Queensland Community Safety Bill 2024
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill introduces a comprehensive package of community safety measures across policing, criminal law, firearms regulation, youth justice, domestic and family violence, and road safety. It creates new offences and increases penalties for knife crime, dangerous driving, attacks on emergency workers, and posting criminal content online, while also modernising police operations through electronic document service and signatures.
Who it affects
This bill affects a broad cross-section of Queenslanders — from people in shopping centres and pubs who may encounter police knife scanners, to firearms licence holders facing stricter eligibility rules, first-time low-range drink drivers who will receive on-the-spot fines, emergency workers gaining new legal protections, and young people in the justice system subject to expanded electronic monitoring and streamlined transfer to adult custody.
Knife crime and Jack's Law expansion
Expands police hand held scanner powers to shopping centres, licensed premises, late-night retail outlets, sporting venues, and Queensland Rail train lines. Increases penalties for carrying a knife in a public place or school.
- Police can now use hand held scanners to detect knives in shopping centres, pubs, sporting venues, and on train lines — not just Safe Night Precincts and public transport stations
- Maximum penalty for possessing a knife in public increases to 50 penalty units or 18 months imprisonment for a first offence, and 100 penalty units or 2 years for repeat offenders
- Jack's Law trial extended to 30 October 2026 for independent evaluation
Firearm Prohibition Orders
Creates a new scheme to prohibit high-risk individuals from possessing firearms. The Commissioner of Police can issue 60-day orders, while courts can issue orders lasting up to 10 years for adults and 5 years for children.
- Police can issue Firearm Prohibition Orders against high-risk individuals, banning them from possessing any firearms or firearm related items
- Warrantless searches of the person, their vehicle, and home to ensure compliance
- Breaching an order by possessing a firearm carries up to 500 penalty units or 13 years imprisonment
- Public Interest Monitor provides independent oversight of the scheme
Firearms and ammunition regulation
Tightens the requirements for holding a firearms licence and introduces mandatory licence verification before ammunition sales.
- Sellers must physically sight a buyer's licence and verify it electronically before selling ammunition
- Mandatory exclusion period for serious offenders extended from 5 to 10 years for holding a firearms licence
- New category of permanently disqualified persons including reportable sex offenders and those subject to court-issued FPOs
Online criminal content
Creates a framework for police to require social media platforms to remove content glorifying crime, and makes it an offence to post such material online.
- Police can issue removal notices to online platforms requiring takedown of content glorifying criminal conduct
- New offence of publishing material glorifying prescribed criminal offences on social media — up to 2 years imprisonment
- Aggravated penalties for existing offences when offenders advertise their crimes on social media
Dangerous driving and emergency worker protections
Increases penalties for dangerous driving causing death or grievous bodily harm, and creates specific offences targeting attacks on emergency workers and their vehicles.
- Maximum penalty for dangerous driving causing death or grievous bodily harm increases from 10 to 14 years, or 20 years with aggravating circumstances
- New offence for ramming an emergency vehicle — up to 14 years imprisonment
- New offence for driving a motor vehicle at or near a police officer to endanger their safety — up to 14 years imprisonment
- Wilful damage to an emergency vehicle now carries up to 7 years imprisonment
Low-range drink driving infringement notices
Introduces on-the-spot fines for first-time low-range drink drivers instead of requiring a court appearance, with an automatic licence disqualification.
- First-time low-range drink drivers (BAC 0.05-0.10) with an open Queensland licence can receive an infringement notice instead of going to court
- Fine set at 7.5 penalty units (approximately $8,708) with a 2-month automatic licence disqualification
- Maximum penalties for all drink driving offences increased substantially
- Drivers can elect to have the matter heard in court instead of paying the fine
Hooning spectator offence
Clarifies that simply remaining at a location to watch a hooning group activity is an offence, targeting the audience that encourages dangerous behaviour.
