Housing & Renting

Rental protections, property law, social housing, homelessness

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58th Parliament (2024–present)4 bills

Home Ownership and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026

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

•First home buyers using Boost to Buy or Help to Buy shared equity programs can access the same stamp duty concessions as other buyersClauses 3-4The State/QTC and Commonwealth/Housing Australia interests are disregarded when assessing transfer duty liability and home concessions.
•Buying vacant land with a shed on it no longer disqualifies you from the first home vacant land concessionClause 5Expands the concept of vacant land to include land with non-habitable structures such as sheds, provided a new home is built separately.
•Homes sold under builders' terms arrangements now qualify as new homes for the First Home Owner GrantClause 14Gives legislative effect to administrative arrangement treating homes only previously sold under builders' terms as new homes.
•The good reasons for being exempt from living in your first home for 6 months must now be circumstances outside your controlClause 16Restores intended policy that discretion to vary FHOG residence requirements applies only to circumstances beyond the applicant's control.

23/4/2026· Hon D Janetzki MPCost of LivingBusiness & EconomyGovernment & Elections

Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

PassedThis bill became law.

•First home buyers can continue to receive the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant for another year, until 30 June 2026
•Foreign property investors cannot claim refunds if foreign buyer surcharges are found constitutionally invalid — a windfall tax replaces the original liability

24/6/2025· Hon D Janetzki MPCost of LivingBusiness & EconomyGovernment & Elections

Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

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

•First home buyers purchasing a new home pay no stamp duty from 1 May 2025, regardless of the property's valueClause 13 (new section 92A)Full transfer duty relief for eligible first home owners purchasing residential land containing a new home.
•First home buyers purchasing vacant land to build on also pay no stamp duty, with no value capClause 13 (new section 92B)Full transfer duty relief for eligible first home owners purchasing vacant land on which they will construct a home.
•Home buyers can rent out a spare room during the one-year occupation period without losing their stamp duty concessionClause 4 (amended section 153)A transferee does not dispose of land only by entering into a residential lease of part, but not all, of the land.
•The existing first home concession for established homes valued under $800,000 continues unchangedClause 12 (amended section 92)Section 92 is amended so that it provides a concession only for certain dutiable transactions involving an acquisition of a first home other than a new home.

12/12/2024· Hon D Janetzki MPCost of LivingHealthCommittee: pass

Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•The Planning Minister can now amend or revoke State Facilitated Development declarations used to fast-track housing projects with at least 15% affordable housingClause 35New divisions 2A and 2B provide for amending and revoking SFD declarations, with notice requirements and representation periods.
•Affected parties get at least 5 business days to make submissions before a housing development's fast-track status is revokedClause 35, s 106HDBefore revoking a declaration, the Minister must give notice including reasons and allow at least 5 business days for representations.

28/11/2024· Hon J Bleijie MPGovernment & ElectionsFirst NationsWork & Employment

57th Parliament (2020–2024)22 bills

Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•First home buyers pay no stamp duty on homes up to $700,000, up from the previous $500,000 thresholdClause 4Amends section 92(1)(c)(i)(A) to increase the residential land concession threshold from $500,000 to $700,000.
•The First Home Owner Grant is doubled from $15,000 to $30,000 for new homes purchased or built between November 2023 and June 2025Clause 12, new section 25EBThe amount of the first home owner grant for a relevant eligible transaction is the lesser of the consideration for the transaction or $30,000.
•Foreign buyers of residential land in Queensland pay a higher duty surcharge of 8%, up from 7%Clauses 7-9Amends sections 244, 245 and 245A to increase the additional foreign acquirer duty rate from 7% to 8%.
•Absentee landowners and foreign companies pay a higher land tax surcharge of 3%, up from 2%Clauses 16-17Amends schedules 2 and 3 of the Land Tax Act 2010 to increase surcharge rates from 2% to 3%.

11/6/2024· Hon C Dick MPCost of LivingBusiness & Economy

Help to Buy (Commonwealth Powers) Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•Low to middle income earners can buy a home with as little as a 2 per cent deposit under the new shared equity schemeSchedule 1, Section 3The Help to Buy scheme assists low-income and middle-income individuals to buy homes through shared equity arrangements administered by Housing Australia.
•The Commonwealth will contribute up to 40 per cent of the purchase price for a new home and 30 per cent for an existing homeSchedule 1, Section 10Housing Australia enters into shared equity arrangements on behalf of the Commonwealth, contributing part of the cost of acquiring residential property.
•The scheme operates alongside Queensland's existing Pathways Shared Equity Loan and Mortgage Relief LoanThe Pathways Shared Equity Loan assists tenants in government-owned housing to purchase a share in their property. The Mortgage Relief Loan provides up to $20,000 interest-free for homeowners in financial difficulty.
•Up to 10,000 eligible Australians per year will be able to access the scheme, which is expected to run for four yearsThe scheme was announced in the 2022-23 Federal October Budget as part of the Safer and More Affordable Housing measure.

2/5/2024· Hon M Scanlon MPCost of LivingGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Amendment Bill 2024

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

•Land near Games venues and villages can be compulsorily acquired, with limited rights to challenge the decisionClause 20, ss 53AU-53AVA regulation may declare land to be acquisition land. Compensation follows Acquisition of Land Act 1967 processes, but the acquisition decision itself is not subject to judicial review.
•Normal planning approvals for Games-related development can be bypassed, reducing residents' ability to object to nearby constructionClause 20, s 53ASA regulation may declare development for a venue or village to be accepted development under the Planning Act 2016, removing the need for development approval.

