In the media
Miles doing what matters: Record $500 million for
Queensland councils
The Miles government has approved a record $500 million in
infrastructure grants to councils. The grants are across three
local government programs, namely Works for Queensland, Local
Government Grants and Subsidies Program, and South East Queensland
Community Stimulus (30 September 2024). Read more here.
Queensland premier will hold plebiscite on nuclear power
if he wins state election
Queensland Premier Steven Miles plans to hold a plebiscite
on nuclear power if he wins the upcoming state election. Peter
Dutton, Leader of the Opposition of Australia will seek to take a
plan for seven Commonwealth-owned nuclear power stations in the
next federal election, two of which would be in Queensland and
would replace the existing coal plants and Callide and Tarong.
However, the Nuclear Facilities Prohibition Act 2007 (Qld) would
require the minister to call a plebiscite if it is satisfied the
commonwealth will, or is likely, to take steps to construct a
prohibited nuclear facility (14 October 2024). Read more here.
Four far North Queensland seats emerge as key state
election battlegrounds
Far North Queensland is a crucial battleground in the
upcoming Queensland election, with both major parties vying for
votes in this key region. The area has been significantly affected
by issues like job losses and the cost of living, making local
concerns particularly important to voters. Both the LNP and Labor
are focusing on promises related to economic recovery and
infrastructure development to win support. As a result, Far North
Queensland could play a decisive role in determining the election
outcome (17 October 2024). Read more here.
LNP is set for an easy win in Queensland, but its first
term may pose a much greater challenge
The Liberal National Party in Queensland, is predicted to
have an easy win in the upcoming election. However, their first
term in office may be challenging due to various pressing issues,
including economic concerns and infrastructure needs. The LNP's
ability to address these challenges effectively will be crucial for
maintaining public support. Ultimately, while the election may be
straightforward, governing could present significant difficulties
(18 October 2024). Read more here.
Publications
Labour force (report) – September 2024
The Queensland Government Statistician's Office has
published its report on the labour force trends for September 2024.
The report highlights that employment in Queensland saw a rise by
6,000 persons in September 2024, bringing the total to 109,500
persons higher over the course of the year. The
employment-to-population ratio remained the same as that of August
at 64.4 per cent. Read more here.
Central agencies' coordination of the state budget
– Report 3: 2024-25
The Queensland Audit Office has prepared a report which
examines how the Queensland Treasury and the Department of the
Premier and Cabinet design and manage the state budget process to
support the government's fiscal principles and objectives. The
focus of the report is the 2023-24 budget, the 2023-24 budget
update and stand-alone submissions to the Cabinet Budget Review
Committee preceding the 2023-24 budget update. Read more here.
Practice
Changes to the Australian Solicitor Conduct Rules 2012
(ASCR)
The Queensland Law Society previously resolved to make
several changes to the Australian Solicitor Conduct Rules 2012. The
changes came into force on 27 September 2024 and a summary of the
changes can be found here.
Legislation
Bills lapsed
Arts (Statutory Bodies) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
Crime and Corruption Amendment Bill 2023
Crime and Corruption (Reporting) Amendment Bill 2024
Criminal Code (Decriminalising Sex Work) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
Crocodile Control, Conservation and Safety Bill 2024
Disability Services (Restrictive Practices) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
Education (General Provisions) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
Education (General Provisions) (Extension of Primary Schools in Remote Areas) Amendment Bill 2023
Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
Land Valuation Amendment Bill 2023
Mount Isa Mines Limited Agreement (Continuing Mining Activities) Amendment Bill 2024
Planning and Other Legislation (Make Developers Pay) Amendment Bill 2023
Public-Private Partnership (Transparency and Accountability) Bill 2024
Termination of Pregnancy (Live Births) Amendment Bill 2024
Proclamations commencing Acts made
Subordinate legislation notified
Electrical Safety (Codes of Practice) and Other Legislation Amendment Notice 2024
Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2024
Legal Profession (Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules) Notice 2024
Legal Profession (Barristers Rules) Notice 2024
Liquor (Approval of Adult Entertainment Code) Regulation 2024
Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Amendment Regulation 2024
Medicines and Poisons (Medicines) Amendment Regulation (No. 3) 2024
Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) (Eastern Kuku Yalanji Area) Amendment Regulation 2024
Youth Justice (Conduct of Searches and Other Matters) Amendment Regulation 2024
Biosecurity (Updating of Code of Practice and Biosecurity Zone Map) Amendment Regulation 2024
Disaster Management (QDMC and SDM Group Membership) Amendment Regulation 2024
Education (General Provisions) (Corymbia State School) Amendment Regulation 2024
Integrity Amendment Regulation 2024
Mutual Recognition (Queensland) Amendment Regulation 2024
Planning (Rural Workers' Initiative and Other Matters) Amendment Regulation 2024
Subordinate legislation repealed
Legal Profession (Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules) Notice 2022
Legal Profession (Barristers Rules) Notice 2018
Liquor (Approval of Adult Entertainment Code) Regulation 2002
This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.
