Published Monday, 25 August, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
BILLS FOR INTRODUCTION IN PARLIAMENT THIS WEEK
For Parliamentary Week beginning Tuesday 26 August 2008
Premier Anna Bligh said today that the following bills will be introduced as part of the Government’s legislative program this week.
Electoral Amendment Bill Premier
The Bill amends the Electoral Act 1992 to increase transparency with respect to political donations.
This Bill will: Reduce the donation disclosure threshold for the current $1500 down to $1000; Increase public scrutiny of donations by reducing disclosure timeframes for donations from every 12 months to every 6 months; tie election funding to reported and verified electoral expenditure directly incurred by a candidate or party; and ban donations from overseas or non-Australian companies, ensuring donations come from a jurisdiction where Queensland laws apply and can be enforced.
These amendments are aimed at ensuring the rights of citizens to support candidates and parties of their choice are balanced by sufficient regulation to protect against the abuse of the political process by wealthy vested interests.
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Police Service Administration Amendment Bill 2008 Minister Spence
Queensland has given a commitment to participate in national information sharing initiatives facilitated by CrimTrac, which is an information processing agency established by the Commonwealth in conjunction with State and Territory governments. Participation in the national information sharing initiatives requires the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to electronically transfer its policing information in bulk to CrimTrac.
The Police Service Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 removes legislative and technical barriers which currently prevent Queensland’s participation in current and future information sharing initiatives administered by CrimTrac or other information processing service providers, should they receive Government approval.
Media Contact: Police Minister’s Office 3239 0199
Liquor Amendment Bill Minister Fraser
In April this year the Bligh Government announced a raft of major liquor reforms designed to reduce harm caused by misuse of alcohol. Secondary supply provisions are being introduced to prevent the supply of alcohol to minors. Also included is a licence restructure and the introduction of annual fees to ensure that pubs and clubs contribute to the costs of regulating the Liquor Industry and minimising Liquor related harm.
Also included in the bill is:
Recognition of Liquor Accords in the Act, new licence types and annual fees (risk table), Introduction Community Impact Statements for new licence applications, and Risk Assessed Management Plans
Mandatory Responsible Service of Alcohol training for all paid staff involved in the service of alcohol and closure provisions around trading prior to 10am and between 3-5am
Media Contact: Treasurers Office 3224 6900
Airport Sales Legislation Minister Fraser
A strong, quality field have expressed interest in the sale of Mackay Airport and the Government is confident the transaction will be completed on time and with a good result. The State Government has called for indicative bids for the sale of the Cairns and Mackay airports. This week legislation is introduced allowing the sale to proceed.
Media Contact: Treasurers Office 3224 6900
Criminal Code and Jury Act Amendment Bill 2008 Minister Shine
The Government will introduce legislation allowing majority verdicts for some jury trials and Judge alone criminal trials. The introduction of majority verdicts will bring Queensland in line with other states. Juries will have to deliberate for at least eight hours and then satisfy the Judge they are unlikely to reach a unanimous verdict after further deliberation.
Amendments will also allow jurors to separate after they have retired to consider their verdict.
Media Contact: Attorney General’s Office 3239 3478
Premier Anna Bligh said today that the following bills will be introduced as part of the Government’s legislative program this week.
Electoral Amendment Bill Premier
The Bill amends the Electoral Act 1992 to increase transparency with respect to political donations.
This Bill will: Reduce the donation disclosure threshold for the current $1500 down to $1000; Increase public scrutiny of donations by reducing disclosure timeframes for donations from every 12 months to every 6 months; tie election funding to reported and verified electoral expenditure directly incurred by a candidate or party; and ban donations from overseas or non-Australian companies, ensuring donations come from a jurisdiction where Queensland laws apply and can be enforced.
These amendments are aimed at ensuring the rights of citizens to support candidates and parties of their choice are balanced by sufficient regulation to protect against the abuse of the political process by wealthy vested interests.
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Police Service Administration Amendment Bill 2008 Minister Spence
Queensland has given a commitment to participate in national information sharing initiatives facilitated by CrimTrac, which is an information processing agency established by the Commonwealth in conjunction with State and Territory governments. Participation in the national information sharing initiatives requires the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to electronically transfer its policing information in bulk to CrimTrac.
The Police Service Administration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 removes legislative and technical barriers which currently prevent Queensland’s participation in current and future information sharing initiatives administered by CrimTrac or other information processing service providers, should they receive Government approval.
Media Contact: Police Minister’s Office 3239 0199
Liquor Amendment Bill Minister Fraser
In April this year the Bligh Government announced a raft of major liquor reforms designed to reduce harm caused by misuse of alcohol. Secondary supply provisions are being introduced to prevent the supply of alcohol to minors. Also included is a licence restructure and the introduction of annual fees to ensure that pubs and clubs contribute to the costs of regulating the Liquor Industry and minimising Liquor related harm.
Also included in the bill is:
Recognition of Liquor Accords in the Act, new licence types and annual fees (risk table), Introduction Community Impact Statements for new licence applications, and Risk Assessed Management Plans
Mandatory Responsible Service of Alcohol training for all paid staff involved in the service of alcohol and closure provisions around trading prior to 10am and between 3-5am
Media Contact: Treasurers Office 3224 6900
Airport Sales Legislation Minister Fraser
A strong, quality field have expressed interest in the sale of Mackay Airport and the Government is confident the transaction will be completed on time and with a good result. The State Government has called for indicative bids for the sale of the Cairns and Mackay airports. This week legislation is introduced allowing the sale to proceed.
Media Contact: Treasurers Office 3224 6900
Criminal Code and Jury Act Amendment Bill 2008 Minister Shine
The Government will introduce legislation allowing majority verdicts for some jury trials and Judge alone criminal trials. The introduction of majority verdicts will bring Queensland in line with other states. Juries will have to deliberate for at least eight hours and then satisfy the Judge they are unlikely to reach a unanimous verdict after further deliberation.
Amendments will also allow jurors to separate after they have retired to consider their verdict.
Media Contact: Attorney General’s Office 3239 3478