Economics and Governance Committee

Portfolio Committee

View on parliament.qld.gov.au

Bills Reviewed (43)

Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2023Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 56, 57th Parliament-Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 20232023-11-24

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2023, which sought parliamentary authorisation for $1.244 billion in supplementary appropriation for unforeseen expenditure incurred by 10 government departments during 2022-23. The committee received written and oral briefings from Queensland Treasury and unanimously recommended the bill be passed. The committee noted that the revised process of splitting unforeseen expenditure across two pieces of legislation increased transparency and accountability.

Key findings
  • Queensland Health accounted for 56.1 per cent of the unforeseen expenditure ($697.5 million), primarily for new public sector wages policy, superannuation arrangements, and the LifeFlight Australia helicopter services agreement.
  • The net impact of unforeseen expenditure, after accounting for $957.9 million in lapsed appropriations across 12 departments, was $1.626 billion -- representing 2.32 per cent of the original 2022-23 budget appropriation.
  • The revised process of splitting unforeseen expenditure between the annual Appropriation Act 2023 and this supplementary bill was found to increase transparency by bringing forward earlier parliamentary scrutiny through the Estimates process.
  • Much of the unforeseen expenditure had been budgeted at a whole-of-government level but was not appropriated until further details or conditions were finalised, such as enterprise bargaining outcomes.
  • The committee found the bill consistent with fundamental legislative principles and compatible with human rights under the Human Rights Act 2019.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2023 be passed.
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Emblems of Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 52, 57th Parliament-Emblems of Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023: Erratum2023-10-30

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 52, 57th Parliament-Emblems of Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20232023-10-27

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the Emblems of Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, which primarily sought to officially recognise the Muttaburrasaurus langdoni dinosaur as Queensland's State fossil emblem. The committee recommended the bill be passed, noting its provisions were compatible with human rights. An erratum was later tabled to correct a misattribution of the proxy voting amendments to the Parliamentary Service Act, when they in fact amended the Parliament of Queensland Act 2001.

Key findings
  • The bill amends the Emblems of Queensland Act 2005 to officially recognise the Muttaburrasaurus langdoni as Queensland's State fossil emblem.
  • Queensland would join the ACT, New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia in having official fossil emblems, but would be the only jurisdiction with a dinosaur as its emblem.
  • The fossil emblem was recognised as important for regional tourism and local economies.
  • The bill also amended the Parliament of Queensland Act 2001 to update the process for notifying a member's request to vote by proxy.
  • The committee found the bill compatible with human rights under the Human Rights Act 2019.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Emblems of Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 be passed.
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Integrity and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 51, 57th Parliament-Integrity and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20232023-09-01

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the Integrity and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 over approximately two and a half months, receiving 16 submissions and holding a public hearing. The committee recommended the bill be passed, finding that it had sufficient regard to fundamental legislative principles and was compatible with the Human Rights Act 2019. While stakeholders broadly supported the bill's aims of strengthening lobbying regulation and enhancing the independence of integrity bodies, some raised concerns about the definitions of lobbying activity, potential loopholes in the 'dual hatting' prohibition, and whether the reforms went far enough to implement the Coaldrake Report recommendations. Three LNP members filed a statement of reservation highlighting outstanding Coaldrake recommendations and a loophole allowing lobbyists to de-register during election periods.

Key findings
  • Stakeholders generally supported measures to increase transparency and improve the regulation of lobbying activity, though some raised concerns about ambiguity in the definitions of what constitutes lobbying
  • Several submitters argued the bill did not go far enough to implement the Coaldrake Report recommendations, particularly regarding cabinet document release within 30 days, a complaints clearing house, and mandatory data breach reporting
  • The committee found the bill was compatible with the Human Rights Act 2019, with any limitations on rights being reasonable and proportionate
  • Conflicting views were expressed about expanding the Ombudsman's jurisdiction over non-government entities delivering government services, though the underlying principle of accountability was supported
  • The committee was satisfied that existing five-yearly strategic reviews of integrity bodies provided an adequate mechanism for reviewing the changes, rather than requiring a specific statutory review clause
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Integrity and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 be passed.
Dissenting views: Three LNP members (Ray Stevens MP, Michael Crandon MP, and Dan Purdie MP) filed a statement of reservation criticising the government for failing to deliver on several key Coaldrake recommendations, including the release of cabinet documents within 30 days, a complaints clearing house, and mandatory data breach reporting. They also highlighted a loophole in the 'dual hatting' provisions that would allow a lobbyist to de-register during the six-week election period and re-register afterwards, undermining the intent of the prohibition. The LNP members further raised concerns about ambiguity in the definition of lobbying and the need for clearer provisions regarding non-profit entities.
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Strengthening Community Safety Bill 2023Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 41, 57th Parliament-Strengthening Community Safety Bill 20232023-03-10

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the Strengthening Community Safety Bill 2023 over three weeks, holding public hearings in Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville and receiving submissions from individuals and organisations. The committee recommended the bill be passed, acknowledging that some provisions are incompatible with the Human Rights Act 2019 but finding this justified due to the need for an urgent response to community safety concerns. Submitter views were mixed, with some supporting tougher consequences for serious repeat youth offenders and others raising concerns about the impact on children's human rights and the disproportionate effect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Key findings
  • The committee accepted that some provisions in the bill are incompatible with the Human Rights Act 2019, but found the override justified due to an acute community safety problem caused by a small cohort of serious repeat youth offenders.
  • Submitter views were divided, with some arguing the bill did not go far enough as a deterrent and others warning it could increase the number of young people in detention and lead to more adult offenders.
  • The committee noted concerns about the disproportionate impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, who are already over-represented in the youth justice system.
  • The committee was satisfied that increases in maximum penalties for unlawful use of motor vehicles reflected the seriousness and danger of this type of offending.
  • The committee supported multi-agency collaborative panels as an effective mechanism for coordinated assessment and response to serious repeat offenders.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Strengthening Community Safety Bill 2023 be passed.
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Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 40, 57th Parliament-Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20222023-02-17

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the bill over approximately three months, receiving seven written submissions and holding a public hearing. The committee recommended the bill be passed, finding that its amendments to strengthen child protection monitoring, expand police cybercrime investigation powers, authorise limited civilian participation in controlled activities, and create new hooning offences were justified. While stakeholders raised concerns about the breadth of surveillance powers and the timing of amendments ahead of a Crime and Corruption Commission review, the committee was satisfied the bill had sufficient regard to rights and liberties and was compatible with human rights.

Key findings
  • The Queensland Law Society considered the expansion of relevant offences for controlled operations and surveillance device warrants to be overly broad, but police argued the offences were the minimum necessary.
  • The Crime and Corruption Commission and Queensland Law Society raised concerns about progressing amendments to reportable offender monitoring periods before the CCC finalised its own review of the child protection reporting legislation.
  • The committee found the new hooning offences and penalties were proportionate and in line with penalties for similar offences, despite concerns from the QLS about potential ambiguity in capturing spectator behaviour.
  • The committee was satisfied that safeguards for civilian participation in controlled activities, including superintendent-level authorisation and a seven-day maximum authority period, would minimise risks.
  • The committee found the bill was compatible with human rights under the Human Rights Act 2019, with any limitations on rights being adequate and proportional.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 be passed.
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Integrity and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 38, 57th Parliament-Integrity and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20222022-11-25

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the Integrity and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 over six weeks, receiving four submissions and holding a public hearing. The committee recommended the bill be passed, finding the reforms to strengthen the independence of the Auditor-General, Integrity Commissioner, and Ombudsman were well-supported by stakeholders. While Together Queensland raised concerns about employment conditions for Audit Office staff moving out of the public sector framework, and the Auditor-General questioned the relevance of the government indexation rate for setting audit fees, the committee was satisfied the bill struck an appropriate balance.

Key findings
  • The bill implements recommendations from the Coaldrake Report and the Yearbury Report to strengthen Queensland's integrity and oversight framework.
  • The Auditor-General broadly supported the reforms, particularly the formal recognition as an Officer of the Parliament and expanded performance audit powers over government-owned corporations.
  • Together Queensland opposed moving Audit Office staff out of the Public Sector Act, arguing public sector employment conditions should be applied as widely as possible with only minimal limitations for independence.
  • The Australian Professional Government Relations Association raised concerns that the new unregistered lobbying offence does not distinguish between inadvertent breaches and deliberate attempts to avoid the regulatory framework.
  • The committee found the bill compatible with human rights, but suggested amendments to include the option of an affirmation alongside an oath to better protect freedom of belief.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Integrity and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 be passed.
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Public Sector Bill 2022Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 37, 57th Parliament-Public Sector Bill 20222022-11-25

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the Public Sector Bill 2022, receiving 10 submissions from unions, integrity bodies, the Queensland Law Society, and others. The committee held a public briefing with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and a public hearing with key stakeholders. The committee recommended the Bill be passed, finding it would appropriately modernise public sector employment laws in line with the Bridgman Review and Coaldrake Report recommendations, while noting ongoing stakeholder concerns around appeal provisions, employment conversion processes, and the independence of distributed integrity bodies.

