Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee

Portfolio Committee

View on parliament.qld.gov.au

Members (6)

Martin Hunt
Member
Melissa McMahon
Member
Michael Berkman
Member
Natalie Marr
Member
Peter Russo
Member
Russell Field
Member

Bills Reviewed (9)

Electoral Laws (Restoring Electoral Fairness) Amendment Bill 20252nd reading to be moved

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 26, 58th Parliament—Electoral Laws (Restoring Electoral Fairness) Amendment Bill 2025

2026-02-06
Defamation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025PASSED with amendment

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 23, 58th Parliament—Defamation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

2025-11-28
Committee findings

The Defamation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 was referred to the Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee on 14 October 2025. The bill subsequently passed with amendments on 11 December 2025, indicating the committee completed its review. No committee report text is available for detailed analysis.

AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Community Protection and Public Child Sex Offender Register (Daniel’s Law) Bill 2025PASSED

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 19, 58th Parliament—Community Protection and Public Child Sex Offender Register (Daniel’s Law) Bill 2025

2025-10-17
Penalties and Sentences (Sexual Offences) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025Recommended passagePASSED

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 11, 58th Parliament—Penalties and Sentences (Sexual Offences) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

2025-07-11
Committee findings

The Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee examined the bill over seven weeks, receiving 197 written submissions and holding a public hearing. The committee recommended the bill be passed. The bill implements four recommendations from the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council to improve sentencing for sexual assault and rape, introduces a new offence for falsely representing a government agency, and amends the blue card system. Labor members filed a statement of reservation criticising the government for not passing the bill sooner.

Key findings
  • The bill implements four of 28 QSAC recommendations on sentencing for sexual assault and rape, including a statutory aggravating factor for offences against children aged 16 or 17
  • Stakeholders broadly supported the reforms, particularly qualifying the use of good character evidence as a mitigating factor in sexual offence sentencing
  • The committee found the bill compatible with human rights under the Human Rights Act 2019 and consistent with fundamental legislative principles
  • The bill also introduces a new offence for falsely representing a government agency to combat scam activity
  • Amendments to the blue card system respond to recommendations from the Queensland Family and Child Commission review
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Bill be passed.
Dissenting views: Labor members Peter Russo and Melissa McMahon filed a statement of reservation. They criticised the government for delaying the reforms, noting that Labor had publicly signalled its intention to progress the same recommendations before the bill was introduced. They argued the government should have accepted Labor's offer of bipartisan support to pass the bill urgently rather than delay commencement to 1 November 2025, and called for the remaining QSAC recommendations to be addressed.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Penalties and Sentences (Sexual Offences) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025Recommended passagePASSED

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 10, 58th Parliament—Police Powers and Responsibilities (Making Jack's Law Permanent) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

2025-05-23
Committee findings

The Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee examined the bill over seven weeks, receiving 197 written submissions and holding a public hearing. The committee recommended the bill be passed. The bill implements four recommendations from the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council to improve sentencing for sexual assault and rape, introduces a new offence for falsely representing a government agency, and amends the blue card system. Labor members filed a statement of reservation criticising the government for not passing the bill sooner.

Key findings
  • The bill implements four of 28 QSAC recommendations on sentencing for sexual assault and rape, including a statutory aggravating factor for offences against children aged 16 or 17
  • Stakeholders broadly supported the reforms, particularly qualifying the use of good character evidence as a mitigating factor in sexual offence sentencing
  • The committee found the bill compatible with human rights under the Human Rights Act 2019 and consistent with fundamental legislative principles
  • The bill also introduces a new offence for falsely representing a government agency to combat scam activity
  • Amendments to the blue card system respond to recommendations from the Queensland Family and Child Commission review
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Bill be passed.
Dissenting views: Labor members Peter Russo and Melissa McMahon filed a statement of reservation. They criticised the government for delaying the reforms, noting that Labor had publicly signalled its intention to progress the same recommendations before the bill was introduced. They argued the government should have accepted Labor's offer of bipartisan support to pass the bill urgently rather than delay commencement to 1 November 2025, and called for the remaining QSAC recommendations to be addressed.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Making Queensland Safer (Adult Crime, Adult Time) Amendment Bill 2025Recommended passagePASSED

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 9, 58th Parliament—Making Queensland Safer (Adult Crime, Adult Time) Amendment Bill 2025

2025-05-16
Committee findings

The Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee examined the bill over approximately six weeks, receiving 62 submissions and holding public hearings in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville and Redlands. The committee recommended the bill be passed, finding that the increased penalties for 20 additional serious offences were relevant and proportionate to enhance community safety. The committee acknowledged the bill is not compatible with human rights under the Human Rights Act 2019 but considered this incompatibility justified, relying on the override declaration tabled with the parent Making Queensland Safer Act 2024. Two ALP members filed a statement of reservation and the Greens member filed a dissenting report, both raising significant concerns about the bill's evidence base and impact.

