Government & Elections
Electoral law, public service, government accountability
58th Parliament (2024–present)23 bills
Home Ownership and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026
In CommitteeThis bill is being examined by a parliamentary committee before further debate.- •Taxpayers disputing a tax assessment must choose either the Supreme Court or QCAT for all related tax matters and cannot split disputes across bothClause 25Clarifies that related tax matters for a primary tax must all proceed to the same forum.
- •Outdated methods of giving documents by collection box or exchange box are removed from tax administration lawClauses 26-27Removes references to physical document exchange methods no longer used by the Commissioner of State Revenue.
23/4/2026· Hon D Janetzki MPHousing & RentingCost of LivingBusiness & Economy
Education and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026
In CommitteeThis bill is being examined by a parliamentary committee before further debate.- •Five arts statutory bodies face stronger governance requirements including criminal history checks and disqualification criteria for board membersParts 10-15Consistent provisions across Libraries Act, Art Gallery Act, Museum Act, QPAT Act, and Theatre Company Act.
- •The Minister can now issue Statements of Expectations to guide the priorities of NSSAB and arts statutory bodiesClause 30 (NSSAB), Clauses 99, 131, 158, 183, 208 (arts bodies)
23/4/2026· Hon J Langbroek MPEducationChildren & Families
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.- •The Minister gains strong new powers to oversee the container refund scheme, including appointing a special manager or administrator if the scheme coordinator is not performingClause 11, Division 8The Minister may impose conditions, appoint a special manager, appoint an administrator, suspend or cancel the PRO's appointment.
- •The scheme coordinator becomes subject to the Crime and Corruption Act, meaning corrupt conduct can be investigated by the CCCClause 11, s 102AOThe Organisation is a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001, to the extent the Organisation is performing a function of the Organisation.
- •The coordinator must publish corporate documents, reports, director pay and Ministerial directions on its website for public scrutinyClause 11, s 102CERequires publication of corporate documents, annual and quarterly reports, director remuneration, template scheme agreement terms and Ministerial directions.
26/3/2026· Hon A Powell MPEnvironmentBusiness & Economy
Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority Bill 2026
Awaiting DebateThis bill has been introduced but the main debate (second reading) hasn't started yet.- •A new statutory body is created with a seven-member board appointed by the Governor in Council, with board members needing expertise in areas like marine science, maritime business, or environmental managementClauses 25 and 27The board consists of a chairperson and 6 other persons appointed on the Minister's recommendation, who must be qualified in relevant areas.
- •The authority receives $35.6 million in government funding over three years and must report quarterly and annually on its performanceClauses 56 and 57The authority must give the Minister quarterly reports on progress, activities, and revenue and expenditure.
4/3/2026· Hon B Mickelberg MPEnvironmentRegional Queensland
Fighting Antisemitism and Keeping Guns out of the Hands of Terrorists and Criminals Amendment Bill 2026
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Police can now use controlled operations and surveillance devices for offences carrying just 3 years imprisonment, down from 7 yearsClauses 21-28Lowers the offence threshold for controlled operations, controlled activities and surveillance device warrants from 7-year to 3-year imprisonment offences.
- •The Commissioner of Police now has sole authority to issue Firearm Prohibition Orders, replacing the courtsClauses 77-84Removes court-issued FPOs and consolidates all issuing power with the Commissioner. Individuals can still seek review through QCAT.
- •Queensland Police can now formally share database information with the Australian Defence ForceClause 48Prescribes the ADF as an approved agency under the Police Service Administration Regulation 2016.
10/2/2026· Hon D Purdie MPJustice & RightsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass (dissent)
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Electoral Laws (Restoring Electoral Fairness) Amendment Bill 2025
PassedThis bill became law.- •Property developers can donate to state political campaigns again after the ban introduced following the Belcarra corruption inquiry is removedClause 17Omits Part 11, Division 8, Subdivision 4 of the Electoral Act 1992, which prohibited political donations from property developers for state elections.
- •Donation caps reset every financial year instead of every election cycle, meaning donors can give more over a full parliamentary termClause 14Replaces section 247 so the donation cap period for a registered political party or candidate is each financial year, retrospective to 1 July 2025.
- •Prisoners serving sentences of one year or more lose the right to vote, down from the previous three-year thresholdClause 6Amends section 106 of the Electoral Act 1992 to change the disqualification from 3 years to 1 year of imprisonment or detention.
- •Political advertising must show who authorised it for a full year before a general election, making it easier to see who is behind campaign materialClause 9New section 180A defines the authorisation period as beginning one year before polling day for ordinary general elections.
11/12/2025· Hon D Frecklington MPCommittee: pass (dissent)
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Local Government (Empowering Councils) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Councils get a say in hiring senior executives through a panel of the mayor, CEO and deputy mayor, instead of the CEO deciding aloneClause 69Amends section 196 of the LGA so a panel constituted by the mayor, CEO, and either the relevant committee chairperson or deputy mayor appoints senior executive employees.
- •The councillor conflicts of interest system is simplified — the 'close personal relationship' concept and duty to report other councillors' suspected conflicts are removedClauses 24 and 107Replaces the prescribed/declarable conflicts of interest framework with the pre-2018 material personal interest and conflict of interest framework.
- •Lower-level councillor conduct complaints are removed from the formal system, reducing costs and political misuse of the processClauses 72–106Removes the 'conduct breach' category; bullying, sexual harassment, and defying a chairperson's order to leave are elevated to misconduct.
- •Councillors who nominate for State parliament automatically lose their council seat instead of just taking leaveClauses 8 and 62Amends section 155 of the COBA and LGA to automatically disqualify a councillor who becomes a candidate for the Legislative Assembly.
20/11/2025· Hon A Leahy MPRegional QueenslandFirst NationsCommittee: pass (dissent)
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Appropriation (Parliament) (Supplementary 2024-2025) Bill 2025
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament spent $5.407 million more than originally budgeted for the 2024-25 financial year, and this bill formally approves that spendingClause 2Authorises the Treasurer to pay $5,407,000 from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service.
- •The Auditor-General has already reviewed the spending through the Consolidated Fund Financial Report, ensuring accountabilityThe supplementary appropriation is based on the Consolidated Fund Financial Report prepared by the Treasurer and reported on by the Auditor-General.
30/10/2025· Hon D Janetzki MPCommittee: pass
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Appropriation (Supplementary 2024-2025) Bill 2025
PassedThis bill became law.- •The government spent $5.741 billion more than originally budgeted across 16 departments in 2024-25, and this bill formally approves that spendingClause 2Authorises the Treasurer to pay $5,740,982,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as stated in Schedule 1.
- •Queensland Health accounted for the largest share of extra spending at $2.02 billion, followed by Queensland Treasury at $1.83 billionSchedule 1
- •The Auditor-General has already reviewed all expenditure through the Consolidated Fund Financial Report, ensuring public accountabilityThe supplementary appropriation is based on the Consolidated Fund Financial Report prepared by the Treasurer and reported on by the Auditor-General.
30/10/2025· Hon D Janetzki MP
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Health Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2025
PassedThis bill became law.- •Hospital and Health Board members and other health body leaders can now be removed from their positions by the government without needing to give a reasonParts 3-7 (Clauses 48, 50, 57, 65, 70, 71)Governor in Council may remove board members and CEOs of Hospital and Health Boards, Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Pharmacy Business Ownership Council, and Hospital Foundations for any reason or none.
- •Queensland Health inspectors gain broader powers to compel information from fertility clinics, not just when investigating suspected offences but also for routine compliance monitoringClause 26 (amendment of section 111)Inspectors can require information if they reasonably believe a person can give information about a licensed provider's compliance with the Act.
14/10/2025· Hon T Nicholls MPHealthJustice & Rights
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Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2025
PassedThis bill became law.- •Queensland Parliament receives $146.5 million to fund its operations for 2025-26, including MPs' offices and parliamentary servicesClause 2Appropriates $146,459,000 from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2025.
- •An additional $73.2 million in interim supply keeps parliament running from July 2026 until the next budget bill passesClause 3Authorises $73,229,500 from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2026.
- •Two older appropriation Acts from 2023 and 2024-25 are repealed as they have served their purposeClause 4Repeals the Appropriation (Parliament) Act 2023 and the Appropriation (Parliament) (Supplementary 2023-2024) Act 2025.
24/6/2025· Hon D Janetzki MP
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Appropriation Bill 2025
PassedThis bill became law.- •The government is authorised to spend $105.4 billion on public services in 2025-26, a 17% increase on the previous year's budgetClause 2The Treasurer is authorised to pay $105,417,248,000 from the consolidated fund for departments for the financial year starting 1 July 2025.
- •Government services can keep running into early 2026-27 with $52.7 billion in interim supply until the next budget passesClause 3The Treasurer is authorised to pay $52,708,624,000 from the consolidated fund for departments for the financial year starting 1 July 2026.
- •Several departments have been restructured and renamed, and the Department of Energy and Climate has been dissolved as a separate entitySchedule 1Schedule 1 lists departments with former names noted, and the Department of Energy and Climate appears as a ceased entity with no 2025-26 allocation.
- •Four old appropriation acts are repealed, including the Cheaper Power (Supplementary Appropriation) Act 2024Clause 4Repeals the Appropriation Act 2023, Appropriation (Supplementary 2022-2023) Act 2024, Appropriation (Supplementary 2023-2024) Act 2025 and Cheaper Power (Supplementary Appropriation) Act 2024.
24/6/2025· Hon D Janetzki MP
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Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
PassedThis bill became law.- •Budget Estimates hearings will be chaired by the Speaker or Deputy Speaker instead of a government-nominated MP, aiming for more independent scrutiny of government spending
- •SPER's longstanding registration fee practice is confirmed and validated retrospectively from June 2022
24/6/2025· Hon D Janetzki MPHousing & RentingCost of LivingBusiness & Economy
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Queensland Institute of Medical Research Bill 2025
PassedThis bill became law.- •Council members face new integrity requirements including criminal history checks and mandatory conflict of interest declarations at meetingsClauses 17-20, 26The Minister may request criminal history reports; members must disclose material personal interests and criminal charges, with a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units.
- •The Minister can now directly appoint and remove Council members instead of going through the Governor in Council, speeding up governance decisionsClauses 11, 16Council consists of up to 9 members appointed by the Minister, who may remove a member for misconduct, incapacity, or absence from 3 consecutive meetings.
- •The Council must immediately notify the Minister of any matter that could significantly affect the Institute's financial viability or managementClause 29Examples include legal proceedings that may result in significant damages or a significant decrease in the value of funds held on investment.
22/5/2025· Hon T Nicholls MPHealthCommittee: pass
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Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The Brisbane 2032 Corporation Board is being cut from up to 23 members to around 14, with local councils gaining direct representationClause 73, s 17Independent directors reduced from 5 to up to 3; Queensland and Australian government nominations reduced to 1 each; Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast councils each get a director.
- •Decisions about Games venue delivery are shielded from legal challenge — courts can only review them for jurisdictional errorClause 66, s 53EGRelevant decisions are final and conclusive, cannot be challenged under the Judicial Review Act 1991 or otherwise, except for jurisdictional error by the Supreme Court.
- •A new Games Leadership Group will provide strategic direction across all Games entities, with representatives from Queensland, the Commonwealth and Brisbane City CouncilClause 68, s 55AThe group must include representatives of the Queensland Government, Commonwealth Government, Brisbane City Council, the Corporation and the Authority.
- •The chief executive must table a report in Parliament within 14 sitting days whenever they direct community benefit conditions be imposed on a developmentClause 21, s 106ZHThe report must explain the nature of the direction and the matters the chief executive considered, and include a copy of the direction.
1/5/2025· Hon J Bleijie MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)
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Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
PassedThis bill became law.- •The government now has explicit legal authority to use electronic systems for automatically issuing particular permitsClause 11 (new s 555) and Clause 16 (new s 143B, 143BA)Creates a process for the chief executive to approve electronic systems for automatically granting standard environmental authorities and nature conservation permits.
- •The Minister must be satisfied that automating a permit type under the Nature Conservation Act would not harm the Act's objectivesClause 16 (new s 143B(2))The Minister may recommend regulations for automated dealings only if satisfied prescribing the matter would not have a detrimental effect on achieving the object of the Act.
12/3/2025· Hon A Powell MPEnvironmentBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass
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Crime and Corruption (Restoring Reporting Powers) Amendment Bill 2025
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Past CCC corruption reports invalidated by the High Court are retrospectively declared lawful and validClause 30 (new ss 471-472)Reports and statements made before 13 September 2023 are taken to have always been valid and lawful.
- •The CCC can now table reports directly through the Speaker, rather than relying on the parliamentary committee to call for a reportClause 18 (amended s 69)Removes ss 69(1) and 69(2) which required the PCCC to direct tabling, giving the CCC direct access to the Speaker.
- •The CCC can make public statements about corruption matters through media releases, press conferences, or its websiteClause 15 (new s 65A)The commission may make a statement to the public about a corruption matter in the way the commission considers appropriate.
20/2/2025· Hon D Frecklington MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass
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Queensland Academy of Sport Bill 2025
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The Queensland Academy of Sport becomes an independent statutory body rather than part of a government departmentClauses 5-8The Academy is established as a body corporate, a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009, and a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001.
- •A new board of 5 to 8 members will govern the Academy, appointed by the Governor in CouncilClause 15Board members must have qualifications, skills or experience in business, corporate governance, high-performance sport, law, or Olympic/Paralympic sport.
- •The Minister retains oversight through the power to issue directions and a statement of expectationsClauses 46-47The Minister may give written directions in the public interest and set expectations for the Academy's strategic and operational activities.
- •Current Academy staff transfer to the new body but can choose to return to the department by 30 September 2025Clauses 59-60Transferring employees retain their benefits, entitlements and remuneration as public service employees.
18/2/2025· Hon T Mander MPHealthCommittee: pass
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Trusts Bill 2025
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The Attorney-General gains a new power to approve changes to charitable trust purposes, with public notice requirements and Supreme Court appeal rightsPart 12, Division 3, Subdivision 3The Attorney-General may approve a cy pres scheme for charitable trusts valued within the District Court's monetary limit.
- •The Trusts Act 1973 is repealed and replaced with modernised legislation reflecting the Queensland Law Reform Commission's recommendations from its 2012-2013 reviewClause 220Repeals the Trusts Act 1973 and replaces it with the Trusts Act 2025.
18/2/2025· Hon D Frecklington MPJustice & RightsBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass
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Appropriation (Parliament) (Supplementary 2023–2024) Bill 2024
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament formally approves $4.207 million in additional spending for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service during 2023-24Clause 2(1)Authorises the Treasurer to pay $4,207,000 from the Consolidated Fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2023.
- •The additional funds are allocated entirely as an equity adjustment, not for day-to-day departmental servicesSchedule 1Schedule 1 allocates the full $4,207,000 as an equity adjustment with no amounts for departmental services or administered items.
- •This spending was already incurred and authorised by the Governor in Council under emergency provisions, but requires formal Parliamentary approval for accountabilityClause 2The Governor in Council authorised unforeseen expenditure in accordance with section 35 of the Financial Accountability Act 2009, with supplementary appropriation sought via a separate bill for transparency.
10/12/2024· Hon D Janetzki MP
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Appropriation (Supplementary 2023–2024) Bill 2024
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament formally approves $1.128 billion in additional government spending from the 2023-24 financial year that exceeded original budgetsClause 2(1)The Treasurer is authorised to pay $1,128,388,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as stated in Schedule 1 for the financial year starting 1 July 2023.
- •The biggest extra spending went to Queensland Health ($217.5 million), Families and Child Safety ($212.8 million), and Transport and Main Roads ($212 million)Schedule 1Schedule 1 lists supplementary appropriation amounts for each of the 13 departments broken down by departmental services, equity adjustment, and administered items.
- •This is the third top-up bill for the same financial year, bringing total supplementary appropriation for 2023-24 to $9.55 billion on top of the original $78.4 billion budgetPrevious supplementary appropriations were the Cheaper Power Act ($2.267 billion) and the Appropriation Act 2024 ($6.154 billion).
- •The now-abolished Department of Energy and Climate receives $25 million in retrospective approval for spending before it ceased on 1 November 2024Schedule 1The department ceased on 1 November 2024. The $25 million is for administered items.
10/12/2024· Hon D Janetzki MPCommittee: pass
Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
PassedThis bill became law.- •The Public Sector Commissioner can no longer be sacked by the Premier without giving a reason, strengthening independent oversight of the public serviceClause 42Governor in Council may remove the Commissioner only for misconduct, mental or physical incapacity, or neglect of duty.
- •The 2032 Olympics infrastructure authority is restructured with a new name and expanded powers to review all Games-related projects within 100 daysClauses 6-8Authority renamed to Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority and must conduct a 100-day review of Games-related infrastructure.
- •The Minister can now directly appoint board members for the Olympics authority without a nine-person selection panelClauses 13-15Selection panel removed; Minister recommends directors to the Governor in Council for appointment.
28/11/2024· Hon J Bleijie MPFirst NationsWork & EmploymentHousing & Renting
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Queensland Productivity Commission Bill 2024
PassedThis bill became law.- •A new independent body will review whether Queensland's laws and regulations are working effectivelyClause 3The Commission's main purpose is to provide independent advice on economic and social issues, regulatory matters or legislation with regard to productivity, economic growth and living standards.
- •The government must publicly respond to the Commission's inquiry reports within three monthsClause 34The Minister must give a written response within 3 months, after which the Commission must publish the report on its website.
- •The Minister cannot tell the Commission what to recommend, protecting its independenceClause 38(3)A direction cannot be about the content of any advice or recommendation given by the Commission.
- •All ministerial directions to the Commission must be published on its website for transparencyClause 38(4)The Commission must publish a copy of each ministerial direction on its website.
28/11/2024· Hon D Janetzki MPBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass (dissent)
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57th Parliament (2020–2024)62 bills
Arts (Statutory Bodies) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
Lapsed- •Board members of arts bodies face new integrity requirements including criminal history checks and disqualification for indictable offencesClauses 9, 35, 65, 93, 122A person is disqualified from becoming or continuing as a member if they have a conviction for an indictable offence, are insolvent under administration, or disqualified from managing corporations.
- •The Minister can issue Statements of Expectations to guide each arts body's performance and strategic directionClauses 22, 52, 80, 108, 137The Minister may give the board a written statement about expectations relating to strategic activities, reporting and information sharing.
- •Ticket scalping at QPAC is restricted to no more than 10% above the original ticket price, with penalties of up to 20 penalty unitsClause 110 (new section 54B)A person must not resell a ticket to a QPAC presentation at a price greater than 10% above the original ticket price. Does not apply to non-profit fundraising.
11/9/2024· Hon L Enoch MPFirst Nations
Crime and Corruption (Reporting) Amendment Bill 2024
Lapsed- •Elected officials including MPs, Ministers, and councillors can be named in CCC corruption reports even without being convicted — reflecting the higher public interest in their conductClause 10 (new s 63F(c))A corruption investigation report may include identifying information about an investigated person if the identifying information relates to an elected office holder.
- •The CCC must weigh the public interest before publishing any corruption report, considering government accountability, human rights, and whether the matter has been subject to prolonged public debateClause 9 (new s 63B)The commission may exercise reporting powers only if satisfied it is in the public interest, having regard to accountability, transparency, human rights, and seriousness of the matter.
- •Past CCC reports published before the September 2023 High Court ruling are shielded from civil lawsuits, provided they were made in good faithClause 26 (new s 337A)A person is not civilly liable for an act done before 13 September 2023 in good faith and without gross negligence to prepare or publish a corruption report.
10/9/2024· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & Rights
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Public-Private Partnership (Transparency and Accountability) Bill 2024
Lapsed- •Government agencies would have been required to publish PPP contract details on government websites, with limited exceptions for genuinely confidential commercial informationClause 23A public sector entity must publish all the information in the contract for the PPP, other than information classified as commercial-in-confidence, on a government website.
- •The Auditor-General would have reviewed all major PPP projects at least every four years, with reports tabled in Parliament within 10 business daysClauses 16-20The auditor-general must conduct a review into all relevant matters relating to a major project as soon as practicable after receiving a report.