Key findings
  • The Bill implements Stage 2 reforms arising from the Bridgman Review and Coaldrake Report, replacing the Public Service Act 2008 with a modern, employee-focused legislative framework covering the broader public sector.
  • Submitters broadly supported the Bill's provisions for reframing the government's relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and strengthening equity, diversity, respect and inclusion in the public sector.
  • Unions proposed adding the LGBTIQ+ community as a fifth diversity target group, but the committee accepted there was insufficient evidence of under-representation to warrant a new employment target at this time.
  • Together Queensland and the Queensland Council of Unions raised concerns about appeal provisions, deemed refusal processes for employment conversion, and the limited role of the Public Sector Commission in resolving disputes, though the committee accepted the department's responses on these matters.
  • The Queensland Human Rights Commission and Electoral Commission of Queensland sought exemptions from public sector review powers to protect their independence, but the committee did not find strong evidence to support treating them differently from other distributed integrity bodies.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Public Sector Bill 2022 be passed.
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Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 3) 2022Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 36, 57th Parliament-Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 3) 2022 and Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 20222022-11-04

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the bill, which sought formal authorisation for $2.185 million in unforeseen expenditure by the Legislative Assembly and Parliamentary Service during 2021-22. The committee held a public briefing with Queensland Treasury officials and recommended the bill be passed. The committee accepted that the higher-than-usual level of unforeseen expenditure was driven by COVID-19 measures, flood recovery, accelerated capital works, and the bring-forward of Commonwealth funding. Non-government members filed a Statement of Reservation expressing concern about the scale of the overspend.

Key findings
  • Total supplementary appropriation for 2021-22 was $2.825 billion across the Legislative Assembly and 14 government departments, higher than recent years.
  • The three largest areas of unforeseen expenditure were the Department of Environment and Science ($623 million), Department of State Development ($574 million), and Queensland Treasury ($552 million), together accounting for 62% of the total.
  • Queensland Treasury advised that unprecedented challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, weather events, and demand-driven business support grants were the primary drivers of the overspend.
  • The committee found no issues with fundamental legislative principles and confirmed the bills were compatible with the Human Rights Act 2019.
  • The Legislative Assembly's unforeseen expenditure of $2.185 million was primarily for enterprise bargaining outcomes and speech recognition technology for parliamentary proceedings.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 3) 2022 be passed.
  • The committee recommends the Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2022 be passed.
Dissenting views: Non-government members Ray Stevens MP, Michael Crandon MP, and Daniel Purdie MP filed a Statement of Reservation expressing serious concern about the scale of the overspend, describing it as the highest since the final years of the Bligh Government. They argued the Treasurer was unable to contain departmental spending, with more than half of Cabinet overseeing blowouts in their departments during 2021-22.
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Major Sports Facilities Amendment Bill 2022Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 33, 57th Parliament-Major Sports Facilities Amendment Bill 20222022-10-07

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the Major Sports Facilities Amendment Bill 2022, which implements outstanding recommendations from the 2018 Stadium Taskforce requiring changes to the Major Sports Facilities Act 2001. The committee received no public submissions and relied on a departmental briefing from the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport. The committee unanimously recommended the bill be passed, finding it compatible with human rights and fundamental legislative principles.

Key findings
  • The bill implements six outstanding Stadium Taskforce recommendations that require legislative amendments to modernise Stadiums Queensland's governance and commercial operations.
  • No public submissions were received during the inquiry process, with the committee relying solely on the departmental briefing.
  • The committee found the bill compatible with human rights, concluding that qualification requirements for board directors represent a reasonable limitation on the right to take part in public life.
  • The committee noted the explanatory notes could have been more succinct and precise in presenting information about the expansion of Stadiums Queensland's functions.
  • Key reforms include allowing commercial use of declared land, transferring property approval powers from the Governor in Council to the Minister, and granting the Minister power to direct Stadiums Queensland on matters of public interest.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Major Sports Facilities Amendment Bill 2022 be passed.
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State Penalties Enforcement (Modernisation) Amendment Bill 2022Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 24, 57th Parliament-State Penalties Enforcement (Modernisation) Amendment Bill 20222022-05-06

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the bill over seven weeks, receiving seven submissions and holding a public hearing with stakeholders including LawRight, the REIQ, Tenants Queensland, and Moreton Bay Regional Council. The committee recommended the bill be passed. Key areas of scrutiny included the impact of centralising fine administration on vulnerable Queenslanders, reduced timeframes for registering unpaid fines with SPER, the use of body-worn cameras by enforcement officers, and a controversial change to the Residential Tenancies Authority's funding model. Non-government members filed a Statement of Reservation raising concerns about the lack of consultation on RTA funding changes and the government's management of SPER debt.

Key findings
  • LawRight warned that centralising fine administration in SPER could disproportionately affect vulnerable Queenslanders, as automated fines have a greater impact on people experiencing disadvantage and poverty
  • Local councils opposed shortened timeframes for registering unpaid fines with SPER, arguing that 80 to 90 days is needed to allow internal review processes and procedural fairness
  • Both the REIQ and Tenants Queensland opposed the change to the RTA's funding model, arguing the self-funding investment model had generally worked and that the government had not adequately consulted stakeholders
  • The committee found the bill's provisions for body-worn cameras and disclosure of personal information had sufficient regard to individuals' right to privacy, given existing legislative safeguards
  • The committee noted community consultation was not undertaken on most aspects of the bill, with Treasury stating the amendments were of a 'mechanical nature'
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the State Penalties Enforcement (Modernisation) Amendment Bill 2022 be passed.
Dissenting views: The three non-government members (Ray Stevens, Michael Crandon, and Daniel Purdie) filed a Statement of Reservation expressing scepticism about the government's ability to manage SPER effectively, noting unpaid SPER debt had grown 20 per cent under Labor. They raised concerns about the RTA funding changes, citing a lack of consultation with stakeholders, state departments, and the RTA itself. They questioned the government's motives for the funding model change, suggesting it could be a way to inflate budget figures.
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Police Service Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 21, 57th Parliament-Police Service Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20212022-02-11

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the bill over approximately three months, receiving two submissions (from the Crime and Corruption Commission and the Queensland Law Society) and holding a public briefing with the Queensland Police Service and the Department of Environment and Science. The committee recommended the bill be passed, finding that its objectives of modernising the legislative framework for Protective Services and streamlining identification requirements were sound. The committee was satisfied that the bill's impact on individual rights (privacy, freedom of movement, and liberty) was reasonable and justified, noting the safeguards built into the legislation.

Key findings
  • The Queensland Law Society raised concerns about expanding security powers to all protective services officers without equivalent training, but the QPS confirmed that an additional week of training would be provided to existing officers and new recruits would complete a five-week program.
  • The committee found the bill's impact on fundamental legislative principles (right to privacy, freedom of movement, right to liberty) was sufficiently addressed through legislative safeguards including enforcement act registers, same-sex screening requirements, and dignity protections.
  • The Crime and Corruption Commission supported the bill and confirmed its oversight jurisdiction over protective services officers would be maintained, while welcoming the provisions for body-worn cameras and drug and alcohol testing.
  • The committee noted the bill would resolve operational inefficiencies caused by the existing two-tier officer structure, where protective security officers could only function effectively in the presence of a senior protective security officer.
  • The committee was satisfied the bill was compatible with human rights under the Human Rights Act 2019, finding that all identified limitations on human rights were reasonable and justified in the context of state building security.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Police Service Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 be passed.
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Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Bill 2021Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 20, 57th Parliament-Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Bill 2021, government response2021-11-30

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 20, 57th Parliament-Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Bill 20212021-11-26

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Bill 2021 and recommended it be passed. The committee made seven recommendations addressing community engagement, transparency and accountability of the proposed Brisbane 2032 Corporation, the application of the Crime and Corruption Act to Commonwealth parliamentarians on the Board, and the handling of criminal history information. The Queensland Government supported all seven recommendations, proposing an amendment to narrow the Crime and Corruption Act exemption for Commonwealth parliamentarians to their role as directors only.

Key findings
  • The bill establishes the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Corporation as the organising committee required under the Olympic Host Contract, with a budget of $4.9 billion forecast to be cost-neutral
  • The committee raised concerns about the scope of the Corporation's objectives and the need for broader community consultation in Games planning and infrastructure decisions
  • The Crime and Corruption Commission raised concerns that clause 8(2) could provide a blanket exemption from the Crime and Corruption Act for Commonwealth parliamentarians on the Board, which was not the policy intent
  • The committee examined the right to information exemption for confidential IOC and AOC documents, recommending ongoing engagement to balance confidentiality with public accountability
  • The committee identified privacy concerns regarding the Minister's power to obtain criminal history information for Board candidates and recommended provisions for destruction of that information after use
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Bill 2021 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Premier and Minister for the Olympics further explain the scope of clauses 9 and 10 of the Bill and outline any broader legislative recognition of the importance of an inclusive and consultative approach to delivering the Brisbane 2032 Games, during the Second Reading Debate on the Bill.
  • The committee recommends that the Premier and Minister for the Olympics encourage the Board of the Corporation to engage with and provide a voice to those affected by its Games infrastructure planning and decisions through commissions, with a view to ensuring that development associated with the Games is achieved in a community-focussed, forward-thinking manner that will support the present and future need of local families, businesses and the wider community.
  • The committee recommends that the Premier and Minister for the Olympics clarify the operation of clause 40(3) of the Bill, and why the declaration that the directors present constitute a quorum for making a decision in respect of subsection 1(b) and not (1) in its entirety.
  • The committee recommends that the Department of the Premier and Cabinet continue to engage with the Australian Olympic Committee and International Olympic Committee to ensure that the Corporation and its Board are supported by a transparent and accountable legislative framework that appropriately balances the need for confidentiality of sensitive information with mechanisms for access to information in the public interest.
  • The committee recommends that the Premier and Minister for the Olympics undertake to further engage with the Commonwealth Government regarding the necessity of retaining clause 8(2), and advise the Assembly of any further advice received as to the grounds for its inclusion.
  • The committee recommends that the Premier and Minister for the Olympics consider amending the Bill to include a provision to require the destruction of criminal history information after it is no longer needed.
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Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2021Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 18, 57th Parliament-Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2021 and Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 20212021-11-01

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2021 jointly with the Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2021. The bills sought formal parliamentary authorisation for $449.251 million in unforeseen expenditure from the 2020-21 financial year. The committee received a briefing from Queensland Treasury but no public submissions, and unanimously recommended both bills be passed. No concerns were raised regarding fundamental legislative principles or human rights compatibility.

