Queensland Productivity Commission Bill 2015
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill establishes the Queensland Productivity Commission as an independent body that advises the Treasurer on productivity, economic development and industry. It holds public inquiries when directed, investigates competitive neutrality complaints about government-run businesses, and takes over these functions from the Queensland Competition Authority.
Who it affects
Private businesses competing with government agencies gain a formal complaints process; QCA staff and records transfer across to the new Commission. For ordinary Queenslanders the change is mostly behind-the-scenes, though inquiry reports will be published online.
Key changes
- Creates the Queensland Productivity Commission as an independent statutory body with up to three commissioners, each serving up to three years
- The Treasurer can direct the Commission to hold public inquiries on productivity, economic development or industry, with public consultation and published reports
- Private businesses can complain if a government agency's business gets unfair advantages by skipping taxes, debt guarantee fees or normal regulation
- Transfers competitive neutrality and regulatory review functions, along with related staff and records, from the Queensland Competition Authority to the new Commission
- The Commission is advisory only - it has no power to make or enforce decisions, and cannot be directed on the content of its advice
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
▸Committee15 Sept 2015View Hansard
Referred to Finance and Administration Committee
The Finance and Administration Committee examined the bill and recommended it be passed. The committee found that stakeholders were generally supportive of establishing the Queensland Productivity Commission as an independent economic advisory body. Key issues examined included the time allowed for ministerial responses to Commission reports, the handling of competitive neutrality complaints, and enforcement of Commission recommendations. The committee also identified minor drafting errors and noted that the explanatory notes lacked sufficient detail.
Key findings (5)
- Stakeholders were generally supportive of establishing the Queensland Productivity Commission
- The most significant concern was the six-month timeframe allowed for the Minister to respond to Commission reports, though the committee accepted this was a maximum
- Stakeholders raised concerns about whether industry associations could make competitive neutrality complaints and the enforcement of Commission recommendations
- The committee found that the explanatory notes provided minimal detail and would benefit from additional background information
- The committee identified minor referencing errors in the bill's drafting
Recommendations (1)
- The committee recommends that the Queensland Productivity Commission Bill 2015 be passed.
Committee report tabled
▸Second Reading12 Nov 2015View Hansard
Vote on a motion
Procedural vote associated with the consideration of the Queensland Productivity Commission Bill during the consideration in detail stage.
The motion was rejected.
A formal vote on whether to accept a proposal — this could be the bill itself, an amendment, or another motion.
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Ayes (42)
Noes (46)
▸10 members spoke8 support2 mixed
Introduced the bill as an election commitment to establish an independent statutory body focused on productivity. Defended the government model against opposition amendments, arguing the Treasurer should retain referral responsibility.
“The establishment of the Queensland Productivity Commission is a key economic reform. The government expects the commission's work to be of material benefit to the Queensland economy and to the living standards of Queenslanders.”— 2015-11-12View Hansard
Did not oppose the bill but raised concerns about government fondness for bureaucracy, lack of transparency in the six-month ministerial response period, and moved amendments to allow the Legislative Assembly to direct QPC inquiries.
“We will not be opposing this bill; we simply want to highlight our concerns about this government's fondness for creating bureaucracies and putting everything to review.”— 2015-11-12View Hansard
Spoke as committee chair, noting the unanimous recommendation to pass the bill. Defended the six-month response period and addressed stakeholder concerns about funding transparency.
“I think we all agreed that it was important to establish an independent economic advisory body, and we very quickly came to agreement on most of the elements of the Productivity Commission.”— 2015-11-12View Hansard
Spoke as deputy chair of the committee supporting the bill. Raised concerns about competitive neutrality enforcement, citing the Sunshine Coast Regional Council waste management case where QCA recommendations were ignored.
“Is this a toothless tiger? Is the Productivity Commission just a name and is it able to do anything about things that might come forward?”— 2015-11-12View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of forging a strong, diversified economy. Emphasised the commission's broader scope in considering living standards, employment and real wages alongside traditional productivity measures.
“The Queensland Productivity Commission will help us make sure that we have productivity growth and that it is benefiting the working Queenslanders who create it.”— 2015-11-12View Hansard
Did not oppose the bill but expressed concerns it was creating another bureaucracy rather than adding functions to the existing QCA. Supported the opposition amendment to allow the Legislative Assembly to direct QPC inquiries.
“I do have concerns that this is effectively just creating another government bureaucracy.”— 2015-11-12View Hansard
Supported the bill as fulfilling an election promise to establish an independent body for evidence-based economic advice, contrasting it with the former LNP government's approach.
“This legislation will ensure that an expert independent body is established to review complex economic and regulatory issues and propose evidence based policy reforms to government, and a key point here is independent.”— 2015-11-12View Hansard
Spoke as committee member, noting the committee recommended the bill be passed. Detailed stakeholder concerns about funding, duplication with federal Productivity Commission, and competitive neutrality enforcement.
“As I stated at the beginning of my address, the purpose of this bill is to lift productivity and drive economic growth. In that regard, this Labor government needs all the help and advice that it can get.”— 2015-11-12View Hansard
Briefly supported the bill as another election promise fulfilled, noting the interim commission was already investigating electricity pricing and solar feed-in prices.
“I am proud to say that this bill is the fulfilment of another of our election promises. It reflects this government's commitment to excellence in policymaking and its commitment to both public consultation and expert advice.”— 2015-11-12View Hansard
Supported the establishment of the commission but warned it must be truly independent, properly resourced, and not become another excuse for inaction. Raised concerns about the six-month government response period.
“A lot of faith is being invested in this commission—a lot is riding on this commission.”— 2015-11-12View Hansard
▸In Detail12 Nov 2015View Hansard
Suite of 10 amendments to allow the Legislative Assembly, by resolution, to direct the Queensland Productivity Commission to undertake an inquiry on productivity, economic development or industry matters, alongside the existing ministerial direction power.
That the amendments be agreed to
Vote on LNP amendments moved by Mr Langbroek to allow the Legislative Assembly, by resolution, to direct the Queensland Productivity Commission to undertake inquiries, rather than only the Treasurer having that power.
The motion was defeated.
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Ayes (42)
Noes (44)
Three minor technical amendments to correct cross-references: clause 52 reference changed from 'section 6' to 'section 7', schedule 1 reference from 'section 3' to 'section 2', and schedule 2 reference from 'Schedule 4' to 'Schedule 8'.
Referenced Entities
Legislation
Organisations
Sectors Affected
Classified using AGIFT/ANZSIC Australian government standards