- Spectating a hooning group activity is now explicitly an offence — maximum penalty of 40 penalty units or 1 year imprisonment
- Spectate is defined as remaining at a place where hooning is occurring and watching the activity
- Journalists and people gathering information for police reports are excluded
Police electronic service and signatures
Modernises police operations by allowing electronic service of documents like notices to appear and DFV orders, and enabling electronic signatures on all police documents.
- Police can serve prescribed documents electronically with the person's consent, including notices to appear, Police Protection Notices, and DFV orders
- Strict safeguards: person must be 16+, understand the document, consent in presence of police officer with body-worn camera recording
- Electronic signatures enabled for all police documents, estimated to save approximately 28,861 hours of police time per year
Youth justice reforms
Expands the electronic monitoring trial for serious repeat youth offenders, clarifies that courts can detain children where necessary for community safety, and streamlines transfer of 18-year-olds to adult custody.
- Electronic monitoring trial expanded to include more offences and children who have been charged (not just convicted) with prescribed indictable offences
- Youth justice principle 18 clarified: detention can be imposed where necessary for community safety and other measures would not be sufficient
- Transfer to adult custody at 18 becomes the norm within one month, with chief executive discretion for special circumstances
- Children in watchhouses can be temporarily transferred to nearby youth detention centres for programs and exercise
Domestic and family violence improvements
Makes several practical improvements to DFV responses including enabling appellate courts to issue Temporary Protection Orders and giving police more time to prepare court material.
- Appellate courts can now make Temporary Protection Orders when remitting matters, preventing gaps in victim protection
- Police have 14 business days (up from 5) to nominate the first mention date for Police Protection Notices
- Corrective services officers can serve DFV documents on prisoners, reducing delays
Childrens Court openness
Opens Childrens Court criminal proceedings to victims, their families and representatives, and accredited media, while retaining court powers to exclude people for safety reasons.
- Victims, relatives of deceased victims, victims' representatives, and accredited media can attend Childrens Court criminal proceedings
- Court retains power to exclude people if necessary for the administration of justice or the safety of any person
- Special protections apply when the court is hearing mental health matters
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
▸Committee1 May 2024View Hansard
Referred to Community Safety and Legal Affairs Committee
The Community Safety and Legal Affairs Committee examined the Queensland Community Safety Bill 2024 over approximately three months, receiving 250 submissions and holding two public hearings. The committee recommended the bill be passed, finding that any limitations on human rights were reasonable and demonstrably justifiable. However, the committee noted significant divergent views on key provisions, particularly the amendments to the 'detention as a last resort' youth justice principle. Two Statements of Reservation were filed -- one by the Member for Noosa raising concerns about knife offence penalties for rural workers and the lack of clarity around the youth detention principle changes, and one by the LNP members who argued the bill did not go far enough on youth justice consequences and lacked adequate consultation on weapons reforms.
Key findings (5)
- The bill proposes amendments across 14 pieces of legislation covering youth justice, firearms, knife crime, online content, drink-driving, emergency worker protections, and domestic and family violence.
- Stakeholders held sharply divergent views on whether the amendments to the 'detention as a last resort' youth justice principle would substantively change court decision-making or were merely clarifying existing law.
- The committee raised concerns that the statement of compatibility should have provided a more comprehensive human rights assessment of the youth justice amendments rather than treating them as a 'clarifying provision'.
- Concerns were raised about the expansion of Jack's Law handheld scanner provisions to shopping centres, including risks of unconscious bias and impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, though the committee found the limitations reasonable given safeguards in place.
- Agricultural stakeholders including AgForce raised practical concerns about the increased knife possession penalties and the Firearm Prohibition Order scheme's impact on farmers who may unknowingly employ or house someone subject to an order.
Recommendations (1)
- The committee recommends the Queensland Community Safety Bill 2024 be passed.
Committee report tabled
▸Second Reading22 Aug 2024View Hansard
That the bill be now read a second time
Vote to advance the Queensland Community Safety Bill to Consideration in Detail. The ALP and LNP voted in favour (79 ayes), while the Greens, KAP and independent member for Mirani voted against (6 noes). The Greens opposed the bill's punitive approach to youth crime and expanded police powers, while KAP and the independent had their own objections.
