The law creates the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority: a corporate state body that designs, delivers and administers regulated financial‑assistance schemes for rural and regional Queensland. It centralises lending, debt‑restructure support (including a Farm Debt Restructure Office) and recurring rural debt monitoring.
It affects primary producers, rural businesses, lenders and taxpayers — concentrating benefits for eligible recipients while imposing compliance, reporting and disclosure duties, ministerial oversight, and penalties for false or withheld information.
This Act establishes the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority, sets out its objects, powers, governance arrangements, staffing model, financial and reporting obligations, the framework for approved assistance schemes, and offences relating to misuse of the assistance process. The stated object is to establish the authority primarily to administer assistance schemes that foster a more productive and sustainable rural and regional sector in Queensland (s 3). The authority may also administer schemes to support the State’s economy, communities and to administer interstate schemes or parts of them (s 3(2)).
Mechanically the Act:
Creates a body corporate called the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority with a seal, capacity to sue and be sued and privileges and immunities of the State (ss 5, 6, 7).
Limits provision of financial assistance to approved schemes, where an approved assistance scheme must state purpose, eligible categories and be approved by regulation (ss 10, 11). A regulation approving a scheme must set out the scheme in detail (s 11(2)).
Gives the authority broad functions to implement approved schemes, provide advisory, educational and research services, negotiate funding with governments, consult with lenders and industry bodies, and administer interstate schemes (s 8).
Grants the authority the general powers of an individual, and specific transactional powers such as contracting for loans, acquiring and disposing of property and charging for services (s 9).
Enables ministerial directions in the public interest, subject to prior consultation with the authority and a requirement to gazette the direction within 21 days; the authority must report the directions in its annual report (s 9A).
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Rural and Regional Adjustment Act 1994.
119
pt.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1
Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Rural and Regional Adjustment Act 1994 .
s 1 sub 2004 No. 28 s 4
sec.2
Section sec.2
s 2 om 2004 No. 28 s 5
sec.3
Object of Act
sec.3 Object of Act
The object of this Act is to establish the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority primarily to administer assistance schemes that foster the development of a more productive and sustainable rural and regional sector in Queensland.
The authority may also—
support the State’s economy by administering schemes to give assistance to primary producers, small businesses or other elements of the State’s economy—
in periods when they are experiencing temporary difficulty; or
to otherwise benefit the State’s economy; and
support communities in the State and build its own effectiveness by administering schemes to give assistance that benefits these communities, including, for example, by giving assistance to persons and organisations that contribute to these communities; and
community service, sporting and cultural organisations
give assistance and build its own effectiveness by administering schemes or parts of schemes for the Commonwealth and other States in rural and regional sectors outside Queensland.
conducting financial analysis of applications for assistance under an authorised interstate scheme
reviewing an authorised interstate scheme
providing advice on applications for financial assistance under an authorised interstate scheme
s 3 amd 2004 No. 28 s 6
sub 2008 No. 22 s 4
amd 2013 No. 41 s 73 ; 2017 No. 7 s 123
(sec.3-ssec.1) The object of this Act is to establish the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority primarily to administer assistance schemes that foster the development of a more productive and sustainable rural and regional sector in Queensland.
