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58th Parliament (2024–present)6 bills

Home Ownership and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026

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

•Boost to Buy and Help to Buy participants will not face extra stamp duty or lose land tax exemptions because the government co-owns part of their homeClauses 3, 19Government equity shares are disregarded for transfer duty and land tax purposes.
•Current serving defence force members can now access the vehicle registration duty exemption, not just former membersClause 9Extends the vehicle registration duty exemption to current defence force members entitled to concessional registration fees.

23/4/2026· Hon D Janetzki MPHousing & RentingBusiness & EconomyGovernment & Elections

Transport Affordability Amendment Bill 2026

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

•Fuel price increases are capped at 5 cents per litre per day, reducing sudden price spikes at the bowserClause 5, new section 79The fuel retailer must not state a price that represents an increase of more than 5c/L from the previous fuel price notice or the lowest reduced price.
•You can check the next day's fuel price by 2pm, helping you plan when and where to fill upClause 5, new section 76Fuel retailers must give the commissioner a fuel price notice by 2pm the day before offering the fuel for sale.
•50-cent public transport fares cannot be increased without a vote in Parliament, protecting a key cost-of-living measureClause 17, new section 145The chief executive may change the fare only if the Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution approving the change after at least 28 days notice.

11/2/2026· Mr B Mellish MPTransport & Roads

Energy Roadmap Amendment Bill 2025

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

•Keeping electricity affordable becomes a core legislative objective for Queensland's energy system planningClause 8The first strategic infrastructure path objective is 'the long-term minimisation of the cost of electricity for Queensland consumers'.
•The CopperString project could deliver more reliable and affordable energy to North and North West Queensland by connecting to the national gridClause 58 (new section 95)CopperString involves constructing a transmission network to connect Mount Isa to the national transmission grid near Woodstock.
•Transmission network costs in regional energy hubs will be inflation-adjusted to ensure fair cost recovery over timeClause 49Cost recovery declarations must account for inflation on establishment and operational costs and adjust shortfall recovery for future inflation.

16/10/2025· Hon D Janetzki MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

PassedThis bill became law.

•The doubled $30,000 First Home Owner Grant helps reduce upfront costs for first home buyers entering the market before 30 June 2026
•The SPER registration fee (currently $78.20) is confirmed as applying to all unpaid fine registrations — no change in practice but now legally certain

24/6/2025· Hon D Janetzki MPHousing & RentingBusiness & EconomyGovernment & Elections

Locking in Cost of Living Support (50 Cent Fares Forever) Amendment Bill 2025

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

•Would have permanently capped all Translink fares at 50 cents or less per trip
•Built on a trial that saved commuters over $181 million in fares

19/2/2025· Mr S Miles MPTransport & Roads

Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

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

•First home buyers of new builds could save tens of thousands of dollars in stamp duty with no property value capClause 13 (new sections 92A and 92B)Irrespective of the value of the land, eligible first home buyers will generally not have to pay any transfer duty.
•Home buyers who rent out a room can earn extra income without risking their stamp duty concessionClause 4Recipients of transfer duty home concessions can lease part of their property during the one-year occupation period and retain the full benefit of this relief.

12/12/2024· Hon D Janetzki MPHousing & RentingHealthCommittee: pass

57th Parliament (2020–2024)16 bills

Public-Private Partnership (Transparency and Accountability) Bill 2024

Lapsed

•Queenslanders would have been able to see whether PPP projects deliver genuine value for money compared to the government building infrastructure itselfClause 13(2)(d)Public sector entities must use a conventional and systematic process to assess whether the project is likely to achieve value for money, measured against other projects carried out by public sector entities.
•The Treasurer would have published annual statements showing the impact of all PPP commitments on state debt over five yearsClause 21(3)The financial information must include an analysis of the effect of all major PPP projects on the total amount of State debt for the current financial year and the next 4 financial years.

