{"id":"qld:sl-2026-0116","name":"Pastoral Workers’ Accommodation Regulation 2026","slug":"pastoral-workers-accommodation-regulation-2026","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"qld","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"116 of 2026","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":580011,"registerId":"qld-qld:sl-2026-0116-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-09-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"pt.1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Preliminary","content":"# Preliminary","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"sec.1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Short title","content":"### sec.1 Short title\n\nThis regulation may be cited as the Pastoral Workers’ Accommodation Regulation 2026 .","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"sec.2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"### sec.2 Commencement\n\nThis regulation commences on 1 September 2026.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"sec.3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Work declared to be pastoral work — Act , s 5 , definition pastoral work","content":"### sec.3 Work declared to be pastoral work — Act , s 5 , definition pastoral work\n\nFor section 5 of the Act , definition pastoral work , paragraph (d) , cooking for a worker employed on behalf of an occupier is declared to be pastoral work to the extent the cooking is performed by a person in the course of their employment on behalf of the occupier.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"pt.2","sectionType":"part","heading":"Provision of accommodation","content":"# Provision of accommodation","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"pt.2-div.1","sectionType":"division","heading":"Prescription of accommodation","content":"## Prescription of accommodation","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"sec.4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Accommodation prescribed for resident workers— Act , ss 8 , 9 and 10","content":"### sec.4 Accommodation prescribed for resident workers— Act , ss 8 , 9 and 10\n\nThis section prescribes accommodation for—\nsections 8 (1) and 9 (2) of the Act ; and\nsection 10 (1) of the Act to the extent the subsection relates to accommodation for resident workers provided with group accommodation.\nThe accommodation prescribed is accommodation that complies with the requirements under—\ndivision 2 and schedule 1 ; and\nsection 14 and schedule 2 .\n(sec.4-ssec.1) This section prescribes accommodation for— sections 8 (1) and 9 (2) of the Act ; and section 10 (1) of the Act to the extent the subsection relates to accommodation for resident workers provided with group accommodation.\n(sec.4-ssec.2) The accommodation prescribed is accommodation that complies with the requirements under— division 2 and schedule 1 ; and section 14 and schedule 2 .\n- (a) sections 8 (1) and 9 (2) of the Act ; and\n- (b) section 10 (1) of the Act to the extent the subsection relates to accommodation for resident workers provided with group accommodation.\n- (a) division 2 and schedule 1 ; and\n- (b) section 14 and schedule 2 .","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"sec.5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Accommodation prescribed for non-resident workers— Act , s 10","content":"### sec.5 Accommodation prescribed for non-resident workers— Act , s 10\n\nThis section prescribes accommodation for section 10 (1) of the Act to the extent the subsection relates to accommodation for non-resident workers.\nThe accommodation prescribed is accommodation that complies with the requirements applying to the accommodation under division 2 and schedule 1 .\n(sec.5-ssec.1) This section prescribes accommodation for section 10 (1) of the Act to the extent the subsection relates to accommodation for non-resident workers.\n(sec.5-ssec.2) The accommodation prescribed is accommodation that complies with the requirements applying to the accommodation under division 2 and schedule 1 .","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"pt.2-div.2","sectionType":"division","heading":"Requirements for accommodation generally","content":"## Requirements for accommodation generally","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"sec.6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Application of division","content":"### sec.6 Application of division\n\nThis division applies to accommodation for resident workers or non-resident workers.","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"sec.7","sectionType":"section","heading":"General accommodation requirements","content":"### sec.7 General accommodation requirements\n\nThe accommodation must include a building, room or structure for each of the following uses—\nas a kitchen complying with schedule 1 , section 1 ;\nas a dining area complying with schedule 1 , section 2 ;\nas a bathing area complying with schedule 1 , section 3 ;\nfor toilet facilities complying with schedule 1 , section 4 ;\nif meat preparation is carried out on the premises where the accommodation is provided—for meat preparation facilities complying with schedule 1 , section 5 .\nThe accommodation must also be provided with waste disposal facilities complying with schedule 1 , section 6 .\nIn this section—\nmeat preparation means any part of the processing of meat from the slaughter of an animal until the meat is in a form that can be conveniently cooked for human consumption.\n(sec.7-ssec.1) The accommodation must include a building, room or structure for each of the following uses— as a kitchen complying with schedule 1 , section 1 ; as a dining area complying with schedule 1 , section 2 ; as a bathing area complying with schedule 1 , section 3 ; for toilet facilities complying with schedule 1 , section 4 ; if meat preparation is carried out on the premises where the accommodation is provided—for meat preparation facilities complying with schedule 1 , section 5 .