Night-Life Economy Commissioner Bill 2024
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill establishes a Night-Life Economy Commissioner to support and advocate for Queensland's night-life sector, including live music venues, bars, clubs, and entertainment businesses. Created in response to economic challenges facing the sector, the Commissioner will work with industry and government to promote the growth, sustainability, and vibrancy of businesses that operate at night.
Who it affects
Night-life businesses such as live music venues, bars, clubs, and late-night entertainment operators gain a dedicated statutory advocate. Hospitality workers and patrons may benefit from a stronger, more vibrant night-life sector.
Key changes
- Creates a statutory Night-Life Economy Commissioner, appointed for up to 3 years (reappointable once), independent of the public service
- Commissioner will advocate for night-life businesses to state, federal, and local governments
- Provides a central point of contact, advice, and referral service for businesses operating between 6pm and 6am
- Commissioner can conduct inquiries into issues affecting the sector when directed by the Minister
- Requires annual reports to Parliament and a mandatory review of the Act after three years
- Confidentiality protections for personal information obtained in the role, with a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units for breaches
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
▸Introduced20 Aug 2024View Hansard
Vote on a motion
Vote on the government's urgency motion to declare the Queensland Food Farmers' Commissioner Bill, Cross-Border Commissioner Bill and Night-Life Economy Commissioner Bill as urgent, bypass committee referral, and limit total cognate debate time to 40 minutes. The LNP opposed on grounds of inadequate scrutiny time, not opposition to the bills themselves.
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.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
Ayes (48)
Noes (38)
▸Committee20 Aug 2024View Hansard
Referred to Education, Employment, Training and Skills Committee
▸Second Reading21 Aug 2024View Hansard
Stated the LNP would not oppose the bill but criticised it as a rushed political fix with no consultation or industry engagement, arguing the night-time economy needs genuine support rather than pre-election stunts.
“This bill, though, does not feel like a genuine attempt to implement the solutions for the night-time economy. It has been rushed through very shortly before a state election with no consultation—and they are not my words; that is what the explanatory notes say—and no engagement with industry.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard
Supported the Night-Life Economy Commissioner as recognising the distinct needs of night-life businesses, highlighting local economic benefits from events like Wynnum Fringe.
“We have a real plan to keep our night-life vibrant, grow night-time activation in communities, attract more visitors, create more jobs and drive local economic outcomes.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard