Legal Affairs and Safety Committee

Portfolio Committee

View on parliament.qld.gov.au

Bills Reviewed (22)

Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee Report No. 63, 57th Parliament-Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, government response2024-03-05

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 63, 57th Parliament-Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20232024-01-19

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the bill over approximately three months, receiving submissions and holding hearings on wide-ranging reforms to criminal law covering coercive control, affirmative consent, protection orders, and complainant privacy. The committee recommended the bill be passed and made five additional recommendations focused on community education, review of consent provisions relating to disease transmission, post-implementation reviews, evaluation of the perpetrator diversion scheme, and cultural consultation requirements for publishing information about deceased First Nations complainants. The Queensland Government supported all six recommendations, either fully or in principle.

Key findings
  • The committee found broad support for the bill's reforms, which implement recommendations from the Women's Safety and Justice Taskforce 'Hear her voice' reports
  • Stakeholders raised concerns about the consent provision relating to transmission of serious diseases, prompting the committee to recommend a government review of that provision
  • The Queensland Law Society raised concerns about the coercive control offence not requiring specific intent at the time of each alleged act, and warned of unprecedented evidentiary challenges
  • The committee identified the need for a comprehensive, culturally sensitive education campaign to support the reforms, particularly regarding technology-facilitated abuse
  • The committee recommended post-implementation reviews at 24 months and five years, along with mandatory data collection to monitor unintended consequences
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the bill be passed.
  • The committee recommends the Queensland Government, in collaboration with relevant departments, peak bodies, and First Nations and multicultural organisations, develop and implement an age-appropriate, culturally sensitive education campaign to support the reforms, including awareness of technology-facilitated abuse and digital literacy.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government review the Criminal Code provisions relating to consent and the transmission of serious diseases, and consider removing the disease transmission provision pending that review.
  • The committee recommends the Queensland Government conduct reviews of the proposed amendments within 24 months and again within five years of implementation, with formal opportunities for victim-survivors and stakeholders to provide input, and consider mandatory data collection and reporting requirements for the new offences.
  • The committee recommends the Queensland Government conduct a review of the perpetrator diversion scheme within 24 months of implementation, examining eligibility criteria, availability across Queensland, and cultural safety for First Nations people and culturally and linguistically diverse Queenslanders.
  • The committee recommends the Queensland Government consider amending section 103ZZN(3) to require publishing entities to consult with relevant First Nations organisations before publishing identifying details about a deceased complainant of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
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Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023Recommended passagePASSED

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 67, 57th Parliament-Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20232024-02-02

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 over three months, receiving three submissions, holding a public hearing with the Alliance for Gambling Reform and the Office of the Information Commissioner, and conducting a site visit to The Star Brisbane. The committee unanimously recommended the bill be passed, finding that the reforms to implement the Gotterson Review recommendations were necessary to minimise gambling harm and reduce criminal influence in Queensland casinos. Key issues examined included mandatory carded play, cashless gambling limits, player data privacy protections, a compulsory code of conduct, a supervision levy for casino owners, periodic suitability reviews, and interstate police exclusion powers.

Key findings
  • The committee found the bill's measures to implement mandatory carded play, cashless gambling above $1,000, and binding pre-commitment limits were appropriate responses to the Gotterson Review's findings on gambling harm in Queensland casinos.
  • Stakeholder concerns about player data privacy were addressed, with the committee satisfied the bill strikes the right balance between protecting personal information and enabling data sharing for criminal investigations and gambling harm research.
  • The committee supported replacing voluntary self-regulation with a mandatory code of conduct for safer gambling, noting that industry self-regulation is not appropriate for a large, concentrated sector with significant public impact like gambling.
  • The committee endorsed the introduction of a supervision levy so that the cost of regulating casinos is borne by casino operators rather than taxpayers, particularly given the scale and profitability of casino corporations.
  • The committee noted that while the gambling reform agenda remains unfinished and could be expanded to other gambling products beyond casinos, expanding the scope was outside the objectives of this bill.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 be passed.
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Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 56, 57th Parliament-Inquiry into the Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, government response2023-10-26

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 56, 57th Parliament-Inquiry into the Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20232023-10-06

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the bill over six weeks, receiving 95 submissions and holding a public hearing and briefing with the Department of Justice and Attorney-General. The committee recommended the bill be passed and made eight additional recommendations covering education campaigns, review of sunset clause practices, guidance on smoking provisions, pet-keeping timeframes, vehicle towing powers, and the interaction between body corporate laws and minimum housing standards. The Queensland Government supported or supported in principle seven of the nine recommendations, and did not directly support two (regarding pet-keeping timeframes and minimum housing standards) while committing to information campaigns and monitoring on those issues.

Key findings
  • The committee received broad stakeholder support for the bill's intent but noted concerns about the proposed 75% vote threshold for terminating uneconomic community titles schemes
  • Stakeholders generally supported prohibiting by-laws that ban pets in community titles schemes, though questions were raised about the interaction between body corporate approval processes and the 14-day landlord response timeframe under the RTRA Act
  • The meaning of 'regularly' in the new smoking provisions (section 167) was flagged as potentially unclear, with stakeholders seeking more definitive guidance
  • Consumer protection reforms limiting the misuse of sunset clauses in off-the-plan contracts were supported, with the committee recommending a 24-month review of their effectiveness
  • The REIQ raised concerns about the interaction between new Minimum Housing Standards and body corporate obligations, particularly where maintenance responsibility falls on the body corporate rather than the individual lot owner
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government develop an education campaign with the CTL Working Group to provide guidance and resources to organisations and individuals to support the proposed reforms, in particular information on dispute resolution processes available for lot owners.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government review the proposed section 167 and consider whether guidance should be provided around the word 'regularly' contained within the section.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government, in collaboration with the CTL Working Group, review the interaction between the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 and the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 regarding timeframes for requests to keep pets.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government, in collaboration with the CTL Working Group, consider providing additional guidance and resources to bodies corporate regarding their powers to tow vehicles parked in contravention of a by-law, in particular vehicles owned or operated by visitors.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government consider amending the relevant sections of the 5 module regulations under the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 to clarify whether the prescribed fee for obtaining a copy of a body corporate record applies to digital copies as well as printed copies.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government review, within 24 months of the implementation of the Bill, the exercise of sunset clauses giving consideration to current housing pressures, practices by developers and sellers, and the associated impact on consumer confidence and housing supply.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government conduct a review within 24 months of the commencement of the Bill to determine and address any unintended consequences that may have arisen from the proposed amendments.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government in conjunction with organisations such as REIQ review the interaction between the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 and the Minimum Housing Standards prescribed by the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008, in particular with respect to how these reforms impact on owners in a community titles scheme.
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Property Law Bill 2023Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 45, 57th Parliament-Property Law Bill 2023, government response2023-10-24