17/4/2024· Hon G Grace MPGovernment & ElectionsTransport & RoadsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

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

•Rent can only go up once every 12 months per property, even when tenants change — landlords cannot reset the clock by ending one tenancy and starting anotherClause 15 (s 93)The 12-month rent increase frequency limit is attached to the residential premises, not the tenancy agreement, and applies across different tenancy agreements including with a previous owner.
•All forms of rent bidding are banned — no one can ask for, invite or accept rent higher than the advertised amountClauses 7 and 10 (ss 57 and 76AA)Penalty of up to 50 penalty units for soliciting, inviting or accepting an offer of rent above the fixed advertised amount.
•Break-lease costs are capped on a sliding scale — from 4 weeks rent early in the lease down to 1 week near the endClauses 72 and 73 (ss 357A and 396A)For leases of 3 years or less: 4 weeks rent if less than 25% expired, 3 weeks if 25-50%, 2 weeks if 50-75%, 1 week if 75% or more expired.
•Rental bonds are capped at 4 weeks rent for all properties, removing the previous exemption for higher-rent homesClause 55 (s 146)Omits subsections that allowed unlimited bonds when weekly rent exceeded a prescribed threshold.

21/3/2024· Hon M Scanlon MPCost of LivingBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Amendment Bill 2024

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

•Manufactured home owners get annual site rent increases capped at the higher of CPI or 3.5 per centClause 15 (s 69B)Despite any basis stated in the site agreement, the park owner must not increase site rent by more than the greater of the CPI increase or 3.5 per cent. Maximum penalty of 100 penalty units.
•Market rent reviews are banned in all residential park site agreements, including existing onesClause 18 (s 69F)A term of a site agreement that states the basis for working out the amount of an increase in site rent as a market review of site rent is of no effect.
•If your manufactured home remains unsold after 18 months, the park owner must buy it back at an independently valued priceClause 12 (Part 9A)Park owners must reduce site rent by 25 per cent after 12 months and purchase the home under a buyback agreement within the buyback period.
•Prospective buyers can compare residential parks using standardised comparison documents published on park websitesClause 31 (ss 18G-18L)Park owners must maintain a website and publish a comparison document showing site rent, facilities, services, and rent increase bases.

21/3/2024· Hon M Scanlon MPSeniorsCost of LivingCommittee: pass (dissent)

Economic Development and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

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

•New developments in Priority Development Areas must include social and affordable housing, or developers pay a contribution towards housing in the same local government areaClauses 35-36 (sections 88 and 88A)PDA development conditions can require the supply of social or affordable housing, or payment of an amount in lieu, which must be used for housing provision in the same local government area.
•EDQ can now fund, deliver, and facilitate social and affordable housing as a core part of its operationsClause 4 (section 3)The main purpose of the Act is expanded to include the provision of diverse housing, including social housing and affordable housing.
•Developers can negotiate housing agreements with EDQ as an alternative to cash payments, providing flexibility in how housing targets are metClause 40 (Part 7A, sections 122AA-122AG)Housing agreements allow developers to supply social or affordable housing on-site or on alternative land instead of making a payment in lieu.
•Community housing providers can receive funding from EDQ for social housing delivery, with oversight under the Housing Act 2003Clause 7 (sections 7C-7H)EDQ can provide assistance to registered or exempt providers for social housing, with agreements treated as funding agreements under the Housing Act 2003.

20/3/2024· Hon G Grace MPBusiness & EconomyGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

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

Lapsed

•Developers would have been required to pay the full cost of infrastructure needed to support new housing developments, rather than a capped amountClause 3Amends s112 of the Planning Act 2016 to remove powers to make a regulation prescribing the maximum amount for an adopted charge for providing trunk infrastructure.
•New housing estates would have been better funded for parks, footpaths, flood mitigation, and public transport facilitiesInfrastructure charges fund pedestrian crossings, parks, flood mitigation, public and active transport and other community services as the local population increases.
•Home prices in new developments could have increased if developers passed on higher infrastructure charges to buyersClause 4Removes the requirement that an adopted charge be no more than the maximum adopted charge set by regulation.

15/11/2023· Mr M Berkman MPCost of LivingBusiness & EconomyCommittee: not recommended

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

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

•The State can fast-track priority housing developments through a streamlined assessment process, potentially speeding up delivery of affordable homesPart 5, Division 3, Subdivision 4 (Clause 74 - new Part 6A)The Minister may declare a development application as a state facilitated application if it delivers development that is an identified priority for the State, such as affordable housing.
•The State can compulsorily acquire land to build infrastructure needed to unlock housing development in growth areasClause 43 (new sections 263A-263G)The State may take land for development infrastructure if the Minister is satisfied the infrastructure is necessary to facilitate development and the owner has not agreed to voluntary arrangements.
•Councils can use a new Urban Investigation Zone to hold land for future housing until infrastructure planning is done, preventing piecemeal developmentClause 107 (new Schedule 10, Part 18A)Development for urban purposes is prohibited in an urban investigation zone, with the zoning required to be reviewed every five years.
•Development approvals in older Development Control Plan areas are confirmed as valid after a court decision raised doubts about their legalityClause 60 (new section 359)Validates development approvals given in DCP areas since the repeal of the Integrated Planning Act 1997.

11/10/2023· Hon Dr S Miles MPGovernment & ElectionsBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

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

•Apartment owners in ageing buildings can vote to collectively sell and terminate their scheme if repairs become unaffordable, with fair compensation guaranteedClause 7, Division 4A termination resolution requires 75% of all lot owners to vote in favour. Minimum compensation is based on what owners would receive under compulsory acquisition.
•Body corporate schemes can no longer impose blanket pet bans — owners must be allowed to keep pets unless there are specific reasonable grounds to refuseClause 11, s 169BBy-laws cannot prohibit keeping animals or restrict their number, type, or size. Refusal on grounds of 'no pets allowed' is explicitly declared unreasonable.
•Bodies corporate can now make by-laws banning smoking on balconies, courtyards, and common property, and regular second-hand smoke is treated as a nuisanceClauses 10-11, ss 167 and 169ARegular use of a smoking product that exposes another occupier to smoke is a contravention of the nuisance provisions.
•Illegally parked vehicles in body corporate schemes can be towed without the body corporate needing to go through the lengthy by-law enforcement processClause 9, s 163AThe body corporate is not required to issue a contravention notice before towing a vehicle parked in breach of a by-law.