(sec.3-ssec.2) The authority may also— support the State’s economy by administering schemes to give assistance to primary producers, small businesses or other elements of the State’s economy— in periods when they are experiencing temporary difficulty; or to otherwise benefit the State’s economy; and support communities in the State and build its own effectiveness by administering schemes to give assistance that benefits these communities, including, for example, by giving assistance to persons and organisations that contribute to these communities; and community service, sporting and cultural organisations give assistance and build its own effectiveness by administering schemes or parts of schemes for the Commonwealth and other States in rural and regional sectors outside Queensland. conducting financial analysis of applications for assistance under an authorised interstate scheme reviewing an authorised interstate scheme providing advice on applications for financial assistance under an authorised interstate scheme
(a) support the State’s economy by administering schemes to give assistance to primary producers, small businesses or other elements of the State’s economy— (i) in periods when they are experiencing temporary difficulty; or (ii) to otherwise benefit the State’s economy; and
(i) in periods when they are experiencing temporary difficulty; or
(ii) to otherwise benefit the State’s economy; and
(b) support communities in the State and build its own effectiveness by administering schemes to give assistance that benefits these communities, including, for example, by giving assistance to persons and organisations that contribute to these communities; and Examples of organisations that contribute to communities— community service, sporting and cultural organisations
(c) give assistance and build its own effectiveness by administering schemes or parts of schemes for the Commonwealth and other States in rural and regional sectors outside Queensland. Examples of administering parts of schemes— • conducting financial analysis of applications for assistance under an authorised interstate scheme • reviewing an authorised interstate scheme • providing advice on applications for financial assistance under an authorised interstate scheme
• conducting financial analysis of applications for assistance under an authorised interstate scheme
• reviewing an authorised interstate scheme
• providing advice on applications for financial assistance under an authorised interstate scheme
(i) in periods when they are experiencing temporary difficulty; or
(ii) to otherwise benefit the State’s economy; and
• conducting financial analysis of applications for assistance under an authorised interstate scheme
• reviewing an authorised interstate scheme
• providing advice on applications for financial assistance under an authorised interstate scheme
sec.4
Definitions
sec.4 Definitions
The dictionary in schedule 1 defines particular words used in this Act.
government owned corporation ...
s 4 def government owned corporation om 2004 No. 28 s 7 (1)
public accounts ...
s 4 def public accounts om 1999 No. 29 s 50 sch
s 4 amd 2017 No. 7 s 124 (3)
pt.2
Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority
Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority
pt.2-div.1
Establishment of authority
Establishment of authority
sec.5
Establishment of authority
sec.5 Establishment of authority
The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority is established.
s 5 sub 2004 No. 28 s 9
amd 2017 No. 7 s 126
sec.6
Legal status of authority
sec.6 Legal status of authority
The authority—
is a body corporate; and
has a seal; and
may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(a) is a body corporate; and
(b) has a seal; and
(c) may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
sec.7
Authority represents the State
sec.7 Authority represents the State
The authority represents the State.
Without limiting subsection (1) , the authority has all the privileges and immunities of the State.
s 7 amd 2001 No. 45 s 29 sch 3
(sec.7-ssec.1) The authority represents the State.
(sec.7-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , the authority has all the privileges and immunities of the State.
pt.2-div.2
Functions and powers of authority
Functions and powers of authority
sec.8
Authority’s functions
sec.8 Authority’s functions
The authority’s primary function is to put approved assistance schemes into effect by—
ensuring the schemes are properly and fairly administered; and
directly giving the assistance the schemes provide for.
The other functions of the authority are—
to arrange for education, training and advice to applicants under approved assistance schemes; and
to negotiate for assistance funding with all levels of government; and
to carry out research into, develop policies on and give advice to the Minister about—
issues affecting persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and
the financial performance and sustainability of the rural and regional sector in Queensland, in particular, primary producers, small business and other components of the State’s economy; and
areas of need, and assistance, for farmers in financial distress and farming businesses that are unlikely to be financially viable in the long-term, including, for example, ways to restructure a farm debt or to ensure a farmer who stops carrying on a farming business remains in the best possible financial position; and
to review, and give advice to the Minister on—
proposed assistance schemes; and
the implementation of approved assistance schemes; and
economic and other conditions in the rural and regional sectors; and
to consult, and liaise with—
commercial lenders and financial advisers; and
public sector units with the function of helping the rural, regional and small business sectors of the economy, and equivalent entities of other States or the Commonwealth; and
organisations representing the interests of persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and
to partner with commercial lenders and financial advisors to—
perform another function under this subsection; and
further the object of this Act under section 3 ; and
to administer authorised interstate schemes or parts of the schemes; and
to perform functions incidental to a function under another paragraph of this subsection; and
to perform other functions given to the authority under this Act or another Act; and
other functions prescribed by regulation.
s 8 amd 1996 No. 37 s 147 sch 2 ; 2004 No. 28 s 10 ; 2008 No. 22 s 6 ; 2013 No. 41 s 74 ; 2017 No. 7 s 127
(sec.8-ssec.1) The authority’s primary function is to put approved assistance schemes into effect by— ensuring the schemes are properly and fairly administered; and directly giving the assistance the schemes provide for.