Key findings
  • The committee found the bill's increased penalties for 20 additional serious offences are relevant and proportionate to achieve the policy intent of enhancing community safety and holding young offenders accountable.
  • The committee acknowledged the bill is incompatible with human rights under the Human Rights Act 2019, including children's rights to protection, liberty, and protection from cruel treatment, but considered this justified in the circumstances.
  • Multiple stakeholders raised concerns about the disproportionate impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, who are already overrepresented in Queensland's youth detention system.
  • Departmental data showed many of the proposed new offences had very low or zero proven finalisations for youth offenders over the past five years, raising questions about the practical impact of the expanded regime.
  • Stakeholders and committee members raised concerns that the Expert Legal Panel's advice, which formed the sole basis for selecting the 20 new offences, was not publicly released or made available to the committee.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Bill be passed.
Dissenting views: Peter Russo MP (ALP, Deputy Chair) and Hon Di Farmer MP (ALP) filed a Statement of Reservation criticising the government's refusal to release the Expert Legal Panel's advice, noting that many stakeholders had not been consulted by the panel and calling for transparency. Michael Berkman MP (Greens) filed a Dissenting Report arguing that the committee report does not accurately reflect the evidence, selectively presents testimony to support the government's position, and fails to properly interrogate the bill's justification. Berkman raised concerns that the committee did not hear from the Expert Legal Panel, did not seek independent legal advice on the Human Rights Act override question, and that overwhelming expert evidence shows harsher youth penalties increase reoffending and do not improve community safety.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Crime and Corruption (Restoring Reporting Powers) Amendment Bill 2025Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 7, 58th Parliament—Crime and Corruption (Restoring Reporting Powers) Amendment Bill 2025

2025-04-11
Committee findings

The Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee examined the bill over two months, receiving 11 submissions and holding public hearings. The committee recommended the bill be passed. The bill restores the Crime and Corruption Commission's power to publicly report on corruption investigations following the High Court's decision in Crime and Corruption Commission v Carne, which found the CCC lacked that power. The committee was satisfied the bill includes appropriate safeguards against the release of information where risks outweigh benefits.

Key findings
  • The bill was prompted by the High Court decision in CCC v Carne which found the CCC did not have statutory power to table and publish reports about corruption investigations
  • Since the High Court decision, the CCC had not published any reports or public statements about corruption matters, having previously made 32 reports and 256 statements
  • The bill provides new discretionary powers for the CCC to report and make public statements about corruption matters, subject to safeguards
  • The bill includes retrospective validation of existing CCC reports and statements to remove residual legal risk
  • The committee was satisfied the bill is compatible with human rights and gives sufficient regard to the rights and liberties of individuals
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Bill be passed.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Youth Justice (Monitoring Devices) Amendment Bill 2025Recommended passagePASSED

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 6, 58th Parliament—Youth Justice (Monitoring Devices) Amendment Bill 2025

2025-03-28
Committee findings

The Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee examined the bill under urgency provisions, receiving 14 submissions and holding a public hearing. The committee recommended the bill be passed. The bill extends the trial of electronic monitoring devices for young people on bail by 12 months to allow for a comprehensive evaluation. The committee acknowledged that the trial had not yet produced conclusive evidence of effectiveness but considered the extension necessary to avoid ending the trial without meaningful data. Labor members filed a statement of reservation and the Greens member filed a dissenting report opposing the bill.

Key findings
  • The electronic monitoring trial has been running since 2021 with multiple extensions but has not produced conclusive evidence of effectiveness in reducing reoffending
  • The majority of stakeholders were sceptical about further extending the trial, while the department argued more time was needed to reach a sufficient sample size of 130-140 participants
  • The Queensland Human Rights Commission argued the trial places unjustifiable limits on children's rights given the lack of evidence, and may increase offending through the criminogenic effect of justice system contact
  • Preliminary data showed approximately 50 per cent of young people subject to electronic monitoring did not reoffend during the monitoring period
  • The government is investing $485 million over four years in new youth crime prevention and rehabilitation programs alongside the trial
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Bill be passed.
Dissenting views: Labor members Peter Russo and Di Farmer filed a statement of reservation criticising the government for not providing a timeline for 'Gold Standard Early Intervention' programs, and arguing the bill could have been incorporated into earlier legislation. Greens member Michael Berkman filed a dissenting report recommending the bill not be passed, arguing that electronic monitoring devices for children are ineffective, cause stigmatisation and disengagement from support networks, and divert resources from proven policy solutions to youth crime.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors
Trusts Bill 2025Recommended passagePASSED with amendment