- •Agencies wanting to keep information secret would have had to publicly justify why, identify who requested confidentiality, and set a time limitClause 14The public sector entity must prepare a report that justifies any decision that information be classified as commercial-in-confidence.
- •The Information Commissioner would have gained new powers to issue disclosure guidelines and audit whether agencies are complying with PPP transparency rulesClause 22
21/8/2024· Mr S Andrew MPCost of LivingBusiness & Economy
Cross-Border Commissioner Bill 2024
PassedThis bill became law.- •A new independent statutory office is created with its own staff, separate from the public service chain of commandClauses 17-20The Office of the Cross-Border Commissioner is established with staff not subject to direction from outside the office about how functions are performed.
- •The Commissioner must table an annual report in Parliament, including any ministerial directions received, ensuring public accountabilityClause 24The Commissioner must prepare an annual report within 3 months of each financial year end, which the Minister must table within 14 sitting days.
- •The Act must be reviewed after 3 years, with the review report tabled in ParliamentClause 28The Minister must review the effectiveness of the Act as soon as practicable after 3 years from commencement and table a report in the Legislative Assembly.
20/8/2024· Hon G Butcher MPRegional Queensland
5
Night-Life Economy Commissioner Bill 2024
PassedThis bill became law.- •A new independent statutory office is created outside the public service, with initial funding of $0.24 million from the 2024-25 State BudgetClause 11The Commissioner is appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022, providing independence from government.
- •The Commissioner must table annual reports in Parliament, and all ministerial directions must be disclosed in those reportsClauses 17 and 21The annual report must include details of any direction given by the Minister and the actions taken as a result.
- •The Act must be reviewed after three years, with the review report tabled in ParliamentClause 23The Minister must review the effectiveness of the Act as soon as practicable after three years from commencement.
20/8/2024· Hon L McCallum MPBusiness & Economy
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Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2024
PassedThis bill became law.- •$131.9 million is allocated to fund Parliament's operations, including electorate offices and support services for MPs, in 2024-25Clause 2, Schedule 1Appropriates $131,935,000 for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for departmental services, equity adjustment and administered items.
- •$66 million in interim supply keeps Parliament running in 2025-26 until the next budget bill passesClause 3Authorises the Treasurer to pay $65,967,500 from the consolidated fund for the financial year starting 1 July 2025.
- •$18.2 million in extra funding covers unforeseen parliamentary expenditure from the previous financial yearClause 4, Schedule 2Supplementary appropriation of $18,164,000 for 2023-24, including $6.7 million for departmental services and $11.4 million for equity adjustment.
- •The Under-Treasurer must report to the relevant portfolio committee on how the unforeseen expenditure was spentClause 5Statement must be provided within 6 months after the end of the financial year showing amounts paid as unforeseen expenditure and any lapsed appropriations.
11/6/2024· Hon C Dick MP
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Appropriation Bill 2024
PassedThis bill became law.- •The state budget allocates $90.4 billion across 27 government departments for 2024-25, up from $78.4 billion the previous yearClause 2, Schedule 1The Treasurer is authorised to pay $90,436,181,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as itemised in Schedule 1 for the financial year starting 1 July 2024.
- •Government departments can keep operating into 2025-26 with $45.2 billion in interim supply until the next budget bill passesClause 3The Treasurer is authorised to pay $45,218,090,500 from the consolidated fund for departments for the financial year starting 1 July 2025.
- •An additional $6.15 billion in unforeseen spending from 2023-24 is retrospectively authorised, with the Under-Treasurer required to report these amounts to the relevant parliamentary committeeClauses 4-5, Schedule 3The largest supplementary amounts went to Energy and Climate ($1.83B), Transport and Main Roads ($1.12B), and Queensland Health ($901M).
- •The biggest funding increases went to Housing (up to $3.75B from $1.52B), the new standalone Youth Justice department ($671M), and the restructured Queensland Fire Department ($2.52B)Schedule 2Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works vote increased from $1,519,162,000 to $3,754,306,000.
11/6/2024· Hon C Dick MP
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Progressive Coal Royalties Protection (Keep Them in the Bank) Bill 2024
PassedThis bill became law.- •A future government can no longer quietly lower coal royalty rates through regulation — any reduction must be debated and voted on in ParliamentClause 3 (new s 321AA(1))New section 321AA prevents the royalty rate for coal being lowered by way of a regulation, either by way of a new regulation, amendment of an existing regulation, or repeal of an existing regulation.
- •Coal royalty rates can still be increased by regulation, keeping existing processes for upward changesClause 3Current processes will continue to apply for any increase to coal royalty rates as well as for coal royalty rates to be changed by way of an amending Bill.
23/5/2024· Hon C Dick MPBusiness & EconomyEnvironmentCommittee: pass
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Cheaper Power (Supplementary Appropriation) Bill 2024
PassedThis bill became law.- •The Under-Treasurer must report to the relevant parliamentary committee on how the $2.267 billion was spentClause 3(2)Statement must be provided to the portfolio committee within 6 months after the end of the financial year.
- •Any unspent funds automatically lapse two weeks after the end of the 2023-24 financial yearClause 2(3)If the appropriated amount has not been paid within the financial year or the further 2 weeks, the unpaid amount lapses.
2/5/2024· Hon C Dick MPCost of LivingCommittee: pass
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Help to Buy (Commonwealth Powers) Bill 2024
PassedThis bill became law.- •Queensland refers specific legislative powers to the Commonwealth to enable a national housing schemeClause 3A text-based referral of power under section 51(xxxvii) of the Australian Constitution, giving the Commonwealth limited power to legislate for the Help to Buy scheme.
- •Queensland can terminate its participation in the scheme at any time by proclamationClause 5The Governor may fix an expiry day on which one or more of the references is to terminate. The proclamation is subordinate legislation that must be tabled in Parliament.
2/5/2024· Hon M Scanlon MPHousing & RentingCost of LivingCommittee: pass (dissent)
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Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Amendment Bill 2024
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •A new statutory body, the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority, is created to manage Brisbane 2032 venue delivery and government coordinationClause 20, s 53AAEstablishes the authority as a body corporate with a board of up to 7 independent directors and its own staff, operating at arm's length from government.
- •Planning and land acquisition decisions made by the authority or Minister for Games venues cannot be challenged in court except for jurisdictional errorClause 20, s 53BBDecisions under Part 4 are final and conclusive and cannot be challenged under the Judicial Review Act 1991 or otherwise.
- •Queensland taxpayers bear the financial risk if the authority's costs exceed its budget, as the State inherits all liabilities when it is dissolvedClause 20, s 53CKOn dissolution day, all assets, rights, duties and liabilities of the authority become those of the State.
- •The authority can direct state and local government agencies to take actions on transport infrastructure, overriding their usual independenceClause 20, s 53ALThe authority may give a government agency or local government a written direction to provide or maintain critical transport infrastructure identified in the transport and mobility strategy.
17/4/2024· Hon G Grace MPTransport & RoadsHousing & RentingCommittee: pass (dissent)
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Economic Development and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •EDQ becomes a more independent body with its own board, CEO appointed by the Governor in Council, and a separate employing officeClauses 18, 49-50 (Parts 5-10)The board comprises the departmental chief executive, the Under-Treasurer, and up to six Governor-appointed non-government members with relevant expertise.
- •EDQ gains compulsory land acquisition powers as a last resort for infrastructure delivery and urban renewal in Priority Development AreasClause 15 (sections 20A-20I)MEDQ may take land for providing infrastructure for a PDA or to give effect to a place renewal framework, with the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 compensation process applying.
- •New Place Renewal Areas allow the State to take a coordinating role in precinct-level urban renewal within Priority Development AreasClause 38 (Part 4A, sections 104AA-104AO)MEDQ can declare Place Renewal Areas and prepare statutory Place Renewal Frameworks setting out the vision, objectives, and outcomes for the area.
20/3/2024· Hon G Grace MPHousing & RentingBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass
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Disaster Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is split into two separate organisations — Queensland Fire and Rescue for urban firefighting and Rural Fire Service Queensland for bushfire managementClause 31 (new s 8)QFR and RFSQ are established as separate fire services, collectively called 'the fire services', under a new Queensland Fire Department.
- •Senior fire service leaders must now have mandatory firefighting experience — no more appointments without operational backgroundsClause 25 (amended s 5)The Commissioner must have professional firefighting experience, incident control expertise and fire prevention expertise.
- •The Police Commissioner is formally confirmed as the chief executive responsible for coordinating disaster management across QueenslandPart 2 and Schedule 1References to 'chief executive' throughout the Disaster Management Act are replaced with 'police commissioner' to clarify this responsibility.
7/3/2024· Hon N Boyd MPSafety & EmergencyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)
16
Crime and Corruption and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •CCC commissioners now serve fixed seven-year non-renewable terms, reducing the risk of their independence being compromised by the desire for reappointmentClause 36 (new section 231)A commissioner holds office for a fixed, non-renewable term of 7 years, replacing the previous system of renewable 5-year terms up to 10 years.
- •The Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee must respond within 30 days on whether it supports commissioner appointments, with delays publicly reportedClauses 35 and 42Within 30 days after consultation, the PCCC must notify the Minister whether a nomination has bipartisan support. The PCCC must publish information about its participation in appointments in its annual report.
- •At least two of three ordinary CCC commissioners must have community affairs, public administration or organisational leadership backgroundsClause 34 (amendment to section 225)Requires at least 2 ordinary commissioners to have a demonstrated interest and ability in community affairs, public administration or organisational leadership.
- •The CCC and DPP must publish a memorandum of understanding on how corruption prosecutions will be handled, increasing transparencyClause 7 (new section 49G)The commission must publish a copy of the memorandum of understanding on the commission's website and report at regular intervals on its effectiveness.
15/2/2024· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)
15
Forensic Science Queensland Bill 2023
PassedThis bill became law.- •Queensland becomes the first Australian state with dedicated legislation establishing an independent forensic science officePart 3Establishes the Office of the Director of Forensic Science Queensland (Forensic Science Queensland) as an independent office within the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.
- •The Queensland Government invested more than $170 million to implement the Commission of Inquiry's 123 recommendations on forensic DNA testingInitial funding of more than $95 million plus an additional $75.1 million over four years to support forensic infrastructure upgrades, case management approach and review of historical cases.
- •Forensic science staff transfer from Queensland Health to the Justice Department with all employment conditions preservedPart 7Transitional provisions preserve terms and conditions of employment including leave, superannuation and continuity of service for staff transferring between departments.
29/11/2023· Hon S Fentiman MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)
17
Emergency Services Reform Amendment Bill 2023
PassedThis bill became law.- •Queensland's emergency services are restructured with the SES and marine rescue moving from Fire and Emergency Services to Queensland Police, backed by $578 million over five yearsPart 5The Government has allocated a total funding package of up to $578 million over 5 years from 2023-2024 and $142 million per annum ongoing.
- •The Premier chairs a new State Disaster Management Group with core ministers and agency heads for faster decision-making during disastersClause 7 (new sections 4A–4B)Membership includes the Premier, deputy Premier, relevant ministers, departmental chief executives, Police and Fire Commissioners, State Disaster Coordinator, and QRA CEO.
- •Emergency service units at Rolleston and Tambo will be replaced with SES units as part of the organisational simplificationClause 11ESUs have been operating as SES groups. The Bill will not provide for the continuation of ESUs and they will be replaced with SES units.
28/11/2023· Hon M Ryan MPSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass (dissent)
11
State Emergency Service Bill 2023
PassedThis bill became law.- •The SES moves from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to the Queensland Police Service, with the Police Commissioner overseeing SES operationsClause 9Commissioner's functions include establishing SES units, appointing leadership, developing policies, and giving directions.
- •The government is investing $578 million over five years and $60 million per year ongoing to support the restructured SESIncludes 60 additional full-time equivalent positions for the SES.
- •A new three-tier command structure is established from state to local level, with local governments retaining a partnership rolePart 2, Division 5Local governments must agree to the establishment of SES units and nominate local controllers.
28/11/2023· Hon M Ryan MPSafety & EmergencyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)
7
Marine Rescue Queensland Bill 2023
PassedThis bill became law.- •Marine rescue moves from a fragmented volunteer model to a statutory service under the Queensland Police Service CommissionerClause 9The Commissioner's functions include establishing MRQ units, appointing members, and giving directions and guidance to MRQ leadership.
- •The government has allocated $27 million per year for MRQ as part of a $578 million emergency services reform package over five yearsFunding includes $27 million per annum for the establishment of MRQ from 2023-24 onwards.
28/11/2023· Hon M Ryan MPSafety & EmergencyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass
9
Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2023
PassedThis bill became law.- •Place naming proposals are now developed by the chief executive rather than the Minister, separating the roles of proposal development and decision-making for greater transparencyClause 114 (new section 8)The chief executive develops proposals and makes recommendations to the Minister, who retains decision-making power.
- •The duplicative requirement for the chief executive to assess the 'most appropriate use' of land before allocation is removed, as this is already handled under planning frameworksClause 16 (amendment of section 16)The chief executive need only assess the most appropriate tenure, not the most appropriate use, reducing duplication with the Planning Act 2016.
- •Changing or discontinuing a place name does not affect any person's legal rights or obligations, providing certainty for court orders, contracts, and legal documentsClause 124 (new section 18A)Applies retrospectively and prospectively — legal proceedings may be started or continued using the former or discontinued name.
15/11/2023· Hon S Stewart MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandFirst NationsCommittee: pass (dissent)
13
Public Records Bill 2023
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Historical government records held in the State Archives are now open to the public by default, unless a specific restricted access period appliesClause 28A public record in the custody of the archives is an open record unless the responsible public authority gives a restricted access notice to the archivist.
- •Government agencies must give reasons when they refuse access to restricted records, and disputes can be escalated to the Public Records Review CommitteeClause 38If the responsible public authority refuses access or imposes conditions, the authority must advise the archivist about why it has done so.
- •The State Archivist can now compel government agencies to hand over records that are over 25 years old or at risk of being lost or damagedClause 26The archivist may take custody of public records more than 25 years old, or permanent value records at risk of loss or damage.
- •The State Archivist must publish an annual report detailing any Ministerial directions, agency non-compliance, and the number of access refusalsClause 89The annual report must include details of Ministerial directions, notices to report, failures to comply, and the number of times access to restricted records was refused.
12/10/2023· Hon L Enoch MPFirst NationsTechnology & DigitalCommittee: pass (dissent)
12
Information Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •More Cabinet documents will be published proactively, giving you greater insight into government decisionsClause 87 (new section 18A)Supports an administrative scheme for proactive release of Cabinet documents, with protections for redacted information.
- •Accessing your own personal information through an RTI request is now free and no longer requires a specific formClause 90 (amended section 24)No application fee for requests for documents containing only the applicant's personal information, and applications can be in writing.
- •The Information Commissioner can now investigate agency privacy practices on their own initiative without waiting for a complaintClause 35 (amended section 135)Adds own-motion investigation, monitoring and auditing functions for the Information Commissioner.
12/10/2023· Hon L Enoch MPTechnology & DigitalJustice & RightsCommittee: pass
14
Housing Availability and Affordability (Planning and Other Legislation Amendment) Bill 2023
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The Planning Minister can direct councils to amend their planning schemes without consultation in limited circumstances to ensure consistency with state requirementsClause 94 (new section 26A)The Minister may direct a local government to amend its planning scheme as provided for in section 20 without consulting with any person.
- •Third-party appeal rights are removed for state facilitated applications, with the Minister required to table annual reports to Parliament insteadClause 100 (amendment of P&E Court Act section 11) and Clause 74 (new section 106N)Declaratory proceedings in the P&E Court cannot be brought against state facilitated application decisions, except by the assessment manager. The Minister must table annual reports in the Legislative Assembly.
- •Public notices for planning decisions no longer need to be published in hard copy newspapers, moving to online and gazette publicationClause 38 (new definition of public notice)Public notice means a notice published in the gazette and on the department's website, or in a way the local government considers likely to bring it to the attention of interested persons.
11/10/2023· Hon Dr S Miles MPHousing & RentingBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass
25
Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2023
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament formally approved $1.24 billion in extra government spending that departments incurred beyond their original 2022-23 budgetsClause 2(1)Authorises the Treasurer to pay $1,243,941,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as stated in Schedule 1.
- •Queensland Health accounted for over half the supplementary spending, receiving an extra $697.5 million on top of its original budgetSchedule 1Queensland Health departmental services received $697,524,000 in unforeseen expenditure.
- •Queensland Treasury received $194.1 million and Transport and Main Roads received $172.8 million in additional funding beyond their budgetsSchedule 1Treasury received $194,102,000 in administered items; Transport and Main Roads received $172,800,000 in equity adjustment.
- •The Auditor-General reviewed the unforeseen expenditure before Parliament was asked to approve it, providing an independent check on government spendingClause 2Supplementary appropriation is based on the Consolidated Fund Financial Report prepared by the Treasurer and reported on by the Auditor-General under section 23 of the Financial Accountability Act 2009.
10/10/2023· Hon C Dick MPCommittee: pass
6
Emblems of Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliamentary committee decisions made via phone or video since 1998 are confirmed as legally validClause 4 (s 458) and Clause 13 (s 180)Retrospectively validates quorum and voting at committee meetings where members participated by telephone, video or other electronic means from 23 April 1998.
- •MPs no longer have their medical details read aloud to Parliament when requesting a proxy vote due to illnessClause 12Removes requirement for Speaker to read medical certificates to the Assembly; Speaker simply notifies receipt of proxy request and outlines their decision.
- •The Speaker's behaviour rules now apply in the chamber galleries on sitting days, fixing a gap that existed since 1995Clause 8Amends definition of parliamentary precinct to include the Legislative Assembly chamber and galleries when the Assembly is sitting.
- •The Speaker, not a government Minister, is now responsible for preparing human rights certificates for parliamentary by-lawsClause 10 (new s 55A)Reflects the independence of the Speaker and Parliament from the executive government in making subordinate legislation.
14/9/2023· Hon S Hinchliffe MPRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass
20
Local Government (Councillor Conduct) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •All local government councillors must complete mandatory training on their responsibilities or face suspension without pay or dismissalClauses 7 and 97 (new section 169A), Clauses 33-34Councillors must complete approved training within a prescribed period. Failure to comply can lead to suspension (without remuneration) or dismissal after one year.
- •Councils must publish investigation reports when dealing with councillor conduct matters, making the process more transparent for residentsClauses 56-57 (new sections 150AFA and 150AGA)Summaries of investigation reports must be published before council decisions, and full reports after decisions, with privacy protections for complainants.
- •The Electoral Commission can now choose to absorb some election costs instead of charging local governments the full amountClause 114 (replaced section 202)The ECQ may decide to recover all or part of the costs incurred for conducting an election from a local government.
- •Print newspaper advertising requirements for councils are replaced with online publication, saving costs and reflecting how people access information todayClauses 3-6, 29-32, 112-113Local governments must publish notices on their website and in other ways they consider appropriate, replacing mandatory newspaper advertising.
13/9/2023· Hon Dr S Miles MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass
31
Land Valuation Amendment Bill 2023
Lapsed- •Valuer-general guidelines must be tabled in Parliament and can be disallowed, providing oversight of valuation practices that affect land tax and council ratesClause 5 (new section 6A(6)-(8))Guidelines must be tabled within 14 sitting days. The Statutory Instruments Act 1992, sections 50 and 51 apply as if they were subordinate legislation.
- •The definition of 'lot' is expanded so the valuer-general can value all land that requires a statutory valuation, including some non-freehold tenures previously missedClause 66Ensures all land rateable under the Local Government Act 2009 and City of Brisbane Act 2010 can be valued.
23/8/2023· Hon S Stewart MPBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass
Integrity and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Parliamentary committees now have a formal role in approving funding, appointments and reviews for Queensland's five integrity watchdogsParts 2-7 (Funding proposals divisions)Each integrity body must submit funding proposals to the relevant parliamentary committee, which has 20 business days to approve or recommend an alternative.
- •Lobbyists face stricter rules including mandatory registration, training and a ban on success feesClause 36 (new Chapter 4)Unregistered lobbying for a third-party client carries a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units. Success fees for lobbying are also prohibited.
- •Lobbyists who play a senior role in an election campaign are banned from lobbying for the next term of governmentClauses 36 (sections 49, 58)A registered lobbyist who performs a substantial role in a political party's election campaign is disqualified from registration until the writ is issued for the next general election.
- •The Office of the Queensland Integrity Commissioner becomes a fully independent statutory body with its own financial managementClause 40 (new section 85BA)Establishes the integrity office as a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982.
16/6/2023· Hon A Palaszczuk MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)
13
Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2023
PassedThis bill became law.- •Queensland Parliament is funded $142.189 million for the 2023-24 financial year to cover MPs' offices, Hansard, committees, and support servicesClause 2 and Schedule 1Appropriates $113.457 million for departmental services and $28.732 million for equity adjustment.
- •An interim supply of $71.095 million keeps Parliament operating in 2024-25 until the next budget bill passesClause 3Authorises the Treasurer to pay $71.095 million from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2024.
- •Two earlier appropriation Acts are repealed as their funding periods have expiredClause 4Repeals the Appropriation (Parliament) Act 2021 and the Appropriation (Parliament) Act (No. 2) 2022.
13/6/2023· Hon C Dick MP
70
Appropriation Bill 2023
PassedThis bill became law.- •The government is authorised to spend $78.4 billion on public services in 2023-24, up from $69.9 billion budgeted the previous yearClause 2, Schedule 1The Treasurer is authorised to pay $78,411,379,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as itemised in Schedule 1 for the financial year starting 1 July 2023.
- •Government departments can keep running in early 2024-25 with $39.2 billion in interim supply until the next budget passesClause 3The Treasurer is authorised to pay $39,205,690,000 from the consolidated fund for departments for the financial year starting 1 July 2024.
- •An extra $1.34 billion in unplanned spending during 2022-23 is retrospectively approved, mostly for Health ($392 million) and Transport ($394 million)Clause 4, Schedule 3Supplementary appropriation for unforeseen expenditure approved by the Governor in Council during 2022-23, with unused amounts lapsing and a statement provided to the relevant portfolio committee.
- •Two older appropriation acts are repealed as they are no longer neededClause 6Repeals the Appropriation Act 2021 (No. 15) and Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2022 (No. 3).
13/6/2023· Hon C Dick MP
74
Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Postal voters are less likely to have their ballot rejected if they accidentally place it outside the declaration envelope but inside the outer envelopePart 11, Clause 73New section 125A saves ballot papers that are in the outer envelope but not in the declaration envelope, allowing them to be counted.
- •Hospital patients and people caring for the ill or infirm can now register as special postal votersPart 11, Clause 71Broadens the definition of special postal voter to include electors who are patients in hospital, ill or infirm, or caring for the ill or infirm.
- •QCAT operations are streamlined with acting appointment pools, allowing the President to fill vacancies more quicklyPart 28, Clauses 188-189Creates pools of pre-approved persons for acting appointments as senior members, ordinary members, and adjudicators for up to six months.
- •The electoral roll closure time is now set at 6pm on the cut-off day, giving voters and the Electoral Commission clear certaintyPart 11, Clauses 67-70Inserts '6pm on' before cut-off day references across multiple Electoral Act provisions.
25/5/2023· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass
33
Path to Treaty Bill 2023
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •A new independent statutory body is created outside government control, funded at $10 million per year from a dedicated $300 million fundClauses 9-12The Treaty Institute is a body corporate, does not represent the State, and the Council is not subject to direction by any person including the Minister.
- •The Minister must review the Act within five years and table the results in ParliamentClause 94The review must be conducted by an appropriately qualified entity appointed by the Minister after consulting with the Treaty Institute.
22/2/2023· Hon A Palaszczuk MPFirst NationsJustice & RightsCommittee: pass
66
Waste Reduction and Recycling and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Local councils must disclose on your rate notice how much waste levy money they received and how it was spentClause 17 (new s 73DD)The first rate notice issued after receiving a payment must state the amount and the purpose for which it has been or will be used.
- •The state government can withhold waste levy payments to councils that spread misinformation about the levy on rate notices, websites, or advertisementsClause 17 (new s 73DE)The chief executive may refuse further payments until satisfied the local government has corrected the false or misleading statements.
- •The waste strategy review cycle extends from three to five years, giving more time to measure whether waste reduction targets are being metClause 12The chief executive must conduct a review within 5 years of publishing a final review report, changed from the previous 3-year timeframe.
22/2/2023· Hon M Scanlon MPEnvironmentCost of LivingCommittee: pass (dissent)
36
Local Government Electoral and Other Legislation (Expenditure Caps) Amendment Bill 2022
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Local government election candidates face new spending limits to create a fairer contest — for example, $30,000 for mayoral candidates in areas with up to 30,000 electorsClause 41, new section 123DSliding scale caps based on elector numbers, with fixed caps for Brisbane City Council ($1.3 million for mayor, $55,000 per councillor).
- •Community groups and organisations spending more than $6,000 campaigning in council elections must register with the Electoral Commission of QueenslandClause 47, new section 127DThird parties exceeding $6,000 in electoral expenditure during the capped period must register and comply with disclosure requirements.
- •Breaking spending caps is a serious integrity offence that can disqualify a person from being a councillor for 7 yearsClause 41, new section 123NMaximum penalty of 1,500 penalty units or 10 years imprisonment. The State can also recover twice the unlawful amount as a debt.
- •Spending caps apply for approximately seven months before each council election, with amounts adjusted for inflation after each quadrennial electionClause 41, new sections 123A and 123QThe capped expenditure period starts on the first business day after the last Saturday in August preceding the March election.
1/12/2022· Hon Dr S Miles MPCommittee: pass
Police Service Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2022
PassedThis bill became law.- •Weapons licence applications should be processed faster as licensing functions can now be delegated to more QPS staffClause 65Authorised officers can delegate licensing powers under the Weapons Act to police officers and QPS staff members with relevant expertise.
- •Local fire bans and fire emergency declarations must now be published online instead of in newspapersClauses 8-11Reflects that insufficient print publications remain across Queensland to ensure compliance with newspaper publication requirements.
- •Obsolete provisions have been removed from police legislation, including references to the defunct MINDA software system and outdated review requirementsClauses 45-46, 51MINDA ceased to be used by QPS since 2015. The Act review requirement referred to dates that passed many years ago.
27/10/2022· Hon M Ryan MPJustice & RightsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass
11
Public Sector Bill 2022
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The Public Service Commission becomes the Public Sector Commission with expanded oversight across all public sector entitiesClause 204The commission's main function is to support the implementation and consistent application of the Act across the entire public sector.
- •A new Public Sector Governance Council is established with community representatives to oversee whole-of-sector governanceClause 240-241The council includes two community representatives appointed by the Governor in Council and must meet at least four times per year.
- •Core integrity bodies like the CCC and Ombudsman are excluded from the Act to protect their independence, consistent with the Coaldrake ReportClauses 341, 354The Crime and Corruption Commission, Office of the Ombudsman, Office of the Information Commissioner and Queensland Integrity Commissioner are not public sector entities under the Act.
- •All public sector entities must establish complaints management systems meeting Australian Standards and publish complaint statistics annuallyClause 264Chief executives must publish the number of complaints received, how they were handled, and outcomes each year.
14/10/2022· Hon A Palaszczuk MPWork & EmploymentFirst NationsCommittee: pass
18
Integrity and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The Auditor-General can now audit Government Owned Corporations without needing permission from the Treasurer or Parliament firstClauses 16-17Removes requirement for prior approval from the Legislative Assembly, parliamentary committee, Treasurer or Minister before conducting performance audits of GOCs.
- •The Auditor-General sets their own audit fees instead of needing the Treasurer's approval, with parliamentary committee oversightClauses 19-20The Auditor-General may decide basic rates of fees and increase them annually with parliamentary committee approval.
- •The Integrity Commissioner gets a formal office and deputy, and cannot be directed by government on prioritiesClauses 29, 31, 33Establishes the Office of the Queensland Integrity Commissioner and provides the Commissioner is not subject to direction about functions or priority of issues.
- •The Ombudsman's office will be independently reviewed every 5 years instead of every 7, keeping it in line with other watchdogsClause 61Reduces the strategic review period from 7 years to 5 years, consistent with other integrity bodies.
14/10/2022· Hon A Palaszczuk MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass
28
Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 3) 2022
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament formally accounts for $2,185,000 in additional spending from the 2021-22 financial year that was already approved by the Governor in CouncilClause 2(1)Authorises the Treasurer to pay $2,185,000 from the Consolidated Fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2021.
- •The bulk of the supplementary funding ($2,067,000) went to departmental services, with $118,000 for equity adjustmentSchedule 1Breaks down the total supplementary appropriation into controlled items: departmental services $2,067,000 and equity adjustment $118,000.
- •This is a routine transparency measure — the Constitution requires Parliament to formally authorise all spending from the Consolidated Fund, even after the factClause 2Payments from the Consolidated Fund, including unforeseen expenditure, must be formally authorised under an Act of Parliament in accordance with section 66 of the Constitution of Queensland 2001.
12/10/2022· Hon C Dick MPCommittee: pass (dissent)
10
Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2022
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament formally signs off on $2.82 billion in extra government spending from 2021-22 that was authorised by the executive during the yearClause 2(1)Authorises the Treasurer to pay $2,823,124,000 from the Consolidated Fund for departments as stated in Schedule 1 for the financial year starting 1 July 2021.
- •The spending has already been audited by the Auditor-General through the Consolidated Fund Financial Report before being put to ParliamentThe supplementary appropriation is based on the Consolidated Fund Financial Report, prepared by the Treasurer and reported on by the Auditor-General under section 23 of the Financial Accountability Act 2009.
- •Fourteen departments received extra funding, with the biggest amounts going to Environment and Science ($623 million), State Development ($574 million), and Queensland Treasury ($552 million)Schedule 1
12/10/2022· Hon C Dick MP
28
Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2022
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Publication requirements across three water Acts move from newspapers to Queensland Government websites, making information more accessibleClauses 4-8, 12, 27-28, 56, 72Replaces newspaper publication with online publishing on websites with URLs containing 'qld.gov.au'.
- •The chief executive regains discretion to properly assess water licence dealings that could affect other water users or the public interestClause 17, s130Applications to change licence conditions or seek renewal must now be assessed as new licence applications with public interest consideration.
12/10/2022· Hon G Butcher MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass
27
Holidays and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022
PassedThis bill became law.- •Queensland aligned with all other Australian states and territories in declaring a national day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth IIClause 3 (new section 15)The Prime Minister wrote to all First Ministers requesting each state and territory enact a one-off public holiday on 22 September 2022.
- •Additional costs for state government employees working on the public holiday were absorbed within existing budgetsThe declaration triggered penalty rates for State Government employees, with costs met from existing budget allocations.
15/9/2022· Hon G Grace MPWork & Employment
2
Major Sports Facilities Amendment Bill 2022
PassedThis bill became law.- •The Minister can now direct Stadiums Queensland to act in the public interest, such as supporting the Olympics or emergency responses, and these directions must be reported in annual reportsClause 6 (new section 9A)The Minister may give SQ a written direction about the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers if satisfied it would be in the public interest to give the direction.
- •Property acquisition and sale decisions for major sports facilities shift from the Governor in Council to the Minister, speeding up approvalsClauses 4 and 5Replaces requirements for Governor in Council approval with the Minister's written approval for acquiring facilities, acquiring freehold land, and selling facility land.
- •Board directors must now hold relevant qualifications or at least three years' experience in areas like sports administration, asset management or lawClause 7 (replacement of section 14)A person may be appointed as a director only if they hold a qualification, or have at least 3 years experience, in asset management, building and construction, commercial enterprise operations, event promotion, financial administration, law, property development, or sports administration.
17/8/2022· Hon S Hinchliffe MPBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass
20
Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2022
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament receives $146.7 million to fund the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for 2022-23Clause 2Appropriates $146,721,000 from the consolidated fund, including $111.3 million for departmental services and $35.4 million in equity adjustment.
- •Interim funding of $73.4 million keeps Parliament operating in early 2023-24 until the next budget is passedClause 3Provides $73,361,000 in supply for the financial year starting 1 July 2023.
- •Two older appropriation acts from 2020 and 2021 are repealed as they are no longer neededClause 4Repeals the Appropriation (Parliament) Act 2020 and the Appropriation (Parliament) (2020-2021) Act 2021.
21/6/2022· Hon C Dick MP
71
Appropriation Bill 2022
PassedThis bill became law.- •Authorises the government to spend $69.86 billion of public money across 26 departments for the 2022-23 financial yearClause 2The Treasurer is authorised to pay $69,860,232,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as itemised in Schedule 1.
- •Keeps government services running into 2023-24 with $34.93 billion in interim supply until the next budget passesClause 3The Treasurer is authorised to pay $34,930,116,000 from the consolidated fund for departments for the financial year starting 1 July 2023.
- •The biggest funding areas are education ($16.9 billion), health ($14.3 billion), and transport and roads ($10.5 billion)Schedule 1Schedule 1 sets out the appropriation summary showing the distribution between all 26 departments.
- •Repeals three spent appropriation acts from 2020 and 2021, including the COVID-19 emergency funding actClause 4Repeals Appropriation Act 2020, Appropriation (COVID-19) Act 2020, and Appropriation (2020-2021) Act 2021.
21/6/2022· Hon C Dick MP
71
Personal Injuries Proceedings and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Political fundraising contributions over $200 must now be treated as donations subject to caps, closing a loopholeClause 4, s 216Amends Electoral Act to provide fundraising contributions may only be paid into the State campaign account to the extent the contribution is not a gift over $200.
- •Political parties must now disclose whether gifts are political donations and name the electoral committee that benefitsClauses 5-10, ss 261-290Disclosure returns must specify whether a gift is a political donation and, where relevant, name the electoral district and committee.
31/3/2022· Hon S Fentiman MPJustice & RightsWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass (dissent)
18
Evidence and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Toowoomba magistrate service now counts as regional experience, potentially making it easier to attract magistrates to regional postingsClause 44Amends section 21 of the Magistrates Act to remove Toowoomba from the list of non-regional court districts.
- •Computer warrants are clarified so bail proceedings are not invalidated by technical signature requirementsClause 5Amends section 33 of the Bail Act to provide that judicial notice of the signature on a computer warrant is not required.
16/11/2021· Hon S Fentiman MPJustice & RightsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass
25
Police Service Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021
PassedThis bill became law.- •Protective Services (over 400 staff) is formally integrated into the Queensland Police Service, streamlining government building security under one agencyClause 33Amends s 2.3 of the Police Service Administration Act 1990 to include the provision of services for the security of state buildings as a function of the QPS.
- •The State Buildings Protective Security Act 1983 is repealed, consolidating all security legislation into the Police Powers and Responsibilities ActClause 68
16/11/2021· Hon M Ryan MPJustice & RightsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass
10
Public Trustee (Advisory and Monitoring Board) Amendment Bill 2021
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •A new independent oversight board is created to hold the Public Trustee accountable, following a critical review of its fees and practicesClause 4, s 117XResponds to recommendation 30 of the Public Advocate's report, Preserving the financial futures of vulnerable Queenslanders.
- •The board must act independently and cannot be directed by the Minister on how it performs its functionsClause 4, s 117ZAThe board is not subject to direction by anyone, including the Minister, about how it performs its functions.
28/10/2021· Hon S Fentiman MPJustice & RightsSeniorsCommittee: pass
29
Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Bill 2021
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •A new statutory body is created to organise the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, operating independently from government but subject to public accountability rulesPart 2, Division 1The corporation is a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982, and a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001.
- •Certain documents received from the IOC or Australian Olympic Committee are exempted from Right to Information lawsClause 66Amends Schedule 1 of the Right to Information Act 2009 to exclude confidential IOC and AOC documents created or received by the organising committee.
- •The State guarantees to cover any financial shortfall when the organising committee is eventually dissolvedClause 53On dissolution, all assets, rights, duties and liabilities of the corporation become assets, rights, duties and liabilities of the State.
- •Board directors and the CEO face penalties of up to 100 penalty units for acting dishonestly or disclosing confidential informationClauses 56-57Maximum penalty of 100 penalty units for failing to act honestly or for unauthorised disclosure of confidential information.
27/10/2021· Hon A Palaszczuk MPBusiness & EconomyFirst NationsCommittee: pass
58
Police Legislation (Efficiencies and Effectiveness) Amendment Bill 2021
PassedThis bill became law.- •Police officers save an estimated 5,000 to 22,000 hours per year by no longer needing to find a Justice of the Peace to witness routine affidavitsPart 2 and Schedule 1A 2020 time and motion study of 6,321 bail affidavits found officers spent 30 minutes to 2 hours each time locating a JP, averaging 60 minutes per document.
- •Licensed firearms dealers can keep anonymously surrendered firearms under the national amnesty instead of transporting them to police stations, reducing risk and police workloadClauses 36-38Amends the Weapons Act to allow approved dealers to retain and deal with anonymously surrendered firearms with QPS authorisation.
16/9/2021· Hon M Ryan MPJustice & RightsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass
5
Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2021
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament formally accounts for $1.795 million in unplanned spending on parliamentary operations during 2020-21Clause 2(1)Authorises the Treasurer to pay $1,795,000 from the Consolidated Fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2020.
- •The entire supplementary amount went to departmental services, with no equity adjustments or administered itemsSchedule 1Schedule 1 allocates the full $1,795,000 to controlled items — departmental services — with nil for equity adjustment and administered items.
- •This supplementary bill was introduced separately from the annual budget to improve transparency around unforeseen spendingClause 2Supplementary appropriation is sought via a separate Appropriation Bill as soon as possible after the end of the financial year rather than combined with the annual Appropriation Bills.
15/9/2021· Hon C Dick MPCommittee: pass
30
Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2021
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament formally approved $447.5 million in additional government spending for 2020-21 that had already occurred as unforeseen expenditureClause 2(1)The Treasurer is authorised to pay $447,456,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as stated in Schedule 1 for the financial year starting 1 July 2020.
- •The Department of Justice and Attorney-General received the largest top-up of $188.9 million in administered itemsSchedule 1Department of Justice and Attorney-General total amount for department: $188,940,000.
- •The Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs received $114.2 million in additional funding for departmental services and equity adjustmentSchedule 1Departmental services $92,247,000 and equity adjustment $22,000,000.
- •Queensland Fire and Emergency Services received $91.2 million in additional funding for departmental servicesSchedule 1Queensland Fire and Emergency Services departmental services: $91,179,000.
15/9/2021· Hon C Dick MP
30
Superannuation (State Public Sector) (Scheme Administration) Amendment Bill 2021
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Australia's second largest super fund must keep its headquarters and senior leadership in Queensland, protecting local jobsClause 12, Section 8The trustee's registered office, principal place of business, CEO, majority of directors, and majority of key management must be based in Queensland.
- •The QSuper Board converts from a government statutory body to a private company to manage legacy liabilitiesClause 52, Section 44QSuper Board becomes a deemed registration company under the Corporations Act as a proprietary company limited by shares.
1/9/2021· Hon C Dick MPWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass
24
Queensland University of Technology Amendment Bill 2021
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The number of government-appointed members on QUT Council is cut from 8 to 3, reducing direct ministerial influenceClause 3Amends section 14(1) to provide there are 3 appointed members instead of 8.
- •The Minister can remove existing appointed members to transition to the smaller Council, considering the skills mix neededClause 12, Section 76Minister may remove existing appointed members by notice, having regard to desirability of a range of knowledge, experience or skills.
- •The quorum for QUT Council decisions drops from 12 to 8 members, and the threshold for removing a member from office drops from 15 to 10Clauses 6, 10 and 11Consequential amendments to sections 17, 26B(1) and 39C(1) reflecting the smaller Council.
1/9/2021· Hon G Grace MPEducationCommittee: pass
24
Public Health and Other Legislation (Further Extension of Expiring Provisions) Amendment Bill 2021
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The COVID-19 legislation expiry day was extended from 30 September 2021 to 30 April 2022, continuing the entire emergency legislative frameworkPart 4, Clause 8Amends section 4A of the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020 to replace 30 September 2021 with 30 April 2022.
- •COVID-safe election measures continued for local government by-elections, including postal voting and modified polling arrangementsPart 9B, Local Government Electoral Act 2011Extends temporary provisions facilitating the holding of by-elections that minimise health risks from COVID-19.