21/8/2024· Mr S Andrew MPGovernment & ElectionsBusiness & Economy

Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•Grocery shoppers may benefit from greater transparency in how food prices are set between supermarkets and farmersClause 2(a)The Act's main object includes improving transparency of dealings related to food supply chains and pricing of products.
•The Commissioner can investigate and report on supermarket pricing practices that affect consumersClause 5(1)(e)Functions include reporting to the Minister on improper behaviours and business practices adversely affecting farmers or consumers.

20/8/2024· Hon G Butcher MPRegional QueenslandBusiness & Economy

Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•First home buyers can save up to $17,350 in stamp duty on homes valued under $710,000Clause 6, Schedule 4AMaximum concession of $17,350 applies for residential land with a dutiable value not more than $709,999.99.
•First home buyers building on vacant land can save up to $10,675 in stamp duty on land valued under $360,000Clause 6, Schedule 4BMaximum concession of $10,675 applies for vacant land with a dutiable value not more than $359,999.99.
•The doubled $30,000 First Home Owner Grant helps offset the cost of buying or building a new homeClause 12, new section 25EB

11/6/2024· Hon C Dick MPHousing & RentingBusiness & Economy

Cheaper Power (Supplementary Appropriation) Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•Queensland households receive energy rebates on their power bills, funded by $2.267 billion in government spendingClause 2 and Schedule 1Appropriates $2,267,000,000 as administered items for the Energy Rebate program to support cost of living relief.
•The rebates were structured so they cannot be revoked or reduced by a future governmentClause 2(1)Payments made as 2023-24 unforeseen expenditure to ensure rebates are locked in and cannot be clawed back.

2/5/2024· Hon C Dick MPGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Help to Buy (Commonwealth Powers) Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•First home buyers face a much lower deposit barrier, needing only 2 per cent instead of a typical 10-20 per centSchedule 1, Section 7The shared equity arrangement means Housing Australia contributes part of the cost of acquiring the property, reducing the buyer's upfront costs and ongoing mortgage.
•The scheme is fully funded by the Commonwealth with no financial impact to QueenslandThe Australian Government has committed that there will be no financial impact to states and territories as the scheme is fully funded by the Australian Government.

2/5/2024· Hon M Scanlon MPHousing & RentingGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

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

•Renters must be offered at least one fee-free way to pay rent, ending the practice of charging for rent payment platformsClauses 52 and 53 (ss 83 and 98)Landlords must ensure at least one rent payment method does not incur costs beyond normal bank transaction fees.
•Local government employees can reduce or stop their compulsory super contributions to ease financial pressureClause 100 (s 220A)Non-defined benefit permanent employees may change their yearly contribution rate, including to 0%, by giving their employer notice.
•Utility bills must be passed on to renters within 4 weeks, and renters do not have to pay if the bills are not provided on timeClauses 56-59 (ss 165-170)Landlords must provide copies of utility charges within 4 weeks of receiving them; tenants are not required to pay if they have not received the documents.
•A portable bond scheme will allow renters to transfer their bond between properties instead of paying a new bond upfrontClause 25 (s 155A)Head of power established for a regulation-based portable bond scheme, with a 2-year sunset clause for the provision.

21/3/2024· Hon M Scanlon MPHousing & RentingBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Amendment Bill 2024

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

•Site rent increases in residential parks are capped, preventing the large annual jumps of over 10 per cent that some home owners experienced from market rent reviewsClause 15 (s 69B)Annual general site rent increases cannot exceed the higher of CPI or 3.5 per cent, replacing uncapped market-based reviews.
•Home owners must be offered at least one fee-free way to pay their site rentClause 27 (s 63A)Park owners must nominate at least 3 approved payment methods, ensuring at least one does not incur additional costs beyond normal bank fees.
•Park owners cannot pass buyback scheme costs on to other home owners through special rent increasesClause 20 (s 71)Amounts payable by the park owner under the buyback scheme, and amounts by which site rent must be reduced, are not a special cost that can be charged to other residents.

21/3/2024· Hon M Scanlon MPHousing & RentingSeniorsCommittee: pass (dissent)

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

Lapsed

•Existing ratepayers in growing areas would have been less likely to subsidise infrastructure for new developments through their council ratesClause 3The current cap on infrastructure charges creates a disconnect between the regulated maximum amount and the level of funding that local governments and communities actually need.
•Automatic increases to infrastructure charges would still have been limited to the Producer Price Index for roads and bridgesClause 4Amends s114(5) to retain the requirement for automatic increases to be no greater than increases proportional to the construction producer price index for roads and bridges.

15/11/2023· Mr M Berkman MPHousing & RentingBusiness & EconomyCommittee: not recommended

Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023

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

•The bill aims to keep electricity affordable long-term by planning the cheapest pathway to renewable energyClause 8(c)The optimal infrastructure pathway objectives include the long-term minimisation of the cost of electricity for Queensland consumers.
•Government commits to keeping at least 54% of generation assets and 100% of transmission assets in public hands, which has helped fund rebates on household billsClause 13The public ownership strategy must set and maintain these targets by 2035, including maintaining ownership of existing coal-fired and gas-fired power stations.
•Some costs of new transmission infrastructure and Renewable Energy Zones could be passed through to electricity customers if generators cannot cover themClauses 71-72Ministers may declare that cost shortfalls for REZ transmission networks or REZ assessments be recovered through charges for prescribed transmission services.

24/10/2023· Hon M de Brenni MPEnvironmentWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass

Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

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

•Off-the-plan buyers are protected from developers cancelling contracts via sunset clauses to resell at higher pricesClause 50, s 19DSellers can only terminate under a sunset clause with the buyer's written consent, a Supreme Court order, or a way prescribed by regulation.
•Buyer deposits for off-the-plan purchases are protected and cannot be released early to the developerClauses 26, 47, 49, 56Statutory notes and examples inserted across four Acts confirm deposits can only be released at settlement or contract finalisation.
•Lot owners in deteriorating schemes facing large body corporate levies for costly repairs can now pursue collective sale and termination as an alternativeClause 7, s 81AEconomic reasons for termination include where it is not economically viable to carry out required repairs and maintenance within 5 years.

24/8/2023· Hon Y D'Ath MPHousing & RentingBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Waste Reduction and Recycling and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

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

•Councils must use waste levy payments to offset the direct cost of the levy on households, not for other purposesClause 17 (new s 73DC)The local government must use a relevant payment to mitigate the direct effects of the waste levy on households in the local government area.
•Councils can request additional state payments if the standard waste levy payment is not enough to cover household impactsClause 17 (new s 73DB)The local government may request payment of an additional amount to further mitigate the direct effects of the waste levy on households.

22/2/2023· Hon M Scanlon MPEnvironmentGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Land Tax and Other Legislation (Empty Homes Levy) Amendment Bill 2022

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

•By increasing rental supply, the levy aimed to ease the competition that has driven rents up over 20% in parts of Queensland
•The levy aimed to cool speculative property investment and push land prices down, making home ownership more accessible for first home buyers

26/10/2022· Dr A MacMahon MPHousing & Renting

Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation (Rent Freeze) Amendment Bill 2022

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

•Renters facing record rent rises of over 20% in Brisbane would have had immediate relief through a two-year freezeClause 4, Section 82B
•After the freeze, ongoing rent increases would have been limited to 2% every two years, well below inflationClause 4, Section 82D
•A new public rent register would have made it easier to check whether you are being overchargedClause 4, Section 82E

31/8/2022· Dr A MacMahon MPHousing & RentingCommittee: not recommended

Building Units and Group Titles and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•Bodies corporate must start recovering unpaid levies within 2 years, protecting owners who do pay from having to cover shortfallsClause 8If a contribution has been outstanding for 2 years and 30 days, the body corporate must start recovery proceedings within 2 months.
•Gift card sellers can now be fined for charging post-purchase fees or not displaying expiry dates, protecting consumersClauses 26-27Infringement notice penalties of 55 penalty units for corporations and 11 for individuals for gift card breaches.

21/6/2022· Hon S Fentiman MPHousing & RentingJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•Small to medium employers get payroll tax relief, with the deduction now phasing out at $10.4 million instead of $6.5 million in taxable wages (Clauses 72-77)
•Employers of apprentices and trainees can claim a 50% payroll tax rebate on their wages for 2021-22 and 2022-23 (Clauses 67-71)
•The HomeBuilder Grant is confirmed at $15,000 for contracts made between January and March 2021 (Clause 21)

21/6/2022· Hon C Dick MPBusiness & EconomyHealthEnvironmentHousing & Renting

State Penalties Enforcement (Modernisation) Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•Families caring for a person with a profound disability through a Special Disability Trust will pay less land tax on trust property (Clause 4)
•If SPER seizes your property for unpaid fines, you may now also be liable for enforcement costs like towing and storage on top of the original debt (Clause 31 and Clause 46)

17/3/2022· Hon C Dick MPJustice & RightsHousing & RentingCommittee: pass (dissent)

56th Parliament (2017–2020)9 bills

Mineral and Energy Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020

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

•Energy customers on standard retail contracts are permanently protected from late payment fees and paper bill feesPart 13 (Clause 165)Removes the time limitation on the Queensland derogation banning certain fees for customers on standard retail energy contracts.
•Customers of new types of energy sellers can now access the Energy and Water Ombudsman to resolve disputesPart 3 (Clauses 18-28)Amendments to the Energy and Water Ombudsman Act 2006 extend dispute resolution to customers of prescribed energy entities.

4/2/2020· Hon A Lynham MPWork & EmploymentEnvironmentBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Motor Accident Insurance and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

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

•Measures to reduce fraudulent CTP claims aim to keep compulsory third party insurance premiums affordable for Queensland motorists (Clause 3 — amends objects of the Act)
•Lawyers acting on speculative CTP claims cannot charge more than 50% of the settlement amount after expenses (Clause 15, section 79 — applies the 50/50 rule from the Legal Profession Act 2007)

14/6/2019· Hon. J Trad MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

PassedThis bill became law.

•Employers of apprentices and trainees keep their 50% payroll tax rebate for two more yearsClauses 36, 39, 42The 50% rebate on apprentice and trainee wages is extended to the financial years ending 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2021.
•Australian citizens and permanent residents overseas no longer face higher land tax as absenteesClause 16Australian citizens and permanent visa holders are excluded from the definition of absentee, benefiting from a higher tax-free threshold of $600,000.
•Foreign companies and foreign trusts face a new 2% land tax surcharge on Queensland landClauses 14, 17, 18A 2% surcharge on land with a taxable value of $350,000 or more is imposed on foreign companies and trustees of foreign trusts.

11/6/2019· Hon J TradBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandGovernment & Elections

Personalised Transport Ombudsman Bill 2019

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

•Public transport passengers will have more payment options including tapping on with a bank card or phone, reducing reliance on purchasing a go cardClause 124The new ticketing solution allows a broader range of payment methods including contactless debit and credit cards, smartphones, and wearable devices.
•Concession fare entitlements will be verified through information sharing, ensuring only eligible passengers receive discounted fares and helping keep fares sustainableClause 130Allows the chief executive to enter into information sharing arrangements with educational institutions and other entities to verify concession fare entitlements.

13/2/2019· Hon M Bailey MPTransport & RoadsBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

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

•Buyers of older used vehicles from dealers regain statutory warranty protection covering repairs for vehicles over 160,000km or 10 years old (Clause 17, new sections 3A-3B)
•Motor vehicle disputes can be resolved at QCAT for up to $100,000 instead of through expensive court proceedings (Clause 5, new section 50A)
•Small motor vehicle claims under $25,000 can get an expedited hearing at QCAT for faster resolution (Clause 5, new section 50B)

15/11/2018· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsHousing & Renting

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

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

•Households are protected from paying the levy — councils receive annual payments to offset any impact on your rates (Clause 6, Section 73D)
•Your council must include information about the levy offset payment on your rate notice so you can see the money is being passed on (Clause 6, Section 73D(4))

6/9/2018· Hon L Enoch MPEnvironmentBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•Buyers of luxury vehicles worth over $100,000 pay extra registration duty of $2 for every $100 of the vehicle's value (Part 2, Clause 7)
•First home buyers received an extra $5,000 in grant money through the extended $20,000 First Home Owners' Grant (Part 3, Clauses 10-11)

12/6/2018· Hon J Trad MPHousing & RentingBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandGovernment & Elections

Tow Truck and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•Motorists with multiple unpaid tolls will pay only one administration charge instead of a separate charge for each tollClause 31, new section 99A demand notice must not require the registered operator to pay more than one administration charge, even if the notice is given for two or more deferred toll amounts.
•Private property towing charges are capped at $250, stopping tow truck companies from charging excessive amounts to release your vehicleClause 67, Schedule 3Maximum standard tow charge of $250 including GST for private property motor vehicles, compared to no previous cap.

15/2/2018· Hon M Bailey MPTransport & RoadsJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Electricity and Other Legislation (Batteries and Premium Feed-in Tariff) Amendment Bill 2018

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

•Around 240,000 Solar Bonus Scheme customers get certainty that they can add batteries or extra solar panels without losing their 44c/kWh feed-in tariff, as long as the new equipment is set up correctly (Clause 5)
•Customers in embedded networks like apartment complexes can now shop around for a better electricity deal from any authorised retailer (Clause 4)
•Regional households and small businesses can switch back to Ergon Retail to access regulated electricity prices, even if a previous occupant switched to a private retailer (Clause 13)

15/2/2018· Hon A Lynham MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)

55th Parliament (2015–2017)20 bills

Tow Truck and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Private property tows are capped at $250, with storage limited to $25 per dayClause 64 (new Schedule 3)Sets a maximum standard tow charge of $250 for private property vehicles and maximum storage of $25 per day.
•Call-out fees, administration fees, fuel surcharges and similar extras are banned for private property towsClause 59 (new s 32)Prohibits separate charges for responding to requests, travelling, finding the owner, using fuel, administrative work, photographs, or document preparation.
•Multiple unpaid tolls on one demand notice mean fewer administration charges stacking upClauses 31, 33, 39, 41Notices issued under sections 99, 101, 105ZH and 105ZK may list multiple deferred toll amounts but include only one administration charge.

22/8/2017· Hon Dr S Miles MPTransport & RoadsJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Housing Legislation (Building Better Futures) Amendment Bill 2017

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

•Site rent in a residential park can only go up once a year, and only on one basis at a time (for example, CPI or a market review, not both)Clause 33 (new ss 69-69E)Park owners must nominate a single general increase day and cannot use more than one basis for increasing site rent at a time.
•If you think a market rent increase for your park site is unfair, QCAT can appoint an independent valuer paid for by the park ownerClause 35 (new s 70A)The tribunal can appoint an independent registered valuer where consultation was inadequate, where the valuation is unclear or unreasonable, or where at least 25% (or 20) of notified home owners dispute the increase.
•Retirement village residents will get quarterly financial statements so they can see where their general services charges are goingClause 136 (new ss 112 and 112A)Operators must give residents quarterly financial statements in the approved form and must explain in writing any variation between actual and budgeted general services expenditure if requested.

10/8/2017· Hon M de Brenni MPHousing & RentingSeniorsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Tow Truck (Towing from Private Property) Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•The government can set a maximum price tow truck operators can charge to tow your car from private property, stopping bills that have ranged from $400 to $1000Clause 5If a motor vehicle is towed from private property, the reasonable sum charged must not be more than the amount prescribed by regulation.
•Different maximum fees can be set for city and country areas so pricing reflects where you actually liveClause 5A regulation may prescribe different total distances or different amounts depending on where the place from which the vehicle is towed is located.
•If you agree in writing beforehand, a tow truck operator can still charge more than the capped fee, so the cap only protects you from surprise chargesClause 5

8/8/2017· Mr A Powell MPTransport & RoadsBusiness & Economy

Electricity and Other Legislation (Batteries and Premium Feed-in Tariff) Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•If you receive the 44c/kWh solar feed-in tariff, adding a battery or extra panels the wrong way will cost you that paymentClause 5A customer stops being entitled to the 44c/kWh feed-in tariff if they oversize their system, or install a battery or extra generator that runs alongside the qualifying generator or exports to the grid.
•People living in apartments, retirement villages and caravan parks would gain the right to shop around for their own electricity retailerClause 4Omits the restriction in section 23(2) that prevents embedded network customers from cost-effectively purchasing electricity from a chosen retailer.
•Small businesses in embedded networks using up to 160 MWh per year would be able to take disputes to the Energy and Water OmbudsmanClause 9A person is also a small customer (energy) if they are both an eligible non-residential energy customer and a receiver of an on-supplier under an energy Act.

15/6/2017· Hon M Bailey MPEnvironmentHousing & RentingCommittee: pass

Waste Reduction and Recycling Amendment Bill 2017

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

•You can claim a cash refund by returning eligible empty drink containers to a refund point or reverse vending machineClause 4 (new s99S)A person may claim a refund amount for an empty container by presenting the container at a container refund point.
•Shoppers will need to bring reusable bags or pay for alternative shopping bags at the checkoutClause 4 (new s99F)Retailers are not limited in their ability to charge for an alternative bag if they wish.
•Refunds above a certain value may be paid by electronic transfer, voucher or gift card rather than cash, but must match the full refund amount without discountClause 4 (new s99V)

14/6/2017· Hon Dr S Miles MPEnvironmentBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

PassedThis bill became law.

•An extra $5,000 on the First Home Owners' Grant helps cover deposit and moving costs for people buying or building a new home in late 2017Clauses 20-21The temporary $20,000 grant is extended for eligible transactions entered into between 1 July 2017 and 31 December 2017.
•Small businesses renting commercial premises on leases signed between 1992 and 2009 are protected from being charged their landlord's land tax billClause 26New section 83A makes unenforceable any provision in a pre-existing lease requiring the lessee to pay or reimburse land tax.
•Overseas-based individuals who own Queensland land worth $350,000 or more pay an extra 1.5% land tax on top of the normal rateClauses 24, 29New schedule 3 imposes a surcharge of 1.5 cents for each $1 of taxable value above $349,999 for absentees.

13/6/2017· Hon C Pitt MPHousing & RentingBusiness & EconomyGovernment & Elections

Liquor (Rural Hotels Concession) Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Lower licence fees for remote pubs could have helped moderate the price of a drink or meal in isolated towns where operating costs are highThe bill's rationale notes that remote pubs operate on very low profitability even with prudent management.
•Queensland would have given up around $300,000 a year in licence fee revenue to support remote hotelsExplanatory notes estimate the lost revenue at approximately $300,000.

23/3/2017· Mr R Katter MPRegional QueenslandBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

State Penalties Enforcement Amendment Bill 2017

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

•People in financial hardship can apply for a flexible payment plan covering all their SPER debts instead of being chased for each fine separatelyClause 23 (new Part 3A)Introduces payment plans at a case level, with new debts able to be added to an existing plan rather than triggering separate enforcement.
•The registrar can waive or refund SPER fees for people experiencing hardship, and fees are simplified to a single charge per enforcement actionClause 77 (new s 150AA)Allows the registrar to waive or return all or part of any fee payable under the Act in circumstances prescribed by regulation, such as debtor hardship.
•SPER can take money directly from your wages without first being satisfied about your financial circumstances, making it easier to garnish pay if you don't engageClause 45 (amending s 79)Removes the requirement for the registrar to be satisfied of the debtor's personal financial circumstances before issuing a fine collection notice for redirection of earnings.

2/3/2017· Hon C Pitt MPJustice & RightsHealthCommittee: pass

Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis Affordability) Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Aimed to reduce out-of-pocket costs for families paying for a relative's medicinal cannabis treatmentClause 3 (new s 214A(1))Affordability is measured for the person incurring the cost of the patient's treatment.
•Proposed Commonwealth or State subsidies for imported medicinal cannabis to bring prices downClause 3 (new s 214A(2)(b))Steps include the subsidising, by the Commonwealth or the State, of the cost of the lawful treatment of a person with whole plant medicinal cannabis imported from foreign manufacturers.
•Sought to loosen Commonwealth import restrictions so more overseas suppliers could compete on priceClause 3 (new s 214A(2)(a))
•No affordability measures were actually introduced because the bill lapsed

14/2/2017· Mr S Dickson MPHealthCommittee: not recommended

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.

•The bill did not set retail milk prices - it set a minimum price paid to the farmer only for milk that processors chose to sell under the logoExplanatory Notes - Achievement of Policy ObjectivesThe minimum price for milk is not applicable to every contractual agreement or sale, but is a necessary component of the eligibility criteria for a fair milk price logo.
•Supporters argued failure to act could eventually push up fresh milk prices in Queensland as supply is freighted in from southern statesExplanatory Notes - Potential Impacts of InactionIf the projected decline continues, consumers will be faced with paying more for fresh milk, which would have to be freighted from southern states.
•Because the bill failed at second reading, no new logo, price signal or pricing mechanism was introduced at the supermarket shelfStatus: 2nd reading failed.

13/10/2016· Mr S Knuth MPRegional QueenslandBusiness & EconomyCommittee: not recommended

Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

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

•Overseas students and temporary visa holders with private health insurance are formally exempt from Queensland insurance duty, backdated to October 2014Clause 7Section 375 is amended to cover health insurance issued under the Commonwealth Private Health Insurance Act 2007 that provides hospital or medical benefits, including overseas student and temporary visa holder cover.
•Anyone can now join QSuper or LGIAsuper, opening up more choice of super fund in retail competitionClauses 27, 62LGIAsuper and QSuper are both open to membership by any person, subject to the trust deed.

16/6/2016· Hon C Pitt MPWork & EmploymentHousing & RentingGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation (National Injury Insurance Scheme) Amendment Bill 2016

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

•If you are on workers' compensation, your weekly payments will no longer drop when Queensland average earnings fall — they stay at least at last year's levelClause 11 (new s 107)If the value of QOTE decreases for a financial year then there will be no change in the value of QOTE for that financial year and the variation of QOTE will be 0 per cent.
•Any payment cut applied for the 2016-17 year is reversed, and ex gratia top-ups already paid by insurers count towards making you wholeClause 46 (new ss 721-723)The person is entitled to be paid the higher amount from 1 July 2016.

14/6/2016· Hon G Grace MPWork & EmploymentHealth

Duties and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

PassedThis bill became law.

•First home buyers of new homes receive an extra $5,000 grant for one year from 1 July 2016Clause 14 (new section 25E)The Queensland First Home Owner's Grant rises from $15,000 to $20,000 for eligible transactions in the 2016-17 financial year.
•Families buying a farm from a relative no longer need it to be a gift to avoid transfer duty on the business propertyClause 6 (new section 105)The dutiable value of the business property used to carry on a primary production business is taken to be nil, whether or not consideration is paid.
•Anti-avoidance rules block people swapping a pre-July 2016 contract for a new one just to claim the higher grantClause 14 (new section 25D)The commissioner must presume a scheme if a contract replaces an earlier contract for the same or a substantially similar home.

14/6/2016· Hon C Pitt MPHousing & RentingGovernment & Elections

Rural and Regional Adjustment (Development Assistance) Amendment Bill 2016

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

•Farmers facing unviable debts from drought, flood, or falling land values would have had a new avenue for debt restructuringThe explanatory notes describe industry participants needing debt restructure due to exceptional seasonal conditions, flawed government policy, and deflation of capital values.
•Producers who fall outside commercial bank lending criteria but are otherwise viable would have had a financing optionNo market exists for producers and others who fall outside tight financial guidelines but who can still present a case for a viable future.