24/8/2023· Hon Y D'Ath MPCost of LivingBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

PassedThis bill became law.

•New build-to-rent developments with affordable housing get a 50% land tax reduction for up to 20 years, encouraging more rental housing supplyPart 3, Clause 12 (new section 58B)The taxable value of land used for an eligible BTR development is discounted by 50% for general land tax and the 2% foreign surcharge does not apply.
•At least 10% of dwellings in qualifying build-to-rent developments must be rented at 25% or more below market rate to eligible tenantsPart 3, Clause 12 (new section 58P)During the previous financial year, at least 10% of dwellings must have been discounted rent dwellings occupied by eligible tenants under discounted rent housing agreements.
•Eligible tenants in build-to-rent developments must be offered 3-year lease options, providing greater rental stabilityPart 3, Clause 12 (new section 58R)A discounted rent housing agreement must be a fixed term agreement where the tenant is offered the option of an agreement with a term of 3 years.
•Homeowners no longer need to apply for the land tax home exemption if the Commissioner can verify eligibility from existing recordsPart 3, Clause 14 (amended section 76)An application need not be made if the Commissioner believes, on the basis of available information, that the land is exempt as a home.

13/6/2023· Hon C Dick MPBusiness & EconomyRegional Queensland

Property Law Bill 2023

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

•Home buyers will receive standardised disclosure information about a property before signing a contract, and can terminate if the seller fails to disclose or provides inaccurate informationPart 7, Division 4 (Clauses 99-106)Sellers must give buyers a disclosure statement and prescribed certificates before the buyer signs the contract. Buyers can terminate before settlement if disclosure is missing or materially inaccurate.
•If your home is damaged or destroyed before settlement, you can rescind the contract if the dwelling is unfit for occupationClause 77Buyer may rescind a contract for sale of land if the residential dwelling is damaged or destroyed so as to be unfit for occupation. The seller may restore it, and the buyer has a right of inspection.
•Settlement is automatically delayed if a cyclone, flood, or computer outage prevents completion, so neither party is penalised for events outside their controlClauses 79-81Time ceases to be of the essence if land registry computers are inoperative, computers of financial institutions are down, or an adverse event prevents settlement.
•Body corporate certificates for unit sales must now be provided within 5 business days, with penalties for delayClause 263 (amending BCCM Act s205)Body corporate must provide certificate within 5 business days of request, with a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units for failure.

23/2/2023· Hon S Fentiman MPBusiness & EconomyJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

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

•Property owners can voluntarily pledge a tax-deductible donation of 0.1% of their sale price to fund social and affordable housing through the Homes for Homes initiativePart 2, Clause 4 (new s 94I-94K)Creates a charitable donation deed model where a notice is recorded on the land title to remind sellers of their voluntary commitment.
•The donation deed model directs private sector funds specifically to increasing the supply of social and affordable housing in QueenslandClause 4 (new s 94I(b)(ii))Donated proceeds must be used only to provide social housing services or increase the supply of safe, secure, appropriate and affordable housing.
•The land title notice does not prevent property sales or create any binding obligation — it is purely a voluntary reminderClause 4 (new s 94J(3)(b))The Administrative Advice does not prevent registering an interest, exercising rights under a registered interest, or releasing an interest.

27/10/2022· Hon L Enoch MPSeniorsCommittee: pass

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

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

•Property owners leaving homes empty for more than six months a year would face a 5% levy on the property's market value, pushing vacant homes onto the rental market (Clause 4, s 8AC)
•Airbnb-style short-term letting would not count as occupation, meaning owners using properties only for holiday lets would still cop the levy (Clause 4, s 8AB)
•Vacant land suitable for housing would also attract the levy, encouraging owners to build rather than sit on empty blocks as speculative investments (Clause 4, s 8AA)
•The bill aimed to bring an estimated 20,600 empty homes back onto the rental market over four years, easing the rental shortage

26/10/2022· Dr A MacMahon MPCost of Living

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

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

•Renters would have had their rent frozen at August 2022 levels for two yearsClause 4, Section 82BThe maximum rent payable during the 2-year rent freeze period is the amount payable on 1 August 2022.
•Landlords would have been banned from moving rental properties to short-term accommodation platforms like Airbnb during the freezeClause 4, Section 82B(2)(c)
•After the freeze, rent increases would have been permanently capped at 2% every two yearsClause 4, Section 82D
•Tenants could have applied to QCAT if their landlord charged more than the maximum allowed rentClause 4, Section 82G

31/8/2022· Dr A MacMahon MPCost of LivingCommittee: not recommended

Building Units and Group Titles and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•Unit owners in older strata schemes get access to full and accurate meeting minutes within 21 days, so they can see what decisions are being made about their propertyClauses 9, 14, 37, 42Bodies corporate must keep full and accurate minutes and provide them to proprietors within 21 days after each meeting.
•People with unpaid debts or conflicts of interest can no longer control body corporate committees in older developmentsClauses 10-11, 31, 39Persons owing debts to any body corporate in the development, and their business associates, are ineligible for committee election.
•Bodies corporate must now act reasonably in all their decisions, giving unit owners a basis to challenge unfair actionsClauses 6, 16, 32, 33, 44A body corporate must act reasonably in anything it does, including making or not making a decision.
•A new education service helps unit owners in older developments understand their rights and how to resolve disputesClause 21The chief executive may provide an education and information service to help proprietors become aware of rights, obligations and dispute resolution processes.