- •Local government meetings could continue to be held by audio or video link, with real-time public access maintainedExtends temporary amendments to the City of Brisbane Regulation 2012 and Local Government Regulation 2012.
16/6/2021· Hon Y D'Ath MPHealthSafety & EmergencyBusiness & EconomyHousing & RentingCommittee: pass (dissent)
32
Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2021
PassedThis bill became law.- •Queensland's Parliament receives $103.3 million to fund its operations for the 2021-22 financial yearClause 2Appropriates $103,325,000 from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service, covering departmental services and equity adjustment as set out in Schedule 1.
- •Parliament is guaranteed $51.7 million in interim funding to keep running until the 2022-23 budget is passedClause 3Provides $51,662,500 for the 2022-23 financial year until the next Appropriation (Parliament) Bill receives assent.
- •Two older appropriation acts from 2019 and 2020 are repealed as they are now supersededClause 4Repeals the Appropriation (Parliament) Act 2019 (No. 21) and Appropriation (Parliament) Act (No. 2) 2020 (No. 4).
15/6/2021· Hon C Dick MPCommittee: pass (dissent)
67
Appropriation Bill 2021
PassedThis bill became law.- •The Queensland Government is authorised to spend $63.5 billion on departments and services for 2021-22Clause 2The Treasurer is authorised to pay $63,525,414,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as itemised in Schedule 1.
- •Government operations can continue into early 2022-23 with $31.8 billion in interim supply until the next budget passesClause 3The Treasurer is authorised to pay $31,762,707,000 from the consolidated fund for the financial year starting 1 July 2022.
- •Three departments that were abolished in late 2020 and mid-2021 receive no new fundingSchedule 1Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Department of Youth Justice ceased 12 November 2020; Public Safety Business Agency ceased 1 July 2021.
- •Two outdated appropriation Acts from 2019 and 2020 are repealed as they are no longer neededClause 4Repeals the Appropriation Act 2019 (No. 22) and Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2020 (No. 5).
15/6/2021· Hon C Dick MPCommittee: pass (dissent)
67
Queensland Veterans' Council Bill 2021
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •A new statutory body — the Queensland Veterans' Council — is created to manage Anzac Square, administer the Anzac Day Trust Fund, and advise government on veterans' mattersClause 5Establishes the Queensland Veterans' Council as a body corporate that represents the State.
- •Veterans' organisations can nominate up to two members to the Council, giving them a formal role in government decision-makingClause 13Appointed members may include not more than 2 persons nominated by a veterans' organisation.
- •The existing Anzac Day Trust is abolished and its functions, assets and liabilities transfer to the new CouncilPart 7The Council becomes successor in law of the former Trust, inheriting all assets, liabilities, contracts and records.
- •The Council must report annually to Parliament on its performance and any ministerial directions it has receivedClause 43Annual report must include details of functions performed, key achievements, statements of expectations and ministerial requests.
22/4/2021· Hon A Palaszczuk MPHealthCommittee: pass
31
Debt Reduction and Savings Bill 2021
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Several government bodies are abolished — Building Queensland, the Productivity Commission, and the Public Safety Business Agency — with their functions absorbed into existing departmentsChapter 2, Parts 2, 4 and 5The Government announced structural reform of statutory bodies where functions can be integrated into existing departments as part of its Savings and Debt Plan.
- •Government agencies must publish statutory notices online instead of in print, saving administrative costsChapter 2, Part 6 (Clauses 218-220)Amends the Financial Accountability Act 2009 to mandate digital publication, with exemptions for regional newspapers, public safety notices, and court-related publications.
- •A new fee unit model means government fees are indexed automatically each year, replacing hundreds of individual regulation amendmentsChapter 2, Part 1 (Clauses 149-153)OQPC alone will save more than 800 hours of staff time annually. The fee unit value will be published annually by the Treasurer.
- •The NIISQ Agency board is abolished and replaced with a single chief executive officer, initially the Insurance CommissionerChapter 2, Part 3 (Clauses 159-178)Drives greater efficiencies and stronger alignment of motor accident personal injury scheme governance.
25/3/2021· Hon C Dick MPBusiness & EconomyHealthCommittee: pass (dissent)
77
COVID-19 Emergency Response and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021
PassedThis bill became law.- •Local councils can adjust your rates and charges mid-year without waiting for the next annual budget, in response to COVID-19 economic impactsClauses 7 and 24Councils may make 'extraordinary decisions' by resolution to re-levy rates and charges for the remainder of the 2021-22 financial year.
- •Local government by-elections and fresh elections can be postponed, shifted to postal ballots, or modified to reduce COVID-19 health risksClause 28 (new Part 9B)The Minister may postpone polling day or direct a postal ballot; the ECQ can expand electronically assisted voting and modify timelines.
- •Council meetings can continue to be held remotely by audio or video link during the pandemicClauses 10 and 31Extends temporary provisions for remote council meetings from 30 June 2021 to the COVID-19 legislation expiry day.
- •All temporary COVID-19 emergency laws are extended to 30 September 2021, keeping emergency regulation-making powers in placeClause 12Amends the COVID-19 legislation expiry day from 30 April 2021 to 30 September 2021.
11/3/2021· Hon S Fentiman MPHousing & RentingSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass
43
Appropriation (Parliament) (2020-2021) Bill 2020
PassedThis bill became law.- •Approximately $101.8 million of public funds is allocated to run Queensland's parliament for 2020-21Clause 2Provides $101,823,000 for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for departmental services, equity adjustment, and administered items.
- •An additional $50.9 million in interim funding keeps parliament operating in early 2021-22 until the next budget bill passesClause 3Authorises $50,912,000 from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2021.
- •Two spent appropriation acts from 2018 are cleaned up from the statute bookClause 4Repeals the Appropriation (Parliament) Act 2018 and the Appropriation (Parliament) Act (No. 2) 2018.
1/12/2020· Hon C Dick MPCommittee: pass (dissent)
15
Appropriation (2020-2021) Bill 2020
PassedThis bill became law.- •The government is authorised to spend $60.86 billion on public services for the 2020-21 financial yearClause 2The Treasurer is authorised to pay $60,857,652,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as itemised in Schedule 1.
- •Interim funding of $30.43 billion keeps government services running into early 2021-22 until the next budget passesClause 3The Treasurer is authorised to pay $30,428,826,000 from the consolidated fund for departments for the financial year starting 1 July 2021.
- •Two government departments were abolished and their functions absorbed into other departments following the November 2020 machinery of government changesSchedule 1The Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and the Department of Youth Justice ceased on 12 November 2020.
- •The biggest spending areas are Education ($14.7 billion), Health ($12.3 billion), and Transport and Main Roads ($8.3 billion)Schedule 1
1/12/2020· Hon C Dick MPCommittee: pass (dissent)
20
COVID-19 Emergency Response and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020
PassedThis bill became law.- •By-elections can be conducted with modified rules during COVID-19, including compulsory postal voting and postponed polling daysPart 3, Clause 42 (new Part 12C)New sections 392ZB–392ZS of the Electoral Act 1992 allow the ECQ to modify by-election procedures to minimise health risks.
- •Mayoral vacancies in the first year of a council term must now be filled by by-election rather than appointing a runner-upPart 5, Clause 48 (new s 164)Vacancy in the office of mayor during the beginning or middle of the local government's term must be filled by a by-election.
- •Some runner-up appointments to council vacancies made since 12 October 2020 are retrospectively undonePart 5, Clause 52 (new s 338)If a runner-up was appointed during the relevant period, the office is taken to be vacant and the runner-up is taken never to have been appointed.
- •COVID-19 emergency legislation is extended to 30 April 2021, keeping temporary government powers in place for up to four more monthsPart 2, Clause 7 (new s 4A)COVID-19 legislation expiry day means the earlier of 30 April 2021 or another day prescribed by regulation.
26/11/2020· Hon S Fentiman MPBusiness & EconomySafety & EmergencyJustice & RightsHousing & Renting
56th Parliament (2017–2020)44 bills
Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2020
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament receives $519,000 in supplementary funding to cover unforeseen costs from 2019-20, ensuring all public spending is formally approved as required by the ConstitutionClause 2Authorises the Treasurer to pay $519,000 from the Consolidated Fund for the Legislative Assembly and Parliamentary Service for the 2019-20 financial year.
- •An additional $50.5 million in interim funding keeps Parliament operating while the main 2020-21 budget is delayed by the state electionClause 3Provides $50,523,500 in additional interim supply for 2020-21, on top of the $50,004,500 already authorised by the Appropriation (Parliament) Act 2019.
- •The bill ensures government spending transparency by seeking parliamentary approval for unforeseen expenditure as soon as possible rather than waiting for next year's budgetClause 2Supplementary appropriation is sought via a separate Appropriation Bill as soon as possible after the end of the financial year rather than combined with the annual Appropriation Bills.
8/9/2020· Hon C Dick MP
26
Appropriation Bill 2020
PassedThis bill became law.- •Formally approves $1.114 billion in additional government spending that occurred during 2019-20 due to unforeseen costs including COVID-19 responseClause 2The Treasurer is authorised to pay $1,114,025,000 from the Consolidated Fund for departments as stated in Schedule 1 for the financial year starting 1 July 2019.
- •Provides $28.6 billion in interim funding to keep government departments running while the regular state budget was delayed by the 2020 electionClause 3Provides additional interim supply of $28,635,094,000 for 2020-21, in addition to amounts already authorised by the Appropriation Act 2019 and Appropriation (COVID-19) Act 2020.
- •Education received the largest supplementary allocation at $432 million, followed by Regional Development ($222 million) and Local Government ($197 million)Schedule 1Schedule 1 lists supplementary appropriation amounts by department for the 2019-20 financial year.
8/9/2020· Hon C Dick MP
26
Public Service and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Permanent employment becomes the default for Queensland Government positions, limiting the use of temporary and casual contractsClause 20 (amended s 25)Employment on tenure is established as the default basis of employment in the public service.
- •A new Special Commissioner role is created to advise on public administration matters like gender pay equity and workforce diversityClause 24 (new s 42A)The Special Commissioner provides advice to the Minister, promotes whole-of-government policies, and conducts administrative inquiries.
- •Public service appeals move to the Industrial Relations Commission for greater transparency and consistency in decisionsClause 49 (new s 197)Appeals are now heard and decided under the Industrial Relations Act 2016 by the QIRC rather than under the Public Service Act.
16/7/2020· Hon A Palaszczuk MPWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass
12
Royalty Legislation Amendment Bill 2020
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Royalty administration is modernised by applying the same Taxation Administration Act framework used for state taxes like payroll tax and land taxPart 10, Clauses 106-155The Taxation Administration Act provides a comprehensive framework for assessments, payments, refunds, interest, penalties, confidentiality, investigations and review rights.
- •The Commissioner of State Revenue replaces the Minister as the person responsible for administering mineral and petroleum royalty lawsPart 4, Clause 11; Part 8, Clause 75References to the Minister throughout the royalty provisions are replaced with references to the revenue commissioner.
16/7/2020· Hon C Dick MPBusiness & EconomyEnvironmentCommittee: pass (dissent)
21
Queensland Future Fund Bill 2020
PassedThis bill became law.- •A new ring-fenced Debt Retirement Fund means money set aside for debt reduction cannot be redirected to other spendingClause 9Establishes the Queensland Future (Debt Retirement) Fund with the sole purpose of providing funding for reducing the State's debt.
- •The Treasurer must report on all contributions and payments from the fund in annual financial statements, increasing transparencyClause 7Annual financial statements must include details of contributions made and payments made, including whether each payment complied with the Act.
- •State assets contributed to the fund must remain government-owned in perpetuity and cannot be privatisedClause 8Prescribed State assets given to a State entity for the purpose of contributing to a Queensland Future Fund must be held by a State entity in perpetuity.
- •The framework allows future governments to establish additional purpose-specific funds by amending this legislationPart 2, Division 2A new fund may be added by amending the legislation to include a new division establishing the fund, its purpose and specific terms.
14/7/2020· Hon C Dick MPWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass (dissent)
28
Appropriation (COVID-19) Bill 2020
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament directly approved $4.8 billion in emergency COVID-19 spending rather than the government using executive powers to spend without a voteClauses 2-3The government sought legislative approval rather than using the unforeseen expenditure provisions in the Financial Accountability Act 2009.
- •$3.18 billion in supplementary funding was authorised for the 2019-20 financial year on top of the existing $54.7 billion budgetClause 2Clause 2(1) authorises $3,181,010,000 from the consolidated fund for the financial year starting 1 July 2019.
- •$1.61 billion in interim supply was authorised for 2020-21 to keep government services running until the annual budget was passedClause 3Clause 3(1) authorises $1,614,800,000 for the 2020-21 financial year for departments until the Annual Appropriation Bill receives assent.
22/4/2020· Hon J Trad MPSafety & Emergency
19
COVID-19 Emergency Response Bill 2020
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament could meet and vote remotely by phone, video or proxy during the COVID-19 emergencyClauses 29-32Legislative Assembly could sit and transact business using technology enabling continuous communication between presiding officer and members.
- •The entire Act and all regulations made under it automatically expired on 31 December 2020Clause 25This Act expires on 31 December 2020.
- •The Human Rights Act 2019 was explicitly protected and could not be overridden by any emergency regulationClause 4This Act applies despite any other Act or law other than the Human Rights Act 2019.
22/4/2020· Hon A Palaszczuk MPHousing & RentingBusiness & EconomyJustice & RightsHealth
16
Public Health and Other Legislation (Public Health Emergency) Amendment Bill 2020
PassedThis bill became law.- •The 2020 local government election could be suspended or terminated by the Minister if running it would risk public healthClause 21, s 200B-200DThe Minister may withdraw the notice of election if satisfied it would not be in the public interest for the election to be held on the stated day.
- •Executive Council meetings could be held via teleconference or videoconference instead of in personClause 7A meeting of Executive Council may be held using any technology that enables reasonably continuous and contemporaneous communication between participants.
- •Most emergency powers were set to expire automatically one year after the bill commencedClause 2Part 11, division 3 commences 1 year after the date of assent, repealing the COVID-19 emergency powers.
18/3/2020· Hon S Miles MPHealthSafety & Emergency
11
Co-operatives National Law Bill 2020
PassedThis bill became law.- •Queensland becomes the last state to adopt nationally harmonised co-operatives law, ending inconsistency with other jurisdictionsClause 4All states and territories, other than Queensland, have previously adopted and commenced the CNL or a corresponding law.
- •Future changes to the national law made through the NSW Parliament automatically apply in QueenslandClause 4Future amendments to the template legislation for the CNL, made through the Parliament of New South Wales, will automatically apply in Queensland.
- •The Queensland Parliament retains the power to disallow national regulations within 14 sitting days of tablingClause 6The Statutory Instruments Act 1992 sections 49 to 51 apply to national regulations, allowing for tabling and disallowance by the Legislative Assembly.
4/2/2020· Hon Y D'Ath MPBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass
6
Electoral and Other Legislation (Accountability, Integrity and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Political donations are capped at $4,000 to parties and $6,000 to candidates per period, reducing the influence of big donors on electionsClause 22, new sections 252-256Caps on political donations apply per donation cap period, with offences carrying a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units.
- •Campaign spending is capped so no party or group can drown out others, with parties limited to $92,000 per electorate and third parties to $1 million totalClause 31, new sections 281C-281HElectoral expenditure caps apply during the capped expenditure period starting 12 months before polling day.
- •Public election funding nearly doubles to $6.00 per vote for parties and $3.00 for candidates, with independent MPs now eligible for policy development paymentsClauses 21-22Election funding threshold lowered from 6% to 4% of first preference votes; policy development pool doubles to $6 million per year.
- •Election signage is restricted to two small signs per candidate within 100 metres of polling booths, creating a more neutral voting environmentClause 58, new section 185FSigns must be no larger than 900mm by 600mm and accompanied by a person, with a 10 penalty unit offence for non-compliance.
28/11/2019· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)
36
Implementation of The Spit Master Plan Bill 2019
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The Gold Coast Waterways Authority gains expanded powers to deliver a $60 million capital works program at The Spit, reporting to a dedicated Spit Development MinisterClauses 15-16Expands the GCWA's functions to develop and deliver community infrastructure and public realm works for the Spit master plan area.
- •Standard road closure and land grant processes under the Land Act are bypassed for the master plan area, with the Minister gaining direct powersClauses 7-9The Minister can close roads by gazette notice without public objection rights, and State land can be granted as freehold without competition.
- •The GCWA must consult with Gold Coast City Council and the community when developing each four-year Spit works programClause 18 (Section 20A(3))The GCWA must take reasonable steps to consult with the Gold Coast City Council, the community, and any other entity the Spit Development Minister considers may be affected.
26/11/2019· Hon C Dick MPEnvironmentBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass
19
Associations Incorporation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019
PassedThis bill became law.- •Investigative powers for incorporated associations are modernised by replacing the repealed Financial Institutions Code 1992 with the Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014Clauses 61-65Inspector powers are updated but limited: no power to stop vehicles, obtain criminal history reports, or enter a residence.
- •Power to appoint disaster appeals trust fund committee members and vest surplus property transfers from the Governor in Council to the chief executiveClauses 35 and 56Implements the 2009 Webbe-Weller report recommendation to reduce administrative burden.
26/11/2019· Hon Y D'Ath MPBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass
13
Natural Resources and Other Legislation (GDA2020) Amendment Bill 2019
PassedThis bill became law.- •State land lease holders no longer need to lodge a formal application to renew their term lease — the government can now offer renewals proactivelyClauses 15-19 (Part 6, Division 2)Amendments to the Land Act remove the requirement for a lessee to lodge an application to renew a term lease, allowing the chief executive to make an offer where renewal is appropriate.
- •Model by-laws for trust land can now be published on a government website instead of going through the slower Governor in Council regulation processClause 24The Minister may make model by-laws for trust land and publish them on a Queensland government website, replacing the regulation-making process.
- •Land allocation ballots get a modernised process with the chief executive deciding how to run them based on fairness, transparency and equityClause 25Replaced section 119 provides the chief executive with power and flexibility to adopt an appropriate, modern competitive process for ballots.
23/10/2019· Hon A Lynham MPFirst NationsTechnology & DigitalCommittee: pass
11
Criminal Code and Other Legislation (Ministerial Accountability) Amendment Bill 2019
Lapsed- •Cabinet ministers would have faced up to one year's imprisonment for failing to declare a conflict of interest at Cabinet meetingsClause 4, s 97DMaximum penalty of 100 penalty units or 1 year's imprisonment for a minister who is aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, of a declarable conflict of interest and fails to inform the Cabinet meeting.
- •Ministers would have been required to update their statements of interests within one month or face criminal chargesClause 6Creates a criminal offence with a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units for a minister who contravenes the requirement to notify the Clerk of Parliament of changes to their interests.
- •Conflicts of interest would have been defined broadly to cover ministers' spouses, family, business partners, and close personal relationshipsClause 4, s 97CRelated parties include the minister's spouse, parents, children, siblings, in-laws, business partners, employers, and persons with a close personal relationship with the minister.
- •Everyday memberships like sporting clubs, political parties, and school connections were exempted from the conflict rulesClause 4, s 97B(2)Exemptions apply where the conflict arises solely from community group or sporting club membership, political party membership, religious beliefs, educational facility connections, or gifts totalling $150 or less.
23/10/2019· Mrs D FrecklingtonJustice & RightsCommittee: not recommended
Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2019
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament formally accounts for $639,000 in additional spending beyond the original 2018-19 budgetClause 2(1)Authorises the Treasurer to pay $639,000 from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2018.
- •All supplementary spending is allocated to departmental services as detailed in Schedule 1Schedule 1The entire $639,000 is appropriated for departmental services, with no equity adjustment or administered items.
- •This routine process ensures unforeseen government spending is transparent and formally authorised by ParliamentClause 2Payments from the Consolidated Fund, including unforeseen expenditure, must be formally authorised under an Act of Parliament in accordance with section 66 of the Constitution of Queensland 2001.
19/9/2019· Hon J Trad MPCommittee: pass (dissent)
18
Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2019
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament formally accounts for $1.397 billion in extra government spending beyond the original 2018 BudgetClause 2(1)Authorises the Treasurer to pay $1,397,441,000 from the Consolidated Fund for departments as stated in Schedule 1 for the 2018-19 financial year.
- •Transport and Main Roads received the largest additional allocation at $699.8 million, mostly for equity adjustments and departmental servicesSchedule 1Department of Transport and Main Roads: departmental services $201.3 million, equity adjustment $408.6 million, administered items $89.8 million.
- •Education received $262.5 million in supplementary funding, primarily for equity adjustments and administered itemsSchedule 1Department of Education: equity adjustment $184.2 million, administered items $78.3 million.
- •The bill was introduced separately from the annual Budget to ensure faster transparency over unplanned spendingClause 2Supplementary appropriation is sought via a separate Appropriation Bill as soon as possible after the end of the financial year rather than combined with the annual Appropriation Bills.
19/9/2019· Hon J Trad MP
18
Electoral (Voter's Choice) Amendment Bill 2019
Lapsed- •Voters would only need to mark one candidate instead of numbering every box, making it easier to cast a valid voteClause 5Amends section 122 so an elector may vote by placing the number 1, or a tick or cross, in the square opposite their preferred candidate.
- •A tick or cross would count as a valid first preference, reducing accidental informal votesClause 3Amends the definition of 'first preference vote' to include a tick or a cross alongside the number 1.
- •Numbering mistakes like repeated numbers or gaps would no longer invalidate your entire ballot — preferences would count up to the point of errorClause 6Amends section 123 so that repeated or broken preference numbers are disregarded rather than making the ballot informal.
- •Votes that run out of numbered preferences would 'exhaust' rather than being redistributed to candidates the voter did not chooseClause 7Amends section 128 to introduce the concept of exhausted ballots and continuing candidates in vote counting.
18/9/2019· Mr D JanetzkiCommittee: not recommended
Resources Safety and Health Queensland Bill 2019
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •A new independent statutory body, Resources Safety and Health Queensland, is established to regulate resources safety separately from the industry-promotion departmentClause 5RSHQ is established as a body corporate and statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009, subject to the Crime and Corruption Act 2001.
- •A new Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health is created to independently monitor the regulator's performance and advise the MinisterClauses 48-65The commissioner must act independently, impartially and in the public interest, and has no regulatory powers to ensure objectivity in monitoring RSHQ.
- •The Minister can direct RSHQ on general matters but cannot direct it on regulatory decisions, protecting the regulator's independenceClause 13A direction must not be about the performance of RSHQ's functions under a Resources Safety Act or the exercise of RSHQ's powers under a Resources Safety Act.
4/9/2019· Hon A LynhamWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass
21
Health Transparency Bill 2019
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •QCAT no longer needs a judicial member to hear certain health practitioner matters, which should reduce wait times for tribunal hearingsClause 44, s 97Removes the requirement for a judicial member for reviews of prohibition orders and certain registration decisions under part 7 of the National Law.
- •The Director of Proceedings can request the Health Ombudsman obtain specific information rather than referring matters back for full reinvestigationClause 47, s 103Improves efficiency by allowing targeted information requests instead of full re-investigation referrals.
4/9/2019· Hon S MilesHealthSeniorsCommittee: pass (dissent)
21
Community Based Sentences (Interstate Transfer) Bill 2019
PassedThis bill became law.- •Queensland joins a national scheme for interstate transfer of community based sentences, aligning with most other Australian jurisdictionsClause 3The model legislation has been supported and endorsed by all Australian Corrective Services Ministers and the Council of Attorneys-General.
- •The Minister can enter arrangements with other states to coordinate supervision of offenders travelling interstateClause 23The Minister may enter into arrangements with the corresponding Minister of an interstate jurisdiction to facilitate the administration of community based sentences.
21/8/2019· Hon M Ryan MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass
18
Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2019
PassedThis bill became law.- •Approximately $100 million of public funds is allocated to run Queensland's Parliament in 2019-20, covering MPs, staff, Hansard, and committeesClause 2The Treasurer is authorised to pay $100,009,000 from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2019.
- •An additional $50 million in interim supply keeps Parliament running into 2020-21 until the next budget is passedClause 3The Treasurer is authorised to pay $50,004,500 from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2020.
- •Two outdated appropriation Acts from 2017 are repealed as they are no longer neededClause 4Repeals the Appropriation (Parliament) Act 2017, No. 21 and the Appropriation (Parliament) Act (No. 2) 2017, No. 39.
11/6/2019· Hon J TradCommittee: pass
52
Appropriation Bill 2019
PassedThis bill became law.- •This bill is the legal authority for the government to spend $54.7 billion on public services including hospitals, schools, roads, and police for 2019-20Clause 2, Schedule 1The Treasurer is authorised to pay $54,698,900,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as itemised in Schedule 1 for the financial year starting 1 July 2019.
- •Interim funding of $27.3 billion keeps government services running into 2020-21 until the next budget is passedClause 3The Treasurer is authorised to pay $27,349,450,000 from the consolidated fund for departments for the financial year starting 1 July 2020.
- •A new Department of Youth Justice receives $262 million in its first full year of funding, separating youth justice from child safetySchedule 2Department of Youth Justice receives a vote of $262,055,000 for 2019-20, up from $24,507,000 in estimated actuals for 2018-19 when it was first established.
- •Education receives the largest single allocation at $13.9 billion, followed by Health at $11.3 billion and Transport and Main Roads at $7 billionSchedule 1Department of Education vote $13,856,825,000; Queensland Health vote $11,304,784,000; Department of Transport and Main Roads vote $7,037,657,000.
11/6/2019· Hon J TradCommittee: pass (dissent)
51
Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019
PassedThis bill became law.- •Taxpayers and royalty payers can manage their obligations online through OSR Online around the clockClauses 65-66The Taxation Administration Act is amended to enable documents to be given to and by the Commissioner via OSR Online, supporting 24/7 functionality.
- •The Treasurer can access Auditor-General information for whole-of-government budgetingClause 5 (new section 72A)The Auditor-General may disclose audit information to the Treasurer and Queensland Treasury for budgeting and monitoring purposes. Local governments are excluded.
11/6/2019· Hon J TradBusiness & EconomyCost of LivingRegional Queensland
44
Electoral and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Donors must reveal the true source of political gifts and loans of $1,000 or more, making it harder to funnel money through intermediariesClause 59 (new sections 260A and 260B)Requires an entity making a gift or loan to a registered political party or candidate who is not the true source to give the recipient notice and the relevant particulars of the actual source.
- •Postal vote applications must now be submitted at least 12 days before polling day to ensure ballots arrive in timeClause 38Amends section 119 so postal vote requests must be received by 7pm on the day that is 12 days before polling day, normally the second Monday before.
- •Prisoners serving less than 3 years can now vote in Queensland elections, aligning with the Commonwealth position after the High Court's Roach decisionClause 27Amends section 106(3) so only persons serving a sentence of 3 years or longer are disqualified from voting.
- •Penalties doubled to 100 penalty units for lodging false or misleading electoral funding claims or returnsClause 67Increases maximum penalty from 50 to 100 penalty units for false or misleading claims or returns under divisions 4, 7 or 10 of part 11.
1/5/2019· Hon Y D'Ath MPCommittee: pass (dissent)
5
Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Voters must now number all preferences in mayoral and single-councillor elections, aligning local government voting with state and federal electionsClause 209, s 65 LGEAAmends section 65 of the LGEA to mandate full-preferential voting for mayoral and single councillor elections.
- •You can see who is funding council candidates and what interests they have before you vote, with donations over $500 disclosed in real timePart 4, Division 3 (clauses 220-253)Requires real-time disclosure of electoral expenditure and expanded details for gifts and loans including donor occupation, business interests, and the original source of funds.
- •Brisbane City Council is now subject to the same oversight and accountability rules as every other Queensland council, including the power to suspend or dismiss councillorsClauses 16-19, 124Applies the full suite of LGA State intervention powers and the councillor complaints framework under chapter 5A to the BCC for the first time.
- •Councillors face penalties of up to 200 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment for failing to declare conflicts of interest or participating in decisions where they have a conflictClause 7, s 177H-177J COBA; Clause 106, ch 5B LGAReplaces existing conflict of interest provisions with prescribed and declarable conflict categories carrying significantly strengthened penalties.
1/5/2019· Hon S Hinchliffe MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass
25
Natural Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Over 70 land administration decisions are transferred from the Minister to the chief executive for faster processingChapter 3, Part 1Transfers decision-making responsibilities for land transactions including transfer approvals, improvement dealings, and surrender decisions from the Minister to the chief executive.
- •The annual state report on foreign land ownership is abolished as the Commonwealth now publishes its own reportClause 37Removes the requirement to create and table an annual report on foreign ownership of land under the Foreign Ownership of Land Register Act 1988.
- •Water authority boards must now seek gender-balanced candidates when nominating directors, addressing only 10% women's representationClause 331, new s 609The board must seek and nominate suitable candidates with regard to providing balanced gender representation in the board.
26/2/2019· Hon A Lynham MPEnvironmentBusiness & EconomyFirst NationsCommittee: pass (dissent)
36
Police Service Administration (Discipline Reform) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The police discipline system is modernised with a focus on rehabilitation and professional development, not just punishmentSection 7.1The purposes of the new Part 7 include 'rehabilitating and, if necessary, disciplining officers' — shifting from a purely punitive approach.
- •The outdated Police Service (Discipline) Regulations 1990 are repealed, with the discipline framework now in primary legislationSection 11.19 (Clause 17)All components of the police discipline system are moved into the Police Service Administration Act 1990, providing greater parliamentary oversight.
13/2/2019· Hon M Ryan MPJustice & Rights
21
Human Rights Bill 2018
PassedThis bill became law.- •All government departments, police, local councils, and Ministers must consider human rights when making decisions — it is unlawful not toClause 58Public entities must act compatibly with human rights and give proper consideration to relevant rights in decision-making.
- •Every bill introduced to Parliament must now be accompanied by a statement of compatibility with human rightsClause 38Statements must explain whether the bill is compatible and, if not, the nature and extent of any incompatibility.
- •The Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland is renamed the Queensland Human Rights Commission with expanded functions including human rights complaints, education, and annual reportingPart 4The government committed $2.298 million over four years ($0.6 million per year ongoing) for the Commission.
- •Parliament can override the Act in exceptional circumstances like war or emergencies, but override declarations expire after five yearsClauses 43-46Override declarations must be accompanied by a statement explaining the exceptional circumstances.
31/10/2018· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsFirst NationsCommittee: pass (dissent)
21
Economic Development and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Development instruments in priority development areas now take effect when published in the Gazette, replacing the previous regulation approval processClauses 47-48Development schemes and amendments take effect at the beginning of the day the gazette notice is published, improving efficiency.
- •The Commonwealth Games Infrastructure Authority is dissolved now that the 2018 Games are completeClause 65Removes Part 2 of Chapter 4 of the ED Act establishing the CGIA, as it is no longer required.
- •The redundant Southern Moreton Bay Islands Development Entitlements Protection Act 2004 is repealed, as its provisions expired in March 2016Clause 230
19/9/2018· Hon C Dick MPBusiness & EconomySafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass
23
Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2018
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament formally accounts for $5.14 million in unforeseen spending during 2017-18, ensuring transparency of public fundsClause 2(1)Authorises the Treasurer to pay $5,140,000 from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2017.
- •Supplementary appropriation is brought to Parliament promptly after the financial year ends rather than bundled into the next budget, improving accountabilityClause 2(2)Timely consideration of unforeseen expenditure enhances transparency and accountability of Government expenditure.
4/9/2018· Hon J Trad MPCommittee: pass
24
Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2018
PassedThis bill became law.- •Nearly $495 million in unplanned government spending during 2017-18 is formally approved by Parliament after the factClause 2(1)The Treasurer is authorised to pay $494,915,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as stated in Schedule 1 for the financial year starting 1 July 2017.
- •Transport and Main Roads received the biggest share at $231.3 million, mostly as an equity adjustmentSchedule 1Department of Transport and Main Roads equity adjustment of $231,252,000.
- •Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs received $187.9 million in administered items for unforeseen expenditureSchedule 1Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs administered items of $187,947,000.
- •The bill ensures transparency by requiring parliamentary approval for spending that exceeded original budget allocationsClause 2Payments from the Consolidated Fund, including unforeseen expenditure, must be formally authorised under an Act of Parliament in accordance with section 66 of the Constitution of Queensland 2001.
4/9/2018· Hon J Trad MP
25
Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •More property transactions can now be completed electronically instead of requiring physical settlement attendancePart 2, Clauses 3-50Introduces ELN lodgements as a new sub-category of dutiable transaction for e-conveyancing, covering transfers, surrenders, vestings and acquisitions of new rights.
- •Charitable organisations must update their constitutions within 6 to 18 months or risk losing tax-exempt statusClause 83Requires that an entity's constitution expressly provides restrictions on income and property use under section 149C(5) of the Taxation Administration Act 2001.
- •Primary producers transferring family businesses get a broader transfer duty concession, backdated to October 2016Clause 50 (definition of 'business property')Extends the family primary production business concession to all dutiable property used to conduct a primary production business, not just land and personal property.
- •The Cross River Rail Board can now appoint an interim CEO for up to 6 months if the position becomes vacantClause 103Allows the Board to appoint an interim chief executive officer selected from the public service or senior staff of the CRRDA.
22/8/2018· Hon J Trad MPJustice & RightsFirst NationsCommittee: pass
20
Local Government (Dissolution of Ipswich City Council) Bill 2018
PassedThis bill became law.- •Ipswich City Council was dissolved and all elected councillors removed from office due to systemic corruption found by the Crime and Corruption CommissionClause 4On commencement, the Ipswich City Council is dissolved and each ICC councillor's term ends, despite the Local Government Act 2009, section 160.
- •An appointed interim administrator took over all council and mayoral powers until the 2020 local government electionsClause 5The Governor in Council must appoint a person to act in place of the councillors of the Ipswich City Council for the interim period.
- •Ipswich residents temporarily lost elected local representation, with no democratic vote on council decisions until 2020Clause 3The interim period ends at the conclusion of the quadrennial election of councillors for the Ipswich local government area held in 2020.
21/8/2018· Hon S Hinchliffe MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass
22
Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2018
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament's operating budget for 2018-19 is set at $97.2 million, up from the previous year's estimate of $91.7 millionClause 2The amount of $97,178,000 is appropriated for the 2018-19 financial year for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service.
- •Interim funding of $48.6 million keeps Parliament running from July 2019 until the next budget bill passesClause 3The Treasurer is authorised to pay $48,589,000 from the consolidated fund for the financial year starting 1 July 2019.
- •The Appropriation (Parliament) Act 2016 is repealed as part of routine legislative housekeepingClause 4
12/6/2018· Hon J Trad MPCommittee: pass
40
Appropriation Bill 2018
PassedThis bill became law.- •Authorises $53.2 billion in government spending for 2018-19, funding every state service from hospitals to schools to roadsClause 2The Treasurer is authorised to pay $53,203,950,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as itemised in Schedule 1 for the financial year starting 1 July 2018.
- •Provides $26.6 billion in interim funding so government services continue operating until the next budget is passedClause 3The Treasurer is authorised to pay $26,601,975,000 from the consolidated fund for departments for the financial year starting 1 July 2019.
- •Reflects machinery-of-government restructures including new standalone departments for Child Safety, Employment, and Corrective ServicesSchedule 1
- •Repeals the 2016 Appropriation Acts that are no longer neededClause 4Repeals the Appropriation Act 2016, No. 41 and the Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2016, No. 55.
12/6/2018· Hon J Trad MPCommittee: pass (dissent)
98
Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
PassedThis bill became law.- •The Office of State Revenue's $49.2 million IT upgrade includes a new online portal for managing land tax (Parts 9-10)
- •The government can now use evidentiary certificates in mining and petroleum royalty court proceedings (Part 6, Clause 20; Part 8, Clause 30)
12/6/2018· Hon J Trad MPHousing & RentingCost of LivingBusiness & EconomyRegional Queensland
40
Betting Tax Bill 2018
PassedThis bill became law.- •Queensland shifts from taxing where betting operators are based to taxing where the punter is located, capturing revenue from interstate bookmakers for the first timePart 2Introduces a point-of-consumption tax model harmonised with South Australia and Victoria.
- •The Commissioner of State Revenue gains new powers to disregard tax avoidance arrangements in the betting industryClause 42Commissioner may disregard agreements, transactions or arrangements that reduce, postpone or avoid betting tax liability.
12/6/2018· Hon J TradBusiness & Economy
39
Electoral Legislation (Political Donations) Amendment Bill 2018
DefeatedThis bill was defeated at the second reading — the main debate on its principles. It cannot proceed further.- •For-profit companies would have been banned from donating to political parties, candidates and elected members at state and local government levelClause 6 (s 281) and Clause 14 (s 113B)Makes it unlawful for a prohibited corporate donor to make a political donation or for a person to accept one made by or on behalf of a prohibited corporate donor.
- •People who knowingly accepted banned corporate donations would have faced up to 400 penalty units or 2 years imprisonmentClause 7 (s 307A) and Clause 15 (s 194D)Maximum penalty of 400 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment for doing an act that is unlawful under the corporate donation ban provisions.
- •Schemes designed to funnel corporate money around the ban would have carried penalties of up to 10 years imprisonmentClause 7 (s 307B) and Clause 15 (s 194E)Maximum penalty of 1,500 penalty units or 10 years imprisonment for knowingly participating in a scheme to circumvent the prohibition.
- •Charities, unions and not-for-profit organisations were exempted and could still make political donationsClause 6 (s 280) and Clause 14 (s 113A)Prohibited corporate donor does not include registered charities, not-for-profit organisations, or employee and employer organisations under state or federal industrial relations legislation.
16/5/2018· Mr M Berkman MPCommittee: not recommended
18
Ministerial and Other Office Holder Staff and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Staff working in ministerial offices, electorate offices, and the Parliamentary Service can now be formally asked to undergo criminal history checksClause 3 (new Part 2A) and Clause 10 (new Part 5A)Provides the Director-General and the Clerk with explicit power to conduct criminal history checks to assess suitability of staff.
- •Ministers, the Premier, and members of parliament will receive criminal history information to make informed decisions about who works in their officesClause 3, new section 13FThe chief executive must give a copy of the criminal history to the person's proposed employing member or the Premier for ministerial staff.
- •The parliamentary precinct land description is updated following a resurvey related to the Queen's Wharf Brisbane projectClause 9(2)Amends plan details following Parliament's 2017 agreement to relinquish a small parcel of land for the Queen's Wharf Brisbane project.
15/5/2018· Hon A Palaszczuk MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass
10
Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 1 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Property developers can no longer donate to state or local government candidates, councillors or political parties in QueenslandPart 3, Clause 13 (s 275) and Part 5, Clause 30 (s 113B)Makes it unlawful for prohibited donors to make, solicit, or have others make political donations on their behalf.
- •Councillors must now give detailed conflict of interest declarations at meetings, including naming who benefits and the nature of any relationships or giftsClause 24, s 175E(2)Councillors must disclose the nature of their interests and, if arising from a relationship or gift, the name of the person, the nature of the relationship or the value and date of the gift.
- •Council meeting minutes must now record conflict of interest declarations, how councillors voted, and be published on the council websiteClause 24, s 175JRequires recording in minutes and on the council website the councillor's name, interests, decisions made about the interest, and how the councillor and majority voted.
- •Councillors convicted of conflict of interest offences are banned from holding office for 4 yearsClause 22, s 153New conflict of interest offences are prescribed as integrity offences, triggering automatic 4-year disqualification from being a councillor.
6/3/2018· Hon S Hinchliffe MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)
56
Queensland Competition Authority Amendment Bill 2018
PassedThis bill became law.- •The Queensland Competition Authority must now publish reasons on its website when it misses statutory deadlines for access decisionsClauses 5, 7, 9Strengthens accountability by requiring public disclosure of delays in recommendations, access determinations, and undertaking approvals.
- •Official notices about investigations and hearings must now be published on the Authority's website instead of in newspapersClauses 3, 12Modernises notice requirements by moving from newspaper publication to website publication.
15/2/2018· Hon J Trad MPBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass
13
Local Government Legislation (Validation of Rates and Charges) Amendment Bill 2018
PassedThis bill became law.- •Council rates you have already paid are confirmed as legally valid, even if your council did not follow the correct procedural steps when setting themClause 3 (s 276) and Clause 5 (s 315)Rates and charges levied without an express resolution at the council's budget meeting are declared to have always been validly levied.
- •Councils can continue to pursue unpaid rates through court proceedings and land sales without risk of those actions being overturnedClause 3 (s 276(3)) and Clause 5 (s 315(3))Anything done or to be done in relation to the rate or charge — including proceedings, land sales, and interest charges — is declared valid.
- •The validation covers rates going back decades under repealed legislation, not just recent yearsClause 5 (s 315(4))Applies to rates levied under the repealed Local Government Act 1936, the repealed Local Government Act 1993, and the repealed City of Brisbane Act 1924.
- •Ratepayers lose the ability to challenge past rates on the basis that their council did not pass the required budget resolutionClause 3 (s 276(2)) and Clause 5 (s 315(2))The retrospective validation removes a potential legal ground for challenging rates, as identified in the Linville Holdings v Fraser Coast Regional Council Supreme Court decision.
15/2/2018· Hon S Hinchliffe MPCommittee: pass
14
Crime and Corruption and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Public officials must now keep records when they decide not to report a corruption allegation to the CCCClause 9Requires public officials to record details of any decision not to notify the Commission of alleged corrupt conduct that does not meet the reasonable suspicion threshold.
- •Disciplinary proceedings can now follow public sector employees who move between the CCC, public service, ambulance service and fire serviceClauses 26-31Creates a unified post-separation disciplinary framework so disciplinary findings can be transferred and proceedings continued when staff change agencies.
- •The CCC's information sharing rules are simplified so it can more easily work with other government agencies and law enforcementClause 15Replaces the existing complex disclosure regime with a single provision allowing the Commission to share information with any entity it considers appropriate.
- •The time to seek a QCAT review of a CCC disciplinary decision is extended from 14 to 28 daysClause 21Lengthens the review period to align with the standard timeframe under the QCAT Act.
15/2/2018· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass
34
Local Government (Councillor Complaints) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •You can now lodge complaints about councillor behaviour directly to an Independent Assessor by phone, email or in person, instead of going through the council itselfClause 12, s 150OA person may make a complaint to the Independent Assessor about the conduct of a councillor orally or in writing.
- •Councils must publish a conduct register on their website so you can see how complaints about your councillors have been handledClause 12, s 150DXA local government must keep an up-to-date councillor conduct register and publish it on the local government's website.
- •Councillors found guilty of misconduct can now face penalties from fines up to 50 penalty units through to being dismissed from officeClause 12, s 150ARThe Councillor Conduct Tribunal may make orders including reprimand, training, fines, exclusion from meetings, or recommend suspension or dismissal.
- •Council employees and councillors who report bad behaviour are protected from reprisal, with penalties of up to 167 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment for retaliationClause 12, s 150AWA councillor must not take detrimental action against a protected person in reprisal for a complaint or notification about the councillor's conduct.
15/2/2018· Hon S Hinchliffe MPCommittee: pass
47
55th Parliament (2015–2017)65 bills
Local Government Electoral (Implementing Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017
Lapsed- •Property developers can no longer donate to Queensland state or local politicians, parties or candidatesClauses 13 and 30 (new s 275 Electoral Act, new s 113B LGEA)It is unlawful for a prohibited donor to make a political donation, for anyone to make or accept one on their behalf, or to solicit such a donation.
- •Councils must publish more detail about councillors' conflicts of interest in meeting minutes and on council websitesClauses 6 and 24 (new s 177J COBA, new s 175J LGA)Names, particulars of the interest, decisions made and how each councillor voted must be recorded in the minutes and on the council website.
- •Councillors convicted of the new integrity offences are automatically barred from being a councillor for 4 yearsClauses 4 and 22The new conflict-of-interest and influence offences are added to the list of integrity offences that trigger 4-year disqualification under section 153 of both the LGA and COBA.
- •An entity can ask the Electoral Commissioner in advance for a ruling that it is not a prohibited donor, with decisions listed in a public registerClauses 13 and 30 (new s 277 Electoral Act, new s 113D LGEA)A determination has effect for one year and the Electoral Commissioner must keep a publicly inspectable register of determinations and revocations.
12/10/2017· Hon A Palaszczuk MPJustice & RightsHousing & Renting
Local Government (Councillor Complaints) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017
Lapsed- •You can now complain about your local councillor directly to an Independent Assessor instead of going through the council CEO who works for themNew section 150CT / 150OEstablishes the Independent Assessor and allows complaints to be made in writing, by phone, fax, email or in person.
- •Outcomes of complaints about your councillor are published on a public register on the council's websiteNew sections 150DX-150DYEach local government must keep and publish a councillor conduct register listing decisions, orders, dismissed complaints and decisions to take no further action.
- •Councillors who retaliate against residents or staff who complained about them face up to 2 years in prisonNew section 150AWCreates a reprisal offence with a maximum penalty of 167 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment, and classifies it as an integrity offence.
- •If you live in Brisbane, none of this applies to you — Brisbane City Council stays under its existing complaints rulesClause 4The new system does not apply to Brisbane City Council; the City of Brisbane Act 2010 continues to govern complaints about its councillors.
10/10/2017· Hon M Furner MPJustice & Rights
Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2017
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament formally approves $2.411 million of extra spending on itself for the 2016-17 year, a routine check on government expenditureClause 2(1)The Treasurer is authorised to pay $2,411,000 from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2016.
- •The spending is split between $1.087 million for departmental services and $1.324 million for equity adjustmentSchedule 1Supplementary appropriation for 2016-2017: departmental services $1,087, equity adjustment $1,324, total $2,411 (in thousands).
- •Using a separate supplementary bill rather than bundling the amount into next year's Budget is intended to improve transparency over unforeseen expenditureTimely consideration of unforeseen expenditure enhances transparency and accountability of Government expenditure.
5/9/2017· Hon C Pitt MPCommittee: pass
Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2017
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament retroactively approves $2.27 billion in government spending that went over the original 2016-17 budgetClause 2(1)The Treasurer is authorised to pay $2,270,454,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as stated in schedule 1 for the financial year starting 1 July 2016.
- •Documents where the overspend went — mostly Treasury ($1.07bn) and Energy and Water Supply ($854m)Schedule 1Schedule 1 lists total departmental amounts, with Queensland Treasury at $1,068,359,000 and Department of Energy and Water Supply at $853,777,000.
- •Fulfils the constitutional requirement that Parliament authorise every payment from the Consolidated FundPayments from the Consolidated Fund, including unforeseen expenditure, must be formally authorised under an Act of Parliament in accordance with section 66 of the Constitution of Queensland 2001.
5/9/2017· Hon C Pitt MP
Guardianship and Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017
Lapsed- •Senior public servants can now ask the Integrity Commissioner for ethics advice directly without needing their boss's sign-offClause 50Amends section 15 of the Integrity Act to remove the requirement for managerial consent.
- •Former senior officials can still get Integrity Commissioner advice for two years after they leave the public serviceClause 51New section 20A Integrity Act allows former designated persons to request advice on post-separation obligations for up to two years.
- •Government-owned corporations can now report suspected corrupt conduct to the Crime and Corruption Commission without breaching Commonwealth confidentiality rulesClauses 4 and 97Declares section 156 GOC Act and section 19 PID Act to be Corporations Act displacement provisions.
5/9/2017· Hon Y D'Ath MPHealthSeniorsJustice & Rights
Education (Overseas Students) Bill 2017
Lapsed- •Anyone refused or sanctioned under the new scheme gets a right of internal review and can appeal to QCAT — rights that didn't exist for exchange organisations beforeClauses 84-88Establishes internal review by the chief executive and external review by QCAT for decisions affecting school provider and student exchange approvals.
- •Authorised officers can only enter school or organisation premises with consent or a magistrate's warrant, and must carry identificationClauses 47-48, 52-62Adopts standard contemporary powers for authorised persons, with entry only by consent or under a warrant and identity card obligations.
- •The Director-General can share information with interstate regulators and the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board to coordinate oversight of providersClauses 98-100Allows information sharing with other jurisdictions' registration authorities and with the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board where it assists each body's functions.
8/8/2017· Hon K Jones MPEducationChildren & FamiliesCommittee: pass
Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2017
PassedThis bill became law.- •Your Parliament receives $91.69 million of public money to operate for 2017-18Clause 2The Treasurer is authorised to pay $91,690,000 from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2017.
- •Parliament gets interim funding to keep running at the start of 2018-19 before the next budget passesClause 3The Treasurer is authorised to pay $45,845,000 from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2018.
- •Two older 2015 parliamentary appropriation Acts are removed from the statute bookClause 4Repeals the Appropriation (Parliament) Act 2015 and the Appropriation (Parliament) Act (No. 2) 2015.
13/6/2017· Hon C Pitt MP
Appropriation Bill 2017
PassedThis bill became law.- •Sets how much your state government can spend in total for 2017-18: $50.85 billion across all departmentsClause 2The Treasurer is authorised to pay $50,851,083,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as itemised in schedule 1 for the financial year starting 1 July 2017.
- •Health and education get the largest allocations, with Queensland Health receiving $10.47 billion and Education and Training $12.96 billionSchedule 1Vote amounts for 2017-18: Queensland Health $10,466,862,000; Department of Education and Training $12,961,452,000.
- •Keeps government running into the new financial year by providing $25.43 billion in interim supply for 2018-19Clause 3The Treasurer is authorised to pay $25,425,542,000 from the consolidated fund for departments for the financial year starting 1 July 2018.
- •The Treasurer can shift money between a department's internal headings if some are in surplus and others short, as long as the total vote isn't exceededExplanatory notes (section 33 Financial Accountability Act 2009)The Treasurer may pay a department's appropriation in amounts different to those set out in the Annual Appropriation Act, provided that the total vote amount is not exceeded.
13/6/2017· Hon C Pitt MP
Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2017
PassedThis bill became law.- •The State Revenue Commissioner gains clear legal authority to collect property transfer data and share it with the Australian Taxation OfficeClause 32New section 113C provides that the commissioner may collect reportable information and disclose it to the commissioner of taxation.
- •The Government is using retrospective legislation to override a Court of Appeal ruling (Vikpro) and restore its original policy on commercial leases back to 2010Clause 27New section 100 provides that section 83A is taken to have had effect on and from 30 June 2010.
- •The change supports the National Register of Foreign Ownership of Land Titles, giving the Commonwealth better data on who owns Australian propertyClause 32Reportable information means information about the transfer of freehold or leasehold interests reportable by the State under Commonwealth taxation administration law.
13/6/2017· Hon C Pitt MPHousing & RentingCost of LivingBusiness & Economy
University Legislation Amendment Bill 2017
PassedThis bill became law.- •Queensland Parliament gives up its role in overseeing university statutes, because universities will no longer be able to make them - regulation moves to the Commonwealth TEQSAClauses 47, 102, 113, 126, 138, 150, 162Each university Act's Part 6 (University statutes) is omitted so that universities can no longer make statutes, which had previously been tabled in Parliament and subject to disallowance.
- •People on university councils must tell the chancellor or Minister if they become disqualified from running a company or are convicted of a serious crime, with fines of up to 100 penalty units for staying silentClauses 11, 20, 49, 60, 71, 81, 91 (new ss 62D/66D/61D/56D/64D)Failing to give notice of the disqualification or conviction is an offence with a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units.
- •Personal criminal history information collected about council members is protected by a new offence of up to 100 penalty units for unauthorised disclosureClauses 11, 20, 49, 60, 71, 81, 91 (new ss 62E/66E/61E/56E/64E)Direct or indirect disclosure of protected information other than as permitted under the provision is an offence with a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units.
- •The rule that a deputy chancellor only stepped in while the chancellor was 'absent from the State' is modernised so they step in whenever the chancellor is absent from dutyClauses 7, 17, 39, 56, 66, 77, 87
23/5/2017· Hon K Jones MPEducationCommittee: pass
Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017
PassedThis bill became law.- •The Transport Security (Counter-Terrorism) Act must be formally reviewed every five years with the outcome tabled in ParliamentClause 97The Minister must review the Act every 5 years and table a report on the review's outcome in the Legislative Assembly within one year after the end of each five-year period.
- •The department must publish approved alternative application methods and required information on its website so you can see what is acceptedClauses 32, 80 (new ss 32, 163)The chief executive may, by publishing a notice on the department's website, approve a way in which an application or notification may be made and require stated information to be given.
23/5/2017· Hon J Trad MPTransport & RoadsJustice & RightsChildren & FamiliesCommittee: pass
Education (Accreditation of Non-State Schools) Bill 2017
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Appeals against Board decisions now go to QCAT instead of the Minister, giving parents and schools independent external reviewClause 166A governing body of a school that is given, or is entitled to be given, an information notice about a decision may apply to QCAT for a review of the decision.
- •Funding-eligibility decisions move from the Minister to the statutory Board, separating political decisions from regulatory onesClause 80The Board must consider the application for government funding eligibility and decide whether it is satisfied the governing body meets the government funding eligibility criteria.
- •The Minister retains the power to direct the Board in the public interest but cannot interfere in individual accreditation or funding decisionsClause 123The direction cannot be about the accreditation, amendment, cancellation or amalgamation of a particular school or a decision about eligibility for government funding.
9/5/2017· Hon K Jones MPEducationChildren & FamiliesCommittee: pass
Crime and Corruption and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017
Lapsed- •Government agencies must keep written records when they decide not to refer a suspected corruption matter to the CCCClause 9New section 40A requires a public official who decides a complaint about alleged corrupt conduct need not be notified to the CCC to record the decision, supporting evidence and reasons, and give the CCC access on request.
- •Disciplinary findings and information follow officers who move between the CCC, public service, ambulance service and fire serviceClauses 26-31, 48-55, 64-70, 84-91The Bill creates a consistent post-separation discipline regime across the CC Act, Public Service Act 2008, Ambulance Service Act 1991 and Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990 so disciplinary action can be transferred or delegated when officers change public sector employer.
- •The Queensland Ombudsman can share information with Commonwealth and interstate agencies that have a proper interest in itClause 77New section 91A of the Ombudsman Act 2001 lets an officer of the ombudsman disclose information to Commonwealth, State and Territory agencies where the Ombudsman considers they have a proper interest for their functions.
- •The CCC can no longer refer investigation briefs directly to the Director of Public Prosecutions, keeping prosecution decisions through the policeClause 12Section 49 is amended so 'prosecuting authority' no longer includes the Director of Public Prosecutions; evidence still flows to the QPS and on to the DPP through the usual prosecutorial process.
23/3/2017· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)
Court and Civil Legislation Amendment Bill 2017
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Appointments of Justices of the Peace, Commissioners for Declarations and community justice group members will be published on government websites instead of the Queensland Government GazetteClauses 4, 135-139Replaces gazette notification with publication on the Queensland Courts or Queensland Government website.
- •Queensland agencies can now disclose your personal information to ASIO for national security purposes when ASIO makes a written request signed by its Director-GeneralClause 129Adds an exception to Information Privacy Principle 11 where ASIO certifies in writing that the information is required for its statutory functions.
- •The Queensland Ombudsman can now direct a council to table an Ombudsman report at a council meeting, putting it on the public recordClause 180New section 50 allows the Ombudsman to direct the principal officer of a local government to table a report at a local government meeting.
- •Acting magistrates can now serve until age 75, up from the previous lower limit, helping the courts manage workloadClause 167Amends section 6 of the Magistrates Act to increase the age limit for acting magistrates to 75 years.
23/3/2017· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsChildren & FamiliesCommittee: pass (dissent)
Honourable Angelo Vasta (Reversal of Removal) Bill 2017
Lapsed- •Parliament would have used legislation to overturn one of its own past decisions — the only post-Federation parliamentary removal of an Australian Supreme Court judgeExplanatory notes note 'This is the only occasion since Federation that any Parliament in Australia has removed a Supreme Court Justice from office.'
- •The bill acknowledged serious flaws in the 1988 Commission of Inquiry's terms of reference, absence of appeal rights, and rushed parliamentary voteExplanatory notes list deficiencies including terms of reference that were 'too wide', no right of appeal, and a motion passed at 3am without a division being called.
- •The bill lapsed and did not become law, so the 1989 removal decision formally standsBill status recorded as Lapsed; introduced by Mr R Katter MP on 2 March 2017.
2/3/2017· Mr R Katter MPJustice & RightsCommittee: not recommended
Local Government Electoral (Transparency and Accountability in Local Government) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •You will be able to see donations to local council candidates in close to real time rather than waiting up to 15 weeks after polling dayClause 27Inserts a new section allowing the Electoral Commission to set up electronic lodgement of returns, supporting real-time online disclosure.
- •Any donation of $500 or more to a local council candidate or third party must be disclosedClauses 16-18, 23-24Reduces the donation disclosure threshold from $200 for candidates and $1,000 for third-party gifts to $500 across the board.
- •Candidates cannot hide campaign donations inside incorporated associations set up to benefit a memberClause 4Amends the Associations Incorporation Act to make clear that associations cannot be used to receive or hold electoral campaign funds for a member's benefit.
- •Councils must cover the full cost of the Electoral Commission running their elections, including planning and trainingClause 29Clarifies that indirect as well as direct costs incurred by the ECQ are recoverable from local governments.
1/12/2016· Hon J Trad MPHousing & RentingJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)
Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The State and Commonwealth can now be explicitly granted or leased unallocated Crown land under the Land ActClause 7Amends section 17 to allow the Governor in Council to grant, and the Minister to lease, unallocated State land to the Commonwealth.
- •Non-tidal rivers and lakes owned by the State can be dedicated as community reserves, but only with the adjoining owner's consent and the water chief executive's approvalClause 6 (new section 13AC)Dedication of non-tidal watercourse or lake land as a reserve requires the consent of each adjacent owner and the chief executive under the Water Act 2000.
- •Trustees of trust land (often local councils) can only resign when the Minister is satisfied there is a proper replacement or other valid reason, reducing gaps in management of community landClause 24Section 50 is amended so the Minister may accept a trustee's resignation only if another entity can take over, the resignation is in the State's interests, or the trustee cannot perform their functions.
- •Lessees and licensees of State land can be held to terms set out in regulation, and face up to 400 penalty units plus possible cancellation of their interest for non-complianceClause 27 (new sections 321A-321K)A regulation may prescribe terms for registered documents, with a notice-to-remedy process and a maximum penalty of 400 penalty units for failing to comply.
29/11/2016· Hon Dr A Lynham MPHousing & RentingFirst NationsCommittee: pass
Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Bill 2016
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •A new independent statutory body will run the project at arm's length from day-to-day politics, but will still report to a MinisterClause 3The purpose of this Act is to establish the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority as an independent statutory body.
- •The Authority's commercial activities will not be accessible through Right to Information requests, limiting public scrutiny of its contracts and dealingsClause 80Schedule 2 is amended so that the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority is exempt from the Right to Information Act except for its community service obligations.
- •Money the Authority earns from land sales, rates and borrowings goes into its own fund rather than general government revenueClause 59The Cross River Rail Delivery Fund is established and does not form part of the consolidated fund.
- •The Authority is designed to be temporary and will be wound up once the rail project is finishedClause 3(2)It is the intention of Parliament that the authority continue in existence only until the cross river rail project and any transport-related projects are completed.
11/10/2016· Hon J Trad MPTransport & Roads
12
Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2016
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament retrospectively approves an extra $390.126 million that the government spent in 2015-16 beyond the original budgetClause 2(1)The Treasurer is authorised to pay $390,126,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as stated in schedule 1 for the financial year starting 1 July 2015.
- •Queensland Treasury accounts for most of the overspend, with $296.985 million in administered itemsSchedule 1
- •The supplementary appropriation process gives MPs a chance to scrutinise unforeseen government spending soon after the financial year endsTimely consideration of unforeseen expenditure enhances transparency and accountability of Government expenditure.
13/9/2016· Hon C Pitt MPCommittee: pass
11
Environmental Protection (Underground Water Management) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Local councils can now formally appoint their own employees to inspect and enforce local heritage protections in their areaClauses 12-13The chief executive officer of a local government may appoint a local government employee as an authorised person with inspection and compliance functions for local heritage provisions.
- •Council-appointed heritage officers have tighter limits than state-appointed ones: they need a warrant to seize evidence or use force when entering a placeClauses 18, 19 and 21Section 141 does not apply to council-appointed authorised persons, and they may only seize evidence or use force under an authorising warrant.
- •If a council officer damages your property while exercising heritage powers, you can claim compensation directly from the local governmentClause 22A person may claim compensation from a local government if they incur loss because of the exercise of a power by a council-appointed authorised person.
- •Decisions on certain pre-2012 environmental authority applications move from the Minister to the administering authority, aligning with contemporary decision-makingClause 10 (new s 749)The administering authority, not the EPA Minister, must make the decision under former section 225 for these transitional applications.
13/9/2016· Hon Dr S Miles MPEnvironmentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)
22
Industrial Relations Bill 2016
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Easter Sunday becomes a public holiday in Queensland from 2017, matching New South Wales, Victoria and the ACTClause 1108 (amending the Holidays Act 1983)Provides for Easter Sunday (the Sunday after Good Friday) to be a public holiday, with additional wages cost to the Queensland economy estimated at up to $80 million.
- •Long-term casual public servants get a periodic review to decide whether their job should be made permanentClause 1126 (new section 149A of the Public Service Act 2008)Requires the commission chief executive to make a directive about reviewing casual employment with a view to possible conversion to permanent.
- •Public service appeals are now heard by Queensland Industrial Relations Commission members instead of separate 'appeals officers'Clauses 1125, 1130-1153Transfers the public service appeals function to QIRC members, with the President of the Industrial Court as the senior IRC member.
- •The state government and unions will meet at least twice a year on a new Industrial Relations Consultative Committee chaired by the MinisterClauses 968-976Establishes the Queensland Industrial Relations Consultative Committee with state, local government and employee representatives to consult on industrial relations matters.
1/9/2016· Hon G Grace MPWork & EmploymentJustice & RightsCommittee: not recommended
27
Major Sports Facilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Stadiums Queensland board candidates can be asked to consent to a police criminal history check before appointmentClause 18 (new section 17A)The chief executive may ask the commissioner of the police service for a report about the criminal history of a person, but only with the person's written consent.
- •Stadiums Queensland directors must tell the chief executive straight away if they are convicted of a serious offence while in officeClause 18 (new section 17C)A director convicted of an indictable offence during their term must immediately notify the chief executive, with a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units for failing to do so.
- •Criminal history reports held by department staff must stay confidential, with a penalty of up to 100 penalty units for leaksClause 18 (new section 17B)
- •Suncorp Stadium is formally renamed Brisbane Stadium across Queensland legislationClauses 22, 26, 27 and Schedule 1Replaces 'Suncorp' with 'Brisbane' in the Major Sports Facilities Act, the Liquor Act and the Planning (Consequential) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2016.
30/8/2016· Hon C Pitt MPTransport & RoadsBusiness & EconomyEnvironmentCommittee: pass
25
Limitation of Actions (Institutional Child Sexual Abuse) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The Justices of the Peace scheme that hears small civil disputes in QCAT will keep running indefinitely instead of expiring in November 2016Clauses 30 and 33Omits the expiry provisions in the QCAT Act and Regulation so JPs can permanently constitute the tribunal to hear certain minor civil disputes.
- •Funding for the Queensland Law Society, Legal Aid Queensland and related bodies moves from a dedicated trust fund to the general state budgetClauses 18 and 21 (new s 783)The Legal Practitioner Interest on Trust Accounts Fund is closed and any balance transferred to the consolidated fund; future funding of LPITAF beneficiaries will come from the consolidated fund.
- •The state government's chief executive, rather than the Law Society, now decides which banks can hold solicitors' trust moneyClause 16Amends section 280 of the Legal Profession Act 2007 to transfer approval of ADIs from the law society to the chief executive.
16/8/2016· Hon A Palaszczuk MPJustice & RightsChildren & FamiliesCommittee: pass (dissent)
27
Grammar Schools Bill 2016
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The Minister can request police criminal history checks on grammar school board members, but only with their written consentClause 21The Minister may ask the Commissioner of the police service for a criminal history report on a person, but only with that person's written consent, and must destroy the report when no longer needed.
- •Leaking a board member's criminal history information is an offence carrying a fine of up to 100 penalty unitsClause 22A person who possesses a criminal history report must not disclose it except in limited circumstances; maximum penalty 100 penalty units.
- •Schools other than the eight named grammar schools face fines of up to 200 penalty units for calling themselves a 'grammar' school, unless they are the Anglican Church Grammar School or Sunshine Coast Grammar SchoolClauses 51 and 69A person must not establish or operate a non-grammar school under a name that includes 'grammar' or hold one out to be a grammar school; maximum penalty 200 penalty units, with grandfathered exemptions for two named schools.
- •Red tape is cut by removing duplicative financial rules and relying on the general laws that govern all Queensland statutory bodiesClause 10Boards are statutory bodies under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982, and prescriptive requirements from the 1975 Act (separate fund accounts, borrowing procedures, audit rules) are not carried over.
16/8/2016· Hon K Jones MPEducationCommittee: pass
14
Gene Technology (Queensland) Bill 2016
PassedThis bill became law.- •Queensland no longer has to pass new laws every time the Commonwealth changes its gene technology rulesClause 6Commonwealth gene technology laws apply automatically as laws of Queensland under a 'lock-step' approach.
- •Queensland can refuse any specific Commonwealth change by making a regulation to opt outClause 7A regulation may provide that a Commonwealth amendment has not taken effect in Queensland.
- •The Minister must table any Commonwealth amendment in Parliament within 10 sitting days so MPs can scrutinise itClause 21The Minister must table a copy of an amendment to the Commonwealth Gene Technology Act or Licence Charges Act within 10 sitting days of commencement.
16/8/2016· Hon L Enoch MPEnvironmentHealthCommittee: pass
14
Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Government departments and councils no longer have to report separately on Queensland Plan alignment in annual reportsClauses 41, 44Part 3 division 2 and sections 13 and 14 of the Queensland Plan Act are omitted, removing reporting obligations on public authorities and local governments.
- •The Government Response to the Queensland Plan is abolished - the Premier must instead consider the Plan when setting community objectivesClause 40New section 8 requires the Premier to consider the Queensland Plan in preparing a community objectives statement under the Financial Accountability Act.
- •The QSuper Board's functions are exempt from the Right to Information Act to keep commercial information confidential now that QSuper competes in the open marketClause 50Schedule 2 of the RTI Act is amended to add the QSuper Board in relation to its functions under the Superannuation (State Public Sector) Act.
- •The Queensland Audit Office no longer automatically audits QSuper - the QSuper Board can appoint another qualified auditorClause 64Section 20A is amended so the board appoints an auditor who must satisfy the Commonwealth SIS Act requirements.
16/6/2016· Hon C Pitt MPWork & EmploymentCost of LivingHousing & RentingCommittee: pass
9
Legislation (Declaration) Amendment Bill 2016
PassedThis bill became law.- •Confirms the Mental Health Act 2016 is legally valid despite the wrong version being presented for the Governor's sign-offClause 3 (new s 864A)Declares the Mental Health Act 2016 is, and always has been, valid, including the assent purportedly given on 4 March 2016.
- •Confirms the Racing Integrity Act 2016 is legally valid despite the wrong version being presented for assentClause 7 (new s 293A)Declares the Racing Integrity Act 2016 is, and always has been, valid, including the assent purportedly given on 27 April 2016.
- •Locks in the correct wording of sections in both Acts as Parliament actually passed them, not the faulty assent copiesClauses 3 and 7Provides that each Act has effect as if the correct text had always appeared in the affected sections.
- •Fixes a minor incorrect cross-reference in the Racing Act 2002Clause 5Replaces a reference to 'section 9AJ(2)' in section 9AI(1)(b) with the correct 'section 9AJ(3)'.
14/6/2016· Hon S Hinchliffe MP
2
Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2016
PassedThis bill became law.- •Your state Parliament receives $87.4 million of taxpayer money to operate for the 2016-17 yearClause 2The Treasurer is authorised to pay $87,384,000 from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2016.
- •Parliament can keep running into the new financial year without a gap, thanks to $43.7 million in interim fundingClause 3The Treasurer is authorised to pay $43,692,000 for the 2017-18 financial year until the next Appropriation (Parliament) Bill receives assent.
- •Two older 2014 parliamentary budget laws are cleared off the books as no longer neededClause 4Repeals the Appropriation (Parliament) Act 2014 and the Appropriation (Parliament) Act (No. 2) 2014.
14/6/2016· Hon C Pitt MP
2
Appropriation Bill 2016
PassedThis bill became law.- •Sets the legal spending limits for every Queensland government department in 2016-17Clause 2, Schedule 1The Treasurer is authorised to pay $47,622,087,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as itemised in schedule 1.
- •Keeps government services running into 2017-18 by providing early supply before the next budget passesClause 3The Treasurer is authorised to pay $23,811,044,000 from the consolidated fund for departments for the financial year starting 1 July 2017.
- •Directs the biggest funding shares to Education, Health and Transport, which deliver the services most Queenslanders useSchedule 1Education and Training receives $12.1bn, Queensland Health $10.1bn and Transport and Main Roads $6.7bn for 2016-17.
- •Gives the Treasurer flexibility to move money between spending headings inside a department without exceeding the total voteExplanatory notes, Clause 2
14/6/2016· Hon C Pitt MP
40
Duties and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
PassedThis bill became law.- •If a foreign buyer does not pay the 3% surcharge, the State Revenue Commissioner gets a first-ranking charge over the land ahead of mortgages and other creditorsClause 9 (new section 246B)The outstanding liability is a first charge on the interest of the foreign acquirer and has priority over all other encumbrances.
- •The Commissioner can apply to the Supreme Court to force the sale of the property if the debt is unpaid after 18 monthsClause 9 (new sections 246C-246D)
- •Corporations and trusts that become foreign-controlled within 3 years of buying residential land must notify the Commissioner within 28 days or face offence penaltiesClause 9 (new section 246A)Failure to give the notice is an offence under the Taxation Administration Act, section 120.
14/6/2016· Hon C Pitt MPHousing & RentingCost of Living
2
Australian Crime Commission (Queensland) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •References to the former CrimTrac agency are replaced across Queensland law with the Australian Crime Commission, following the national merger on 1 July 2016Schedule 1Amends the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act, Police Service Administration Act, Child Protection (Offender Reporting) Act and related regulations.
- •The quorum at Australian Crime Commission Board meetings rises from 7 to 9 members to reflect the AUSTRAC CEO joining the BoardClause 4Amends section 11 of the Australian Crime Commission (Queensland) Act 2003 to maintain a majority quorum of the 15-member Board.
- •Data lawfully held in the old CrimTrac database is treated as if it is lawfully held in the new ACC database, so existing records can still be usedClause 13 (new s 878)
24/5/2016· Hon B Byrne MPJustice & RightsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass (dissent)
11
Public Safety Business Agency and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
PassedThis bill became law.- •Queensland's shared public safety back-office agency gets a new governing board led by the Police and Fire CommissionersClause 5 (new ss 8A-8I)Establishes the PSBA Board of Management with the police commissioner, fire commissioner and one appointed member, rotating the chair role annually.
- •The PSBA is pulled back to a narrower role, with recruitment, training, legal services and media returning to the police and fire servicesClause 4Amends the agency's functions and the definition of 'support services' so the PSBA provides ICT, financial, procurement and asset management services plus limited HR and advisory support.
- •The PSBA's top executive becomes a Chief Operating Officer who reports to the new board and can be removed with one month's noticeClauses 6-8Renames the PSBA CEO as the Chief Operating Officer, requires the COO to follow board directions, and allows the Minister to give at least one month's notice of removal.
24/5/2016· Hon B Byrne MPSafety & EmergencyChildren & FamiliesCommittee: pass
14
Constitution of Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •You get a guaranteed minimum six-week window to make a submission on most new Queensland laws before they passClause 3 (new section 26B)The Legislative Assembly must refer each bill to a committee for at least 6 weeks, unless the bill is declared urgent by ordinary majority.
- •The annual state budget is locked in as going through public estimates hearings, so MPs can publicly question ministers about spendingClause 3 (new section 26C)Each annual appropriation Bill must be referred to portfolio committees for examination in a public hearing, with departmental expenditure estimates.
- •Parliament must always have at least six portfolio committees covering every area of government activityClause 3 (new section 26A)At the beginning of every session the Legislative Assembly must establish at least 6 portfolio committees collectively covering all areas of government activity.
- •Committees can launch their own investigations into issues within their portfolio without waiting for permissionClause 8Section 92 is amended so a portfolio committee can initiate an inquiry into any other matter it considers appropriate.
21/4/2016· Hon A Palaszczuk MPCommittee: pass
12
Electoral (Improving Representation) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Queensland Parliament grows from 89 to 93 MPs, giving voters four additional electoral districtsClause 4Amends section 11 of the Constitution of Queensland 2001 by omitting '89' and inserting '93'.
- •The body that draws electoral boundaries expands from three to five members, with new experts in demography, statistics or regional planningClause 8Adds two 'expert appointees' who must have qualifications or experience in demography, statistics, or regional and town planning.
- •Appointments to the Redistribution Commission now need the support of every recognised political party leader, making the process more bipartisanClause 8A person may be appointed only if the appointment is made with the support of each leader of a political party represented in the Assembly.
- •The extra seats do not take effect at the next election unless the first redistribution under the new rules is finalised in timeClause 13For the post-commencement redistribution, there is no increase in members and existing districts continue until the first post-redistribution writ is issued.
19/4/2016· Mr I Walker MPRegional Queensland
8
Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
PassedThis bill became law.- •Emergency commanders can now order other government agencies around during a terrorist emergency without first consulting them, if the matter is urgentClause 46The government agency must be consulted before the direction is given, unless it is not practicable because compliance is required urgently or is necessary for the safety of the officer or someone else.
- •ASIO and ASIS can now get fake birth certificates from the Queensland Supreme Court for assumed identities, not just law-enforcement bodiesClause 15The chief executive officer of a Commonwealth intelligence agency may apply to the Supreme Court of Queensland for an order authorising the creation of a birth certificate for an assumed identity under Part IAC of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).
- •Prisons can use biometric systems (eye, voice, vein and fingerprint scans) to identify prisoners and visitorsClauses 3, 11, 12Clarifies that corrective services officers may collect and store biometric information of prisoners and visitors, including through an electronic biometric identification system.
19/4/2016· Hon B Byrne MPSafety & EmergencyJustice & RightsCommittee: pass
13
Electricity and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The State can restructure its government-owned corporations without triggering contract defaults or licence breachesClause 41 (section 162A)If a regulation repeals the declaration of an entity as a GOC, the repeal does not make the entity liable for a breach of contract or breach any instrument.
- •The Minister gets new powers to ask Community Enterprise Queensland for reports and issue public-interest directions, with directions published publicly and in the annual reportClause 26 (sections 60VA, 60VB)The Minister may give the board a written direction if satisfied it is necessary in the public interest, after consulting the board, with directions published as soon as practicable and in the next annual report.
- •Decisions of State electricity entities will continue to be exempt from judicial review to the same extent as before, even if the entity is not a GOCClause 44Section 18A of the Judicial Review Act is extended to cover decisions of State electricity entities to the extent provided under section 256 of the Electricity Act 1994.
15/3/2016· Hon C Pitt MPCost of LivingFirst NationsRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass
25
Brisbane Casino Agreement Amendment Bill 2016
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament ratifies a new Brisbane Casino Agreement that replaces the one in force since 1992Clause 6 (new s 5)The former agreement ends and is replaced by the replacement agreement shown in schedule 1, ratified by the Legislative Assembly for the purposes of the Control Act.
- •Future changes to the casino agreement must be ratified by Parliament and a consolidated version must be published onlineClause 8 (new ss 6 and 6A)The chief executive must from time to time publish a document on the department's website consolidating the replacement agreement and any further agreements.
- •Decisions and approvals already made under the old 1992 agreement remain validClause 9 (new s 10)The commencement of the amending Act and the making of the replacement agreement does not affect the validity of the former agreement or anything done under it.
23/2/2016· Hon Y D'Ath MPBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass
18
Electoral (Constitutional) Amendment Bill 2015
Lapsed- •Queensland state election dates would have been set in advance rather than chosen by the Premier, if this bill and its companion had passedClause 5Ties the polling day for a general election to dates fixed in the Constitution of Queensland 2001.
- •The Governor's power to set election timing would have been reduced in line with a fixed four-year termClause 3Amends section 82 of the Electoral Act 1992 so writs for general elections follow the Constitution's fixed-term rules.
- •Existing election rules would have kept operating until after the next general election, so no immediate change for votersClause 7Transitional provision delays the amendments until the writ for the next general election is returned.
- •The bill lapsed without becoming law, so Queensland's election timing rules were not changed by this proposalStatus recorded as Lapsed.
2/12/2015· Mr Walker MP
Crime and Corruption Amendment Bill 2015
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The Crime and Corruption Commission's CEO is no longer a commissioner, separating day-to-day management from the oversight boardClauses 18-19Removes the CEO as a commissioner while retaining a five-member commission with three ordinary part-time commissioners.
- •Acting appointments to senior CCC roles are capped at three months unless cross-party support is obtained, preventing long-term partisan placementsClause 28New section 237 limits acting appointments to a continuous period of three months unless recommended with bipartisan parliamentary committee support.
- •Legislative language is modernised by replacing 'chairman' with 'chairperson' across 14 Queensland ActsClause 45 and Schedule 1Makes gender-neutral language changes in the CC Act and the Criminal Code, Police Powers and Responsibilities Act, Witness Protection Act and others.
- •The parliamentary committee that oversees the CCC gains a formal role in selecting and removing the CEO, not just commissionersClause 37Extends the Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee's functions to include participation in the CEO's selection and removal.
1/12/2015· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & Rights
19
Plumbing and Drainage and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •People appointed to the Service Trades Council must pass a criminal history check and disclose any new convictions, with penalties of up to around $11,780 for failing to do soClause 7 (new ss 19 and 20)Maximum penalty of 100 penalty units applies for failing to disclose a change in criminal history, with a penalty unit value of $117.80 as at 1 July 2015.
- •All past and future public housing development by the State is confirmed to have been lawfully carried out, giving certainty when properties are sold or transferredClause 4 (new ss 94G and 94H)The development is taken to have been carried out in accordance with all applicable laws; transfer of public housing premises does not result in a material change of use for the Sustainable Planning Act 2009.
- •Approved community housing providers (not just the Department) can now give tenancy guarantees backing private rentalsClause 25The department or a community housing guarantor may give a tenancy guarantee for a residential tenancy agreement between a lessor and a tenant.
1/12/2015· Hon L Enoch MPHousing & RentingWork & Employment
21
Electoral (Improving Representation) and Another Act Amendment Bill 2015
DefeatedThis bill was defeated at the second reading — the main debate on its principles. It cannot proceed further.- •Would have increased your state Parliament from 89 to 93 MPs, giving Queensland four more elected representativesClause 4Amends section 11 of the Constitution of Queensland 2001 to change '89' to '93'.
- •Would have required support from both government and non-government MPs on a parliamentary committee before the Electoral Commission chair could be appointedClause 8A person may be appointed as the chairperson or nonjudicial appointee only if the person's appointment is made with the bipartisan support of the parliamentary committee.
- •Would have required the non-judge member overseeing electorate redistributions to have qualifications in applied demographyClause 8The nonjudicial appointee must be a person with qualifications and experience in applied demography relevant to contemporary electoral redistributions.
- •The bill failed at second reading so none of these changes became lawStatus recorded as '2nd reading failed'.
12/11/2015· Mr Katter MPRegional QueenslandCommittee: not recommended
9
Planning Bill 2015
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Local councils get more flexibility to tailor how they make their own planning schemes, instead of following one statewide processClauses 17-18The Bill establishes a more principles-based approach where the chief executive issues a notice setting out the process for each local government in consultation with them.
