Business Committee

Portfolio Committee

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Bills Reviewed (15)

Criminal Code and Other Legislation (Wage Theft) Amendment Bill 2020Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 35, 56th Parliament- Criminal Code and Other Legislation (Wage Theft) Amendment Bill 20202020-08-28

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Small Business Committee examined the Criminal Code and Other Legislation (Wage Theft) Amendment Bill 2020 over six weeks, receiving 27 submissions and holding a public hearing with witnesses from unions, employer groups, legal bodies and individual workers. The committee recommended the bill be passed and additionally recommended that the conciliation process for wage recovery claims be made mandatory rather than voluntary as originally drafted. The bill followed the committee's own 2018 inquiry into wage theft in Queensland, which estimated over 437,000 Queensland workers were not receiving their full wages, amounting to approximately $2.5 billion stripped from the Queensland economy annually.

Key findings
  • Unions, individual workers and community organisations broadly supported criminalising deliberate wage theft, while employer groups and some legal stakeholders raised concerns about constitutional validity, enforcement complexity and the impact on small businesses during the COVID-19 economic downturn.
  • The criminal offence targets only deliberate and wilful conduct, not honest mistakes, with existing Criminal Code defences such as honest and reasonable but mistaken belief applying to protect employers who make genuine errors.
  • Stakeholders across unions, employer groups and the legal sector agreed overwhelmingly that the conciliation process for wage recovery claims should be mandatory rather than voluntary, to prevent employers from simply opting out and dragging out proceedings.
  • Several submitters including the Australian Industry Group and Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland opposed criminal sanctions, arguing that existing civil penalties under the Fair Work Act were sufficient and that criminalisation could discourage employer self-reporting of underpayments.
  • The committee found the proposed penalties of up to 10 years for stealing and 14 years for fraud by employers were proportionate, consistent with existing penalties for equivalent offences such as stealing by clerks and servants.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Criminal Code and Other Legislation (Wage Theft) Amendment Bill 2020 be passed.
  • The committee recommends the conciliation process for fair work claims commenced under the Industrial Magistrates Court be mandatory, with employers and employees required to make 'reasonable attempts' at reaching agreement.
Dissenting views: LNP members Jim McDonald MP and Simone Wilson MP filed a Statement of Reservation. While stating the LNP believes workers deserve to be paid for their work, they raised concerns about the bill's constitutionality, the impact of complex award conditions on small businesses, duplication with Fair Work Act provisions, and the introduction of criminal sanctions for what they characterised as a civil matter. They called on the Minister to publicly release any Crown Law advice on the constitutional validity of the laws.
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Public Service and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 34, 56th Parliament-Public Service and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20202020-08-28

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Small Business Committee examined the Public Service and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 over approximately two months, receiving nine submissions and holding a public hearing and departmental briefing. The committee unanimously recommended the bill be passed, noting broad stakeholder support for reforms aimed at maximising employment security and promoting permanent employment as the default basis in the Queensland public service. The committee also recommended that the Department of the Premier and Cabinet investigate a mechanism to ensure fairness and transparency when a chief executive fails to make a conversion decision within 28 days.

Key findings
  • Stakeholders broadly supported the bill's objective of maximising employment security and promoting permanency as the default basis of public sector employment.
  • Unions and legal stakeholders raised concerns about the 28-day deemed refusal provision for employment conversion requests, where a chief executive's failure to decide within 28 days is treated as a refusal without requiring written reasons.
  • The bill introduces new appeal rights, including for suspension without pay decisions and conversion decisions after two years, and transfers public service appeals from the Public Service Act to the Industrial Relations Act to increase transparency through published decisions.
  • The committee found the bill's amendments to discipline and investigation provisions were appropriate, clarifying that disciplinary action should not be taken for minor infringements and promoting timely, proportionate resolution of matters.
  • The bill removes citizenship requirements that previously prevented non-citizens with a lawful right to work in Australia from being employed on tenure, furthering human rights objectives.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Public Service and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 be passed.
  • The committee recommends the Department of the Premier and Cabinet investigates an appropriate mechanism to provide fairness and transparency of the decision-making process to a person where the chief executive does not make a conversion decision within 28 days, pursuant to proposed new sections 149A and 149C of the Public Service Act 2008.
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Associations Incorporation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 30, 56th Parliament-Associations Incorporation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019, government response2020-06-16