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 45, 57th Parliament-Property Law Bill 2023, government response2023-10-13

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 45, 57th Parliament-Property Law Bill 2023, interim government response2023-06-28

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 45, 57th Parliament-Property Law Bill 20232023-04-14

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the Property Law Bill 2023 over several weeks, receiving 29 submissions and holding a public hearing in Brisbane. The committee recommended the bill be passed, while also making three further recommendations concerning auction disclosure provisions, lease surrender conditions, and the enforceability of covenants in easements. The Queensland Government supported three of the four recommendations, declining only the recommendation to change lease surrender conditions.

Key findings
  • The bill replaces the Property Law Act 1974 with modernised, plain English provisions covering property transactions, mortgages, leases, covenants, and e-conveyancing.
  • A new statutory seller disclosure scheme consolidates the currently fragmented disclosure obligations for sales of freehold land.
  • The Local Government Association of Queensland called for mandatory disclosure of natural hazard risks at point of sale, but the committee did not recommend this change.
  • Stakeholders raised concerns about how disclosure documents would be provided at auctions, leading the committee to recommend a review within 12 months of commencement.
  • The committee recommended a review of easement and covenant provisions to ensure non-abusive covenants in modern easements continue to bind successors in title.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Property Law Bill 2023 be passed.
  • That the Department of Justice and Attorney-General engage with stakeholders and review the provisions of the Property Law Act 2023 for providing disclosure documents at auctions within 12 months of the Act commencing, giving consideration to the provision of disclosure documents to buyers registering before and during an auction.
  • That the lease provisions of the Property Law Bill 2023 be amended to require a lessee to surrender the premises to the lessor in the same condition it was in when the lessee first took possession.
  • That the Department of Justice and Attorney-General review the easement and covenant provisions of the Property Law Act 2023 within 12 months of the Act commencing to ensure that all non-abusive covenants found in modern easements will still bind successors in title.
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Criminal Code (Serious Vilification and Hate Crimes) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Letter, dated 3 October 2023, from the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Hon. Yvette D'Ath, to the Clerk of the Parliament, Mr Neil Laurie, enclosing Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 49, 57th Parliament-Criminal Code (Serious Vilification and Hate Crimes) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, government response2023-10-03

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 49, 57th Parliament-Criminal Code (Serious Vilification and Hate Crimes) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20232023-06-30

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the Bill over three months, receiving submissions from numerous stakeholders including the Queensland Human Rights Commission, Multicultural Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service, and community legal centres. The majority of stakeholders supported the Bill. The committee recommended the Bill be passed and made eight additional recommendations covering expanded protected attributes, coverage of closed environments, electronic communications, reviews of the legislation's impact, culturally appropriate training, and data collection on hate crimes. The Queensland Government supported or supported-in-principle all recommendations.

Key findings
  • The majority of stakeholders were supportive of the Bill's reforms to serious vilification and hate crime laws.
  • The committee found the Bill compatible with human rights under the Human Rights Act 2019, noting that any limitations on rights were justified to protect vulnerable community members.
  • Stakeholders raised the need to expand protected attributes beyond race, religion, sexuality and gender identity to include age and impairment.
  • The committee identified that the existing serious vilification offence had been rarely prosecuted, with only five charges and three convictions since 2001, partly due to the requirement for Crown Law Officer consent.
  • Concerns were raised about the need to protect religious and cultural uses of symbols (such as the Hindu swastika) from being captured by the proposed prohibited symbols offence.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Criminal Code (Serious Vilification and Hate Crimes) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 be passed.
  • That the Queensland Government considers, as part of its review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991, the possible inclusion of additional protected attributes, particularly age and impairment, in relation to vilification, serious vilification, circumstance of aggravation and prohibited symbols provisions.
  • That the Queensland Government considers amending the Bill to include closed environments, such as hospitals and educational institutions, in the serious vilification and prohibited symbols provisions.
  • That the Queensland Government amends the definition of 'public act' to set out examples of communication by electronic means, including online communication and social media posts and comments.
  • That the Queensland Government conducts a review within 24 months of the commencement of the Bill to ensure the offences to which the circumstance of aggravation apply are adequate, with particular consideration to sexual offences and property crimes such as graffiti.
  • That the Queensland Government conducts a review within 24 months of commencement to consider the impact of the amendments on First Nations peoples.
  • That the Queensland Government monitors the operation of the test in the prohibited symbols offence to ensure it is appropriate.
  • That the Queensland Government ensures adequate culturally appropriate education and training on the new offences for the Queensland Police Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, judicial officers and the public.
  • That the Queensland Government commences a program of collecting accurate data in relation to serious vilification and hate crimes to ensure the effectiveness of the amendments.
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Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 50, 57th Parliament-Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, government response2023-09-12

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 50, 57th Parliament-Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20232023-07-28

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 over two months, receiving 12 submissions, a written briefing from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, a public briefing, and a public hearing. The committee recommended the bill be passed and made six additional recommendations addressing responsible media reporting of sexual violence, monitoring impacts on reporting barriers for women, trauma-informed training for those working with victims, resourcing for victim support services, inclusive language in the Criminal Code, and continued work on domestic and family violence safety. The Queensland Government supported or supported in principle all seven recommendations.

