High Court of Australia
OrganisationReferenced in 5 bills
Criminal Code and Other Legislation (Double Jeopardy Exception and Subsequent Appeals) Amendment Bill 2023
This bill reforms Queensland's criminal appeals system in two significant ways. It creates a new right for convicted persons to make subsequent appeals to the Court of Appeal when fresh or new compelling evidence emerges, even after their original appeal has been decided. It also expands the double jeopardy exception — which previously only applied to murder — to allow retrials for 10 additional serious offences punishable by life imprisonment.
Crime and Corruption (Restoring Reporting Powers) Amendment Bill 2025
This bill restores the Crime and Corruption Commission's power to publicly report on corruption investigations in Queensland. A 2023 High Court decision found the CCC did not have this power, invalidating past reports. The bill creates a new legal framework for public reporting with safeguards to protect individuals' rights while ensuring government transparency.
Defamation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
This bill modernises Queensland's defamation laws for the digital age by implementing nationally agreed reforms. It creates new protections for digital platforms and online service providers regarding defamatory content posted by third parties, gives courts stronger powers to order removal of defamatory material online, and extends absolute privilege to complaints made to police.
Crime and Corruption (Reporting) Amendment Bill 2024
This bill restores the Crime and Corruption Commission's ability to publicly report on corruption investigations, after the High Court ruled in 2023 that the CCC had no such power. It creates a structured framework for the CCC to prepare reports and make public statements about corruption, balanced by a public interest test, identity protections, and procedural fairness for people affected.
Electoral and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019
This bill reforms Queensland's electoral laws to improve transparency, modernise voting operations, and align with four-year fixed parliamentary terms. It implements recommendations from the Crime and Corruption Commission's Operation Belcarra report and an independent review of the 2016 elections, requiring disclosure of the true source of political donations and making it easier for voters to cast absentee and postal votes.