Education, Employment and Training Committee

Portfolio Committee

View on parliament.qld.gov.au

Bills Reviewed (9)

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 40, 57th Parliament-Information Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, government response2023-11-28

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 40, 57th Parliament-Information Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20232023-11-24

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Training Committee examined the Information Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 and recommended it be passed. The committee made three recommendations, including a unanimous call to limit time extensions for data breach assessments to what is reasonably required. The committee also raised concerns about the impact of excluding letters patent entities on First Nations peoples' rights to access personal and family data, prompting the government to remove that exclusion entirely during consideration in detail.

Key findings
  • The bill aligns Queensland's definition of 'personal information' with the Commonwealth Privacy Act and introduces a single set of Queensland Privacy Principles.
  • The mandatory data breach notification scheme would have substantial resourcing impacts on the Office of the Information Commissioner, local councils, and universities.
  • The Local Government Association of Queensland raised concerns that most councils lack the budget and workforce to implement mandatory data breach notification requirements.
  • The Queensland Human Rights Commission identified that excluding letters patent entities from the Information Privacy Act and Right to Information Act would limit cultural rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples under the Human Rights Act 2019.
  • The government agreed to remove the proposed letters patent exclusion to allow further consideration and avoid unintended consequences for First Nations peoples' access to personal and family data.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Information Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 be passed.
  • The committee unanimously recommends that the proposed new section 49 in clause 33 be amended to require that any extension of time must be only for an amount of time reasonably required for the assessment to be conducted.
  • The committee recommends that the Attorney-General clarify whether the proposed amendment to definitions in the IP Act and RTI Act would impact on the rights and entitlements of First Nations peoples and other Queenslanders in respect of their ability to access personal and family data held by letters patent entities, and on truth-telling and treaty processes; and whether there are alternative, less restrictive and reasonably available ways to achieve the same purpose.
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Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 31, 57th Parliament-Corrective Services (Emerging Technologies and Security) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022, government response2023-05-05

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 31, 57th Parliament-Corrective Services (Emerging Technologies and Security) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20222023-02-10

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Training Committee examined the bill and recommended it be passed, while seeking clarification from the Minister on three matters: the appropriateness of the emergency declaration threshold, whether electronic surveillance footage could be used for staff disciplinary proceedings, and information sharing processes with foreign corrective agencies. The Queensland Government noted all four recommendations and provided detailed responses confirming the safeguards built into the bill.

Key findings
  • The committee found the bill addressed legislative gaps exposed by recent emergencies including bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic in corrective services facilities and youth detention centres.
  • Submitters raised concerns that emergency powers could be used to isolate prisoners in ways that breach human rights, particularly through prolonged solitary confinement.
  • The committee examined the introduction of body scanning technology as a less invasive alternative to strip searches for detecting contraband.
  • Concerns were raised about information sharing with foreign corrective agencies, particularly the risk of disclosing sensitive personal information to countries that criminalise homosexuality or certain religions.
  • The Government confirmed that surveillance footage would not be used for performance management, though recordings could be accessed retrospectively following allegations of corruption or misconduct.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Bill be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services confirm that the threshold for making an emergency declaration under proposed s 271B(1) of the Corrective Services Act 2006 is appropriate.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services clarify whether the Bill would permit recorded electronic surveillance, authorised for another purpose, to be used for performance management or in disciplinary proceedings involving staff.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services clarify the information sharing processes with foreign corrective agencies.
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Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 28, 57th Parliament-Betting Tax and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022, government response2022-11-09

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 28, 57th Parliament-Betting Tax and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20222022-11-04

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Training Committee examined the bill over three weeks under an urgent referral, receiving nine written submissions, holding a public departmental briefing, and conducting a public hearing on 24 October 2022. The committee unanimously recommended the bill be passed, finding that it would provide a more sustainable funding model for Queensland's racing industry. The committee also recommended two amendments: one to ensure free bets made as totaliser bets are taxed consistently, and another seeking clarity on the definition of 'country thoroughbred race meetings'. The Queensland Government supported all three recommendations.

Key findings
  • The proposed changes to the betting tax were expected to generate approximately $80 million in additional revenue each year, with $50 million from the new racing levy and $30 million from incorporating free bets into the tax calculation.
  • A majority of stakeholders, including Racing Queensland, Tabcorp, and several racing clubs, supported the bill as providing more certain and stable long-term funding for the racing industry.
  • Some betting operators raised concerns that Queensland's effective betting tax rate of 20 per cent would be the joint highest in Australia and could lead to deprioritisation of Queensland events on wagering platforms.
  • The committee identified that free bets made as totaliser bets were inadvertently excluded from the betting tax calculation, creating an inconsistency that needed to be corrected by amendment.
  • The committee found that the administrative changes to the payroll tax framework for the mental health levy were reasonable and proportionate, and that limitations on human rights were justified.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Betting Tax and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 be passed.
  • The committee recommends the bill be amended to omit sections 25(3) and 26(2)(a) from the Betting Tax Act 2018 to ensure that free bets made as totaliser bets are incorporated into the calculation of the betting tax.
  • The committee recommends the Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment clarify how 'country thoroughbred race meetings' will be defined for the purposes of the Racing Act 2002 and the Racing Regulation 2013, and who will be responsible for defining this term.
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Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 22, 57th Parliament-Industrial Relations and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022, government response2022-10-26

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 22, 57th Parliament-Industrial Relations and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20222022-08-12

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Training Committee examined the Industrial Relations and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 and recommended it be passed. The bill implements 31 of 40 recommendations from the Five-year Review of Queensland's Industrial Relations Act 2016. The committee was broadly supportive, finding the bill would help achieve a fair and balanced industrial relations framework. The committee also recommended the Minister investigate fee-charging agents providing representation in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.

Key findings
  • The bill implements 31 of the 40 recommendations from the Five-year Review of Queensland's Industrial Relations Act 2016 Final Report
  • The committee was broadly supportive and found the bill would help achieve the primary objectives of the Industrial Relations Act, supporting high quality services, economic prosperity and social justice
  • The bill strengthens protections against workplace sexual, sex and gender-based harassment, consistent with the Respect@Work Report recommendations
  • Changes to the registered employee and employer organisations framework raised fundamental legislative principle concerns, as they limit the entities available to represent a person's industrial interests
  • The committee identified concerns about agents charging fees for representation in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Industrial Relations and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing investigate options for addressing the issue of agents who charge a fee to provide representation in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (and the Industrial Court).
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Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 21, 57th Parliament-Trading (Allowable Hours) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20222022-07-22

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Training Committee examined the bill over two months, receiving 14 submissions and holding public briefings and hearings with key retail industry stakeholders, unions and government officials. The committee unanimously recommended the bill be passed, noting it implements all 9 recommendations from the committee's own earlier inquiry into the operation of the Trading (Allowable Hours) Act 1990. The bill simplifies trading area categories from five to four, strengthens worker protections against being coerced to work extended hours, clarifies special event declaration processes, and extends moratoriums on trading area changes. LNP Opposition members and the Member for Hinchinbrook filed statements of reservation expressing concerns about impacts on small businesses in regional and remote areas.

Key findings
  • The bill implements all 9 recommendations from the committee's earlier inquiry into the Trading (Allowable Hours) Act 1990, with the government accepting all recommendations
  • Stakeholders held divergent views on trading hours, with employer groups seeking more flexibility and deregulation while unions and small business representatives favoured protections and stability
  • The committee found the moratoriums and 2017 amendments had provided consistent and stable trading arrangements for the retail sector, and the bill builds on that framework
  • Worker protection provisions were broadly supported, with the SDA reporting that casual and part-time employees continued to face pressure from employers to work extended hours
  • The committee found the bill compatible with human rights and fundamental legislative principles, noting the new offence penalties for coercing employees were proportionate and consistent with existing provisions
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Trading (Allowable Hours) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 be passed.
Dissenting views: LNP Opposition members (James Lister MP and Mark Boothman MP) generally supported the bill but expressed concern about the potential impact of expanded trading hours on small and family-run businesses in regional and remote areas, where large supermarket chains' economies of scale could threaten smaller competitors. They called on the government to provide adaptation assistance, particularly for digital economy transition. Nick Dametto MP (Katter's Australian Party) filed a separate statement of reservation arguing that the two moratoriums should be extended for five years (to August 2027) rather than 12 months, citing the eroded protections for small businesses due to COVID-19 and rising cost of living pressures.
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Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 2022Recommended passagePASSED

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 18, 57th Parliament-Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 2022, government response2022-07-08

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 18, 57th Parliament-Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 20222022-04-08

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Training Committee examined the Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 2022 and recommended it be passed. The committee made four additional recommendations requesting the Minister clarify key definitions and provisions in the second reading speech, including the scope of 'racing decision', the meaning of 'extent' in penalty appeals, timeframes for publication of stewards' reports, and eligibility for appointment to the new Racing Appeals Panel. The government accepted all five recommendations.

Key findings
  • Industry stakeholders raised concerns about the perceived lack of independence in QRIC's internal review process, QCAT's limited racing expertise, and average review times exceeding 200 days.
  • The Australian Jockeys Association argued that appeals from the Racing Appeals Panel to QCAT should not be limited to questions of law on disqualification actions, noting other jurisdictions allow appeals on penalty and severity.
  • The Queensland Law Society questioned whether the estimated $607,000 annual budget for the new Racing Appeals Panel was adequate and emphasised that QCAT itself needed proper funding to address systemic delays.
  • The Crime and Public Integrity Policy Group raised concerns that the Panel's decision register would contain only brief descriptions, which it considered insufficient for transparency and accountability.
  • The committee sought clarification on several ambiguous provisions, including the definition of 'racing decision', the meaning of 'extent' in the appeals provision, and eligibility criteria for Panel members.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 2022 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister in her second reading speech clarify whether a 'racing decision', as defined in clause 24 (proposed section 252AA) of the Bill, includes a decision made by a steward under the rules of racing, irrespective of whether the rules expressly refer to a 'steward' as the decision-maker.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister in her second reading speech clarify the intended meaning of 'extent' in clause 24 (proposed section 252AU(2)) of the Bill.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister in her second reading speech clarify the timeframes intended to apply to the publication of stewards' reports.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister in her second reading speech clarify the eligibility for appointment to the Panel for employees of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, persons registered or licensed by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, and board directors of licensed clubs under proposed s 252BD Eligibility for appointment in clause 24 of the Bill.
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Small Business Commissioner Bill 2021Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 14, 57th Parliament-Small Business Commissioner Bill 20212021-11-26

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Training Committee examined the Small Business Commissioner Bill 2021 over six weeks, receiving 13 submissions and holding a public hearing. The committee recommended the bill be passed, noting broad stakeholder support for permanently establishing a Queensland Small Business Commissioner. Key concerns raised included the lack of a statutory definition for 'small business', the scope of the commissioner's mediation and advocacy functions, and the independence of the role from ministerial direction. LNP members filed a statement of reservation arguing the commissioner needed stronger investigative powers and greater independence from government.

Key findings
  • All submitters supported the objective of permanently establishing a Queensland Small Business Commissioner, building on the temporary role created during COVID-19.
  • Stakeholders raised concerns that the bill did not define 'small business', creating uncertainty about who could access the commissioner's services.
  • Several submitters, including the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, argued the commissioner should handle a broader range of disputes beyond lease and franchise matters.
  • The Queensland Law Society and others questioned whether the commissioner could be truly independent given the ministerial direction power in clause 17.
  • The committee found the bill's confidentiality provisions and human rights compatibility to be adequate, with mediation-related offence penalties considered proportionate.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Small Business Commissioner Bill 2021 be passed.
Dissenting views: LNP members James Lister (Southern Downs) and Mark Boothman (Theodore) filed a statement of reservation arguing the bill failed to give the commissioner sufficient powers to initiate inquiries, compel government cooperation in investigations, or act independently from the executive. They called for the commissioner to report to Parliament rather than the Minister, and noted that the commissioner did not appear before the committee at the public hearing despite being present, which they said reinforced concerns about a lack of independence.
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Queensland University of Technology Amendment Bill 2021Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 11, 57th Parliament-Queensland University of Technology Amendment Bill 2021, government response2021-11-16

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 11, 57th Parliament-Queensland University of Technology Amendment Bill 20212021-10-15

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Training Committee examined the Queensland University of Technology Amendment Bill 2021, which proposed reducing the QUT Council from 22 to 15 members and restructuring its composition. The committee recommended the bill be passed with amendment, specifically requesting clarification that staff members removed from the council under transitional provisions would remain eligible to fill casual vacancies. The government accepted both recommendations and committed to moving the amendment during consideration in detail.

Key findings
  • The bill proposed reducing the QUT Council from 22 members to 15 and changing the balance between appointed, elected, and official members.
  • The committee raised concerns about the Minister's proposed power to remove existing appointed members from office without compensation, noting implications for administrative power and individual rights.
  • The committee examined fundamental legislative principles and flagged that the removal power should be sufficiently defined and subject to appropriate review.
  • The government accepted the committee's recommendation to amend the bill to protect the eligibility of displaced staff members for casual vacancies on the council.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Queensland University of Technology Amendment Bill 2021 be passed with amendment.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister amends the Bill to clarify that an elected academic staff member or an elected professional staff member of the QUT Council who ceases to be a member under new sections 77 and 78 of the Bill continues to be eligible to fill a casual vacancy under section 20A of the Queensland University of Technology Act 1998, during the current QUT Council term.
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Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 3, 57th Parliament-Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20202021-02-12

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Training Committee examined the bill over approximately three months, receiving 16 submissions and holding a public hearing with key stakeholders including unions, the Queensland Law Society, and government officials. The committee recommended the bill be passed, with six additional recommendations addressing the scope of occupations covered, the inclusion of other psychological injuries, diagnostic criteria, and legislative drafting improvements. No dissenting views were filed.

Key findings
  • Most submitters supported the introduction of presumptive legislation for first responders diagnosed with PTSD, welcoming recognition of the mental health impacts of trauma exposure.
  • The Queensland Law Society raised significant reservations about the breadth of workers covered, the reversal of the onus of proof, and the potential impact on WorkCover scheme viability.
  • Several unions and stakeholders argued the bill should be expanded to cover additional occupations including coal mine workers, local government workers, and disability services workers.
  • Submitters including the United Firefighters' Union and the Queensland Council of Unions were concerned that prescribing covered occupations by regulation rather than in the Act could allow the scope to be narrowed without parliamentary scrutiny.
  • The Department of Education advised that the presumptive legislation was unlikely to negatively affect the financial viability of the WorkCover scheme, as claims in scope were already compensable under existing provisions.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 be passed.
  • The committee recommends the bill be amended to provide the presumption of injury for PTSD to coal mine workers performing statutory roles, employees required to attend and secure sites for first responders or recover human remains, and local government employees with duties corresponding to first responder roles.
  • The committee recommends that the planned 12-month review consider additional occupations highlighted by submitters for inclusion in presumptive legislation, and that the Minister table a report on the outcome of the review.
  • The committee recommends that the planned 12-month review consider the inclusion of other psychological injuries beyond PTSD.
  • The committee recommends that the planned 12-month review consider the appropriateness of the use of the DSM-5 for diagnosis of PTSD.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister consider including examples for the terms 'extreme' and 'repeated' in proposed new section 36EC(1)(b).
  • The committee recommends that the bill be amended to insert the schedules of 'first responders' and 'eligible employees' into the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 so that future amendments are considered by the Legislative Assembly.
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Other Reports (38)

