Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026
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Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill moves the disciplinary system for Queensland lawyers from QCAT to the Supreme Court. It implements the findings of a statutory review that recommended the Supreme Court as a more appropriate venue for hearing serious misconduct cases against legal practitioners, while keeping the process accessible and less formal than typical court proceedings.
Who it affects
Legal practitioners facing disciplinary action, people who have lodged complaints about lawyers, and anyone appealing decisions about practising certificates or fidelity fund claims.
Key changes
- Lawyer disciplinary hearings move from QCAT to the Supreme Court, heard by a single judge assisted by two panel members (one legal professional, one community member)
- Decisions by the Queensland Law Society and Bar Association about practising certificates can now be appealed to the Supreme Court instead of reviewed by QCAT
- Lawyers will not be ordered to pay costs for disciplinary charges they successfully defend
- Legal professional panel members will now be paid for sitting on disciplinary hearings, matching lay panel members
- Cases already being heard by QCAT will continue there, while cases not yet started will transfer to the Supreme Court
Bill Journey
Introduced12 May 2026
First Reading
Committee