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 30, 56th Parliament, February 2020-Associations Incorporation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20192020-02-21

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Small Business Committee examined the Associations Incorporation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 and tabled its Report No. 30 on 21 February 2020. The committee recommended the bill be passed. The committee raised concerns that the explanatory notes did not adequately justify the extension of investigation powers to the Office of Fair Trading under the Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014, noting this fell short of offering justification for the breaches of fundamental legislative principles involved. The Queensland Government responded with detailed clarification of why the existing powers under the repealed Financial Institutions Code 1992 were inadequate and outlined the safeguards built into the Fair Trading Inspectors Act.

Key findings
  • The committee found the bill's reforms to the governance of incorporated associations were generally sound and recommended passage.
  • The committee raised concerns that the explanatory notes did not sufficiently justify extending Fair Trading Inspector powers to incorporated associations, noting potential breaches of fundamental legislative principles.
  • The Government clarified that existing investigation powers under the repealed Financial Institutions Code 1992 were outdated and not fit for purpose in the context of incorporated associations.
  • Approximately 17 per cent of Queensland incorporated associations are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, making state-level regulation important for the majority.
  • The Fair Trading Inspectors Act includes safeguards such as requiring identification, consent procedures for entry, and compensation provisions for property damage, which would apply in modified form under the bill.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Bill be passed.
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Community Services Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 28, 56th Parliament, February 2020-Community Services Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Bill 20192020-02-14

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Small Business Committee examined the bill over approximately three months, receiving 23 submissions and holding a public hearing with stakeholders including unions, peak bodies, service providers and the Queensland Law Society. The committee unanimously recommended the bill be passed. While most submitters supported the portable long service leave scheme in principle, concerns were raised about the clarity of the scheme's scope, the financial impact of the 1.35 per cent levy on employers, and the administrative burden on community services organisations.

Key findings
  • Workers in the community services sector experience high job mobility, with only 18 per cent remaining with the same employer for over 10 years compared to the Queensland average of 26 per cent, making it difficult for them to accrue long service leave entitlements
  • The majority of submitters supported the portable long service leave scheme in principle, though some raised concerns about the scope of the scheme and which organisations and workers would be covered
  • Some employers, particularly larger organisations and aged care providers, raised concerns about the financial impact of the 1.35 per cent levy and potential administrative burden, though the department noted the levy is lower than existing long service leave provisioning requirements
  • The committee found the scope of the scheme as drafted was appropriate to allow flexibility across the diverse community services industry, noting QLeave would provide guidance to employers and workers
  • The bill also addresses an anomaly in the Industrial Relations Act 2016 where employees dismissed due to illness-related incapacity were not entitled to pro rata long service leave, even though employees who resigned due to illness were entitled
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Community Services Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Bill 2019 be passed.
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Child Death Review Legislation Amendment Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 25, 56th Parliament, November 2019-Child Death Review Legislation Amendment Bill 20192019-11-18

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Small Business Committee examined the bill over two months, receiving six submissions and holding a public hearing with the Queensland Family and Child Commission and the Queensland Law Society. The committee unanimously recommended the bill be passed, finding broad stakeholder support for expanding the child death review system to include additional government agencies and establishing an independent Child Death Review Board. LNP members filed a statement of reservation supporting the bill's objectives but criticising the government for taking two and a half years to introduce it after the QFCC report was handed down.

