Parliament of Queensland and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2015

Overview

This bill restores the Speaker's authority over running the Parliamentary Service, cancels a 2.58% pay rise for MPs, and links future MP pay to public service pay outcomes. It also reshapes the Committee of the Legislative Assembly, adding a cross bench member and giving the Speaker full voting rights.

Who it affects

MPs lose an already-granted pay rise and must repay any overpayments, while the Speaker gains substantial authority over how Parliament is run. Cross bench MPs get guaranteed representation on a key parliamentary committee.

Key changes

• Speaker takes back control of the Parliamentary Service, its budget, and the parliamentary precinct from the Committee of the Legislative Assembly
• MPs' 2.58% pay rise from April 2015 is cancelled retrospectively and the Clerk can recover overpayments from fortnightly salaries
• Future MP pay rises are capped at no more than the percentage increase granted to public servants, with the Tribunal required to decide within 90 days
• A cross bench MP is added to the Committee of the Legislative Assembly, raising its quorum from 4 to 5 members
• The Speaker gains a deliberative and casting vote on all Committee of the Legislative Assembly matters and takes over calling meetings and setting agendas