21/6/2022· Hon S Fentiman MPCost of LivingJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•Property investors who own land in multiple states may pay higher Queensland land tax because interstate holdings now count toward the rate bracket (Part 6, Clauses 25-62)
•Retirement visa holders no longer pay the 7% additional foreign acquirer duty when buying a home to live in, from 1 January 2023 (Clause 12, section 246)

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

Building and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

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

•Homeowners can install solar panels and hot water systems on their roof without being blocked by developer covenants or body corporate by-laws based on aestheticsClauses 17-20 (Part 3)Amends sections 246O, 246Q and 246S of the Building Act 1975 to limit the purposes for which developers or body corporates can restrict solar infrastructure installation.
•If you were previously stopped from installing solar panels for aesthetic reasons since 2010, those restrictions no longer apply and you can now proceedClause 22 (new sections 356-357)Transitional provisions provide relief for homeowners inhibited from installing solar infrastructure since 1 January 2010, including overriding existing court orders enforcing aesthetic restrictions.
•People unhappy with a QBCC decision about their pool safety management plan can now seek a formal review of that decisionClauses 14-16 and 64Ensures a person dissatisfied with a QBCC decision about a pool safety management plan can apply for internal or external review under the QBCC Act.
•If you lodge a complaint with the QBCC about building work, you can now be told the outcome without needing to make a Right to Information requestClause 65 (new section 106V)The QBCC Commissioner may inform the complainant of the result of an investigation once it is finalised.

29/3/2022· Hon M de Brenni MPEnvironmentBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

State Penalties Enforcement (Modernisation) Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•Your rental bond is now backed by a State government guarantee — if the bond account runs short, the Treasurer must cover the difference (Clause 11)
•The RTA's funding model changes from earning returns on your bond money to receiving direct government grants, with no change to your bond rights (Clauses 6-10)
•Unclaimed electronic bond refunds older than seven years can be used for rental advisory services and housing schemes (Clause 9)

17/3/2022· Hon C Dick MPJustice & RightsCost of LivingCommittee: pass (dissent)

Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2021

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

•Landlords can no longer evict tenants without giving a specific reason, ending 'no grounds' evictions in QueenslandClauses 59, 77Removes 'without grounds' as an approved termination reason for lessors and replaces it with an expanded suite of specific stated grounds.
•All rental homes must meet minimum standards for safety, security, and basic functionality including weatherproofing, working locks, and functional plumbingClause 100 (Schedule 5A)Prescribes minimum housing standards covering weatherproofing, structural soundness, fixtures and fittings, locks, vermin, privacy, plumbing, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries.
•Renters can request to keep a pet and the landlord must respond within 14 days — if they do not respond, the pet is automatically approvedClauses 44 (sections 184A-184G)Landlord refusal is limited to prescribed reasonable grounds. Rent and bond cannot be increased for having a pet.
•People experiencing domestic and family violence can leave their rental with just seven days' notice and access their bond without needing to contact the perpetratorClause 22 (sections 308A-308I)Streamlined process with capped liability, bond refund protections, and ability to change locks without lessor consent.

18/6/2021· Hon L Enoch MPJustice & RightsSeniorsCommittee: 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.

•Renters who fell behind on rent due to COVID-19 continued to be protected from being listed on tenancy databasesExtends the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Regulation 2020.
•Renters who lost income due to COVID-19 could continue to end their lease early with reletting costs capped at one week's rentApplies to eligible renters whose household lost at least 75% of income and had less than $5,000 in savings.
•Body corporate lot owners were protected from penalty interest on overdue contributions and could get extra time to pay during financial hardshipChapter 7, Part 3, BCCM Act 1997Extends provisions preventing penalty interest and allowing committees to defer contribution due dates.
•Manufactured home owners were protected from unfair site rent increases during COVID-19 restrictionsSection 146A, Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003Extends temporary regulation-making power for modifying or suspending site rent increase processes.

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

COVID-19 Emergency Response and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021

PassedThis bill became law.

•Temporary COVID-19 protections for renters, including those in residential tenancies and rooming accommodation, continue until 30 September 2021Clause 12Extends the operation of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Regulation 2020.
•Commercial tenants retain temporary COVID-19 lease protections until 30 September 2021Clause 12Extends the operation of the Retail Shop Leases and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Regulation 2020.
•Body corporate lot owners continue to benefit from temporary COVID-19 meeting and financial management provisionsClauses 3-5Updates references in the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 and extends temporary community titles scheme provisions.

11/3/2021· Hon S Fentiman MPGovernment & ElectionsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass

COVID-19 Emergency Response and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020

PassedThis bill became law.

•Emergency rental protections, including restrictions on evictions, are extended to 30 April 2021Part 2, Clause 14 and Clause 38Extends the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Regulation 2020 to the COVID-19 legislation expiry day.
•Body corporate committees can continue restricting common property access to comply with COVID-19 health directions without a general meetingSchedule 1Inserts provisions into body corporate regulation modules allowing committees to make COVID-19 compliance decisions about common property.

26/11/2020· Hon S Fentiman MPGovernment & ElectionsBusiness & EconomySafety & EmergencyJustice & Rights

56th Parliament (2017–2020)6 bills

COVID-19 Emergency Response Bill 2020

PassedThis bill became law.

•Renters who couldn't pay rent due to COVID-19 were protected from eviction during the emergency periodClause 24(2)(a)Regulation could impose a moratorium on evictions of tenants and residents during the COVID-19 emergency period.
•Landlords could not list COVID-affected tenants on tenancy databases for unpaid rent during the emergencyClause 24(2)(f)Regulation could prohibit the inclusion of particular matters in a tenancy database.
•Tenants could access free conciliation through the Residential Tenancies Authority for unpaid rent disputesClause 24(2)(c)Enabled particular disputes about unpaid rent to be conciliated by the Residential Tenancies Authority.
•Routine property inspections could be suspended where they conflicted with social distancing requirementsClause 24(2)(d)Regulation could suspend a right or obligation under the RTRA Act in particular circumstances.