Key findings
  • All submitters acknowledged the importance of protecting Queensland's most vulnerable children and supported the bill's objectives
  • The expansion of internal review requirements to additional agencies (Health, Education, Police, and Youth Justice) was broadly supported by stakeholders
  • Concerns were raised about the independence of internal reviews conducted by the agencies themselves, but the department argued self-reflection supports learning and continuous improvement
  • The Australian Association of Social Workers argued non-government service providers should also be required to conduct internal reviews, though the government limited the requirement to government agencies
  • The committee was satisfied that information-sharing provisions had sufficient regard to individual rights and liberties, noting there is no compulsion to provide information and no penalty for non-compliance
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Child Death Review Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 be passed.
Dissenting views: LNP members Jann Stuckey MP (Currumbin) and Simone Wilson MP (Pumicestone) filed a statement of reservation. While supporting the bill's objectives and the establishment of the Child Death Review Board, they questioned why it took two and a half years after the QFCC report for the bill to be introduced, arguing earlier action may have benefited vulnerable children.
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Holidays and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 24, 56th Parliament, November 2019-Holidays and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20192019-11-04

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Small Business Committee examined the bill over six weeks, receiving 14 submissions and holding a public briefing and public hearing. The committee recommended the bill be passed, noting that the proposed part-day public holiday on Christmas Eve from 6pm aligned with existing trading hours restrictions and would give workers the right to refuse work or receive penalty rates. Employer groups raised significant concerns about costs to business and potential closures, while unions and employee representatives strongly supported the reform. Non-government members filed a dissenting report opposing the bill.

Key findings
  • The majority of submissions to the government's consultation process (71 per cent) supported the proposed part-day public holiday, though many of these were provided by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association from its members.
  • Employer groups including the Queensland Hotels Association, Australian Retailers Association and Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland raised concerns about additional wage costs estimated at $31.9 million to $115.8 million for the private sector.
  • The Office of Industrial Relations advised that the lower-end cost estimate was more realistic, citing South Australian experience where actual costs were significantly lower than initial estimates.
  • The committee found no issues with fundamental legislative principles and considered the explanatory notes adequate.
  • Several employer groups argued the bill would lead to business closures on Christmas Eve, reduced shifts for casual workers, and surcharges passed on to consumers, particularly in hospitality and tourism.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Holidays and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 be passed.
Dissenting views: Non-government LNP members Jann Stuckey MP and Simone Wilson MP filed a dissenting report opposing the bill. They argued the government could not guarantee the changes would not cost jobs or increase consumer prices, citing concerns from the hospitality, tourism and retail sectors. They criticised the short implementation timeframe (less than one month before commencement) and argued the bill contradicted the Mickel Review's compromised position of a 6pm closing time rather than a public holiday declaration.
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Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 21, 56th Parliament, October 2019-Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20192019-10-08

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Small Business Committee examined the bill over six weeks, receiving eleven submissions and holding a public hearing with legal and union stakeholders. The committee unanimously recommended the bill be passed, finding it appropriately implements twelve recommendations from the Peetz review of the workers' compensation scheme. Key areas of scrutiny included changes to psychological injury definitions, early intervention requirements for insurers, rehabilitation and return to work obligations, and the extension of workers' compensation coverage to unpaid interns.

Key findings
  • Seven of eleven submitters broadly supported the proposed changes to workers' compensation, while the remaining four raised specific concerns without opposing the bill overall.
  • The committee accepted that aligning the psychological injury definition with other Australian jurisdictions (removing 'the major' qualifying factor) was unlikely to significantly increase accepted claims.
  • Stakeholders broadly supported requiring insurers to provide early intervention support for psychological injury claims before the claim is decided, though some raised concerns about excluded hospital costs.
  • The Queensland Law Society and Housing Industry Association raised concerns about whether employer apologies or expressions of regret could be used as evidence in criminal prosecutions under workplace health and safety laws.
  • The committee found that extending workers' compensation to unpaid commercial interns would cost an estimated $140,000 to $185,000 across the scheme, with minimal impact on employer premiums.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 be passed.
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Working with Children Legislation (Indigenous Communities) Amendment Bill 2018Did not recommend passage2nd reading failed

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 13, 56th Parliament, February 2019-Working with Children Legislation (Indigenous Communities) Amendment Bill 2018, government response2019-05-13

