Health

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58th Parliament (2024–present)9 bills

Expanding Adult Crime, Adult Time and Taking a Strong Stance on Drugs and Anti-Social Behaviour Amendment Bill 2026

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

•First-time drug offenders can access a health-based diversion program instead of facing criminal charges, but only get one chanceClause 24 (new ss 378A-378E, 378F-378L)The new framework provides one diversion opportunity each for cannabis offences and other minor drug offences, replacing the previous three-chance system.
•People fined for minor drug possession can choose to attend a drug diversion program within 28 days instead of paying the fineClause 24 (new s 378I)If the person elects to participate and completes the program within the specified period, payment of the fine is considered discharged.

3/3/2026· Hon L Gerber MPJustice & RightsSafety & Emergency

Health Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2025

PassedThis bill became law.

•People using IVF can apply for approval to use stored embryos or donor gametes even if strict information collection rules cannot be fully met, preventing treatment from being blocked by missing paperworkPart 2, Division 8 (Clauses 14, new sections 39A-39C)Chief executive may approve use of gametes or embryos despite information collection requirements not being met, if satisfied the provider took reasonable steps and refusal would be unfairly harsh.
•Families who started IVF before the new fertility law commenced can now complete their family through a spouse or surrogate, not just the person who was originally pregnantClause 42 (new sections 146-147)Transitional provisions extended to include the person's spouse at the time gametes were allocated, and surrogates, recognising diverse family structures including same-sex couples.
•More organ transplants may be possible because the law now allows next of kin to consent to pre-death medical procedures that keep donated organs viablePart 9, Clause 88 (new Part 3A, sections 25A-25C)Creates a consent framework for ante-mortem interventions on potential donors after a decision to withdraw life-sustaining measures, to determine, maintain or improve organ viability.
•People having cosmetic surgery at private hospitals will be protected by specific national safety standards for cosmetic proceduresPart 8, Clause 77Amends Private Health Facilities Act to allow regulations requiring cosmetic surgery facilities to comply with the National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards.

14/10/2025· Hon T Nicholls MPJustice & RightsGovernment & Elections

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

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

•Illicit vapes and tobacco — often mislabelled, unregulated and sometimes contaminated with dangerous substances like synthetic opioids — will be harder to buy as shops face 3-month closuresClause 24 (s 209B)Short-term closure orders extended from 72 hours to 90 days for premises found supplying or possessing illicit tobacco or illicit nicotine products.
•Young people's access to illicit vapes is targeted, with Queensland vaping rates among high schoolers having tripled between 2017 and 2023The bill responds to research showing vaping has reversed decades of progress in reducing youth smoking rates.
•Licensed venues like hotels and clubs get more flexibility to choose between a smoking-only area or a designated outdoor smoking areaClause 9 (s 134)Omits restriction that prevented commercial hotels, community clubs and casinos from establishing smoking-only areas.

16/9/2025· Hon T Nicholls MPJustice & RightsBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Queensland Institute of Medical Research Bill 2025

PassedThis bill became law.

•Queensland's leading medical research institute gets modern governance rules to help it stay competitive in attracting funding and talent for research into skin cancer, malaria, and genomicsClause 5The Institute is continued for the purpose of initiating and conducting research into any branch of medical science, particularly diseases of significance to Queensland.
•More researchers can be financially rewarded when their work leads to commercial breakthroughs, not just the named inventorsClause 42Broadens eligibility for commercialised incentive payments to all contributors, with caps of $10m per item and $5m per person per financial year.
•Research leadership continuity is protected with a formal Acting Director role when the Director position is vacant or the Director is unavailableClause 38The Council may appoint an Acting Director for up to 6 months, extendable by a further 6 months with Ministerial approval.

22/5/2025· Hon T Nicholls MPGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Health Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025

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

•Health authorities can now leave mosquito traps on properties overnight to detect Japanese Encephalitis Virus, improving disease surveillance in at-risk communitiesClauses 43 and 45Clarifies that the power to take equipment into a place includes the power to leave equipment for a reasonable period to collect adult mosquito samples.
•The Minister can now appoint an Acting Mental Health Commissioner when a Commissioner's term ends, preventing leadership gaps at the Queensland Mental Health CommissionClauses 52 and 53Acting appointment limited to six months with a possible six-month extension.
•Anyone who finds radioactive material can now clearly apply for a disposal approval, not just licence holdersClause 55Corrects a drafting error in section 71 of the Radiation Safety Act replacing 'licensee' with 'holder of the approval'.

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

Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

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

•Your local hospital board must now include at least one doctor, nurse, or allied health professional who actually works at that hospitalClause 4Amends section 23 to require at least one board member to be a HHS clinician employed or engaged by the same Hospital and Health Service.
•The clinician board member must work at the hospital for at least 8 hours per week and have at least 2 years of experience thereClause 8Inserts definition of HHS clinician requiring registration under Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, 8 hours per week average, and 2 years employment.
•Illegal vaping goods seized by Queensland Health can now be destroyed immediately instead of being stored for weeksClause 20 (new s 205B)Allows the chief executive to forfeit seized vaping goods without a show cause process if satisfied the items are vaping goods and forfeiture is necessary to prevent the offence.
•People convicted of illegal vaping or tobacco offences can be ordered to repay the government's costs for seizing, storing, and destroying the goodsClause 24 (new s 223A)Courts may order convicted persons to pay costs including testing, transporting, storing, dismantling, destroying or disposing of seized products, plus investigation and prosecution costs.

14/3/2025· Hon T Nicholls MPSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Queensland Academy of Sport Bill 2025

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

•Queensland's elite athletes will receive more responsive high-performance support including sports science, sports medicine, and wellbeing servicesClause 9The Academy's functions include providing multi-disciplinary team support (coaching, strength and conditioning, sports science, sports medicine) and athlete wellbeing programs.
•Emerging athletes and talented young Queenslanders gain access to targeted development programs and scholarshipsClause 9(1)(b)-(c)The Academy must identify and develop talented Queenslanders with potential to become future elite athletes, and provide scholarships for those with potential to excel at the Olympic or Paralympic Games.
•The Academy must ensure a safe, fair and healthy sporting environment consistent with Sport Integrity Australia standardsClause 13(1)(b)The board must ensure the Academy creates a sporting environment consistent with integrity standards covering anti-doping, competition manipulation, and athlete safeguarding.

18/2/2025· Hon T Mander MPGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

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

•Medical practices no longer pay payroll tax or the mental health levy on wages paid to GPs, reducing clinic operating costsClause 28 (amended section 14)Wages paid or payable by a medical practice to a general practitioner are not wages liable to payroll tax or the mental health levy.
•The exemption is backdated to 1 December 2024, formalising an existing administrative arrangementClause 2(3)Part 3 is taken to have commenced on 1 December 2024.

12/12/2024· Hon D Janetzki MPHousing & RentingCost of LivingCommittee: pass

Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•Patients can check the public register to see if their health practitioner has been found by a tribunal to have engaged in sexual misconduct, with this information now recorded permanentlyClause 21 (new sections 225A and 225B)National Boards must record tribunal findings of professional misconduct involving sexual misconduct on the public register permanently, including sanctions and links to decisions.
•Health practitioners who have been struck off face a tougher process to get back on the register, with a tribunal needing to approve their eligibility before they can even applyClause 17 (new section 77A) and Clause 20 (new Division 12A)Disqualified persons must obtain a reinstatement order from the tribunal that cancelled their registration before applying to a National Board for re-registration.
•If you want to report a concern about a health practitioner, you are now legally protected from being threatened, intimidated, sacked, or otherwise punished for speaking upClause 10 (amended section 261) and Clause 22 (new section 237A)New offences with penalties up to $60,000 for individuals and $120,000 for corporations for reprisals against people who make notifications about practitioners.
•Non-disclosure agreements signed with health practitioners or their employers cannot stop you from reporting concerns to regulators, even if the NDA was signed before this law commencedClause 12 (new section 263A) and Clause 13 (new section 320I)NDA provisions that limit reporting to regulators are void regardless of when the agreement was entered into. New NDAs must clearly state they do not limit reporting.

12/12/2024· Hon T Nicholls MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

57th Parliament (2020–2024)32 bills

Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill

Lapsed

•You can check the public register for permanent records of any sexual misconduct findings against your health practitioner, helping you make a more informed choiceClause 21 (new sections 225A and 225B)National Boards must permanently record tribunal findings of professional misconduct involving sexual misconduct on the National and Specialists Registers, including sanctions and a link to the decision.
•Health practitioners who have been struck off now face a tougher pathway back to practice, requiring a tribunal to approve their return before they can even apply to re-registerClause 20 (new Division 12A, sections 198A-198E)Disqualified persons must obtain a reinstatement order from a responsible tribunal before applying to a National Board for re-registration.
•If you have concerns about a health practitioner, any NDA you have signed cannot stop you from reporting to regulators — those clauses are automatically voidClause 12 (new section 263A) and Clause 22 (new section 237B)Non-disclosure agreement provisions are void to the extent they prevent or limit making a complaint or notification about a health practitioner.
•Sexual misconduct records on public registers are permanent and cannot be removed after sanctions expire, addressing past gaps where this history disappeared over timeClause 21 (section 225A(8))The additional information must remain on the National Register or Specialists Register permanently, unless otherwise authorised to be removed by the Law.

11/9/2024· Hon S Fentiman MPJustice & Rights

Disability Services (Restrictive Practices) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

Lapsed

•People with disability now have stronger safeguards requiring clinical justification before any restrictive practice can be used on themClause 14, section 158The Senior Practitioner must be satisfied the practice is needed to prevent harm, is the least restrictive option, and is used only as a last resort.
•Behaviour support plans must include proactive strategies tried before any restrictive practice, with plans reviewed at least every 12 monthsClause 14, sections 178 and 181Comprehensive state behaviour support plans must document alternative strategies, be based on functional assessments, and be reviewed annually or when circumstances change.
•Deaths in care of people receiving disability supports under the Disability Support for Older Australians program must now be reported to the coronerClauses 4-5Expands the reportable deaths framework to reinstate coverage for DSOA participants not living in private dwellings or aged care.
•A new Senior Practitioner role is established to oversee and reduce the use of restrictive practices across QueenslandClause 27, section 200AA-200ABThe Senior Practitioner promotes reduction and elimination of restrictive practices, publishes authorisation data, and develops guidelines.

14/6/2024· Hon C Mullen MPJustice & RightsChildren & FamiliesCommittee: pass

Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Vaping) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

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

•Vaping products are now treated as illicit nicotine products in Queensland, making their commercial sale and possession illegal with penalties of up to 2 years imprisonmentClause 17, s 161AA person must not, as part of a business activity, supply an illicit nicotine product. Maximum penalty — 2,000 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment, or both.
•Personal possession of vaping products for your own use is not criminalised, and people with prescriptions can continue using therapeutic vaping productsClause 17, s 161A(5)It is a defence if the illicit nicotine product is possessed for personal use by the person or their employee, including under a prescription.
•Shops caught selling vapes or illicit tobacco can be shut down immediately for 72 hours, or up to 6 months by court orderClause 27, ss 209A-209BThe chief executive may make an interim closure order if reasonably suspecting illicit products are being supplied. A magistrate may order closure for up to 6 months.
•Businesses can no longer display, advertise or promote vaping products, including on social media, with penalties of up to 140 penalty units per offenceClause 15, s 109AA person must not, as part of a business activity, display, advertise or promote an illicit nicotine product. Maximum penalty — 140 penalty units.

