Queensland Building and Construction Commission and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
Referred to State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee
6 members · Chair: Jim McDonald
Labor supports the digitisation reforms but has concerns about removing the dual notification requirement for serious workplace incidents, a safeguard introduced after Jason Garrels' death.
“The Queensland Labor opposition has concerns about the removal of the dual notification requirement for serious incidents.”— 2025-11-20View Hansard
As Housing Minister, moved second reading of the Building Reg Reno tranche 3 reforms to digitise QBCC services and streamline safety incident reporting between OIR and QBCC.
“This bill is all about making it easier and safer to build in Queensland.”— 2025-11-19View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of the Building Reg Reno reforms to modernise the regulatory framework and streamline workplace safety notifications.
“This bill represents a significant step forward for Queensland's building and construction industry.”— 2025-11-20View Hansard
As a licensed electrician, supports the digital licensing reforms but has concerns about changes to safety notification requirements.
“I do support modernising the licensing system for tradies... I am all for cutting red tape—except when we could be risking lives.”— 2025-11-20View Hansard
Supported the bill for reducing red tape and addressing Labor's housing crisis through modern digital reforms.
“The bill will modernise Queensland's building and construction sector, making it more productive, user friendly and efficient.”— 2025-11-20View Hansard
▸1 clause vote (all passed)
Vote on clause 26
Contested vote on clause 26 which removes dual notification requirement for workplace safety incidents - passed 49-29 with LNP support, ALP opposition
The clause was kept in the bill.
A vote on whether a specific clause should remain in the bill as written.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
Ayes (49)
Noes (29)
As Housing Minister, moved the bill and defended clause 26 on safety notifications, arguing it increases penalties for non-compliance while reducing duplication.
“We are putting in stronger penalties for noncompliance. We are on the side of the workers.”— 2025-11-20View Hansard
Assent date: 24 November 2025
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill modernises the Queensland Building and Construction Commission by removing the requirement for physical licence cards and enabling digital alternatives. It also streamlines workplace safety reporting so that building industry licensees only need to notify one regulator of safety incidents, rather than reporting the same incident to both the QBCC and workplace safety regulators.
Who it affects
Building and construction industry licensees benefit from digital licences and simpler safety reporting. Consumers can verify licences digitally, with no change to safety protections.
Key changes
- QBCC licences can now be accessed via the Queensland Digital Licence app instead of physical cards
- Documents can be served electronically by email, with licensees required to keep contact details up to date
- Duplicate safety incident reporting eliminated - licensees report to workplace safety regulators only, with information shared to QBCC
- Penalty for failing to notify of serious safety matters increased from 80 to 100 penalty units to align with other safety notification offences
- Investigators cannot seize mobile phones solely to inspect a digital licence