Key findings
  • Total unforeseen expenditure of $449.251 million represented just 0.74 per cent of total appropriations, less than half the average of the past decade.
  • The largest drivers of unforeseen expenditure were the Queensland floods class action settlement ($188.9 million via the Department of Justice and Attorney-General) and increased demand for out-of-home care in the child protection system ($114.2 million via the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs).
  • COVID-19 response costs accounted for significant unforeseen expenditure, including $80.2 million for quarantine accommodation through Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and additional policing for public health compliance.
  • After accounting for both unforeseen expenditure and lapsed appropriations, total appropriation in 2020-21 was actually $983.551 million less than previously appropriated.
  • No public submissions were received and no issues with fundamental legislative principles or human rights were identified.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2021 be passed.
  • The committee recommends the Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2021 be passed.
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Superannuation (State Public Sector) (Scheme Administration) Amendment Bill 2021Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 15, 57th Parliament-Superannuation (State Public Sector) (Scheme Administration) Amendment Bill 20212021-10-15

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the bill over six weeks, receiving nine submissions and holding a public briefing with Queensland Treasury. All submitters supported the bill or specific provisions. The committee unanimously recommended the bill be passed, finding it compatible with fundamental legislative principles and human rights. The bill facilitates the merger of QSuper and Sunsuper into a $200 billion superannuation fund while preserving defined benefit entitlements and requiring the merged entity to remain headquartered in Queensland.

Key findings
  • All nine submitters, including unions, industry bodies and the funds themselves, supported the bill's passage
  • The Queensland Police Union and Maurice Blackburn raised concerns about Sunsuper's TPD Assist insurance product, though this was outside the scope of the bill
  • The committee found the bill's residence requirements for the merged entity's directors and CEO to be a reasonable limitation on freedom of movement, given the economic significance of keeping the fund in Queensland
  • Defined benefit entitlements for public sector employees would continue to be protected in legislation, with the state's funding guarantee preserved
  • The committee was satisfied that moving the trust deed from subordinate legislation to a non-statutory instrument was justified, given ongoing Commonwealth regulatory oversight of superannuation funds
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Superannuation (State Public Sector) (Scheme Administration) Amendment Bill 2021 be passed.
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Appropriation Bill 2021Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 13, 57th Parliament-2021-22 Budget Estimates-Appropriation Bill 20212021-08-20

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the 2021-22 budget estimates for its portfolio areas covering Premier and Cabinet, Treasury and Investment, and Tourism Industry Development, Innovation and Sport. The committee conducted a public hearing on 16 July 2021 and considered questions on notice from three Ministers. The committee recommended that the proposed expenditures be agreed to by the Legislative Assembly without amendment. LNP members filed a Statement of Reservation agreeing with passing the budget but criticising the Government's approach to health, business support during COVID lockdowns, housing, crime, and tourism funding cuts.

Key findings
  • The committee examined expenditure across three portfolios: Premier and Cabinet, Treasury and Investment, and Tourism Industry Development, Innovation and Sport
  • Key issues included Queensland Health's sustainability, the COVID-19 health and economic response, ambulance services, and support for small businesses during lockdowns
  • The committee scrutinised Treasury matters including Queensland's debt position, the corporatisation of the Titles Registry, the state's credit rating, and budget savings measures
  • Tourism portfolio scrutiny focused on funding cuts to Tourism and Events Queensland, the status of ecotourism projects, and the lack of updated tourism strategies post-COVID
  • The committee also examined preparations and community consultation around Brisbane's bid for the 2032 Olympic Games
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the proposed expenditures, as detailed in the Appropriation Bill 2021 for the committee's areas of responsibility, be agreed to by the Legislative Assembly without amendment.
Dissenting views: LNP members (Ray Stevens, Michael Crandon, and Dan Purdie) filed a Statement of Reservation. While agreeing with passing the budget, they criticised the Government for failing to address the health system crisis including ambulance ramping, not providing adequate COVID support payments to small and family businesses, cutting Tourism and Events Queensland funding by $37 million and tourism staff by 19 percent, underfunding community sporting organisations, and lacking long-term planning for tourism post-COVID and ahead of the 2032 Olympics. They also raised concerns about transparency around the Titles Office valuation and government dealings with lobbyists.
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Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2021Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 12, 57th Parliament-2021-22 Budget Estimates-Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 20212021-08-20

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the 2021-22 budget estimates for the Legislative Assembly and Parliamentary Service, which totalled $106.3 million. The committee conducted a question on notice process and a public hearing on 16 July 2021, taking evidence from the Speaker and parliamentary officers. The committee recommended that the proposed expenditure be agreed to without amendment. LNP members filed a Statement of Reservation agreeing with the budget but raising broader concerns about health, crime, tourism, and government accountability.

Key findings
  • The budgeted expenditure for the Legislative Assembly and Parliamentary Service for 2021-22 was $106.3 million, a slight decrease of $219,000 from the previous year.
  • A major focus was the planned refurbishment of the Parliamentary Annexe, with $41 million earmarked for 2022-23 works including facade repairs and internal upgrades to Members' offices.
  • Capital expenditure of $7.9 million was planned for 2021-22, including critical building infrastructure upgrades, IT network replacement, and security system improvements.
  • The committee examined a wide range of operational matters including electorate office improvements, parliamentary education initiatives, security assessments, and public access to catering facilities.
  • Non-committee Members Michael Berkman MP and Jarrod Bleijie MP participated in the hearing, providing additional scrutiny of the estimates.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the proposed expenditure for the Legislative Assembly and Parliamentary Service, as detailed in the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2021, be agreed to by the Legislative Assembly without amendment.
Dissenting views: LNP members (Ray Stevens, Michael Crandon, and Dan Purdie) filed a Statement of Reservation. While agreeing with passing the budget, they raised concerns about Parliamentary Service working conditions, the Microsoft Teams telephony rollout, and broader government issues including health system pressures, insufficient COVID business support, tourism funding cuts of $37 million, and underfunding of community sport organisations.
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Public Health and Other Legislation (Further Extension of Expiring Provisions) Amendment Bill 2021Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 11, 57th Parliament-Public Health and Other Legislation (Further Extension of Expiring Provisions) Amendment Bill 20212021-08-06

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the bill over approximately seven weeks, receiving 588 submissions (the vast majority from individuals opposing the extension of emergency powers) and holding a public hearing with stakeholders. Despite significant community opposition, the committee recommended the bill be passed, finding the limitations on human rights were reasonable and justifiable given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. LNP members filed a statement of reservation expressing concerns about the economic impact of lockdowns on small businesses and calling for clearer government strategy around the use of emergency powers.

Key findings
  • The overwhelming majority of the 588 submissions opposed the extension of COVID-19 emergency powers, citing concerns about government overreach and disproportionate restrictions on freedoms
  • Professional and organisational stakeholders including the Queensland Law Society, Queensland Human Rights Commission, and Queensland Council for Civil Liberties supported some continuation of powers but called for a more targeted and time-limited approach
  • The committee found the bill was compatible with human rights under the Human Rights Act 2019, concluding that limitations on rights were reasonable and justifiable given the public health emergency
  • The Queensland Human Rights Commission raised concerns about the electronic service of quarantine directions, including the reversal of the onus of proof and potential impacts on people with limited English or limited access to electronic devices
  • The bill was reassigned from the Health and Environment Committee to the Economics and Governance Committee by the Committee of the Legislative Assembly, as the former was occupied examining the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Public Health and Other Legislation (Further Extension of Expiring Provisions) Amendment Bill 2021 be passed.
Dissenting views: LNP members (Ray Stevens, Michael Crandon, and Daniel Purdie) filed a non-government statement of reservation. While supporting passage of the bill, they expressed strong concerns about ad hoc lockdowns and their crippling effect on small and family businesses. They called for lockdowns to be based on substantial and verifiable outbreak threats rather than political narrative, urged the development of a clear risk-based strategy for use of emergency powers, criticised inconsistent application of restrictions across different sectors, and argued the legislation missed an opportunity to include fiscal support packages for affected businesses.
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Debt Reduction and Savings Bill 2021Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 8, 57th Parliament-Debt Reduction and Savings Bill 20212021-05-14

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the Debt Reduction and Savings Bill 2021 over seven weeks, receiving 15 submissions and holding both a public briefing and public hearing. The committee recommended the bill be passed, though several stakeholders raised concerns about the abolition of independent bodies such as Building Queensland and the Queensland Productivity Commission, the impact of removing print publication requirements on regional newspapers, and the practicality of new tattoo ink compliance requirements. Opposition committee members filed a Statement of Reservation criticising the bill's debt reduction claims and opposing the abolition of the Queensland Productivity Commission.

