State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee

Portfolio Committee

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Bills Reviewed (16)

Mineral and Energy Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 46, 56th Parliament-Mineral and Energy Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20202020-03-27

Committee findings

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined the bill over seven weeks, receiving 80 submissions and holding public hearings in Brisbane and Moranbah, including a site visit to Broadmeadow Mine. The committee recommended the bill be passed, while making eight further recommendations addressing concerns about the industrial manslaughter provisions, the transition period for statutory office holder employment requirements, reprisal protections, and the need for operational guidelines on financial assurance reforms. The three non-government members filed a statement of reservation expressing significant concerns about the industrial manslaughter provisions and the lack of consultation on the statutory office holder amendments.

Key findings
  • Unions strongly supported the industrial manslaughter provisions to align the resources sector with other Queensland industries, while the Queensland Law Society, mining companies and site senior executives raised concerns about the scope and potential adverse consequences of the new offence.
  • The Brady Review into 47 mining fatalities found a recurring 'fatality cycle' driven by inadequate training, absent supervision and failed controls, but did not recommend industrial manslaughter laws or changes to statutory office holder employment arrangements.
  • Industry stakeholders were concerned the requirement for statutory office holders to be direct employees of the coal mine operator was introduced without consultation and could lead experienced personnel to leave the industry, with the Mine Managers' Association reporting 50 per cent of surveyed site senior executives were considering leaving their roles.
  • The committee found a need to extend the transition period for statutory office holder employment requirements from twelve to eighteen months, given the complexity of corporate and contractor arrangements in the mining sector.
  • Significant concerns were raised about the exclusion of section 23 of the Criminal Code (accident and involuntariness defences) from the industrial manslaughter offence, with the Queensland Law Society arguing this effectively created a strict liability offence with an extremely high maximum penalty.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Mineral and Energy Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that in his second reading speech the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy clarify the standard of negligence that will apply in relation to the offence of industrial manslaughter.
  • The committee recommends that in his second reading speech the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy clarify that the Bill does not place a reverse onus of proof on a site senior executive in relation to the offence of industrial manslaughter.
  • The committee recommends that clause 10 be amended to allow a transition period of eighteen months for the amendments relating to statutory office holders.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister give consideration to amending section 275AA of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 and section 254A of the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999 to align the penalty for reprisal action with the reprisal provisions in the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
  • The committee recommends that guidelines for the operation of processes to assess an entity's financial and technical ability to comply with conditions of a resource authority when there is a change of control be published by the department on commencement of these provisions.
  • The committee recommends that operational guidelines for the application of disqualification criteria in the assessment of tenure applications for a resource authority be published by the department on commencement of these provisions.
  • The committee recommends that operational guidelines for the amendments to allow petroleum lease areas to count towards relinquishment requirements be published by the department on commencement of these provisions.
  • The committee recommends that clause 212 be amended so that proposed new section 99BU(6) will require that information about infrastructure charges forecast to be 'collected' be included in the distributor-retailer's infrastructure charges register.
Dissenting views: The three non-government members (Pat Weir, Brent Mickelberg and David Batt from the LNP) filed a statement of reservation expressing serious concerns. They argued that neither the industry safety resets nor the Brady Review recommended industrial manslaughter charges or the statutory office holder employment requirement. They noted the Queensland Law Society opposed the industrial manslaughter provisions given existing criminal offences already captured the relevant conduct. On statutory office holders, they highlighted that only 22 out of 52,000 workers at industry safety resets raised employment status as a barrier to reporting safety issues, which they considered insufficient justification for the amendment. They further noted evidence that contract statutory officers were actually more likely to report safety concerns than permanent employees, and concluded the bill was 'more about being seen to do something rather than working and consulting with the entire industry to address the underlying problems and failures'.
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Implementation of The Spit Master Plan Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 45, 56th Parliament, February 2020-Implementation of The Spit Master Plan Bill 2019, government response2020-02-18

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 45, 56th Parliament, February 2020-Implementation of The Spit Master Plan Bill 20192020-02-07

Committee findings

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined the Implementation of The Spit Master Plan Bill 2019 and recommended it be passed. The committee made four recommendations, including amending clause 25 to require design and aesthetics expertise on the Gold Coast Waterways Authority Board, registering Curlew Island as an environmental reserve, and resolving issues around helicopter tourism operations on The Spit. The government supported all four recommendations, with Recommendation 4 regarding helicopter operations supported in principle.