(sec.8-ssec.2) The other functions of the authority are— to arrange for education, training and advice to applicants under approved assistance schemes; and to negotiate for assistance funding with all levels of government; and to carry out research into, develop policies on and give advice to the Minister about— issues affecting persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and the financial performance and sustainability of the rural and regional sector in Queensland, in particular, primary producers, small business and other components of the State’s economy; and areas of need, and assistance, for farmers in financial distress and farming businesses that are unlikely to be financially viable in the long-term, including, for example, ways to restructure a farm debt or to ensure a farmer who stops carrying on a farming business remains in the best possible financial position; and to review, and give advice to the Minister on— proposed assistance schemes; and the implementation of approved assistance schemes; and economic and other conditions in the rural and regional sectors; and to consult, and liaise with— commercial lenders and financial advisers; and public sector units with the function of helping the rural, regional and small business sectors of the economy, and equivalent entities of other States or the Commonwealth; and organisations representing the interests of persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and to partner with commercial lenders and financial advisors to— perform another function under this subsection; and further the object of this Act under section 3 ; and to administer authorised interstate schemes or parts of the schemes; and to perform functions incidental to a function under another paragraph of this subsection; and to perform other functions given to the authority under this Act or another Act; and other functions prescribed by regulation.
(a) ensuring the schemes are properly and fairly administered; and
(b) directly giving the assistance the schemes provide for.
(a) to arrange for education, training and advice to applicants under approved assistance schemes; and
(b) to negotiate for assistance funding with all levels of government; and
(c) to carry out research into, develop policies on and give advice to the Minister about— (i) issues affecting persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and (ii) the financial performance and sustainability of the rural and regional sector in Queensland, in particular, primary producers, small business and other components of the State’s economy; and (iii) areas of need, and assistance, for farmers in financial distress and farming businesses that are unlikely to be financially viable in the long-term, including, for example, ways to restructure a farm debt or to ensure a farmer who stops carrying on a farming business remains in the best possible financial position; and
(i) issues affecting persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and
(ii) the financial performance and sustainability of the rural and regional sector in Queensland, in particular, primary producers, small business and other components of the State’s economy; and
(iii) areas of need, and assistance, for farmers in financial distress and farming businesses that are unlikely to be financially viable in the long-term, including, for example, ways to restructure a farm debt or to ensure a farmer who stops carrying on a farming business remains in the best possible financial position; and
(d) to review, and give advice to the Minister on— (i) proposed assistance schemes; and (ii) the implementation of approved assistance schemes; and (iii) economic and other conditions in the rural and regional sectors; and
(i) proposed assistance schemes; and
(ii) the implementation of approved assistance schemes; and
(iii) economic and other conditions in the rural and regional sectors; and
(e) to consult, and liaise with— (i) commercial lenders and financial advisers; and (ii) public sector units with the function of helping the rural, regional and small business sectors of the economy, and equivalent entities of other States or the Commonwealth; and (iii) organisations representing the interests of persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and
(i) commercial lenders and financial advisers; and
(ii) public sector units with the function of helping the rural, regional and small business sectors of the economy, and equivalent entities of other States or the Commonwealth; and
(iii) organisations representing the interests of persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and
(f) to partner with commercial lenders and financial advisors to— (i) perform another function under this subsection; and (ii) further the object of this Act under section 3 ; and
(i) perform another function under this subsection; and
(ii) further the object of this Act under section 3 ; and
(g) to administer authorised interstate schemes or parts of the schemes; and
(h) to perform functions incidental to a function under another paragraph of this subsection; and
(i) to perform other functions given to the authority under this Act or another Act; and
(j) other functions prescribed by regulation.