12/6/2024· Hon S Fentiman MPJustice & RightsChildren & FamiliesCommittee: pass

Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•Fertility clinics in Queensland must now be licensed by Queensland Health, giving patients confidence their provider meets regulatory standardsPart 4, Clause 12A person must not provide an ART service unless the person is a licensed ART provider. Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment.
•Clinics must report serious adverse events to Queensland Health within 7 days, such as gamete mix-ups or medical complications from treatmentClause 61Licensed ART providers must give the chief executive written notice of serious adverse events within 7 calendar days of becoming aware the event has happened.
•If a heritable health condition is discovered, ART providers can share that health information with genetic relatives to prevent or reduce serious health risksClauses 38-39ART providers may disclose health information if a medical practitioner certifies it is necessary to prevent or reduce a serious risk to someone's life or health.
•Mandatory counselling is required before donor conception procedures to help people understand the implications of their decisionsClause 15ART providers must provide counselling services to people proposing to donate a gamete or embryo and to people undergoing ART procedures using donated gametes.

22/5/2024· Hon S Fentiman MPChildren & FamiliesJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

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

•Firefighters diagnosed with any of 22 types of cancer can now have their illness presumed to be work-related, making claims easierClause 60 (amended Schedule 4A)Ten additional cancers added including liver, lung, skin, cervical, ovarian, pancreatic, penile, and thyroid cancers. Total presumptive diseases now 22.
•Workers with physical injuries get early mental health support to prevent secondary psychological injuries developingClause 46 (new section 232AC)Insurer must take all reasonable steps to minimise the risk of a worker sustaining a psychiatric or psychological injury arising from a physical injury.
•Return-to-work plans must be in place within 10 business days to support faster recovery and rehabilitationClause 41 (new section 221)Plans must be kept under review and modified as further information becomes available, developed in consultation with the worker.

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

Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

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

•Mental health patients can express a preference about the gender of the person searching them, replacing a strict same-gender ruleClause 27 (amended s 399)The person has been given an opportunity to express their preference about the gender of someone carrying out the search, and the gender of the searcher is the gender preferred by, or otherwise the same gender as, the person.
•Prisoners at risk of self-harm can be assessed sooner, with social workers, nurses and occupational therapists now able to conduct safety order assessments alongside psychologistsClause 17 (new Part 8A, s 305B)Expands the range of professionals from doctors and psychologists to include accredited health service providers, nurses and occupational therapists.
•People experiencing major mental disturbances who are taken to hospital can express a gender preference for who searches themClause 50 (amended s 157Z)Amends the Public Health Act search provisions to allow the person to express a preference about the gender of the searcher.

21/3/2024· Hon N Boyd MPJustice & RightsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass

Criminal Code (Decriminalising Sex Work) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

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

•Sex work-specific health offences are repealed, with general public health laws applying insteadSchedule 1 (Public Health Act 2005)Removes sex work-specific health provisions from the Prostitution Act; general public health obligations under the Public Health Act 2005 continue to apply.
•A mandatory independent review must assess the health and safety impacts of decriminalisation within 4 to 5 yearsClause 33 (s 275A)The Minister must ensure a review by an independent and appropriately qualified entity, with the report tabled in the Legislative Assembly.

15/2/2024· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass (dissent)

Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2023

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

•Nurses and midwives can now perform early medical terminations of pregnancy, improving access for people who previously had to travel long distances to see a doctorClause 22 (new s 6A)Allows health practitioners registered in midwifery, nursing, or another prescribed profession to perform a medical termination if authorised under the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019.
•Newborn babies on maternity wards will be counted as separate patients for staffing ratios, meaning more midwives to care for familiesClause 12 (s 138B)If a birth parent is receiving care in a maternity ward, the person's newborn baby is also counted as a patient receiving the service.
•Unsafe health professionals can be reported more quickly after Quality Assurance Committees are required to disclose serious risks of harmClause 10 (new s 85A)QACs must disclose to a health professional's chief executive where they reasonably believe the professional poses a serious risk of harm because of their health, conduct or performance.
•Patient safety learnings from serious incidents can now be shared more broadly across Queensland Health to prevent repeat incidentsClause 11 (s 112)Allows de-identified recommendations and findings from root cause analysis reports to be disclosed for authorised patient safety purposes.

30/11/2023· Hon S Fentiman MPJustice & RightsRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)

Pharmacy Business Ownership Bill 2023

PassedThis bill became law.

•Pharmacies must prioritise your health — third parties cannot control what medicines or health services your pharmacy offersClause 22Prohibits third parties from controlling how pharmacy services involving medicines are provided, restricting types of medicines or health services, requiring medicines from particular suppliers, or imposing sales targets.
•A qualified pharmacist must be present whenever your pharmacy is open, with only a one-hour daily exceptionClause 21Owner must ensure an authorised pharmacist is personally present at all times the business is open, other than for periods totalling not more than one hour per day.
•You can search a public register to find pharmacies near you and the services they provide, including vaccinations and health screeningClause 207The council must keep a register of licensed pharmacy businesses including business name, address, and optionally pharmacy services provided.
•Annual compliance reports will show how well pharmacies are meeting their legal obligationsClause 209The council must publish a report within three months of each financial year end about audits conducted and actions taken to ensure compliance.

30/11/2023· Hon S Fentiman MPBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

PassedThis bill became law.

•Casino gamblers will have to set binding loss, spending and time limits before playing, and must stop when limits are reachedClause 43 (new sections 72L-72N)Pre-commitment systems must be mandatory and binding, with daily, weekly and monthly limits available. A cooling-off period applies before increases take effect.
•The stigmatising term 'problem gambler' is replaced with 'person experiencing harm from gambling' across all Queensland gambling lawsClauses 60, 63, 67, 103-106, 110, 112-115, 118-121The change reflects that responsibility for gambling harm is shared between individuals and gambling providers, and aims to reduce barriers to seeking help.
•De-identified gambling data from player cards will be made available to researchers studying gambling harmClause 43 (new sections 72I-72K)Casino operators must regularly report de-identified player card data to the chief executive, who may share it with entities for gambling harm research.
•A compulsory code of conduct for safer gambling will replace the current voluntary code for casinosClause 84 (new section 126A)The code may impose obligations for safer gambling, appropriate casino operations, and governance. Casino operators face up to 200 penalty units for breaches.

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

Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Surgeons) Amendment Bill 2023

PassedThis bill became law.

•People considering cosmetic surgery can now be confident that anyone calling themselves a 'surgeon' has completed significant specialist surgical trainingClause 4 (new s 115A)Creates a defined 'surgical class' of specialists in surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, and ophthalmology who are the only medical practitioners permitted to use the title 'surgeon'.
•Doctors without specialist surgical qualifications can no longer market themselves as 'cosmetic surgeons' or 'aesthetic surgeons'Clause 4 (s 115A(1) and (3))The title offences apply whether the word 'surgeon' is used alone or in combination with other words such as 'cosmetic' or 'aesthetic', and in any language.
•Clinics and employers that falsely advertise a doctor as a surgeon face fines of up to $120,000Clause 4 (s 115A(2))Makes it an offence for any person to knowingly or recklessly use the title 'surgeon' in relation to a medical practitioner who is not a member of a surgical class.
•Health tribunals can now both cancel a practitioner's registration and ban them from providing health services at the same timeClause 5 (amendment of s 196)Clarifies that decisions under s 196(4) are not mutually exclusive, allowing tribunals to simultaneously disqualify, prohibit, and restrict practitioners.

20/4/2023· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Amendment Bill 2023

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

•Smoking is banned at outdoor markets, with a 5-metre buffer zone around entrances and exitsClause 46New sections 26ZE and 26ZF prohibit smoking at outdoor markets and within 5 metres of market entrances, with 20 penalty unit fines.
•Outdoor dining areas get a 5-metre smoke-free buffer zone to reduce second-hand smoke exposureClause 38Amends section 26X to prohibit smoking within 5 metres beyond the boundary of an outdoor eating or drinking place.
•Illicit tobacco that does not meet plain packaging or health warning requirements can be seized and forfeited by Queensland HealthClause 56New section 42F empowers the chief executive to forfeit seized illicit tobacco to the State after a show cause process.
•Smoking is now banned at school carparks used for student drop-off and pick-upClause 31Extends the definition of school facility to include adjacent carparks provided for exclusive school community use.

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

Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

PassedThis bill became law.

•People with minor drug issues get access to health-based assessment programs instead of criminal proceedingsClause 22 (new s 378C, 379, 379AA)Introduces a three-tier diversion system: drug diversion warning, initial assessment program, and subsequent assessment program, all focused on addressing underlying causes of drug use.
•Drug diversion is expanded to cover all dangerous drugs and prescription medicines, not just cannabisClause 22 (new s 378B)Broadens the definition of minor drugs offence to include prescribed quantities of any dangerous drug and S4 or S8 medicines under the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019.

21/2/2023· Hon M Ryan MPJustice & RightsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass

Monitoring of Places of Detention (Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture) Bill 2022

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

•Involuntary mental health patients in authorised mental health service inpatient units will be covered by independent UN detention inspectionsClause 4(1)(c)Places of detention include an inpatient unit of an authorised mental health service under the Mental Health Act 2016.
•People held in the forensic disability service will also be subject to UN inspection of their treatment and conditionsClause 4(1)(d)Places of detention include the forensic disability service under the Forensic Disability Act 2011.
•The bill removes existing legal barriers that prevented the UN subcommittee from physically accessing mental health inpatient units and the forensic disability serviceClause 6A provision of another Act that prevents or limits the subcommittee's functions has no effect to the extent of any inconsistency with this Act.

1/12/2022· Hon S Fentiman MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•The Queensland Cancer Register will collect more comprehensive data on cancer diagnosis and treatment, supporting better cancer strategies and researchPart 5, Division 3 (Clauses 20-25)Extends notification requirements to diagnostic imaging practices, expands pathology and hospital reporting, and enables data on treatment episodes and follow-up examinations.
•Families facing organ donation decisions in a private hospital can now give verbal consent instead of requiring written consent during an extremely distressing timePart 8 (Clauses 36-39)Aligns private hospital consent processes with public hospitals, where verbal consent from the senior available next of kin is already permitted.
•People needing emergency care cannot be directed to leave a public health facility by security officersClause 7A security officer must not give a direction to leave if the person requires emergency medical treatment immediately necessary to save the person's life or to prevent serious impairment.
•Doctors can access TGA-approved tissue products faster without needing a separate Queensland Ministerial permitClause 39Removes duplication where doctors already approved under the TGA's Special Access Scheme had to also apply for a state permit before purchasing tissue products.

29/11/2022· Hon Y D'Ath MPChildren & FamiliesWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass

Betting Tax and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•The mental health levy on large employers gets detailed administrative rules to ensure it operates smoothly from 1 January 2023Part 3Amendments ensure orderly transition to and ongoing administration of the mental health levy framework.
•Levy proceeds remain restricted to mental health services and infrastructure consistent with the Mental Health Act 2016Clause 18Clarifies that the permitted use restriction applies only to levy amounts, not associated penalties or interest.