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 4, 58th Parliament—Trusts Bill 2025

2025-03-07
Committee findings

The Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee examined the Trusts Bill 2025 under an urgent timeframe, receiving five submissions and holding a public briefing and hearing on 3 March 2025. The Bill replaces the Trusts Act 1973 with modernised trust law, building on the Queensland Law Reform Commission's 2013 review and the lapsed Trusts Bill 2024 from the previous parliament. The committee endorsed the former Housing Committee's report on the 2024 Bill and focused its examination on provisions that had changed. The committee unanimously recommended the Bill be passed, finding it compatible with human rights and fundamental legislative principles.

Key findings
  • The Bill modernises and replaces the Trusts Act 1973, informed by the Queensland Law Reform Commission's review completed in December 2013 and the lapsed Trusts Bill 2024.
  • The committee endorsed the former Housing, Big Build and Manufacturing Committee's report on the 2024 Bill and limited its examination to provisions that differed from the earlier version.
  • Stakeholders raised concerns about clause 22 (replacement of trustees with impaired capacity), particularly the interaction between trustee appointment powers and duties under the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 and Powers of Attorney Act 1998.
  • The Queensland Law Society proposed amendments to clause 44 regarding renunciation of probate and its effect on trusteeship of further trusts established under a will, which the Department of Justice agreed to consider.
  • Clauses 212 to 215 on charitable ancillary funds were updated to include regulation-making powers following Queensland Law Society feedback about avoiding unintended consequences for charitable trust status under Commonwealth law.
Recommendations
  • The committee recommends that the Bill be passed.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors

Inquiries (1)

oversight

Other Reports (20)

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 25, 58th Parliament—Subordinate legislation tabled between 17 September 2025 and 18 November 2025

Subordinate Legislation2026-01-27

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 24, 58th Parliament—Subordinate legislation tabled between 27 August 2025 and 16 September 2025

Subordinate Legislation2025-12-04

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 22, 58th Parliament—Annual Report 2024-25

Other2025-11-14

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 21, 58th Parliament—Subordinate legislation tabled between 25 June 2025 and 26 August 2025

Subordinate Legislation2025-11-07

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 20, 58th Parliament—Consideration of Auditor-General Report No. 15: 2023-24—Reducing serious youth crime

audit2025-11-07

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 18, 58th Parliament—Oversight of the Queensland Ombudsman

Other2025-09-05

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 17, 58th Parliament—Oversight of the Office of the Queensland Integrity Commissioner

Other2025-09-05

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 16, 58th Parliament—Oversight of the Queensland Child and Family Commission

Other2025-09-05

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 15, 58th Parliament—Oversight of the Office of the Information Commissioner

Other2025-09-05

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 14, 58th Parliament—Subordinate legislation tabled between 20 May 2025 and 24 June 2025

Subordinate Legislation2025-09-05

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 13, 58th Parliament—2025-26 Budget Estimates—Volume of Additional Information

Other2025-08-15

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 13, 58th Parliament—2025-26 Budget Estimates

Other2025-08-15

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 12, 58th Parliament—Subordinate legislation tabled between 13 March 2025 and 29 April 2025

Subordinate Legislation2025-08-15

Letter, dated 13 March 2025, from the Chair of the Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee and the member for Nicklin, Mr Marty Hunt MP, to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity, Hon. Deb Frecklington, regarding the Office of the Queensland Integrity Commissioner funding proposal

Other2025-07-09

Letter, dated 13 March 2025, from the Chair of the Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee and the member for Nicklin, Mr Marty Hunt MP, to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity, Hon. Deb Frecklington, regarding the Office of the Information Commissioner funding proposal

Other2025-07-09

Letter, dated 13 March 2025, from the Chair of the Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee and the member for Nicklin, Mr Marty Hunt MP, to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity, Hon. Deb Frecklington, regarding the Crime and Corruption Commission funding proposal

Other2025-07-09

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 8, 58th Parliament—Subordinate legislation tabled between 21 December 2024 and 12 March 2025

Subordinate Legislation2025-05-16

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 5, 58th Parliament—Subordinate legislation tabled between 28 November 2024 and 20 December 2024

Subordinate Legislation2025-03-13

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 3, 58th Parliament—Subordinate legislation tabled between 10 September 2024 and 28 November 2024

Subordinate Legislation2025-02-27

Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee: Report No. 2, 58th Parliament—Subordinate legislation tabled between 12 June 2024 and 20 September 2024

Subordinate Legislation2025-02-17