Queensland Parliament sat from 9 to 11 March 2021 (inclusive).
Key legislative updates included the introduction of the COVID-19 Emergency Response and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 and the passing of the Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill 2020 and Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.
Bills introduced
The following Bill was introduced into the Legislative Assembly:
COVID-19 Emergency Response and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021
The COVID-19 Emergency Response and Other Legislation Amendment Bill was introduced by Shannon Fentiman MP, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, on 11 March 2021.
The Bill has been referred to the Economics and Governance Committee for reporting by Wednesday, 14 April 2021. Submissions close on Friday 19 March 2021 at midday. See information about the committee inquiry.
The Bill seeks to amend the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997, City of Brisbane Act 2010, City of Brisbane Regulation 2012, COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020, Economic Development (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Regulation 2020, Environmental Protection Act 1994, Gaming Machine Act 1991, Justice Legislation (COVID-19 Emergency Response – Proceedings and Other Matters) Regulation 2020, Local Government Act 2009, Local Government Electoral Act 2011, Local Government Regulation 2012, and the State Penalties Enforcement Regulation 2014.
As outlined in the explanatory notes, the objectives of the Bill are to:
- Extend the operation of all COVID-19 related legislation which is still required to respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency until 30 September 2021 or an earlier date to be prescribed by legislation.
- Continue to support the financial sustainability of local governments during the COVID-19 public health emergency by allowing local governments to decide, by resolution at a meeting other than a budget meeting, what rates and charges are to be levied for the 2021-22 financial year.
- Provide flexibility, if required, to facilitate the holding of local government by-elections and fresh elections in a way that helps minimise serious risks to the health and safety of persons caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
- Extend the operation of temporary local government and committee meeting provisions to ensure continued flexibility for local governments in addressing the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Read the Bill in full.
See the explanatory notes.
Legislation passed
The following legislation was passed by the Legislative Assembly
- Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill 2020
- Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020
Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill 2020
The Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill 2020 was introduced into the Legislative Assembly on 26 November 2020 by Shannon Fentiman MP (Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence), and was passed without amendment on 9 March 2021.
The Bill amends the Liquor Act 1992.
As outlined in the explanatory notes, the objectives of the Bill are to support the growth and development of the Queensland artisanal liquor industry, while maintaining appropriate regulatory oversight. The Bill:
- Creates a new liquor licence category for legitimate craft brewers and artisanal distillers.
- Expands existing capabilities for selling artisanal products at promotional events.
- Encourages the transition of existing licensees to the new artisan producer licence category.
Read the Bill in full.
See the explanatory notes.
See the Statement of Compatibility with human rights.
Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020
The Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020 was introduced into the Legislative Assembly on 3 December 2020by Meaghan Scanlon MP, Minister for the Environment and Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs,and was passed with amendment on 10 March 2021.
The Bill amends the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011.
As outlined in the explanatory notes, the purpose of the Bill is to enable a ban on the supply of single-use plastic items, starting with straws, stirrers, plates and cutlery. The Bill was amended in consultation and expanded to include takeaway food containers or cups made, in whole or part, of expanded polystyrene (EPS) in the definition of banned single-use plastic item.
Read the Bill in full.
See the explanatory notes.
See the Statement of Compatibility with human rights.
See the amendments to the Bill.
See the explanatory notes to the amendments.
See the Statement of Compatibility with human rights for the amendments.
Subordinate legislation
Subordinate Queensland Legislation is available online.
Subordinate Legislation notified on the Queensland Legislation website from 27 February 2021 to 12 March 2021:
- SL No.16 of 2021: Community Based Sentences (Interstate Transfer) Regulation 2021
- SL No.15 of 2021: Proclamation No.2—Corrective Services and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2020 (commencing certain provisions)
Queensland Government Gazette
The Queensland Government Gazettes for 2021 are available online.
Parliamentary sitting dates
Queensland Parliament is currently scheduled to next sit from 23 to 25 March 2021. View the parliamentary calendar for sitting dates.
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