22/4/2020· Hon A Palaszczuk MPBusiness & EconomyJustice & RightsGovernment & ElectionsHealth

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

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

•Building owners can request and receive all inspection documentation from their building certifier within 5 business daysClause 41, new section 124AA maximum penalty of 20 penalty units applies if a certifier does not comply with an owner's request.
•Retirement village residents retain the right to seek QCAT review of decisions about transition plans when a village changes operatorsClause 151, new section 41KThis preserves a review right that was previously only available under a temporary regulation expiring in November 2020.
•Building certifiers must now tell building owners their name and responsibilities when they have been engaged by someone other than the ownerClause 44, new section 143AThe private certifier must provide the owner with their details and responsibilities within 15 business days of engagement.

5/2/2020· Hon M de Brenni MPBusiness & EconomyWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass

Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

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

•Tenancy disputes at QCAT are confirmed as limited to claims of $25,000 or less, with larger claims needing to go to court (Clause 25)
•Existing tenancy cases over $25,000 already at QCAT will be automatically transferred to a court with appropriate jurisdiction (Clause 43, new section 289)

15/11/2018· Hon Y D'Ath MPJustice & RightsCost of Living

Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•First home buyers received a boosted $20,000 grant (up from $15,000) for eligible transactions entered into up to 30 June 2018 (Part 3, Clauses 10-11)
•Foreign buyers of Queensland residential property pay a 7% stamp duty surcharge, more than double the previous 3% rate (Part 2, Clauses 4-6)

12/6/2018· Hon J Trad MPCost of LivingBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandGovernment & Elections

Land, Explosives and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

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

•Social housing on Indigenous land can be priced by agreement rather than just by valuation, making home ownership more accessible in discrete communitiesClause 6 (amendment of section 32R, Aboriginal Land Act 1991)Allows the State and trustees to respond to unique circumstances in communities where there is limited or no active housing sales market.

15/2/2018· Hon A Lynham MPSafety & EmergencyFirst NationsEnvironmentBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Plumbing and Drainage Bill 2018

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

•Homeowners must keep all plumbing and drainage in good condition and maintain on-site sewage systems according to permit conditionsClause 70Creates two offences: failing to keep plumbing and drainage in good condition, and failing to operate and maintain plumbing in accordance with permit conditions.
•Rules for greywater reuse are clearly set out — treated greywater can be used for flushing toilets, washing machines, and watering gardensClause 79If greywater is treated to the QPW Code standard, it can be used for washing vehicles, flushing toilets, cold water to washing machines, and irrigating gardens. Untreated greywater can only be used for garden irrigation.

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

55th Parliament (2015–2017)22 bills

Local Government Electoral (Implementing Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Property developers are banned from giving money to politicians who make decisions about rezoning, planning and large developmentsClauses 13 and 30 (new s 273 Electoral Act, new s 113 LGEA)A property developer is defined as a corporation that regularly makes relevant planning applications for residential or commercial development with the ultimate purpose of sale or lease for profit, and its close associates.
•Donations already made by developers between 16 October 2017 (when the bill was introduced) and commencement must be repaid to the donor within 30 days or paid to the StateClauses 20 and 34 (new s 427 Electoral Act, new s 212 LGEA)The recipient must pay an amount equal to the value of the donation back within 30 days after commencement, with a maximum penalty of 400 penalty units or 2 years' imprisonment for failing to do so.
•Councillors who own or have interests in property affected by a planning decision must disclose the specific benefit, who gains it and their relationship to the person gaining itClauses 6 and 24 (new ss 177C and 177E COBA, new ss 175C and 175E LGA)The councillor must inform the meeting of the name of the person or entity who stands to gain or lose, how they gain or lose, and the councillor's relationship to them.

12/10/2017· Hon A Palaszczuk MPGovernment & ElectionsJustice & Rights

Land, Explosives and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Paper certificates of title lose their legal effect from 1 July 2019, making online conveyancing standardClauses 228, 233 (Land Title Act)Removes the requirements and effects of paper certificates of title and enables a regulation to require use of an Electronic Lodgement Network.
•Indigenous home buyers can negotiate the price of a social housing dwelling on community land by agreementClauses 6, 15, 299, 308Allows for adjustments in communities with limited or no active housing sales market.

10/10/2017· Hon Dr A Lynham MPFirst NationsEnvironmentSafety & EmergencyBusiness & Economy

Plumbing and Drainage Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Homeowners must keep plumbing and drainage on their property in good working order, and run any on-site sewage system in line with its permitClause 70The bill requires owners to take all reasonable steps to keep plumbing and drainage operating properly and to comply with permit conditions for on-site sewage plants.
•If you unknowingly ask a plumber to do work that needed a permit, you have a defence and won't be prosecuted for directing the workClause 66(3)A person can defend an offence by proving they did not know and could not reasonably be expected to know the work required a permit.
•You cannot use new plumbing or drainage until an inspector has certified that permit work is compliant and fit for useClause 69It is an offence to use plumbing or drainage resulting from permit work before an inspection certificate has been issued.
•Retirees who only do unpaid odd jobs can keep their plumbing or drainage licence at a reduced feeClause 31(3)

10/10/2017· Hon M de Brenni MPWork & EmploymentSafety & Emergency

Housing Legislation (Building Better Futures) Amendment Bill 2017

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

•Renters will get minimum housing standards (like weatherproofing and basic amenity) once a regulation is made under the new powerClause 82 (new s 17A)Inserts a new Chapter 1, Part 3, Division 4 into the RTRA Act 2008 allowing regulations to prescribe minimum housing standards for residential premises, inclusions and moveable dwelling park facilities.
•Manufactured home owners in caravan and residential parks get 21 days to read disclosure documents before signing, or 14 days if they get independent legal adviceClause 19 (new ss 29 and 29A)Park owners face a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units for entering a site agreement without giving the initial disclosure documents in the required period.
•Park owners cannot charge administrative or meter-reading fees for utilities like electricity or waterClause 49 (s 99A)A prohibited amount expressly includes meter-reading fees and any administration charge for the supply or on-supply of a utility.
•Women and children fleeing domestic violence who stay in a residential service will no longer have the service's address shown on the public registerClause 76 (new s 179(2A))Sensitive information must not be shown on the register where the service accommodates people at risk of homelessness because of domestic violence or where it is in the interests of residents' wellbeing and safety.