- •The Planning Minister can call in development applications that involve a State interest and the decision cannot be appealed, but the Minister must table a report in Parliament within 14 sitting daysClauses 102-105The Minister may call in a development application, and must prepare a report including reasons for the decision and table a copy in the Legislative Assembly within 14 sitting days.
- •Development disputes will now be heard by the renamed Development Tribunal, where lawyers still cannot represent parties to keep hearings informal and affordableClauses 232-258The Building and Development Dispute Resolution Committees are renamed the Development Tribunal and a party may not be represented by an agent who is a lawyer.
- •You generally cannot take planning matters to the Supreme Court for judicial review, but can appeal to the specialist Planning and Environment Court or Development TribunalClause 230The Judicial Review Act 1991 (other than Part 4) does not apply, but a person may apply to the Supreme Court on the ground of jurisdictional error and broad appeal rights exist in the P&E Court and Development Tribunal.
12/11/2015· Hon J Trad MPHousing & RentingEnvironment
13
Planning (Consequential) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •68 Queensland Acts are updated in a single bill so planning terms and references are consistent across the statute bookParts 2-69
- •The Planning and Environment Court is defined once in the Acts Interpretation Act 1954, so individual laws no longer need their own definitionsClause 10Amends schedule 1 of the Acts Interpretation Act to include a definition of the Planning and Environment Court as the court continued in existence under the Planning and Environment Court Act.
- •Redundant State agency referral roles left over from the 2013 SARA reforms are removed from other Acts so State referrals go through the planning chief executiveClauses 4, 242, 381, 557
- •Development applications already in the system when the new Planning Act starts keep being assessed under the old Sustainable Planning Act rulesTransitional provisions in each Part
12/11/2015· Hon J Trad MPEnvironmentHousing & Renting
13
Multicultural Recognition Bill 2015
PassedThis bill became law.- •Queensland Government must publish a multicultural policy within 6 months of the Act starting, setting out what services should deliver for diverse communitiesClause 19The Minister must, within 6 months after this section commences, prepare a policy about multiculturalism in Queensland.
- •A new multicultural action plan must be prepared every 3 years, with a public report tabled in Parliament on how outcomes are being achievedClauses 20 and 21The Minister must prepare a further plan at least once every 3 years and table a report in the Legislative Assembly about the multicultural policy.
- •Government departments that commit to actions under the plan must publish an annual summary of their progressClause 24The government entity must, as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year, make a summary of the entity's progress in implementing the actions publicly available.
- •An 11-member Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council, chaired by the Minister, will advise on how services can better meet the needs of diverse communitiesClauses 8 to 10The council consists of the Minister and 11 members, and its membership must be representative of the diverse groups of people in Queensland, including regional areas, with balanced gender representation.
27/10/2015· Hon S Fentiman MPFirst NationsJustice & RightsCommittee: pass
25
Constitution (Fixed Term Parliament) Amendment Bill 2015
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •You would always know the next state election date: the second Saturday in March every four yearsClause 6 (new s 19C)A general election must be held on the second Saturday in March in the fourth calendar year after the last general election.
- •A sitting Premier could no longer call a surprise early election for political advantageClause 6 (new s 19E)Early dissolution is restricted to defined circumstances such as a successful no-confidence motion or failure to pass the annual budget.
- •The election could only be postponed by up to 35 days, and only if the Premier and Opposition Leader both agreeClause 6 (new s 19D)The Governor may postpone the polling day in exceptional circumstances such as a clash with a federal election or a natural disaster, with the agreement of the Premier and Leader of the Opposition.
- •Any future attempt to change the fixed-term rules would need your approval at a referendumClause 6 (new s 19G)A Bill amending or repealing Part 2A must be approved by a majority of electors at a referendum before it can be presented for assent.
17/9/2015· Mr Walker MP
16
Constitution (Fixed Term Parliament) Referendum Bill 2015
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •You would get to vote in a referendum on whether Queensland MPs should serve fixed four-year termsClause 2Requires the Constitution (Fixed Term Parliament) Amendment Bill 2015 to be submitted to electors for approval once passed by the Legislative Assembly.
- •Anyone eligible to vote at state elections would be eligible to vote in this referendumClause 3(3)Provides that a person entitled to vote at a Legislative Assembly election is entitled to vote at the referendum.
- •The referendum would be held at least two months after Parliament passes the companion bill, giving voters time to consider the changeClause 3(2)Polling day is to be appointed by the Governor in Council at least 2 months after the companion bill is passed.
17/9/2015· Mr Walker MP
16
Relationships (Civil Partnerships) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2015
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages is moving to digital, with hospitals and funeral directors required to lodge records electronicallyClauses 30 and 36Requires a person in charge of a hospital to give birth notices electronically, and funeral directors located in Queensland to give death registration applications electronically, subject to identified exceptions.
- •Digitised copies of official life-event documents now carry the same legal weight as the paper originalsClause 42 (new definition of source document)A source document includes a digitised copy of a source document kept by the RBDM as an official record of the document, giving digital copies the same status at law.
- •A new public register lists who is a civil partnership notary, and notaries pay an annual fee to keep their registrationClause 20 (new sections 20A and 21)Requires notaries to pay an annual registration fee and submit an annual return, and requires the RBDM to keep and publish a register of notaries on the department's website.
17/9/2015· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsCommittee: not recommended
Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No.2) 2015
PassedThis bill became law.- •Accepted how-to-vote cards can now be made available at council offices during the caretaker period before a local electionClauses 3 and 5Amends the City of Brisbane Act and Local Government Act so the prohibition on election material during the caretaker period does not apply to accepted how-to-vote cards.
- •Outdated rules for first-past-the-post voting for mayors are cleared out of the lawClause 7Removes an obsolete reference to mayoral first-past-the-post voting after the 2015 change to optional-preferential voting.
- •Councils can apply to the Planning Minister for up to two more years to finalise their infrastructure plansClause 18 (new section 997)Allows local governments to apply for an extension of time to adopt a Local Government Infrastructure Plan, with any extension ending before 1 July 2018.
17/9/2015· Hon J Trad MPHousing & RentingBusiness & Economy
17
Appropriation (Parliament) Bill (No. 2) 2015
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament retrospectively approves an extra $2.934 million it spent on itself in 2014-15 beyond the original budgetClause 2(1)The Treasurer is authorised to pay $2,934,000 from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2014.
- •The top-up covers departmental services ($2.652 million) and an equity adjustment ($282,000) for the parliamentary serviceSchedule 1Controlled items: departmental services 2,652; equity adjustment 282; Total amount 2,934.
- •The process keeps public spending transparent by getting parliamentary sign-off for unforeseen costs soon after the financial year ends, rather than waiting until the next BudgetTimely consideration of unforeseen expenditure enhances transparency and accountability of Government expenditure.
16/9/2015· Hon C Pitt MPCommittee: pass
2
Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2015
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament formally approves $9.11 million of government spending that had already happened in 2014-15 but exceeded the original budgetClause 3 and Schedule 1The Treasurer is authorised to pay $9,110,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as stated in schedule 1 for the financial year starting 1 July 2014.
- •The Public Safety Business Agency receives the largest share, with a $5.8 million equity adjustmentSchedule 1
- •Government departments can now borrow from lenders other than the Queensland Treasury Corporation, though only with the Treasurer's written approvalClause 5Section 71 of the FA Act is to be amended so that departments are not limited to borrowing from the Queensland Treasury Corporation.
- •The change opens the door to public-private partnerships and finance leases being arranged with banks or other private financiersExplanatory notes
16/9/2015· Hon C Pitt MPCommittee: pass
2
Queensland Productivity Commission Bill 2015
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Queensland gets a new independent body that publicly reviews government policy and publishes its findings onlineClauses 6-9Establishes the Commission with functions to hold public inquiries, advise the Minister, and promote public understanding of productivity matters.
- •The Treasurer must publicly respond to inquiry reports within six months, and reports are then published on the Commission's websiteClauses 27-28The Minister must give the commission a written response to the report within 6 months after receiving it.
- •The Commission is advisory only - ministers can direct what it looks at, but cannot tell it what to write in its reportsClause 12A Ministerial direction must not be about the content of advice or a report prepared by the commission, or the conduct of a competitive neutrality investigation.
- •Costs taxpayers about $2.5 million a year in ongoing funding once establishedThe 2015-16 Budget allocated $300,000 in 2015-16 and $2.5 million per annum from 2016-17.
15/9/2015· Hon C Pitt MPBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass
10
Electoral (Redistribution Commission) and Another Act Amendment Bill 2015
DefeatedThis bill was defeated at the second reading — the main debate on its principles. It cannot proceed further.- •Queensland could have gained up to five extra seats in state parliament, growing the Legislative Assembly from 89 to as many as 94 membersClause 3Amends section 12 of the Constitution so the Assembly consists of 89 members or the same number as there are electoral districts after a redistribution.
- •Decisions about electorate boundaries would have been made by a larger 5-member Commission including experts in demography, statistics and town planningClause 7Expands the Commission by adding two expert appointees with qualifications in demography, statistics, or regional and town planning.
- •Every recognised party leader would have needed to agree before someone could be appointed to the Redistribution CommissionClause 7A person may be appointed only with the support of each member of the Legislative Assembly recognised as the leader of a political party represented in the Assembly.
- •This change did not happen - the bill was defeated at its second reading in 2015Status: 2nd reading failed.
15/7/2015· Mr I Walker MPRegional Queensland
27
Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2015
PassedThis bill became law.- •Parliament gets $87.3 million of your taxes to run the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for 2015-16Clause 2The Treasurer is authorised to pay $87,274,000 from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2015.
- •An extra $43.6 million is set aside so Parliament can keep operating in 2016-17 until next year's budget bill passesClause 3The Treasurer is authorised to pay $43,637,000 from the consolidated fund for the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary service for the financial year starting 1 July 2016.
- •The 2013 parliamentary appropriation act is wiped from the statute book as housekeepingClause 4The Appropriation (Parliament) Act 2013, No. 33 is repealed.
14/7/2015· Hon C Pitt MP
77
Appropriation Bill 2015
PassedThis bill became law.- •Sets how much public money goes to each Queensland government department for 2015-16, totalling $52.84 billionClause 2 and Schedule 2The Treasurer is authorised to pay $52,838,986,000 from the consolidated fund for departments as itemised in schedule 1 for the financial year starting 1 July 2015.
- •Keeps government services running at the start of the 2016-17 financial year with $26.42 billion of interim supplyClause 3The Treasurer is authorised to pay $26,419,493,000 from the consolidated fund for departments for the financial year starting 1 July 2016.
- •Allows the Treasurer to move funding between a department's spending categories if one runs short, as long as the total department vote is not exceededFinancial Accountability Act 2009, s 33 (noted in EN)The Treasurer may allocate an amount to one or more of the headings that are deficient from the heading or headings in surplus.
- •Removes the now-spent Appropriation Act 2013 and Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2013 from the statute bookClause 4
14/7/2015· Hon C Pitt MP
85
Planning and Development (Planning for Prosperity) Bill 2015
WithdrawnThis bill was withdrawn from consideration and will not become law.- •This bill did not become law; Queensland's planning system was instead replaced by the Labor government's Planning Act 2016The Bill was introduced in 2015 by the Newman LNP government and did not proceed; separate planning legislation was later passed by the Palaszczuk Labor government.
- •The Planning Minister would have gained broad powers to call in development applications or override council decisions on State interests, with no appeal allowedChapter 3, Part 7The Minister's powers of direction are generally not subject to statutory rights of review or appeal; there is no right of appeal against the Minister's decision on a called-in application.
- •Much of the detail of how councils make planning schemes would move from the Act into Ministerial rules and guidelines, which are quicker to changeClause 15Requires the Minister to make a statutory instrument containing rules and guidelines about the process for making and amending local planning instruments.
- •Transitional regulations could operate retrospectively for up to five years to smooth the switch from the old ActClause 273Provides a transitional regulation-making power enabling retrospective operation to a time no earlier than when the old Act was repealed, expiring five years after repeal.
4/6/2015· Mr T Nicholls MPHousing & RentingEnvironmentCommittee: not recommended
1
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.- •Updates 67 Queensland Acts so they match a new planning system that would have replaced the Sustainable Planning Act 2009Parts 2-68The Bill amends 67 Acts to reflect the proposed enactment of the Planning and Development Bill and Planning and Environment Court Bill.
- •Moves the definition of the Planning and Environment Court into the Acts Interpretation Act so every other Act doesn't have to define itClause 10Amends schedule 1 (Meaning of commonly used words and expressions) to include a definition of the Planning and Environment Court.
- •Renames the 'building and development dispute resolution committee' the 'development tribunal' across the statute bookClauses 94, 103, 104, 108
- •Did not become law — the Planning Act 2016 was enacted instead as the new Queensland planning framework
4/6/2015· Mr T Nicholls MPEnvironmentBusiness & Economy
1
Holidays and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Rules on digital photos and signatures are pulled out of five separate Acts into one consolidated schemeClause 43 (new Part 4C)Part 4C of the Transport Planning and Coordination Act 1994 consolidates biometric provisions from the Adult Proof of Age Card Act, Tow Truck Act, and three Transport Operations Acts.
- •Parliament will receive an annual report showing how many times police accessed citizens' digital photosClause 47 (new s 37A)The chief executive must prepare an annual report within 4 months of the end of each financial year, to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly within 14 days.
- •A regulation - not an Act - will decide which other government licences get folded into the photo-sharing schemeClause 43 (new s 28E)Definitions of 'prescribed authorisation Act' and 'prescribed authority' allow additional Acts and authorities to be added by regulation.
- •The date changes were first flagged at the 2015 election and announced publicly on 17 March 2015 so employers and communities had time to adjustClause 2Parts 3 and 4 commence on 6 October 2015, the day after the 2015 Labour Day, so the changes only take effect from 2016.
3/6/2015· Hon C Pitt MPWork & EmploymentTransport & Roads
23
Health Legislation (Waiting List Integrity) Amendment Bill 2015
DefeatedThis bill was defeated at the second reading — the main debate on its principles. It cannot proceed further.- •The Health Ombudsman would have gained a new independent auditing role over hospital waiting time dataClause 3Section 25 of the Health Ombudsman Act 2013 would have been amended to add the function 'to audit and publish reports about wait time data'.
- •Hospital and Health Services would have had 14 days after each quarter to submit their wait time data to the OmbudsmanClause 8 (new s 54A)A Service must, within 14 days after the end of each quarter, give the health ombudsman wait time data for the Service.
- •Audit reports would have been published on a public website, with Services given at least 7 days to respond before any adverse comment about them was includedClause 4 (new s 244C)The health ombudsman must not include any adverse comment about a Service identifiable from the report unless the Service has been given a copy and at least 7 days to make a submission.
19/5/2015· Mr M McArdle MPHealth
15
Building Queensland Bill 2015
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •You can see independent cost-benefit summaries of major State infrastructure projects published online before government commits to themClause 16Building Queensland must publish a summary of each cost-benefit analysis mentioned in section 13(2)(c) on its website.
- •Major infrastructure spending over $100 million gets independent scrutiny by experts, not just the minister's departmentClause 13Building Queensland must lead the preparation of the business case for infrastructure proposals with an estimated capital cost of $100 million or more.
- •A public priority pipeline is updated every six months so you can see which projects government considers importantClause 14Building Queensland must prepare and maintain an infrastructure pipeline document and give a copy to the Minister every six months.
- •Ministerial directions to Building Queensland must be reported in its annual report, keeping political interference visibleClause 50The annual report must include details of any Ministerial direction given during the financial year and action taken because of the direction.
19/5/2015· Hon J Trad MPBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass
23
Magistrates Amendment Bill 2015
PassedThis bill became law.- •Magistrates and judicial registrars affected by the oath error keep their positions and do not automatically lose officeClause 4 (new s 68 and s 69)Declares that affected judicial officers did not cease to hold office only because they took the 2003 oath or failed to take the 2013 oath within the prescribed period.
- •Part 10 of the Magistrates Act is renamed to cover both transitional and validation provisionsClause 3Amends the heading of part 10 to insert 'and validation' after 'Transitional'.
7/5/2015· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & Rights
2
Industrial Relations (Restoring Fairness) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •Wage decisions for Queensland public sector workers will no longer be tied to the State's fiscal strategy or budget positionClauses 18, 21 and 26Removes 'financial position considerations' from the matters the Commission must weigh and repeals the Treasury Chief Executive's power to brief the Commission on the State's finances.
- •The Industrial Relations Commission must review and vary ten existing modern awards and seven certified agreements made under the old rules, with no new agreements certifiable until that is doneClause 33 (new sections 840-850)Transitional provisions require the Commission to remove mandated clauses and reinsert pre-modernisation terms on union encouragement, training leave and redundancy.
- •The Government can vary existing modern certified agreements by regulation for up to two years to manage the transition to the new frameworkClause 33 (new sections 849 and 857)Regulation-making power with a two-year sunset to vary agreements and make transitional provisions.
7/5/2015· Hon C Pitt MPWork & Employment
37
Electoral and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •You will see many more political donations on the public record, because the disclosure threshold drops to $1,000Clause 10Amends section 201A so the gift threshold amount becomes $1,000, replacing the indexed figure of around $12,400.
- •Very large donations of $100,000 or more must be disclosed within 14 days, close to real timeClause 18 (new section 266B)Reinstates a requirement for donors and recipients to separately disclose gifts that reach $100,000 within 14 days of the triggering event.
- •You no longer need to bring ID like a driver licence to vote in state or local government electionsClauses 4, 5, 39-41Removes the requirement for an elector to produce a proof of identity document before being issued a ballot paper.
- •Political parties now report donations every six months instead of once a yearClauses 21-22Replaces annual returns with returns every reporting period, defined as six-monthly after the 2015 financial year.
27/3/2015· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & Rights
18
Parliament of Queensland and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2015
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •A 2.58% pay rise for your state MPs is cancelled retrospectively, and any overpayments will be recovered from their fortnightly salaryClause 33 (new s 72-73)Determination 7/2015 made by the tribunal on 5 March 2015 is of no effect and is taken to have never had effect.
- •Future pay rises for MPs cannot exceed the percentage increase given to public servants and must take effect on the same dateClause 31 (new s 31A)The determination may not increase a member's salary entitlement by a rate that is higher than the rate of increase to the salary or wage of a departmental employee under the public service salary decision.
- •The elected Speaker, not a committee, is once again in charge of running Parliament, its budget, and the parliamentary precinctClause 7 (new Part 2)The Speaker has the control of accommodation and services in the parliamentary precinct and accommodation and services supplied elsewhere by the Legislative Assembly for its members.
- •Cross bench MPs are guaranteed a seat on the Committee of the Legislative Assembly whenever there are cross benchers in the AssemblyClause 24If there are 2 or more members of the Assembly who are cross bench members, a cross bench member nominated by the Leader of the House is included on the committee.
27/3/2015· Hon A Palaszczuk MP
14
Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015
PassedThis bill became law.- •Your council's election will be run by the independent Electoral Commission of Queensland, not the council's own CEOClause 3The Electoral Commission of Queensland may appoint a person as the returning officer for an election; the council CEO is no longer the default.
- •Council CEOs who belong to a political party can never be appointed to run a council electionClause 3A person must not be appointed as returning officer if the person is a member of a political party.
- •In small communities, the council CEO may still run the election if no one else with experience is availableClause 3The ECQ may appoint the CEO as returning officer if the CEO is the only person with experience in conducting elections who is reasonably available.
27/3/2015· Hon J Trad MPSafety & EmergencyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)
12
Payroll Tax Rebate, Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015
Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.- •The Treasurer gains clearer authority to use derivative transactions to hedge State financial riskClause 54Amends section 53 of the Financial Accountability Act to make the power to enter into derivative transactions explicit, limited to hedging.
- •Departments can appoint outsourced auditors as Head of Internal Audit rather than needing a public servantClause 55Amends section 78 of the Financial Accountability Act to allow a non-public-service employee to assume the role.
- •Rules that would ban people with bikie associations from certain building, electrical and work-safety licences are delayed another 12 monthsClause 4Parts 8, 14 and 24 of the Criminal Law (Criminal Organisations Disruption) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2013 now commence on 1 July 2016 while the Government reviews the laws.
27/3/2015· Hon C Pitt MPBusiness & EconomyCost of LivingHousing & RentingEnvironment