(i) issues affecting persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and
(ii) the financial performance and sustainability of the rural and regional sector in Queensland, in particular, primary producers, small business and other components of the State’s economy; and
(iii) areas of need, and assistance, for farmers in financial distress and farming businesses that are unlikely to be financially viable in the long-term, including, for example, ways to restructure a farm debt or to ensure a farmer who stops carrying on a farming business remains in the best possible financial position; and
(i) proposed assistance schemes; and
(ii) the implementation of approved assistance schemes; and
(iii) economic and other conditions in the rural and regional sectors; and
(i) commercial lenders and financial advisers; and
(ii) public sector units with the function of helping the rural, regional and small business sectors of the economy, and equivalent entities of other States or the Commonwealth; and
(iii) organisations representing the interests of persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and
(i) perform another function under this subsection; and
(ii) further the object of this Act under section 3 ; and
sec.9
Authority’s powers
sec.9 Authority’s powers
The authority has all the powers of an individual, and may, for example—
enter into contracts, including contracts for loans; and
acquire, hold, deal with and dispose of property; and
appoint agents and attorneys; and
charge for, and fix conditions for the supply of, the goods, services and information it supplies; and
engage consultants; and
do anything else necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, the performance of its functions.
Without limiting subsection (1) , the authority has the powers given to it under this or another Act.
The authority may exercise its powers inside or outside Queensland.
s 9 amd 2008 No. 22 s 7 ; 2017 No. 7 s 128
(sec.9-ssec.1) The authority has all the powers of an individual, and may, for example— enter into contracts, including contracts for loans; and acquire, hold, deal with and dispose of property; and appoint agents and attorneys; and charge for, and fix conditions for the supply of, the goods, services and information it supplies; and engage consultants; and do anything else necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, the performance of its functions.
(sec.9-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , the authority has the powers given to it under this or another Act.
(sec.9-ssec.3) The authority may exercise its powers inside or outside Queensland.
(a) enter into contracts, including contracts for loans; and
(b) acquire, hold, deal with and dispose of property; and
(c) appoint agents and attorneys; and
(d) charge for, and fix conditions for the supply of, the goods, services and information it supplies; and
(e) engage consultants; and
(f) do anything else necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, the performance of its functions.
sec.9A
Ministerial direction or notice
sec.9A Ministerial direction or notice
The Minister may give the authority a written direction about the performance of the authority’s functions or the exercise of its powers, or written notice of a public sector policy, if the Minister is satisfied it is necessary to give the direction or notice in the public interest.
The authority must ensure the direction or policy is complied with.
However, before giving the direction or notice the Minister must—
consult with the authority; and
ask the authority to advise whether, in its opinion, complying with the direction or policy would not be in its financial interest.
The Minister must gazette a copy of the direction or notice within 21 days after the direction or notice is given.
The authority—
must include in its annual report, prepared under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 , section 63 , details of any direction or notice given by the Minister under subsection (1) during the financial year to which the report relates; and
may include in the report a comment on the effect on the authority’s activities of complying with the direction or policy.
s 9A ins 2004 No. 28 s 11
amd 2009 No. 9 s 136 sch 1
(sec.9A-ssec.1) The Minister may give the authority a written direction about the performance of the authority’s functions or the exercise of its powers, or written notice of a public sector policy, if the Minister is satisfied it is necessary to give the direction or notice in the public interest.
(sec.9A-ssec.2) The authority must ensure the direction or policy is complied with.
(sec.9A-ssec.3) However, before giving the direction or notice the Minister must— consult with the authority; and ask the authority to advise whether, in its opinion, complying with the direction or policy would not be in its financial interest.
