Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2022
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill implements the major revenue measures from the 2022-23 Queensland State Budget. It introduces a mental health levy on large employers, increases coal royalty rates during high-price periods, reforms land tax to account for interstate landholdings, and provides various stamp duty exemptions for small businesses, deceased estates and retirement visa holders.
Who it affects
Large employers face a new mental health levy, coal miners face higher royalties at high prices, and property investors with interstate land may pay more Queensland land tax. Small businesses benefit from stamp duty exemptions when restructuring, and small to medium employers get increased payroll tax deductions.
Mental health levy on large employers
A new payroll tax surcharge funds mental health services. It applies from 1 January 2023 to employers or employer groups with annual Australian taxable wages over $10 million. Revenue must be spent on mental health services and infrastructure.
- 0.25% levy on taxable wages for employers with annual Australian wages above $10 million
- Additional 0.5% levy on taxable wages for employers with annual Australian wages above $100 million
- Levy revenue must be spent on mental health services consistent with the Mental Health Act 2016
Land tax reform for interstate landholdings
From the 2023-24 financial year, the value of land owned in other Australian states and territories is factored into determining Queensland land tax rates. Tax is still only payable on Queensland land, but interstate holdings push owners into higher rate brackets.
- Interstate land values used to determine the applicable land tax rate and whether the tax-free threshold is exceeded
- Owners must notify the Commissioner of State Revenue about their interstate landholdings by 31 October each year
- Exemptions for homes, primary production, aged care, charities and retirement villages extended to interstate land
- Landholders with only Queensland property are not affected
Higher coal royalty rates
Three new progressive royalty tiers apply when coal prices are high, effective from 1 July 2022. The existing three-tier structure (7%, 12.5%, 15%) is expanded to six tiers, with the top rate of 40% applying when the average price exceeds $300 per tonne.
- 20% royalty rate on the average price per tonne above $175 (up to $225)
- 30% royalty rate on the average price per tonne above $225 (up to $300)
- 40% royalty rate on the average price per tonne above $300
Payroll tax relief for small to medium businesses
The payroll tax deduction phase-out rate is slowed so that businesses with payrolls up to $10.4 million benefit. The apprentice and trainee rebate is extended for two more years.
- Deduction phase-out rate changed from $1 for every $4 to $1 for every $7 above the $1.3 million threshold
- Deduction benefit now extends up to $10.4 million in taxable wages (previously $6.5 million)
- 50% payroll tax rebate for apprentice and trainee wages extended through 2022-23
Stamp duty exemptions and other changes
Small businesses restructuring into corporations can claim stamp duty exemptions. Retirement visa holders are exempted from the 7% additional foreign acquirer duty. The gaming machine authority transfer commission is temporarily halved.
- Stamp duty exemption for small businesses (under $5 million turnover) restructuring into a corporation, backdated to September 2020
- Retirement visa holders (Subclass 405/410) exempt from 7% additional foreign acquirer duty on their principal residence from 1 January 2023
- Gaming machine operating authority transfer commission temporarily reduced from 33% to 15% for 12 months
- HomeBuilder Grant amount legislatively corrected to $15,000 for contracts made between January and March 2021
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
▸Committee21 June 2022 – 24 June 2022View Hansard
Referred to Economics and Governance Committee
▸Second Reading23 June 2022 – 24 June 2022View Hansard
▸63 members spoke31 support28 oppose4 mixed
Spoke as Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, highlighting government investment in health, education, renewables, housing and energy rebates.
“Good jobs, better services and protecting the great Queensland lifestyle—that is our commitment to Queenslanders and what this budget is all about.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Delivered the Leader of the Opposition's budget reply, criticising the government on health crisis, ambulance ramping, youth crime, housing, cost of living, and broken promises on new taxes.
“I rise to deliver this year's budget reply on behalf of the people of Queensland. The greatest gift of being a member of parliament is the ability to help people.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Criticised the Leader of the Opposition's budget reply as lacking vision or solutions, and praised the government's health reforms including safe nurse-to-patient ratios.
“To describe the Leader of the Opposition's reply as underwhelming would be a compliment. It was an uninspiring contribution with a finish so flat I thought it was just a pause, but then I realised it was actually over.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
As shadow treasurer, criticised the economic environment and the Treasurer's 'intellectual sophistry' on new and increased taxes, arguing the promise was made for profound political advantage during the election.
“The Treasurer repeatedly made a statement for profound political advantage to win an election campaign—there can be no more profound political advantage—is abundantly obvious.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Criticised the budget as full of broken promises and missed opportunities, particularly attacking three new taxes despite 26 promises of no new or increased taxes, and failures in health, housing and roads for Glass House.
