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58th Parliament (2024–present)13 bills

Home Ownership and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026

In CommitteeThis bill is being examined by a parliamentary committee before further debate.

•Groups of related employers can now have a subgroup formally excluded from payroll tax grouping if their businesses are genuinely independentClause 22Confirms the Commissioner's power to exclude a set of persons from a payroll tax group, effective retrospectively from 31 October 2018.
•The concessional vehicle registration duty rate for special vehicles is updated to reference the current 2021 regulationClause 12Updates definitions of primary producer and special vehicle to reflect the Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2021.

23/4/2026· Hon D Janetzki MPHousing & RentingCost of LivingGovernment & Elections

Waste Reduction and Recycling (Strengthening the Container Refund Scheme) Amendment Bill 2026

In CommitteeThis bill is being examined by a parliamentary committee before further debate.

•Small beverage manufacturers may pay less under the scheme through new caps on their contributionsClause 8Enables a regulation to prescribe a maximum amount or method of calculating a maximum amount that small beverage manufacturers must pay under container recovery agreements.
•Container refund point operators gain protection against unfair treatment by the scheme coordinator, and their economic viability must be considered before new refund points open nearbyClause 11, ss 102BI and 102AL(3)The Organisation must not act unfairly or unreasonably discriminate against scheme participants, and must consider the economic viability of operators of existing container refund points.
•Large beverage manufacturers lose majority control of the scheme coordinator's board, with no more than two directors able to be nominated by large manufacturersClause 11, s 102AG(5)If the members of a company appointed as the Organisation include large beverage manufacturers, not more than 2 of the directors may be nominated by or required to be appointed by those members.

26/3/2026· Hon A Powell MPEnvironmentGovernment & Elections

Resources Safety and Health Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026

2nd reading adjourned

•Mining tenement holders no longer need ministerial approval to lodge renewal applications within a shorter period before expiryClauses 37, 40, 43, 48Removes the requirement for a minimum lodgement timeframe and ministerial approval for a shorter period, reducing administrative burden.
•Mining tenements stay valid while a renewal application is being processed, preventing gaps in authorityClauses 38, 41, 44, 49Despite the ending of the previous term, the mining tenement continues in effect until the renewal is decided, refused, withdrawn, or cancelled.
•Tenement holders must be given a chance to explain before their tenement can be cancelled for unpaid rentClauses 39, 42, 45, 50Introduces a statutory show cause process before mining tenement cancellation for unpaid rent, consistent with other non-compliance types.
•The proposed industry levy to fund the Land Access Ombudsman has been scrapped — the service stays government-fundedPart 5, Clause 32Repeals provisions establishing an industry levy, cost recovery fees and supplementary fees. The LAO will continue to be funded by government.

3/3/2026· Hon D Last MPWork & EmploymentRegional Queensland

Environmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

Awaiting DebateThis bill has been introduced but the main debate (second reading) hasn't started yet.

•Tourism operators across Queensland can get a single permit covering protected areas, State forests, recreation areas and marine parks instead of multiple separate permitsClauses 99, 162 (new sections 38, 55L)Implements Destination 2045 Initiative 1.2 — a single integrated permission with one expiry date and one fee for over 500 terrestrial and 550 marine tourism operators.
•Small scale miners no longer need to pay financial surety — over 3,000 existing sureties will be refundedClause 126 (new section 110 of MERFP Act)Sureties released as soon as practicable after commencement or after the holder transitions to an ERA code or environmental authority.
•Lower-risk activities can operate under standardised ERA codes instead of individual environmental authorities, reducing red tapeClause 54 (new section 20)Code-managed ERAs must comply with ERA code conditions but do not need an environmental authority, with 12-month transition for existing operators.
•Commercial activity permits for recreation areas extended from 3 to 5 years and made transferableClauses 158, 161Permit terms increased to 5 years for consistency with Nature Conservation Act permits, with new transfer provisions.

20/11/2025· Hon A Powell MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Businesses selling electrical equipment must comply with regulator bans or face a penalty of up to 40 penalty unitsClause 4 (new section 122D(5))A person to whom an unsafe equipment direction applies must comply unless they have a reasonable excuse. Maximum penalty 40 penalty units.
•Sellers of banned electrical equipment will be directly notified by the regulator and can challenge the decision at QCATClause 4 (new section 122D(8) and (9))The regulator must give copies of the direction and QCAT review notice to known sellers of the affected equipment.

28/10/2025· Hon J Bleijie MPSafety & EmergencyWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass

Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Dismantling Illegal Trade) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Legitimate tobacco retailers are protected from unfair competition, as illicit operators face closures of up to 12 months and seizure of all stockClauses 24 (s 209B, s 209BA)Consultation feedback showed many licensed retailers are losing sales to illegal operations and considering ceasing tobacco sales.
•Commercial landlords can terminate leases with 14 days' notice when a closure order is issued, with full legal protection from the lessee's claimsClause 26 (s 209CC)Statutory termination power overrides Property Law Act, Retail Shop Leases Act and Small Business Commissioner Act provisions.
•Wholesalers must now keep invoice copies for at least two years and face warrantless entry by enforcement officers during business hoursClause 7 (s 49) and Clause 14 (s 181)Licensed wholesalers must retain invoices issued to retailers for compliance monitoring. Authorised persons may enter wholesale outlets without a warrant.
•New licence applications must include ABN, proof of occupancy and landlord details, making it harder for sham businesses to obtain licencesClause 5 (s 18)Requires applicants to state ABN, demonstrate entitlement to occupy the outlet, and provide lessor name, address and contact details.

16/9/2025· Hon T Nicholls MPHealthJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Major Sports Facilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Gold Coast stadium operators can now host concerts until 10:30pm, removing a competitive disadvantage against Suncorp StadiumClause 29Amends section 30A of the MSF Act to override liquor licensing and local law noise restrictions for prescribed special events at major sports facilities.
•Ticket scalping penalties increase substantially for corporations, with a new maximum of 680 penalty unitsClauses 10-11, 30Particularises and increases maximum penalties for unlawful ticket reselling for both individuals (135 PU) and bodies corporate (680 PU).
•Stadiums Queensland board directors must now meet formal qualification requirements in areas like asset management, event promotion, or financial administrationClause 17Minister may recommend a person for appointment only if satisfied the person holds a qualification or has at least 3 years experience in specified areas.

26/8/2025· Hon T Mander MPJustice & RightsRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Queensland Building and Construction Commission and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

PassedThis bill became law.

•Builders and tradespeople can carry their QBCC licence on their phone via the Queensland Digital Licence app instead of a physical cardClause 19Removes the requirement for a licence to be issued in the form of a physical card.
•Building contracts no longer need a physical licence card imprinted on them — a copy of the digital licence can be attached insteadClause 29References to a licence card being imprinted on a contract replaced with a copy of the contractor's licence included in or attached to the contract.
•Licensees no longer need to report the same safety incident to two separate regulators, reducing paperworkClause 26QBCC licensees who are also persons conducting a business or undertaking under the WHS Act or ES Act only need to notify the relevant regulator, not both.
•Licensees must update the QBCC within 14 days if their email, phone number or residential address changes, with a fine of up to 10 penalty units for non-complianceClause 38New section 109C requires licensees to advise of changes to contact details within 14 days.

27/6/2025· Hon S O'Connor MPSafety & EmergencyTechnology & DigitalCommittee: pass (dissent)

Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

PassedThis bill became law.

•Employers keep the 50% payroll tax rebate on apprentice and trainee wages for another year, reducing the cost of training new workers
•Tilt Renewables Australia's generation authority transfer is retrospectively validated, providing legal certainty for its operations

24/6/2025· Hon D Janetzki MPHousing & RentingCost of LivingGovernment & Elections

Health Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Pharmacy business licence holders' names and licence status must now be published in an online register, improving transparencyClause 34The Council must publish the register on its website, including current and recently cancelled licences.
•Selling medicines under a pharmacist's supervision is now a core pharmacy service, meaning more businesses may need to be licensedClause 3Expands the definition of core pharmacy service to include selling medicines to the public other than on prescription.
•Pharmacy shareholders can no longer hold shares on trust for people who are not pharmacists or their close adult relativesClause 4Closes a loophole where trust arrangements could circumvent pharmacy ownership restrictions.
•Temporary pharmacy closures of more than one week can now be published on the Council's website, alerting communities to reduced accessClause 18Particularly important for rural and regional areas where pharmacy closures affect access to medicines.

22/5/2025· Hon T Nicholls MPHealthWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass

Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

PassedThis bill became law.

•Businesses holding automatically issued environmental authorities have legal certainty their permits are validClause 12 (new s 824)Environmental authorities previously issued under section 170 by the automated system are taken to have been approved by the administering authority.
•Mining lease applicants retain the right to have their standard applications decided by a person, not an automated systemClause 6 (new s 170)Standard applications for mining activities relating to mining leases must be decided by the administering authority, preserving public notification and third-party submission rights.

12/3/2025· Hon A Powell MPEnvironmentGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Trusts Bill 2025

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Trustee companies and professional trustees face new statutory duties of care, diligence and skill with a higher standard than non-professional trusteesPart 5, Division 2Professional trustees must exercise the care, diligence and skill that a prudent person in their profession would exercise.
•Courts can review and reduce excessive commission or professional charges by trusteesClause 161The court may review and reduce amounts charged by a trustee for commission or professional charges if considered excessive.
•Charitable trusts valued within the District Court's monetary limit can change their purposes through the Attorney-General instead of the Supreme Court, saving significant legal costsClauses 202-210Trustees may apply to the Attorney-General to approve a cy pres scheme instead of applying to the court.

18/2/2025· Hon D Frecklington MPJustice & RightsGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Queensland Productivity Commission Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•The Commission can investigate regulatory burdens on businesses and recommend reforms to cut red tapeClause 9Functions include administering, monitoring and reviewing regulatory matters as directed by the Minister.
•Anyone can have their say through public consultation when the Commission conducts a formal inquiryClause 33The Commission must undertake public consultation in relation to each inquiry.
•The Commission will oversee the government's regulatory impact analysis system and regulator performance frameworkClause 32(c)The Commission may be directed to administer, monitor or review regulatory matters including regulatory impact analysis requirements.

28/11/2024· Hon D Janetzki MPGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass (dissent)

57th Parliament (2020–2024)48 bills

Public-Private Partnership (Transparency and Accountability) Bill 2024

Lapsed

•Private companies in PPP arrangements would have faced reduced ability to keep contract details confidential, with claims requiring formal justification and time limitsClause 14The report must identify the party that asks for information to be classified as commercial-in-confidence and give an explanation as to why that party's commercial interests may be harmed by disclosure.
•Private partners would have been assessed on their qualifications, experience and financial capacity to deliver projects on time and within budget before contracts are signedClause 13(2)(b)(iii)An evaluation of the qualifications, experience and financial capacity of the private sector entity to confirm whether the entity has the ability to deliver the project on time and within budget.

21/8/2024· Mr S Andrew MPGovernment & ElectionsCost of Living

Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•Major supermarkets face increased scrutiny of their supplier relationships and pricing practicesClause 5(1)(e)The Commissioner can report to the Minister on improper behaviours and business practices adversely affecting farmers or consumers.
•The Commissioner can publish reports on unfair business practices affecting farmers and consumersClause 5(1)(f)-(g)Reports on particular issues or general matters affecting farmers or consumers may be published if both the Commissioner and Minister consider it appropriate.
•Food supply chain businesses may be subject to the Commissioner's monitoring and information-sharing powersClause 26The Commissioner can enter information-sharing arrangements with government agencies for purposes related to farmers or consumers.

20/8/2024· Hon G Butcher MPRegional QueenslandCost of Living

Night-Life Economy Commissioner Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•Night-life businesses like bars, clubs, live music venues, and festivals get a dedicated statutory advocate to represent their interests to governmentClause 5The Commissioner's main functions include advocating on behalf of night-life businesses to state, Commonwealth, and local governments.
•Night-life business owners can access a central point of contact for advice, information, and referrals to support servicesClause 5(a)-(b)The Commissioner provides a central point of contact and refers night-life businesses to entities that provide advisory or support services.
•The Commissioner can conduct formal inquiries into issues affecting the night-life economy when directed by the MinisterClause 18The Minister may direct the Commissioner to conduct an inquiry into a particular issue or general matter relating to the night-life economy.
•The night-life economy is defined as economic activities at establishments providing services mainly from 6pm to 6am for entertainment or leisureClause 3Covers entertainment venues, festivals, hospitality venues, live music venues, theatres, and venues promoting the arts.

20/8/2024· Hon L McCallum MPGovernment & Elections

Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•Employers continue to receive a 50% payroll tax rebate on apprentice and trainee wages through the 2024-25 financial yearClauses 20-23Extends the definition of eligible year to include the financial year ending 30 June 2025 for the 50% apprentice and trainee rebate.
•Small and medium regional employers keep their 1% payroll tax discount, but very large employers with wages over $350 million per year lose access to itClause 19, new section 10A(3A)A regional employer is not entitled to the discount for a return period if taxable wages exceed the wage threshold of $350 million annually.

11/6/2024· Hon C Dick MPHousing & RentingCost of Living

Progressive Coal Royalties Protection (Keep Them in the Bank) Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•Coal mining companies cannot receive a royalty rate cut unless Parliament passes new legislation, adding certainty that changes will be publicly debatedClause 3 (new s 321AA(1)(a))A regulation may not prescribe a coal rate that is lower than the coal rate in effect immediately before the commencement of the regulation.
•The six-tier progressive royalty structure introduced in 2022 is effectively locked in against regulatory reductionClause 3 (new s 321AA(1)(b)–(c))Covers amendments to existing regulations and repeals, closing all regulatory pathways to lower rates.

23/5/2024· Hon C Dick MPGovernment & ElectionsEnvironmentCommittee: pass

Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•Businesses must report serious electrical incidents involving newly regulated extra low voltage equipment like e-scooters and battery systemsClauses 5-6 (ss 14, new 14A)PCBUs will be required to notify the ES Regulator of serious electrical incidents and dangerous electrical events involving prescribed electrical equipment.
•Multiple businesses in a contractual chain can now be charged with industrial manslaughter, removing ambiguity about who is responsibleClause 42 (new ss 34C, 34D)Removes ambiguity around the culpability of multiple parties in a contractual chain for the crime of industrial manslaughter.
•Registered Training Organisations delivering high-risk work training will need to meet new minimum standards and gain approval from the WHS RegulatorClauses 44-45Establishes a regulatory approval framework allowing the WHS Regulator to prescribe minimum training standards and enforce compliance for RTOs.

22/5/2024· Hon G Grace MPWork & EmploymentSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Trusts Bill 2024

Lapsed

•Professional trustees must now meet a higher statutory duty of care matching the standard expected in their professionClause 65Professional trustees must exercise the care, diligence and skill that a prudent person engaged in their profession would exercise in managing the affairs of other persons.
•Trustees gain all the powers of an absolute owner of trust property, reducing the need for costly court orders to carry out routine trust administrationClause 87Gives trustees all the powers of an absolute owner of trust property, subject to the trustee's duties and with certain core powers that cannot be removed by the trust instrument.
•Trustees can now delegate investment powers to another person, such as a professional fund managerClause 81Authorises a trustee to delegate investment powers by instrument to another person on terms the trustee considers appropriate.
•Courts can review and reduce excessive trustee fees and professional chargesClause 166Allows the court, on its own initiative or on application, to review and reduce amounts charged by trustees for commission or professional charges if considered excessive.

21/5/2024· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsSeniorsCommittee: pass

Mount Isa Mines Limited Agreement (Continuing Mining Activities) Amendment Bill 2024

Lapsed

•The mining company would have lost the ability to unilaterally close or scale back the copper mine without government approvalClause 3, s 5B(1)(b)Examples of an operational change include ceasing a particular activity, reducing the scale of an activity, or closing a facility.
•New mining operators would have been able to bid through a public tender if the current operator wanted to exitClause 3, s 5B(1)(c)(ii)(A)After making a public call for tenders, the Minister has identified a candidate to carry out the preserved mining activity under a mining tenement.

1/5/2024· Mr R Katter MPRegional QueenslandWork & EmploymentCommittee: not recommended

Mineral and Energy Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Smaller mining operations with rehabilitation costs under $10 million no longer need to go through the full Financial Provisioning Scheme risk assessmentSection 26 (Clause 94)Prescribed estimated rehabilitation cost for risk assessments increased from $100,000 to $10 million, reducing compliance and administrative burden.
•Companies with multiple mining environmental authorities can now align their annual risk reviews to a single date, reducing paperworkSection 27A (Clause 96)Scheme Manager can set a single annual review allocation day for all of an entity's environmental authorities.
•The Minister can now defer resource authority rent payments during natural disasters, economic downturns or other hardshipSections 204A-204B (Clause 89)Minister may provide alternative rent calculations or defer payment for resource authorities in circumstances prescribed by regulation.
•Resource companies conducting aerial surveys at or above 1,000 feet no longer need to provide entry notices or periodic reports to landholdersSections 15B, 40, 54 (Clauses 72, 75, 79)Threshold-based exemption for aerial surveying at 1,000ft or above removes entry notice, reporting, and advanced activity classification requirements.

18/4/2024· Hon S Stewart MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Employers must provide wage information within 5 business days or face penalties, including paying the difference between default and actual compensationClause 35 (new section 146A)Employer who fails to comply may be required to pay WorkCover a penalty equal to the difference between actual entitlement and basic weekly payments.
•Maximum penalties for rehabilitation failures increase dramatically — up to 1,000 penalty units for insurers and 500 for employersClauses 40 and 42Section 220 penalty increases from 50 to 1,000 units; section 228 from 50 to 500 units.
•A framework allows future extension of workers' compensation to gig economy workers, which would add insurance costs for platform businessesClauses 24 and 59Head of power to prescribe regulated workers under Fair Work Act as 'workers' for compensation purposes. No regulation made yet.
•New compliance notices let the Regulator enforce the Act without going to court, with review and appeal rights for businessesClause 53 (new sections 537C to 537F)Authorised persons can issue compliance notices to prevent contraventions from continuing. Non-compliance carries 300 penalty units.

17/4/2024· Hon G Grace MPWork & EmploymentHealthCommittee: pass

State Financial Institutions and Metway Merger Amendment Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•Suncorp must keep its registered office, head office, and board meeting location in Queensland after selling its bank to ANZClause 7 (new section 64)The constitution of Suncorp must at all times require the registered office, head office, and at least one board director to be located in Queensland.
•If another company buys Suncorp's Australian insurance business, the same Queensland headquarters requirements automatically apply to the buyerClause 10 (new section 69D)Parts 6 and 6A apply to an entity that acquires all or substantially all of Suncorp's Australian business as if references to Suncorp were references to that entity.
•Suncorp's CEO must certify to the Treasurer each year by 31 July that the company has complied with its Queensland headquarters obligationsClause 9 (new section 66A)The CEO must certify past compliance and confirm Suncorp does not propose to act inconsistently in the coming year.
•Suncorp cannot pass a shareholder resolution that would remove the Queensland headquarters requirements from its constitutionClause 8 (amended section 65)A special resolution that would alter Suncorp's constitution so it no longer complies with the mandatory provisions has no effect.

16/4/2024· Hon C Dick MPWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass

Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Real estate agents, salespeople and auctioneers must complete two CPD sessions per year to keep their licenceClauses 112 and 118 (ss 92B and 151B)Mandatory CPD commences 12 months after assent; non-compliance impacts licence or certificate renewal.
•Property managers must declare any financial benefit they receive from renters using a particular rent payment methodClauses 52 and 53 (ss 84B and 99B)Failure to declare financial benefits from rent payment methods is an offence with a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units.
•Landlords must provide evidence to support any bond claim within 14 days — the onus is now on the property owner to prove the claimClause 54 (s 136AA)Evidence such as receipts, repair quotes or records of unpaid rent must be given to the tenant or resident within 14 days of making the claim.

21/3/2024· Hon M Scanlon MPHousing & RentingCost of LivingCommittee: pass (dissent)

Economic Development and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Property developers in Priority Development Areas face new social and affordable housing requirements on their projectsClause 35 (section 88)PDA development conditions may require supply of social or affordable housing, or payment in lieu, if the relevant development instrument provides for it.
•EDQ can now charge fees for advisory and other services it provides, moving beyond its previous no-charge approachClause 8 (section 10)MEDQ may provide services relating to its functions and charge fees for the services, including advisory services.
•Local governments and water utilities can be directed to hand over infrastructure charges collected in Priority Development Areas to EDQClause 39 (sections 117A-117E)EDQ may require remission of relevant infrastructure amounts paid to local governments or distributor-retailers for development approvals in PDAs.

20/3/2024· Hon G Grace MPHousing & RentingGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•Head contractors get simpler trust account record keeping requirements, with compliance guidelines that provide a statutory defence if followedClauses 43 and 48Record keeping moves to regulation-prescribed requirements with chief executive guidelines providing a defence in proceedings.
•Trust account audits can now be done by registered accountants, not just registered auditors, reducing costs and wait timesClause 42Expands the definition of auditor to include persons prescribed by regulation, intended to include CPA and CA members.
•QBCC licensees can surrender a specific licence class without losing their entire licence and having to reapplyClause 68Amends s 50 so that if a licence covers multiple classes of building work, each class can be surrendered separately.
•Internal reviews of QBCC decisions now run on business days instead of calendar days, giving more time over holiday periodsClause 72Changes the 28-day internal review period to 28 business days, excluding weekends and public holidays.

14/2/2024· Hon M Scanlon MPWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass (dissent)

Environmental Protection (Powers and Penalties) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•Businesses face a new offence for breaching the general environmental duty, with penalties up to 4,500 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment for wilful breaches causing serious harmClause 13 (section 319(2))A person commits an offence if they contravene the general environmental duty and the contravention causes, or is likely to cause, serious or material environmental harm.
•Three separate compliance notices are replaced by a single environmental enforcement order, simplifying the process for businessesClause 28Consolidates environmental protection orders, direction notices and clean-up notices into one environmental enforcement order.
•Businesses selling a property or operation subject to an environmental enforcement order must disclose it to buyers, who can cancel the sale if not toldClause 28 (new section 369C)Requires written notice of the order to buyers before sale, with a right of rescission if disclosure is not made.

13/2/2024· Hon L Linard MPEnvironmentJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Pharmacy Business Ownership Bill 2023

PassedThis bill became law.

•Pharmacy owners must obtain an annual licence from the new council, replacing the old informal notification to Queensland HealthPart 4A person must not carry on a pharmacy business unless the business is a licensed pharmacy business. Maximum penalty 200 penalty units.
•Only pharmacists and pharmacist-controlled entities can own pharmacies — ownership by five businesses maximum (six for friendly societies)Clauses 10, 15, 17Retains and clarifies existing ownership restrictions limiting pharmacy ownership to eligible persons including practising pharmacists, pharmacist-controlled corporations, certain friendly societies, and the Mater.
•New pharmacies cannot open inside supermarkets, though existing ones can stayClauses 11, 220Premises are not authorised premises if located in, or directly accessible from, a supermarket. Existing pharmacy businesses in supermarkets on assent day are grandfathered.
•Pharmacy licences cannot be sold or transferred — buyers must apply for their own licenceClause 70The holder of a pharmacy business licence must not sell or transfer the licence. Maximum penalty 200 penalty units.

30/11/2023· Hon S Fentiman MPHealthRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Agriculture and Fisheries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Commercial fishers face automatic licence suspension if they do not pay their annual fee by the due date, similar to vehicle registrationClause 143 (section 68AB)Authority automatically suspended from the due date until fee paid or repayment agreement made. Charter and commercial fisher licences cancelled after 90 days of non-payment.
•A new aquaculture authority gives the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries more responsive control over aquaculture operations, separate from planning approvalsClauses 158-171Creates a new aquaculture authority under the Fisheries Act for operational and management aspects of aquaculture, allowing conditions to be amended more readily than under planning legislation.
•Businesses can now be held responsible for their employees' animal welfare breaches, closing a loophole that previously limited liability to offences requiring proof of mental intentClause 6 (section 181)Amends the Animal Care and Protection Act to align employer liability provisions with similar provisions in other Acts like the Biosecurity Act.

16/11/2023· Hon M Furner MPSafety & EmergencyEnvironmentRegional QueenslandJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Planning and Other Legislation (Make Developers Pay) Amendment Bill 2023

Lapsed

•Property developers would have faced potentially higher infrastructure charges on new developments, particularly in high-growth areasClause 3Removes the State Government's power to cap the maximum infrastructure charge, allowing councils to set charges based on actual delivery costs.
•South-East Queensland water distributor-retailers would have also seen the cap removed for water trunk infrastructure chargesClause 8Amends s99BRCG to remove reference to the maximum adopted charge for trunk infrastructure prescribed by regulation under the Planning Act.

15/11/2023· Mr M Berkman MPHousing & RentingCost of LivingCommittee: not recommended

Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

PassedThis bill became law.

•Casino operators must pay a new annual supervision levy to fund regulation and gambling harm programs, replacing the old licence feeClause 17 (new sections 50-50E)The Minister fixes the total levy amount each year, apportioned between casino licensees based on gross revenue. The levy framework must be reviewed within three years.
•Every casino licence must undergo a full independent review at least every five years, at the casino's expenseClause 56 (new sections 90L-90S)Reviews examine suitability of casino entities, corporate governance, compliance, and whether it is in the public interest for the licence to continue. Reviewers have royal commission-like powers.
•Casino operators must invest in player card technology, cashless payment systems and pre-commitment systemsClause 43 (new Part 6, Divisions 2 and 3)Regulations may require mandatory carded play, cash transaction limits, and binding pre-commitment systems with loss, spending and time limits for all casino gambling.
•Casinos can no longer send marketing material without express consent and cannot tie consent to obtaining a player cardClause 75 (new section 100F)Casino operators face 200 penalty units for sending unsolicited direct marketing, offering incentives for consent, or requiring consent as a condition of player card registration.

25/10/2023· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsHealthCommittee: pass

Housing Availability and Affordability (Planning and Other Legislation Amendment) Bill 2023

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Businesses registered under urban encroachment provisions no longer need to re-register when they receive updated environmental or planning approvalsClause 87 (new section 274A)Instead of re-registering, owners of registered premises must publish a notice and notify the Minister when a new or amended authority starts applying.
•The registration renewal process for businesses affected by urban encroachment is simplified, removing the need for public consultation when the affected area has not changedClause 78 (amendment of section 267)A simplified renewal process does not require public consultation when there is no change to the affected area.
•Temporary accepted development can be declared by regulation, allowing certain uses without a development approval for a limited period to respond to emergent needsClause 28 (new sections 46A-46E)A regulation may declare that a particular material change of use of premises is temporary accepted development for a stated period.

11/10/2023· Hon Dr S Miles MPHousing & RentingGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Property developers must obtain buyer consent or a Supreme Court order before using sunset clauses to cancel off-the-plan land contractsClause 50, s 19DThe developer bears the buyer's court costs unless the buyer unreasonably withheld consent to termination.
•Body corporate managers and caretaking service contractors face new code of conduct rules prohibiting unfair influence over body corporate motions and electionsClause 42, Schedule 2A caretaking service contractor must not attempt to unfairly influence committee elections, and both managers and contractors must not unfairly influence motions.
•Caretaking service contractors are guaranteed minimum compensation at market value of management rights if a scheme is terminatedClause 7, s 81B(3)Compensation must not be less than the market value of the management rights valued at the day the pre-termination report is given to lot owners.

24/8/2023· Hon Y D'Ath MPHousing & RentingCost of LivingCommittee: pass

Land Valuation Amendment Bill 2023

Lapsed

•The valuer-general can now issue binding guidelines on how complex properties like shopping centres and mixed-use developments are valuedClause 5 (new section 6A)Guidelines must be tabled in Parliament and are subject to disallowance. They are binding on valuations to which they apply.
•Property owners who disagree with their valuation no longer need a property worth over $5 million to access an independently chaired objection conferenceClause 37 (new section 121)The valuer-general may invite any objector to participate in a conference regardless of valuation amount, based on complexity.
•All property owners who object to their valuation must now state the value they believe is correct, regardless of property valueClause 32Removes the $750,000 threshold — all objectors must state the valuation sought in their objection.
•Landowners applying for site improvement deductions must now apply separately with upfront evidence, rather than bundling it with an objectionClause 9 (replacement of section 41)Applications must include full details, cost evidence, and supporting documents. New QCAT review rights apply.

23/8/2023· Hon S Stewart MPRegional QueenslandGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Tow Truck Bill 2023

PassedThis bill became law.

•Tow truck businesses must obtain an operator accreditation and ensure 24/7 towing service availabilityClauses 52 and 54Operating without an operator accreditation carries a maximum penalty of 160 penalty units. Failure to provide 24/7 service carries a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units.
•Operators who direct unaccredited drivers to carry out towing face the highest penalty in the bill at 160 penalty unitsClause 62The holder of an operator accreditation must not direct a person to contravene the accreditation requirements. Maximum penalty: 160 penalty units.
•Existing tow truck licences and certificates automatically convert to the new accreditation systemClauses 158-161Existing licences are taken to be operator accreditations, driver's certificates become driver accreditations, and assistant's certificates become assistant accreditations for their remaining terms.

13/6/2023· Hon M Bailey MPTransport & RoadsJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

PassedThis bill became law.

•Employers of apprentices and trainees can claim a 50% payroll tax rebate on their wages for the 2023-24 financial yearPart 5, Clauses 24-26Extends availability of the 50% apprentice and trainee rebate to wages paid or payable during the financial year ending 30 June 2024.
•Foreign investors in build-to-rent housing receive a full exemption from additional foreign acquirer duty (normally 7%) if the development includes affordable housingPart 2, Clause 4 (new sections 245F-245G)The dutiable value of a foreign acquirer's interest in land for an eligible BTR development is discounted by 100% for calculating additional foreign acquirer duty.
•Common law rights to seek tax refunds from the state government are extinguished, limiting refund claims to the statutory processPart 6, Clause 32 (amended section 36)No cause of action, right or remedy is available at common law for the refund or recovery of any amount paid under a tax law.

13/6/2023· Hon C Dick MPHousing & RentingRegional Queensland

Gas Supply and Other Legislation (Hydrogen Industry Development) Amendment Bill 2023

PassedThis bill became law.

•Hydrogen producers and exporters now have a clear regulatory pathway to build and operate pipelines, removing a key barrier to investmentPart 3, Clause 12Adds construction and operation of pipelines for regulated hydrogen as a key authorised activity for pipeline licences.
•New gases and hydrogen carrier substances can be added by regulation as technology develops, avoiding the need for further legislationClause 7 and Clause 14Both 'covered gas' and 'regulated hydrogen' definitions allow additional substances to be prescribed by regulation.
•Existing pipeline operators have a one-year transition period to adapt to the new framework without disruption to current operationsClause 30, new section 1037The Act as in force before commencement continues to apply to existing pipeline licences for one year.
•Fuel gas suppliers get stronger protections for their containers, with a penalty of up to 100 penalty units for unauthorised useClause 29Replaces section 815 to apply container protections to all fuel gas, not just LPG.

9/5/2023· Hon M de Brenni MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)

Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Amendment Bill 2023

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•All tobacco and vaping retailers must obtain an annual licence or face fines of up to 1,000 penalty unitsClause 9New section 9B prohibits selling smoking products without a retail or wholesale licence, with a maximum penalty of 1,000 penalty units.
•Wholesalers can only sell to licensed retailers and must issue invoices for every transactionClause 7, new sections 7ZN and 7ZLWholesale to unlicensed retailers attracts 1,000 penalty units. Invoices must be in English and meet prescribed requirements.
•Liquor licensed venues must move tobacco vending machines to staff-only areas, with products supplied from service countersClauses 14 and 16Vending machines can only be accessed by employees. Supply must be from a point of sale like a bar or bottle shop.
•Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees get an extra year to comply with the ban on child employees handling smoking productsClause 65, new section 57Section 11A does not apply to a small business until one year after commencement.

14/3/2023· Hon Y D'Ath MPHealthChildren & FamiliesCommittee: pass

Property Law Bill 2023

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Mortgagees must take reasonable care to sell repossessed properties at market value, with penalties of up to 200 penalty units for non-compliance on prescribed mortgagesClause 116Mortgagee must adequately advertise, obtain reliable evidence of value, maintain the property, and sell by auction unless another method is appropriate.
•Commercial landlords must respond to lease assignment requests within one month and cannot unreasonably withhold consentClause 142Lessor must give a decision notice within 1 month of receiving full particulars. Lessee may apply to court if consent is unreasonably withheld or conditions are onerous.
•Business lessees who assign their lease are released from liability for any breaches committed by subsequent assignees after the lease is on-assignedClause 144The lessee and any guarantor are released from liability to the lessor for a breach of the lease by the subsequent assignee, despite any agreement to the contrary.
•The complex rule against perpetuities is replaced with a simple 125-year fixed period, reducing legal costs for trusts and commercial arrangementsPart 13 (Clauses 200-201)The common law rule is abolished. The perpetuity period is 125 years from the date of the disposition.

23/2/2023· Hon S Fentiman MPHousing & RentingJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Liquid Fuel Supply (Minimum Biobased Petrol Content) Amendment Bill 2022

DefeatedThis bill was defeated at the second reading — the main debate on its principles. It cannot proceed further.

•Fuel retailers would have faced fines up to $55,140 for a first offence and $551,400 for repeat offences for not meeting ethanol sales targetsClause 3Increases maximum penalty for non-compliance with the ethanol mandate from 200 to 400 penalty units (first offence) and from 2,000 to 4,000 penalty units (subsequent offences).
•Fuel wholesalers would have been required to document ethanol percentages when supplying retailers, with fines up to $13,785Clause 5 (new s 35T)The fuel wholesaler must give the fuel retailer a document at the time of supply that states the minimum percentage of biobased petrol in the blend.
•Retailers and wholesalers would have had 12 months to prepare for the new minimum ethanol content requirementsClause 6 (new ss 62-63)Section 35DA does not apply to a fuel retailer or wholesaler until the day that is 12 months after the commencement.

13/10/2022· Mr N Dametto MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: not recommended

Betting Tax and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•Betting operators face a higher tax rate of 20%, up from 15%, with a new 5% racing levyClause 11The definition of 'taxing rate' is replaced to incorporate the 5% racing levy into the existing 15% rate.
•Free bets offered by betting companies are now included in taxable wagering revenue calculationsClauses 5-6Removes the exclusion of free bet components from the amount of a general bet.
•Large employers with payrolls over $10 million must comply with new administrative requirements for the mental health levyPart 3Establishes periodic threshold calculations, group information sharing obligations, and penalties of up to 100 penalty units for non-compliance.

12/10/2022· Hon C Dick MPHealthRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Coal Mining Safety and Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•Critical minerals miners can defer their first year's lease rent and repay it in five instalments over years four to eight, easing start-up costsClause 23 (new s 291)Minister must defer first rent if satisfied the holder proposes to mine a critical mineral and spend equivalent funds on start-up costs.
•Fifty minerals are prescribed as critical minerals eligible for rent deferral, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earth elementsClause 27 (new Schedule 4A)Schedule 4A lists minerals from antimony to zirconium prescribed as critical minerals under the Mineral Resources Regulation 2013.
•Resource companies can no longer delay enforcement by refusing to agree to monetary penalties for non-compliance with authority conditionsClauses 15, 18, 29Removes requirement for holder agreement to monetary penalties under the P&G Act, GE Act, and GHG Act, aligning with the Mineral Resources Act.

12/10/2022· Hon S Stewart MPWork & EmploymentEnvironmentCommittee: pass (dissent)

Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Businesses can get fast-track temporary environmental authorities during emergencies like floods or pandemicsClause 53 (new Part 14A)Temporary authorities last up to 4 months, have no application fee, and allow lawful operation when emergency conditions push activities beyond normal thresholds.
•Major amendments to environmental authorities for resource activities now require mandatory public notificationClause 31Removes the administering authority's discretion — all major amendment applications for resource activities must be publicly notified.
•Executive officers can be held liable for environmental offences even after leaving their positionClause 105If the act or omission happened while the officer was in office but the offence is committed after they leave, they can still be held responsible.
•Researchers and innovators can get short-term environmental authorities for trial activities with relaxed information requirementsClause 21Environmental authority applications for trial or research activities of 3 years or less need not include information that is genuinely unavailable about environmental impacts.

12/10/2022· Hon M Scanlon MPEnvironmentJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Major Sports Facilities Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•Stadiums Queensland can now develop land around venues for commercial purposes where community benefit is demonstrated, such as childcare centres or cafesClause 3Expands SQ's function to include managing, operating, using and promoting facility land, including for a community purpose.
•Stadiums Queensland can provide services like grounds keeping and maintenance for other government-held sport and entertainment facilitiesClause 3 (new section 7(1)(c))New function to provide services in relation to the operation and management of other facilities or land held or administered by the department and used for sport, recreational or entertainment purposes.
•Event organisers and venue hirers may benefit from a more commercially focused and responsive Stadiums Queensland with streamlined approval processesClauses 4 and 5

17/8/2022· Hon S Hinchliffe MPGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•Small businesses restructuring from a sole trader, partnership, or trust into a company can avoid stamp duty on the transfer, for businesses with turnover up to $5 million and property value up to $10 million (Clause 6, sections 413F-413I)
•Coal mining companies face higher royalties when prices are high, with rates up to 40% on the portion above $300 per tonne (Clause 65)
•Hotel operators can buy or sell gaming machine authorities with a lower 15% government commission during a 12-month trial (Clause 24, section 10BA)
•Large employers with Australian wages over $10 million must pay a new mental health levy of 0.25%, with an extra 0.5% above $100 million (Clause 81, section 12A)

21/6/2022· Hon C Dick MPCost of LivingHealthEnvironmentHousing & Renting

Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•National charities registered with the ACNC can fundraise in Queensland immediately by simply notifying the regulator, without a full state applicationClause 52, new s 23BA Commonwealth registered entity is taken to be registered as a charity upon the Minister receiving notification of intent to fundraise in Queensland.
•Tabcorp can offer betting on computer-simulated racing and sporting events at physical retail outlets, but not online or by phoneClauses 100, 102, 105The sports wagering licence is expanded to authorise wagering on simulated events, restricted to terrestrial outlets with 200 penalty units for phone or online acceptance.
•Gaming venue operators no longer need to apply for extended New Year's Eve trading hours — gaming is automatically extended to 2am on New Year's DayClause 62, new s 235(3)Hours of gaming are extended until 2am on New Year's Day if they would otherwise end earlier, aligning with liquor trading hours.
•Casino employee licensing is streamlined — fingerprints, photographs and letters of intent are no longer requiredClauses 11-15Removes requirements for fingerprints, photographs, letters of intent to employ, and commencement notifications for casino employee licences.

26/5/2022· Hon G Grace MPJustice & RightsHealthCommittee: pass (dissent)

Trading (Allowable Hours) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•Shop trading hours are simplified from five categories to four, making it easier for retailers to understand their permitted hoursClause 11Amends section 16D to insert a new table of core trading hours with four types of trading areas replacing the previous five categories.
•Shops in Mossman and Port Douglas can trade longer hours after moving to the most favourable Type 1 categoryClause 11Mossman and Port Douglas Tourist Area is included in Type 1 trading area with core hours of 6am-10pm weekdays and 7am-9pm Sundays.
•The QIRC can declare special events like the 2032 Olympics to temporarily lift trading restrictions for shops in the areaClause 21 (new section 31A)Industrial commission may declare an event to be a special event, exempting shops in the stated area from trading hours restrictions.
•A moratorium prevents any new trading area orders until 31 August 2023, giving retailers certaintyClause 26 (new section 66)During the moratorium period, the industrial commission must not make a trading area order and applications for orders are of no effect.

25/5/2022· Hon G Grace MPWork & EmploymentEducationCommittee: pass (dissent)

Building and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Subcontractors gain stronger payment protections through retention trust accounts even when working under unlicensed head contractorsClause 25Inserts a regulation-making power to prescribe additional contracts requiring retention trust accounts when a head contractor relies on the licensing exemption.
•Unlicensed head contractors can continue procuring commercial building work, but may need a licence in future for high-risk work like fire protectionClauses 36 and 67Prevents the repeal of the head contractor licensing exemption but allows regulations to require licensing for specific high-risk circumstances.
•QBCC can immediately suspend a builder's licence if there is a real risk of serious harm or financial loss to any personClause 61Expands section 49A so QBCC can respond to risks of serious harm or financial loss to all persons, not just those previously listed.
•Trust account auditors get clearer rules on what type of assurance engagement is required and when serious breaches must be reported to the QBCCClauses 29-31Clarifies that trust account reviews must be 'reasonable assurance engagements' under ASAE 3100, and defines serious breaches requiring reporting within 5 business days.

29/3/2022· Hon M de Brenni MPHousing & RentingEnvironmentCommittee: pass

Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Coal mining companies can apply to remove special coal mining leases from the Central Queensland Coal Associates Agreement and transfer themClause 7 (Schedule 7)Provides Exit Application and Transfer and Exit Application mechanisms, with removed leases administered as standard mining leases under the Mineral Resources Act 1989.
•Transfers of significant development leases now require an independent assessment of the transferee's financial and managerial capabilitiesClause 14The chief executive may obtain an independent assessment, and the lease must not be transferred unless the Minister is satisfied about the transferee's capabilities.
•Survey standards can be updated faster to keep pace with technology, as they no longer require Ministerial subordinate legislation to take effectClause 73 (new s 9)Survey standards take effect from publication by the chief executive on a government website, subject to tabling and disallowance.

17/3/2022· Hon S Stewart MPRegional QueenslandEnvironmentCommittee: pass

Racing Integrity Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•Racing bookmakers no longer need to provide fingerprints when applying for a licenceClauses 6-8Fingerprints were a historical requirement relocated from the Racing Act 2002 and no longer serve a purpose in assessing bookmaker suitability.
•Bookmakers can amend their offcourse approval (e.g. change of address) without having to apply for an entirely new oneClause 9, s 123A-123DNew provisions allow a racing bookmaker to apply to the Minister for an amendment of an existing offcourse approval instead of requiring a new application.
•A bookmaker's clerk acting as agent due to illness or accident is now capped at 12 weeks per year, consistent with other agent groundsClause 11Previously there was no maximum time limit for acting as agent due to temporary incapacity, potentially allowing unlicensed persons to operate as bookmakers for extended periods.

24/2/2022· Hon G Grace MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•Beekeepers gain 20 years of guaranteed access to apiary sites in national parks, securing honey production and crop pollination servicesClause 25 (new section 36A)Chief executive may grant apiary permits for prescribed apiary areas in national parks until 31 December 2044.
•Existing beekeeping permits continue in effect under transitional provisions so there is no disruption to current operationsClause 27 (new section 219)Existing apiary permits continue until surrendered, expired, or cancelled.

24/2/2022· Hon M Scanlon MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Bill 2021

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•The organising committee manages the ticketing program, marketing, sponsorships, merchandise and broadcasting arrangements for the 2032 GamesClause 9Functions include managing the ticketing program, establishing a marketing program, and supporting the host broadcaster in relation to broadcasting.
•The committee's agreements and conduct are authorised under competition law, meaning normal anti-competition rules do not apply to its commercial arrangementsClause 59Agreements entered into by the corporation in performing its functions are specifically authorised for the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cwlth).

27/10/2021· Hon A Palaszczuk MPGovernment & ElectionsFirst NationsCommittee: pass

Small Business Commissioner Bill 2021

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Small business owners get a permanent, dedicated commissioner to provide free advice and advocate on their behalf to all levels of government (Clause 6)
•Small businesses can access low-cost mediation for lease disputes instead of going to court (Part 3)
•Franchisees can get help resolving franchise disputes through the commissioner if referred by the federal ombudsman (Clause 21)
•The Queensland Government is investing $3.2 million per year to permanently support small businesses through the commissioner's office

12/10/2021· Hon D Farmer MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Businesses can sign powers of attorney electronically, in counterparts, and without witnesses, making commercial transactions fasterPart 7, Clause 46 (new Part 3A)New framework for general powers of attorney for corporations, partnerships and unincorporated associations allows electronic execution without witnessing.
•Licensed restaurants can permanently sell up to two bottles of takeaway wine with meals between 10am and 10pmPart 5, Clause 30 (new s 67AA)Commissioner may impose a condition authorising sale of wine up to 1.5 litres with each takeaway meal.
•Small business tenants retain access to COVID-19 retail lease dispute resolution for up to two years beyond the original expiryPart 2, Clause 4Regulations made under section 23 of the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act expire two years after the COVID-19 legislation expiry day.
•Application fees waived for restaurants transitioning from temporary COVID-19 takeaway liquor authorities to permanent conditions before 30 June 2022Part 5, Clause 33 (new s 357)No fee payable for applications to vary subsidiary on-premises licences (meals) if the licensee previously held a takeaway liquor authority under Part 10A.

15/9/2021· Hon S Fentiman MPJustice & RightsSafety & Emergency

Public Health and Other Legislation (Further Extension of Expiring Provisions) Amendment Bill 2021

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Licensed venues could continue selling takeaway alcohol under temporary authorities even if their normal licence did not allow itPart 10A, Liquor Act 1992Extends the Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming's power to issue Takeaway Liquor Authorities.
•Gaming venue operators could continue to apply for deferral or waiver of gaming taxes due to COVID-19 financial impactsPart 8, Clause 19Extends section 367C of the Gaming Machine Act 1991 from 30 September 2021 to 30 April 2022.
•Employers could formally accept liability for their workers' quarantine fees, supporting the return of seasonal and skilled workers to QueenslandPart 12, Clause 43 (new s 362ME)New section 362ME enables third parties to accept liability for quarantine fees of persons entering Queensland.
•Commercial tenants under affected leases continued to be protected from eviction and could access mediation through the Small Business CommissionerExtends the Retail Shop Leases and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Regulation 2020.

16/6/2021· Hon Y D'Ath MPHealthSafety & EmergencyHousing & RentingGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Mining lease holders with administrative deficiencies in their leases from 1989 to 2010 have their leases confirmed as always having been validClause 3 (new s 334ZOA)Validates mining leases granted without proper instruments of lease or ministerial recommendations to the Governor in Council.
•Petroleum production lease holders can be confident their leases stay in force while renewal applications are being processedClause 5 (new ss 45A, 45B)Clarifies that a production lease continues in effect until the renewal application is decided, withdrawn, or the lease is cancelled.
•Authorities to prospect with pending production lease applications are preserved past the 1 November 2021 expiry date, preventing those areas from reverting to the StateClause 6 (new s 52B)Provides transitional arrangements so undecided production lease applications can still be decided after expiry of the Petroleum Act 1923 provisions.

16/6/2021· Hon S Stewart MPEnvironmentTransport & RoadsCommittee: pass

Debt Reduction and Savings Bill 2021

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Queensland's Titles Registry is transferred to a government-owned company within the Debt Retirement Fund, but fees are capped to rise no more than CPI each yearChapter 1, Parts 2-3 (Clauses 7-14)Queensland Titles Registry Pty Ltd operates the registry under delegation. Fee increases capped at CPI with 30 business days notice.
•Businesses making competitive neutrality complaints now deal with the Queensland Competition Authority instead of the abolished Productivity CommissionChapter 2, Part 5 (Clauses 200-211)Competitive neutrality functions transferred from the QPC to the QCA, with existing complaints carried over.
•Tattoo ink manufacturers and suppliers must provide a compliant analysis certificate for every ink they sell, with a maximum penalty of 100 penalty unitsChapter 3, Clause 234 (new section 48A)A one-year transitional period applies before compliance is required.