Key findings
  • The committee examined the removal of defendant anonymity restrictions in sexual offence cases, noting Queensland was one of only two jurisdictions still maintaining pre-committal anonymity.
  • Stakeholders raised concerns about whether naming defendants in sexual offence cases could unintentionally discourage women from reporting, prompting the committee to recommend ongoing government monitoring.
  • The bill's proposal to recognise the death of an unborn child as an aggravating factor in sentencing for serious offences received broad support, with the committee noting additional resourcing and trauma-informed training would be needed for victim support services.
  • Amendments to clarify that providing financial support for a lawful termination of pregnancy does not constitute a criminal offence were supported, with the committee recommending the use of gender-inclusive language in the relevant provisions.
  • Electoral reforms to save postal votes not enclosed in official reply-paid envelopes were strongly supported by the Electoral Commission of Queensland, which estimated up to 30 per cent of the 57,000 rejected postal votes from the 2020 state election could have been saved under the new provision.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government prioritise the development of a guide for the media to support responsible reporting of sexual violence in accordance with Recommendation 84 of the Hear her Voice Report 2.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government monitor whether the naming of offenders unintentionally creates barriers for women to report sexual offences.
  • The committee recommends that proposed reforms introduced by the Bill relating to victims are accompanied with trauma-informed training for those interacting with victims in the criminal justice system, including legal services, victims' services and investigating and prosecution bodies.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government consider the service and resourcing impacts that these reforms will have on the victim support and community legal service sectors.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government consider changing 'woman' to 'pregnant person' in proposed s 319A of the Bill to better reflect the diversity and modern community expectations of Queensland.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government continues to undertake work in relation to improving safety for victims of domestic and family violence, noting the prevalence of systems abuse.
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Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Bill 2022Recommended passagePASSED

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 41, 57th Parliament-Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Bill 2022, government response2023-05-24

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 41, 57th Parliament-Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Bill 20222023-02-24

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Bill 2022, receiving 385 submissions and holding a public hearing with stakeholders. The committee recommended the bill be passed unanimously, while also calling on the government to report on progress closing the birth registration gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to audit existing legislation for gendered language that may need updating. The Queensland Government supported all three recommendations.

Key findings
  • The committee received 385 submissions and held public hearings, indicating significant public interest in the bill's reforms to births, deaths and marriages registration.
  • The bill introduces flexible parenting descriptors to better reflect contemporary family structures, replacing rigid gendered terms.
  • Stakeholders raised concerns about the process for altering a record of sex, including implications for the police records system (QPRIME) and the construction of wills.
  • Several submitters called for integrated birth certificates for adoptees to record both biological origins and adoption information, though this was not included in the bill.
  • The Queensland Law Society flagged potential uncertainty for wills that use gendered class gifts, though the department noted the relevant provisions were consistent with existing law.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Bill be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government reports to the Legislative Assembly on its progress regarding the Closing the Registration Gap Strategy Plan 2021-24 within 12 months of the tabling of this report.
  • The committee recommends that Queensland Government agencies undertake an audit of Queensland legislation within their remit to identify amendments required as a result of the introduction of the Bill.
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Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023Recommended passagePASSED

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 46, 57th Parliament-Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, government response2023-04-19

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 46, 57th Parliament-Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20232023-04-14

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the bill over two months, receiving 15 submissions, holding a public hearing with stakeholders, and conducting a briefing with Queensland Police Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. The committee recommended the bill be passed unanimously, while raising concerns about ensuring the expanded Police Drug Diversion Program is properly implemented through police training and that children suspected of minor drug offences are not treated more harshly than adults. The Queensland Government supported all three of the committee's recommendations.

Key findings
  • The bill expands the Police Drug Diversion Program beyond cannabis to include other dangerous drugs, offering diversion as an alternative to prosecution for minor drug offences
  • The bill increases the maximum penalty for trafficking in dangerous drugs from 25 years imprisonment to life imprisonment, which raised fundamental legislative principles and human rights considerations
  • The committee identified a risk that greater police discretion under the expanded program could result in children being treated more harshly than adults for minor drug offences
  • The committee found that an independent evaluation of the expanded program's operation should be conducted and reported to the Legislative Assembly within 24 months
  • Fifteen stakeholders made submissions and the committee held public hearings to examine the bill's provisions
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 be passed.
  • The committee recommends the Queensland Police Service review their training processes to ensure the amendments to the Police Drug Diversion Program are adequately implemented, including an assessment of whether any changes to current training processes are required to ensure that the greater discretion afforded to police when dealing with children suspected of minor drug offences does not result in them being treated more harshly than if they had been adults.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government reports to the Legislative Assembly within 24 months of the Act commencing on its progress regarding the independent evaluation of the Police Drug Diversion Program's operation.
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Monitoring of Places of Detention (Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture) Bill 2022Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 42, 57th Parliament-Inquiry into the Monitoring of Places of Detention (Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture) Bill 20222023-02-24

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the Bill over approximately three months, receiving 29 written submissions and holding a public hearing with stakeholders including the Queensland Human Rights Commission, Queensland Law Society, Sisters Inside, and knowmore. The committee recommended the Bill be passed, finding it would achieve its policy objective of facilitating visits by the United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture to places of detention in Queensland. Key areas of stakeholder concern included the scope of the definition of 'place of detention', powers to restrict the subcommittee's access to facilities, protections for identifying information, consent requirements for interviews, and the adequacy of penalties for reprisals against detainees who cooperate with the subcommittee.

