New laws allow greater transparency for Queenslanders

Queenslanders will have greater confidence in the governance of industrial organisations under new legislation passed by the Newman Government.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said the new laws would apply to 32 employer associations and 34 trade unions currently registered in Queensland.

“This is about transparency, accountability and restoring public faith in these organisations,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Amendments passed in Parliament overnight will hold unions and business groups accountable to their members and the public.”

Mr Bleijie said from July 1 2013 organisations would be required to ballot members for expenditure of more than $10,000 on political campaigns.

“We are giving power back to the hardworking, grassroots members of these organisations. They deserve to know where and how their membership fees are being spent.

“New disclosure requirements, including personal interests and gifts declarations, will ensure greater accountability by decision makers in these organisations. Officials and decision makers occupy a privileged position and it is important they are kept to the highest standard.

“Maximum penalties for dishonesty have been increased from $22,000 to $340,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment, in line with the Corporations Act.

“This government wants to see an end to recent scandals and these new laws let the light shine in, and give Queenslanders a say at the same time.”

The Attorney-General said workers would now have the right to choose whether they wanted to join an association.

“The Government will no longer be used as a recruitment agency. We believe in freedom of association but if unions want to increase their membership, they can do it themselves.”

Mr Bleijie said under the amendments the definition of a “worker” had been changed.

“WorkCover Queensland had requested we urgently clarify the definition of a worker for workers compensation, especially for construction workers and companies, and bring it into line with the Australian Tax Office,” he said.

“Following feedback received during the consultation process, we made amendments to this bill to ensure the objectives are achieved without burdensome red tape.

“This is a government that listens and I appreciated the opportunity to discuss the amendments with several organisations, which now approve of what we are doing.”

[ENDS] 5 June 2013

Media Contact: Ashley McDermid 0412 731 355 or Katherine Hornbuckle 0402 862 351