\n(sec.7-ssec.2) The accommodation must also be provided with waste disposal facilities complying with schedule 1 , section 6 .\n(sec.7-ssec.3) In this section— meat preparation means any part of the processing of meat from the slaughter of an animal until the meat is in a form that can be conveniently cooked for human consumption.\n- (a) as a kitchen complying with schedule 1 , section 1 ;\n- (b) as a dining area complying with schedule 1 , section 2 ;\n- (c) as a bathing area complying with schedule 1 , section 3 ;\n- (d) for toilet facilities complying with schedule 1 , section 4 ;\n- (e) if meat preparation is carried out on the premises where the accommodation is provided—for meat preparation facilities complying with schedule 1 , section 5 .","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"sec.8","sectionType":"section","heading":"Exception to particular requirements for accommodation for non-resident workers on particular premises","content":"### sec.8 Exception to particular requirements for accommodation for non-resident workers on particular premises\n\nThis section applies, despite section 7 (1) , if—\nfewer than 4 non-resident workers are employed on behalf of an occupier to work on premises; and\nno other worker, other than a worker employed as a cook, is employed on behalf of the occupier to work on the premises.\nThe following requirements do not apply to the accommodation provided by the occupier for the workers on the premises—\nthe requirement to include a building, room or structure for use as a kitchen;\nthe requirement to include equipment and utensils for a kitchen under schedule 1 , section 1 (d) ;\nthe requirement to include facilities for meat preparation under schedule 1 , section 5 .\nDespite subsection (2) (a) , the accommodation must include the things for a kitchen required under schedule 1 , section 1 (a) , (b) and (c) .\n(sec.8-ssec.1) This section applies, despite section 7 (1) , if— fewer than 4 non-resident workers are employed on behalf of an occupier to work on premises; and no other worker, other than a worker employed as a cook, is employed on behalf of the occupier to work on the premises.\n(sec.8-ssec.2) The following requirements do not apply to the accommodation provided by the occupier for the workers on the premises— the requirement to include a building, room or structure for use as a kitchen; the requirement to include equipment and utensils for a kitchen under schedule 1 , section 1 (d) ; the requirement to include facilities for meat preparation under schedule 1 , section 5 .\n(sec.8-ssec.3) Despite subsection (2) (a) , the accommodation must include the things for a kitchen required under schedule 1 , section 1 (a) , (b) and (c) .\n- (a) fewer than 4 non-resident workers are employed on behalf of an occupier to work on premises; and\n- (b) no other worker, other than a worker employed as a cook, is employed on behalf of the occupier to work on the premises.\n- (a) the requirement to include a building, room or structure for use as a kitchen;\n- (b) the requirement to include equipment and utensils for a kitchen under schedule 1 , section 1 (d) ;\n- (c) the requirement to include facilities for meat preparation under schedule 1 , section 5 .","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"sec.9","sectionType":"section","heading":"Accommodation only for worker and authorised family member","content":"### sec.9 Accommodation only for worker and authorised family member\n\nThe accommodation must be provided only for—\na worker; and\nif the occupier has agreed to provide the accommodation for a family member of the worker—the family member.\n- (a) a worker; and\n- (b) if the occupier has agreed to provide the accommodation for a family member of the worker—the family member.","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"sec.10","sectionType":"section","heading":"Compliance with Queensland Development Code, part 5.6","content":"### sec.10 Compliance with Queensland Development Code, part 5.6\n\nThe accommodation must comply with the performance criteria stated in the Queensland Development Code, part 5.6 .\nFor subsection (1) , a performance criterion is complied with if—\nthe acceptable solution for the criterion set out opposite the criterion is complied with; or\nthe criterion is complied with in a way that is at least equivalent to the acceptable solution set out opposite the criterion.\nIn this section—\nQueensland Development Code see the Building Act 1975 , section 13 .\n(sec.10-ssec.1) The accommodation must comply with the performance criteria stated in the Queensland Development Code, part 5.6 .\n(sec.10-ssec.2) For subsection (1) , a performance criterion is complied with if— the acceptable solution for the criterion set out opposite the criterion is complied with; or the criterion is complied with in a way that is at least equivalent to the acceptable solution set out opposite the criterion.\n(sec.10-ssec.3) In this section— Queensland Development Code see the Building Act 1975 , section 13 .\n- (a) the acceptable solution for the criterion set out opposite the criterion is complied with; or\n- (b) the criterion is complied with in a way that is at least equivalent to the acceptable solution set out opposite the criterion.","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"sec.11","sectionType":"section","heading":"Adequacy of accommodation","content":"### sec.11 Adequacy of accommodation\n\nThe accommodation must be adequate to meet the reasonable needs of—\neach worker using the accommodation; and\nif the occupier has agreed to provide the accommodation for a family member of a worker—each family member.\nA reasonable need of a worker and 3 family members to enjoy fresh food might adequately be met by the provision of a refrigerator with a capacity of at least 170 litres.\nA reasonable need for a resident worker who performs mustering work away from the premises where the worker usually works and stays might adequately be met by the provision of kitchen facilities, sleeping quarters and laundry facilities for the worker only while they are working and staying on the premises.\nWithout limiting subsection (1) , if a person cannot reasonably use the accommodation or part of the accommodation without a supply of water or energy, the accommodation must be provided with a supply of water or energy that is adequate to meet the reasonable needs of the person.\nAn adequate supply of clean water would be required to service a bathing area.\nA connection to an electricity supply and a water supply would be required to operate an electric washing machine.\n(sec.11-ssec.1) The accommodation must be adequate to meet the reasonable needs of— each worker using the accommodation; and if the occupier has agreed to provide the accommodation for a family member of a worker—each family member. A reasonable need of a worker and 3 family members to enjoy fresh food might adequately be met by the provision of a refrigerator with a capacity of at least 170 litres. A reasonable need for a resident worker who performs mustering work away from the premises where the worker usually works and stays might adequately be met by the provision of kitchen facilities, sleeping quarters and laundry facilities for the worker only while they are working and staying on the premises.\n(sec.11-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , if a person cannot reasonably use the accommodation or part of the accommodation without a supply of water or energy, the accommodation must be provided with a supply of water or energy that is adequate to meet the reasonable needs of the person. An adequate supply of clean water would be required to service a bathing area. A connection to an electricity supply and a water supply would be required to operate an electric washing machine.\n- (a) each worker using the accommodation; and\n- (b) if the occupier has agreed to provide the accommodation for a family member of a worker—each family member. Examples of the operation of subsection (1) — • A reasonable need of a worker and 3 family members to enjoy fresh food might adequately be met by the provision of a refrigerator with a capacity of at least 170 litres. • A reasonable need for a resident worker who performs mustering work away from the premises where the worker usually works and stays might adequately be met by the provision of kitchen facilities, sleeping quarters and laundry facilities for the worker only while they are working and staying on the premises.\n- • A reasonable need of a worker and 3 family members to enjoy fresh food might adequately be met by the provision of a refrigerator with a capacity of at least 170 litres.\n- • A reasonable need for a resident worker who performs mustering work away from the premises where the worker usually works and stays might adequately be met by the provision of kitchen facilities, sleeping quarters and laundry facilities for the worker only while they are working and staying on the premises.\n- • A reasonable need of a worker and 3 family members to enjoy fresh food might adequately be met by the provision of a refrigerator with a capacity of at least 170 litres.\n- • A reasonable need for a resident worker who performs mustering work away from the premises where the worker usually works and stays might adequately be met by the provision of kitchen facilities, sleeping quarters and laundry facilities for the worker only while they are working and staying on the premises.\n- • An adequate supply of clean water would be required to service a bathing area.\n- • A connection to an electricity supply and a water supply would be required to operate an electric washing machine.","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"sec.12","sectionType":"section","heading":"Good order and repair","content":"### sec.12 Good order and repair\n\nThe accommodation must be—\nin good order and repair; and\nin a hygienic condition.\nWithout limiting subsection (1) —\na building or structure that is part of the accommodation must be maintained and kept in a clean condition; and\nany fittings, furnishings or equipment that are part of the accommodation must be—\nmaintained; and\nkept in a clean condition; and\nkept in working order.\n(sec.12-ssec.1) The accommodation must be— in good order and repair; and in a hygienic condition.\n(sec.12-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) — a building or structure that is part of the accommodation must be maintained and kept in a clean condition; and any fittings, furnishings or equipment that are part of the accommodation must be— maintained; and kept in a clean condition; and kept in working order.\n- (a) in good order and repair; and\n- (b) in a hygienic condition.\n- (a) a building or structure that is part of the accommodation must be maintained and kept in a clean condition; and\n- (b) any fittings, furnishings or equipment that are part of the accommodation must be— (i) maintained; and (ii) kept in a clean condition; and (iii) kept in working order.\n- (i) maintained; and\n- (ii) kept in a clean condition; and\n- (iii) kept in working order.\n- (i) maintained; and\n- (ii) kept in a clean condition; and\n- (iii) kept in working order.","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"sec.13","sectionType":"section","heading":"Storage of hazardous or offensive goods or material","content":"### sec.13 Storage of hazardous or offensive goods or material\n\nThe accommodation must not be used by the occupier to store hazardous or offensive goods or material, including, for example, fertiliser or untreated sheepskin.","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"pt.2-div.3","sectionType":"division","heading":"Additional requirements for accommodation for resident workers","content":"## Additional requirements for accommodation for resident workers","sortOrder":17},{"sectionNumber":"sec.14","sectionType":"section","heading":"Particular accommodation requirements for resident workers","content":"### sec.14 Particular accommodation requirements for resident workers\n\nThis section applies, in addition to division 2 , to accommodation for resident workers.\nThe accommodation must include—\na building or structure, for use as a sleeping area, complying with schedule 2 , section 1 ; and\na building, room or structure, for laundry facilities complying with schedule 2 , section 2 .\n(sec.14-ssec.1) This section applies, in addition to division 2 , to accommodation for resident workers.\n(sec.14-ssec.2) The accommodation must include— a building or structure, for use as a sleeping area, complying with schedule 2 , section 1 ; and a building, room or structure, for laundry facilities complying with schedule 2 , section 2 .\n- (a) a building or structure, for use as a sleeping area, complying with schedule 2 , section 1 ; and\n- (b) a building, room or structure, for laundry facilities complying with schedule 2 , section 2 .","sortOrder":18},{"sectionNumber":"pt.3","sectionType":"part","heading":"Declaratory provision","content":"# Declaratory provision","sortOrder":19},{"sectionNumber":"sec.15","sectionType":"section","heading":"Application of regulation to accommodation in existence or under construction","content":"### sec.15 Application of regulation to accommodation in existence or under construction\n\nTo remove any doubt, it is declared that this regulation applies to accommodation provided under the Act even if the accommodation existed, or was under construction, immediately before the commencement.","sortOrder":20}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"On its face the instrument confines itself to prescribing accommodation standards called for by the Act: sec.4 expressly prescribes accommodation for the Act's sections 8, 9 and 10, and the Regulation sets out facility, hygiene and maintenance requirements (see sec.7, sec.11, sec.12, sec.14). The inclusion of an application-to-existing‑works declaration (sec.15) and the explicit addition of cooking to the definition of pastoral work (sec.3) broaden implementation detail but do not, from the text alone, show the regulation has grown beyond the Act’s stated subject matter. \n\nThis is general legal information, not legal advice. I can make mistakes; before you act on this, rely on it, or use any draft based on it, get a qualified Australian lawyer to check it."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple statutory cross‑references: repeatedly refers to the Act (see sec.4 referencing ss 8, 9, 10) and to the Building Act/Queensland Development Code (sec.10).","External normative material not included in the text: two schedules (schedule 1 and schedule 2) are relied on for detailed technical requirements but are not reproduced here (see sec.4, sec.5, sec.7, sec.14).","Conditional exceptions and layered logic: sec.8 creates an exception only where both conditions apply (fewer than 4 non‑resident workers AND no other worker except a cook), and then partially preserves some kitchen items (sec.8(3)).","Mixture of mandatory rules and illustrative material: examples in sec.11 (e.g. a 170 L refrigerator) are framed as what \"might adequately be met\", which introduces interpretive judgement.","Operational and maintenance obligations with nested subrequirements: sec.12 requires buildings, fittings and equipment to be maintained, clean and working, and sec.11 requires adequate water/energy where necessary.","Declaratory retroactivity clause: sec.15 expressly applies the regulation to accommodation that \"existed, or was under construction, immediately before the commencement\", adding an implementation layer.","Defined‑term change: sec.3 expands the Act's definition of \"pastoral work\" by declaring that \"cooking for a worker employed on behalf of an occupier is declared to be pastoral work\" to that extent.","Reference to performance criteria compliance paths (acceptable solution or equivalent) in sec.10(2) introduces technical compliance options that may require specialist assessment."],"plain_english_summary":"**What it does:** This Regulation sets mandatory minimum standards for housing provided to pastoral workers (both resident and non‑resident), specifying required facilities (kitchen, dining, bathing, toilets; plus sleeping and laundry for resident workers), hygiene and maintenance obligations, limited small‑group exceptions, and a requirement to meet the performance criteria in the Queensland Development Code part 5.6 (see sec.4–7, 10, 14).  \n**Who it affects and why it matters:** Occupiers who supply worker accommodation must provide, maintain and equip housing to these standards; the rules also apply to accommodation already in existence or under construction (sec.15)."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/pastoral-workers-accommodation-regulation-2026","history":"/api/acts/pastoral-workers-accommodation-regulation-2026/history","analysis":"/api/acts/pastoral-workers-accommodation-regulation-2026/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/pastoral-workers-accommodation-regulation-2026/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/pastoral-workers-accommodation-regulation-2026/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/pastoral-workers-accommodation-regulation-2026/documents"}}