“Yet again, we have a budget of broken promises and missed opportunities.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Called it a budget of broken promises with new and increased taxes, criticising failures in health service delivery and Sunshine Coast motorway infrastructure.
“This is a budget of broken promises with new and increased taxes.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Criticised the lack of investment in public and social housing on the Gold Coast, and raised concerns about community safety, light rail, and inadequate support for homelessness services.
“I am sure that many of them would be disappointed with the lack of increased investment in public and social housing.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Supported the budget, criticising the Leader of the Opposition's budget reply and highlighting health, education and infrastructure investments for her electorate.
“I just want to start by saying that I am very glad we had a lunch break, because I really needed that time to get over the budget reply speech.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the budget, thanking the Premier and Treasurer for strong leadership through the pandemic, and highlighted multicultural diversity and community services in his electorate.
“I rise in support of the 2022 appropriations and revenue legislation amendment bills. I want to start by thanking the Premier and the Treasurer.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Criticised the government as riddled with integrity and transparency issues reflected in the budget, and raised concerns about service delivery in his electorate.
“This government is riddled with integrity and transparency issues, and that character is written throughout this budget.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Acknowledged wins for his electorate including the Mount Morgan water pipeline and South Sea islander funding, but delivered a very long speech covering broad criticisms of government performance across multiple portfolio areas.
“It is with pleasure that I rise to speak on the Appropriation Bill 2022.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Enthusiastically supported the budget, congratulating the Treasurer on a sensational budget for Queensland and her community of Pine Rivers.
“I am so happy to rise and contribute to this debate. From the outset I congratulate the Treasurer on a sensational budget for Queensland and for my community of Pine Rivers.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Argued the budget lacks vision, criticised the government for 'buying jobs not creating them', questioned the Olympics commitment, and said the budget falls well short of delivering for Queensland, particularly in regional areas, dams and water infrastructure.
“As a spokesperson for a large part of regional Queensland and as the Leader of the KAP, we say that it lacks vision.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
As shadow minister for health and ambulance services, criticised the health system failures, ambulance ramping crisis, and infrastructure shortfalls for Mudgeeraba.
“I rise today with my response to the government's 2022-23 budget. I do so having the great privilege of being the opposition's shadow minister for health and ambulance services.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Enthusiastically supported the budget as a 'bumper $1 billion Bundamba budget', highlighting health, education, infrastructure and housing investments for his electorate.
“What a great budget for Queensland and what a great budget for Bundamba! This is a bumper $1 billion Bundamba budget that delivers a fair go now and into the future.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Proudly supported the budget, highlighting health and community service investments for the Redlands.
“I rise proudly in this House to support the 2022-23 Palaszczuk government budget.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Criticised the budget for poor value for money and excessive government spending, arguing the government tends to pay too much for things and employ too many people for a given result.
“I think it goes to the lack of understanding of the Labor government that the money is not there in unlimited quantities and that taxpayers expect that money appropriated by this parliament is applied effectively.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Called it a budget of broken promises, particularly the no-new-taxes promise, and criticised the Leader of the Opposition's budget reply as lacking substance while defending the Premier's record.
“This is quite simply a budget of broken promises.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the budget for putting Queenslanders' health first and investing in Ipswich's growing population, including support for making multinational corporations pay their fair share.
“I rise to give my support to the 2022-23 Queensland budget.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Called it a budget of broken promises, focusing on the broken no-new-taxes promise and the Treasurer's claim that the promise was only to people not businesses.
“This year's budget is a budget of broken promises, and there is no greater broken promise than the promise of no new taxes on Queenslanders.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Acknowledged SMA heel prick testing as the one good thing, but condemned the budget as full of broken promises and disappointment, particularly attacking the three new taxes and the Treasurer's 'Trumpian approach to the truth'.
“This is a budget full of disappointment and broken promises.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Supported the budget's record-breaking investments, highlighting Queensland's national leadership in health and economic recovery.
“I rise to support the Palaszczuk government's record-breaking investments for Queenslanders in this year's budget.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the budget for investing in health, housing affordability, and mental health services, praising the largest concentrated investment in social housing in Queensland's history.
“I rise to speak in support of the budget and the Appropriation Bill.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Found the budget uninspiring overall but acknowledged good points in health infrastructure; raised concerns about regional service delivery while noting some positive local investments.
“I do not think this is much of an inspiring budget but there are some good points, particularly in relation to health infrastructure.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the budget, highlighting $107.5 million for the Cairns Water Security project, infrastructure for Far North Queensland, and good secure jobs for Queenslanders.
