Technology & Digital

Online safety, privacy, AI, telecommunications, digital services

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58th Parliament (2024–present)2 bills

Defamation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

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

•Social media platforms, cloud storage providers, and internet service providers are exempt from defamation liability when they are just providing infrastructure and do not actively promote or edit contentClause 5 (new section 10C)Exempts digital intermediaries providing caching, conduit, or storage services from defamation liability if their role was limited to providing those services.
•Search engines are not liable for defamatory content in organic search results, but paid or promoted results are not protectedClause 5 (new section 10D)Exempts search engine providers when their role is limited to providing an automated process for generating results, but not for results promoted because of third-party payment.
•Online forum administrators and platform operators have a clear defence if they maintain a complaints process and act within 7 days of receiving a complaint about defamatory contentClause 9 (new section 31A)Provides a defence for digital intermediaries who had an accessible complaints mechanism and took reasonable access prevention steps within 7 days.
•Platforms that moderate content to remove unlawful or rule-breaking posts do not lose their digital intermediary status by doing soClause 9 (new section 31A(5))A defendant does not cease to be a digital intermediary merely because they took steps to detect, identify, remove, or block defamatory or other unlawful content.

14/10/2025· Hon D Frecklington MPJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Queensland Building and Construction Commission and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

PassedThis bill became law.

•The QBCC can now send official documents by email instead of only by post, making communications fasterClause 37Documents may be sent by email to the person's email address last notified to the QBCC or made available in a way prescribed by regulation.
•QBCC investigators cannot seize your phone or digital device just to check a stored licenceClauses 32, 35, 36New provisions clarify that investigators cannot take or seize a digital device used to store a licence if they only want to inspect or copy the licence.
•People called to attend a QBCC investigation can do so by video call or other technology instead of in personClause 34A person may attend by using technology allowing reasonably contemporaneous and continuous communication, unless the notice requires otherwise.

27/6/2025· Hon S O'Connor MPBusiness & EconomySafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass (dissent)

57th Parliament (2020–2024)5 bills

Public Records Bill 2023

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

•The definition of a public record now covers digital formats including emails, metadata, decision-making algorithms and audit logsClause 9A public record is information recorded on, in or by using any medium, including metadata, exports from business systems, decision making algorithms, or audit logs.
•Government agencies must keep digital records accessible even when the original software or systems are retired or changedClause 19Public authorities must take all reasonable steps to ensure records requiring particular equipment, systems or technology maintain integrity and remain accessible.

12/10/2023· Hon L Enoch MPGovernment & ElectionsFirst NationsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Information Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

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

•Government agencies must notify you if a data breach involving your personal information is likely to cause serious harmChapter 3A (new sections 46-74)Establishes a mandatory data breach notification scheme requiring agencies to assess breaches within 30 days and notify affected individuals.
•Agencies must publish a data breach response policy and keep a register of all eligible data breachesSections 72-73Agencies must prepare and publish a policy about how they will respond to data breaches and maintain a register of eligible data breaches.
•Your privacy is better protected with a single set of Queensland Privacy Principles aligned with federal standardsSchedule 3 (QPPs)Replaces the dual IPP/NPP system with 13 Queensland Privacy Principles based on the Australian Privacy Principles.
•The Information Commissioner can now share cybersecurity information with government agencies to better respond to data breachesSection 199Allows information-sharing arrangements between the Information Commissioner and agencies with cybersecurity management functions.

12/10/2023· Hon L Enoch MPGovernment & ElectionsJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

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

•Police gain stronger tools to investigate online fraud, identity theft, and computer hacking through covert operationsClause 30(2)Adds Criminal Code ss 408C (Fraud), 408D (Identification information), 408E (Computer hacking) to PPRA Schedule 2.
•Distribution of intimate images online can now be investigated using surveillance device warrantsClause 30(2)Adds Criminal Code s 223 (Distributing intimate images) to PPRA Schedule 2 for controlled operations and surveillance warrants.

30/11/2022· Hon M Ryan MPJustice & RightsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass

Corrective Services (Emerging Technologies and Security) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•X-ray body scanners can now be used in prisons to search prisoners, visitors and staff for contraband, as a less invasive alternative to physical searchesClause 20 (new s 175A)Creates a new 'imaging search' type using electronic imaging produced by scanning, including ionising or non-ionising radiation.
•CCTV, body-worn cameras and other surveillance devices in prisons now have a clear legal basis, with privacy safeguards and a ban on covert useClause 19 (new s 173A)The chief executive may authorise prescribed surveillance devices but must have regard to privacy and must not authorise covert surveillance.
•Anti-drone technology is supported by new criminal offences that deter unauthorised drone flights over correctional facilitiesClause 15 (new s 132A)Complements the Queensland Drones Strategy by providing legal deterrents alongside technological countermeasures.

29/11/2022· Hon M Ryan MPJustice & RightsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass

Defamation (Model Provisions) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021

PassedThis bill became law.

•If someone publishes defamatory content about you online, the limitation period now starts from when it was first uploaded — not each time someone views itClause 30 (new s 10AB)Introduces a single publication rule so that each download of the same webpage does not create a new cause of action with a fresh limitation period.
•You cannot be sued repeatedly over the same online article just because different people access it at different timesClause 30 (new s 10AB)The single publication rule applies unless the manner of a subsequent publication is materially different from the first.
•Legal notices and documents related to defamation proceedings can now be sent by emailClause 22Amends s 44 to allow notices to be sent to an email address specified by the recipient.