Key findings
  • Stakeholders including the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, Consult Australia, and Engineers Australia opposed abolishing Building Queensland, arguing its independence from government was essential for credible infrastructure decision-making
  • The Queensland Country Press Association warned that removing print advertising requirements would reduce revenue for regional newspapers already under financial pressure
  • Tattoo industry representatives raised concerns that requiring compliance certificates for imported ink was impractical, as overseas manufacturers were unlikely to provide certificates specific to Queensland standards
  • Treasury advised the structural reforms were expected to achieve savings of over $2.6 million per annum, with total measures delivering up to $3 million in direct savings and further indirect savings
  • The committee examined multiple fundamental legislative principle issues including privacy concerns around real-time prescription monitoring and the delegation of legislative power in setting registry fees
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Debt Reduction and Savings Bill 2021 be passed.
Dissenting views: Opposition members filed a Statement of Reservation describing the bill's title as misleading, arguing there was no real debt reduction or significant savings proposed. They questioned the $4.1 billion valuation assigned to the Titles Registry, noting it significantly exceeded valuations of comparable registries in New South Wales ($2.6 billion) and Victoria ($2.85 billion). They opposed the abolition of the Queensland Productivity Commission as an important independent voice on public policy. They also raised concerns about the impact on regional newspapers from removing print publication requirements and the impracticality of tattoo ink compliance certificate requirements for an industry reliant on overseas manufacturers.
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COVID-19 Emergency Response and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 6, 57th Parliament-COVID-19 Emergency Response and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20212021-04-14

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the bill over approximately one month under expedited timeframes, receiving 10 submissions and holding a public hearing with nine stakeholder organisations. The committee unanimously recommended the bill be passed, finding broad stakeholder support for extending temporary COVID-19 legislative measures to 30 September 2021. While supportive overall, the committee noted concerns about the fairness of takeaway liquor authorities for hotels and the transparency of local government rate-setting and meeting closure provisions, and encouraged the Attorney-General to clarify expectations around councils' use of temporary meeting powers.

Key findings
  • Stakeholders broadly supported extending the temporary COVID-19 legislative framework, recognising the continued uncertainty posed by the pandemic and the need for flexible responses to potential outbreaks
  • The Queensland Hotels Association raised concerns that takeaway liquor authorities were disadvantaging hotels and bottle shops by allowing restaurants and cafes to sell takeaway alcohol outside their usual licence conditions, particularly in regional areas
  • The Queensland Resources Council, Queensland Farmers' Federation and AgForce expressed concerns that local government extraordinary rate-setting powers could lead to unpredictable and non-transparent rate increases affecting the resources and agricultural sectors
  • Community groups raised concerns that some councils were using temporary meeting closure provisions to restrict public access to council meetings despite broader COVID restrictions having eased, with Redlands2030 noting that Redland City Council had not implemented live streaming as required
  • The Queensland Law Society and Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland both suggested that some beneficial temporary measures, such as electronic document signing and remote court appearances, should be considered for permanent implementation
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the COVID-19 Emergency Response and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 be passed.
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Appropriation (2020-2021) Bill 2020Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 3, 57th Parliament-2020-21 Budget Estimates-Appropriation (2020-2021) Bill 2020: Erratum2021-02-22

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 3, 57th Parliament-2020-21 Budget Estimates-Appropriation (2020-2021) Bill 20202021-02-12

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the proposed expenditures in the Appropriation (2020-2021) Bill 2020 as part of the 2020-21 budget estimates process. The committee held public hearings on 7 December 2020 covering the portfolios of Premier and Trade, Treasury and Investment, and Tourism Industry Development and Innovation and Sport. The committee recommended that the proposed expenditures for its areas of responsibility be agreed to without amendment. A statement of reservation was filed by non-government members.

Key findings
  • The committee examined the budget estimates for three ministerial portfolios: Premier and Trade, Treasury and Investment, and Tourism Industry Development and Innovation and Sport.
  • Public hearings were held with the relevant Ministers and chief executive officers of key agencies including the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Queensland Treasury, and the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport.
  • The committee considered appropriations for a range of statutory bodies and government-owned corporations including Trade and Investment Queensland, the Queensland Audit Office, and Tourism and Events Queensland.
  • An erratum was tabled on 22 February 2021 correcting an error regarding the Treasurer's legislative responsibilities on page 15 of the original report.
  • A statement of reservation was included in the report, indicating non-government committee members held differing views on aspects of the budget estimates.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the proposed expenditures, as detailed in the Appropriation (2020-2021) Bill 2020 for the committee's areas of responsibility, be agreed to by the Legislative Assembly without amendment.
Dissenting views: A statement of reservation was filed (section 6 of the report), though the full text of the dissenting views was not available in the extracted report data.
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Appropriation (Parliament) (2020-2021) Bill 2020Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 2, 57th Parliament-2020-21 Budget Estimates-Appropriation (Parliament) (2020-2021) Bill 20202021-02-12

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the 2020-21 budget estimates for the Legislative Assembly and Parliamentary Service. After reviewing budget papers, pre-hearing questions on notice, and evidence from the Speaker and other witnesses at a public hearing on 7 December 2020, the committee recommended that the proposed expenditures be agreed to without amendment. Non-government members filed a Statement of Reservation expressing concerns about debt levels, the truncated estimates process, and broader government accountability issues.

Key findings
  • The proposed appropriation of $101.823 million for 2020-21 represented an increase of $1.295 million over the previous year, primarily due to changes to members' allowances and deferred project funding.
  • Total planned capital expenditure increased from $8.7 million to $13.6 million, including upgrades to the Parliamentary Annexe, completion of the Parliament House fire protection programme, and electorate office improvements.
  • The committee examined the impact of COVID-19 on parliamentary operations, including the establishment of a virtual parliament for remote member participation.
  • The Parliamentary Service was developing a new three-year digital strategy and implementing measures to address emerging cyber security risks.
  • The committee noted the implementation of a formal Reconciliation Action Plan to promote cultural respect, equality, and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the proposed expenditures, as detailed in the Appropriation (Parliament) (2020-2021) Bill 2020 for the committee's areas of responsibility, be agreed to by the Legislative Assembly without amendment.
Dissenting views: Non-government members (LNP) agreed with passing the budget but filed a Statement of Reservation raising concerns about the truncated estimates process, the increase in state debt to $130 billion over four years, Queensland's unemployment rate, and the lack of transparency around budget figures before the 2020 state election. They also raised issues regarding the Parliamentary Annexe's ageing facilities, the underutilisation of the virtual parliament solution, and proposed that non-government chairs be appointed during estimates hearings.
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Royalty Legislation Amendment Bill 2020Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 45, 56th Parliament-Royalty Legislation Amendment Bill 20202020-08-07

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the Royalty Legislation Amendment Bill 2020, which was declared urgent and referred on 16 July 2020 with a report due by 7 August 2020. The committee received 20 submissions and held public hearings with industry stakeholders. The committee recommended the bill be passed, noting the reforms would replace the existing wellhead value model for petroleum royalty with a simpler volume-based model and modernise royalty administration. However, the LNP members filed a dissenting report opposing the bill, arguing it was being rushed without sufficient economic impact analysis.

Key findings
  • The existing wellhead value model for petroleum royalty was no longer suitable for Queensland's coal seam gas and LNG industry, leading to costly disputes and inequitable outcomes between producers
  • Stakeholder views on the volume model were mixed: some producers welcomed the simplicity and equity improvements, while smaller and remote operators warned it would disadvantage them by removing cost deductions
  • Several industry submitters raised concerns that the volume model does not account for significant variations in operating and transportation costs between producers in different locations, particularly those in the remote Cooper-Eromanga Basin
  • Industry broadly supported the Royalty Administration Modernisation Program to align royalty administration with other state tax legislation under the Taxation Administration Act 2001
  • The committee identified potential fundamental legislative principle concerns with transitional regulation-making powers but accepted these were justified given the significance of the reforms
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Royalty Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 be passed.
Dissenting views: The LNP members (Ray Stevens, Sam O'Connor, and Trevor Watts) filed a dissenting report opposing the bill. They argued the government was rushing urgent legislation without disclosing the economic impact of the royalty changes, noting the modelled revenue impacts would not be released until September 2020 — potentially after the bill had already passed. The LNP members criticised the government's broader resources policy and argued the reforms would increase sovereign risk, citing evidence that Queensland had fallen behind some African countries as a resources investment destination. They advocated for a 10-year royalty freeze instead.
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Queensland Future Fund Bill 2020Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 44, 56th Parliament-Queensland Future Fund Bill 20202020-08-07

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the Queensland Future Fund Bill 2020 over a compressed timeframe after it was declared urgent, receiving two submissions and holding a public briefing with Queensland Treasury and a hearing with the Queensland Investment Corporation. The committee recommended the bill be passed, finding the legislative framework for establishing future funds and the Debt Retirement Fund to be sound. LNP members filed a dissenting report criticising the government's fiscal management and questioning the fund's effectiveness in addressing state debt.

Key findings
  • The bill establishes a legislative framework for Queensland Future Funds, modelled on the NSW Generations Funds Act 2018, with the first fund being the Debt Retirement Fund to reduce state debt.
  • The Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union supported the bill, while economist Gene Tunny argued the fund was unnecessary and could reduce government fiscal flexibility by locking up assets.
  • Queensland Treasury confirmed that credit rating agencies had provided in-principle support to deduct the Debt Retirement Fund's value from the state's debt for credit assessments.
  • The fund was to be seeded with at least $5 billion in assets including the Titles Registry, Cross River Rail precincts, and $1 billion from the Defined Benefit Scheme surplus, though due diligence on asset valuations had not been completed.
  • The committee found no fundamental legislative principle issues and confirmed the bill was compatible with the Human Rights Act 2019.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Queensland Future Fund Bill 2020 be passed.
Dissenting views: LNP committee members filed a dissenting report criticising the government's fiscal record, arguing the Future Fund was a distraction from soaring state debt exceeding $100 billion. They raised concerns that due diligence had not been completed on the assets proposed for the fund, that the government was raiding the Defined Benefit Scheme surplus before updated deficit probability modelling was undertaken, and that reporting on the scheme's surplus would revert from annual to triennial, reducing transparency for public servants.
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Electoral and Other Legislation (Accountability, Integrity and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 37, 56th Parliament-Electoral and Other Legislation (Accountability, Integrity and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019, government response2020-06-17

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 37, 56th Parliament-Electoral and Other Legislation (Accountability, Integrity and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019, interim government response2020-05-06

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 37, 56th Parliament, February 2020-Electoral and Other Legislation (Accountability, Integrity and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 20192020-02-07

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined this wide-ranging bill over approximately ten weeks, receiving 68 submissions and 14 additional submissions on a CCC reform proposal, and holding a public hearing with 26 stakeholder organisations and academic experts. The committee recommended the bill be passed, while also recommending that the Attorney-General address concerns from small not-for-profit organisations about the regulatory burden of the donation and expenditure cap schemes. The Queensland Government accepted both recommendations and committed to moving amendments during consideration in detail to reduce compliance requirements for third parties. LNP members filed a Statement of Reservation expressing concerns about the potential advantage the expenditure caps would give to trade union-affiliated parties.