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 13, 56th Parliament, February 2019-Working with Children Legislation (Indigenous Communities) Amendment Bill 20182019-02-14

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Small Business Committee examined this Private Member's Bill, which proposed changes to blue card screening arrangements for Indigenous communities and a significant role for Community Justice Groups. The committee recommended the bill not be passed, finding that the existing blue card reforms already underway — including a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Action Plan — were a more appropriate way to address the concerns raised. The committee separately recommended the Attorney-General report on progress implementing the Queensland Family and Child Commission's recommendation for improved support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander blue card applicants.

Key findings
  • The committee found the bill's proposed changes to blue card screening could compromise the paramount principle of child welfare and safety
  • The Queensland Family and Child Commission Blue Card Review had already recommended a comprehensive strategy to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the blue card system (Recommendation 73)
  • The Queensland Government broadly supported the intent of all QFCC recommendations and indicated the bill was the first stage in a series of legislative reforms
  • The committee acknowledged the need for culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander blue card applicants but found the Private Member's Bill was not the right mechanism
  • The government committed to providing a progress report on its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Action Plan by 31 July 2020
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Working with Children Legislation (Indigenous Communities) Amendment Bill 2018 not be passed.
  • The committee recommends the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice provide the committee with a progress report on implementation of the Queensland Family and Child Commission Blue Card Review recommendation for reform to how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are supported (Recommendation 73) by 31 July 2020.
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Disability Services and Other Legislation (NDIS) Amendment Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 17, 56th Parliament, May 2019-Disability Services and Other Legislation (NDIS) Amendment Bill 20192019-05-13

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Small Business Committee examined the bill over several weeks, receiving five submissions and holding a public hearing. The committee unanimously recommended the bill be passed, recognising the urgency of aligning Queensland legislation with the Commonwealth NDIS framework ahead of Queensland becoming a full participating jurisdiction on 1 July 2019. Stakeholders raised concerns about the narrowed definition of 'death in care' and reduced scope of 'visitable sites' for community visitors, but the committee accepted the amendments were necessary for a consistent national approach.

Key findings
  • The bill was necessary to facilitate Queensland becoming a participating jurisdiction in the NDIS from 1 July 2019, aligning state legislation with the Commonwealth regulatory framework.
  • Stakeholders including Queenslanders with Disability Network and the Public Advocate raised concerns that the amended definition of 'death in care' may narrow coronial oversight and reduce safeguards for vulnerable people with disability.
  • The Public Guardian and Public Advocate warned that changes to the definition of 'visitable site' could reduce the scope of community visitor protections for people with disability.
  • The committee accepted that broad transitional regulation-making powers were justified given the complexity of NDIS transition, noting they included a sunset clause expiring three years after commencement.
  • The committee found the expanded list of disqualifying offences for disability worker screening (yellow cards) was consistent with recent amendments to the Working with Children Act.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Disability Services and Other Legislation (NDIS) Amendment Bill 2019 be passed.
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Health and Wellbeing Queensland Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee, Report No. 16, 56th Parliament, April 2019-Health and Wellbeing Queensland Bill 20192019-04-18

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Small Business Committee examined the Health and Wellbeing Queensland Bill 2019 and unanimously recommended it be passed. The committee received 33 submissions and held a public hearing, finding strong support across health, medical, sporting, and community organisations for establishing an independent health promotion agency. The bill followed two earlier parliamentary inquiries into establishing a Queensland health promotion body, and the committee found the governance model, including a skills-based board with cross-government representation, was well designed to lead whole-of-government health promotion efforts.

