Building Queensland Bill 2015

Overview

This bill creates Building Queensland, an independent statutory body that provides expert advice to the Queensland Government on major infrastructure projects. It is modelled on the Commonwealth's Infrastructure Australia and was a 2015 election commitment. The body will assess business cases, publish cost-benefit analysis summaries, and maintain a priority pipeline of infrastructure proposals.

Who it affects

Queensland taxpayers gain more transparent scrutiny of major infrastructure spending, while government agencies and industries involved in planning, financing and delivering infrastructure must work within Building Queensland's assessment framework.

Key changes

• Creates Building Queensland as an independent statutory body with a board and CEO
• Requires Building Queensland to lead business cases for infrastructure projects over $100 million and assist with projects between $50-$100 million
• Requires publication of cost-benefit analysis summaries on Building Queensland's website for transparency
• Mandates a six-monthly infrastructure priority pipeline document to inform the State Infrastructure Plan
• Makes acting dishonestly or misusing confidential information offences carrying penalties of up to 200 penalty units