The motion passed.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
Ayes (79)
▸17 members spoke15 support1 oppose1 mixed
As Minister for Police, introduced and moved the second reading of the bill. Outlined the bill's comprehensive community safety measures including youth justice reforms, firearm prohibition orders, Jack's Law expansion, knife crime penalties, online criminal content scheme, and dangerous driving reforms.
“Every Queenslander deserves to be safe and to feel safe. This bill demonstrates the Miles Labor government's commitment to supporting victims, delivering for our front line, detaining offenders, intervening early and preventing crime before it happens.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
Supported the bill as shadow minister for police but argued it does not go far enough. Tabled LNP amendments to fully remove detention as a last resort and properly reopen the Childrens Court. Criticised the government for creating the crime crisis through its 2015 law changes and accused it of fence-sitting on youth crime.
“If the government changes at the end of the year, the Making Queensland Safer Laws will be legislated. That will embed Adult Crime, Adult Time.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
As committee chair, outlined the committee's examination process and the key issues raised including youth justice principle 18, firearm prohibition orders, knife offences, and handheld scanning expansion. Reported the committee recommended the bill be passed.
“The committee is satisfied that the bill gives sufficient regard to the rights and liberties of individuals and the institution of parliament. The committee recommended the bill be passed.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
Acknowledged the bill contains important amendments but raised concerns about practical impacts on farmers from firearm prohibition orders and the lack of clarity about whether the amendments to youth justice principle 18 would substantively change court determinations. Called on the opposition to respond to the Youth Justice Reform Select Committee's 60 recommendations.
“There must be consequences for actions, as these consequences can actually provide a pathway out from the reasons for offending.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
Supported the bill as a committee member, defending the youth justice principle changes, the expansion of Jack's Law handheld scanning, and firearm prohibition orders. Highlighted the work of the Balin Stewart Foundation in addressing knife crime on the Sunshine Coast.
“Community safety has been at the heart of my working life for more than two decades prior to being elected the member for Caloundra.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
Supported the bill as a committee member but criticised the inadequate consultation process, noting the bill was rushed with only two weeks for submissions. Emphasised the commissioner's assurances that firearm prohibition orders would only target the most serious violent offenders and not law-abiding licence holders.
“We need to hold the government to their word that these FPOs will not be levelled at licensed firearm holders and only at the most serious violent offenders, people involved in organised crime and the like, because that is what they have said.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
As Attorney-General, supported the bill focusing on Criminal Code reforms to protect emergency workers, new offences for dangerous driving and social media glorification of crime, and amendments to open the Childrens Court to victims and accredited media.
“By criminalising the act of boasting about criminal activities, we are encouraging individuals to use social media responsibly and ethically.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
Supported the bill as a committee member but criticised the inadequate two-week consultation period and argued it does not go far enough on youth crime. Raised concerns about the online social media provisions and supported the LNP amendment on drive-by shootings.
“Queenslanders are sick and tired of dealing with this youth crime crisis. People are paying more for car insurance. People are having to pay their insurance excess even though they are the victims.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
As Youth Justice Minister, defended the youth justice amendments including the clarification of principle 18, expansion of electronic monitoring, and improvements for children in watch houses. Cited emerging reductions in youth offending as evidence the government's approach is working.
“As a result of this continued evidence-based investment—investment based on expert advice and the advice of stakeholders—that we have seen a turnaround in youth crime from the 2023-24 year: an 18 per cent reduction in serious repeat offenders and a 6.7 per cent drop in reported youth offences.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
Supported the bill but argued it is fundamentally insufficient, describing it as a belated acknowledgement that the government's 2015 law changes created the youth crime crisis. Criticised the bill for not truly removing detention as a last resort and not fully reopening the Childrens Court.
“Only the LNP will remove detention as a last resort. Only the LNP will reopen the Childrens Court to victims, their families and the media. Only the LNP will reinstate consequences for action with Adult Crime, Adult Time.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
Strongly supported the bill, particularly the amendment to youth justice principle 18 to prioritise community safety. Argued that sentencing should meet community expectations and that there must be consequences for actions by offenders.