20/4/2021· Hon S Fentiman MPJustice & RightsTransport & RoadsCommittee: pass

56th Parliament (2017–2020)4 bills

Transport and Other Legislation (Road Safety, Technology and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2020

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

•Your digital licence is protected by phone security and data encryption, and authorities cannot seize your phone when you use it as IDPart 12, Clause 65 (section 29AH); Parts 2-7 and 11Amendments across 12 Acts ensure digital devices cannot be seized when displaying digital authorities, and the app complies with international standard ISO 18013-5.
•Camera technology uses machine learning to identify offending behaviour, with all images reviewed by police before fines are issuedPart 11, Clause 54 (section 113A(4))A regulation may provide that potential offences detected by machine-learning algorithms will be passed to QPS for human adjudication before any infringement notice is issued.
•Images of non-offending vehicles are automatically deleted by the camera system and never seen by a humanPart 11, Clause 54 (section 113A(4)(b))The regulation may provide that where the machine-learning algorithms do not detect an offence, the data will be deleted and not transferred to QPS.

17/3/2020· Hon M Bailey MPTransport & RoadsJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Natural Resources and Other Legislation (GDA2020) Amendment Bill 2019

PassedThis bill became law.

•Queensland adopts the GDA2020 positioning standard, closing a 1.8-metre gap between GPS coordinates and government maps caused by tectonic plate driftClause 52 (Part 13)The Survey and Mapping Infrastructure Regulation is amended to prescribe GDA2020 as the geodetic reference framework for latitude, longitude and mapping projection.
•Electronic conveyancing is strengthened with clear rules for registering digitally signed property documentsClauses 20 and 30 (new ss 290R and 14D)New provisions clarify that registrars may rely on certifications under the Electronic Conveyancing National Law when registering electronic conveyancing documents.

23/10/2019· Hon A Lynham MPGovernment & ElectionsFirst NationsCommittee: pass

Criminal Code (Non-consensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Amendment Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•Digitally altered or 'deepfake' images are covered — you are protected even if the image was manipulated to look like youClause 4 (intimate image definition)Includes an image that has been altered to appear to show intimate content, and images where the content has been digitally obscured if the person is depicted in a sexual way.
•Online distribution such as posting to social media or sending via messaging apps is captured by the new offencesClause 5 (new s 223)Non-consensual distribution of the image, such as by posting to social media or sending to friends and family, can be humiliating and distressing.

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

Police and Other Legislation (Identity and Biometric Capability) Amendment Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•Your driver licence photo can now be matched against facial images held by governments across Australia through biometric recognition technologyClause 24, Part 4DCreates framework for Queensland's participation in Identity Matching Services including Face Verification Service, Face Identification Service, and One Person One Licence Service.
•Facial biometric matching can be used for law enforcement, national security, road safety, and identity verification purposesClause 17, section 10.2FF(2)Permitted purposes include preventing and investigating crimes, national security intelligence, detecting unlicensed drivers, and identity verification with consent.
•Identity information can only be used for specific permitted purposes, with criminal penalties for misuseClause 24, sections 28EP-28EQMaximum penalty of 100 penalty units for collecting, using or disclosing identity information outside the permitted purposes.

15/2/2018· Hon M Ryan MPJustice & RightsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass

55th Parliament (2015–2017)3 bills

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

PassedThis bill became law.

•You can now participate in a drug diversion assessment by electronic means instead of having to physically attendClauses 33, 34 and 37Amendments to the Penalties and Sentences Act (sections 15C and 19) and the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act (section 379) replace the requirement to 'attend' with 'participate in' a drug diversion assessment and education session.
•If you are on a treatment order you may be required to wear a drug or alcohol detection device or install monitoring equipment at your homeNew section 151S(2)(g)-(h)The treatment program may require the offender to wear a device that detects alcohol or drug usage, or install a device or equipment at the offender's place of residence.

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

Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

PassedThis bill became law.

•Police can search electronic devices and information accessible from them, including cloud data, photos and messaging app content, during declared emergenciesClause 35 (new s 8AZF) and Clause 37 (new s 8PAC)Search power extends to information accessible from a device, not just data stored on it, but is limited to information relevant to the emergency.
•Police can covertly manipulate or remotely install software onto existing devices like security cameras or smart phones to turn them into surveillance devicesClauses 6, 10, 14, 15 (new s 348B) and 39 (new s 43F)Clarifies that a surveillance device warrant, emergency authorisation or tracking device authorisation can authorise use of an existing device, including through remote software installation.
•Surveillance information gathered in an emergency can be shared with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation immediately, without waiting for a judge to approve the authorisationClause 16Amends s 352 of the PPRA to remove the prohibition restricting communication to, or use by, ASIO of information gained under an emergency authorisation prior to judicial post-approval.

14/6/2017· Hon M Ryan MPJustice & RightsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass

Child Protection (Offender Reporting) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

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

•Police can scan offenders' phones, computers and cloud accounts for browsing history, chat logs and images that suggest online grooming or child exploitationClause 42, section 21BInspection uses commercially available software that can identify websites and social media accessed, instant messaging used, chat rooms visited and image files on the device.
•Offenders convicted of internet-based child sex offences can have their devices inspected up to four times a year without a warrantClause 42, section 21B(2)Limits inspections under the internet-offence ground to four times in a twelve month period, with further inspections needing a magistrate's device inspection order.
•The Police Commissioner must table an annual report in Parliament showing how often devices were inspected and what action was takenClause 46, section 808ARequires an annual report on the use of device inspection powers, including the number and grounds of inspections, which must be tabled within 14 sitting days.

29/11/2016· Hon M Ryan MPChildren & FamiliesJustice & RightsCommittee: pass