Key findings
  • The Spit is a 201-hectare area of cultural and social significance on the Gold Coast that lacked a clear planning framework until the master plan was developed
  • Stakeholders raised significant concerns about helicopter tourism joy flights causing noise pollution, risks to migratory birds, and loss of amenity in the master plan area
  • Environmental groups and community submitters called for a design review panel to ensure high-quality design outcomes, though the government preferred using existing mechanisms such as the Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel
  • Submitters sought formal environmental protection for Curlew Island and transparency around the proposed superyacht facility near Jack Gordon Park
  • The government supported all committee recommendations and committed to amending clause 25 during consideration in detail
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Implementation of The Spit Master Plan Bill 2019 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that clause 25 of the bill be amended to include in proposed section 45(2)(aa) a requirement for skills in 'design and aesthetics of public open spaces, parks and natural environments, and built forms'.
  • The committee recommends that, as a matter of priority, the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy survey and register the land mass of Curlew Island as an environmental reserve, to enable the ongoing protection and management of Curlew Island.
  • The committee recommends that all stakeholders collaborate to expeditiously resolve the issues regarding helicopter operations within The Spit Master Plan area.
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Agriculture and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 37, 56th Parliament, October 2019-Agriculture and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019, interim government response2020-01-20

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 37, 56th Parliament, October 2019-Agriculture and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20192019-10-08

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 32, 56th Parliament, July 2019, Medicines and Poisons Bill 2019, government response2019-09-04

Committee findings

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined the bill over several months, holding public hearings and receiving submissions from stakeholders including the Queensland Human Rights Commission, RSPCA Queensland, Queensland Law Society, and industry bodies. The committee recommended the bill be passed, while raising concerns about provisions affecting the right to peaceful assembly and recommending that new offence provisions commence on a date fixed by proclamation rather than on assent. The committee also called for greater transparency on animal welfare breaches and better coordination with the Australian Government on animal welfare policy.

Key findings
  • The bill proposed amendments to 17 Acts and four regulations, primarily addressing biosecurity risks from protest activities, animal welfare protections, and the use of body worn cameras by inspectors.
  • The Queensland Human Rights Commissioner raised concerns that the anti-protest provisions could limit the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of association, and freedom of movement, and did not support the amendment to section 10A of the Summary Offences Act 2005.
  • The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries reported protest occurrences at animal production facilities had risen from 5 in 2017 to 47 in 2019.
  • RSPCA Queensland supported the body worn camera provisions, noting they improve accountability for both inspectors and persons of interest and have reduced violent altercations.
  • The committee was concerned that commencing offence provisions on assent created uncertainty for potential offenders, enforcement agencies, and legal advisers.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Agriculture and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that provisions in the Bill that relate to new offences or amend existing offences commence on a date fixed by proclamation.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister clarify in his second reading speech how clause 132 will operate.
  • The committee recommends that the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries consider increasing the amount of public information available on animal welfare breaches.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government work with the Australian Government on coordination of animal welfare policy.
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Natural Resources and Other Legislation (GDA2020) Amendment Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 44, 56th Parliament, December 2019-Natural Resources and Other Legislation (GDA2020) Amendment Bill 20192019-12-06

Committee findings

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined the bill over six weeks, receiving three submissions and holding a public briefing with the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. The committee recommended the bill be passed, finding the technical updates to adopt the Geocentric Datum Australia 2020 were sound and that the related amendments to land administration and Cape York Peninsula provisions were appropriate. No dissenting views were recorded.

Key findings
  • The bill's primary purpose of adopting the Geocentric Datum Australia 2020 (GDA2020) was necessary to align Queensland's location data with global satellite positioning systems, correcting a 1.8-metre positional drift since 1994.
  • The Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute raised concerns about allowing freehold grants of unallocated state land under Indigenous Land Use Agreements where native title had been historically extinguished, but the department confirmed the provision did not pre-empt any existing agreements.
  • The Queensland Law Society supported the intent of streamlining freehold grants for Traditional Owner groups but flagged potential impacts on the right to negotiate regarding purchase price provisions.
  • The committee noted a potential fundamental legislative principles issue with clause 52 referencing a Commonwealth determination but was satisfied the bill had sufficient regard to the institution of Parliament, as future changes to the national datum would still require amendment of Queensland regulation.
  • Amendments to the Cape York Peninsula Heritage Act 2007 to include approximately 32 hectares of additional land in the Cape York Peninsula Region were welcomed by stakeholders as supporting ongoing negotiations with the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Natural Resources and Other Legislation (GDA2020) Amendment Bill 2019 be passed.
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Resources Safety and Health Queensland Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 40, 56th Parliament, October 2019-Resources Safety and Health Queensland Bill 20192019-10-18

Committee findings

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined the bill over six weeks, receiving 13 submissions and holding a public hearing with representatives from mining unions, industry groups, the explosives sector, and government. The committee recommended the bill be passed, finding broad stakeholder support for establishing an independent safety regulator following the re-identification of Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis in Queensland. The committee made three additional recommendations addressing CEO qualifications, transparency of the funding model, and publication of the Commissioner's annual report.