Key findings
  • All submitters supported the establishment of Health and Wellbeing Queensland as an independent statutory body for health promotion
  • Stakeholders emphasised the importance of the agency's independence from political processes to ensure bipartisan support and evidence-based decision making
  • The committee found the governance model was well designed, with a skills-based board including cross-government representation and at least one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander member
  • The initial operating budget of $32.955 million for 2019-20 was noted, with stakeholders urging sustained and growing funding in future years
  • Submitters highlighted the need for cross-sectoral partnerships to address the social determinants of health beyond the health sector alone
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Health and Wellbeing Queensland Bill 2019 be passed.
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Education (Queensland College of Teachers) Amendment Bill 2019Recommended passagePASSED

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 14, 56th Parliament, March 2019-Education (Queensland College of Teachers) Amendment Bill 20192019-03-28

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Small Business Committee examined the bill over six weeks, receiving five written submissions and holding a public briefing and hearing. The committee unanimously recommended the bill be passed, finding broad support for the creation of a certification framework for Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers in Queensland. Stakeholders raised minor concerns about eligibility for teachers in independent schools and early childhood settings, and the lack of a specific power to revoke certification, but the committee was satisfied these could be addressed through regulation or future national policy work.

Key findings
  • The bill establishes a certification framework for Highly Accomplished Teachers (HAT) and Lead Teachers (LT), consistent with a nationally agreed approach endorsed by Education Ministers in 2012.
  • A Queensland pilot of the certification process in 2017-2018 saw 184 teachers apply, with 44 certified as HAT and 3 as LT across rural, regional and metropolitan schools.
  • The Independent Education Union raised concerns that teachers in non-affiliated independent schools and early childhood settings would not be eligible, but the Department advised these were addressed through existing arrangements with Independent Schools Queensland.
  • The Queensland Catholic Education Commission flagged the absence of a specific power to revoke certification, which the Department committed to addressing through future national policy with AITSL.
  • The committee found the bill raised only minor fundamental legislative principle issues, with no new offences created and the certification scheme being entirely voluntary for teachers.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Education (Queensland College of Teachers) Amendment Bill 2019 be passed.
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Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 12, 56th Parliament, February 2019-Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20182019-02-14

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Small Business Committee examined the bill over approximately three months, receiving ten written submissions and holding public hearings with education stakeholders, legal advocates, and child safety organisations. The committee unanimously recommended the bill be passed, finding that the reforms to the blue card system -- including the 'No Card, No Start' policy, expanded disqualifying offences, and a new online organisational portal -- were justified by the overriding objective of protecting children. LNP members filed a Statement of Reservation arguing the reforms did not go far enough and were taking too long to implement.

Key findings
  • Stakeholders broadly supported the bill, with the exception of Sisters Inside which opposed the 'No Card, No Start' policy as unnecessarily punitive
  • Education stakeholders raised concerns about processing timeframes under the 'No Card, No Start' policy, emphasising that schools often need to employ staff at short notice
  • The committee found that the bill's restrictions on employment rights and expanded penalties were proportionate to the policy objective of protecting children from harm
  • LawRight raised concerns that the automatic stay of QCAT decisions overturning negative notices would further disadvantage marginalised applicants
  • The committee noted the importance of the proposed online organisational portal in reducing administrative burden and improving notification of changes to blue card status
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 be passed.
Dissenting views: LNP members Jann Stuckey and Simone Wilson filed a Statement of Reservation. While supporting the bill, they argued the reforms did not go far enough and were taking too long to implement. They expressed concern that key Queensland Family and Child Commission recommendations had been amended or disregarded, including the recommendation to repeal the eligibility declaration for disqualified persons. They also raised alarm that international criminal histories were not considered in blue card checks, and that manslaughter of a child and cruelty to a child remained serious offences rather than disqualifying offences.
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Mines Legislation (Resources Safety) Amendment Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee : Report No. 3, 56th Parliament - Mines Legislation (Resources Safety) Amendment Bill 2018, government response2018-08-08

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee : Report No. 3, 56th Parliament - Mines Legislation (Resources Safety) Amendment Bill 20182018-05-08

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Small Business Committee examined the Mines Legislation (Resources Safety) Amendment Bill 2018 and tabled its report on 8 May 2018. The committee recommended the bill be passed, while also recommending that a definition of 'contractor' be added and that site senior executives be notified of reportable diseases on a confidential basis. The government accepted the first recommendation, and committed to further industry consultation on the contractor definition and reportable disease notification proposals. The committee also flagged concerns about civil penalties, privacy in information sharing with WorkCover, and the impact of non-disclosure agreements on disease reporting obligations.