Key findings
  • Many stakeholders recommended broadening the definition of 'place of detention' beyond the specific facilities listed in the Bill to align with the broader OPCAT definition, which would capture residential aged care facilities, secure dementia units, and disability group homes
  • The committee accepted the government's position that the Bill does not prevent the subcommittee from visiting places outside its scope and that the regulation-making power provides flexibility to prescribe additional places of detention in the future
  • Stakeholders including Sisters Inside raised significant concerns that powers allowing detaining authorities to temporarily restrict the subcommittee's access (clause 10) were too broad and could undermine the Bill's purpose, particularly during incidents when detained people are most at risk
  • The committee was satisfied that safeguards limiting the restriction powers — including time limits, written reasons requirements, and ministerial override — were adequate
  • Sisters Inside and other submitters argued the definition of 'detriment' in the reprisals provisions was too narrow to capture the forms of retaliation commonly experienced by people in detention, such as increased surveillance, room searches, and threats to cancel family visits
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Monitoring of Places of Detention (Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture) Bill 2022 be passed.
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Working with Children (Indigenous Communities) Amendment Bill 2021Did not recommend passage2nd reading failed

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 38, 57th Parliament-Working with Children (Indigenous Communities) Amendment Bill 2021, government response2023-02-21

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 38, 57th Parliament-Examination of the Working with Children (Indigenous Communities) Amendment Bill 2021, interim government response2023-01-31

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 38, 57th Parliament-Examination of the Working with Children (Indigenous Communities) Amendment Bill 20212022-10-31

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the Bill over more than a year, receiving 15 submissions and travelling to Mount Isa, Palm Island and Yarrabah to consult with First Nations communities. The committee recommended the Bill not be passed, finding that while the concerns about the blue card system's impact on Indigenous communities were legitimate, the Bill's approach of creating exceptions to child safety safeguards was not the appropriate solution. Instead, the committee made six additional recommendations for the Government to improve the blue card system's accessibility and cultural capability, all of which were supported by the Queensland Government.

Key findings
  • The committee acknowledged that non-serious and historical convictions disproportionately affect employment opportunities in Indigenous communities through the blue card system
  • The Bill would have created exceptions to child safety safeguards in the Working with Children Act, which the committee found raised fundamental legislative principle concerns regarding the rights of children
  • The committee found the existing blue card system needed reform to be more culturally capable and accessible, but through systemic improvements rather than carve-outs
  • Stakeholders and communities expressed strong support for addressing blue card barriers, but concerns were raised about the Bill's specific mechanism of restricted clearances for certain offences
  • The Queensland Government supported six of the committee's seven recommendations and committed to trialling Blue Card Liaison Officers in First Nations communities
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Bill not be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government trials a program of dedicated persons available within Indigenous communities to assist with Blue Card applications and processes, in collaboration with local Community Justice Groups and councils.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government issues clear guidance to large employers, including Queensland Government departments and authorities, and the construction industry about their requirements under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000, towards supporting organisations to develop child-safe policies which do not unnecessarily rely on the positive issue of blue cards.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government considers legislative amendments to allow for the disclosure of information between government departments to streamline and facilitate the timeliness of blue card and kinship care approvals.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government considers reviewing family-related definitions under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 and their application in Indigenous communities.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government accelerates implementation of the Queensland Family and Child Commission's Report, Keeping Queensland's Children More Than Safe: Review of the blue card system, with urgent progress on recommendations 41, 43, 46 and 54.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government reports back on its progress on the implementation of the committee's recommendations within 12 months.
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Domestic and Family Violence Protection (Combating Coercive Control) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 39, 57th Parliament-Domestic and Family Violence Protection (Combating Coercive Control) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022, government response2023-02-21

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 39, 57th Parliament-Domestic and Family Violence Protection (Combating Coercive Control) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20222022-11-25

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the bill over six weeks, receiving 28 written submissions and holding a public hearing in Brisbane on 7 November 2022. The committee recommended the bill be passed and also recommended the Queensland Government develop a consistent, evidence-based and trauma-informed training framework across all parts of the domestic and family violence and justice system. The Queensland Government supported both recommendations.

Key findings
  • The committee received 28 written submissions and held a public hearing with stakeholders on 7 November 2022
  • The bill proposed to rename, modernise and strengthen the offence of unlawful stalking in the Criminal Code
  • The bill addressed the misuse of cross applications by perpetrators to control and intimidate victims, clarifying that only one domestic violence order should be in force unless there are exceptional circumstances
  • The Queensland Police Union raised concerns about the difficulty of identifying the perpetrator in some incidents, particularly when the person most in need of protection is not readily available
  • The Queensland Government supported both of the committee's recommendations and committed to reporting on implementation progress within 12 months
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Domestic and Family Violence Protection (Combating Coercive Control) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government develops its consistent evidence-based and trauma-informed framework to support training and education and change management across all parts of the domestic and family violence and justice system as soon as possible, and reports back on its progress within 12 months of the tabling of this report.
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Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 28, 57th Parliament-Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022, government response2022-10-13

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 28, 57th Parliament-Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20222022-07-22

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the bill over approximately two months, tabling Report No. 28 on 22 July 2022. The committee recommended the bill be passed and separately recommended the government engage with stakeholders to review the charitable fundraising legislative framework. Two statements of reservation were filed: LNP members raised concerns about the lack of a separate casino regulator and potential ministerial influence, while the Independent Member for Noosa raised concerns about cashless gaming proceeding without accompanying harm minimisation measures and the expansion of simulated wagering without a risk assessment.