“I want to get on with the main element of this bill—and it is one that I fully support. Clause 132 of the bill inserts a new principle 18 in the Youth Justice Act.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
Opposed the bill, arguing it prioritises reactive punishment over prevention. Criticised the expansion of electronic monitoring for children, the opening of the Childrens Court to media, the expansion of handheld scanning powers, increased penalties, and the recording of phone calls from youth detention. Argued community safety requires investment in public health, housing and early intervention, not expanded policing and surveillance.
“A genuine community safety bill would be about prevention, not reaction. It would champion substantive investment: in public health, wellbeing and disability support services; in education and housing; in culturally appropriate support programs, intensive case supports and early intervention.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
Supported the bill, focusing on the expansion of Jack's Law to shopping centres to address community safety concerns at places like the Strathpine Centre. Also supported the provision to enable corrective services officers to serve DFV documents to prisoners.
“I am all for provisions that can make shared community spaces like shopping centres safe spaces for all of us.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
Supported the bill in principle but strongly criticised the government's youth crime record and the inadequate two-week consultation period. Argued the bill fails to achieve its goals as it does not truly remove detention as a last resort. Supported the LNP amendments on firearm theft penalties.
“I support any legislation which protects victims, reduces the number of victims, and provides consequences for actions for perpetrators of crime. This bill fails to achieve those goals.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
Supported the bill, highlighting the new standalone offence for ramming emergency vehicles and the expansion of Jack's Law. Cited declining youth crime statistics in Townsville as evidence the government's community safety plan is working.
“Put simply, this is disgusting and unacceptable behaviour. This bill will make ramming emergency vehicles a standalone offence, with a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
Supported the bill but raised significant concerns about the Weapons Act amendments and the inadequate consultation period. Acknowledged the minister's amendments addressed primary concerns of law-abiding firearm owners. Supported the LNP amendment to increase penalties for firearm theft.
“In closing, I had a number of constituents tell me that if I do not vote against this bill they will not vote for me. I wish it was that simple. This is a large bill. There is a lot of good elements to it.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
Supported the bill, particularly the provision enabling corrective services officers to serve DFV documents to prisoners, which she had long advocated for. Explained how this would reduce the burden on her local police station which services the Wacol prison precinct.
“Servicing the entire Wacol prison precinct for my Mount Ommaney Police Station is actually a considerable amount of their work. It is a considerable burden on my local police station, which is why I am so delighted and so grateful to see this pilot.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard
▸In Detail22 Aug 2024View Hansard
Government amendments Nos 1-48 to the Queensland Community Safety Bill: included clarification of ammunition verification processes for regional sellers with internet outages, clarification that non-recorded convictions are not captured by the mandatory exclusionary period for weapons licensing, insertion of a Childrens Court trigger in the Family Responsibilities Commission Act, validation of Maritime Safety Queensland general manager appointments, body worn cameras for civilian watch house officers, expansion of state building definitions to include local government buildings, clarification of police powers for firearm prohibition order service, clarification of parent-child disciplinary matters under DFV framework, exemption for journalists from online criminal content scheme, and various technical corrections.
Opposition amendments to the Queensland Community Safety Bill seeking to fully open the Childrens Court to media (as it was prior to 2016), remove detention as a last resort from the Youth Justice Act (rather than rewording it), and insert a transitional provision. Amendment No. 10 (removing detention as a last resort) and consequential amendment No. 12 were ruled out of order under the same question rule, as a substantially similar amendment had been negatived earlier in the same session.
▸Third Reading22 Aug 2024View Hansard
That the bill, as amended, be now read a third time
Final passage vote on the Queensland Community Safety Bill after government amendments were agreed to in Consideration in Detail. The same voting pattern as the second reading prevailed, with 79 ayes (ALP and LNP) and 6 noes (Greens, KAP and independent).
The motion passed.