25/3/2021· Hon C Dick MPGovernment & ElectionsHealthCommittee: pass (dissent)

Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Cafes, restaurants and takeaway shops can no longer provide single-use plastic cutlery, straws, plates, bowls or stirrers to customersClause 5, s 99GD(1)A person who conducts a business or undertaking must not sell a banned single-use plastic item to another person. Maximum penalty 50 penalty units.
•Businesses face a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units for selling banned items or giving false information about whether products are bannedClause 5, s 99GD and s 99GEOffences apply to selling banned items and to giving false or misleading information about the composition of a banned single-use plastic item.
•Manufacturers and importers of compostable plastics must label their products with composting conditions or face penaltiesClause 5, s 99GF(2)Must ensure conditions under which the item is compostable are clearly and legibly written on packaging. Maximum penalty 50 penalty units.

3/12/2020· Hon M Scanlon MPEnvironmentHealthCommittee: pass

Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill 2020

PassedThis bill became law.

•Small craft brewers and distillers get a dedicated licence designed for their business, rather than using a general producer/wholesaler licenceClause 13 (new s 75B)Creates artisan producer licence with subcategories for beer and spirits, tailored to small independent producers.
•Artisan producers can take online orders from their own website for the first time under this licenceClause 13 (new ss 75D(1)(d), 75F(1)(d))Authorises taking orders for craft beer or artisan spirits online from the licensee's website for off-premises consumption.
•Existing craft brewers and distillers can switch to the new licence without paying the $1,446 application fee if they apply before 30 June 2021Clause 32 (new s 355)No fee is payable for the application if the existing licence is a producer/wholesaler licence and the application is made on or before 30 June 2021.
•The licence is restricted to genuinely independent producers — large brewers or distillers with more than 20% ownership are locked outClause 13 (new ss 75C(3), 75E(3))A corporation is related to a large brewer if 20% or more of shares are owned by, or held in trust for, a large brewer producing over 40 million litres per year.

26/11/2020· Hon S Fentiman MPRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

COVID-19 Emergency Response and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020

PassedThis bill became law.

•Artisan distillers can sell their spirits directly to the public without the usual 2.5% sales capPart 4, Clause 45 (new s 75(4A))Exempts producer/wholesaler licensees producing 400–450,000 litres of spirits from the restriction on retail sales.
•The Queensland Small Business Commissioner continues beyond 31 December 2020 to help businesses resolve lease disputesPart 2, Clause 12 and new s 26Omits the end date for the QSBC appointment and provides for its continuation.
•Commercial landlords cannot evict tenants or take prescribed actions over rent owed during the COVID-19 response periodPart 2, Division 6, Clause 32Clarifies that a lessor must not take prescribed action on particular grounds during or after the response period or extension period.

26/11/2020· Hon S Fentiman MPGovernment & ElectionsSafety & EmergencyJustice & RightsHousing & Renting

56th Parliament (2017–2020)36 bills

Royalty Legislation Amendment Bill 2020

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Petroleum producers must calculate royalties under a new volume-based model instead of the complex wellhead value method, with separate rates for domestic gas, supply gas, project gas and liquid petroleumPart 9, Clause 97 (new sections 145, 148A, 148F, 148K)Different tiered royalty rates apply depending on the average sales price for each category of petroleum.
•Joint venture participants without a petroleum tenure can now elect to lodge royalty returns and pay royalty directly on their share of productionPart 9, Clause 97 (new section 148ZC)A non-tenure holder may apply to be taken to be a petroleum producer for royalty purposes, with the tenure holder's consent.
•Mineral and petroleum royalty payers now have formal objection, review and appeal rights through QCAT or the Supreme Court, consistent with state taxesPart 10, Clauses 127-135Part 6 of the Taxation Administration Act 2001 provides objection, review and appeal rights for royalty assessments and valuation decisions.
•Royalty administration transfers from the Minister to the Commissioner of State Revenue, with consistent assessment, penalty and interest provisions matching state taxesPart 10, Clause 107The Mineral Resources Act and Petroleum and Gas Act are prescribed as revenue laws under the Taxation Administration Act.

16/7/2020· Hon C Dick MPEnvironmentGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Mining companies can now find out whether an Environmental Impact Statement is needed before lodging a full environmental authority application, saving time and moneyClause 4 (new Chapter 3, Part 3)A person considering applying for an environmental authority may apply to the chief executive for a decision on whether an EIS would be required, providing certainty before commencing the application process.
•Residual risk payments are no longer collected during progressive certification of rehabilitated areas — only when the environmental authority is fully surrenderedClause 78Chapter 5A, part 6, division 2 (payment for residual risks at progressive certification) is omitted. The responsibility for the site remains with the environmental authority holder until surrender.
•De-amalgamation of environmental authorities now requires upfront applications for estimated rehabilitation cost decisions, ensuring accurate financial provisioning from the startClause 48 (amendment of section 250B)De-amalgamation applications must be accompanied by an ERC decision application for each proposed de-amalgamated environmental authority, preventing inaccurate liability splits.

18/6/2020· Hon Enoch MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)

Forest Wind Farm Development Bill 2020

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Forest Wind Holdings gains a legal pathway for a $2 billion private investment in wind energy that was impossible under existing lawsParts 2-4The Bill establishes a legislative framework for the development to coexist with the plantation licence through access licences and project leases.
•Third-party developers in Springfield must consult Springfield City Group before making planning applications, adding a new step to the development processClause 75, new section 275XBefore making a non-SCG plan application, the applicant must give SCG a copy of the proposed plan application and allow at least 10 business days for representations.
•Development in Springfield cannot start until all required planning layers (precinct plans, area development plans) are approvedClause 75, new section 275ZBRestrictions on starting development apply despite section 72(1) of the Planning Act which normally governs when development may start.

20/5/2020· Hon K Jones MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)

Justice and Other Legislation (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Amendment Bill 2020

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Gaming, casino, keno and lottery operators could have their taxes deferred or waived, including a $50 million retrospective deferral from March 2020Part 8 (Clauses 27-35)The Minister could issue gaming tax notices with the Treasurer's approval, with retrospective effect to 1 March 2020 and deferred taxes payable by 30 June 2021.
•Licensed venues forced to close could sell takeaway liquor under temporary authorities, even if their licence did not normally allow itPart 9 (Clause 37, s 235A-235J)The Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming could grant takeaway liquor authorities with conditions including limits on sale amounts, with retrospective operation from 23 March 2020.
•Businesses could obtain fee-free temporary environmental authorities if COVID-19 caused their operations to exceed normal environmental thresholdsPart 7 (Clause 25, s 547A-547G)Temporary authorities could remain in effect until 30 June 2021, with conditions to manage environmental harm.
•Local governments could adjust rates and charges mid-year outside the normal budget process to respond to COVID-19 revenue impactsPart 10 (Clauses 40-43)A regulation-making power allowed councils to levy rates for part of the 2020-21 financial year by resolution made outside the budget meeting.

19/5/2020· Hon S Miles MPHealthJustice & RightsWork & EmploymentSafety & Emergency

COVID-19 Emergency Response Bill 2020

PassedThis bill became law.

•Small business tenants were protected from eviction by commercial landlords during the COVID-19 emergencyClause 23(1)(a)-(b)Regulation could prohibit recovery of possession and termination of relevant leases.
•A new Small Business Commissioner provided free advice and mediation for tenancy disputesClauses 19-20Commissioner appointed to provide information, advisory services and administer mediation for small business tenancy disputes.
•Commercial landlords and tenants were required to negotiate lease terms in good faith under prescribed principlesClause 23(1)(e)Parties required to have regard to particular matters or principles in negotiating or disputing a matter under a relevant lease.

22/4/2020· Hon A Palaszczuk MPHousing & RentingJustice & RightsGovernment & ElectionsHealth

Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Head contractors must hold subcontractor payments in statutory trust accounts at approved financial institutions, with penalties up to 500 penalty units for non-complianceClause 63, new sections 17-18The project trust framework requires one project trust account per eligible contract, replacing the previous project bank account system.
•Executive officers of licensed building companies are personally liable for ensuring their company meets minimum financial requirements, with escalating penalties up to imprisonmentClause 119, new section 53BBOfficers must maintain knowledge of the MFR framework and ensure appropriate resources and processes are in place for compliance.
•Building certifiers face a new demerit point system where accumulating 30 points over 3 years leads to licence disqualificationClause 56, new sections 214A-214LFirst disqualification lasts 1 year; second or subsequent disqualification lasts 3 years.
•The QBCC can now publish the names and details of individuals involved in company collapses, even if they were not licenseesClause 140, new sections 56AI-56AKDetails can be published for up to 10 years after a show cause process, helping consumers and contractors make informed decisions.

5/2/2020· Hon M de Brenni MPWork & EmploymentHousing & RentingCommittee: pass

Co-operatives National Law Bill 2020

PassedThis bill became law.

•Small co-operatives face less paperwork with simplified financial reporting and auditing requirementsPart 2, Clause 4The CNL simplifies financial reporting and auditing requirements for small co-operatives, reducing compliance costs.
•Co-operatives trading across state borders are automatically recognised in other states and territories, reducing costsPart 2, Clause 4Automatic mutual recognition of co-operatives by other states and territories resulting in lower costs and paperwork for co-operatives trading interstate.
•Co-operatives can raise funds through new co-operative capital unitsNew fundraising provisions for co-operative capital units are included in the Co-operatives National Law.
•No registration fees are charged when co-operatives merge or transfer operationsClause 23A fee must not be charged under an Act for the registration of an instrument in relation to a transfer of property for mergers or transfers of engagements.

4/2/2020· Hon Y D'Ath MPGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Mineral and Energy Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Mining companies with histories of non-compliance, fraud, or insolvency can be refused new resource authoritiesPart 7 (Clause 79, new Chapter 7)Disqualification criteria allow the decision-maker to refuse applicants based on contraventions, criminal history, or insolvency of the applicant or their associates.
•SEQ water infrastructure charges must be published online with quarterly and annual reporting, giving developers more transparency on costsPart 17 (Clauses 211-212)Urban Utilities and Unitywater must maintain searchable online infrastructure charges registers with detailed reporting on charges levied, collected, and spent.
•Overlapping resource tenure holders must negotiate co-existence plans in good faith, with arbitration available if agreement cannot be reachedPart 10 (Clause 131, new s 271AB) and Part 16 (Clauses 192, 195)New dispute resolution framework for overlapping mining leases, pipeline licences, and petroleum facility licences.
•The State can release abandoned mine sites for competitive tender where commercially viable mineral resources remainPart 10 (Clause 142, new Part 1B)New competitive tender process under the Mineral Resources Act 1989 allows the Minister to invite tenders from eligible persons to apply for a mining lease over abandoned sites.

4/2/2020· Hon A Lynham MPWork & EmploymentEnvironmentCost of LivingCommittee: pass (dissent)

Implementation of The Spit Master Plan Bill 2019

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Development sites at The Spit will be released through a streamlined process, creating opportunities in tourism, entertainment and recreationClauses 8-9Unallocated State land can be granted to the State as freehold without competition, with long-term leases then issued to the market.
•Property owners affected by planning changes can now claim compensation that was previously blocked by a drafting errorClause 30Amends section 31(3) of the Planning Act to insert 'is or becomes' to clarify compensation is available for development that was assessable both before and after an adverse planning change.
•Contractors with GCWA contracts relating to The Spit master plan area are barred from serving on the GCWA board to prevent conflicts of interestClause 26Amends the definition of 'disqualified person' to prohibit a party to a contract with the GCWA relating to the master plan area from board appointment.

26/11/2019· Hon C Dick MPEnvironmentGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Associations Incorporation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

PassedThis bill became law.

•Management committee members of incorporated associations now have formal legal duties of care, good faith, and conflict of interest disclosure, with penalties up to 60 penalty unitsClause 31, new sections 70B-70JOfficers must exercise powers with care and diligence, in good faith, and must not improperly use their position or information for personal gain.
•Associations registered with the ACNC no longer need to submit duplicate financial reports to both Queensland and the CommonwealthClauses 22 and 54An estimated 3,759 associations and 3,220 charities will benefit from exemption from state reporting requirements.
•Associations can now cancel their incorporation through a simple application instead of a costly formal winding up processClause 36, new sections 92A-92CApplication may be made if the association has no outstanding debts, has paid all fees, and is not party to any legal proceedings.
•Associations experiencing a one-off spike in revenue (such as an insurance payout) can apply to report as a smaller class to avoid costly audit requirementsClause 22, new section 59BBThe chief executive may declare the association is taken to be a medium or small association if satisfied there are special and unusual circumstances.

26/11/2019· Hon Y D'Ath MPGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Biodiscovery and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

PassedThis bill became law.

•Biodiscovery researchers and companies face a simpler approval process with the removal of biodiscovery plan requirementsClause 19The provisions for the approval of biodiscovery plans are repealed, as the same information is provided through collection authority applications and benefit sharing agreements.
•Companies using traditional knowledge without consent face penalties of up to 5,000 penalty units (over $690,000)Clause 10 (new section 9B(2))Maximum penalty of 5,000 penalty units for failing to take all reasonable and practical measures to comply with the traditional knowledge obligation.
•Agricultural researchers working with 64 FAO Treaty plant species for food purposes are exempt from the Act, reducing regulatory burdenClause 8 (new section 7A)Plants listed in the FAO Treaty Annex 1 are exempt from the Act when taken or used for a food or agriculture purpose consistent with the treaty.
•Queensland biodiscovery companies can better demonstrate Nagoya Protocol compliance, improving access to international partnershipsClause 6Closer alignment with the Nagoya Protocol enables international collaboration and commercialisation that previously required demonstrated compliance.

26/11/2019· Hon L Enoch MPFirst NationsEnvironmentCommittee: pass (dissent)

Holidays and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Employers must pay public holiday penalty rates for staff working after 6pm on Christmas Eve, increasing wage costsClause 3The Queensland Government estimated additional annual costs of $9.4 million to $21.1 million for the public sector alone.
•Businesses in retail, hospitality and tourism may need to adjust staffing or trading hours on Christmas EveClause 3Business groups including CCIQ, National Retail Association and Queensland Hotels Association raised concerns about penalty rate costs and the likelihood of businesses closing rather than trading.

19/9/2019· Hon G Grace MPWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass (dissent)

Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

PassedThis bill became law.

•Small businesses with payrolls under $1.3 million no longer pay payroll tax, up from $1.1 millionClause 32Payroll tax exemption threshold increased from $1.1 million to $1.3 million from 1 July 2019.
•Employers with Australian wages above $6.5 million pay a higher payroll tax rate of 4.95%Clause 32Payroll tax rate increased from 4.75% to 4.95% for employers or groups with total taxable and interstate wages above $6.5 million.
•Companies and trustees with landholdings above $5 million pay higher land tax ratesClause 18Land tax rates increased by 0.25 percentage points for companies and trustees with aggregated landholdings above $5 million.
•Petroleum producers pay higher royalties at 12.5% of wellhead value, up from 10%Clause 56Petroleum royalty rate increased to 12.5% of the wellhead value of petroleum from 1 July 2019.

11/6/2019· Hon J TradCost of LivingRegional QueenslandGovernment & Elections

Medicines and Poisons Bill 2019

PassedThis bill became law.

•Businesses that manufacture, wholesale or retail medicines and poisons must obtain new substance authority licences under the modernised frameworkChapter 3, Part 2 (Clauses 63-70)Substance authorities include manufacturing licences, wholesale licences, retail licences and general approvals, replacing multiple separate permits under the old regime.
•Pest management operators move to a streamlined licensing system, with a new limited chemical application category that lets employees handle a limited range of pesticides without full licensingChapter 3, Part 2The new framework reduces licensing burden for employees who only handle a limited number of pesticides, while maintaining safety requirements.
•Organisations handling high-risk substances must prepare substance management plans documenting how they store, manage and dispose of medicines and poisonsChapter 4, Part 2 (Clauses 92-100)Substance management plans must cover storage, handling, disposal and emergency procedures for regulated substances.