12/10/2022· Hon C Dick MPBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Public Health and Other Legislation (COVID-19 Management) Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•People who tested positive for COVID-19 could be required to isolate for up to 7 days under a public health directionClause 9, s 142E(1)(b)The Chief Health Officer may direct persons who test positive to stay at a stated place for a stated period of not more than 7 days.
•Symptomatic close contacts of positive cases could be required to quarantine for up to 7 daysClause 9, s 142E(1)(c)Persons who are symptomatic and have had stated contact with a positive case must stay at a stated place for a quarantine period of up to 7 days.
•Mask wearing could be required in high-risk settings like hospitals and aged care facilitiesClause 9, s 142E(1)(a)The Chief Health Officer may direct persons to wear or carry a face mask in stated circumstances.
•The Chief Health Officer had to publicly justify every direction and explain its impact on human rights within 5 daysClause 9, s 142HThe Chief Health Officer must prepare and publish a justification statement including a human rights compatibility assessment within 5 days of giving a direction.

1/9/2022· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass (dissent)

Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•A new mental health levy on large employers will fund expanded mental health services and infrastructure across Queensland, with proceeds tied to the Mental Health Act 2016 and Queensland Mental Health Commission Act 2013 (Clause 81, section 12A)
•The levy supports the Better Care Together five-year strategy for state-funded mental health, alcohol, and other drug services (Clause 81, section 12A(2))

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

Transport Legislation (Road Safety and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•Doctors and health professionals are now legally protected when reporting concerns about the medical fitness of interstate drivers to TMRPart 5, Clause 23 (s 142)Health professionals reporting in good faith about a non-Queensland licence holder's medical fitness to drive are protected from civil liability and administrative process claims.
•Digital photos on blue cards and disability worker screening cards for under-15s will expire after 5 years instead of 10, keeping identity documents up to datePart 9, Clause 51 (s 28E)Applies a 5-year shelf life to digital photos taken of persons under 15 years of age to ensure photos remain a true likeness.

26/5/2022· Hon M Bailey MPTransport & RoadsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass

Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

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

•The government gains new powers to prescribe harm minimisation measures across all forms of gambling, with penalties for non-complianceClauses 26, 41, 66, 73, 85, 92, 108Each gambling Act gains a regulation-making power for harm minimisation measures. Maximum penalty of 200 penalty units for failing to implement prescribed measures.
•Cashless gambling will be introduced with safeguards — all cashless equipment must be approved and can be subject to conditionsClauses 18, 20-24, 61, 63-70The bill removes legislative barriers to cashless payment methods while requiring technical evaluation and approval of all cashless gambling equipment.
•Betting on simulated events is restricted to physical venues only, limiting accessibility as a harm minimisation measureClause 105, new s 206(3)-(4)A licence operator or wagering agent must not accept wagers on simulated events by phone or another form of communication. Maximum penalty 200 penalty units.

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

Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

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

•Regulators can now stop unregistered people from providing health services through interim prohibition orders lasting up to 60 daysPart 21, Clause 94 (new Division 7A)Regulatory bodies may issue interim prohibition orders to unregistered persons who pose a serious risk to public health or safety.
•Regulators can publicly warn you about practitioners or unregistered people who pose a serious risk to your healthPart 23, Clause 100 (new Division 7B) and Clause 20 (new Part 8AA)Regulatory bodies and the Health Ombudsman may make public statements about persons whose conduct, performance or health poses a serious risk.
•Penalties for misleading health service advertising increase twelve-fold, from $5,000 to $60,000 for individualsPart 16, Clause 85Advertising penalties increase to $60,000 for individuals and $120,000 for bodies corporate, with testimonials now included in the definition of advertising.
•Public protection becomes the paramount guiding principle of the health practitioner registration schemePart 2, Clauses 33-34 (new section 3A)Protection of the public and public confidence in the safety of services provided by registered health practitioners are made the paramount guiding principles.

11/5/2022· Hon Y D'Ath MPFirst NationsJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Public Health and Other Legislation (Extension of Expiring Provisions) Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•The Chief Health Officer could continue issuing public health directions on masks, quarantine and gatherings until 31 October 2022Clause 26Extends chapter 8, part 7A of the Public Health Act, which authorises the CHO to issue directions restricting movement, requiring quarantine, and implementing containment measures.
•People required to quarantine in government accommodation could still be charged fees, with hardship waivers availableClause 27Continues provisions requiring persons to contribute to quarantine costs, with fees prescribed in the Public Health Regulation 2018.
•Mental health patients could be granted leave to comply with public health directions like isolation ordersClauses 22-23Extends chapter 18B of the Mental Health Act allowing the Chief Psychiatrist to approve absences for patients needing to comply with COVID-19 directions.
•Emergency officers could detain someone for up to 14 days (instead of the usual 4 days) to enforce quarantineClause 26Extends the increased maximum detention period for emergency officers (medical) from 96 hours to 14 days.

22/2/2022· Hon Y D'Ath MPSafety & EmergencyJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021

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

•Patients on involuntary mental health orders now have independent oversight before receiving electroconvulsive therapy, even if they consentClause 63 (amending s 236) and Clause 84 (amending s 509)MHRT must approve ECT for all persons subject to a treatment authority, forensic order or treatment support order, and must be satisfied the person has freely and voluntarily given informed consent.
•Allied health professionals such as social workers, dietitians and speech pathologists can now access your hospital health records to provide better follow-up care in the communityClauses 32-50 (amending Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011)Expands access to The Viewer to prescribed health professionals not registered under the National Law, with 600 penalty unit maximum for unauthorised access.
•Decisions about transferring mental health patients between services must now prioritise the patient's own views, wishes and preferences instead of a 'best interests' testClauses 70-75 (amending Mental Health Act ss 350-355)Replaces 'best interests' test with requirement to consider whether transfer is appropriate in the circumstances and the person's views, wishes and preferences to the greatest extent practicable.
•Hospitals can now readily provide donated human milk to sick and pre-term infants without concern about tissue trading restrictionsClause 116 (amending Transplantation and Anatomy Act 1979, s 4)Excludes human milk from the definition of tissue, removing uncertainty about whether purchasing human milk could breach tissue trading prohibitions.

1/12/2021· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

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 Chief Health Officer's power to issue public health directions like mask mandates and border restrictions continued until 30 April 2022Part 12, Division 2Extends expiry of emergency powers under the Public Health Act from 30 September 2021 to 30 April 2022.
•Emergency officers could continue to detain people for up to 14 days of quarantine instead of the usual 4 daysParts 10, 13, 14Extended commencement dates for amendments that would have repealed the 14-day detention power.
•Mental health patients could be granted leave to comply with quarantine or public health directions until 30 April 2022Part 11, Clauses 27-28Extends section 800I and chapter 18B of the Mental Health Act to 30 April 2022.

16/6/2021· Hon Y D'Ath MPSafety & EmergencyBusiness & EconomyHousing & RentingGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021

PassedThis bill became law.

•People with a terminal illness expected to cause death within 12 months gain a new end-of-life option if their suffering is intolerableClause 10Eligibility requires an advanced, progressive condition expected to cause death within 12 months, causing suffering the person considers intolerable.
•Doctors and nurse practitioners can discuss voluntary assisted dying with patients as long as they also inform them about palliative care and treatment optionsClause 7Health care workers generally cannot initiate a discussion about voluntary assisted dying, but medical practitioners and nurse practitioners may do so if they simultaneously inform the person about treatment and palliative care options.
•Health practitioners who conscientiously object can refuse to participate but must refer the person to someone who can helpClause 84Registered health practitioners with a conscientious objection have the right to refuse participation but must inform the person of other practitioners or the Care Navigator Service who can assist.
•A Statewide Care Navigator Service will provide support and information to people considering voluntary assisted dyingClause 156The chief executive may approve an official care navigator service to provide support, assistance and information to people relating to voluntary assisted dying.

25/5/2021· Hon A Palaszczuk MPJustice & RightsSeniorsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Queensland Veterans' Council Bill 2021

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

•The Anzac Day Trust Fund continues under the new Council, providing financial assistance to ex-service personnel and their dependantsClause 10The council has the function to administer the Fund and decide applications for payments out of the Fund.
•A veterans' reference group of up to 10 members will advise on veterans' welfare, health, aged care and transition from military serviceClause 36Members must have knowledge or experience in veterans' welfare, health, military service transition, employment, aged care or matters affecting veterans' partners and dependants.

22/4/2021· Hon A Palaszczuk MPGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Debt Reduction and Savings Bill 2021

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

•Tattoo inks must have a safety certificate confirming they do not contain harmful substances before they can be supplied or used in QueenslandChapter 3, Clause 234 (new section 48A)Tattoo inks may contain industrial-quality ingredients and impurities designed for house paints and printing, not human use.
•Rules for safely disposing of medicines with a high risk of being diverted for illicit use are extended beyond S8 medicines to cover all diversion-risk medicinesChapter 3, Clause 230 (new section 42)Diversion-risk medicines include anabolic steroids, growth hormones, codeine and barbiturates. Maximum penalty 200 penalty units.
•The monitored medicines database can be linked with databases in other states and territories to better track prescription drug use across AustraliaChapter 3, Clause 247 (new section 238)Allows delegation of database functions to third-party providers to facilitate national interoperability.

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

Public Health and Other Legislation (Extension of Expiring Provisions) Amendment Bill 2020

PassedThis bill became law.

•The Chief Health Officer kept the power to issue public health directions about masks, gatherings, and movement restrictions until 30 September 2021Clauses 11-12Extended the expiry of Parts 7AA and 7B of Chapter 8 of the Public Health Act 2005 from early 2021 to 30 September 2021.
•Mental health patients could continue to be granted leave to comply with public health directions like quarantine and isolationClauses 7-8Extended the chief psychiatrist's power to approve absences and the expiry of Chapter 18B of the Mental Health Act 2016 to 30 September 2021.
•Travellers directed into hotel quarantine continued to pay their own accommodation and food costsClause 11Extended Part 7AA of the Public Health Act 2005 which provides for quarantine cost recovery.

3/12/2020· Hon Y D'Ath MPSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020

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

•Hospitals, pharmacies, dental clinics and aged care facilities are exempt and can continue providing plastic straws and other banned items to patientsClause 5, s 99GD(2)-(3)Exempt businesses include healthcare businesses such as hospitals, pharmacies, dental clinics, medical clinics and disability care facilities.
•People with disabilities can still access plastic straws through healthcare providers and schoolsClause 5, s 99GD(3)Exempt business or undertaking includes schools and businesses that involve the sale or supply of banned items for use by persons with a disability or healthcare needs.
•The mandatory two-year review must specifically assess the ban's impact on people with disabilities and healthcare needsClause 5, s 99GI(2)(a)The review must include a review of the effect of this part on the community, especially persons with a disability or healthcare needs.

