish
Proactive release and Cabinet Handbook The Queensland Government committed to implement all of the recommendations in the report by Professor Coaldrake Let the sunshine in: Review of culture and accountability in the Queensland public sector, including recommendation two which suggested that “Cabinet submissions (and their attachments), agendas and decisions papers be proactively released and published online within 30 business days of
Summary Offences and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 The Summary Offences and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 (the Bill) amends the Summary Offences Act 2005 and the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000. The Bill aims to promote community safety, reduce the accessibility of dangerous knives and other weapons to young people, disrupt and deter violent offences and curb the notoriety of weapon possession by: prohibiting the sale of knives
Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 In June 2022, the Government appointed the Honourable Robert Gotterson AO KC to conduct an External Review of the Queensland Operations of The Star Entertainment Group Limited (The Star). The External Review made 12 recommendations for legislative reform to improve the regulation and integrity of casinos. The Government accepted the External Review’s recommendations in principle on 6 October 2022.
Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023 In September 2022, the Queensland Government released the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (the Plan). The Plan contained commitments to legislate key elements of the Plan, as well as establish new legislative infrastructure frameworks. An exposure draft of the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023 was released for public consultation in June 2023. Ninety-one responses were received
Victims’ Commissioner and Sexual Violence Review Board Bill 2024 On 1 July 2022, the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce released its second report, Hear Her Voice – Report 2 – Women and girls’ experience in the criminal justice system (Taskforce Report Two), which included several recommendations including the establishment of a victims’ commissioner and sexual violence case review board in Queensland. On 21 November 2022, the Queensland Government response t
Government Position on PMB Climate Transition Bill 2023 In July 2021, the Queensland Government released the Queensland Climate Action Plan 2020-2030 which recognises key climate action initiatives across various sectors of the Queensland economy. This includes initiatives such as the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan, Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy 2022-2032, Queensland Low Emissions Agricultural Roadmap 2
Corrective Services (Promoting Safety) OLAB 2024 The Corrective Services (Promoting Safety) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 (the Bill) amends the Corrective Services Act 2006 (CSA), the Corrective Services Regulation 2017, the Child Protection (Offender Reporting and Offender Prohibition Order) Act 2004 (CPOROPOA), the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (PPRA) and the Parole Orders (Transfer) Act 1984 (POTA) to promote the saf
Disaster Management OLAB 2024 The Disaster Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 (the Bill) is the second stage of emergency service and disaster management reforms being undertaken to meet recommendations made in the following reviews: the Independent Review of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services by KPMG International Limited; and the Inspector-General of Emergency Management Review of Queensland’s Disaster