14/5/2019· Hon S Miles MPHealthSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Therapeutic Goods Bill 2019

PassedThis bill became law.

•Sole traders, partnerships and trusts manufacturing therapeutic goods solely within Queensland must now comply with Commonwealth manufacturing standardsClause 7Extends Commonwealth Therapeutic Goods Laws to things done by entities that are not corporations and trade within Queensland only.
•Affected manufacturers get a two-year grace period to comply with the new requirements without risk of prosecutionClause 16For two years after commencement, individuals may continue dealing with goods to the same extent as before without being liable for prosecution.
•Queensland manufacturers now compete on a level playing field with interstate operators who already had to meet Commonwealth standardsClause 7The Galbally Review identified net benefits from nationally consistent regulation, reducing competitive distortions between jurisdictions.

14/5/2019· Hon S Miles MPHealthCommittee: pass

Criminal Code (Trespass Offences) Amendment Bill 2019

Lapsed

•Business owners would have gained stronger legal protections against people entering their premises to cause economic disruptionClause 5, section 422Aggravated trespass targets unlawful entry to premises, private land or transport infrastructure with intent to cause economic loss.
•Ports and railways would have been explicitly covered as protected transport infrastructureClause 4Transport infrastructure is defined as a port or railway.

1/5/2019· Mr D Last MPJustice & RightsRegional QueenslandCommittee: not recommended

Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2019

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Transport operators face less paperwork — permit decisions now come with a decision notice instead of automatic detailed reasons, with the right to request reasons within 28 daysClauses 8, 12, 13, 32Replaces requirement for automatic information notices with decision notices stating review and appeal rights, reducing administrative burden for the Regulator and operators.
•The Regulator can now formally provide compliance advice and education to transport businesses, helping them understand their obligations under the chain of responsibility lawsClauses 18–21, 33Adds 'advice purposes' as a function of authorised officers and the Regulator, with express powers to enter business premises to provide guidance.
•Drivers must pass vehicle defect notices to the vehicle operator within 14 days, aligning timeframes across all defect notice typesClause 24Amends section 526(4) to set a consistent 14-day timeframe with a maximum penalty of $3,000 for non-compliance.

2/4/2019· Hon M Bailey MPTransport & RoadsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass

Environmental Protection (Great Barrier Reef Protection Measures) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

PassedThis bill became law.

•Penalties for breaching farming standards jump from 100 to up to 1,665 penalty units for wilful non-complianceClause 8, Section 82Maximum penalty is 1,665 penalty units if the offence is committed wilfully, or otherwise 600 penalty units.
•Agronomists and fertiliser sellers face penalties of up to 600 penalty units for giving false or misleading advice to farmersClause 8, Section 85An adviser must not give tailored advice they know or ought to know is false or misleading in a material particular.
•New cropping operations in Reef catchments need an environmental authority before they can beginClause 18A person carrying out an agricultural ERA that is a prescribed ERA must obtain an environmental authority for the activity.

27/2/2019· Hon L Enoch MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)

Natural Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Mineral exploration permits are capped at 15 years total, ending the previous practice of unlimited renewalsClause 265, amended s 147AAn exploration permit may not be renewed beyond a total of 15 years, with a possible three-year extension for exceptional events.
•Explorers can now choose outcomes-based work programs, giving them flexibility to adjust activities without seeking departmental approvalClause 247, new s 130AAAn outcomes-based work program includes proposed outcomes, strategy, data to be collected, and estimated resources — allowing the explorer to change on-ground activities as results become apparent.
•Leaseholders and sublessees on state land gain access to new mediation and arbitration for disputes, avoiding costly court proceedingsClause 41, new Division 3AThe dispute resolution process provides for parties to resolve disputes through mediation or arbitration, with the Queensland Law Society and Resolution Institute as prescribed entities.
•Petroleum lease and potential commercial area size limits are removed, reducing the need for multiple applications over the same operational areaClauses 301, 306Removes the 75 sub-block area limit for potential commercial areas and petroleum leases.

26/2/2019· Hon A Lynham MPEnvironmentFirst NationsGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Personalised Transport Ombudsman Bill 2019

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Rideshare platforms, taxi companies, and booking services must cooperate with ombudsman investigations in good faith or face conduct reports to the transport departmentClauses 43-44If a party does not participate in good faith, the PTO may give the chief executive a conduct report, which could lead to action against their licence or accreditation.
•Transport operators who use drivers without proper authorisation face a new offence with penalties of up to 160 penalty unitsClause 121 (new s 27A)Creates a separate offence for persons who provide a public passenger service using a driver who does not hold driver authorisation.
•Taxi licence holders can no longer request to transfer their licence to another service area — transfers now go through a formal departmental reviewClause 110Removes the ability for a holder of a taxi service licence to apply to change the taxi service area, ensuring transfers occur through a formalised process.

13/2/2019· Hon M Bailey MPTransport & RoadsCost of LivingCommittee: pass

Mineral Resources (Galilee Basin) Amendment Bill 2018

Lapsed

•Mining companies would have lost their Galilee Basin coal mining leases without any compensationClause 4, s 334ZJM(4) and s 334ZJN(4)No compensation is payable for the termination or amendment of coal mining leases under this bill.
•No new coal mining leases could be granted in the Galilee Basin, even for applications already lodged before the bill commencedClause 3, proposed s 234(4) and (5)The Minister must not grant a coal mining lease for land in the Galilee Basin, applying to applications made before or after commencement.

31/10/2018· Mr M Berkman MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: not recommended

Economic Development and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Developers in priority development areas face penalties up to 4,500 penalty units for development offences, nearly tripling the previous maximum of 1,665Clauses 79-81Maximum penalties increased from 1,665 to 4,500 penalty units to align with the Planning Act 2016.
•Road transport projects under $500 million no longer need Building Queensland to lead their business case, reducing red tape for road upgradesClause 12Exempts road transport infrastructure projects under $500 million (excluding toll roads) from Building Queensland's mandatory lead business case role.
•Infrastructure charges notices issued since July 2014 are validated, removing financial uncertainty for local governments and developersClause 182, section 344Validates ICNs that did not state reasons for the decision as required under the repealed Sustainable Planning Act.
•New streamlined process lets priority development area boundaries be adjusted for minor corrections without a full re-declarationClause 28Introduces new Division 2B for minor boundary changes of PDAs, including processes for consultation and planning instrument changes.

19/9/2018· Hon C Dick MPSafety & EmergencyGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Waste Reduction and Recycling (Waste Levy) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Businesses will pay more for waste disposal, creating a financial incentive to reduce waste and increase recycling (Clause 6, Section 36 — levy starts at $70 per tonne, rising $5 per year)
•Recycling businesses can apply for discounted levy rates on residue waste that cannot be recycled further (Clause 6, Sections 44-51)
•Waste disposal site operators face heavy penalties for levy evasion, including up to two years imprisonment (Clauses 16-17)
•Existing recyclers who would face hardship can apply for transitional levy exemptions until 30 June 2022 (Clause 19, Sections 309-316)

6/9/2018· Hon L Enoch MPEnvironmentCost of LivingCommittee: pass (dissent)

Fisheries (Sustainable Fisheries Strategy) Amendment Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•Commercial fishers must install and maintain vessel tracking equipment on prescribed boats or face penalties of up to 1,000 penalty unitsClause 51, Section 80The holder of an authority must ensure each relevant boat has approved vessel tracking equipment installed and working properly during prescribed periods.
•Seafood businesses can be inspected by fisheries officers without a warrant to check for black market fishClause 8, Section 145AInspectors may enter premises used for trade or commerce of fisheries resources with 20 days notice, or without notice if it would defeat the purpose of the entry.
•Charter fishing operators are formally recognised as a distinct fishing sector in the law, giving them a voice in fisheries management decisionsClause 28, Section 3ACharter fishing is included alongside commercial, recreational and indigenous fishing as a sector to be managed under the Act.
•Trafficking in priority fish species like mud crab, coral trout and spanish mackerel carries penalties of up to 3,000 penalty units or 3 years jailClause 54, Section 89CA commercial quantity is at least 5 times the recreational possession limit. The offence is classified as a misdemeanour (indictable offence).

4/9/2018· Hon M Furner MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•Employers of apprentices and trainees continue to receive a 50% payroll tax rebate, extended for another year to 30 June 2019 (Part 7, Clauses 24-26)
•Mining and petroleum companies have their pre-2014 royalty assessments formally validated, providing legal certainty (Part 6, Clause 22; Part 8, Clause 32)
•Land tax payers can opt in to receive assessment notices and documents electronically through a new online portal (Parts 9-10, Clause 37)

12/6/2018· Hon J Trad MPHousing & RentingCost of LivingRegional QueenslandGovernment & Elections

Betting Tax Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•Betting operators earning more than $300,000 in net wagering revenue from Queensland customers must register and pay a 15% taxClauses 19 and 44Tax applies to taxable wagering revenue exceeding the annual threshold amount of $300,000.
•On-course bookmakers get reduced paperwork — they can lodge returns once a year instead of every monthClause 51Betting operators whose primary operations are on-course bookmaking are exempt from monthly return obligations.
•Interstate betting operators can now legally offer online and phone wagering to Queenslanders, but must pay tax on that revenueClauses 72-74Removes prohibitions under the Interactive Gambling (Player Protection) Act 1998 for exempt games conducted by interstate-licensed operators.
•Operators who fail to identify a customer's location when taking a bet face penalties of up to 100 penalty unitsClause 22Betting operators must take reasonable steps to identify the location of the person making the bet, and may rely on the customer's residential address.

12/6/2018· Hon J TradGovernment & Elections

Liquor (Rural Hotels Concession) Amendment Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Commercial hotel operators in very remote areas will pay only 10% of the standard liquor licence fee, significantly reducing operating costsClause 3 (new s 202A(2))A regulation must provide for the licence fee to be assessed at the rate of 10% of the fee that would be payable if the premises were not in very remote Australia.
•Eligibility is based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics remoteness classification, providing a clear and objective standardClause 3 (new s 202A(5))Very remote Australia is defined by reference to the ABS Australian Statistical Geography Standard, Volume 5 — Remoteness Structure.

2/5/2018· Mr R Katter MPRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Heavy vehicle operators with PBS level 1 trucks no longer need special permits for general road access, reducing red tape and costsClause 13Specified PBS vehicles at or below general mass limits are treated the same as other heavy vehicles on the general road network.
•The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator can now publish details of companies' court convictions on its websiteClause 32 (new s726D)The Regulator may publish the offence, penalty, and court orders but not information identifying individuals.
•Fleet operators face stronger enforcement with officers able to require inspection of whole vehicle categories, not just individual trucksClause 20 (new s522(1A))

1/5/2018· Hon M Bailey MPTransport & RoadsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass

Vegetation Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Rural landholders on freehold land must now comply with vegetation management codes for regrowth clearing, where previously no approval was neededClause 37, s 132The category C accepted development vegetation clearing code now applies to high value regrowth on freehold land, indigenous land and occupational licences.
•Landholders must obtain a riverine protection permit before destroying vegetation in watercourses, adding a new regulatory requirementClause 51; Clause 55Reinstates riverine protection permit requirements for vegetation destruction in watercourses, lakes and springs under the Water Act 2000.
•Existing area management plans for thinning, encroachment and fodder harvesting expire by March 2020 regardless of their stated end dateClause 37, s 136Area management plans for encroachment, thinning or fodder harvesting remain in force only until 8 March 2020; no new notifications can be made after 8 March 2018.

8/3/2018· Hon A Lynham MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Queensland Competition Authority Amendment Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•Resource companies seeking access to rail networks and coal terminals will have clearer, nationally consistent rules for when access can be declaredClause 4Replaces section 76 access criteria with four revised tests covering competition, natural monopoly, economic significance, and public interest.
•Infrastructure operators like Aurizon Network and DBCT Management face updated criteria for third-party access declarations on their facilitiesClause 4The new access criteria apply to declaration, revocation, and review of expiring declared services.
•Businesses involved in access negotiations get clearer pricing rules after conflicting references to pricing principles are removedClauses 6, 8, 10Removes references to pricing principles from sections 100, 138A, and 168C to resolve uncertainty about how the Authority should apply them.
•Access undertaking processes should become more timely, with the regulator now required to publicly explain any missed deadlinesClauses 5, 7, 9The Authority must publish written notice on its website with reasons for delay and proposed actions when it misses six-month statutory timeframes.

15/2/2018· Hon J Trad MPGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Education (Overseas Students) Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•Schools enrolling overseas students need a new provider approval and face stronger compliance monitoring, including on-site inspectionsChapter 2 and Chapter 3The bill introduces authorised persons with powers to enter premises by consent or warrant to monitor compliance.
•Student exchange organisations must obtain formal statutory approval to operate, replacing the previous administrative-only systemClauses 14-21Schools and not-for-profit organisations may apply for student exchange approval for up to 6 years.
•Regional retailers in areas without seven-day trading can again open on Easter Saturday from 8am to 6pmClause 149 (amendment of s 16D)Amends the Trading (Allowable Hours) Act 1990 to restore Easter Saturday trading in areas like Mt Isa, Roma and Longreach.

15/2/2018· Hon G Grace MPEducationRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Mining companies pay annual contributions to a pooled fund based on their risk rating, replacing the old system of individual financial assurance for each siteClauses 24, 46-47Contribution is calculated as the estimated rehabilitation cost multiplied by a prescribed percentage for the company's risk category.
•Companies rated high risk must provide full surety (bank guarantee or insurance bond) for the entire estimated rehabilitation costClause 53Surety is required for authorities allocated to high risk category, or where the ERC exceeds the $450 million fund threshold.
•Companies whose total rehabilitation liability exceeds $450 million across all their sites may be required to provide surety to protect the fundClauses 11, 53-54The scheme manager may require surety to preserve the financial viability of the scheme fund when a corporate group's total ERC is likely to exceed the fund threshold.

15/2/2018· Hon J Trad MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Hospital Foundations Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Queensland hemp growers can now produce seeds for the food market, opening up a new revenue stream for the industrial cannabis industryClause 98Amends section 44 of the Drugs Misuse Act to remove the restriction preventing industrial cannabis seeds being grown for human consumption.
•A new seed handler licence lets businesses wholesale, clean, dry, store, and grade hemp seeds — activities not previously authorisedClause 121New section 52 states the activities authorised under a seed handler licence, including possessing industrial cannabis seed for denaturing, cleaning, drying, grading, and supplying.
•Minor regulatory breaches can now be dealt with through compliance notices and fines of up to 100 penalty units, instead of being prosecuted as drug offencesClauses 112-113New compliance notice provisions and specific regulatory offences for breach of conditions, record-keeping, and notification requirements.

15/2/2018· Hon S Miles MPHealthRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Mineral, Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Landholders negotiating with resource companies can now recover the cost of an agronomist as well as legal and valuation feesClause 46 (new s 91)Negotiation and preparation costs now include accounting, legal, valuation and agronomist costs, payable even if no agreement is reached.
•Resource companies and landholders can choose binding arbitration instead of going to the Land Court to resolve disputesClause 46 (new ss 91A-91F)Arbitration introduced as a distinct option for dispute resolution where both parties agree, with decisions binding and not subject to appeal.
•Existing coal mining projects can obtain small adjacent exploration permits without competitive tenderClause 89 (new ss 136O-136T)Limited to six sub-blocks, contiguous to the project, and only one such permit per coal mining project.
•Mining and petroleum tenure records move fully online, removing the need for hard copy instrumentsParts 3-9All tenure information recorded on the electronic MyMinesOnline resource authority register instead of hard copy instruments.