(sec.9A-ssec.4) The Minister must gazette a copy of the direction or notice within 21 days after the direction or notice is given.
(sec.9A-ssec.5) The authority— must include in its annual report, prepared under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 , section 63 , details of any direction or notice given by the Minister under subsection (1) during the financial year to which the report relates; and may include in the report a comment on the effect on the authority’s activities of complying with the direction or policy.
(a) consult with the authority; and
(b) ask the authority to advise whether, in its opinion, complying with the direction or policy would not be in its financial interest.
(a) must include in its annual report, prepared under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 , section 63 , details of any direction or notice given by the Minister under subsection (1) during the financial year to which the report relates; and
(b) may include in the report a comment on the effect on the authority’s activities of complying with the direction or policy.
pt.3
Financial assistance
Financial assistance
sec.10
Approved schemes
sec.10 Approved schemes
The authority may give financial assistance only under an approved scheme.
Financial assistance includes making loans on terms allowed under an approved scheme.
s 10 prev s 10 om 1996 No. 54 s 9 sch
pres s 10 ins 2008 No. 22 s 8
amd 2017 No. 7 s 129
(sec.10-ssec.1) The authority may give financial assistance only under an approved scheme.
(sec.10-ssec.2) Financial assistance includes making loans on terms allowed under an approved scheme.
sec.11
Approved assistance schemes
sec.11 Approved assistance schemes
An approved assistance scheme is a scheme that—
states the purpose and nature of financial assistance that may be given; and
identifies the categories of persons eligible to receive the assistance; and
is approved under a regulation.
A regulation approving a scheme must set out the scheme in detail.
An approved assistance scheme—
may include conditions on which financial assistance must be given; and
may provide for—
payments into the consolidated fund or a fund or the departmental accounts of a department of amounts of the authority’s assistance funds associated with the scheme; and
write-offs to loan balances.
A regulation may also approve a scheme if—
the scheme is established by the Commonwealth or another State or an entity that represents the State, the Commonwealth or another State; and
the purpose of the scheme is consistent with the object of this Act.
An assistance scheme approved under subsection (4) is also an approved assistance scheme for this Act.
s 11 amd 1999 No. 29 s 50 sch ; 2004 No. 28 s 12 ; 2008 No. 22 s 9
(sec.11-ssec.1) An approved assistance scheme is a scheme that— states the purpose and nature of financial assistance that may be given; and identifies the categories of persons eligible to receive the assistance; and is approved under a regulation.
(sec.11-ssec.2) A regulation approving a scheme must set out the scheme in detail.
(sec.11-ssec.3) An approved assistance scheme— may include conditions on which financial assistance must be given; and may provide for— payments into the consolidated fund or a fund or the departmental accounts of a department of amounts of the authority’s assistance funds associated with the scheme; and write-offs to loan balances.
(sec.11-ssec.4) A regulation may also approve a scheme if— the scheme is established by the Commonwealth or another State or an entity that represents the State, the Commonwealth or another State; and the purpose of the scheme is consistent with the object of this Act.
(sec.11-ssec.5) An assistance scheme approved under subsection (4) is also an approved assistance scheme for this Act.
(a) states the purpose and nature of financial assistance that may be given; and
(b) identifies the categories of persons eligible to receive the assistance; and
(c) is approved under a regulation.
(a) may include conditions on which financial assistance must be given; and
(b) may provide for— (i) payments into the consolidated fund or a fund or the departmental accounts of a department of amounts of the authority’s assistance funds associated with the scheme; and (ii) write-offs to loan balances.
(i) payments into the consolidated fund or a fund or the departmental accounts of a department of amounts of the authority’s assistance funds associated with the scheme; and
(ii) write-offs to loan balances.
(i) payments into the consolidated fund or a fund or the departmental accounts of a department of amounts of the authority’s assistance funds associated with the scheme; and
(ii) write-offs to loan balances.