10/8/2017· Hon M de Brenni MPSeniorsCost of LivingCommittee: pass (dissent)

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

Lapsed

•If you live in an apartment, retirement village or caravan park where the landlord buys bulk power, you would be able to pick your own retailerClause 4Removes the barrier that prevents embedded network customers from cost effectively purchasing electricity from a chosen retailer.
•Embedded network residents would get access to the Energy and Water Ombudsman for billing and supply disputesClause 10Disputes between a small customer or eligible non-residential energy customer and an on-supplier become matters the Energy and Water Ombudsman can handle.

15/6/2017· Hon M Bailey MPCost of LivingEnvironmentCommittee: pass

Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

PassedThis bill became law.

•First home buyers signing a contract for a new home between 1 July and 31 December 2017 get $20,000 instead of $15,000Clause 21Extends the meaning of 'particular eligible transaction' so the boosted grant applies to contracts with a commencement date between 1 July 2016 and 31 December 2017.
•Foreign buyers cannot dodge the 3% foreign buyer surcharge by using an Australian agent or a yet-to-be-registered companyClauses 7, 9New section 240(2) and 241A impose AFAD on agency transactions where the principal is a foreign person and on pre-incorporation contracts where the company is a foreign corporation when the property is transferred.
•Foreign buyers pay the 3% surcharge on the value of furniture, appliances and pool equipment bought with the home, not just the land itselfClause 5AFAD residential land is extended to include chattels whose use is directly linked to, or incidental to, the use and occupation of the land.
•When you buy or sell land, you must lodge a new revenue form within a month and provide extra identity detailsClause 25New section 78(3)(c) requires a properly completed revenue form to be given to the Commissioner within 1 month after ownership of the land changed.

13/6/2017· Hon C Pitt MPCost of LivingBusiness & EconomyGovernment & Elections

Building and Construction Legislation (Non-conforming Building Products - Chain of Responsibility and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2017

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

•If you own a home or unit, the designers, importers and suppliers of materials used in it - not just your builder - are now legally responsible for making sure those materials are safe and fit for purposeClause 11, new section 74AFEach person in the chain of responsibility for a building product must, so far as reasonably practicable, ensure that the product is not a non-conforming building product for an intended use.
•Products must come with required information about how they can safely be used and installed in a buildingClause 11, new section 74AG
•Suppliers who make false claims about building products face penalties of up to 1,000 penalty unitsClause 11, new section 74AKA person in the chain of responsibility must not make a representation about an intended use of the product that does not comply with requirements prescribed by regulation.

25/5/2017· Hon M de Brenni MPSafety & EmergencyWork & EmploymentCommittee: pass

Local Government Electoral (Transparency and Accountability in Local Government) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

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

•If you're building or renovating, your private certifier must wait for any council approval that affects the form, location or use of the building before signing offClause 8Amends section 83 of the Building Act 1975 to list the kinds of development permits a certifier must wait for before granting a building development approval.
•In some cases a separate council preliminary approval is now required before a private certifier's building approval can take effectClauses 37 and 72Inserts new sections into the Planning Act 2016 and Sustainable Planning Act 2009 requiring a preliminary approval from another entity where part of the work needs impact assessment or falls outside a referral agency's remit.
•Councils regain clear authority to assess aspects of building work under their planning schemes, following the Gerhardt court casesClause 6Replaces the definition of building development application so that council-assessed aspects are handled separately from the private certifier's building assessment.

1/12/2016· Hon J Trad MPGovernment & ElectionsJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

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

•Buying or selling property becomes more consistent with other states through a new priority notice that protects your transaction while paperwork is being finalisedClause 39 (new Part 7A, sections 138-149)Replaces the current settlement notice mechanism with a nationally consistent priority notice that can be lodged through the eConveyancing platform and extended for 30 days.
•Fewer delays with paper certificates of title when your solicitor uses electronic lodgementClause 38Allows the Registrar to dispense with production of a paper certificate of title if satisfied it is held by a legal practitioner.
•If you inherit Queensland property and probate was granted interstate, in the UK or in New Zealand, you no longer need to reseal the grant here before being registered on titleClauses 20 and 34Enables recognition of a beneficiary where the deceased's estate has been granted probate elsewhere in Australia, the UK or New Zealand.
•If you are in dispute with your mortgagee, any caveat you lodge over your own property must be backed up by court action within set timeframes or it lapsesClause 35Requires a registered owner who lodges a caveat about a mortgagee's actions to start proceedings to avoid the caveat lapsing.

29/11/2016· Hon Dr A Lynham MPGovernment & ElectionsFirst NationsCommittee: pass

Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

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

•If you buy a home with a tenant already living there, the tenant must leave within six months of settlement or you can lose the stamp duty home concessionClause 6Section 154 is amended so that acquiring land subject to a pre-existing lease is a disposal, unless the tenant vacates on lease expiry or within six months of the transfer date.
•The land tax exemption when moving home only applies if the new home is an established dwelling, not vacant landClause 14New section 42B(1)(b)(ii) requires the new home to be capable of being used for residential purposes on the liability date.
•Land developers keep the 40% land tax discount on subdivided parcels even if the parcels came from different original lotsClauses 13, 16Section 30(1)(g) is replaced and backdated to 4 October 2014, dropping the requirement that parcels come from one larger parcel.