Key findings
  • Stakeholders broadly supported the bill's aims of capping political donations and electoral expenditure, increasing public election funding, limiting signage at polling locations, and strengthening integrity offences for Ministers and councillors.
  • Small not-for-profit and community organisations raised significant concerns about the regulatory burden the donation and expenditure cap schemes would impose on third parties engaged in advocacy.
  • The Crime and Corruption Commission was consulted on the ministerial dishonest conduct offences and proposed an alternative reform model for serious conduct offences, which the committee considered separately.
  • The Local Government Association of Queensland commended the consultation process on local government reforms, while the Human Rights Law Centre described consultation on the electoral funding amendments as inadequate.
  • The committee noted the bill's reforms were consistent with an increasing trend across Australian jurisdictions to more closely regulate election financing and reduce the potential for undue influence of private funds.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Electoral and Other Legislation (Accountability, Integrity and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019 be passed.
  • The committee recommends the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice consider amending the Bill to address the concerns of small, not-for-profit third party organisations regarding the regulatory burden of the political donation and electoral expenditure cap schemes, such as by increasing the threshold for third party registration.
Dissenting views: The LNP members (Ray Stevens, Sam O'Connor, and Dan Purdie) filed a Statement of Reservation arguing that the caps on donations and electoral expenditure would create an unfair advantage for the Labor Party due to its affiliation with 26 trade unions, each of which could expend up to $87,000 per electorate. They stated they could not support what they characterised as anti-democratic laws that would create an imbalance of power and undermine public confidence in the electoral system.
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Criminal Code and Other Legislation (Ministerial Accountability) Amendment Bill 2019Did not recommend passageLapsed

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 40, 56th Parliament-Criminal Code and Other Legislation (Ministerial Accountability) Amendment Bill 20192020-04-03

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined this Opposition bill, which sought to create criminal offences for Ministers who fail to declare conflicts of interest at Cabinet meetings or fail to update their statements of interests. The committee recommended the bill not be passed, finding that existing regulatory frameworks, conventions and Criminal Code offences (misconduct in public office and fraud) already adequately address the conduct targeted by the bill. While the Crime and Corruption Commission and Queensland Integrity Commissioner supported the bill's intent, other stakeholders including the Queensland Law Society, the Clerk of the Parliament and the Ethics Committee argued the strict liability offences were unnecessary and could lead to perverse outcomes.

Key findings
  • The CCC and Queensland Integrity Commissioner supported the bill as more consistent with the CCC's recommendations than the government's own accountability bill, but suggested technical improvements including higher penalties and broader application
  • The Queensland Law Society, Clerk of the Parliament and Ethics Committee argued the bill was unnecessary, citing existing Criminal Code offences for misconduct in public office and fraud as already covering the targeted conduct
  • Stakeholders raised concerns that the strict liability nature of the proposed offences would unfairly penalise honest mistakes by Ministers, removing the usual requirement to prove dishonest intent
  • Academic evidence submitted by Griffith University warned that criminalising Cabinet conflicts of interest could have unintended consequences for Cabinet decision-making and reduce the flexibility of the convention-based system
  • The committee noted fundamental legislative principle concerns about the bill's impact on the rights and liberties of individuals, particularly regarding the imposition of strict liability for serious criminal offences
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Criminal Code and Other Legislation (Ministerial Accountability) Amendment Bill 2019 not be passed.
Dissenting views: The LNP members (Ray Stevens, Sam O'Connor and Dan Purdie) filed a Statement of Reservation supporting the intent of the bill. They noted the CCC had acknowledged the bill was more consistent with its recommendations than the government's alternative bill, and stated the LNP remained committed to restoring public trust and confidence in elected officials.
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Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2019Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 35, 56th Parliament, November 2019-Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2019 and Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 20192019-11-04

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the bill alongside the Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2019, which together sought formal authorisation for $1.398 billion in unforeseen expenditure during 2018-19. The committee received no public submissions and relied on written advice and a public briefing from Queensland Treasury. The committee recommended both bills be passed and found no issues with fundamental legislative principles. Three opposition members filed a Statement of Reservation criticising the government's fiscal management.

Key findings
  • The unforeseen expenditure of $1.398 billion represented 2.62 per cent of the 2018-19 budgeted appropriation across the Legislative Assembly and eight government departments.
  • The three largest departmental expenditures were Transport and Main Roads ($699.8 million), Education ($262.5 million), and Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs ($257.2 million).
  • Transport and Main Roads expenditure was driven primarily by accelerated delivery of capital programs including Commonwealth-funded road projects and additional New Generation Rollingstock train sets.
  • The Department of Local Government's unforeseen expenditure was largely due to the Commonwealth Government's decision to prepay 2019-20 financial assistance grants to local governments in 2018-19.
  • The committee found the bills raised no issues of fundamental legislative principle.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2019 be passed.
  • The committee recommends the Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2019 be passed.
Dissenting views: Three LNP members (Ray Stevens, Sam O'Connor, and Dan Purdie) filed a Statement of Reservation criticising the government's fiscal management. They argued the unforeseen expenditure reflected budget blowouts, noting that over the life of the Palaszczuk Government more than $4.1 billion had been appropriated to cover unforeseen expenditure, which they stated was on average nearly eight times higher than under the previous LNP Government.
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Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee: Report 26, 56th Parliament, June 2019-Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019, government response2019-10-15

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 26, 56th Parliament, June 2019-Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019-Interim government response2019-09-20

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 26, 56th Parliament, June 2019-Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20192019-06-21

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the bill over approximately seven weeks and tabled its Report No. 26 on 21 June 2019. The committee recommended the bill be passed. However, the Queensland Government subsequently proposed amendments during consideration in detail to remove provisions relating to conflicts of interest, registers of interests, full preferential voting, and the presumption of knowledge of gifts and loans, citing concerns about the reversal of the onus of proof and the need for further review of consistency between local and state government frameworks.

Key findings
  • The committee recommended the bill be passed to implement Stage 2 of the Belcarra reforms for local government electoral integrity.
  • Significant concerns were raised about clauses creating a presumption of knowledge for electoral gifts and loans, which reversed the onus of proof.
  • The bill imposed higher obligations on local government councillors and election participants than applied to state parliamentarians, conflicting with the bill's policy objective of consistency across levels of government.
  • The government proposed removing reforms to conflicts of interest and registers of interests to allow further review of the Crime and Corruption Commission's recommendations.
  • Provisions for full preferential voting for mayors and councillors in single-member divisions were also proposed for removal by the government.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 be passed.
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Appropriation Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 31, 56th Parliament, August 2019-2019-20 Budget Estimates - Appropriation Bill 20192019-08-13

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the 2019-20 budget estimates for its portfolio areas, covering the Premier, Treasury, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs. After receiving answers to questions on notice and holding a public hearing on 23 July 2019, the committee recommended that the proposed expenditures be agreed to without amendment. Three opposition members filed a statement of reservation raising concerns about integrity issues, government spending, Closing the Gap progress, and racing industry management.

Key findings
  • The committee examined proposed expenditure across multiple portfolios including the Department of Premier and Cabinet ($116.4 million), Queensland Treasury, the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, and the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
  • Key issues examined included job creation programs, the goods and services tax, Queensland's debt and credit rating, the waste disposal levy, motor vehicle registration costs, and the scrapped $23.8 million SPER ICT project
  • The committee scrutinised integrity and conflict of interest matters relating to property purchases near the Cross River Rail project and contact with the Crime and Corruption Commission chair
  • Concerns were raised about resourcing for the Office of the Independent Assessor, which received 824 complaints in its first six months against a forecast of 160 for the full year
  • The committee considered Closing the Gap targets, the transition from the Family Responsibilities Commission to the Local Thriving Communities initiative, and Indigenous youth suicide prevention
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the proposed expenditures, as detailed in the Appropriation Bill 2019 for the committee's areas of responsibility, be agreed to by the Legislative Assembly without amendment.
Dissenting views: Three LNP members (Ray Stevens, Sam O'Connor, Dan Purdie) filed a statement of reservation covering multiple portfolio areas. On Treasury matters, they raised concerns about the Deputy Premier's contact with the CCC chairperson regarding a property purchase near the Cross River Rail Boggo Road station, the $23.8 million scrapped SPER ICT project, 17.3% cumulative increases in motor vehicle registration since 2015, and the waste disposal levy being passed on to householders. On Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, they criticised Queensland's Closing the Gap performance and poor consultation on the transition from the Family Responsibilities Commission. On Local Government, they raised concerns about inadequate resourcing for the Office of the Independent Assessor and the exclusion of several councils from the Works for Queensland program. On Racing, they noted the government would not meet its own key performance indicators by 2020 and highlighted delays in night racing infrastructure on the Gold Coast.
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Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 30, 56th Parliament, August 2019-2019-20 Budget Estimates - Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 20192019-08-13

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the 2019-20 budget estimates for the Legislative Assembly, which proposed total expenditure of $103.5 million. The committee conducted a public hearing with the Speaker and considered questions on notice before recommending the proposed expenditure be agreed to without amendment. No concerns or dissenting views were raised.