Key findings
  • The committee found the bill's strengthening of ventilation officer qualification requirements was appropriate, requiring certificate of competency holders to also pass a law exam and oral assessment.
  • Stakeholders identified a significant gap in the bill regarding the absence of a clear definition of 'contractor', which the committee recommended be addressed through an amendment.
  • Concerns were raised about reportable diseases not being captured accurately and whether non-disclosure agreements could impact on the obligation to report a disease.
  • Stakeholders raised concerns about civil penalty provisions potentially allowing a person or corporation to be penalised civilly and then prosecuted criminally for the same offence.
  • The committee examined changes to advisory committee membership to restore equal tripartite representation following the appointment of an independent Commissioner for Mine Safety and Health in 2016.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Mines Legislation (Resources Safety) Amendment Bill 2018 be passed.
  • The committee recommends that the Bill be amended to include a definition of 'contractor'.
  • The committee recommends the Minister consider amending the Bill to require that site senior executives be notified, on a confidential basis, of relevant cases of reportable diseases, to allow them to ensure that the risks to the health and safety of the employee are at an acceptable level.
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Education (Overseas Students) Bill 2018Recommended passagePASSED

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee : Report No. 1, 56th Parliament - Education (Overseas Students) Bill 20182018-03-02

Committee findings

The Education, Employment and Small Business Committee examined the Education (Overseas Students) Bill 2018 over two weeks, building on the extensive work of the predecessor committee (ETISBC) which had reviewed the substantially similar 2017 version. The committee unanimously recommended the bill be passed. It was satisfied that the government had appropriately addressed the ETISBC's concerns about self-incrimination protections, chief executive amendment powers, and the definition of 'parent', and did not endorse the ETISBC's three proposed amendments.

Key findings
  • The bill replicated the content of the lapsed 2017 bill with additional amendments addressing one ETISBC recommendation and a drafting omission in the Trading (Allowable Hours) Act 1990.
  • New subclauses 66(4) and 66(5) appropriately addressed concerns about abrogation of the right against self-incrimination by limiting the use of compulsorily produced documents to proceedings about the document's accuracy or offences under the Act.
  • The committee was satisfied that clause 23 (allowing the chief executive to amend approvals without prior application) was limited in scope to administrative matters and necessary for effective co-regulation with the Commonwealth CRICOS system.
  • The committee accepted that leaving 'parent' undefined in clause 97 provided greater flexibility to capture the diverse familial relationships of overseas students, rather than risk narrowing the term through a restrictive definition.
  • The bill also corrected an inadvertent drafting omission that prevented larger retailers in regional areas without seven-day trading from opening on Easter Saturday, restoring pre-existing trading arrangements.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends the Education (Overseas Students) Bill 2018 be passed.
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Education, Tourism, Innovation and Small Business Committee: Report No. 42, 55th Parliament - Education (Overseas Students) Bill 2017, government response

Education, Tourism, Innovation and Small Business Committee: Report No. 42, 55th Parliament - Education (Overseas Students) Bill 2017, government response2017-12-08

Other Reports (37)

Business Committee: Report No. 4, 57th Parliament-Annual Report 2023-2024

Other2024-09-12

Business Committee: Report No. 3, 57th Parliament-Annual Report 2022-2023

Other2023-10-26

Business Committee: Report No. 2, 57th Parliament-Annual Report 2021-2022

Other2022-10-26

Business Committee: Report No. 1, 57th Parliament-Annual Report 2020-21

Other2021-09-02

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 39, 56th Parliament-Consideration of Auditor-General Report 1: 2019-20-Investing in vocational education and training and Auditor-General Report 15: 2019-20-Education: 2018-19 results of financial audits

audit2020-09-28

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 38, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 17 June 2020 and 15 July 2020