Key findings
  • All submitters broadly supported the concept of an independent statutory regulator to separate mine safety regulation from the department responsible for promoting the resources industry
  • The Australasian Explosives Industry Safety Group raised concerns that explosives legislation is primarily about public safety rather than industry safety, and questioned its inclusion under the resources-focused regulator
  • Several industry stakeholders, including the Queensland Resources Council, criticised the absence of a regulatory impact statement and the lack of a finalised funding model before the bill was considered
  • Unions and industry groups emphasised that the CEO and Commissioner must hold relevant resources industry qualifications and experience, particularly in coal mining
  • The committee identified fundamental legislative principle concerns about the absence of a show cause process for removing the CEO, Commissioner, or executive officer from office
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Resources Safety and Health Queensland Bill 2019 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Chief Executive Officer of Resources Safety and Health Queensland have appropriate resource industry qualifications and experience.
  • The committee recommends that the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy or Resources Safety and Health Queensland, if established, provide a briefing to the committee in mid-2020 on the finalised funding model for Resources Safety and Health Queensland.
  • The committee recommends that the annual report of the Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health be published on the Resources Safety and Health Queensland and the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy websites.
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Mineral Resources (Galilee Basin) Amendment Bill 2018Did not recommend passageLapsed

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 26, 56th Parliament, April 2019-Mineral Resources (Galilee Basin) Amendment Bill 2018, government response2019-07-18

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 26, 56th Parliament, April 2019-Mineral Resources (Galilee Basin) Amendment Bill 20182019-04-18

Committee findings

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined the bill, which sought to prevent coal mining leases from being granted in the Galilee Basin. The committee received over 100 submissions and held public hearings. It recommended the bill not be passed, noting concerns about the retrospective effect on existing mining lease applications and fundamental legislative principles. The committee separately recommended the Queensland Government advocate for a consistent national climate change policy framework.

Key findings
  • The bill would have retrospectively affected existing mining lease applications in the Galilee Basin, raising fundamental legislative principles concerns under the Legislative Standards Act 1992.
  • The Galilee Basin is a 247,000 square kilometre thermal coal basin; Queensland's coal exports were dominated by metallurgical coal (161.8 Mt) with thermal coal comprising 59.7 Mt of exports.
  • The committee received over 100 submissions and held public hearings in Brisbane, reflecting significant public interest in the bill.
  • The committee found that current federal policy instability on climate change may hinder Queensland's adoption of future climate change actions and pathways.
  • The Queensland Government concurred with the committee's second recommendation and outlined its existing climate change policies including the zero net emissions by 2050 target.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Mineral Resources (Galilee Basin) Amendment Bill 2018 not be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Queensland Government advocate for a consistent national framework for climate change policy and emissions targets, as the current federal policy instability may hinder Queensland's adoption of future climate change actions and pathways.
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Medicines and Poisons Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 32, 56th Parliament, July 2019-Medicines and Poisons Bill 20192019-07-11

Committee findings

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined the Medicines and Poisons Bill 2019 over approximately two months, receiving 25 written submissions, holding a public departmental briefing, and conducting a public hearing with stakeholders. The committee recommended the bill be passed, while making nine additional recommendations addressing substance management plans, real-time prescription monitoring, rural sector engagement, and the substance authority register. Non-government members filed a Statement of Reservation expressing concerns about the amount of regulatory detail still to be finalised.