Key findings
  • The bill responds to findings from interstate casino inquiries (the Finkelstein, Bergin, and Owen inquiries) that identified serious integrity failures in casino operations across Australia
  • The committee noted the bill's explanatory notes could have been more thorough in identifying potential breaches of fundamental legislative principles, particularly around delegating powers to regulation
  • Cancer Council Queensland highlighted that smoking in premium casino gaming rooms remained an area of potential reform outside the scope of the bill
  • Concerns were raised that cashless gaming could reduce the effectiveness of existing harm minimisation measures, such as staff interactions that help identify self-excluded gamblers
  • The Queensland Government accepted all recommendations from the Gotterson review into Star Entertainment Group's Queensland operations and indicated further reforms would follow
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government engages with stakeholders to review the legislative framework for charitable fundraising, giving consideration to the relevancy of other state and federal legislation, including consumer law.
Dissenting views: Two statements of reservation were filed. LNP members Laura Gerber MP and Jon Krause MP argued the bill failed to address undue ministerial influence and did not follow New South Wales and Victoria in establishing a separate casino regulator, which they considered particularly concerning given reported lobbying activities on behalf of Star Entertainment. Independent member Sandy Bolton MP raised concerns that cashless payment amendments lacked accompanying harm minimisation mechanisms, and that the expansion of simulated wagering on sports and racing events was not accompanied by a risk assessment or harm minimisation measures.
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Building Units and Group Titles and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022Recommended passagePASSED

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 30, 57th Parliament-Building Units and Group Titles and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20222022-08-12

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the bill over seven weeks, receiving 15 submissions, holding a public departmental briefing and a public hearing. The committee recommended the bill be passed, finding it would address significant deficiencies in body corporate governance under the Building Units and Group Titles Act 1980 and the Mixed Use Development Act 1993. While stakeholders broadly supported the reforms, many called for broader harmonisation with the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 that was beyond the bill's scope. One committee member filed a Statement of Reservation raising concerns about inadequate funding for the Office of the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management and the narrow scope of the reforms.

Key findings
  • The bill addressed significant deficiencies in body corporate governance identified at developments such as Couran Cove Island Resort, where conflicts of interest, costly disputes, and disruptions to utility services had been ongoing problems.
  • Stakeholders broadly supported the reforms but many called for broader harmonisation of the Building Units and Group Titles Act 1980 with the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997, which was beyond the bill's scope.
  • The committee found the bill's measures to tighten committee eligibility, prevent conflicts of interest, and improve transparency were largely modelled on existing BCCM provisions and would bring fairer governance protections to unit owners in older developments.
  • The Strata Community Association Queensland raised concerns that the mandatory debt recovery requirement could place bodies corporate in a worse financial position without the ability to recover legal costs.
  • The committee assessed the bill's compatibility with the Human Rights Act 2019, finding that limitations on freedom of association, privacy, and property rights were justified and proportionate to the aim of improving body corporate governance.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Building Units and Group Titles and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 be passed.
Dissenting views: Sandy Bolton MP (Member for Noosa) filed a Statement of Reservation raising three concerns: insufficient ongoing funding for the Office of the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management, which had maintained 30 full-time staff for seven years despite growing demand; the narrow scope of the bill which left many issues unaddressed; and the unresolved problem of bodies corporate being required to pursue debt recovery without the ability to recover their legal costs, which could leave them in a worse financial position.
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Personal Injuries Proceedings and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 27, 57th Parliament-Personal Injuries Proceedings and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022, government response2022-06-21

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 27, 57th Parliament-Personal Injuries Proceedings and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20222022-05-27

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the bill and recommended it be passed, while urging the Government to adopt several amendments before passage. The committee's three recommendations addressed the bill's core provisions on claim farming, Law Practice Certificates, and the terminal condition definition for workers' compensation. The Government accepted one recommendation in principle (the terminal condition commencement date) but largely did not adopt the committee's proposed changes to Law Practice Certificate recipients, instead making a narrower simplification to statutory claims requirements.

Key findings
  • Submitters unanimously condemned claim farming practices, describing them as abhorrent and a threat to insurance scheme viability and vulnerable community members.
  • Stakeholders raised concerns about the complexity and administrative burden of Law Practice Certificate requirements, particularly having multiple regulatory agencies oversighting compliance.
  • The committee found that the proposed terminal condition definition risked operating retrospectively against workers who had already lodged claims based on existing law, prompting a recommendation for transitional arrangements.
  • Several submitters highlighted that Queensland's restrictions on advertising personal injury legal services are outdated and limit access to justice, which the committee agreed warranted a separate review.
  • The Government partially responded by proposing to extend the terminal condition timeframe from three years to five years and providing transitional protections for existing claimants.
Recommendations
  • The majority of the committee recommends that the Personal Injuries Proceedings and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 be passed, with the amendments recommended in the report made before the bill is passed.
  • The majority of the committee recommends that the bill be amended to change the recipients of Law Practice Certificates: WorkCover certificates to the Office of Industrial Relations, and Personal Injury Proceedings and Institutional Child Sexual Abuse certificates to the Legal Services Commission.
  • The majority of the committee recommends that the proposed new terminal condition definition in section 39A of the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act have an operational date of 1 July 2022 or on proclamation.
Dissenting views: All three recommendations were made by 'the majority of the committee', indicating some members did not support these positions. However, no formal statement of reservation or dissenting report was included in the available report text.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Evidence and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 23, 57th Parliament-Evidence and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021, government response2022-05-09

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 23, 57th Parliament-Evidence and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20212022-02-11

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the Evidence and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 and tabled its report in February 2022. The committee recommended the bill be passed, while also asking the Attorney-General to address stakeholder concerns about the onus of proof in shield law search warrant proceedings (proposed section 14ZF) and the definition of 'domestic violence offence'. The Queensland Government supported all three recommendations.