3/12/2020· Hon M Scanlon MPEnvironmentBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020

FAKE_OLD_STATUS

•First responders with PTSD face fewer barriers to accessing compensation and treatment, addressing high rates of psychological distress in emergency workersClause 3, new s 36EDBeyond Blue's Answering the Call report found claims rates for mental health conditions among first responders were 10 times higher than the Australian workforce.
•PTSD diagnosis must be made by a registered psychiatrist using the DSM-5 standard, ensuring a robust clinical assessmentClause 8, new s 144CPrescribes that PTSD must be diagnosed using the diagnostic criteria provided under DSM-5 for post-traumatic stress disorder.
•Doctors and nurses in emergency, trauma, acute, critical and high-dependency care are recognised as first responders for PTSD claimsClause 9, Schedule 6A item 10Includes a doctor or nurse employed in emergency and trauma care, acute care, critical care, or high-dependency care.

26/11/2020· Hon G Grace MPWork & EmploymentSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass

Criminal Code (Consent and Mistake of Fact) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020

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

•Online wagering operators can no longer offer sign-up bonuses, referral rewards, or incentives to keep accounts open to people in QueenslandClauses 21, 63, 68 (new ss 166B, 134B, 228B)Operators must not offer any credit, voucher, reward or other benefit as an incentive to open an account, refer another person, or not close an account. Maximum penalty 200 penalty units for corporations.
•Gambling companies can only send you marketing if you give express consent, and must provide an easy way to unsubscribeClauses 21, 63, 68 (new ss 166D, 134D, 228D)Operators must not send promotional material directly unless the person has given express and informed consent, and must provide a mechanism to easily withdraw consent.
•Free bets must let you withdraw your winnings at any time without turnover requirementsClauses 21, 63, 68 (new ss 166C, 134C, 228C)Operators must not offer a free bet unless the customer can withdraw payouts arising from the free bet at any time.

26/11/2020· Hon S Fentiman MPJustice & RightsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass

Disability Services and Other Legislation (Worker Screening) Amendment Bill 2020

PassedThis bill became law.

•People with disability gain stronger protections as every worker providing supports or services must pass a criminal history screening before starting workClause 11, new section 40Establishes a scheme for screening persons to assess whether they pose an unacceptable risk of harm to people with disability.
•If a disability worker is charged with a serious offence, their clearance is immediately suspended so they cannot continue providing servicesClause 11, new section 111Chief executive must suspend the person's clearance if charged with a disqualifying offence or if a risk assessment suspects unacceptable risk.
•Self-managed NDIS participants can receive notifications about the screening status of workers they engage, giving families more transparencyClause 52, new section 344CChief executive may notify self-managed NDIS participants about working with children check outcomes and changes in police information for workers.
•Screening considers criminal history, domestic violence orders, disciplinary records, and mental health information to provide a comprehensive risk assessmentClause 11, new section 88Chief executive must consider police information, domestic violence information, disciplinary information, and NDIS disciplinary or misconduct information.

26/11/2020· Hon C Crawford MPChildren & FamiliesWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass (dissent)

56th Parliament (2017–2020)23 bills

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

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

•Disability service providers could lock doors and gates to keep residents with intellectual disabilities safe during public health directions, with legal immunityPart 5, Division 1 (Clauses 18-19)New Division 2A of the Disability Services Act 2006 provided immunity from civil or criminal liability for locking premises in compliance with departmental policy, expiring 31 December 2020.
•Mental health inpatients could be temporarily moved from their facility to comply with quarantine or public health directionsPart 12 (Clause 47, s 800I)The chief psychiatrist could approve absences if satisfied treatment needs could be met and there was no unacceptable risk to the patient or community.
•Parents could be directed by emergency officers to keep their children in isolation at home for up to 14 daysClause 63 (s 362H)Applied where a child may not have had the capacity to understand or comply with a public health direction independently.
•Private health facility operators experiencing COVID-19 financial hardship could have their fees waived or deferred by the chief health officerPart 15 (Clause 58, s 151B)

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

COVID-19 Emergency Response Bill 2020

PassedThis bill became law.

•The bill's emergency powers were tied to the public health emergency declared on 29 January 2020 for COVID-19Schedule 1COVID-19 emergency means the declared public health emergency under the Public Health Act 2005, section 319(2) for COVID-19.
•Physical examinations, inspections and in-person attendance requirements could be modified to protect public healthClause 8Regulation could modify requirements for physical attendance at places or meetings, including medical examinations.

22/4/2020· Hon A Palaszczuk MPHousing & RentingBusiness & EconomyJustice & RightsGovernment & Elections

Public Health and Other Legislation (Public Health Emergency) Amendment Bill 2020

PassedThis bill became law.

•The Chief Health Officer gained power to issue binding public health directions including lockdowns, gathering bans, and business closuresClause 36, s 362BThe chief health officer may give a public health direction restricting movement, requiring persons to stay at a stated place, restricting contact between persons, or any other direction considered necessary to protect public health.
•People suspected of COVID-19 exposure could be ordered to isolate at home or another place for up to 14 daysClause 36, s 362HAn emergency officer may direct a person to stay at a stated place for up to 14 days, with conditions restricting contact with others.
•Emergency officers (medical) could detain people for up to 14 days without a court order, up from the previous 96-hour limitClause 35Amends section 350(a) so a detention order ends 14 days after the day it is given, rather than 96 hours from the time.
•Queenslanders lost the right to claim compensation from the State for losses caused by COVID-19 emergency powers, backdated to 16 March 2020Clause 37The person is not entitled to be paid any compensation for the loss or damage if the power was exercised in relation to the COVID-19 emergency.

18/3/2020· Hon S Miles MPSafety & EmergencyGovernment & Elections

Public Health (Declared Public Health Emergencies) Amendment Bill 2020

PassedThis bill became law.

•Queensland Health can maintain public health emergency powers for up to 90 days at a time, enabling more sustained pandemic response planningClause 4Amends section 323 to allow Governor-in-Council to extend a declared public health emergency by regulation for up to 90 days, replacing the previous 7-day limit.
•Emergency officers (medical) can order detention of people who have or may have a serious disease like COVID-19, with a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units for non-complianceSection 353, Public Health Act 2005Existing detention powers continue during extended emergency periods, with the requirement that persons be given the opportunity to voluntarily comply first.
•If you are detained under a public health emergency, you can still receive medical treatment from a doctor of your choosingSection 354(4), Public Health Act 2005A person who is detained must be given the opportunity of receiving medical treatment including by a doctor chosen by the person.

4/2/2020· Hon S Miles MPSafety & Emergency

Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

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

•Hospital and Health Services must now consider statewide patient interests and resource efficiency, not just their own areaClauses 9-10Hospital and Health Services and Boards must have regard to the effective and efficient use of public sector health system resources and the best interests of patients throughout the State.
•Patient safety reports can now be shared more easily between quality assurance committees to improve healthcare qualityClause 16The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Service can provide root cause analysis reports to quality assurance committees for their authorised purposes.
•Private hospitals must meet national safety and quality accreditation standards as a condition of their licenceClause 21Licence conditions updated to require compliance with the Australian Health Service Safety and Quality Accreditation Scheme incorporating NSQHS Standards.
•Hospitals and aged care facilities must have water safety plans covering both monitoring failures and hazard testingClause 27Corrects section 61D of the Public Health Act so water risk management plans must state procedures for responding to both monitoring failures and hazard test results.

28/11/2019· Hon S Miles MPFirst NationsJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Community Services Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Bill 2019

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

•Workers in disability support, mental health, alcohol and drug services and other health-adjacent community services gain portable long service leaveSchedule 1Schedule 1 lists covered service types including disability support, mental health services, alcohol and other drug services, and respite services.
•Employees dismissed because of illness or medical incapacity now qualify for pro rata long service leave after 7 years of continuous serviceClause 134The amendment defines illness to include injury, incapacity or other medical condition, applying regardless of who initiated the termination.

27/11/2019· Hon G Grace MPWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass

Transport Legislation (Disability Parking and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019

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

•Legally blind Queenslanders are recognised as having disability-related mobility challenges for the first time in parking lawClause 8 (new definition of 'blind' in s 60(3))Defines 'blind' using the same criteria as the Commonwealth Social Security Guide — visual acuity less than 6/60 in both eyes or field of vision constricted to 10 degrees or less.
•Optometrists and ophthalmologists can now certify temporary blindness for parking permit applicationsClause 8 (new definitions in s 60(3))Temporary blindness must be of at least 6 months duration as certified by a doctor, ophthalmologist or optometrist.

26/11/2019· Hon M Bailey MPTransport & RoadsCommittee: pass

Transport Legislation (Disability Parking Permit Scheme) 2019

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

•Would have recognised vision impairment as a mobility-affecting disability for parking purposes, acknowledging the serious safety risks vision-impaired people face in carparksClause 9Amends section 111 to expand the definition of 'person with a disability' to include a person who has total loss of vision or a severe visual impairment.
•Would have brought Queensland in line with NSW, the ACT, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, which already allow vision-impaired people to access disability parkingClause 3

16/10/2019· Mr N Dametto MPTransport & Roads

Child Death Review Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

PassedThis bill became law.

•Queensland Health and Hospital and Health Services must now conduct internal reviews when a child known to Child Safety dies or suffers serious physical injury after receiving health servicesClause 6, sections 245G-245HThe chief executive (health) must determine which Hospital and Health Services may have provided a service to the child and forward the notification for review.
•Health agencies can share confidential patient information with other agencies for the purpose of child death reviews, overriding normal privacy restrictionsClause 6, section 245TEntities may give confidential information to the head of a relevant agency for the purpose of an internal agency review, despite any other law that would otherwise prohibit or restrict the giving of the information.

18/9/2019· Hon Y D'Ath MPChildren & FamiliesJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Health Transparency Bill 2019

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

•Patients can compare hospital quality and safety data including wait times, patient outcomes and infection rates on a new public websiteParts 2-4Enables the chief executive to collect and publish quality and safety information about public and private health facilities.
•The Health Ombudsman and AHPRA will jointly consider complaints about registered health practitioners, reducing delays and duplicationClause 32, Division 2AAHPRA has 5 business days to provide a preliminary view; if there is disagreement, a further 15 business days for negotiation.
•Unregistered health practitioners who pose a serious risk can be banned from practising more quickly, as the Health Ombudsman can now issue final prohibition orders directlyClause 40, Part 8APreviously only QCAT could issue final prohibition orders; the Health Ombudsman can now do so after investigation, with QCAT review available.
•The Health Ombudsman may decline your complaint if you have not first tried to resolve it with the health service providerClause 32, s 35AThe Health Ombudsman may decide not to accept a complaint if it would be more appropriately dealt with by another entity or the complainant has not first sought resolution directly.

4/9/2019· Hon S MilesSeniorsGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

PassedThis bill became law.

•Workers claiming compensation for psychological injuries get access to counselling and support services while their claim is being assessedClause 65 (new Part 5A, section 232AB)Insurers must take all reasonable steps to provide reasonable services such as mediation and counselling during the claim determination period.
•Workers with terminal work-related conditions can access lump sum payments regardless of life expectancy, not just those expected to live less than two yearsClause 36Amends section 39A to remove the two-year life expectancy requirement for terminal condition lump sum entitlements.