Key findings
  • Stakeholders were generally supportive of modernising Queensland's medicines and poisons framework, which was based on the outdated Health Act 1937.
  • The Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union raised serious concerns about unregistered aged care workers administering medications to frail or cognitively impaired older Australians.
  • The rural and agricultural sector expressed uncertainty about new substance management plan requirements, training and competency standards, and the practical challenges of accessing training in remote areas.
  • Strong support was expressed for real-time prescription monitoring to address rising prescription opioid misuse and deaths, though concerns were raised about clinical workflow impacts and the need for cross-jurisdictional data sharing.
  • Privacy and security concerns were raised about the proposed public register of Schedule 7 poisons held on private rural properties, particularly given the risk of illegal protest activity by animal activists.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Medicines and Poisons Bill 2019 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that Queensland Health consult further with local governments to clarify the requirements to develop a substance management plan.
  • The committee recommends that in his second reading speech, the Minister for Health report on the development and roll out of Queensland Health's comprehensive communications strategy, templates and sample substance management plans for different categories of entities, and its ongoing information campaign.
  • The committee recommends that, in his second reading speech, the Minister for Health outline how Queensland Health will ensure oversight and compliance of all made substance management plans.
  • The committee recommends that Queensland Health liaise with peak rural and agriculture industry bodies and regional local governments to run an extensive awareness campaign on the new regulatory approach to pest management and poisons.
  • The committee recommends that Queensland Health liaise with the rural sector, agriculture industry bodies and regional local governments to develop tailored guidance and education material on training and competency requirements to meet the new departmental standards on pest management and poisons.
  • The committee recommends that, in his second reading speech, the Minister for Health outline measures to ensure that the rural sector has sufficient time to comply with new departmental standards in regard to pest management and poisons.
  • The committee recommends the establishment of a real-time prescription monitoring system across all Queensland's hospitals should be a matter of priority, and the Minister for Health address this in his second reading speech.
  • The committee recommends that, in his second reading speech, the Minister for Health provide an update on cross-jurisdictional data sharing arrangements in relation to a national real-time monitoring prescription database.
  • The committee recommends that, in his second reading speech, the Minister for Health address the need for publication of S7 poisons held on private rural properties in the substance authority register.
Dissenting views: Non-government members (Pat Weir MP, David Batt MP, and Brent Mickelberg MP) filed a Statement of Reservation. They did not oppose the bill's intent but raised concerns that key elements appeared incomplete, with too much detail deferred to subordinate legislation and departmental standards not yet available for scrutiny. They flagged concerns about oversight of substance management plans, dual licensing requirements for pest management operators from both the QBCC and Queensland Health being an unnecessary regulatory burden on small businesses, and the risks of publishing Schedule 7 poison holdings given illegal protest activities by animal activists. They also supported real-time prescription monitoring but urged thorough consultation on implementation, noting concerns about increased assaults against general practitioners.
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Therapeutic Goods Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 31, 56th Parliament, July 2019-Therapeutic Goods Bill 20192019-07-11

Committee findings

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined the Therapeutic Goods Bill 2019 over two months, receiving one submission from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, which supported the bill. The committee unanimously recommended the bill be passed, finding that adopting the Commonwealth Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 as Queensland law would enhance national consistency, reduce regulatory duplication, and protect community health and safety. No concerns or amendments were raised.

Key findings
  • The bill adopts the Commonwealth Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 as Queensland law, closing a regulatory gap for non-corporate entities that trade therapeutic goods only within Queensland.
  • The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the only submitter, supported the bill's objectives of national consistency and reduced regulatory burden.
  • Queensland and Western Australia were the only states that had not yet adopted the Commonwealth Act, despite a 2005 COAG endorsement recommending adoption.
  • The committee was satisfied that transitional provisions allowing affected parties two years to comply were appropriate, noting Queensland Health was not aware of any currently affected traders.
  • The committee examined fundamental legislative principle concerns about delegating law-making power to the Commonwealth but found the benefits of national uniformity sufficiently justified this approach.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Therapeutic Goods Bill 2019 be passed.
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Natural Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 27, 56th Parliament, April 2019-Natural Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20192019-04-18

Committee findings

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined this omnibus bill, which proposed amendments to 29 separate Acts covering land access, foreign ownership, water boards, mining exploration permits, and mine rehabilitation. The committee recommended the bill be passed, noting broad stakeholder support for many individual amendments, though concerns were raised about the sheer breadth of the bill and the limited time available for scrutiny. Non-government members filed a Statement of Reservation expressing deep concern about the committee's capacity to adequately examine all amendments within the reporting timeframe.

Key findings
  • The bill proposed amendments to 29 separate Acts, making it one of the largest omnibus bills examined by the committee.
  • AgForce raised concerns that the new power of entry to private land to access state land represented a diminution of property rights, with no compensation arrangements for affected landholders.
  • The Queensland Resources Council and Queensland Law Society both expressed concern about the limited consultation timeframe relative to the bill's complexity.
  • The department advised that the new land access powers would only be used as a last resort where voluntary access could not be negotiated with adjoining landowners.
  • Non-government members were not satisfied that all unintended consequences of the bill had been adequately investigated due to time constraints.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Natural Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 be passed.
  • The committee recommends the Member for Broadwater forward the proposed amendment to the Integrated Resort Development Act 1987, to allow a mortgagee in possession of the land to be liable for levies, to the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning for consideration.
Dissenting views: Non-government members Pat Weir MP, Brent Mickelberg MP, and David Batt MP filed a Statement of Reservation expressing deep concern about the size and complexity of the omnibus bill, which amended 29 separate Acts. They argued the reporting time was insufficient for the committee and research staff to adequately scrutinise all amendments, and cited concerns from the Queensland Resources Council and Queensland Law Society about the consultation process. They concluded that large omnibus bills of this nature fail the test of open and accountable government.
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Vegetation Management (Clearing for Relevant Purposes) Amendment Bill 2018Did not recommend passage2nd reading failed