Key findings
  • The committee supported the introduction of shield laws to protect the identity of journalists' confidential informants in Queensland.
  • Stakeholders raised concerns about who bears the onus of proof when objecting to search warrant actions under the proposed shield law framework (section 14ZF).
  • The committee supported the video recorded evidence-in-chief provisions for adult domestic and family violence victims, noting safeguards including informed consent and restrictions on disclosure.
  • Submitters raised issues with the definition of 'domestic violence offence' in the video recorded evidence provisions.
  • The bill implemented the Queensland Government's response to Recommendation 2 from the Daniel Morcombe coronial inquest, establishing a process for viewing and examining the body of a deceased person in criminal proceedings.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Evidence and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Attorney-General, in the second reading speech, provide an update in relation to consideration of the issues raised by stakeholders about proposed section 14ZF.
  • The committee recommends that the Attorney-General, in the second reading speech, provide an update on the consideration of the issues raised by submitters in relation to the definition of 'domestic violence offence'.
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Inspector of Detention Services Bill 2021Recommended passagePASSED

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 21, 57th Parliament-Inspector of Detention Services Bill 20212022-01-21

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the Inspector of Detention Services Bill 2021 over three months, receiving 20 submissions and holding a public hearing. All submitters supported establishing an Inspector, though many raised concerns about the dual appointment model (giving the role to the Ombudsman rather than creating a standalone body), the narrow scope of places covered, and the five-year inspection cycle for secure prisons. The committee unanimously recommended the Bill be passed.

Key findings
  • All 20 submitters supported establishing an independent Inspector of Detention Services in Queensland, fulfilling recommendations from multiple reviews including the Sofronoff Inquiry into the parole system and Taskforce Flaxton into prison corruption
  • Many stakeholders argued the dual appointment model, where the Ombudsman also serves as Inspector, risked inadequate resourcing and pointed to Tasmania's experience where the Ombudsman could only dedicate ten per cent of time to inspector duties
  • Stakeholders raised concerns that the definitions of 'detention service' and 'place of detention' were too narrow, excluding mental health facilities, the journey from arrest to watch-house, and aged care facilities where people may be deprived of liberty
  • Multiple submitters argued the five-year mandatory inspection cycle for secure prisons was insufficient, recommending a two-to-three-year cycle consistent with Western Australia, Tasmania and the ACT
  • Several stakeholders urged that the Bill explicitly reference and comply with OPCAT (the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture), noting the Bill would likely serve as Queensland's National Preventive Mechanism but did not acknowledge this
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Inspector of Detention Services Bill 2021 be passed.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Police Legislation (Efficiencies and Effectiveness) Amendment Bill 2021Recommended passagePASSED

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 16, 57th Parliament-Police Legislation (Efficiencies and Effectiveness) Amendment Bill 20212021-11-01

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the bill over six weeks, receiving seven submissions and holding a public briefing and hearing with the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Law Society, Queensland Council for Civil Liberties, firearms industry groups, and the Youth Advocacy Centre. The committee recommended the bill be passed, finding that its measures to streamline police operations were justified despite stakeholder concerns about expanded digital device access orders and their impact on privacy and the privilege against self-incrimination. No dissenting views were filed.

Key findings
  • The Queensland Law Society and Queensland Council for Civil Liberties raised concerns that expanded access orders for seized digital devices could grant police unfettered access to private information, and recommended safeguards such as limiting the scope of warrants and requiring police to report to the court on what was accessed
  • The Youth Advocacy Centre opposed allowing senior police officers to witness bail affidavits under the Youth Justice Act, arguing an independent judicial officer should continue this role given the serious consequences of bail refusal for children
  • The committee accepted the QPS position that existing safeguards, including judicial oversight by a magistrate or Supreme Court judge and criminal penalties for improper disclosure, were sufficient to protect individuals' rights
  • Firearms industry groups broadly supported the weapons amendments but raised concerns about individual approval requirements for anonymously surrendered firearms and the exclusion of Category R weapons from the dealer retention scheme
  • The committee found the bill's limitations on human rights, particularly the right to privacy in relation to digital device access orders, were reasonable and demonstrably justified under the Human Rights Act 2019
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Police Legislation (Efficiencies and Effectiveness) Amendment Bill 2021 be passed.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021Recommended passagePASSED

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 15, 57th Parliament-Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20212021-11-01

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the bill over six weeks, receiving ten submissions and holding a public briefing and hearing. The committee recommended the bill be passed, but raised significant concerns about the human rights compatibility of the restricted prisoner declaration and no cooperation declaration provisions, finding they may be incompatible with the right to be free from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and the right to humane treatment in detention. The committee suggested the government consider an override declaration under the Human Rights Act 2019 to address this risk. Opposition members filed a statement of reservation criticising the bill as ineffective window dressing.

Key findings
  • The committee found that provisions introducing restricted prisoner declarations and no cooperation declarations may be incompatible with the Human Rights Act 2019, specifically the rights to freedom from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and to humane treatment in detention.
  • Stakeholders including the Queensland Law Society, Prisoners' Legal Service, Sisters Inside and the Queensland Human Rights Commission strongly opposed the new parole restrictions for life-sentenced prisoners, arguing they were unnecessary, disproportionate and undermined rehabilitation.
  • The committee noted that the power to declare a prisoner as a restricted prisoner could be made by a court rather than the President of the Parole Board, and that non-parole periods could be stipulated at sentencing.
  • Submitters raised concerns that expanding banning notices to knife possession would disproportionately affect homeless people and those needing to access services in safe night precincts.
  • The temporary extension of parole decision timeframes was criticised by multiple stakeholders as a short-sighted fix to inadequate Parole Board funding that would result in people being detained longer than necessary.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 be passed.
Dissenting views: Opposition members Laura Gerber MP (Currumbin) and Andrew Powell MP (Glass House) filed a Statement of Reservation arguing the bill was largely window dressing that would have little practical impact on community safety. They criticised the restricted prisoner declarations as affecting only a small number of offenders with no empirical evidence the changes would achieve their objectives. They also argued the extension of parole decision timeframes was an admission the Parole Board was under-resourced and that simply extending deadlines would not address the underlying administrative failures.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Defamation (Model Provisions) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021Recommended passagePASSED

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 9, 57th Parliament-Defamation (Model Provisions) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20212021-06-04

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the bill over six weeks, receiving six submissions and a public briefing from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General and the Department of Transport and Main Roads. The committee recommended the bill be passed, finding the defamation law amendments appropriately balance freedom of expression with the right to protection of reputation. The committee was satisfied the bill is compatible with human rights under the Human Rights Act 2019 and that any limitations on individual rights are justified in the circumstances.

Key findings
  • The bill implements nationally agreed Model Defamation Amendment Provisions 2020, fulfilling Queensland's commitment to maintain uniform defamation law across Australian jurisdictions
  • The new serious harm threshold was broadly supported as a means of discouraging expensive litigation for minor or insignificant claims while encouraging responsible free speech
  • Stakeholders including the Queensland Law Society and LawRight raised concerns about whether the serious harm threshold might create additional costs for plaintiffs, but the committee accepted the department's justification that it appropriately balances competing rights
  • Community broadcaster 4ZZZ Radio supported the reforms, noting the new public interest defence and serious harm threshold would benefit smaller organisations that cannot afford prolonged defamation litigation
  • The committee found the bill's amendments to the Heavy Vehicle National Law Act were necessary to prevent unintended and inconsistent enforcement outcomes for performance based standards vehicles detected off-route
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Defamation (Model Provisions) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 be passed.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 7, 57th Parliament-Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20212021-04-16

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 over seven weeks, receiving 83 written submissions and holding seven public hearings across Mount Isa, Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The committee recommended the bill be passed, acknowledging deeply divided stakeholder views: legal and social service organisations argued the bill would further marginalise vulnerable young people without addressing root causes of offending, while community members in regional areas expressed frustration at recidivist youth crime and called for stronger measures. Sandy Bolton MP filed a Statement of Reservation supporting passage but noting the youth justice provisions were viewed as a short-term measure by both sides of the debate.

Key findings
  • Around 10 per cent of youth offenders were responsible for 48 per cent of all youth offending, and the bill targeted this cohort of serious recidivist offenders
  • Multiple stakeholders raised concerns that the bill would disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, who made up over 70 per cent of young people in detention in Queensland
  • Evidence on the effectiveness of GPS electronic monitoring for children was inconsistent across jurisdictions, prompting the government to propose a two-year trial rather than permanent implementation
  • Regional hearings revealed widespread community frustration, particularly in Townsville, with residents describing living in fear due to repeat youth offending and a perception of inadequate consequences
  • Legal, human rights and social service organisations broadly opposed the youth justice provisions, arguing they would not address the underlying causes of offending such as poverty, family dysfunction, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and homelessness
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 be passed.
Dissenting views: Sandy Bolton MP (Member for Noosa) filed a Statement of Reservation. While supporting passage, she stated the youth justice provisions were seen as a 'band aid' by both sides of the debate. She noted GPS trackers had age limits too narrow to be effective in practice and could be easily removed. She called for urgent investigation into low-security remote live-in rehabilitation facilities, further support for Youth Murri Courts in Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa, a review of the minimum age for GPS tracking, a trial of reintroducing breach of bail as an offence, and immediate funding of youth services after 5pm when most offending occurs.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Criminal Code (Consent and Mistake of Fact) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 3, 57th Parliament-Criminal Code (Consent and Mistake of Fact) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020, government response2021-03-24

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 3, 57th Parliament-Criminal Code (Consent and Mistake of Fact) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020: Erratum2021-02-22

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 3, 57th Parliament-Criminal Code (Consent and Mistake of Fact) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20202021-02-12

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the bill over approximately three months, receiving submissions and holding public hearings. The committee unanimously recommended the bill be passed. Beyond the bill itself, the committee urged the government to undertake urgent consultation on addressing sexual violence in Queensland more broadly, including examining the experience of women in the criminal justice system, and to consider how the Criminal Code applies to youth offenders. The Queensland Government supported all four of the committee's recommendations.

Key findings
  • The bill implemented five recommendations from the Queensland Law Reform Commission's extensive review of consent and mistake of fact laws, based on analysis of 135 rape and sexual assault trials and 40 appellate decisions.
  • The QLRC found that Queensland's existing laws did not require extensive change but would benefit from being made more explicit in the Criminal Code.
  • Submitters raised broader concerns about sexual violence in Queensland beyond the scope of the bill, prompting the committee to recommend urgent stakeholder consultation.
  • The Youth Advocacy Centre raised concerns about how the Criminal Code amendments would apply to young people, particularly those aged 10 to 17.
  • The bill also included amendments to the Legal Profession Act 2007, Liquor Act 1992, Gaming Machine Act 1991, and Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Criminal Code (Consent and Mistake of Fact) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Attorney-General undertake consultation with key stakeholder groups as a matter of urgency in regards to addressing sexual violence in Queensland, including examining the experience of women in the criminal justice system and possible future areas for reform.
  • The committee recommends that the Attorney-General give consideration to the application of Chapter 32 of the Criminal Code as it relates to youth offenders.
  • The committee recommends that further amendments be made to permit the Fidelity Guarantee Fund to provide resourcing for measures likely to have a material effect in minimising the risk or magnitude of misappropriations.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill 2020Recommended passagePASSED

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 4, 57th Parliament-Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill 20202021-02-12

Committee findings

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee examined the Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill 2020 over approximately three months, receiving three submissions and holding a public briefing and public hearing. The committee recommended the bill be passed. The Australian Distillers Association strongly supported the bill, while the Independent Brewers Association raised concerns about takeaway sales restrictions, contract brewing provisions, and the definition of promotional events. The Queensland Coalition for Action on Alcohol raised harm minimisation concerns, which the Department of Justice and Attorney-General addressed by pointing to existing safeguards in the Liquor Act.