Key findings
  • The 2019-20 budget for the Legislative Assembly was $103.5 million, an increase of $4.4 million on the previous year
  • The budget increase was primarily for electorate office technology improvements and workload management measures, including a new relief staff allowance framework
  • The planned capital outlay was $6.8 million, a 35 per cent decrease on the prior year, with major projects including the Parliamentary Annexe infrastructure upgrade and heritage fence restoration
  • Key issues examined included electorate office security enhancements, IT system upgrades, cyber security measures, and the regional parliamentary sitting in Townsville
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the proposed expenditure, as detailed in the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2019, be agreed to by the Legislative Assembly without amendment.
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Motor Accident Insurance and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 29, 56th Parliament, August 2019-Motor Accident Insurance and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20192019-08-09

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the Motor Accident Insurance and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 over eight weeks, receiving 11 written submissions and holding a public briefing and public hearing with insurers, legal practitioners, and government representatives. The committee recommended the bill be passed, noting broad stakeholder support for tackling claim farming while acknowledging concerns from some legal stakeholders that the drafting may extend beyond its stated objective. The committee also identified several fundamental legislative principle issues, particularly around privacy, onus of proof, and the Commission's proposed investigative powers, and flagged a potential amendment to strengthen safeguards around criminal history information.

Key findings
  • Stakeholders broadly supported the bill's objective of stopping claim farming, with the Queensland Law Society, Insurance Council of Australia, and Bar Association of Queensland welcoming the reforms.
  • Market research indicated that 37 per cent of Queenslanders had been contacted by a claim farmer in the past 12 months, with 90 per cent considering it a serious problem.
  • Some legal stakeholders, including Shine Lawyers and the Australian Lawyers Alliance Queensland, raised concerns that the bill's drafting extended beyond its stated purpose and could have unintended consequences for legitimate law firm activities such as sponsorships and community partnerships.
  • The committee identified fundamental legislative principle concerns regarding privacy (access to criminal history information without consent), reverse onus of proof provisions, and the breadth of proposed powers to enter premises.
  • Queensland Treasury indicated it was amenable to amending the bill to require destruction of both criminal history reports and any written information derived from them, strengthening privacy safeguards.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Motor Accident Insurance and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 be passed.
Dissenting views: The report included a 'Statement of reservation' heading, indicating that one or more committee members filed a dissenting or qualifying view, but the text of the statement was not captured in the available report extract.
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Electoral and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 27, 56th Parliament, June 2019-Electoral and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20192019-06-21

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the bill over seven weeks, receiving seven submissions and holding a public hearing in Brisbane. The committee recommended the bill be passed without amendment, finding the reforms to electoral integrity, transparency and operational efficiency were sound. The bill implemented recommendations from both the CCC's Operation Belcarra report on local government corruption risks and the Soorley Report reviewing the conduct of the 2016 local government elections. A statement of reservation was filed by non-government members, though its content was not available in the extracted report text.

Key findings
  • The bill implemented three key Belcarra Report recommendations at the state level: expanding the ECQ's compliance functions, requiring disclosure of the true source of political gifts, and introducing new offence and penalty provisions
  • Stakeholders including the Electoral Commission of Queensland, the Environmental Defenders Office and the Queensland Law Society broadly supported the reforms, though the QLS raised concerns that some penalty provisions were broad enough to capture minor misconduct
  • The committee found that provisions allowing prisoners serving sentences of less than three years to vote were justified, aligning Queensland with the Commonwealth position and ending Queensland's status as the only jurisdiction to ban all prisoner voting
  • Privacy concerns were raised regarding the release of elector information to political parties, but the committee found the safeguards (silent elector protections and a 200 penalty unit offence for misuse) were adequate
  • The ECQ estimated implementation costs would be 'in the millions' primarily for updating IT systems, with additional costs for public awareness campaigns and training
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Electoral and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 be passed.
Dissenting views: Non-government committee members (Mr Ray Stevens MP, Mr Sam O'Connor MP, and Mr Dan Purdie MP) filed a statement of reservation, though the full content was not available in the extracted report text.
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Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 24, 56th Parliament, April 2019: Police Service Administration (Discipline Reform) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20192019-04-12

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 6, 56th Parliament - Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Bill 2018, government response2018-07-19

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 6, 56th Parliament - Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Bill 20182018-04-20

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Bill 2018, receiving 51 submissions and holding a public briefing and public hearing. The committee unanimously recommended that the bill be passed, noting broad stakeholder support for the reform objectives while acknowledging concerns about the lack of operational detail for the new financial provisioning scheme. The committee also recommended that clause 173 be amended to correct a minor drafting error (replacing 'annual report' with 'annual return'), which the government accepted.

Key findings
  • The majority of stakeholders supported the reform objectives, including the new pooled financial provisioning fund and progressive rehabilitation requirements, though many raised concerns about insufficient detail on how the scheme would operate in practice
  • Industry stakeholders, particularly in the petroleum and gas sector, raised concerns about potential cost increases under the new scheme, with some requesting the ability to opt out of the pooled fund
  • Environmental and community groups strongly supported progressive rehabilitation reforms but expressed concern that non-use management areas could be used as a loophole to avoid full mine site rehabilitation
  • The Queensland Law Society and several industry bodies criticised the absence of merits review rights for scheme manager decisions, arguing that judicial review alone was insufficient for a brand-new regulatory framework
  • The Office of the Information Commissioner objected to blanket exclusions from the Right to Information Act for scheme manager documents, arguing these were inconsistent with recent government policy on open access
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Bill 2018 be passed.
  • The committee recommends clause 173 of the Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Bill 2018 be amended to correct a minor drafting error.
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Electoral Legislation (Political Donations) Amendment Bill 2018Did not recommend passage2nd reading failed

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 21, 56th Parliament-Electoral Legislation (Political Donations) Amendment Bill 20182018-11-16

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined this private member's bill introduced by Michael Berkman MP (Greens, Maiwar) which sought to ban political donations from all for-profit corporations, extending beyond the existing property developer donation ban. The committee received 19 submissions and held a public hearing. It recommended the bill not be passed, finding that the Crime and Corruption Commission did not consider there was sufficient evidence to justify extending the donation prohibition beyond property developers, and that the bill may impermissibly restrict the implied constitutional freedom of political communication without adequate justification under the High Court's Lange test.

Key findings
  • The Crime and Corruption Commission advised it did not hold sufficient evidence that the risk of corruption from corporate donations justified extending the prohibition beyond property developers.
  • The committee found the bill may impermissibly restrict the implied constitutional freedom of political communication, as the evidence was insufficient to satisfy the High Court's Lange test.
  • No submitters opposed the bill outright, with all 19 submissions either supporting the reforms or calling for them to go further, though the CCC neither supported nor opposed it.
  • The CCC warned that banning corporate donations could lead corporations to find alternative ways to influence politics, such as independent third-party campaigns.
  • The committee noted the government's Belcarra Act was the first stage of broader electoral reform and that further integrity measures were already planned.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Electoral Legislation (Political Donations) Amendment Bill 2018 not be passed.
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Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2018Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 19, 56th Parliament - Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2018 and Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 20182018-10-19

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2018 alongside the Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2018, which together sought retrospective parliamentary authorisation for $500 million in unforeseen government expenditure during 2017-18. The committee received no public submissions, held one briefing with Queensland Treasury, and unanimously recommended both bills be passed. The unforeseen expenditure was largely driven by accelerated transport infrastructure funding and the Commonwealth's early payment of financial assistance grants to local governments.

Key findings
  • Total unforeseen expenditure of $500,055,000 represented 0.98 per cent of the 2017-18 budgeted appropriation.
  • The largest component ($231.3 million) was accelerated state and Commonwealth funding for transport infrastructure, including the Bruce Highway upgrade.
  • A further $187.9 million related to the Commonwealth Government's early payment of 2018-19 financial assistance grants to local governments.
  • The Legislative Assembly's $5.1 million in unforeseen expenditure was primarily due to costs arising from the 2017 electoral boundary redistribution and the earlier-than-anticipated state election.
  • The committee found no issues of fundamental legislative principle with either bill.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2018 be passed.
  • The committee recommends the Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2018 be passed.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Ministerial and Other Office Holder Staff and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 9, 56th Parliament - Ministerial and Other Office Holder Staff and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018, government response2018-10-05

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 9, 56th Parliament - Ministerial and Other Office Holder Staff and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20182018-07-05

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the bill over seven weeks, holding a public briefing with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. No public submissions were received. The committee recommended the bill be passed, while also identifying a drafting error in clauses 3 and 10 relating to the information a prosecuting authority must provide when a prosecution ends without conviction. The government supported both recommendations and committed to moving amendments during consideration in detail.

Key findings
  • The bill provides the Director-General and the Clerk with explicit power to conduct criminal history checks on ministerial, opposition, and parliamentary service staff, mirroring powers already available under the Public Service Act 2008.
  • The committee found sufficient privacy safeguards were in place, including requirements for written consent, mandatory destruction of reports when no longer needed, and penalties of up to $12,615 for unlawful disclosure.
  • A drafting error was identified in clauses 3 and 10 where the information required when a prosecution ends without conviction was inconsistent with the corresponding provision in the Public Service Act.
  • The committee noted that obligations for staff to disclose charges were not included in the bill itself, but were adequately covered by existing directives and codes of conduct.
  • The committee raised concerns that the explanatory notes contained insufficient detail regarding potential breaches of fundamental legislative principles relating to privacy.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Ministerial and Other Office Holder Staff and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that clauses 3 and 10 of the Ministerial and Other Office Holder Staff and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 be amended to correct a drafting error.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No.16, 56th Parliament - Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20182018-10-05

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined this omnibus bill over six weeks, receiving 14 submissions and holding public hearings in Brisbane and on Mornington Island. The committee recommended the bill be passed without amendment. The most contentious issue was the reinstatement of the 'last claim standing' provision for Indigenous cultural heritage management, with strong views both for and against from native title stakeholders, land users, and legal bodies. The committee also heard significant community evidence about the impact of turbo yeast on homemade alcohol production in discrete Indigenous communities.