26/5/2016· Mr R Katter MPRegional QueenslandBusiness & EconomyCommittee: not recommended

Electricity and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

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

•Your electricity network operator is being merged into a single company aiming to deliver efficiency savings, with the existing regulatory protections kept in placeClauses 39, 42Section 157A and new Schedule 5 ensure Energex and Ergon remain subject to the same regulatory framework after the merger, including anti-corruption, ombudsman and tax rules.
•Residents of remote Torres Strait and Cape York communities get a stronger legal duty on the government-run stores to keep food and household essentials at a fair priceClause 7 (section 60B)Community Enterprise Queensland's functions include providing access to a range of food, drinks and household items essential for a healthy life at a fair price.

15/3/2016· Hon C Pitt MPFirst NationsRegional QueenslandGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

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

•Kilojoule labels on chain menus make it easier to compare the energy content of meals and everyday grocery items against the 8,700 kJ daily intake benchmarkClause 5 (new s 164E)Nutritional information must include the average energy content of each standard food item in kilojoules plus an average adult daily energy intake statement.

12/11/2015· Hon CR Dick MPHealthBusiness & Economy

Retail Shop Leases Amendment Bill 2015

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

•Your landlord now pays the cost of getting their own mortgagee's consent to the lease, instead of passing it on to youClause 49 (new section 48)The lessor is responsible for the costs of obtaining the consent of the lessor's mortgagee, and the lessor's compliance with this Act.
•Shopping centre tenants get an itemised annual breakdown of centre outgoings and management fees, so you can see exactly what you are paying forClause 33 (new section 38A)The outgoings estimate must also include a breakdown of the estimated fees to be paid by the lessee towards the administration costs of running the centre and any other fees to be paid to a centre management entity.
•You cannot be charged extra outgoings just because another shop in the centre chooses to open outside core trading hours when you are closedClause 54 (new section 53A)A lessee under a retail shop lease is not liable under the first lessee's lease for any additional outgoings of the lessor that are incurred only because an eligible lessee's shop is open for trading outside the core trading hours at a time when the first lessee's shop is not open for trading.
•If your landlord fails to give you an annual outgoings estimate or audited statement, you can hold back your outgoings payments until they doClause 33 (new section 38C)The lessee may withhold payments in relation to apportionable outgoings until the lessor gives the outgoings estimate or audited annual statement to the lessee.

13/10/2015· Hon D'Ath MPBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Energy and Water Ombudsman Amendment Bill 2015

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

•You get a free, local avenue to challenge your energy retailer over bills or service without hiring a lawyerClause 6 (new s 6D)A relevant energy customer is a small customer (energy) or an eligible non-residential energy customer, giving both groups access to EWOQ.
•Utilities can now reconcile EWOQ bills against their own records, which may reduce billing errors passed on to customersClause 11EWOQ may disclose customer identifying information to a utility entity to the extent reasonably necessary for user-pays fees and billing reconciliation.

15/9/2015· Hon M Bailey MPBusiness & EconomyJustice & RightsCommittee: 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.

•Products like Chinese cooking wine and soy sauce stay on supermarket shelves and are not treated as liquorClause 12 (new s 14AB)Clarifies the Liquor Act does not apply to food additives, personal hygiene products or medicines unless used as a beverage.
•You cannot bring your own drinks into, or take leftover liquor home from, a community or commercial public event permit eventClause 39 (new ss 162B, 162C)Maximum penalty of 25 penalty units for bringing liquor into or taking it from the permit event area while the permit is in force and for one hour afterwards.

6/5/2015· Mr I Walker MPBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)

Payroll Tax Rebate, Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

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

•First home buyers get more flexibility if life events stop them meeting the grant residence rulesClauses 60-61Clarifies that the Commissioner can vary or waive First Home Owner Grant residence requirements at any time, backdated to 4 July 2013.
•A payroll tax rebate on apprentice and trainee wages is funded for three years, supporting training jobsClauses 65-68The Government allocated $45 million over three years for the rebate as a 2015 election commitment.
•Taxpayers who win objections on duties, payroll tax or land tax will be paid interest on their refundClause 80 (new section 61A)

27/3/2015· Hon C Pitt MPBusiness & EconomyHousing & RentingGovernment & ElectionsEnvironment