16/6/2016· Hon C Pitt MPWork & EmploymentCost of LivingGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Duties and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

PassedThis bill became law.

•First home buyers of new homes can get $20,000 instead of $15,000 if they sign up between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017Clause 14 (new section 25E)The amount of a first home owner grant for a particular eligible transaction is the lesser of the consideration or $20,000.
•Foreign buyers pay an extra 3% duty on Queensland homes, apartments and residential land from 1 October 2016Clause 9 (new section 244)AFAD is imposed at the rate of 3% on the dutiable value of the transaction to the extent of the foreign acquirer's interest in the AFAD residential land.
•The surcharge also applies to vacant land, refurbishments, and development projects that will become residentialClause 9 (new section 232)AFAD residential land covers land where a home will be built, refurbished, renovated, or developed for residential use.
•Non-foreign co-buyers can recover the extra 3% duty from their foreign co-purchaser as a debt if they end up paying itClause 9 (new section 246I)

14/6/2016· Hon C Pitt MPCost of LivingGovernment & Elections

Fire and Emergency Services (Domestic Smoke Alarms) Amendment Bill 2016

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

•If you rent, your landlord must upgrade to photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms before a new tenancy starts or an existing one is renewed from 1 January 2022Clause 7 (s 104RBA(2)(b))Section 104RBA applies to a domestic dwelling if, after 31 December 2021, a new tenancy starts or an existing tenancy is renewed.
•If you sell your home after 31 December 2021, you must make sure it has compliant smoke alarms before transferring the landClause 7 (s 104RBA(2)(a))Section 104RBA applies when the owner of residential land enters into an agreement to transfer the land to another person after 31 December 2021.
•If you own your home, you have until 1 January 2027 to install photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms, with a maximum fine of 5 penalty units for not complyingClause 7 (s 104RBA(3) and (7))The owner of a domestic dwelling must install smoke alarms in compliance with this section; maximum penalty 5 penalty units. Subsections (1) and (2) expire on 31 December 2026, meaning full compliance is required from 1 January 2027.
•If you live in an apartment (class 2 building), your building can meet the rules with a Building Code smoke detection system instead of individual alarmsClause 7 (s 104RBB(1))An owner of a sole-occupancy unit in a class 2 building is taken to comply if a smoke detection system complying with the Building Code of Australia, specification E2.2a, clause 4 is installed.

23/2/2016· Hon B Byrne MPSafety & Emergency

Queen's Wharf Brisbane Bill 2015

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

•Apartments and residential leases inside the Queen's Wharf precinct are not covered by Queensland's residential tenancy lawsClause 60A Queen's Wharf lease for residential purposes is taken to be granted under the authority of this Act, so the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act does not apply to the head lease.
•Shops leasing premises in the precinct are not protected by retail shop lease laws, including disclosure obligationsClause 61A Queen's Wharf lease for a retail shop is declared not to be a retail shop lease under the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994.
•Landowners whose interests end when the state takes the land can claim compensation through the standard land acquisition processClause 47People with interests that end on registration of a Queen's Wharf tenure can claim compensation using the process in the Acquisition of Land Act 1967.

3/12/2015· Hon Y D'Ath MPBusiness & EconomyJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Fire and Emergency Services (Smoke Alarms) Amendment Bill 2015

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

•If you rent, your landlord would have had to test every smoke alarm within 30 days before you moved inClause 6The owner of a domestic dwelling must test each smoke alarm within 30 days before the start of a tenancy in the dwelling.
•Homeowners would have had 3 years to upgrade existing alarms to the new photoelectric standardClause 9The owner of the domestic dwelling must replace the smoke alarms with smoke alarms that comply with section 104RB, within 3 years after the commencement.
•Homes without compliant alarms could not be sold or rented until they were upgradedClause 9 (s 207)Owners must install compliant smoke alarms before any transfer date, the end of an existing tenancy agreement, or the start of a new tenancy agreement.
•Non-compliance with testing rules would carry a maximum penalty of 5 penalty unitsClause 6Maximum penalty for failing to test smoke alarms in accordance with the section is 5 penalty units.

2/12/2015· Mr J Bleijie MPSafety & Emergency

Plumbing and Drainage and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

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

•If you rent, landlords and agents must tell you upfront which tenancy databases they use before they screen youClause 28 (new s 458A)The lessor or agent must, when the application is made, give the applicant written notice of the name of all tenancy databases they usually use and how to contact the operator, with a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units.
•You must be told within 7 days if you have been found on a tenancy database and given details of who listed you and how to challenge itClause 28 (new s 458B)The lessor or agent must, within 7 days after using the tenancy database, give the applicant written notice including the name of the database, that personal information about them is in the database, and how to have it removed or amended.
•Before anyone can list you on a tenancy database, they must show you the information and give you at least 14 days to respondClause 29 (new s 459(2))The person must give the other person a copy of the personal information and at least 14 days to review and make submissions objecting to its entry or about its accuracy, with a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units.
•Tenancy database listings cannot be kept for more than 3 years, and out-of-date listings must be removed within 14 daysClause 30 (new ss 459B and 459D)A database operator must not keep personal information about a person in the tenancy database for longer than 3 years, and must remove out-of-date information within 14 days of being notified.

