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Call for Submissions

Submissions closed on Friday, 10 January 2014.

Objective of the Bill

The objective of the Bill is to introduce a mechanism to provide for the indexation of the penalty unit value.

The penalty unit is the basic measure for most fines and penalty infringement notices under the State Penalties Enforcement Act 1999.

Other Information

The Penalties and Sentences (Indexation) Amendment Bill 2013 and Explanatory Notes are available from the Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel at www.legislation.qld.gov.au.

The Hansard transcript of the introductory speech for the Bill can be accessed here.

Reasons for the Bill

The legislative mechanism would allow for an annual increase in the value of the penalty unit ensuring that the deterrent and punishment effect of fines and penalty infringement notices is maintained; and provides a level of certainty in relation to potential changes.

Referral

On 19 November 2013 the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, the Honourable Jarrod Bleijie MP, introduced the Penalties and Sentences (Indexation) Amendment Bill 2013 into the Queensland Parliament.  In accordance with Standing Order 131 of the Standing Rules and Orders of the Legislative Assembly, the Bill was referred to the Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee (the Committee) for detailed consideration.

By motion of the Committee of the Legislative Assembly, the Committee was required to report to the Parliament by 3 February 2014.

Report

On 3 February 2014, the Committee tabled its Report No. 48, Penalties and Sentences (Indexation) Amendment Bill 2013. A copy of the report is available here or can be accessed at Related Publications.

As the Committee made a single recommendation for the Legislative Assembly to pass the Bill, there is no requirement for the Government to table a response.

The Penalties and Sentences (Indexation) Amendment Bill 2013 was passed by the Legislative Assembly on 5 March 2014.