Subordinate Legislation2020-09-28

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 37, 56th Parliament-Annual Report 2019-20

Other2020-09-15

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 36, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 23 April 2020 and 16 June 2020

Subordinate Legislation2020-09-15

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 33, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 18 March 2020 and 22 April 2020

Subordinate Legislation2020-06-23

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 32, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 5 February 2020 and 17 March 2020

Subordinate Legislation2020-05-05

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 31, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 16 October 2019 and 4 February 2020

Subordinate Legislation2020-03-24

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 29, 56th Parliament, February 2020-Subordinate legislation tabled between 4 September and 15 October 2019

Subordinate Legislation2020-02-05

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 26, 56th Parliament, November 2019-Matter Involving Committee Proceedings-Potential Breach of Standing Order 117

Other2019-11-28

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 27, 56th Parliament, November 2019-Subordinate legislation tabled between 21 August and 3 September 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-11-25

Business Committee: Report No. 1, 56th Parliament, October 2019-Annual Report 2018-19

Other2019-10-28

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 22, 56th Parliament, October 2019-Annual Report 2018-19

Other2019-10-25

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 23, 56th Parliament, October 2019-Subordinate legislation tabled between 1 May and 20 August 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-10-14

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 20, 56th Parliament, August 2019-2019-20 Budget Estimates - Volume of Additional Information

Other2019-08-16

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 20, 56th Parliament, August 2019-2019-20 Budget Estimates

Other2019-08-16

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 19, 56th Parliament, August 2019-Subordinate legislation tabled between 3 and 30 April 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-08-12

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 18, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 13 February and 2 April 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-06-12

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 15, 56th Parliament, March 2019-Subordinate legislation tabled between 31 October 2018 and 12 February 2019

Subordinate Legislation2019-03-29

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 9, 56th Parliament-A fair day's pay for a fair day's work? Exposing the true cost of wage theft in Queensland: Erratum

Other2019-03-01

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 9, 56th Parliament, November 2018-A fair day's pay for a fair day's work? Exposing the true cost of wage theft in Queensland, government response

Other2019-02-15

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 11, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 19 September and 30 October 2018

Subordinate Legislation2019-02-14

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 10, 56th Parliament-Subordinate legislation tabled between 22 August and 18 September 2018

Subordinate Legislation2018-11-16

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee: Report No. 9, 56th Parliament - A fair day's pay for a fair day's work? Exposing the true cost of wage theft in Queensland

Other2018-11-16

Education, Tourism, Innovation and Small Business Committee : Report No. 40, 55th Parliament - Managing the performance of teachers in Queensland state schools (Auditor-General's Report 15: 2016-17) - government update

audit2018-11-02

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee : Report No. 8, 56th Parliament - Annual Report 2017-18

Other2018-10-19

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee : Report No. 7, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 13 June 2018 and 21 August 2018

Subordinate Legislation2018-10-17

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee : Report No. 6, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 7 March 2018 and 12 June 2018

Subordinate Legislation2018-09-03

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee : Report No. 5, 56th Parliament - 2018-19 Budget Estimates - Additional Information

Other2018-08-17

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee : Report No. 5, 56th Parliament - 2018-19 Budget Estimates

Other2018-08-17

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee : Report No. 4, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 11 October 2017 and 6 March 2018

Subordinate Legislation2018-05-18

Education, Tourism, Innovation and Small Business Committee : Report No. 40, 55th Parliament - Managing the performance of teachers in Queensland state schools (Auditor-General's Report 15: 2016-17), government response

audit2018-03-08

Education, Employment and Small Business Committee : Report No. 2, 56th Parliament - Subordinate legislation tabled between 14 June 2017 and 10 October 2017

Subordinate Legislation2018-03-07

Education, Tourism, Innovation and Small Business Committee : Report No. 40, 55th Parliament - Managing the performance of teachers in Queensland state schools (Auditor-General's Report 15: 2016-17), interim government response

audit2017-12-08