“I rise to make a contribution to this cognate debate, including the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2022.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Called it a typical Labor budget with new taxes including a racing tax, payroll mental health levy and coal royalty increase, criticising failures for regional Queensland.
“This is a typical Labor budget with new taxes—a racing tax, a payroll mental health levy, a coal royalty increase.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Criticised the budget as 'groundhog day' for his electorate, welcoming $20 million for Coomera Hospital early works but calling it only 1.4 per cent of the cost needed, and saying residents feel short-changed.
“Unfortunately, this budget has been groundhog day for the Theodore electorate. There are so many issues that we would love to see properly fixed.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Supported the budget, highlighting investments for Cairns and Far North Queensland.
“There are times in this chamber when I am reminded of the unfortunate American president Abraham Lincoln's comments: 'Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.'”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the budget, criticising the Leader of the Opposition for offering no solutions, and highlighting local infrastructure and services for his electorate.
“I rise to speak in support of this very strong budget that delivers greater services and a better lifestyle to all Queenslanders.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Called it the best 'recycling budget' in Queensland's history for re-announcing previous commitments, and criticised the broken taxes promise.
“Labor's greenie mates will be happy with this budget. This is the best recycling budget in the history of Queensland. By 'recycling' I mean reannouncing projects.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Argued the budget is for Brisbane not the bush, criticising the lack of a new Blackwater Hospital, rising debt and interest payments, and calling for more resources to protect the beef industry from disease threats.
“This budget has let down regional Queensland. This has been a budget for Brisbane, not the bush.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Supported the budget, highlighting health, infrastructure and jobs investments for Townsville and Thuringowa.
“Obviously the member for Mermaid Beach is losing the plot.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the budget, highlighting record health spending including 60 new beds at Redland Hospital, and praised it as delivering another surplus.
“This is a great Labor budget that delivers yet another surplus.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Criticised the budget for failing women's economic security with barely $1 million in specific projects, and attacked the budget across multiple portfolios including child protection, education, and arts.
“If we total the amount spent on specific projects for women's economic security, it barely cracks $1 million. How uninspiring for the women of Queensland.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Thanked the Premier and Treasurer for a budget that supports Mackay and regional Queensland with health, education and infrastructure investments.
“I would like to start by thanking Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Treasurer Cameron Dick and the combined cabinet team who assisted in the development of a budget that I believe supports good jobs.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the budget, critiquing the opposition's economic arguments and highlighting investments for the Logan community.
“That was an extraordinary speech where we saw the combination of somewhere between Venezuela and Sri Lanka, a plan for hyperinflation and for destruction.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Criticised the government for breaking another promise by failing to fund the Sunshine Motorway duplication and interchange upgrades at Coolum, a commitment made 14 years ago.
“Many in my community were eagerly looking forward to this week's state budget... Sadly, as a community, we are all disappointed when the government broke yet another promise.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Welcomed good news on buses for the northern Gold Coast after years of campaigning, but remained critical of the broader budget.
“Finally there is some good news—some great news in fact—for the northern Gold Coast in relation to buses.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the budget as delivering for health, roads, schools and neighbourhood centres in Maryborough.
“I rise in support of the appropriation bills for 2022-23. This is a great Labor budget that is delivering for health, roads, schools and neighbourhood centres.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Criticised the government's financial blueprint, highlighting failures for the Chatsworth electorate.
“The budget is the government's financial blueprint going forward.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the budget, highlighting record health investment including $300 million for Prince Charles Hospital expansion and the specialist cancer centre at Herston.
“I rise to speak in support of the 2022-23 appropriation bills. I am so proud to be part of the Palaszczuk Labor government that is delivering this fantastic budget for the future of our state.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the budget, highlighting investments in the Nicklin electorate.
“I rise to speak in support of the Queensland state budget 2022-23 as expressed through the Appropriation Bill 2022, Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2022 and Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2022.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Delivered his 11th budget speech expressing displeasure, criticising government members for ranting about the Newman government and attacking broken tax promises.
“It gives me no pleasure at all to rise tonight to deliver my 11th budget speech in this place.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the budget, highlighting local infrastructure and service investments for Kurwongbah.
“Far be it for me to use a motoring analogy, but I bought a ute once up in Yeppoon.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Called the budget the latest in a long line of good Labor budgets that fails the Sunshine Coast, built on broken promises.
“This budget is the latest in a long line of good Labor budgets that fails the Sunshine Coast, the latest in a long line of budgets built on a foundation of broken promises.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Enthusiastically supported the budget as outstanding, highlighting the new Bundaberg Hospital and investment in regional Queensland.