22/8/2019· Hon G Grace MPWork & EmploymentEducationCommittee: pass

Medicines and Poisons Bill 2019

PassedThis bill became law.

•If you take strong painkillers or other controlled medications, your doctor and pharmacist must now check a real-time database to ensure your prescriptions are safeChapter 2, Part 2 (Clauses 38-41)Prescribers and dispensers of monitored medicines must check the monitored medicines database before prescribing or dispensing, reducing the risk of harmful drug interactions.
•Nurse practitioners and midwives can now prescribe controlled drugs where they meet national standards, meaning faster access to treatmentChapter 3, Part 1 (Clauses 54-57)Extended practice authorities allow nurse practitioners, midwives, optometrists and podiatrists to prescribe and supply medicines in line with National Board endorsements.
•New rules make it easier for pharmacists to safely dispose of unused or expired medicines, reducing the risk of misuseClause 42Creates specific requirements for disposing of waste from S8 medicines, with a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units for improper disposal.
•Emergency orders allow the chief executive to quickly restrict or recall dangerous substances for up to three months to protect public safetyClauses 58-59The chief executive may make emergency orders about regulated substances or activities if satisfied an emergency exists, lasting no longer than three months.

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

Therapeutic Goods Bill 2019

PassedThis bill became law.

•Herbal medicines, vitamin supplements and other therapeutic goods made by small local manufacturers must now meet national safety and quality standardsClause 7Applies the Commonwealth Therapeutic Goods Laws to non-corporate entities trading solely within Queensland, closing a gap where these products were unregulated.
•Consumers can be confident that all therapeutic products sold in Queensland are subject to Therapeutic Goods Administration oversightClause 8Commonwealth entities including the TGA have the same regulatory functions and powers for the applied provisions as under Commonwealth law.
•People can no longer unknowingly buy unregulated therapeutic goods manufactured by sole traders or partnerships in QueenslandClause 4The purpose of the Act is to manage health and safety risks posed by therapeutic goods by applying Commonwealth regulatory controls in Queensland.

14/5/2019· Hon S Miles MPBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Disability Services and Other Legislation (NDIS) Amendment Bill 2019

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

•People with disability receiving NDIS supports in Queensland keep state-level quality and safety protections even as the Commonwealth takes over provider regulationPart 2, Clauses 4-5Amends the objects of the Disability Services Act 2006 to support the operation of the NDIS in Queensland and ensure the quality and safety of disability services in the context of the national regulatory framework.
•Restrictive practices like containment, seclusion and physical restraint on people with disability can only be used under strict Queensland authorisation requirementsClauses 21-22New sections 150A and 165A set out the specific circumstances in which a service provider is authorised to use containment, seclusion, or chemical, mechanical or physical restraint.
•Deaths of NDIS participants receiving high-level supports must continue to be reported to the State Coroner for investigationClauses 50-51Amends the definition of death in care to include NDIS participants not living in a private dwelling who were receiving or entitled to receive a relevant class of supports from a registered NDIS provider.
•Community visitors can continue to inspect accommodation where NDIS participants live, entering without notice to check on their welfareClauses 62, 67Extends visitable site definitions to include premises where NDIS participants receive high-level supports from registered providers.

28/3/2019· Hon C O'Rourke MPJustice & RightsChildren & FamiliesCommittee: pass

Health and Wellbeing Queensland Bill 2019

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

•A new statutory agency with nearly $33 million in initial funding will coordinate programs to reduce chronic disease caused by poor nutrition, inactivity and obesityClause 10The objective of Health and Wellbeing Queensland is to improve the health and wellbeing of the Queensland population, including by reducing the burden of chronic diseases through targeting risk factors.
•Health promotion activities will be funded through grants and partnerships with community organisations, businesses and local governmentsClause 11HWQ's functions include giving grants, developing partnerships, and commissioning activities to prevent illness and promote health and wellbeing.
•The Minister can direct the agency to report on specific health issues, and these reports can be made publicClause 14The Minister may direct HWQ to prepare a special report on a matter relevant to its functions. The Minister may publish the report in a way considered appropriate.

28/2/2019· Hon S Miles MPFirst NationsRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•Patients needing medicinal cannabis face one approval process instead of two, making access simpler and fasterClause 57 (Part 11)Repeals the Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Act 2016, removing the duplicate state approval process for prescribing medicinal cannabis.
•Pharmacists no longer need individual state approvals to dispense medicinal cannabis, removing a burden on over 4,000 Queensland pharmacistsClause 12 (Part 6)Amends the Health Act 1937 to regulate medicinal cannabis the same as other schedule 8 medicines.
•Communities affected by pollution events will be informed about public health risks more quickly through mandatory pollution noticesClause 14, s 313EChief executive may direct a polluter to publish a pollution notice, with a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units for non-compliance.
•Children with cancer can more clearly participate in clinical trials, which have improved childhood cancer survival from 15% to over 80%Clause 53, s 21CExpressly authorises removal of tissue from children for approved research with safeguards including benefit to the child or minimal risk.

13/11/2018· Hon S Miles MPSeniorsWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass (dissent)

Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•Health practitioners can seek treatment for mental illness, addiction, or other health conditions with greater confidence their treating practitioner will not automatically report themClause 19, new section 141BTreating practitioners only required to report if the practitioner-patient's conduct places the public at 'substantial risk of harm', a higher threshold than previously applied.
•Treating practitioners must still report sexual misconduct by a fellow practitioner, including grooming behaviour or future risk of misconductClause 19, new section 141AExtends reporting to past, current and future risk of sexual misconduct in connection with the practice of the practitioner's profession.
•If a practitioner is managing their impairment through treatment, their treating practitioner can consider that before deciding whether to reportClause 19, new section 141B(5)Guidance factors include the nature and severity of the impairment, steps being taken to manage it, and whether it can be managed with appropriate treatment.

31/10/2018· Hon S Miles MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•Women can access terminations from a medical practitioner on request up to 22 weeks of pregnancy without fear of criminal prosecutionClause 5A medical practitioner may perform a termination on a woman who is not more than 22 weeks pregnant.
•After 22 weeks, terminations require two doctors to agree it should be performed, considering medical, physical, psychological and social circumstancesClause 6A medical practitioner must consider all relevant medical circumstances and the woman's current and future physical, psychological and social circumstances.
•If your doctor has a conscientious objection, they must tell you and refer you to another practitioner or service that can helpClause 8The practitioner must refer the woman or transfer her care to another registered health practitioner who does not have a conscientious objection.
•Patients and staff at termination clinics are protected by 150-metre safe access zones from intimidating or harassing behaviourClauses 14-15Prohibited conduct in safe access zones carries a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units or 1 year imprisonment.

22/8/2018· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Mines Legislation (Resources Safety) Amendment Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•Occupational diseases like black lung are more likely to be detected early, with medical practitioners now required to report cases alongside mine managersClause 35 (new s 198(7)), Clause 78 (new s 195(7))Disease notification obligations extended beyond SSEs to persons prescribed by regulation, such as medical practitioners diagnosing reportable diseases.
•Former mine workers benefit from long-term health surveillance to monitor for diseases that may develop after leaving the industryClause 4 (s 7(k) CMSHA), Clause 51 (new s 7(j) MQSHA)Health assessment and surveillance objectives extended to cover persons who have been mine workers, supporting longitudinal health monitoring.
•Ventilation officers at underground coal mines must now be formally certified, reducing the risk of workers breathing contaminated airClause 17 (new s 61)Ventilation officers must hold a certificate of competency from the Board of Examiners, which includes an assessment component to ensure competence.

20/3/2018· Hon A Lynham MPWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass

Disability Services and Other Legislation (Worker Screening) Amendment Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•People with disability receiving NDIS services from sole traders now have the same screening protections as those receiving services from larger providersClause 13 (new section 67A)A sole trader must not provide disability services unless they hold a current positive notice (yellow card) or positive exemption notice.
•Criminal history information is now shared across state borders for disability worker screening, strengthening safeguards nationallyClause 39Extends existing police criminal history sharing provisions to cover disability-related employment screening alongside child-related screening.
•Sole traders must immediately disclose any changes in their police information, so screening stays up to dateClauses 16-17 (amended sections 75 and 77)A sole trader must immediately disclose to the chief executive that there has been a change in their police information, with a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units.

20/3/2018· Hon C O'Rourke MPWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass

Guardianship and Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•Health care decisions for adults with impaired capacity must now follow updated principles that prioritise the person's own views and dignityClause 8New health care principles require consideration of the adult's prognosis, alternative treatments, and the effect of proposed health care on the adult's dignity and autonomy.
•Advance health directives made interstate or overseas are now clearly recognised as valid in QueenslandClause 61Clarifies that an advance health directive may be made by an adult principal who is outside the State.
•Health providers who follow an advance health directive in good faith are protected from liability even if the directive later turns out to be invalidClauses 72-73Extends protection from liability to health providers acting in reliance on a direction in an invalid AHD, subject to a good faith requirement.

15/2/2018· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsSeniorsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Hospital Foundations Bill 2018

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

•Queensland's 13 hospital foundations, which raise over $74 million a year for medical equipment, research, and staff training, will operate under clearer and more accountable governance rulesParts 1-9The bill repeals the Hospitals Foundations Act 1982 and replaces it with modern legislation reflecting contemporary drafting standards.
•The Minister gains new powers to intervene where a foundation's governance or finances raise serious concerns, including dismissing entire boards and appointing administratorsClauses 47-51The board must notify the Minister of significant concerns about financial viability or administration, and the Minister may require information, remove all board members, and appoint an administrator.
•Foundation board members must pass criminal history checks and disclose any convictions during their term, with a penalty of 100 penalty units for failing to discloseClauses 33, 36-38A person is disqualified from becoming a member if they have a conviction for an indictable offence or are an insolvent under administration.

15/2/2018· Hon S Miles MPBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Plumbing and Drainage Bill 2018

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

•Medical gas installation in hospitals and medical facilities will require a specific licence, following fatal incidents in NSWClauses 186-187Creates offences for unlicensed mechanical services work including medical gas systems, following the 2016 Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital incidents where a baby died from incorrectly connected gas.
•Property owners face penalties up to 250 penalty units for failing to properly manage on-site sewage facilities or allowing water contaminationClauses 68, 74-76Offences for polluting water services, improper discharge of toilet waste, and failure to properly dispose of on-site sewage facility contents.
•Removing or tampering with backflow prevention devices or temperature control devices is an offence carrying up to 250 penalty unitsClauses 71-72Backflow devices protect drinking water from contamination; temperature controls prevent scalding, particularly important for children, the elderly and people with disabilities.

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

55th Parliament (2015–2017)34 bills

Mines Legislation (Resources Safety) Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Doctors can be required to notify the mines inspectorate directly when they diagnose a mine worker with black lung or other reportable diseases, so the regulator isn't relying on the employer to reportClauses 35 and 78New sections 198(7) (CMSHA) and 195(7) (MQSHA) extend reportable disease notification to persons prescribed by regulation, including medical practitioners.
•Health surveillance is formally extended to people who have retired from coal mining, not just current workersClauses 3 and 51Section 7(k) of the CMSHA is amended to include health surveillance of persons who are, will be or have been coal mine workers, with a parallel amendment to the MQSHA.
•The regulator can publish safety alerts and incident information faster after an accident, so industry learns from incidents soonerClauses 45 and 88Sections 275AC (CMSHA) and 254C (MQSHA) are broadened to cover accidents, high potential incidents and any matter relevant to safety compliance, with protection from defamation liability for good-faith publication.
•Manufacturers, importers and suppliers of mine equipment and substances must tell the chief inspector and their customers about any hazard or defect they discoverClauses 9, 10, 58 and 59Amendments to sections 44 and 46 (CMSHA) and 41 and 43 (MQSHA) create new notification duties on designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers.

7/9/2017· Hon Dr A Lynham MPWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass

Guardianship and Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Your advance health directive made while living interstate or overseas will now be recognised in QueenslandClauses 59 and 61Amends sections 32 and 35 POA to clarify that an EPA or AHD made outside Queensland is effective in Queensland.
•Your residential service provider or health provider cannot be your statutory health attorneyClause 67Amends section 63 POA so a person who has the care of an adult, or is a close friend or relation, cannot be a statutory health attorney if they are a health provider or a residential service provider for the adult.
•Health workers get clearer legal protection when acting in good faith on a directive they did not know was invalidClauses 71-73Recasts sections 96, 100 and 102 POA to extend protection to reliance on a direction in an invalid AHD, subject to a good faith test.
•Witnesses to an advance health directive no longer need to be at least 21 years oldClause 58Amends section 31 POA to remove the requirement that the witness for an AHD be at least 21 years of age.

5/9/2017· Hon Y D'Ath MPSeniorsJustice & RightsGovernment & Elections

Hospital Foundations Bill 2017

Lapsed

•The 13 hospital foundations that fundraise for Queensland's public hospitals keep operating under simpler, modernised rulesClauses 7, 86Replaces the 1982 Act with streamlined objects covering medical equipment, staff training, research, and public health promotion; all existing foundations continue.
•Foundation board members face stronger integrity checks, including criminal history screening and mandatory disclosure of any conviction during their termClauses 33, 36, 37Disqualifies people with indictable convictions, allows police checks with the person's consent, and carries a 100 penalty unit fine for non-disclosure.
•If a hospital foundation runs into serious trouble, the Minister can now step in, sack the whole board and appoint an administratorClauses 47-51Gives the Minister powers to demand information, and allows the Governor in Council to remove all board members and appoint an administrator in the public interest.
•Hemp seed foods will be available in Queensland shops from 12 November 2017, and can now be grown locally rather than only importedClauses 95-129Amends the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 so industrial cannabis can be grown for food, following the change to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

22/8/2017· Hon CR Dick MPBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Penalties and Sentences (Drug and Alcohol Treatment Orders) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

PassedThis bill became law.

•The court can require you to submit to medical, psychiatric or psychological treatment, wear an alcohol or drug detection device, or have monitoring equipment at home as part of your treatment orderNew section 151SThe treatment program may include detoxification, counselling, drug testing, and a requirement to wear a drug/alcohol monitoring device or install monitoring equipment at the offender's residence.
•Queensland Police, Health, Corrective Services, Justice and Legal Aid can share your personal information with each other to manage your treatment orderClause 22 (new Part 2A of JOIDA)New part 2A allows treatment order agencies and their service providers to share treatment order information for specified purposes, with immunity for honest disclosures.
•You cannot be prosecuted for minor drug possession offences based on admissions you make while being assessed for or on a treatment orderNew section 151ZAA person is not liable to prosecution for a relevant drug offence resulting from admissions made for preparing a suitability assessment report or administering a treatment order.

10/8/2017· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsTechnology & DigitalCommittee: pass

Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation (Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

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

•Former coal workers who retired before 2017 can get a free lung disease examination until January 2022Clause 28 (new ch 6A, ss 325A-325D)Former coal workers who stopped working before 1 January 2017 can apply to the insurer for a free lung disease examination (chest x-ray and respiratory function test) before 1 January 2022.
•Workers with silicosis and other dust lung diseases, not just coal workers, are covered by the new lump sumClause 20 (new s 128F)The new entitlement applies to any worker with an injury that is pneumoconiosis, covering CWP, silicosis, mixed dust pneumoconiosis and dust-related diffuse fibrosis.
•You can get the lump sum even if your lung disease has not yet caused permanent impairmentClause 20 (new s 128H)Lump sum compensation for pneumoconiosis is payable after assessment under section 179, regardless of whether the notice states the worker has sustained permanent impairment.

14/6/2017· Hon G Grace MPWork & EmploymentJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

PassedThis bill became law.

•When you call an ambulance or hire a private paramedic, the person treating you must be nationally registered and meet minimum training standardsClause 15 and Clause 52 (new sections 307, 311, 312)Adds 'paramedicine' as a regulated profession and protects the title 'paramedic', with the Paramedicine Board of Australia responsible for registration and standards.
•You can look up any registered paramedic, nurse, midwife or other practitioner on a national register, which will also list anyone banned from providing health servicesClauses 44-48National Boards must keep public registers that include names of practitioners whose registration has been cancelled and anyone subject to a prohibition order.
•Midwives are recognised in law as their own profession, not just as a type of nurse, though the same board still regulates bothClause 4(6) and Clause 15Amends the definition of health profession to list midwifery and nursing separately while continuing regulation by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
•If you complain about a health practitioner, you are more likely to be told what the regulator decided and why, not just the final outcomeClauses 25, 26, 28, 29New sections 159A, 167A, 177A and replaced section 180 give National Boards a discretion to tell notifiers about decisions and their reasons at multiple stages.

13/6/2017· Hon CR Dick MPSafety & EmergencyJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Healthy Futures Commission Queensland Bill 2017

Lapsed

•A new state body will be set up specifically to help Queenslanders eat better, move more, and tackle childhood obesityClauses 6-9Establishes the Healthy Futures Commission Queensland with functions to support healthy lifestyles and reduce health inequity for children and families.
•At least 55 per cent of the Commission's funding each year must go out as grants for community health projectsClause 41(4)The grant amounts paid in a financial year must make up at least 55% of the total amount paid into the fund in that year.
•The Commission can partner with and fund community groups, councils, universities and businesses to run local healthy-lifestyle projectsClause 9(1)(d)-(e)The Commission may develop partnerships and give grants to industry, community organisations, universities, businesses, local governments and other agencies.
•An independent review of how well the Commission is working must be done within five yearsClause 56

23/5/2017· Hon CR Dick MPChildren & FamiliesFirst Nations

Public Health (Infection Control) Amendment Bill 2017

PassedThis bill became law.

•Dentists, doctors and nurses can be fined if they fail to take reasonable precautions against spreading infection to patientsClause 5 (new s 151)A person involved in the provision of a declared health service must take reasonable precautions and care to minimise the risk of infection to other persons; maximum penalty 1000 penalty units.
•Every hospital, medical practice, dental clinic and acupuncture clinic must keep a written infection control plan and review it at least once a yearClauses 6 and 7The owner/operator must ensure the ICMP complies with section 155 and that the operator reviews the effectiveness and implementation of the ICMP at intervals of not more than 1 year.
•Queensland Health can order a clinic to stop performing an unsafe procedure for up to 30 days if patients are at serious riskClause 10 (new s 156E)The chief executive may give a directions notice directing the operator to stop providing a stated declared health service for up to 30 days where there is a serious risk of harm to a person's health.
•The government can now set mandatory training and competency standards by regulation for people providing declared health servicesClause 15Section 461 is amended to allow regulations about the training and qualifications for a person providing a declared health service.

21/3/2017· Hon C R Dick MPSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass

State Penalties Enforcement Amendment Bill 2017

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

•You can clear your fines through medical or mental health treatment, drug and alcohol treatment, or counselling if you have a mental illness, cognitive or intellectual disability or substance use disorderClause 24 (new s 32G and s 32H)Eligibility for work and development orders includes mental illness, cognitive or intellectual disability, substance use disorder, homelessness, and domestic and family violence.
•Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote areas can clear fines through culturally appropriate programsClause 24 (new s 32G(1)(g))For a person who is an Aborigine or Torres Strait Islander and lives in a remote area, a culturally appropriate program may be undertaken to satisfy SPER debt.
•Registered health practitioners, psychologists and nurse practitioners can become approved sponsors who supervise treatment plans that discharge finesClause 24 (new s 32G(3))A health practitioner for these orders includes a medical practitioner, a psychologist, or a nurse practitioner endorsed under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law.

2/3/2017· Hon C Pitt MPJustice & RightsCost of LivingCommittee: pass

Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis Affordability) Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Would have placed a legal duty on the Queensland Health Minister to make medicinal cannabis treatment affordable for patientsClause 3 (new s 214A(1))The Minister must take all necessary and reasonable steps to ensure the cost of the lawful treatment of a patient with whole plant medicinal cannabis is affordable.
•Targeted patients whose conditions do not respond to conventional treatment, who at the time relied on imported or illegal productMedicinal cannabis use can be approved in Queensland when conventional treatments have failed or proved intolerable.
•Did not change the law because the bill lapsed, so medicinal cannabis access in Queensland still runs under the existing 2016 ActBill status: Lapsed.
•Defined 'whole plant medicinal cannabis' to cover products containing all the therapeutic compounds of the cannabis plant, not just isolated extractsClause 3 (new s 214A(3))

14/2/2017· Mr S Dickson MPCost of LivingCommittee: not recommended

Liquor and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

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

•Late-night trading permits are halved from 12 to 6 per year per venue, reducing overall hours of high-risk late-night drinkingClause 15New section 103J caps the maximum extended hours permits authorising trade between 12am and 5am at 6 per calendar year.
•The Government's evidence-based approach to alcohol-fuelled violence continues - the 3am last drinks rule and ID scanning stay, but the lock-out is dropped after an interim reviewThe Bill responds to findings of the TAFV Act interim evaluation report that lock-outs were unlikely to significantly change current trends.
•Drug-related harm around licensed premises is targeted through new banning order powers for dealers and suppliersClause 27

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

Victims of Crime Assistance and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

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

•If you have been sexually assaulted, you can now get counselling knowing your sessions are legally protected from being used against you in courtClause 7 (new ss 14A, 14D, 14F)Protected counselling communications include confidential communications made by a counselled person to a counsellor, or by a counsellor about them, to further the counselling process — regardless of whether made before or after the assault.
•Victims of domestic violence, including emotional or economic abuse and elder abuse, can now access financial help for counselling, loss of earnings and other expensesClause 29 (new s 25)Extends the definition of 'act of violence' to cover victims of domestic and family violence who suffer injury as a result, implementing recommendation 7 of the review report and recommendation 95 of the Domestic and Family Violence Taskforce Report.
•You no longer need to provide a medical certificate with your application for financial assistance — Victim Assist Queensland can gather the medical evidence itself laterClause 42Removes the requirement that an application for victim assistance be accompanied by a medical certificate and verified by statutory declaration.
•If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident or at work, your victims assistance claim will be paused until your insurance or NIIS claim is decided, so you don't get double-paid or have to repay money laterClause 33 (new ss 36A–36J)The government assessor must defer deciding an application until a motor accident claim under the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994 or a NIISQ application is finally dealt with, to prevent double payment.

1/12/2016· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsChildren & FamiliesCommittee: pass

Mental Health Amendment Bill 2016

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

•You can speak frankly to a doctor during a court-ordered mental health assessment without fear that what you say will be used against you in courtClause 15 (new s 180A)Statements made during an examination under an examination order, or during an assessment to help a Magistrates Court, are not admissible in evidence against the person in any civil or criminal proceeding.
•There are firmer limits on how long you can be detained for a mental health examination — up to one hour in a community setting and up to six hours (extendable to 12) in a mental health serviceClause 3 (s 32)Caps detention for examination at one hour outside an AMHS or PSHSF, and six hours (extendable to 12) inside one.
•Only the actual time you spend in seclusion or mechanical restraint counts towards the 9-hour daily limit, so unused authorisations no longer eat into that capClauses 21 and 22 (ss 250, 258)
•Patients in private mental health facilities get the same protections and delegated care arrangements as patients in public facilitiesClause 26 (s 337) and Clause 51 (sch 3)Administrators of private AMHSs gain the same power to delegate functions to appropriately qualified employees that public AMHS administrators already have.

30/11/2016· Hon C R Dick MPJustice & Rights

Health (Abortion Law Reform) Amendment Bill 2016

Withdrawn

•If you needed an abortion in Queensland, the law on when and how it can legally happen would have been made clearerClause 4 (new Part 3)The Bill will improve clarity for health professionals and patients in the area of medical termination of pregnancy.
•Abortions after 24 weeks would only be allowed when two doctors agree continuing the pregnancy poses greater risk to the woman's healthSection 21A doctor may perform an abortion on a woman more than 24 weeks pregnant only if the doctor reasonably believes the continuation would involve greater risk of injury to physical or mental health, and has consulted at least one other doctor who also believes this.
•Only doctors, or nurses acting under a doctor's written direction, would be allowed to perform an abortionSection 20A person who is not a qualified health practitioner must not perform an abortion. Maximum penalty - 10 years imprisonment.
•Doctors and nurses could refuse to participate in abortions on conscience grounds, except in life-threatening emergenciesSection 22No-one is under a duty to perform or assist in performing an abortion, however a doctor has a duty to perform an abortion on a woman in an emergency if necessary to save her life or prevent serious physical injury.

17/8/2016· Mr R Pyne MPJustice & Rights

Gene Technology (Queensland) Bill 2016

PassedThis bill became law.

•Health and safety risks from gene technology remain regulated under a single national schemeClause 3Purpose is to protect the health and safety of people and manage risks through regulating dealings with genetically modified organisms.
•Queensland researchers and state agencies working with GMOs are held to the same safety standards as private companies and federal bodiesClause 6Commonwealth gene technology laws apply as laws of Queensland, closing the gap for state government agencies, higher education institutions and sole traders.

16/8/2016· Hon L Enoch MPEnvironmentGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

PassedThis bill became law.

•Your GP can see your hospital admission, discharge, pathology and imaging records through a system called The Viewer, so you avoid repeating testsClause 31 (new section 161C)A prescribed health practitioner may access a prescribed information system when necessary to facilitate care or treatment.
•GPs who misuse The Viewer face fines up to 600 penalty units for accessing or disclosing information outside the rulesClauses 18 and 31New sections 142A and 161C set a maximum penalty of 600 penalty units for misuse.
•Adults who can't consent (for example in intensive care or with dementia) can be enrolled in approved medical research more quickly when a substitute decision-maker agreesClause 25 (new section 150A)A designated person may disclose confidential information to an approved researcher where the participant has impaired capacity and a tribunal or authorised person has consented.
•QIMR Berghofer can pay research bonuses up to $10 million a year without Cabinet approval, helping it attract world-class scientistsClause 39The Council may pay bonuses to successful discoverers and inventors; Governor in Council approval is only required above $10 million in a financial year.

16/6/2016· Hon C R Dick MPJustice & RightsChildren & FamiliesCommittee: pass

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

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

•Injured workers with serious injuries receive funded medical treatment, hospitalisation, rehabilitation, attendant care, prostheses, home and vehicle modifications for lifeClause 30 (new s 232J)Treatment, care and support needs include medical treatment, hospitalisation, dental, rehabilitation, ambulance, respite care, attendant care, aids and appliances, prosthesis, education or vocational training, and home, transport or workplace modification.
•Insurers must respond to a request for entitlement assessment within 20 business days so eligible workers are not left waiting for careClause 30 (new s 232M(3))
•Insurers can contract the National Injury Insurance Agency Queensland to manage your care, aligning workplace injury support with the motor accident schemeClause 30 (new s 232ZI)
•If you dispute your treatment, care or support, you can use internal review, Regulator review, the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission and medical assessment tribunalsClauses 38, 39, 42, 43

14/6/2016· Hon G Grace MPWork & EmploymentCost of Living

Abortion Law Reform (Woman’s Right to Choose) Amendment Bill 2016

Withdrawn

•Women seeking an abortion would have been treated under health law rather than criminal lawClauses 3-5Removes sections 224, 225 and 226 from the Criminal Code so abortion is no longer a criminal offence.
•Doctors providing abortion care would no longer have to rely on a narrow legal defence based on a 1986 court case to avoid prosecutionClauses 3-5The explanatory notes state doctors currently provide abortions 'knowing that it's unlawful' and relying on the R v Bayliss interpretation of section 282.
•The bill was withdrawn, so these health law changes did not occur (Queensland later decriminalised abortion through separate legislation in 2018)

10/5/2016· Mr R Pyne MPJustice & RightsCommittee: not recommended

Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2016

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

•If standard treatments have failed, your doctor can apply for approval to prescribe you medicinal cannabisClauses 14, 23-24A medical practitioner may apply to the chief executive of Queensland Health for a medicinal cannabis approval to treat a particular patient, with the chief executive required to decide within 90 days.
•Your carer can legally pick up your medicinal cannabis from the pharmacy and help you take itClauses 55, 60A carer is authorised to obtain, possess, supply or administer medicinal cannabis to the patient they look after.
•If you are in a hospital, nursing home, school or prison, staff must have a written plan for safely storing and giving you medicinal cannabisClauses 61, 69-75Restricted access patients in institutions must be covered by a medicinal cannabis management plan prepared by a responsible person, with penalties up to 500 units for failing to have one.
•Specialist doctors may soon be able to prescribe medicinal cannabis to you without a case-by-case government approvalClauses 52-53A regulation can name classes of specialist medical practitioners who may prescribe specific medicinal cannabis products for specific patient classes as-of-right.

10/5/2016· Hon C R Dick MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

National Injury Insurance Scheme (Queensland) Bill 2016

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

•If you are catastrophically injured in a Queensland car crash you will receive lifetime treatment, care and support funded by the scheme, even if you caused the accidentClause 3The main purpose of the Act is to ensure that persons who suffer particular serious personal injuries as a result of a motor accident in Queensland receive necessary and reasonable treatment, care and support, regardless of fault.
•The scheme covers specific severe injuries including spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, major amputations, severe burns, blindness and permanent brachial plexus injuriesSchedule 1Serious personal injury is defined to include permanent spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, forequarter or shoulder disarticulation amputation, amputation of a leg through or above the femur, multiple limb amputations, brachial plexus injury, full thickness burns, inhalation burns with respiratory impairment, and permanent blindness caused by trauma.
•The agency must prepare a support plan for each participant covering attendant care, domestic help, nursing, home maintenance and personal assistance servicesClauses 25-27After assessing a participant's needs the agency must make a support plan stating the treatment, care and support needs it considers necessary and reasonable in the circumstances.
•Part of the scheme's fund will be paid to Queensland Health and emergency services each year to cover the hospital care scheme participants receiveClause 94

19/4/2016· Hon C Pitt MPTransport & RoadsJustice & Rights

Public Health (Water Risk Management) Amendment Bill 2016

PassedThis bill became law.

•Hospitals must have a written plan that tests and controls the risk of Legionella and other hazards in their waterClause 4 (new s 61C, 61D)Responsible person must ensure a water risk management plan exists and covers hazards, risk assessment, control measures and testing schedules, with a maximum penalty of 500 penalty units.
•When Legionella is confirmed in a hospital or aged care facility's water, the Department of Health must be told within one business dayClause 4 (new s 61H)Person in charge must notify the chief executive within 1 business day; intentional breach attracts up to 1,000 penalty units.
•The public will be able to see reports on which facilities have detected Legionella in their waterClause 4 (new s 61K)The chief executive may publish notices about Legionella detections and reports about prescribed tests given under sections 61H and 61I.
•Facilities that lie or mislead the department about their water test results face fines of up to 1,000 penalty unitsClause 4 (new s 61J)

17/3/2016· Hon CR Dick MPSeniorsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass

Hospital and Health Boards (Safe Nurse-to-Patient and Midwife-to-Patient Ratios) Amendment Bill 2015

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

•Public hospital wards covered by the ratios must have at least one nurse or midwife for every four patients on day and afternoon shiftsClause 5 (s 138B)A regulation may require that in each surgical ward in a stated public sector hospital, between 7am and 3pm each day, there be at least 1 nurse for every 4 patients.
•Night shift staffing on those wards must be at least one nurse or midwife for every seven patientsExplanatory notesThe Government has endorsed ratios of one nurse or midwife to four patients for morning and afternoon shifts, and one nurse or midwife to seven patients for night shifts.
•You can look up how well your local public hospital is meeting the ratios, as compliance data will be published on the department's websiteClause 5 (s 138F)The chief executive may publish the information in a way that allows it to be accessed by members of the public, including on the department's website.
•A hospital service can only fall below the ratios if the Health Minister grants a temporary exemption, and only for up to 6 months in totalClause 5 (s 138C)The Minister may not extend a temporary exemption if as a result the Service would be the subject of a temporary exemption for a continuous period of more than 6 months.

1/12/2015· Hon C R Dick MPWork & Employment

Disability Services and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

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

•If you use the NDIS in Queensland, you keep the same state-based safeguards - worker screening, complaints handling, and restrictive practices protections - as people funded by the state departmentClauses 6-8Amendments to sections 12, 14 and new section 16A of the Disability Services Act extend funded-provider safeguards to NDIS non-government service providers.
•Community visitors can check on you if you are an NDIS participant with impaired capacity living in disability accommodationClause 59Schedule 1 of the Public Guardian Regulation 2014 is replaced to include places where a funded adult NDIS participant with impaired capacity or an impairment lives.
•The Coroner can investigate if an NDIS participant dies while living in disability accommodation or a non-private residential serviceClause 4Section 9 of the Coroners Act 2003 is extended so 'death in care' covers NDIS participants receiving services under their participant's plan.
•If you have impaired capacity, a guardian or attorney can now make decisions about the disability services you receiveClauses 55 and 57Schedule 2 of the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 and the Powers of Attorney Act 1998 are amended so 'personal matter' includes services provided to the adult or principal.