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 14, 56th Parliament-Vegetation Management (Clearing for Relevant Purposes) Amendment Bill 2018, government response2019-03-01

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 14, 56th Parliament - Vegetation Management (Clearing for Relevant Purposes) Amendment Bill 2018, interim government response2018-12-03

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 14, 56th Parliament - Vegetation Management (Clearing for Relevant Purposes) Amendment Bill 20182018-09-03

Committee findings

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined this private member's bill, which proposed requiring the chief executive to issue an information notice when a vegetation clearing application under section 22A of the Vegetation Management Act 1999 is refused. The committee received submissions from the Local Government Association of Queensland and AgForce Queensland. The committee recommended the bill not be passed, but separately recommended that the Minister examine the merits of providing information notices to applicants. The government responded that it would monitor refusal rates and progress a more appropriate review and appeal mechanism if the need arose.

Key findings
  • The bill sought to require formal information notices when vegetation clearing applications are refused, giving applicants a right of review
  • The committee received two submissions, from the Local Government Association of Queensland and AgForce Queensland
  • The committee found the bill's explanatory notes were sufficiently detailed and met legislative standards
  • While the committee did not support the bill as a whole, it recognised merit in the proposal for information notices to applicants
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Vegetation Management (Clearing for Relevant Purposes) Amendment Bill 2018 not be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy examine the merits of providing an information notice to applicants under section 22A of the Vegetation Management Act 1999.
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Fisheries (Sustainable Fisheries Strategy) Amendment Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 17, 56th Parliament - Fisheries (Sustainable Fisheries Strategy) Amendment Bill 2018, government response2019-02-28

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 17, 56th Parliament - Fisheries (Sustainable Fisheries Strategy) Amendment Bill 20182018-11-02

Committee findings

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined the Bill and recommended it be passed. The committee held public hearings in Brisbane, Cairns, and Scarborough, receiving input from commercial and recreational fishers, environmental groups, the Queensland Law Society, and government officials. The committee made five recommendations, including lowering the threshold for the trafficking offence, aligning penalties for information disclosure with vessel monitoring offences, and requesting updates on vessel monitoring system implementation. The government agreed to two recommendations and noted the others, declining to lower the trafficking threshold or increase information disclosure penalties.

Key findings
  • The Bill modernises Queensland's fisheries management framework to recognise recreational, commercial, charter, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fishing sectors for the first time.
  • Commercial fishers raised concerns about the cost and reliability of mandatory Vessel Monitoring Systems, particularly for operators with multiple vessels.
  • The committee found the 'commercial quantity' threshold for the trafficking offence (five times the recreational limit) should be significantly lowered to better combat black marketing of fish.
  • The Queensland Law Society raised concerns that expanded inspector powers to enter commercial premises without a warrant may breach fundamental legal rights.
  • Stakeholders in the commercial fishing industry expressed concern about the security of confidential vessel tracking data held by third-party providers.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Fisheries (Sustainable Fisheries Strategy) Amendment Bill 2018 be passed.
  • The committee recommends the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries review the definition of 'commercial quantity' as it relates to the offence of trafficking in priority fish to a threshold that is significantly lower than five times the recreational limit or weight equivalent.
  • The committee recommends the Bill be amended so that there are comparable penalties for offences relating to the installation and use of Vessel Monitoring Systems and for offences relating to the use and disclosure of confidential information by public servants and third parties.
  • The committee recommends the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, in his second reading speech, clarify the nature of the indemnity provisions contained in contracts between fishers and third party providers of Vessel Monitoring Systems.
  • The committee recommends the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries provide the committee with an update on the implementation of Vessel Monitoring Systems 18 months after the Bill is passed.
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Economic Development and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 18, 56th Parliament - Economic Development and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018, government response2019-02-06

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 18, 56th Parliament - Economic Development and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20182018-11-08

Committee findings

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined this omnibus bill over several months, receiving 53 submissions and holding public hearings. The committee recommended the bill be passed and made four additional recommendations addressing local government consultation in provisional priority development areas, heritage protection, enforcement powers, and a typographical correction. The government supported all five recommendations and committed to amendments during consideration in detail.