“How good is it to once again be in this House talking about an outstanding Labor budget by an outstanding Palaszczuk Labor government?”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Expressed disappointment in the budget, highlighting specific local issues and lack of enthusiasm compared to government members.
“I do not share the enthusiasm for the budget that the member for Bundaberg does—surprise, surprise!”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the budget, thanking the Treasurer and Premier, and highlighting investments for the Cook electorate and remote communities.
“I rise to speak in support of the appropriation bills 2022.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Criticised the government's priorities and budget choices, arguing taxpayers' money was not being applied effectively for Toowoomba.
“Budgets are about a government setting its priorities and making choices with taxpayers' money and I think that the priorities are wrong.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Congratulated the Treasurer on another proud Labor budget, highlighting real and positive impacts for the Pumicestone community.
“I wish to begin by congratulating the Treasurer on another proud Labor budget from our Palaszczuk Labor government.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Criticised the Treasurer's 'Robin Hood' approach, attacking broken tax promises and failures for the Gold Coast.
“'Just call me Robin Hood.' That is the way the Courier-Mail has referred to the Treasurer's efforts with this budget.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the budget, arguing that opposition speeches showed the LNP was planning more cuts by not supporting revenue measures.
“The speeches so far from the opposition show that the LNP is planning more cuts.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Called it a budget of broken promises where any remaining trust in the government had been completely smashed.
“This is a budget of broken promises. This is a budget where any semblance of trust that this government had, which was very small, has totally and utterly been smashed.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the budget, highlighting investments for the Mansfield electorate and commending the Palaszczuk Labor government.
“I am proud tonight to speak in support of the Palaszczuk Labor government's 2022-23 budget.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Contrasted government and opposition contributions, criticising the budget for failing to deliver a true reflection of what Queensland needs.
“What a contrast in what we hear from the government and the opposition members, the opposition giving a true reflection on a budget that has been delivered.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the appropriation bills, focusing on investments for the Ipswich West electorate.
“I rise to speak in support of the Appropriation Bill 2022 and the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2022.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Criticised the budget from a regional perspective, raising concerns about health, infrastructure and service delivery for the Burdekin electorate.
“I rise to speak to the appropriation bills.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Enthusiastically supported the budget, calling it 'rolled gold quality' for Caloundra and Queensland.
“I rise to speak in enthusiastic support of the 2022-23 state budget. How could I not support a budget of this rolled gold quality?”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
As shadow minister for natural resources, mines and energy, criticised the budget from a regional and resources industry perspective.
“I rise to deliver my speech on the budget. I make this contribution as the member for Condamine and the shadow minister for natural resources, mines and energy.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Praised the budget as great for Queensland, focused on good jobs, better services and the Queensland lifestyle.
“The 2022 Palaszczuk government budget is a great budget for Queensland now and setting us up into the future.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Acknowledged some local investments but criticised increased speed fines as taxing ordinary Queenslanders, and raised concerns about regional Queensland impacts.
“People in Queensland cannot afford this. All you are going to be doing is taxing once again the people who are trying to generate an income in this state and keep food on the table for their kids.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the budget, highlighting investments for Central Queensland and the Keppel electorate.
“I appreciated when the member for Bancroft travelled to Rockhampton last year to celebrate Beef Week.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
Supported the budget, highlighting the Jindalee bridge on the Centenary Motorway and investments in women and girls and the criminal justice system.
“It is budget week and I will give you one guess what I want to talk about first. Of course, it is the Jindalee bridge on the Centenary Motorway.”— 2022-06-23View Hansard
▸In Detail24 June 2022View Hansard
Questioned the small business restructure duty exemption in clause 6, arguing it was buried in the bill and excluded companies, and challenged the Treasurer's claim that the payroll tax increase would not be passed on to consumers.
“Why is this buried in the bill? It looks a lot like a wedge, to be frank. It should have gone to the committee.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Challenged the Treasurer on multiple clauses including the land tax adjustments (clause 35) and the coal royalty changes (clause 65), accusing the government of breaking its no-new-taxes promise and creating sovereign risk for the mining industry.
“This was where the Treasurer's broken promise began to veer into the absurd.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Corrected the record on the Greens' position, clarifying they supported the mental health levy funding measures but opposed payroll tax as the mechanism, preferring increased mining royalties or a big bank levy as alternative revenue sources.
“We will be supporting these measures. We have never said we will not.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard
Argued the coal royalty changes created sovereign risk for Queensland, criticising the government for changing the rules on businesses after investment decisions had been made.
“At the end of the day, this is why as a businessperson you sometimes wonder whether you want to invest in this state or not.”— 2022-06-24View Hansard