Arts (Statutory Bodies) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

Overview

This bill strengthens First Nations recognition and governance across Queensland's five major cultural institutions — the State Library, Art Gallery, Museum, Performing Arts Trust and Theatre Company. It mandates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander board representation, creates dedicated First Nations Committees, and modernises board governance with criminal history checks and accountability measures. It also introduces anti-ticket scalping rules for QPAC events.

Who it affects

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples gain guaranteed governance roles across all five arts bodies. Board members face new disclosure and integrity requirements. QPAC ticket buyers are protected from scalpers.

Key changes

• Each of the five Arts Statutory Body boards must include at least two Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander members
• A First Nations Committee is established at each body to provide cultural leadership and governance advice, with membership exclusively for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Strategic plans must outline key actions and initiatives relating to Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Board members must disclose criminal history and can be disqualified for indictable offences or insolvency, with penalties of up to 100 penalty units for non-disclosure
• Ticket scalping at QPAC is restricted — resale above 10% of the original ticket price attracts a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units
• The Minister can issue Statements of Expectations to guide each board's performance, which must be reported in annual reports