COVID-19 Emergency Response and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020
Bill Journey
Referred to Legal Affairs and Safety Committee
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill extends Queensland's COVID-19 emergency laws from 31 December 2020 to 30 April 2021, allowing continued pandemic response measures. It also makes separate changes to how council vacancies are filled, supports artisan distillers, and extends the Small Business Commissioner role.
Who it affects
Renters, small businesses, artisan distillers, voters in by-elections, and local council communities are most affected. The bill continues COVID-19 protections while making permanent changes to council elections and liquor licensing.
COVID-19 emergency legislation extension
Extends 17 emergency regulations covering residential tenancies, commercial leases, court proceedings, document witnessing, and health responses until 30 April 2021. Creates a framework for transitioning back to normal operations when measures end.
- All COVID-19 emergency regulations extended from 31 December 2020 to 30 April 2021
- Transitional regulation-making power created for smooth return to normal operations
- Rights accrued under commercial lease protections preserved after protection period ends
- Queensland Small Business Commissioner role extended to continue supporting businesses
Youth detention and electoral amendments
Allows delegation of powers to non-public-servant staff at youth detention centres during outbreaks, and enables flexible by-election arrangements during the COVID-19 emergency.
- Chief executive can delegate powers to temporary detention staff like police officers during COVID-19 outbreaks
- Electoral Commission can require postal voting for by-elections during the pandemic
- Flexible arrangements for polling place operations to manage health risks
Artisan distillers support
Removes the 2.5% retail sales cap for artisan distillers, allowing them to sell their spirits directly to customers without restriction, putting them on equal footing with craft brewers.
- Artisan distillers (producing 400-450,000 litres annually) exempted from 2.5% retail sales limit
- Can sell spirits for on-premises consumption and takeaway without restrictions
- Amendment remains until removed by proclamation when broader industry reforms implemented
Council vacancy procedures
Changes how mayoral and councillor vacancies are filled in the first year of a council term. Mayors must be elected through by-elections, and councils can choose between by-elections or runner-up appointments for councillors.
- Mayoral vacancies in first year of term filled by by-election, not runner-up appointment
- Councils can choose by-election or runner-up appointment for councillor vacancies in first year
- Retrospective provisions to undo runner-up appointments made between 12 October 2020 and commencement
- Appointed runners-up retain entitlement to remuneration for the appointment period