15/2/2018· Hon A Lynham MPEnvironmentFirst NationsCommittee: pass

Land, Explosives and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Property conveyancers must prepare for electronic-only lodgement as paper certificates of title are eliminated from 1 July 2019Part 9, Division 3 (Clauses 240-247)Paper certificates of title no longer have legal effect; electronic conveyancing is facilitated through regulation-making powers.
•Explosives transport businesses must now hold separate business licences and ensure drivers hold individual explosives driver licencesClause 99 (amendment of section 31, Explosives Regulation)Existing transport licence authorises operating a business but no longer authorises driving a vehicle transporting explosives.
•Gas industry operators benefit from modernised safety reporting — annual reports replaced with real-time online updatesPart 12 (Petroleum and Gas Act gas safety amendments)Safety-critical information must be provided online and updated as it changes, replacing the previous annual safety report.

15/2/2018· Hon A Lynham MPSafety & EmergencyFirst NationsEnvironmentHousing & RentingCommittee: pass

Plumbing and Drainage Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Plumbers and drainers face escalating penalties for unlicensed work — up to 350 penalty units or 1 year's imprisonment for repeat offences or grossly defective workClause 56First offence maximum 250 penalty units; second offence 300 penalty units; third and subsequent offences 350 penalty units or 1 year's imprisonment.
•HVAC and mechanical services workers will need a new occupational licence to continue workingPart 9, Division 3 (Clauses 183-196)Creates a mechanical services occupational licence under the QBCC Act for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and medical gas work. Existing HVAC licence holders transition automatically.
•Plumbing work is divided into four clear categories with tailored requirements, reducing red tape for simpler jobsClause 6Permit work requires a permit and inspection; notifiable work requires a notice to the commissioner; minor work needs a licence but no permit; unregulated work (e.g. replacing a tap washer) needs no licence.
•Consumers can check a public register of licensed plumbers including any disciplinary history before hiringClause 41Commissioner must keep a register of licensees with details prescribed by regulation, including disciplinary action. The register must be publicly accessible.

15/2/2018· Hon M de Brenni MPHealthHousing & RentingCommittee: pass

55th Parliament (2015–2017)47 bills

Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Lower-risk mining companies will likely pay less because they contribute to a shared fund instead of providing a full bank guarantee for every siteClauses 46-47Authorities in very low, low or moderate risk categories pay an annual contribution calculated as a prescribed percentage of their estimated rehabilitation cost, rather than giving full surety.
•High-risk mining operators and those whose total rehabilitation cost exceeds $450 million must still provide full surety to protect the fundClauses 11, 49, 53Where the total ERC for a holder and its corporate group exceeds the fund threshold of $450 million, the scheme manager may require surety to preserve the financial viability of the scheme fund.
•Mines cannot legally operate without a current Estimated Rehabilitation Cost decision and paid contribution or suretyClause 171 (new EP Act s 297)It is a deemed condition of every environmental authority for a resource activity that the holder must not carry out the activity unless an ERC decision is in force and the contribution or surety has been given.
•Confidential financial and joint venture information given to the scheme manager is exempt from Right to Information requestsClauses 215-216Documents created or received under part 3 of the Act and the scheme manager as an entity are exempted from the Right to Information Act 2009 to allay holders' concerns about sensitive business documents being publicly disclosed.

25/10/2017· Hon C Pitt MPEnvironmentRegional Queensland

Land, Explosives and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Gas plant operators can now clearly be corporations, not just individuals, matching how large gas companies actually workClause 275 (new section 673)The operator of an operating plant can be either an individual or a corporation; safety responsibilities are spread through an executive safety manager and nominated operator representative.
•A new transparent process lets businesses apply to become an approved gas device approving authority, replacing ad hoc arrangementsClause 284 (new Part 6A)New sections 731AB-731AG establish application, decision, term and conditions for gas device approval authorities, with QCAT review of refusals.
•Tourism businesses on regulated islands can convert a marine lease tied to their tourism lease into a rolling term lease for more securityClauses 21, 22, 30 (Land Act sections 164, 164A, 373A)Removes the requirement for sublessee consent and enables a marine term lease tied by covenant to a tourism lease to become a rolling term lease.
•Foreign landowners get a simpler notification regime because 'foreign person' definitions are aligned with the Duties Act 2001Part 6 (Foreign Ownership of Land Register Act amendments)Aligns definitions between the Foreign Ownership of Land Register Act 1988 and the Duties Act 2001 and simplifies penalties.

10/10/2017· Hon Dr A Lynham MPFirst NationsEnvironmentSafety & EmergencyHousing & Renting

Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Bill 2017

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•If you're a head contractor on a qualifying state government project between $1m and $10m, you must set up three trust accounts within 20 business days of signing your first subcontract or face a 500 penalty unit fineClause 23Requires a general, retention and disputed funds account at a Queensland branch of a financial institution, with 500 penalty units for non-compliance.
•Mandatory and prohibited conditions in building contracts will be set by regulation, with an 80 penalty unit fine for contracts that don't complyClause 276 (new ss67GA, 67GB)Aims to eliminate unconscionable contract terms and set 'best practice' standards.
•The QBCC Board expands from 7 to up to 10 members to better represent the industry, finance, consumer advocacy and public sector governanceClause 254
•The Building and Construction Industry Payments Act 2004 and Subcontractors' Charges Act 1974 are repealed and rolled into one simpler ActClause 202

22/8/2017· Hon M de Brenni MPWork & EmploymentJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Hospital Foundations Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Queensland farmers can grow industrial cannabis for hemp food - a new market that would otherwise be served entirely by interstate or overseas seedClauses 98, 118, 121Removes the ban on growing industrial cannabis for human consumption and creates a seed handler licence for cleaning, drying, grading, storing and supplying hemp seed.
•A new 'seed handler' licence replaces the old seed supplier and denaturer categories, letting licensed businesses act as wholesalers for whole hemp seedClause 121 (new s 52)A seed handler may possess industrial cannabis seed for denaturing, supplying licensed growers and researchers, and cleaning/drying/grading/storing for on-supply.
•Cannabis researchers face tighter controls including mandatory risk-management plans and background checks on close associatesClauses 102, 122, 125Introduces a 'fit and proper person' test, requires applications to include a prescribed research plan, and allows the chief executive to check close associates of researcher applicants.
•Minor licence breaches can now be handled with a compliance notice instead of a criminal drug prosecutionClauses 111-113 (new ss 110A-110F)Inspectors can issue compliance notices, with penalties of 50-100 penalty units for record, notification, and condition breaches.

22/8/2017· Hon CR Dick MPHealthRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Mineral, Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Mining, gas and petroleum tenements go fully electronic through the MyMinesOnline register, replacing paper documentsClauses 67, 87, 93, 119, 137A etc.
•Resource companies and landholders can choose arbitration instead of the Land Court to resolve compensation disputesClause 45 (new subdivision 3A, sections 91A-91F)Establishes arbitration as a distinct dispute resolution option for conduct and compensation agreements, with the arbitrator's decision binding and unable to be appealed.
•Resource companies must now pay agronomist fees in addition to legal, accounting and valuation costs for landholdersClause 45 (new section 91)Implements recommendation 9 of the Independent Review of the Gasfields Commission Queensland, extending recoverable professional fees to include agronomist costs.
•Safety rules for overlapping coal and gas operations now apply equally regardless of which petroleum Act the tenure was granted underClause 218Corrects a drafting error so Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 safety provisions apply to tenures under the Petroleum Act 1923.

22/8/2017· Hon Dr A Lynham MPEnvironmentFirst NationsRegional Queensland

Tow Truck (Towing from Private Property) Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•If you own or manage a retail, commercial or industrial car park, you must install compliant warning signs before authorising any tow truck to remove vehiclesClause 6, new s 21IA person in control of a relevant car park must ensure warning signs are installed in compliance with the prescribed requirements.
•Tow truck licence holders face new offences and fee caps, and complaints against them can be used to decide if they're fit to keep their licenceClauses 4, 5, 8Any complaints made to the chief executive against the person are considered when determining who is an appropriate person to hold a licence.
•New licence conditions apply to both new and existing tow truck operators, so no one is grandfathered out of the rulesClause 9, new s 51Section 12(2)(s) and (3) to (6) applies to a licence whether the licence was granted before or after the commencement.

8/8/2017· Mr A Powell MPCost of LivingTransport & Roads

Waste Reduction and Recycling Amendment Bill 2017

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Retailers face fines of $609.50 for individuals and $3,047.50 for companies per breach of the plastic bag banClause 4 (new s99D)This offence carries a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units. For a company the infringement value is five times that of an individual.
•Beverage manufacturers must enter a container recovery agreement with the Product Responsibility Organisation and fund the scheme before selling drinks in QueenslandClause 4 (new s99P)The manufacturer of a beverage product must not sell the beverage product... unless a container recovery agreement is in force for the type of container.
•Small beverage manufacturers get a cap on how much they must contribute to the scheme's costsClause 4 (new s99R)A small beverage manufacturer must not be required to pay a contribution to the cost of running the scheme that is more than an amount calculated under a regulation.
•Community groups, social enterprises and new refund point operators can earn income by collecting, sorting and processing containers under agreements with the schemeClause 4 (new s99H, s99ZA)

14/6/2017· Hon Dr S Miles MPEnvironmentCost of LivingCommittee: pass

Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

PassedThis bill became law.

•Commercial landlords on pre-2009 leases lose the windfall the Court of Appeal's Vikpro decision gave them and cannot recover land tax directly from tenantsClauses 26-27Section 83A restores the prohibition retrospectively from 30 June 2010, but landlords who already recovered the money keep it.
•Conveyancers and property lawyers must collect and pass on additional transfer information about buyers and sellers for sharing with the Tax OfficeClauses 31-32New Part 8 Division 2 of the Taxation Administration Act authorises the Commissioner to collect reportable information and disclose it to the Commonwealth commissioner of taxation.
•Property developers and foreign investors face tighter rules, including a 3-year look-back that triggers the foreign buyer surcharge if a company or trust becomes foreign after the dealClause 14New sections 246AC, 246AD and 246AF require reassessment to impose AFAD where an agent, principal or company becomes foreign within 3 years of the transaction.

13/6/2017· Hon C Pitt MPHousing & RentingCost of LivingGovernment & Elections

Land Access Ombudsman Bill 2017

PassedThis bill became law.

•Resource companies that ignore ombudsman requests for documents or meetings can be fined up to 100 penalty unitsClauses 42-43Maximum penalty of 100 penalty units applies where a party fails to provide a document or information, or fails to attend a meeting and answer questions, without a reasonable excuse.
•Coal and coal seam gas companies with overlapping tenures keep their existing transitional rules instead of facing a cliff on 27 September 2017Clauses 71, 76, 78-82, 85, 88Provisions in the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Transitional Regulation 2016 are migrated into primary legislation before the regulation's expiry.
•In a petroleum lease competitive tender, only the preferred tenderer has to give a petroleum production notice to overlapping coal holders, reducing red tapeClause 76 (new s148A)The only PL holder required to give a petroleum production notice to a coal resource authority holder is the PL holder appointed as the preferred tenderer.
•The ombudsman cannot make binding decisions, so companies and landholders still retain their rights to go to court or arbitrationClause 51The written notice only provides information or advice to the parties; it is not binding.

23/5/2017· Hon Dr A Lynham MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)

Gasfields Commission and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

PassedThis bill became law.

•Biodiscovery companies can now on-license rights to use native biological material, making it easier to form commercial research chainsClauses 7-9This reform will expand the contractual arrangements available to allow other entities to enter into subsequent use agreements with a party to a benefit sharing agreement.
•Downstream users of biodiscovery material face a new offence with penalties up to 100 penalty units if they breach the minimum terms set by the StateClause 13 (new section 55A)A subsequent user who is a party to a subsequent use agreement must not contravene a prescribed minimum term of the agreement. Maximum penalty - 100 penalty units.
•Commercially sensitive subsequent use agreements are kept out of Right to Information releasesClause 40Schedule 1 is amended to make a subsequent use agreement and records kept by a department about one exempt from the Right to Information Act.

10/5/2017· Hon Dr A Lynham MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Liquor (Rural Hotels Concession) Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Remote hoteliers would have seen a major drop in one of their fixed operating costsClause 3 (new s 202A)Creates a concessional fee of 10% of the standard rate for commercial hotel licences in very remote Australia.
•Eligibility would be based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics 'very remote Australia' classification rather than local discretionClause 3, s 202A(5)References the Australian Statistical Geography Standard, volume 5 (Cat. No. 1270.0.55.005) published by the ABS.
•Only commercial hotel licences were covered, so clubs and other licensed venues would not have benefitedThe bill applies only to commercial hotel licences under the Liquor Act 1992.

23/3/2017· Mr R Katter MPRegional QueenslandCost of LivingCommittee: pass

Transport and Other Legislation (Personalised Transport Reform) Amendment Bill 2017

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•If you run a booking app or service (including from overseas), you must hold a booking entity authorisation to operate legally in QueenslandClause 18, new sections 78 and 91VA person must not provide a booking service for another person to drive a motor vehicle to provide a booked hire service unless the person is an authorised booking entity.
•Foreign booking companies like Uber must appoint an Australian local nominee who is legally liable for offences the company commitsClause 18, new sections 91ZD and 91ZEIf the authorised booking entity commits an offence against this Act, the entity's local nominee is taken to have also committed the offence.
•Providing an unlicensed taxi or booked hire service exposes companies to fines up to 3,000 penalty units (about $390,000 in 2017) for repeat offencesClause 18, new section 74Maximum penalty for a third or later offence of providing a taxi service using a non-taxi by a person other than the driver is 3,000 penalty units; corporations face up to five times this under the Penalties and Sentences Act.
•Booking companies must regularly give government data about bookings, drivers and vehicles to help monitor safety and service standardsClause 18, new section 91ZGAn authorised booking entity must keep and provide information prescribed by regulation about booking services and booked hire services, with maximum penalty of 150 penalty units for non-compliance.

21/3/2017· Hon M Bailey MPTransport & RoadsWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass (dissent)

Sugar Industry (Application of Transitional Provision) Amendment Bill 2017

Withdrawn

•Wilmar Sugar and Queensland Sugar Limited would have gained an extra year to negotiate their on-supply agreement without a looming deadlineClause 3 (new s 299)The amendment allows QSL and Wilmar Sugar to continue negotiations without the deadline pressure to complete.
•Growers could have locked in forward pricing contracts under their existing supply agreements for another seasonAs a result, the cane growers cannot lock in the forward pricing contracts — the bill sought to fix this by extending the existing arrangements.

2/3/2017· Mr S Dickson MPRegional Queensland

Trading (Allowable Hours) Amendment Bill 2017

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Shops get clearer, standardised opening hours written directly into law instead of juggling more than 40 pages of separate trading hours ordersClause 7 (new sections 16D and 16E)Replaces the 99 specific trading hour provisions in the 2017 trading hours order with six legislated allowable trading hours provisions.
•More types of shops are 'exempt' and can trade any hours, including butchers, airport, cruise terminal and casino shops, and off-shore island tourist resortsClause 4 and Schedule 1AA
•Independent retail shops can now have up to 30 staff on at one time (up from 20), or 100 across multiple shops owned by the same person (up from 60)Clause 5
•Shops that open outside permitted hours face fines of up to $4,876 for individuals or $24,380 for companies at 2016 penalty unit ratesClause 7 (new section 16B)Maximum penalty is 40 penalty units for an individual, or 200 penalty units (5 times) for a body corporate under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992.

