Corrective Services and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
Referred to Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee
Vote on a motion
The motion was agreed to.
A formal vote on whether to accept a proposal — this could be the bill itself, an amendment, or another motion.
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Ayes (48)
Noes (34)
▸1 clause vote (all passed)
Vote on clause 62
The clause was kept in the bill.
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Ayes (45)
Noes (38)
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill strengthens anti-corruption measures in Queensland prisons following the Crime and Corruption Commission's Taskforce Flaxton investigation, improves the parole system for victims of crime, and establishes a permanent firearms amnesty allowing people to surrender unregistered firearms without prosecution. It also clarifies lawful possession of gel blasters and replica firearms for club members and collectors.
Who it affects
Prison staff face new drug and alcohol testing requirements and cannot have relationships with prisoners. Victims of crime get more time to provide parole submissions and earlier notification of prisoner releases. People with unregistered firearms can hand them in permanently without prosecution.
Prison integrity and corruption prevention
Implements Crime and Corruption Commission recommendations to combat corruption in Queensland prisons. Staff can now be required to undergo alcohol and drug testing and searches. A new offence makes intimate relationships between staff and prisoners punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment.
- Mandatory alcohol and drug testing for corrective services staff
- New offence for staff having intimate relationships with prisoners (up to 3 years jail)
- Broader powers to search staff entering prisons
- Expanded Ethical Standards Unit powers to investigate misconduct
Parole system improvements
Implements Queensland Parole System Review recommendations to better support victims and strengthen the 'No Body, No Parole' laws. Victims get more time to make submissions and earlier notification of releases. Sex offenders and murderers are barred from low-custody facilities.
- Victims can request more time to provide submissions to the Parole Board
- Victims notified of prisoner release as soon as practicable (not just 14 days before)
- Sex offenders, murderers and life-sentence prisoners cannot be placed in low-custody facilities
- Strengthened 'No Body, No Parole' requirements for the Parole Board
Permanent firearms amnesty
Creates a permanent scheme for people to surrender unregistered firearms and related items without prosecution. Items can be handed in to police stations or approved firearms dealers. Prior notification is generally required.
- Permanent amnesty replaces previous temporary schemes
- Firearms can be surrendered at police stations or approved dealers
- No prosecution for possession if surrendering the item
- Must notify police station or dealer before arriving with the firearm
Gel blasters and replica firearms
Clarifies when it is lawful to possess replica firearms such as gel blasters. Club members can possess them for recreational activities conducted on private property not visible from public places. Licensed collectors can also possess replicas.
- Club members can possess gel blasters for club activities on private property
- Activities must not be visible from public places
- Licensed collectors can possess replica firearms and deactivated weapons
- Clubs can be incorporated or unincorporated