(a) the scheme is established by the Commonwealth or another State or an entity that represents the State, the Commonwealth or another State; and
(b) the purpose of the scheme is consistent with the object of this Act.
sec.11A
Authorisation for interstate schemes
sec.11A Authorisation for interstate schemes
This section applies in relation to a scheme, other than an approved assistance scheme, established by the Commonwealth or another State or an entity that represents the Commonwealth or another State.
The authority must not tender for the administration of the scheme or a part of the scheme, or agree to administer the scheme or a part of the scheme, unless the Minister has authorised the authority to enter into arrangements for the administration of the scheme or part.
The Minister may give authorisation only if satisfied the scheme’s main purpose is to—
foster the development of the rural and regional sector in another State; or
give assistance to primary producers or small businesses in another State in periods when they are experiencing temporary difficulty.
Authorisation may be given on conditions the Minister considers appropriate.
The authority must give the Minister any information the Minister asks for about a tender or arrangement that the authority has made or proposes to make for the administration of the scheme or part of the scheme.
However, subsection (5) does not apply to the extent that giving the information would contravene a confidentiality agreement to which the authority is a party.
s 11A ins 2008 No. 22 s 10
amd 2013 No. 41 s 75
(sec.11A-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to a scheme, other than an approved assistance scheme, established by the Commonwealth or another State or an entity that represents the Commonwealth or another State.
(sec.11A-ssec.2) The authority must not tender for the administration of the scheme or a part of the scheme, or agree to administer the scheme or a part of the scheme, unless the Minister has authorised the authority to enter into arrangements for the administration of the scheme or part.
(sec.11A-ssec.3) The Minister may give authorisation only if satisfied the scheme’s main purpose is to— foster the development of the rural and regional sector in another State; or give assistance to primary producers or small businesses in another State in periods when they are experiencing temporary difficulty.
(sec.11A-ssec.4) Authorisation may be given on conditions the Minister considers appropriate.
(sec.11A-ssec.5) The authority must give the Minister any information the Minister asks for about a tender or arrangement that the authority has made or proposes to make for the administration of the scheme or part of the scheme.
(sec.11A-ssec.6) However, subsection (5) does not apply to the extent that giving the information would contravene a confidentiality agreement to which the authority is a party.
(a) foster the development of the rural and regional sector in another State; or
(b) give assistance to primary producers or small businesses in another State in periods when they are experiencing temporary difficulty.
sec.12
Administering approved schemes
sec.12 Administering approved schemes
In administering an approved scheme, the authority may—
assess and decide applications for assistance under the scheme; and
cancel the provision of assistance; and
put conditions on the giving of assistance; and
change the arrangements for the repayment of debts to the authority; and
decline to deal with applications made by persons previously refused assistance under the scheme; and
decide its own procedures; and
keep operational accounts with financial institutions within Australia.
However, in administering an approved scheme, the authority must comply with—
the contents of the scheme; and
agreements entered into between the authority and persons receiving assistance under the scheme.
s 12 amd 1997 No. 17 s 74 sch ; 2008 No. 22 s 11
(sec.12-ssec.1) In administering an approved scheme, the authority may— assess and decide applications for assistance under the scheme; and cancel the provision of assistance; and put conditions on the giving of assistance; and change the arrangements for the repayment of debts to the authority; and decline to deal with applications made by persons previously refused assistance under the scheme; and decide its own procedures; and keep operational accounts with financial institutions within Australia.
(sec.12-ssec.2) However, in administering an approved scheme, the authority must comply with— the contents of the scheme; and agreements entered into between the authority and persons receiving assistance under the scheme.
(a) assess and decide applications for assistance under the scheme; and
(b) cancel the provision of assistance; and
(c) put conditions on the giving of assistance; and
(d) change the arrangements for the repayment of debts to the authority; and
(e) decline to deal with applications made by persons previously refused assistance under the scheme; and
(f) decide its own procedures; and
(g) keep operational accounts with financial institutions within Australia.