Key findings
  • Stakeholders broadly supported expanding the e-conveyancing framework for land transactions, with the Queensland Law Society and Property Council of Australia endorsing the reforms
  • The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and Queensland Law Society raised concerns that requiring charities to include express constitutional wording could create inconsistencies with federal charity registration requirements
  • Community members on Mornington Island held differing views on prohibiting homemade alcohol substances, with some supporting the ban on turbo yeast and others arguing it was a 'bandaid' solution that could drive people to harder drugs
  • The reinstatement of the 'last claim standing' cultural heritage provision drew the most debate, with land users and resource companies supporting certainty while native title bodies argued it could give cultural heritage responsibility to groups found by courts to have no connection to the land
  • The committee accepted the government's position that the cultural heritage amendments were an interim measure pending a broader review of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 be passed.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Local Government (Dissolution of Ipswich City Council) Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 12, 56th Parliament - Inquiry into the Draft Local Government (Dissolution of Ipswich City Council) Bill 2018, government response2018-08-21

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 12, 56th Parliament - Inquiry into the Draft Local Government (Dissolution of Ipswich City Council) Bill 20182018-08-17

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the draft bill to dissolve the Ipswich City Council following serious governance failures and criminal charges against councillors. The committee recommended the bill be passed, subject to amendments allowing the Minister to appoint an acting interim administrator during short-term absences, and clarifying that former Ipswich councillors could still stand as candidates in the 2020 local government elections. The Queensland Government supported all three recommendations, with the amended bill removing the blanket prohibition on former Ipswich councillors standing for election.

Key findings
  • The committee found the dissolution was justified given the serious governance failures and criminal charges affecting multiple Ipswich City Council councillors.
  • Stakeholders including the Queensland Law Society raised concerns about the clause excluding judicial review of interim administrator appointment decisions, arguing it was contrary to fundamental legislative principles.
  • The Lockyer Valley Regional Council and other submitters noted that restricting former councillors from standing in any local government election was overly broad.
  • The committee identified potential breaches of fundamental legislative principles, particularly regarding the rights and liberties of individuals and the institution of Parliament.
  • The Government responded by removing the blanket prohibition on former councillors standing for election and providing immunity from civil liability for advisory and interim management committee members.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Legislative Assembly pass the Local Government (Dissolution of Ipswich City Council) Bill 2018.
  • The committee recommends that the draft Bill be amended to allow for the Minister to appoint an acting interim administrator in circumstances of short-term absences of the interim administrator.
  • The committee recommends that the draft Bill be amended to clarify that an Ipswich City Council councillor can be nominated as a candidate or for appointment as a councillor for any local government election in 2020.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Appropriation Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 11, 56th Parliament - 2018-19 Budget Estimates - Appropriation Bill 20182018-08-17

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the 2018-19 budget estimates contained in the Appropriation Bill 2018 for its areas of responsibility, covering the Premier and Minister for Trade, the Deputy Premier and Treasurer, and the Minister for Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs. The committee conducted a public hearing on 24 July 2018, questioning ministers and departmental officers across portfolios including the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Queensland Treasury, and the Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs. The committee recommended that the proposed expenditure be agreed to by the Legislative Assembly without amendment. Non-government members filed a statement of reservation raising concerns about new taxes, debt levels, and government accountability.

Key findings
  • The committee examined budget estimates across three ministerial portfolios covering agencies including the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Queensland Treasury, the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, and the Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs
  • Key issues raised during hearings included the impact of five new taxes introduced by the government, the luxury vehicle levy, the waste levy, the point of consumption wagering tax, and concerns about Queensland's debt-to-revenue ratio
  • The committee scrutinised matters relating to the Ipswich City Council including show cause notices, councillor conduct complaints, and the proposed dissolution of the council
  • Significant attention was given to the Eagle Farm racecourse remediation project, with concerns about cost overruns and delays, as well as the future of Albion Park and the allocation of the Racing Infrastructure Fund
  • Non-government members raised concerns about government transparency, including the timing of tabling of the Queensland Family and Child Commission annual report and the handling of ministerial office budget overruns
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the proposed expenditure, as detailed in the Appropriation Bill 2018 for the committee's areas of responsibility, be agreed to by the Legislative Assembly without amendment.
Dissenting views: Non-government members filed a statement of reservation describing the 2018-19 budget as one of 'taxes, debt and unemployment'. They criticised five new taxes estimated to remove $2.2 billion from the economy, raised concerns about the lack of economic modelling on the impact of these taxes on jobs, and argued that the government's first two fiscal principles had been broken. They also raised issues around government transparency, including the timing of the tabling of the Queensland Family and Child Commission annual report, the Premier's office budget overrun, the lack of consultation on the luxury vehicle levy's impact on campervans and motorhomes, and uncertainty around the Eagle Farm racecourse remediation project and the future of Albion Park.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 10, 56th Parliament - 2018-19 Budget Estimates - Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 20182018-08-17

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the 2018-19 budget estimates for the Legislative Assembly and Parliamentary Service. The committee held a public hearing on 24 July 2018 with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and considered questions on notice. The committee recommended that the proposed expenditure of $96.1 million in appropriation revenue be agreed to without amendment, noting the budget increase was primarily due to enterprise bargaining costs.

Key findings
  • The Legislative Assembly's operating budget for 2018-19 was $98.2 million, an increase of $778,000 from the prior year mainly due to enterprise bargaining costs.
  • The capital program of $9.2 million focused on completing fire protection works in Parliament House, improving security surveillance, and relocating electorate offices following the 2017 boundary redistribution.
  • Issues raised at the public hearing included the Speaker's travel expenditure, staffing for non-government and crossbench members, and the Parliamentary Service's information technology strategy.
  • The committee thanked the Speaker for his stewardship of the Office of the Speaker and the Parliament.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the proposed expenditure, as detailed in the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2018, be agreed to by the Legislative Assembly without amendment.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 1 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 7, 56th Parliament - Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 1 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20182018-04-23

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined this bill over seven weeks, receiving 43 submissions and holding public hearings with stakeholders including the Crime and Corruption Commission, Electoral Commission Queensland, Queensland Law Society, and local governments. The committee recommended the bill be passed, while also recommending it be amended to insert a purpose statement in the Electoral Act 1992. The committee raised four points of clarification for the Minister regarding the commencement timeframe for the property developer donation ban, the operation of conflict of interest provisions, the process for determining material personal interests, and the rationale for differing penalties.

Key findings
  • The committee found the bill's prohibition on property developer donations was modelled on constitutionally valid New South Wales provisions and was an evidence-based, proportional response to corruption risks identified by the Crime and Corruption Commission's Operation Belcarra
  • Several stakeholders including the Queensland Law Society and Crime and Corruption Commission raised concerns about the retrospective application of provisions requiring repayment of donations received after 12 October 2017
  • The committee identified potential fundamental legislative principle issues around the implied freedom of political communication, but considered the breach justified given the real risks of corruption from property developer donations
  • Submitters expressed divided views on the duty for councillors to report suspected undeclared conflicts of interest of fellow councillors, with some warning it could be divisive and open to abuse
  • The committee noted inconsistent penalties for failing to declare a conflict of interest versus a material personal interest and sought clarification from the Minister
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 1 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs and the Department of Justice and Attorney-General work with the Electoral Commission Queensland to develop examples of what is a property developer and a close associate, and what constitutes 'regularly' in the context of making relevant planning applications, to assist affected parties and the courts in determining the application of the proposed legislation.
  • The committee recommends the Bill be amended to insert a purpose statement in the Electoral Act 1992, similar to the proposed purpose statement in the Local Government Electoral Act 2011.
Dissenting views: The report included a statement of reservation, however the content was not captured in the extracted text.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Local Government (Councillor Complaints) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 5, 56th Parliament - Local Government (Councillor Complaints) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20182018-04-09

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the bill over approximately two months, receiving 12 written submissions, holding a public briefing and a public hearing. The committee recommended the bill be passed, with one amendment requiring that the Councillor Conduct Tribunal and the Local Government Remuneration Commission each be constituted by at least two members when making key decisions. Submitters and witnesses expressed general support for the new councillor complaints framework, including the establishment of the Independent Assessor and the Councillor Conduct Tribunal. No dissenting views were filed.

Key findings
  • The Crime and Corruption Commission was generally supportive of the bill's proposed model for dealing with councillor complaints, including the establishment of the Independent Assessor.
  • Submitters and witnesses expressed general support for the new councillor complaints framework, including the establishment of the Councillor Conduct Tribunal to replace the existing Regional Conduct Review Panels.
  • Stakeholders raised concerns about the potential for a meeting chairperson to misuse the 'unsuitable meeting conduct' provisions to disempower councillors who disagreed with them.
  • The LGAQ raised concerns that giving a councillor only seven days' notice of a tribunal hearing was an unacceptably short notice period.
  • The committee identified that allowing the Councillor Conduct Tribunal to be constituted by a single member could undermine public confidence in its decisions, and recommended a minimum of two members for misconduct hearings.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Local Government (Councillor Complaints) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 be passed.
  • The committee recommends the Bill be amended to provide that the Councillor Conduct Tribunal must be constituted by at least two members for the purpose of conducting a hearing about whether a councillor has engaged in misconduct.
  • The committee recommends the Bill be amended to provide that the Local Government Remuneration Commission must be constituted by at least two commissioners for the purpose of making decisions establishing the categories of councils, determining which category each council belongs to and the maximum amount of remuneration payable to councillors in each category.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Local Government Legislation (Validation of Rates and Charges) Amendment Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 3, 56th Parliament - Local Government Legislation (Validation of Rates and Charges) Amendment Bill 2018, government response2018-03-20

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 3, 56th Parliament - Local Government Legislation (Validation of Rates and Charges) Amendment Bill 20182018-03-15

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the bill and recommended it be passed. The committee noted the bill's retrospective validation of local government rates and charges raised fundamental legislative principle concerns regarding the rights and liberties of individuals, but accepted the justification for the provisions. The committee also recommended that the Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs monitor local government compliance with rating processes over the following two financial years. The Queensland Government supported both recommendations.

Key findings
  • The bill sought to retrospectively validate rates and charges levied by local governments that may not have been levied by appropriate resolution.
  • The committee identified that clauses 3 and 5 raised fundamental legislative principle concerns about retrospective effects on rights and liberties of individuals.
  • The committee accepted the justification for retrospective validation given the need to ensure certainty for local government revenue.
  • The committee recommended ongoing departmental monitoring of local government compliance with statutory rating requirements for 2018/19 and 2019/20.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Local Government Legislation (Validation of Rates and Charges) Amendment Bill 2018 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs monitor how local governments are levying their rates and charges over the next two financial years, 2018/19 and 2019/20, to ensure local governments are aware of the proper processes and are complying with the statutory requirements.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Queensland Competition Authority Amendment Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 2, 56th Parliament - Queensland Competition Authority Amendment Bill 20182018-03-15

Committee findings

The Economics and Governance Committee examined the bill over one month, receiving four submissions and holding a public hearing on 5 March 2018. The committee recommended the bill be passed, finding general stakeholder support for aligning Queensland's third party access regime with the national access regime. Some stakeholders raised concerns about the timing of changes relative to upcoming declaration reviews for the Central Queensland Coal Network and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, but Queensland Treasury advised that the reforms provided necessary regulatory clarity.

Key findings
  • The bill aligns Queensland's third party access criteria with the national access regime, following recommendations by the Productivity Commission
  • Stakeholders broadly supported the changes to access declaration criteria, including Aurizon Network and the Queensland Resources Council
  • The Queensland Resources Council and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal User Group raised concerns that introducing new criteria during upcoming declaration reviews (expiring in 2020) could create investment uncertainty
  • Aurizon Network raised concerns that changes to pricing principle provisions could undermine the ability of infrastructure operators to recover efficient costs
  • Queensland Treasury advised that the changes clarify rather than alter the application of pricing principles and that no practical benefit would arise from legislatively extending existing declarations
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Queensland Competition Authority Amendment Bill 2018 be passed.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors

Other Reports (70)

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 58, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 11 October 2023 and 14 November 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-12-22

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 57, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 13 September 2023 and 10 October 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-12-05

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 55, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 23 August 2023 and 12 September 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-11-21

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 54, 57th Parliament-Annual Report 2022-23

Other2023-11-07

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 53, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 14 June 2023 and 22 August 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-10-31

Economics and Governance Committee: Report Nos. 49 and 50, 57th Parliament-2023-24 Budget Estimates-Volume of Additional Information

Other2023-08-18

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 50, 57th Parliament-2023-24 Budget Estimates

Other2023-08-18

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 49, 57th Parliament-2023-24 Budget Estimates

Other2023-08-18

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 48, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 24 May 2023 and 13 June 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-08-03

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 47, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 19 April 2023 and 23 May 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-07-18

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 46, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 29 March 2023 and 18 April 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-06-20

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 45, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 22 February 2023 and 28 March 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-05-22

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 44, 57th Parliament-Examination of Auditor-General reports

audit2023-04-21

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 43, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 30 November 2022 and 21 February 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-04-21

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 42, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 9 November and 29 November 2022

Subordinate Legislation2023-03-21

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 39, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 31 August 2022 and 8 November 2022

Subordinate Legislation2022-12-06

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 35, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 22 June 2022 and 30 August 2022

Subordinate Legislation2022-11-01

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 34, 57th Parliament-Annual Report 2021-22

Other2022-10-17

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 32, 57th Parliament-Report on the 16th Biennial Conference of the Australasian Council of Public Accounts Committees (ACPAC)

Other2022-09-02

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 31, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 25 May 2022 and 21 June 2022

Subordinate Legislation2022-08-23

Economics and Governance Committee: Report Nos 29 and 30, 57th Parliament-2022-23 Budget Estimates-Volume of Additional Information

Other2022-08-12

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 30, 57th Parliament-2022-23 Budget Estimates

Other2022-08-12

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 29, 57th Parliament-2022-23 Budget Estimates

Other2022-08-12

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 28, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 11 May 2022 and 24 May 2022

Subordinate Legislation2022-08-04

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 26, 57th Parliament-Inquiry into the report on the strategic review of the functions of the Integrity Commissioner, government response

Inquiry2022-08-02

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 27, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 16 March 2022 and 10 May 2022

Subordinate Legislation2022-07-04

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 26, 57th Parliament-Inquiry into the report on the strategic review of the functions of the Integrity Commissioner

Inquiry2022-06-03

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 25, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 23 February 2022 and 15 March 2022

Subordinate Legislation2022-05-31

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 23, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 17 November 2021 and 22 February 2022

Subordinate Legislation2022-04-05

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 22, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 15 September 2021 and 16 November 2021

Subordinate Legislation2022-02-25

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 16, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 16 June 2021 and 31 August 2021: Erratum

Subordinate Legislation2021-12-03

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 19, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 3 September 2021 and 14 September 2021

Subordinate Legislation2021-11-10

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 17, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 1 September 2021 and 2 September 2021

Subordinate Legislation2021-10-25

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 16, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 16 June 2021 and 31 August 2021

Subordinate Legislation2021-10-25

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 14, 57th Parliament-Annual Report 2020-2021

Other2021-09-17

Economics and Governance Committee: Report Nos 12 and 13, 57th Parliament-2021-22 Budget Estimates-Volume of Additional Information

Other2021-08-20

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 10, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 21 April 2021 and 15 June 2021

Subordinate Legislation2021-07-09

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 9, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 24 March 2021 and 20 April 2021

Subordinate Legislation2021-06-14

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 7, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 27 November 2020 and 23 March 2021

Subordinate Legislation2021-04-28

State Development and Regional Industries Committee: Statement regarding report by predecessor Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 47, 56th Parliament-Report into the feasibility of introducing expenditure caps for Queensland local government elections

Other2021-04-27

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 5, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 9 September 2020 and 26 November 2020

Subordinate Legislation2021-02-22

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 4, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 15 July 2020 and 8 September 2020

Subordinate Legislation2021-02-22

Economics and Governance Committee: Report Nos 2 and 3, 57th Parliament-2020-2021 Budget Estimates-Volume of Additional Information

Other2021-02-12

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 1, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 17 June 2020 and 14 July 2020

Subordinate Legislation2020-11-30

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 47, 56th Parliament-Inquiry into the feasibility of introducing expenditure caps for Queensland local government elections, government response

Inquiry2020-11-27

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 47, 56th Parliament-Inquiry into the feasibility of introducing expenditure caps for Queensland local government elections

Inquiry2020-09-15

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 46, 56th Parliament-Annual Report 2019-2020

Other2020-09-15

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 43, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 20 May 2020 and 16 June 2020

Subordinate Legislation2020-07-21

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 42, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 23 April 2020 and 19 May 2020

Subordinate Legislation2020-07-13

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 41, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 5 February 2020 and 22 April 2020

Subordinate Legislation2020-06-30

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 39, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 27 November 2019 and 4 February 2020

Subordinate Legislation2020-03-30

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 38, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 16 October 2019 and 26 November 2019

Subordinate Legislation2020-03-16

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 36, 56th Parliament, November 2019-Subordinate legislation tabled between 21 August 2019 and 15 October 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-11-25

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 34, 56th Parliament, October 2019-Subordinate legislation tabled between 3 May 2019 and 20 August 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-10-18

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 33, 56th Parliament, September 2019-Annual Report 2018-19

Other2019-09-20

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 32, 56th Parliament, August 2019-Subordinate legislation tabled between 1 May 2019 and 2 May 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-08-15

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 30 and 31, 56th Parliament, August 2019-2019-20 Budget Estimates - Volume of Additional Information

Other2019-08-13

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 28, 56th Parliament, July 2019-Subordinate legislation tabled between 27 March 2019 and 30 April 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-07-08

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 25, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 13 February 2019 and 26 March 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-05-13

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 23, 56th Parliament, April 2019-Subordinate legislation tabled between 31 October 2018 and 12 February 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-04-01

Economics and Governance Committee: Report No. 22, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 5 September 2018 and 30 October 2018

Subordinate Legislation2019-02-25

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 20, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 22 August 2018 and 4 September 2018

Subordinate Legislation2018-10-29

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 17, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 13 June 2018 and 21 August 2018

Subordinate Legislation2018-10-15

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 15, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 16 May 2018 and 12 June 2018

Subordinate Legislation2018-09-17

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 14, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 2 May 2018 and 15 May 2018

Subordinate Legislation2018-09-17

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 13, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 7 March 2018 and 1 May 2018

Subordinate Legislation2018-08-20

Economics and Governance Committee : Reports No. 10 and 11, 56th Parliament - 2018-19 Budget Estimates - Additional Information

Other2018-08-17

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 8, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 25 October 2017 and 6 March 2018

Subordinate Legislation2018-06-11

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 4, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 11 October 2017 and 24 October 2017

Subordinate Legislation2018-03-19

Economics and Governance Committee : Report No. 1, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 5 September 2017 and 10 October 2017

Subordinate Legislation2018-03-05