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 42, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 11 October and 14 November 2023

Subordinate Legislation2024-02-07

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 41, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 23 August and 10 October 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-11-24

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 39, 57th Parliament-Annual Report 2022-23

Other2023-10-19

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 38, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 9 June and 22 August 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-10-19

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 37, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 29 March and 8 June 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-08-30

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 36, 57th Parliament-Inquiry into the Cairns TAFE Upgrade Project

Inquiry2023-08-30

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 35, 57th Parliament-2023-24 Budget Estimates-Volume of Additional Information

Other2023-08-18

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 35, 57th Parliament-2023-24 Budget Estimates

Other2023-08-18

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 34, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 22 February 2023 and 28 March 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-06-05

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 33, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 30 November 2022 and 21 February 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-04-04

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 32, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 11 November and 29 November 2022

Subordinate Legislation2023-02-28

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 30, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 13 October and 10 November 2022

Subordinate Legislation2023-01-27

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 29, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 17 August 2022 and 12 October 2022

Subordinate Legislation2022-11-08

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 27, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 22 June 2022 and 16 August 2022

Subordinate Legislation2022-10-18

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 26, 57th Parliament-Mount Gravatt TAFE Upgrade Project

Other2022-10-18

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 25, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled on 21 June 2022

Subordinate Legislation2022-09-06

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 24, 57th Parliament-Annual Report 2021-22

Other2022-09-06

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 23, 57th Parliament-2022-23 Budget Estimates-Volume of Additional Information

Other2022-08-12

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 23, 57th Parliament-2022-23 Budget Estimates

Other2022-08-12

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 20, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 30 March 2022 and 21 June 2022

Subordinate Legislation2022-07-25

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 19, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 1 December 2021 and 29 March 2022

Subordinate Legislation2022-05-05

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 15, 57th Parliament-Inquiry into the operation of the Trading (Allowable Hours) Act 1990, government response

Inquiry2022-04-14

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 17, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 13 October 2021 and 30 November 2021

Subordinate Legislation2022-03-01

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 16, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 1 September 2021 and 12 October 2021

Subordinate Legislation2022-02-18

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 15, 57th Parliament-Inquiry into the operation of the Trading (Allowable Hours) Act 1990

Inquiry2022-01-31

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 13, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 10 August 2021 and 31 August 2021

Subordinate Legislation2021-11-03

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 12, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 18 June 2021 and 9 August 2021

Subordinate Legislation2021-11-03

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 10, 57th Parliament-Annual Report 2020-21

Other2021-09-22

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 9, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 25 February 2021 and 17 June 2021

Subordinate Legislation2021-09-06

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 8, 57th Parliament-2021-22 Budget Estimates-Volume of Additional Information

Other2021-08-20

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 8, 57th Parliament-2021-22 Budget Estimates

Other2021-08-20

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 7, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 27 November 2020 and 24 February 2021

Subordinate Legislation2021-03-31

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 6, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 15 September 2020 and 26 November 2020

Subordinate Legislation2021-03-31

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 5, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 9 September 2020 and 14 September 2020

Subordinate Legislation2021-03-18

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 4, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 16 July 2020 and 8 September 2020

Subordinate Legislation2021-03-02

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 2, 57th Parliament-2020-2021 Budget Estimates-Volume of Additional Information

Other2021-02-12

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 2, 57th Parliament-2020-2021 Budget Estimates

Other2021-02-12

Education, Employment and Training Committee: Report No. 1, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabbed on 14 July 2020

Subordinate Legislation2020-12-01