1/3/2017· Hon G Grace MPWork & EmploymentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)

Sugar Industry (Arbitration for Mill Owners and Sugar Marketing Entities) Amendment Bill 2017

3rd reading failed

•Sugar mills and marketing entities would have had to go to arbitration if they couldn't agree on an on-supply contract within 10 business daysClause 10 (new section 36)Either party can give notice requiring negotiation within at least 10 business days, after which unresolved disputes are taken to be referred to arbitration under the Commercial Arbitration Act 2013.
•Independent sugar marketing entities would be protected from being treated worse than a mill's own marketing armClause 10 (new section 36(6)-(7))A term of the intended on-supply agreement must not unreasonably treat the marketing entity less favourably than a related body corporate of the mill owner would be treated.
•Every cane supply contract and on-supply agreement would need to include a written dispute resolution processClauses 6 and 10 (sections 33B(2)(f), 38(5)(e))
•Each party would pay its own arbitration costs, making disputes predictable to budget forClause 10 (new section 36(8))

28/2/2017· Mr T Nicholls MPRegional Queensland

Liquor and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Venue owners in safe night precincts can keep trading until 3am with no 1am lock-out, supporting Queensland's night-time economyClause 8
•Licensees lose the ability to use frequent late-night permits as routine trade - permits drop from 12 to 6 per year and must be for a special occasionClause 15New section 103J reduces the cap from 12 permits in a 1-year period to 6 in a calendar year, and new 103IA requires a special occasion independent of the licensee.
•Any late-night permits already granted for dates after the Act starts are cancelled automatically, with the application fee refundedClause 22New section 348 cancels 2017 late night permits for future dates by force of the section and requires a fee refund.
•New licensees get a pro-rata cap on late-night permits in their first year - for example, a venue licensed in July gets 3 permits rather than 6Clause 15New section 103JAA reduces the 6-permit cap on a pro-rata basis for the first calendar year a premises is licensed.

14/2/2017· Hon Y D'Ath MPSafety & EmergencyHealthCommittee: pass

Heavy Vehicle National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•If you run a trucking business, you face simpler but broader safety duties with much tougher penalties for serious breachesClause 10 (Chapter 1A)Reforms the existing HVNL obligations on all current chain of responsibility parties as an overarching and positive duty of care.
•Businesses can negotiate enforceable undertakings with the regulator as an alternative to prosecution for alleged breachesClause 96 (new Part 10.1A)The Regulator or an authorised officer may accept an undertaking made by the person in relation to the contravention or alleged contravention.
•Following an industry code of practice will count as evidence that you met your safety duties in courtClause 101 (new s 632A)A registered industry code of practice is admissible as evidence of whether or not a duty or obligation under this Law has been complied with.
•Taxi and limousine operators get a $26.7 million hardship fund, $4.3 million in fee waivers, and business advisory support to adjust to ride-share competitionChapter 4 (new s 155A)The IAAP includes a hardship fund ($26.7 million), business advisory support ($3.7 million), fee waivers ($4.3 million) and incentive payments for wheelchair accessible services ($5.6 million).

3/11/2016· Hon S Hinchliffe MPTransport & RoadsWork & Employment

Sustainable Queensland Dairy Production (Fair Milk Price Logos) Bill 2016

DefeatedThis bill was defeated at the second reading — the main debate on its principles. It cannot proceed further.

•Dairy farmers would have had a government benchmark 'fair milk price' per litre set twice a year for each region, based on production costs plus a sustainable gross marginClauses 5 and 6The fair milk price equals the cost of producing a litre of fresh milk plus the sustainable gross margin, stated in a gazette notice at least twice a year.
•Milk processors could voluntarily use the logo but would have to pay farmers the gazetted fair price for logo-bearing milk, with some adjustments allowed for milk qualityClauses 7 and 8A processor could pay an 'adjusted fair milk price' where the supplied milk's composition or quality justified it under contract.
•Selling milk wrongly bearing the logo, or using a deceptively similar logo, would carry penalties of up to 75 penalty unitsClause 8Maximum penalty - 75 penalty units for advertising, marketing, selling or supplying marked milk that is not fairly priced milk.
•The scheme was designed to be voluntary and market-driven rather than regulating all milk sales, to stay compatible with Commonwealth competition lawExplanatory Notes - Achievement of Policy ObjectivesIn compliance with the Federal Competition and Consumer Act 2010, this Bill does not enable regulation of the Queensland dairy industry.

13/10/2016· Mr S Knuth MPRegional QueenslandCost of LivingCommittee: not recommended

Heavy Vehicle National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

Withdrawn

•Taxi and limousine licence holders would have been able to apply for transitional payments — $20,000 per taxi licence (max 2) and $10,000 per limousine licence — from a $100 million packageClause 141 (new s 155A)A regulation may provide for a scheme for the payment of financial assistance to certain persons who have held or hold a taxi service licence or a limousine service licence.
•A $26.7 million hardship fund, business advisory support and fee waivers would have been available to help the industry adjust to ride-share deregulationThe Industry Adjustment Assistance Package includes transitional assistance payments ($60 million), a hardship fund ($26.7 million), business advisory support ($3.7 million), fee waivers ($4.3 million) and incentive payments for wheelchair accessible services ($5.6 million).
•Transport businesses would face heavier compliance costs for safety failures but simpler, less duplicated duties overallChapter 2These changes will address issues with the HVNL that create complexity and unnecessary compliance costs for industry, and adopt a hierarchy of penalties based on risk categorisation.
•Regulator fees would rise automatically on 1 July each year with inflation, rather than requiring individual Ministerial decisionsClause 137 (new s 740A)At the start of 1 July of each year, the amount of the fee is increased in accordance with the method prescribed by the national regulations.

13/9/2016· Hon S Hinchliffe MPWork & EmploymentTransport & RoadsCommittee: pass

Water (Local Management Arrangements) Amendment Bill 2016

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•New irrigator-owned companies will take over businesses worth millions from SunWater, including leases, easements, licences and customer contractsSection 723Section 723 lets the Minister transfer SunWater's businesses, assets and liabilities to an irrigation entity by gazette notice.
•Transfers are exempt from stamp duty and a range of state fees and charges, reducing the cost of setting up the new entitiesSection 738TSection 738T makes SunWater and the new irrigation entities non-liable for taxes under the Duties Act 2001 and charges under the Water Act, Land Act and related Acts for anything done under a transfer notice.
•On transfer day the new entity is automatically the registered water service provider and all irrigation customers are migrated to it under a standard contractSections 738E, 738G, 738I
•The new irrigation entities are declared not to be a monopoly business activity under the Queensland Competition Authority Act 1997, so they are not subject to automatic price oversight after divestmentSection 738N

13/9/2016· Hon M Bailey MPRegional QueenslandEnvironmentCommittee: pass (dissent)

Major Sports Facilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Community clubs with more than one venue will pay less gaming machine tax because each venue is taxed separatelyClause 4Amends section 312 of the Gaming Machine Act so tax is applied on a per-premises basis rather than aggregating metered win across a club's premises.
•The Queensland keno operator can join interstate jackpot pools and offer bigger shared prizesClause 6 (new section 137A)Allows a keno licensee to enter a keno pooling agreement with an interstate entity to retain, apply and transfer pooling contributions.
•Local advertisers near stadiums face shorter restriction windows for prescribed events, running only 6am to midnight on event daysClause 28New definition of 'restricted advertising period' sets the period for prescribed events at 6am to midnight on event days.
•Transurban Queensland gains the legal pathway to fund the Logan Motorway Enhancement Project at no cost to governmentClause 35

30/8/2016· Hon C Pitt MPTransport & RoadsEnvironmentGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Farm Business Debt Mediation Bill 2016

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Banks and other rural lenders must offer mediation and take part in good faith before enforcing a farm mortgagePart 3Mortgagees who fail to respond to a mediation request within 15 business days, refuse mediation, or delay unreasonably can have enforcement blocked by the authority.
•If a corporation (including a bank) enforces a mortgage in breach of this Act, an executive officer can also be held personally liableClause 89Executive officers who authorised or permitted the corporation's conduct, or were knowingly concerned in it, are taken to have committed the offence.
•Queensland cannabis growers with existing licences can supply seed to Commonwealth-licensed medicinal cannabis producersClauses 117-120Category 1 and 2 researcher licences and grower licences under the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 are amended to authorise supply of seed to holders of cannabis research or medicinal cannabis licences under the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 (Cth).
•Operating a biosecurity accreditation scheme without complying with its approval conditions carries a penalty of up to 200 penalty unitsClause 106 (new s 436A)An approved operator of an approved biosecurity accreditation scheme must not contravene an approval condition without a reasonable excuse, with a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units.

30/8/2016· Hon L Donaldson MPRegional QueenslandJustice & Rights

Rural and Regional Adjustment (Development Assistance) Amendment Bill 2016

WithdrawnThis bill was withdrawn from consideration and will not become law.

•Rural small businesses would have been able to restructure debts and access commercial loans through a state-run lenderClause 4Financial arrangements would include borrowing, lending, investing, restructuring a debt, and restructuring the business of a primary producer or small business.
•The new bank would have been able to raise wholesale finance through State or Commonwealth-guaranteed securitiesClause 4
•None of these expanded lending powers took effect because the bill was discharged

26/5/2016· Mr R Katter MPRegional QueenslandCost of LivingCommittee: not recommended

Environmental Protection (Chain of Responsibility) Amendment Bill 2016

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Parent companies, directors and other 'related persons' can be personally ordered to pay for managing or rehabilitating a site operated by a company they controlled or profited fromClause 7 (ss 363AB-363AD)A related person includes a holding company, a landowner, or a person the administering authority decides has a 'relevant connection' through financial benefit or ability to influence the company's environmental compliance.
•Two or more related persons issued with the same order can be made jointly and severally liable, so the government can pursue any of them for the full costClause 7 (s 363AE)
•If a related person fails to comply, the government can do the work itself and recover the costs as a debt, including labour, equipment and administrative costsClause 7 (s 363AI)A cost recovery notice may claim costs reasonably incurred in taking action stated in the order or monitoring compliance; unpaid amounts can be claimed as a debt after 30 days.
•A court will not pause a decision about how much financial assurance a mining or industrial operator must provide unless at least 85% of that amount has already been lodgedClauses 13 and 15 (ss 522A, 535B)

15/3/2016· Hon S Miles MPEnvironmentJustice & Rights

Brisbane Casino Agreement Amendment Bill 2016

PassedThis bill became law.

•The Brisbane casino site will no longer be exempt from Brisbane's development and heritage laws, changing how redevelopment is approvedClause 6 (new Part 2A)The replacement agreement will no longer exempt the existing Brisbane casino-hotel complex site from any development legislation in force in the local government area unless otherwise provided for in the BCA.
•Future redevelopment of the casino-hotel complex tied to Queen's Wharf Brisbane must be approved by the Minister for Economic Development QueenslandExplanatory notes, policy objectivesAny future redevelopment or repurposing applications for the casino-hotel complex and the site are to be assessed and approved by the Minister for Economic Development Queensland.
•Development applications for the casino's current use will continue to be handled under the existing frameworkClause 9 (new s 11)Applications made but not decided before commencement may continue to be decided under the former agreement.

23/2/2016· Hon Y D'Ath MPGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Animal Management (Protecting Puppies) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

PassedThis bill became law.

•If you breed dogs (even one litter at home), you must register with the state within 28 days or face fines of up to about $6,090Clause 11 (new s 43E)Breeder registration obligation with a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units.
•Every puppy advertisement must include the breeder's ID number, and the number must be recorded against the puppy's microchip and given to the buyer in writingClause 11 (new ss 43Z, 43ZB, 43ZC, 43ZF)Suppliers and advertisers must know the dog has a relevant supply number, include it in advertisements, and give it in writing to the buyer — each carrying a 50 penalty unit maximum.
•Animal feed definitions are being aligned with national standards, making it easier for Queensland feed producers and livestock farmers to comply with one set of rules across AustraliaClause 31 (new ss 45A, 45B)Replaces 'restricted animal material for ruminants' and 'restricted animal material for pigs and poultry' with nationally consistent terms 'restricted animal material' and 'prohibited feed for pigs and poultry'.
•Keepers of 100 or more aviary birds (not kept for food, eggs or free flight) no longer have to register as a biosecurity entityClauses 39-41 (new s 135A)Limits the registration trigger to 'designated birds' — captive birds kept for human consumption, egg production or that have been released for free flight.

16/2/2016· Hon L Donaldson MPJustice & RightsEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Queen's Wharf Brisbane Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•A consortium led by The Star Entertainment Group is granted a 99-year casino licence with 25 years of exclusivity in central BrisbaneClause 10 and Schedule 1The bill ratifies the Queen's Wharf Casino Agreement which provides for a 99-year licence with an initial 25-year geographical exclusivity period.
•Large investors in the casino operator must get Ministerial or Cabinet approval before acquiring voting power above 5%, 10% or 20%Clauses 20-23Voting power, non-voting interests and convertible securities in the licensee and related entities above set thresholds require prior approval after a suitability investigation.
•The state takes back land in the CBD and leases it to the consortium for $1 a year, under a process that bypasses standard Land Act rulesClauses 43-48A streamlined declaration process allows the Minister to declare land in the Queen's Wharf PDA to be granted or leased to the state, with nominal rent.
•Queensland casinos can now extend credit and accept credit card deposits from non-Queensland resident junket gamblersClauses 82-83Amends sections 66 and 67 of the Casino Control Act to remove prohibitions on credit and credit card deposits for non-resident junket participants.

3/12/2015· Hon Y D'Ath MPHousing & RentingJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Racing Integrity Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Racing Queensland loses its licensing and integrity role and must focus only on the commercial side of the industry, like prize money and handicappingClauses 317-332The Racing Queensland Board retains functions around rules of racing, prize money and handicapping, but licensing and integrity move to the new Commission.
•Bookmakers must hold an eligibility certificate, submit to fingerprinting and criminal history checks, and face automatic licence cancellation if linked to organised crimeClauses 88-132The gaming executive must take fingerprints of applicants and associates, and must immediately cancel an eligibility certificate if the holder is identified as a participant in organised crime.
•Bookmakers must carry insurance or a bond to pay out winning punters if the bookmaker defaultsClauses 153-154Racing bookmakers must maintain an insurance policy or bond to indemnify bettors against default of payment, and the Commission cannot licence a bookmaker without one.
•Control bodies like Racing Queensland must fund the new Commission, with costs recoverable as a debt if unpaidClauses 56-57The chief executive may invoice a control body for the cost of the Commission's operations, and the State can recover unpaid amounts as a debt.

3/12/2015· Hon B Byrne MPJustice & RightsEnvironment

North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability and Others Acts Amendment Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•The Enterprise Mine leases can no longer be renewed out to 2035, ending a long-term sand-mining business on the island by 2019Clause 10 (omits ss 11B-11J)
•The Yarraman mining lease (ML 1109) is cut short to end 12 months after commencement, with renewals only for site rehabilitationClause 6
•Mining companies whose leases end before clean-up is done can apply for a new authorisation to keep accessing the site for rehabilitationClause 27 (new s 344A(3))
•Mining safety laws continue to apply to former mine sites operating under the rehabilitation authorisation, clarifying worker safety dutiesClauses 18, 36

3/12/2015· Hon Dr S Miles MPEnvironmentFirst Nations

Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Large food chains, cafes, bakeries and supermarkets have 12 months to update menus, packaging and ordering systems to show kilojoule informationClause 10 (new s 303)Chapter 6A does not apply to the proprietor of a food business until 12 months after commencement, giving businesses a transition period.
•Deliberate breaches of the menu labelling rules attract fines of up to 500 penalty units, with 100 penalty units for other breaches (five times higher for companies)Clause 5 (new s 164E(3)-(4))A person must not intentionally contravene subsection (2) (max 500 penalty units); otherwise contravening (max 100 penalty units).
•Smaller food businesses that voluntarily display kilojoule information must follow the same standardised rules so customers get consistent informationClause 5 (new s 164F)Voluntary displays must be worked out and shown in the way prescribed by regulation, carrying a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units.

12/11/2015· Hon CR Dick MPHealthCost of Living

Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•If your venue holds a post-2am trading approval it is wound back to 2am (or 3am in a safe night precinct) from 1 July 2016, with no compensationClause 62 (new ss 332, 337)Existing extended trading hours approvals are cut back and no compensation is payable by the State.
•Bottle shops cannot get a new approval to sell takeaway liquor between 10pm and midnight; any pending application lapsed on 10 November 2015Clause 62 (new ss 333-335)Extended trading hours applications for takeaway liquor made during the retrospectivity period are of no effect and related court proceedings end.
•Craft breweries producing under 5 million litres a year can sell and sample their beer at farmers markets and food festivals (up to 9 litres per customer)Clauses 24, 25 and 32New section 74A and new Part 4A Division 8 let producer/wholesaler licensees and craft beer producer permit holders sell and supply craft beer at promotional events.
•Bed and breakfasts can host up to 8 adult guests (up from 6) and still be exempt from needing a liquor licenceClause 22(4)Section 14B is amended to increase the maximum from 6 to 8 adult guests for the B&B liquor licence exemption.