Key findings
  • The Australian Distillers Association strongly supported the bill, noting it would remove barriers to growth and help the industry recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
  • The Independent Brewers Association raised concerns that the bill did not allow takeaway sales of other producers' products, did not accommodate contract or multi-site brewing, and had an overly narrow definition of 'promotional event'.
  • The Queensland Coalition for Action on Alcohol cautioned about increased alcohol availability and the normalisation of drinking at events such as farmers markets, but the Department considered existing harm minimisation measures adequate.
  • The committee was satisfied that the bill's offence provisions contained proportionate penalties and that the Commissioner's increased powers were sufficiently defined and subject to review by QCAT.
  • The committee found the bill compatible with human rights, concluding that any limitation on the right to recognition and equality before the law was reasonable and demonstrably justified.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill 2020 be passed.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors

Other Reports (56)

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 66, 57th Parliament-Oversight of the Queensland Family and Child Commission, government response

Other2024-08-02

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 66, 57th Parliament-Oversight of the Queensland Family and Child Commission, interim government response

Other2024-05-09

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 66, 57th Parliament-Oversight of the Queensland Family and Child Commission

Other2024-02-02

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 65, 57th Parliament-Oversight of the Information Commissioner

Other2024-02-02

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 64, 57th Parliament-Oversight of the Queensland Ombudsman

Other2024-02-02

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 62, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 25 October 2023 and 14 November 2023

Subordinate Legislation2024-01-09

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 61, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 11 October 2023 and 24 October 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-12-12

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 60, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 13 September 2023 and 10 October 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-12-05

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 59, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 23 August and 12 September 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-11-07

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 58, 57th Parliament-Annual Report 2022-23

Other2023-11-07

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 57, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 14 June and 22 August 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-10-17

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 55, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 24 May 2023 and 13 June 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-09-15

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 54, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 10 May 2023 and 23 May 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-09-11

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 53, 57th Parliament-2023-24 Budget Estimates-Volume of Additional Information

Other2023-08-18

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 53, 57th Parliament-2023-24 Budget Estimates

Other2023-08-18

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 52, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 29 April 2023 and 9 May 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-08-17

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 48, 57th Parliament-Inquiry into support provided to victims of crime, government response

Inquiry2023-08-09

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 51, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 29 March 2023 and 28 April 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-08-03

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 48, 57th Parliament-Inquiry into Support provided to Victims of Crime

Inquiry2023-05-19

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 47, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 14 March 2023 and 28 March 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-05-03

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 44, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 21 February 2023 and 13 March 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-04-21

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 43, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 9 November 2022 and 20 February 2023

Subordinate Legislation2023-04-05

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 33, 57th Parliament-Inquiry into matters relating to donor conception information, final government response

Inquiry2023-02-28

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 40, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 1 September 2022 and 8 November 2022

Subordinate Legislation2023-02-01

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 33, 57th Parliament-Inquiry into matters relating to donor conception information, interim government response

Inquiry2022-11-29

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 37, 57th Parliament-Annual Report 2021-22

Other2022-10-19

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 36, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 22 June 2022 and 31 August 2022

Subordinate Legislation2022-10-19

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 35, 57th Parliament-Oversight of the Office of the Queensland Ombudsman

Other2022-09-09

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 34, 57th Parliament-Oversight of the Office of the Information Commissioner

Other2022-09-09

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 33, 57th Parliament-Inquiry into matters relating to donor conception information

Inquiry2022-08-31

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 32, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 30 March 2022 and 21 June 2022

Subordinate Legislation2022-08-19

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 31, 57th Parliament-Oversight of the Queensland Family and Child Commission

Other2022-08-19

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 29, 57th Parliament-2022-23 Budget Estimates-Volume of Additional Information

Other2022-08-12

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 29, 57th Parliament-2022-23 Budget Estimates

Other2022-08-12

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 26, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 23 February 2022 and 29 March 2022

Subordinate Legislation2022-05-27

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 22, 57th Parliament-Inquiry into serious vilification and hate crimes, government response

Inquiry2022-05-26

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 22, 57th Parliament-Inquiry into serious vilification and hate crimes, interim response

Inquiry2022-04-29

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 25, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 7 December 2021 and 22 February 2022

Subordinate Legislation2022-04-05

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 24, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 16 October 2021 and 6 December 2021

Subordinate Legislation2022-03-08

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 22, 57th Parliament-Inquiry into serious vilification and hate crimes

Inquiry2022-01-31

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 20, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 1 September 2021 and 15 October 2021

Subordinate Legislation2021-12-08

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 19, 57th Parliament-Oversight of the Queensland Family and Child Commission

Other2021-11-24

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 18, 57th Parliament-Oversight of the Office of the Information Commissioner

Other2021-11-09

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 17, 57th Parliament-Oversight of the Office of the Queensland Ombudsman

Other2021-11-09

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 14, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 14 July 2021 and 31 August 2021

Subordinate Legislation2021-10-18

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 13, 57th Parliament-Annual Report 2020-21

Other2021-10-18

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 12, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 12 May 2021 and 13 July 2021

Subordinate Legislation2021-09-13

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 11, 57th Parliament-2021-22 Budget Estimates-Volume of Additional Information

Other2021-08-20

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 11, 57th Parliament-2021-22 Budget Estimates

Other2021-08-20

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 10, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 14 April 2021 and 11 May 2021

Subordinate Legislation2021-06-22

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 8, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 27 November 2020 and 13 April 2021

Subordinate Legislation2021-05-10

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 6, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 3 October 2020 and 26 November 2020

Subordinate Legislation2021-03-18

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 5, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 15 July 2020 and 2 October 2020

Subordinate Legislation2021-02-18

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 2, 57th Parliament-2020-21 Budget Estimates-Volume of Additional Information

Other2021-02-12

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 2, 57th Parliament-2020-21 Budget Estimates

Other2021-02-12

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee: Report No. 1, 57th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled on 14 July 2020

Subordinate Legislation2020-11-30