Key findings
  • The committee received 53 submissions and acknowledged that many concerns raised were outside the scope of the bill
  • The Queensland Heritage Council raised concerns that PDA exemption certificates could increase the potential for harm to Queensland heritage places
  • Stakeholders including the Property Council and Holding Redlich opposed the retrospective validation of infrastructure charges notices that had not included reasons for decision
  • The committee found that local government consultation needed strengthening in the process for declaring provisional priority development areas
  • The Planning and Environment Court requested the ability to refer matters to private mediators, and the committee was satisfied with the department's response on mediator qualifications
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Economic Development and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the government amend provisions relating to the making of a PPDA to include the establishment of a local consultative committee that includes a representative from local government to better support localised decision making.
  • The committee recommends that during the second reading speech the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning clarify that PDA exemption certificates will not have a detrimental impact on the cultural heritage significance of Queensland heritage places.
  • The committee recommends that during the second reading speech the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning clarify the powers for investigation and enforcement of PDA development offences under clause 102 and outline the need for such powers.
  • The committee recommends that the department correct a typographical error in clause 190 of the Bill (amending section 79 of the Planning and Environment Court Act 2016).
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Land, Explosives and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 5, 56th Parliament - Land, Explosives and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018, government response2018-07-19

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 5, 56th Parliament - Land, Explosives and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 : Erratum2018-04-20

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 5, 56th Parliament - Land, Explosives and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20182018-04-19

Committee findings

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined the bill and recommended it be passed. The committee made three recommendations, including requests for the Minister to address Aboriginal corporations' requests to have additional land parcels protected from mining interests, and to respond to concerns about onus of proof and self-incrimination protections in several clauses. The government accepted or noted all recommendations.

Key findings
  • The committee found the bill's amendments to the Aboriginal Land Act 1991 and Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991 would reduce compliance burdens and enhance Indigenous land access
  • Aboriginal corporations including the Olkola Aboriginal Corporation requested additional land parcels be included as protected land under the bill
  • The committee identified fundamental legislative principle concerns regarding onus of proof provisions in petroleum and gas clauses and self-incrimination protections in the Explosives Act and Land Act amendments
  • The bill introduced a new framework for remediation of abandoned gas and petroleum operating plant sites
  • The committee found the bill would enhance home ownership opportunities for Indigenous persons by providing options to set social housing prices by agreement
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Bill be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister provides advice in his second reading speech on the request by the Olkola Aboriginal Corporation, the Batavia Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and the Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation to have additional land parcels included in proposed new section 27A of the Bill as protected land, and a possible formal mechanism or process that allows Aboriginal corporations to nominate Aboriginal land, at the request of the traditional owners, for protection from mining interests.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister, in his second reading speech, respond to the matters identified in the report in relation to: Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 (Clauses 265, 270, 286) regarding onus of proof; Explosives Act 1999 (Clauses 57, 58, 63, 64) regarding protection against self-incrimination; and Land Act 1994 (Clause 203) regarding protection against self-incrimination.
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Mineral, Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 4, 56th Parliament - Mineral, Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018, government response2018-07-09

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 4, 56th Parliament - Mineral, Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20182018-04-09

Committee findings

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined the bill over several months, receiving submissions and holding public hearings with stakeholders including landholder groups, the Queensland Law Society, AgForce, and resource industry representatives. The committee recommended the bill be passed, while making six additional recommendations addressing landholder compensation rights, legal representation in arbitration, educational materials on dispute resolution, and water quality reporting timeframes. The government supported or noted all seven recommendations.

Key findings
  • Landholder and legal groups raised significant concerns about proposed changes to compensation provisions, arguing that neighbouring landholders without resource activity on their land could lose compensation rights.
  • Stakeholders strongly opposed restrictions on legal representation during arbitration, with the committee recommending parties have an explicit right to legal representation.
  • The committee found that the bill's implementation of Gasfields Commission recommendations on dispute resolution and negotiation processes was broadly supported, but required improvements to protect landholder interests.
  • Several submitters raised concerns about how landholder time-related costs in negotiating conduct and compensation agreements should be calculated and compensated.
  • The committee examined amendments to strengthen climate change considerations in water planning and new direction powers for addressing water quality issues.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Mineral, Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister in his second reading speech clarify the effectiveness of the current arrangements in addressing compensation for landholders who do not have resource tenure activity on their land but may be affected by the impacts of such activity.
  • The committee recommends that the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy develops an extensive suite of educational material regarding the arbitration process, conducts information sessions with peak bodies and affected communities, and reports to the committee in November 2018 on the development and distribution of this material.
  • The committee recommends that proposed s 91C be removed and that the Bill be amended so that parties have the right to legal representation during arbitration.
  • The committee recommends that the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy collaborates with stakeholders to investigate developing a methodology to determine reasonable landholder time-related costs and how this could be included in legislation.
  • The committee recommends that the Bill be amended to remove proposed s 91 from cl 46 and retain the current provisions with respect to professional costs as set out in s 81(4)(b) of the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014, with a minor amendment to include the costs of an agronomist.
  • The committee recommends that the Minister clarifies, during his second reading speech, the timeframe proposed for an official to report on a direction given to a relevant entity to take action on a water quality issue.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Vegetation Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 6, 55th Parliament - Vegetation Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018, government response2018-05-01

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 6, 56th Parliament - Vegetation Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20182018-04-23

Committee findings

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined the bill over six weeks, holding public hearings in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Townsville, Cloncurry, Longreach, and Charleville and receiving hundreds of submissions. The committee recommended the bill be passed unanimously, while making seven additional recommendations to support landholders through the transition, including issuing local guide sheets, appointing regional extension officers, and running a public education campaign. The government accepted all eight recommendations.

Key findings
  • The committee held extensive regional hearings across Queensland, reflecting the significant impact of the bill on rural and remote landholders
  • Landholders raised concerns about the removal of Area Management Plans and the cost and complexity of development applications for vegetation clearing
  • The committee found that expanding Category R protections to the Burnett-Mary, Eastern Cape York, and Fitzroy Great Barrier Reef catchments was warranted to reduce sediment run-off
  • The bill's retrospective commencement provisions (from 8 March 2018) raised fundamental legislative principle concerns regarding the rights and liberties of individuals
  • The committee identified a need for better support for Indigenous Community Use Areas under the Cape York Peninsula Heritage Act 2007
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Vegetation Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 be passed.
  • The committee recommends the Queensland Government prioritise the investigation of options to support the establishment of Indigenous Community Use Areas under the Cape York Peninsula Heritage Act 2007.
  • The committee recommends the Minister, in his second reading speech, clarify the operation of the definition of a 'regrowth watercourse and drainage feature area' and how watercourses and drainage feature areas will be dealt with under the proposed Category R and Riverine Protection Permit amendments.
  • The committee recommends the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy explore options to streamline the processing and cost impost of development applications for relevant purpose clearing.
  • The committee recommends the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy issue local guide sheets to assist landholders with the application of accepted development vegetation clearing codes with respect to their vegetation bioregion.
  • The committee recommends the Minister review the operation of the accepted development vegetation clearing codes within three years.
  • The committee recommends the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy consider the appointment of additional extension officers in regional hubs to help foster positive relationships and engagement with communities, to promote the best application of the law.
  • The committee recommends the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy commence a comprehensive public education campaign to support the effective implementation of the government's reforms to the vegetation management framework, including the operation of the fodder harvesting code, drawing on the involvement and expertise of industry groups and third party organisations.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Electricity and Other Legislation (Batteries and Premium Feed-in Tariff) Amendment Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 2, 56th Parliament - Electricity and Other Legislation (Batteries and Premium Feed-in Tariff) Amendment Bill 20182018-03-15

Committee findings

The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined the bill over four weeks, receiving seven submissions and a public departmental briefing. The committee recommended the bill be passed, building on the thorough work of the previous parliament's Public Works and Utilities Committee which had reported on a substantially similar 2017 version of the bill. Stakeholders raised concerns about the Solar Bonus Scheme oversizing provisions, compliance costs for embedded network operators, and the need for better education campaigns for contractors and consumers. A Statement of Reservation was filed but its text could not be extracted from the report.

Key findings
  • The bill addressed three areas: clarifying Solar Bonus Scheme rules around batteries and oversizing, enabling retail competition in embedded electricity networks, and removing the non-reversion policy for small regional customers
  • The department estimated approximately $1 billion in additional costs could be incurred by the Solar Bonus Scheme if the proposed changes were not implemented, with about $900 million attributed to oversizing
  • Master Electricians Australia raised concerns about the oversizing definition differing from industry understanding and recommended a 5 per cent compliance tolerance for warranty panel replacements, which the department agreed to handle through pragmatic compliance rather than legislation
  • Stakeholders including the Queensland Farmers' Federation and individual submitters supported removing the non-reversion policy, which had prevented regional small customers from returning to Ergon Retail after switching to a private retailer
  • The committee was satisfied the retrospective application of the Solar Bonus Scheme amendments to the bill's introduction date was justified to prevent customers from exploiting ambiguity in the law
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Electricity and Other Legislation (Batteries and Premium Feed-in Tariff) Amendment Bill 2018 be passed.
Dissenting views: A Statement of Reservation was included in the committee's report, but the text could not be extracted from the PDF.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors

Other Reports (43)

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 51, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 5 February 2020 and 17 March 2020

Subordinate Legislation2020-05-18

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 50, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 27 November 2019 and 4 February 2020

Subordinate Legislation2020-05-18

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 49, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 16 October 2019 and 26 November 2019

Subordinate Legislation2020-03-30

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 48, 56th Parliament-Consideration of Auditor-General Report 6: 2019-20-Energy: 2018-19 results of financial audits

audit2020-03-30

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 47, 56th Parliament-Consideration of Auditor-General Report 4: 2019-20-Water: 2018-19 results of financial audits

audit2020-03-30

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 38, 56th Parliament, October 2019-Subordinate legislation tabled between 15 May 2019 and 11 June 2019, government response

Subordinate Legislation2019-12-19

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 42, 56th Parliament, December 2019-Inquiry into the impacts of invasive plants (weeds) and their control in Queensland

Inquiry2019-12-06

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 43, 56th Parliament, December 2019-Subordinate legislation tabled between 4 September 2019 and 15 October 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-12-06

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 41, 56th Parliament, November 2019-Subordinate legislation tabled between 21 August 2019 and 3 September 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-11-08

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 39, 56th Parliament, October 2019-Subordinate legislation tabled between 12 June 2019 and 20 August 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-10-14

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 38, 56th Parliament, October 2019-Subordinate legislation tabled between 15 May 2019 and 11 June 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-10-08

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 36, 56th Parliament, September 2019-Annual Report 2018-19

Other2019-09-20

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 35, 56th Parliament, August 2019-Subordinate legislation tabled between 1 May and 14 May 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-08-23

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 34, 56th Parliament, August 2019-Subordinate legislation tabled between 3 April and 30 April 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-08-23

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 33, 56th Parliament, August 2019-2019-20 Budget Estimates - Volume of Additional Information

Other2019-08-15

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 33, 56th Parliament, August 2019-2019-20 Budget Estimates

Other2019-08-15

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 23, 56th Parliament-Job Creation Opportunities in Queensland Arising from the Establishment of an Australian Space Agency, government response

Other2019-05-28

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 30, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 13 February 2019 and 2 April 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-05-13

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee, Report No. 29, 56th Parliament, May 2019-Consideration of the Auditor-General's Report 8: 2018-19 Water: 2017-18 results of financial audits

audit2019-05-02

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 28, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 14 November 2018 and 12 February 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-04-18

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 25, 56th Parliament, March 2019-Consideration of the Auditor-General's Report 9: 2018-19 Energy: 2017-18 results of financial audits

audit2019-03-28

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 24, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 17 October and 13 November 2018

Subordinate Legislation2019-03-25

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Information Paper No. 2, 56th Parliament, February 2019-What does the space industry require?

Other2019-02-28

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Information Paper No. 1, 56th Parliament, November 2018-What is the Space Industry?

Other2019-02-28

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 23, 56th Parliament, February 2019-Inquiry into job creation opportunities in Queensland arising from the establishment of an Australian space industry

Inquiry2019-02-28

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 22, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation No. 179: Fisheries (Vessel Tracking) Amendment Regulation 2018

Subordinate Legislation2019-02-15

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 21, 56th Parliament- Subordinate legislation tabled between 19 September 2018 and 16 October 2018

Subordinate Legislation2019-02-11

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 20, 56th Parliament - Annual Report 2017-2018

Other2018-11-12

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee: Report No. 19, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 5 September 2018 and 18 September 2018

Subordinate Legislation2018-11-12

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 16, 56th Parliament - Subordinate Legislation tabled between 13 June 2018 and 4 September 2018

Subordinate Legislation2018-10-29

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 11, 56th Parliament - Consideration of the Auditor-General's Report 19: 2016-17 Security of critical water infrastructure, government response

audit2018-10-15

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 15, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 2 May 2018 and 12 June 2018

Subordinate Legislation2018-09-21

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 13, 56th Parliament - 2018-19 Budget Estimates - Additional Information : Erratum

Other2018-08-20

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 13, 56th Parliament - 2018-19 Budget Estimates - Additional Information

Other2018-08-16

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 13, 56th Parliament - 2018-19 Budget Estimates

Other2018-08-16

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 12, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 16 February and 1 May 2018

Subordinate Legislation2018-08-16

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 11, 56th Parliament - Consideration of the Auditor-General's Report 19: 2016-17 Security of critical water infrastructure

audit2018-07-19

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 10, 56th Parliament - Consideration of the Auditor-General's Report 16: 2015-16 Flood resilience of river catchments

audit2018-07-19

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 9, 56th Parliament - Auditor-General Report 9: 2017-18 Energy: 2016-17 results of financial audits

audit2018-06-18

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 8, 56th Parliament - Auditor-General Report 5: 2017-18 Water: 2016-17 results of financial audits

audit2018-06-18

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 7, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 25 October 2017 and 15 February 2018

Subordinate Legislation2018-05-18

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 3, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 11 October 2017 and 24 October 2017

Subordinate Legislation2018-03-26

State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee : Report No. 1, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 9 August 2017 and 10 October 2017

Subordinate Legislation2018-03-09