12/11/2015· Hon Y D'Ath MPSafety & EmergencyHealthJustice & RightsCommittee: not recommended

Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•If you were planning a large water project, you can no longer get an up-front guarantee of future water access and must use the standard allocation processesClause 15 (items 16, 20, 25, 26)Water development options are removed from the Water Act, including the ability to grant water licences, water allocations, resource operations licences and distribution operations licences to implement them.
•For mining, petroleum and gas tenures that straddle a cumulative management area for underground water, the chief executive can decide whether only part of the tenure is inside the area, after consulting you and the Office of Groundwater Impact AssessmentClause 16Amends section 365 so the chief executive may decide whether a tenure, or part of it, is a CMA tenure, having regard to groundwater impacts and advice from the tenure holder and the Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment.
•Applying for a water licence gets a bit cheaper, because the chief executive can let you publish a short newspaper notice pointing people to the department's website instead of publishing all the application details in printClause 15 (items 18 and 19)Gives the chief executive the option to require a short notice referring interested parties to information on the department's website, reducing advertising costs for water licence applicants.

10/11/2015· Hon Dr A Lynham MPEnvironmentRegional Queensland

Transport Operations (Marine Safety-Domestic Commercial Vessel National Law Application) Bill 2015

PassedThis bill became law.

•Non-corporate operators like sole-trader inland ferries, kayak hire businesses and eel fishers will have 12 months to meet the new national requirementsPart 8Transitional provisions give owners and operators of 'constitutional gap' domestic commercial vessels the same grandfathering arrangements given to other vessels when the national law started in July 2013.
•Operators will no longer need to re-certify vessels when working across state borders because one set of rules applies nationallyThe National Law ensures that, irrespective of where a commercial vessel is in Australian waters, it meets the same nationally-agreed safety standards.
•Unpowered or low-powered commercial vessels (such as kayak hire fleets) will pay a zero fee for national law certificationThe department intends to adopt a zero fee for certification for these vessels, matching the fee already applying to similar vessels already covered by the National Law.

27/10/2015· Hon M Bailey MPTransport & RoadsSafety & Emergency

Transport Operations (Marine Safety) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

PassedThis bill became law.

•Queensland stops accrediting ship designers, builders and marine surveyors — these roles are now handled nationally by accredited marine surveyorsClause 32Omits part 5, division 4 (Accreditation of ship designers, ship builders and marine surveyors) as Queensland no longer accredits them.
•Competent people issuing survey reports for recreational or other Queensland regulated ships must make sure every statement about seaworthiness is correct, or face up to 500 penalty units or 1 year in prisonClause 20 (amended s 40)
•Maritime Safety Queensland gains formal powers to exercise Commonwealth functions delegated to it and collect national feesClause 66Inserts functions for MSQ to exercise powers delegated under the domestic commercial vessel national law and collect fees.
•Charter, fishing and other commercial operators no longer need Queensland re-certification to move between states, since one national safety standard appliesExplanatory notes, Policy objective

27/10/2015· Hon M Bailey MPTransport & RoadsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass

Retail Shop Leases Amendment Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•If you run a small shop, your landlord must give you a fresh disclosure statement within 7 days of you renewing your lease, and you can pull out of the renewal within 14 days if the numbers are worse than you expectedClause 15 (new section 21E)The lessor must give the lessee a current disclosure statement within 7 days after the day on which the lessor receives the lessee's notice exercising the option to renew.
•When you sell your shop and assign the lease, both you and anyone who guaranteed your lease (often a spouse or family member) are released from future liability for the new tenant's defaultsClause 51 (new section 50A)When the assignment is entered into, the assignor and any guarantor of the assignor are released from any liability under the lease resulting from a default by the assignee.
•Shopping centre landlords must publish a marketing plan at least one month before each accounting period showing what your promotion money will be spent on, and carry forward anything they don't spendClauses 35-36 (new sections 40A, 41(6))At least 1 month before the start of each accounting period of the lessor, the lessor must make available to the lessee a marketing plan that gives details of the lessor's proposed spending on promotion and advertising.
•Your landlord can no longer force you to refurbish your shop unless the lease specifies the nature, extent and timing of the refurbishment up frontClause 51 (new section 50B)A provision of a retail shop lease requiring the lessee to refurbish or refit the leased shop is void unless the lease gives general details of the nature, extent and timing of the refurbishment or refitting required.

13/10/2015· Hon D'Ath MPCost of LivingCommittee: pass

Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No.2) 2015

PassedThis bill became law.

•Property developers and water connection applicants can streamline approvals by waiving detailed offset and refund calculationsClauses 9 and 11Where an applicant does not need offset or refund information at the time of approval, they can request an infrastructure charges notice without it and resolve those issues later.
•Past council infrastructure charges resolutions made between October 2014 and the bill's commencement are retrospectively confirmed as validClause 18 (new section 998)Validates charges resolutions that may otherwise have been invalid due to a conflict between section 628A and the transitional provisions.

17/9/2015· Hon J Trad MPGovernment & ElectionsHousing & Renting

Queensland Productivity Commission Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Private businesses can lodge a formal complaint if they think a government-run business is winning work by avoiding taxes, debt guarantee fees or normal regulationClauses 31-34Allows persons in competition with a government agency, or adversely affected by an alleged competitive advantage, to make a competitive neutrality complaint.
•The Commission must investigate eligible complaints unless they're frivolous, vexatious, or the complainant isn't actually a competitorClause 37
•Commercially sensitive information given to the Commission can be kept confidential if disclosure would damage the businessClause 47A person may ask the commission not to disclose documents or information to external entities if it would likely damage their commercial activities.
•Regulatory proposals are reviewed by an independent body, aimed at reducing unnecessary red tape on Queensland businessesClause 43The Commission administers the Queensland Government's regulatory impact analysis requirements and provides independent support on the quality of regulatory proposals.

15/9/2015· Hon C Pitt MPGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Energy and Water Ombudsman Amendment Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•If you run a small business using 100 to 160 megawatt hours of electricity a year, you can take disputes with your retailer to EWOQ for freeClause 6 (new s 6C)An eligible non-residential energy customer is a business customer who consumes electricity at business premises at or above the upper consumption threshold and at not more than 160MWh a year.
•Small businesses gain the same independent dispute service that residential customers already useClauses 4-9Replaces 'small customer (energy)' with 'relevant energy customer' throughout the Act so the broader customer definition flows through EWOQ's functions and dispute-handling powers.

15/9/2015· Hon M Bailey MPCost of LivingJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Liquid Fuel Supply (Ethanol and Other Biofuels Mandate) Amendment Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Large fuel retailers with 10 or more service stations must sell at least 2% sustainable biobased petrol each quarter or face fines up to 200 penalty units (2,000 for repeat breaches)Clause 6 (section 35B)A fuel seller must sell at least the minimum amount of sustainable biobased petrol in each calendar quarter.
•Fuel wholesalers must sell at least 0.5% sustainable biobased diesel each quarter, with the same penalty structureClause 6 (section 35C)
•Small service stations selling under 250,000 litres of petrol per quarter are exempt from the sales mandate but must still register and lodge annual reportsClause 6 (section 35A)Smaller fuel retailers with less than 10 service stations that sell low volumes of fuel will not be caught by the biofuels mandate for biobased petrol.
•Existing ethanol and biodiesel producers gain guaranteed demand and policy certainty to justify new investmentA legislated mandate is a commitment from Government that will provide policy certainty to the biofuel industry to enable it to plan and invest accordingly.

15/9/2015· Hon M Bailey MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Agriculture and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

PassedThis bill became law.

•Drone-based aerial spraying businesses now have a legal pathway under Queensland law that matches Commonwealth civil aviation rulesClauses 6-10, 18Aerial distribution contractor licences can cover UAV operators holding a civil aviation authorisation to operate 'for hire or reward'.
•Directors of agricultural chemical companies have a clearer defence if they took all reasonable steps to prevent their company breaking the lawClause 16, Clause 73Replaces blanket executive officer liability with a COAG-aligned two-tier model (evidential-burden for serious offences, deemed-liability for lesser ones).
•Biosecurity auditors can be suspended immediately if their work risks trade in a commodity, protecting Queensland exporters from reputational damageClause 53Section 488 extended so immediate suspension of an auditor's approval is available where there is immediate and serious risk to trade in a particular commodity.
•Pet microchip implanters face a single simpler device standard, with a 60 penalty unit fine for implanting a non-compliant deviceClauses 25, 28New section 22 makes it an offence for an authorised implanter to implant an electronic identification device that is not a PPID into a cat or dog.

14/7/2015· Hon W Byrne MPRegional QueenslandEnvironmentCommittee: pass

Planning and Development (Planning for Prosperity—Consequential Amendments) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

WithdrawnThis bill was withdrawn from consideration and will not become law.

•Developers, builders and certifiers would face a completely new vocabulary for development applications (accepted development, standard assessment, merit assessment) replacing the old self-assessable, code and impact categoriesParts 9, 19, 47Across the Building Act, Economic Development Act, QBCC Act and others, references to IDAS, self-assessable, exempt, code assessment and impact assessment are replaced with the new categories.
•Landowners in State Development Areas can have the Coordinator-General or authorised third parties enter non-residential land to carry out works, with written notice and compensation for damagePart 56 (Clause 512)The amendments provide that the Coordinator-General or an authorised person (third party) may enter land (but not a residence) within a State Development Area for the purposes of undertaking works.
•Rail and mining proponents in the Galilee Basin benefit from the clarified access powers, designed specifically to support proposed Galilee Basin railway projectsClause 512This amendment will assist the delivery of proposed railway projects in the Galilee Basin State Development Area.
•Applications, approvals, charges and appeals already in progress under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 would continue under the old rules until finalisedTransitional provisions across all 67 Parts

4/6/2015· Mr T Nicholls MPGovernment & ElectionsEnvironment

Sustainable Ports Development Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Port expansion is concentrated at Abbot Point, Gladstone, Hay Point/Mackay and Townsville to give industry certainty at these four portsClause 5Each of Abbot Point, Gladstone, Hay Point/Mackay and Townsville is declared a priority port with a master planned area.
•Port overlays override local planning schemes and port land use plans, simplifying decisions for developers inside master planned areasClauses 24-25If there is an inconsistency between a port overlay and a planning instrument or a land use plan under the Transport Infrastructure Act, the port overlay prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.
•Landowners whose land loses value because of a port overlay can claim compensation from the State within three yearsClauses 42-44An owner of an interest in land is entitled to compensation where a port overlay changes the assessable status of a use and reduces the value of the owner's interest; a claim must be made within 3 years.
•Projects already in an environmental impact statement process when the Act starts are exempt from the new port and dredging bansClause 60Sections 32 and 33 do not apply to development that is the subject of an EIS process started before commencement.

3/6/2015· Hon A Lynham MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Sugar Industry (Real Choice in Marketing) Amendment Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Cane growers get a legal right to choose who markets their share of the raw sugar if they can't agree with the millClause 6 (new s 33B)If the grower and mill owner cannot agree on the GEI sugar marketing entity, the grower nominates and the mill owner must accept the nomination.
•Supply contracts must set out how growers are paid and who carries the sale-price risk on the sugarClause 6 (new s 33B(2))Contracts must include terms on payment calculation and the proportion of on-supply sugar for which the mill owner or grower bears sale price exposure.
•Disputes over contract terms can be taken to binding arbitration after at least 10 business days of negotiationClause 6 (new s 33A)The grower can require the mill owner to negotiate for a stated period of at least 10 business days; remaining disputes are taken to be referred to arbitration under the Commercial Arbitration Act 2013.
•The new contract and marketing arrangements are protected from Commonwealth anti-competitive conduct claimsClause 8 (new s 238)Making supply contracts with the prescribed terms and selling on-supply sugar under them are specifically authorised for the competition legislation.

19/5/2015· Mr S Knuth MPRegional QueenslandCommittee: not recommended

Building Queensland Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Infrastructure businesses face a consistent statewide framework for how business cases and cost-benefit analyses are assessedClause 11Building Queensland is to develop a framework for assessing the costs and benefits of infrastructure projects.
•Project proponents seeking State investment can be required to work with Building Queensland during procurement and deliveryClause 15Building Queensland is to lead the procurement or delivery of a particular infrastructure project if directed by the Minister.
•Government agencies can be charged a fee for Building Queensland's services, with revenue ringfenced to cover its costsClause 51Amounts collected must only be used in payment of costs, expenses and remuneration for Building Queensland.

19/5/2015· Hon J Trad MPGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Liquor and Fair Trading Legislation (Red Tape Reduction) Amendment Bill 2015

DefeatedThis bill was defeated at the second reading — the main debate on its principles. It cannot proceed further.

•Small craft brewers can sell and sample their beer at food festivals, farmers markets and craft beer events for the first timeClauses 17, 18, 22, 23Licensees operating a craft brewery (under 40 million litres/year) can have their licence conditioned, or apply for a new craft beer producer permit, to sell craft beer at promotional events.
•Pubs, clubs and bottle shops that close by midnight can operate without an approved manager on site for up to three days at a timeClause 36 (new s 155AG)Exemption applies if the absence is no more than 3 consecutive days and 7 days a month, and a trained nominated person is present or reasonably available.
•Florists, caterers, industrial canteens and education venues that sell liquor no longer need to prepare a risk-assessed management planClause 24Extends the existing RAMP exemption for restaurants and cafes to other low-risk licence types like producer/wholesalers with no on-site consumption.
•Community clubs can sell takeaway liquor to signed-in guests and visitors, not just membersClause 21Amends section 77 so a community club licence authorises sale of liquor to guests, reciprocal members and visitors for consumption on or off the premises.

6/5/2015· Mr I Walker MPRegional QueenslandCost of LivingCommittee: pass (dissent)

Payroll Tax Rebate, Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Employers who hire apprentices or trainees get a 25 per cent payroll tax rebate on those wages for three yearsClauses 65-68Extends the existing rebate on qualifying apprentice and trainee wages to the 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 financial years, funded at $45 million.
•Mining and petroleum explorers pay no transfer duty on the money they spend exploring under qualifying farm-in dealsClause 15 (new Part 8A)Inserts a new Part 8A in Chapter 2 of the Duties Act so exploration amounts are excluded from the dutiable value of farm-in agreements.
•Businesses that successfully challenge a state tax assessment will now be paid interest on the refundClause 80 (new section 61A)Commissioner must pay interest on a refund of tax or late payment interest resulting from a decision to allow an objection.
•Charities can keep their vehicle registration duty exemption after just nine months of qualifying use instead of twelveClause 21Amends section 416(4)(d) of the Duties Act to reduce the minimum qualifying-use period to nine months.

27/3/2015· Hon C Pitt MPCost of LivingHousing & RentingGovernment & ElectionsEnvironment

Exhibited Animals Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Zoos, aquariums, circuses and mobile animal shows only need one licence instead of up to six under four different ActsChapter 3, Part 3The Bill replaces the current fragmented licensing schemes with a single licensing framework under a single Act.
•Exhibition licences can be granted for up to three years, reducing paperwork and renewal costs for operatorsClause 68Term of exhibited animal authority is set at up to three years for exhibition licences.
•Interstate-licensed exhibitors can get a one-year interstate exhibitors permit to bring animals into Queensland without a full Queensland licenceClauses 45-47Interstate exhibitors permits authorise exhibiting and keeping an animal under an interstate authority for up to one year.
•Operators must write a management plan explaining how they will manage risks, and pay for official assessments by inspectors when applying for or renewing a licenceClauses 37, 103-105An 'official assessment', charged to the exhibitor, will generally be required to provide the chief executive with sufficient evidence to decide a licence application.

27/3/2015· Hon W Byrne MPEnvironmentSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass