Parliamentary update

On 20 November 2025, the Environmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment 2025 was introduced into the Queensland Parliament and referred to the Health, Environment and Innovation Committee for consideration.

The Bill amends the:

• Environmental Protection Act 1994 to reduce regulatory burden, make the Act more responsive to emerging challenges, provide greater clarity and resolve operational issues;
• Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 to align the timeframes for the commencement of summary proceedings for an offence and the provisions concerning the seizure of property with corresponding amendments to the EP Act;
• Nature Conservation Act 1992 to clarify the definition of ‘protected area’ and to provide investigation powers for conservation officers under the Act for offences under the Planning Act 2016 , comparable with other frameworks linked to the Planning Act;
• Water Act 2000 to clarify matters such as timelines for preparation of underground water impact reports and when land can be accessed under ‘make good’ agreements; and
• Forestry Act 1959 and the Recreation Areas Management Act 2006 to deliver a single integrated permission for tourism activities on protected areas, State forests, recreation areas and State marine parks (parks and forests) under the government’s 20-year tourism plan.

The Committee report is due 30 January 2026 with submission date yet to be announced. Further details about the Committee process can be found here. QLS intends to contribute to the inquiry and welcomes member feedback to policy@qls.com.au.

On 20 November 2025, the Local Government (Empowering Councils) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 was introduced into the Queensland Parliament and referred to the Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee for consideration.

The Bill introduces key amendments to strengthen local government by shifting the appointment of senior executives from sole CEO authority to council panels, granting Brisbane City Council direct responsibility for appointing its senior contract employees, and clarifying Indigenous councils’ rating powers with a future framework.

The Committee report is due 30 January 2026 with submission date yet to be announced. Further details about the Committee process can be found here.

The Act was passed on 19 November 2025 and received assent on 24 November 2025. During the parliamentary debate, amendments were moved to include nitrous oxide in the definition of ‘compromised goods.’  

QLS contributed to the inquiry through a formal submission and also appeared before the Committee.

QLS supports the Bill’s goal to dismantle illegal tobacco trade but urged judicial oversight for extended closure orders, clearer lessor obligations, expanded compensation provisions, and an independent review within two years. The Society raised unintended consequences such as increased costs, safety risks for lessors, and impacts on lawful businesses.

The Act amends the:

• Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998
• State Penalties Enforcement Regulation 2014

The Bill was passed on 18 November 2025 and is set to commence upon proclamation.

The amendments to the Heavy Vehicle National Law Act 2012 include an enhanced accreditation framework, amended penalty amounts, improved regulator governance arrangements and a new duty to be fit to drive.  

These changes implement recommendations from the National Transport Commission’s Heavy Vehicle National Law Review. As Queensland is the host jurisdiction, the legislation must first be enacted here before it can be adopted by other participating states and territories.

More details about the Bill here.

The Bill was passed on 20 November 2025 and will commence by proclamation.

The Bill aims to ensure a contemporary regulatory framework for the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC), support the QBCC’s transition in delivering more services digitally to improve efficiency and customer experience and streamline workplace safety notifications to improve productivity in Queensland’s building and construction industry.

The Bill amends the:

• Building Act 1975
• Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018
• Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991