1/12/2015· Hon L Enoch MPWork & EmploymentGovernment & Elections

Planning Bill 2015

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

•You keep the right to be notified and object to major new developments near your home that need impact assessmentClause 53Public notification is required for impact-assessable development applications and variation requests, and any person may make a submission.
•If a council changes its planning scheme in a way that cuts your property's value, you can still claim compensation or ask for the old scheme to applyPart 4 (Clauses 29-34)A person may request a local government to apply a superseded planning scheme within one year of a planning change, and affected owners may claim compensation for adverse planning changes.
•Your existing lawful use of your property is protected from later council planning changesClause 259Existing lawful uses, buildings and works remain lawful after an amendment to, or introduction of, a planning instrument.
•If you are buying or renting near a registered industrial site like the Milton Brewery, the owner must tell you that your right to sue over noise and emissions may be limitedClauses 267-274Premises can be registered for up to 25 years to protect them from civil proceedings for nuisance, and owners in the affected area must notify prospective lessees of the limitation.

12/11/2015· Hon J Trad MPEnvironmentGovernment & Elections

Planning and Environment Court Bill 2015

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

•If you object to a nearby development, you can still appeal council decisions to the court and have them re-heard fully on the meritsClauses 43, 46Appeals to the P&E Court are by way of hearing anew ('de novo'), meaning the court stands in the shoes of the original decision-maker and re-decides the application on the evidence before it.
•Community groups and neighbours can run declaratory and enforcement cases in a representative capacity, including on behalf of unincorporated groupsClause 41A representative may start declaratory or enforcement proceedings on behalf of a person or unincorporated body with the consent of that person or its governing body, and the common law rule against maintenance does not apply.
•Court hearings about planning decisions must generally be open to the public so you can see how disputes about development are decidedClause 42A P&E Court proceeding must be open to the public unless the court has ordered it to be decided on written submissions only, or the rules provide otherwise.

12/11/2015· Hon J Trad MPJustice & RightsEnvironment

Planning (Consequential) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

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

•The Building Act 1975 is updated so building work is described as 'accepted development' instead of 'self-assessable' or 'exempt', matching the new planning categoriesClauses 44-47
•Appeals about building decisions, pool safety and fire safety now go to the renamed 'development tribunal' instead of a building and development dispute resolution committeeClauses 85, 94, 104, 105, 109
•Security a council requires for a building development approval must be paid before the approval can be given, clarifying existing practiceClause 75
•Existing building development applications made under the old Sustainable Planning Act continue to be decided under the old rulesClause 112 (new section 345)

12/11/2015· Hon J Trad MPGovernment & ElectionsEnvironment

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

PassedThis bill became law.

•Councils get more time to put infrastructure plans in place, avoiding situations where they can't approve development applications that would attract chargesClauses 13 and 18Replaces the fixed 1 July 2016 deadline with a cut-off date that can be extended by the Planning Minister, so councils don't delay approving development.
•Developers can opt out of receiving offset or refund details in their infrastructure charges notice to get approvals fasterClauses 9 and 11Adds new exceptions to the Sustainable Planning Act and SEQ Water Act so infrastructure charges notices need not include offset or refund information if the applicant agrees in writing.

17/9/2015· Hon J Trad MPGovernment & ElectionsBusiness & Economy

Planning and Development (Planning for Prosperity) Bill 2015

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

•Getting a council approval to build, renovate or subdivide was meant to be faster and cheaper under simpler assessment categoriesChapter 3Simplifies categories of development and assessment, with more straightforward decision rules aimed at reducing transaction and delay costs.
•Your council could crack down on houses repeatedly rented out for loud parties by treating them as a separate land useClause 232Enables a local government planning scheme or TLPI to regulate development for a material change of use for a party house, including declaring party house restriction areas.
•You might see fewer development applications publicly advertised because councils would decide case-by-case when notification is neededClause 40Public notification is no longer mandatory for all merit assessment, unlike impact assessment under the repealed Act.
•If you buy or rent near a brewery or factory, the title may warn you that you cannot make nuisance complaints about its smells, noise or smokeClauses 222-230Registered premises are protected from civil and criminal nuisance proceedings for emissions; owners or agents must notify intending lessees of new premises in the affected area.

4/6/2015· Mr T Nicholls MPEnvironmentGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: not recommended

Planning and Development (Planning Court) Bill 2015

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

•If a council refuses or puts conditions on a development near you, the developer's appeal would go to this specialised courtClause 7The Planning and Environment Court's main heads of jurisdiction include appeals against planning and planning-related decisions under the Planning Act.
•Community members (submitters) can still object and appeal, but the court can order costs against you if it thinks your appeal was for an improper purpose or had no reasonable chance of successClause 60Lists criteria including whether a party commenced or participated in the proceeding for an improper purpose or without reasonable prospects of success.
•The court is to resolve planning disputes quickly and without 'undue delay, expense and technicality'Clause 10The court must facilitate the just and expeditious resolution of issues and avoid undue delay, expense and technicality.

4/6/2015· Mr T Nicholls MPJustice & RightsEnvironment

Payroll Tax Rebate, Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

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

•Residential property settlements will be able to be done electronically instead of by meeting in personClause 19 (new Part 15)Creates a framework for 'ELN transfers' of residential land through an approved Electronic Lodgement Network.
•If duty is not paid after an electronic settlement, the State gets a first-ranking charge over the property that ranks ahead of mortgagesClauses 19 (new section 156P)A charge over the transferee's interest in land secures unpaid duty and has priority over all other encumbrances.
•First home buyers can ask the Commissioner to vary or waive the six-month residence rule even after time has passedClause 60New section 15(5) of the First Home Owner Grant Act confirms discretion may be exercised at any time.
•Only licensed plumbers will be able to install the water meter at your home (with a two-year transition)Clauses 72-74, 85-87Removes the exemption that let water-service-provider workers install meters; a two-year transitional period applies for existing authorised persons.

27/3/2015· Hon C Pitt MPBusiness & EconomyCost of LivingGovernment & ElectionsEnvironment