1/12/2015· Hon C O'Rourke MPJustice & RightsWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass

Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

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

•You will see kilojoule labels on menus at large fast-food, cafe, bakery and drink chains and supermarkets to help you make healthier choicesClause 5 (new s 164E)Proprietors of standard food outlets of prescribed licensable food businesses must display the average energy content of standard food items in kilojoules and an average adult daily energy intake statement.
•Health authorities can publicly warn you about unsafe food by naming the product, brand and business during a serious health riskClause 8 (new s 272A)The chief executive may authorise disclosure of confidential information if it is necessary to prevent, reduce or mitigate a serious danger to public health.
•Registered midwives can now follow up abnormal Pap smear results directly through the Queensland Pap Smear RegisterClause 25Amends the Public Health Act definition of health practitioner for part 3 to include a midwife, removing the need for individual gazettal.
•Cord blood donated after birth can more easily be used to treat conditions like leukaemia and lymphomaClause 31Clarifies that cord blood is not a blood product so the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry can be exempted from human tissue trading restrictions.

12/11/2015· Hon CR Dick MPCost of LivingBusiness & Economy

Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

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

•Emergency departments and paramedics should see fewer late-night assault and alcohol injuries because venues close earlierExplanatory NotesResearch cited indicates an average 20% decrease in assaults for every one hour reduction in liquor trading hours.
•If you are on bail for an offence linked to drugs or alcohol, you no longer automatically face a mandatory assessment course and you cannot be charged with a crime for failing to finish oneClauses 5 and 8New section 11AB makes the DAAR bail condition discretionary, and section 29 is amended so breaches of therapeutic bail conditions are no longer offences.
•Sentencing courts can order a Drug and Alcohol Assessment Referral course as part of your sentence, but only if you consentClause 70 (new s 19(2B))New subsection (2B) of the Penalties and Sentences Act lets a court impose a DAAR condition if the offender consents.
•Small premium spirits bars (60 seats or fewer) can apply to keep serving rapid intoxication drinks after midnight if they meet strict criteriaClause 49 (new s 155AK)The Commissioner may grant an exemption only where the premises is primarily used for premium spirits, seats no more than 60 patrons, and will not harm public health, safety or amenity.

12/11/2015· Hon Y D'Ath MPSafety & EmergencyJustice & RightsBusiness & EconomyCommittee: not recommended

Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Smoke-free Places) Amendment Bill 2015

PassedThis bill became law.

•You'll be protected from second-hand smoke at bus stops, taxi ranks, train stations, ferry terminals and within five metres of themClause 13 (new s 26ZKB)A person must not smoke at a public transport waiting point or on land within 5m beyond a public transport waiting point, including while queuing.
•Smoking is banned at all outdoor pedestrian malls and public swimming pools run by councilsClauses 9 and 13 (new ss 26VS and 26ZKA)A person must not smoke at a public swimming facility or at an outdoor pedestrian mall, with a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units.
•Hookahs used to smoke non-tobacco products are now regulated the same as tobacco hookahsClause 21Updates definitions so that smoking non-tobacco products in a hookah is considered smoking under the Tobacco Act.
•Selling tobacco from pop-up stalls, booths, tents, trailers or other temporary outlets is banned, with fines up to 140 penalty unitsClause 5 (new s 13C)A supplier must not sell smoking products from a temporary retail store; maximum penalty 140 penalty units.

10/11/2015· Hon CR Dick MPChildren & FamiliesSeniorsCommittee: pass

Mental Health Bill 2015

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

•You can only be treated for a mental illness without your consent if you lack capacity to consent AND face imminent serious harm or serious deterioration, and there is no less restrictive way to help youClause 12The treatment criteria require mental illness, lack of capacity to consent, and risk of imminent serious harm or serious mental or physical deterioration without involuntary treatment.
•You can formally appoint up to two 'nominated support persons' who will get copies of notices, can access confidential information about your care, and can represent you at tribunal hearingsClauses 223-224The Bill enables a person to appoint one or two nominated support persons to support the person's treatment and care at a future time if the person becomes an involuntary patient.
•If you are a patient in a public mental health service, you and your family or carers have a right to speak to an independent patient rights adviser about your rightsClauses 291-293Public sector authorised mental health services must appoint independent patient rights advisers to advise patients and their families, carers and support persons of their rights under the Bill.
•You or someone on your behalf can ask for a second opinion on your treatment if the service has not resolved concerns about your careClause 288If an authorised mental health service has been unable to resolve a complaint about treatment, the patient or another person may request the administrator to obtain a second opinion from an independent health practitioner.

17/9/2015· Hon CR Dick MPJustice & RightsChildren & Families

Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

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

•If you're a firefighter diagnosed with one of 12 listed cancers after enough years of service, your disease is presumed to be work-relatedClause 18 (new section 36D)Creates a presumption that specified diseases are work injuries for firefighters who have served the qualifying number of years.
•Volunteer firefighters also qualify, but must have attended at least 150 exposure incidents in addition to meeting the service requirementClause 18 (new sections 36D, 36F)Volunteer firefighters must have attended at least 150 exposure incidents for the presumption to apply.
•The listed cancers include brain, bladder, kidney, breast, testicular, prostate, ureter, colorectal and oesophageal cancer, plus leukaemia, non-Hodgkins lymphoma and multiple myelomaClause 21 (Schedule 4A)Schedule 4A lists 12 specified diseases with minimum qualifying service from 5 to 25 years.
•The presumption can still be rebutted if it is proved another cause was responsible or firefighting was not a significant contributing factorClause 18 (new section 36D(3))The deemed disease provisions do not apply if it is proved that the disease did not arise out of firefighting employment or firefighting was not a significant contributing factor.

15/7/2015· Hon C Pitt MPWork & EmploymentJustice & Rights

Public Health (Childcare Vaccination) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

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

•Childcare services can refuse to enrol children who aren't up to date with vaccinations, pushing more parents to immunise on scheduleClause 5 (new s 160B)A person in charge of a service may refuse to enrol a child, refuse attendance, or impose conditions if an immunisation history statement is not provided.
•A child counts as 'up to date' if they are age-appropriately vaccinated, on an approved catch-up schedule, or have a medical exemptionClause 5 (new s 160A)Immunisation status 'up to date' is defined by reference to the Australian Immunisation Handbook and allows for catch-up schedules and medical contraindications.
•If a service admits an unvaccinated child, that child will be treated as unvaccinated during any disease outbreak and can be sent homeClause 5 (new s 160D)Until an up-to-date immunisation history statement is given, the child is taken not to be vaccinated for the purposes of outbreak provisions.
•The Health Ombudsman gains clearer powers to compel people to attend and answer questions in healthcare complaint investigationsClause 9 (amends s 228)An authorised person may require a person to attend before them at a stated time and place to answer questions or produce documents.

15/7/2015· Hon C R Dick MPChildren & FamiliesJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Amendment Bill 2015

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

•If you use a guide, hearing or assistance dog, getting and renewing your ID card will be simpler - your trainer handles it instead of governmentClause 21Approved trainers and training institutions will issue handler identity cards directly, providing a one-stop shop for certification and ID cards.
•A parent or support person can now get their own ID card to accompany someone who can't physically control their assistance dogClause 6 (new section 8A)Recognises the right of an alternative handler to access accommodation, public places and public passenger vehicles when accompanied by a primary handler and their certified dog.
•You won't need to re-submit proof of disability every time you renew your handler ID cardPolicy objectivesHandlers will no longer be required to re-submit a certificate of disability each time they seek the renewal of their handler identity card.
•A child who can't physically control an assistance dog can still get a primary handler's ID card if a parent holds an alternative handler card for the dogClause 20Example in the bill: a child who cannot physically control an assistance dog might be eligible for a primary handler's identity card if a parent has an alternative handler's identity card for the dog.

15/7/2015· Hon C O'Rourke MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Extension of Smoking Bans) Amendment Bill 2015

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

•You would be protected from second-hand smoke at bus stops, ferry terminals and taxi ranks across QueenslandClause 7 (new s 26ZKB)A person must not smoke at a public transport waiting point, with a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units.
•Smoking would be banned at public swimming pools and their surrounding decks, fences and diving areasClause 6 (new s 26ZI)A person must not smoke at a public swimming pool or its associated area.
•You could not smoke within 5 metres of courts, Parliament, or departmental offices that display no smoking signsClause 5 (new s 26ZGG)A person must not smoke on land within 5m of a government building that has signage identifying it as a government building and a no smoking sign.
•This bill was discharged and never became law, so these protections did not take effectThe private member's bill introduced by Mr M McArdle MP was discharged from the notice paper.

14/7/2015· Mr M McArdle MPChildren & FamiliesCommittee: pass

Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation (Protecting Firefighters) Amendment Bill 2015

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

•Firefighters with cancers linked to smoke and chemical exposure would have had quicker access to compensation and rehabilitation supportClause 3 (new s 32A(1))The scheme covered 12 primary-site cancers including brain, bladder, kidney, breast, prostate, testicular, ureter, colorectal and oesophageal cancers, leukaemia, multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
•Different cancers required different minimum service periods, from 5 years for brain cancer and leukaemia up to 25 years for oesophageal cancerClause 3 (table in new s 32A(1))

3/6/2015· Mr J Bleijie MPWork & EmploymentSafety & Emergency

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.

•You would have been able to see independently audited figures on how long Queenslanders wait for public hospital surgery, broken down by type of surgeryClause 4 (new s 244A)Wait time data includes the number of patients of a Hospital and Health Service waiting longer than a clinically appropriate period for surgery, by type of surgery.
•Public dental patients would have had visibility of how many people are waiting more than two years for general dental careClause 4 (new s 244A)Wait time data includes the number of patients waiting longer than 2 years for general dental care, by type of dental care.
•You would have been able to check published data on how long outpatients wait for an initial specialist appointmentClause 4 (new s 244A)Wait time data includes the time an outpatient waits for an initial consultation with a specialist health practitioner, by type of specialist health practitioner.
•The bill did not pass, so these hospital waiting list audits and public reports were never introducedThe bill's status is '2nd reading failed'.

19/5/2015· Mr M McArdle MPGovernment & Elections

Mental Health (Recovery Model) Bill 2015

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

•Involuntary mental health treatment can only be given if you lack capacity to consent and there is a risk of serious harmChapter 2, Part 4Key elements of the treatment criteria are that the person lacks capacity to consent to treatment for a mental illness and there is a risk of serious harm to the person or others.
•If you become unwell you can appoint a nominated support person in advance to receive notices, discuss your care and speak for you at tribunal hearingsChapter 7, Part 10A nominated support person has a variety of roles under the Bill, including receiving all notices that must be given to the patient, being able to discuss confidential information about the patient, and supporting the patient or representing the patient at hearings of the Mental Health Review Tribunal.
•Community treatment becomes the default so you are not kept in hospital unless an authorised doctor decides inpatient care is the only way to meet your needsChapter 2, Part 4 (s 49)A person subject to a treatment authority is to be treated in the community, on a community category of the authority, unless an authorised doctor decides that the person's treatment and care needs can only be met by the person being an inpatient.
•Public sector mental health services must provide a patient rights adviser to help you and your family understand your rights and the tribunal processChapter 9, Part 5The Bill requires public sector authorised mental health services to engage a patient rights adviser to support patients and their support persons in understanding how the mental health legislation operates, especially patients rights.

5/5/2015· Mr M McArdle MPJustice & Rights