(a) the contents of the scheme; and
(b) agreements entered into between the authority and persons receiving assistance under the scheme.
sec.13
Funding of approved schemes
sec.13 Funding of approved schemes
Amounts of financial assistance given by the authority under an approved scheme are to be drawn from the authority’s assistance funds.
s 13 amd 2008 No. 22 s 12
pt.3A
Review of decisions
Review of decisions
sec.13A
Who may apply for internal review
sec.13A Who may apply for internal review
A person who is dissatisfied by a decision of the authority under section 12 (1) (a) to (e) or section 43 (2) , in relation to an approved scheme, may apply to the chief executive officer for an internal review of the decision.
s 13A ins 2004 No. 28 s 13
amd 2008 No. 22 s 13
sec.13B
How to apply for internal review
sec.13B How to apply for internal review
An application for internal review of a decision must be—
made in the approved form; and
supported by enough information to enable the chief executive officer to decide the application; and
made within 20 business days after the person receives notice of the decision.
However, the chief executive officer may extend the time for applying for an internal review.
The decision is stayed until the chief executive makes a decision under section 13C .
s 13B ins 2004 No. 28 s 13
(sec.13B-ssec.1) An application for internal review of a decision must be— made in the approved form; and supported by enough information to enable the chief executive officer to decide the application; and made within 20 business days after the person receives notice of the decision.
(sec.13B-ssec.2) However, the chief executive officer may extend the time for applying for an internal review.
(sec.13B-ssec.3) The decision is stayed until the chief executive makes a decision under section 13C .
(a) made in the approved form; and
(b) supported by enough information to enable the chief executive officer to decide the application; and
(c) made within 20 business days after the person receives notice of the decision.
sec.13C
Review decision
sec.13C Review decision
The chief executive officer must, within 30 business days after receiving the application—
review the decision (the original decision ); and
make a decision (the review decision ) to—
confirm the original decision; or
amend the original decision; or
substitute another decision for the original decision; and
give the applicant notice (the review notice ) of the review decision.
If the review decision is not the decision sought by the applicant, the review notice must also state the reasons for the review decision.
If the chief executive officer does not comply with subsection (1) , the chief executive officer is taken to have made a decision confirming the original decision.
s 13C ins 2004 No. 28 s 13
(sec.13C-ssec.1) The chief executive officer must, within 30 business days after receiving the application— review the decision (the original decision ); and make a decision (the review decision ) to— confirm the original decision; or amend the original decision; or substitute another decision for the original decision; and give the applicant notice (the review notice ) of the review decision.
(sec.13C-ssec.2) If the review decision is not the decision sought by the applicant, the review notice must also state the reasons for the review decision.
(sec.13C-ssec.3) If the chief executive officer does not comply with subsection (1) , the chief executive officer is taken to have made a decision confirming the original decision.
(a) review the decision (the original decision ); and
(b) make a decision (the review decision ) to— (i) confirm the original decision; or (ii) amend the original decision; or (iii) substitute another decision for the original decision; and
(i) confirm the original decision; or
(ii) amend the original decision; or
(iii) substitute another decision for the original decision; and
(c) give the applicant notice (the review notice ) of the review decision.
(i) confirm the original decision; or
(ii) amend the original decision; or
(iii) substitute another decision for the original decision; and
pt.3B
Rural debt surveys and advisory services
Rural debt surveys and advisory services
pt.3B-div.1
Rural debt surveys
Rural debt surveys
sec.13D
Authority must conduct rural debt survey
sec.13D Authority must conduct rural debt survey
The authority must ensure a survey of rural indebtedness in Queensland (a rural debt survey ) is—
conducted for the period starting on 1 January 2012 and ending on 31 December 2017; and
completed by 30 June 2018.
Also, the authority must ensure a rural debt survey is conducted for each period of 2 years starting on 1 January 2018.
A rural debt survey conducted under subsection (2) must be completed within 6 months after the end of the 2-year period.
Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply for a period mentioned in subsection (2) if a comparable national debt survey has been conducted in the period.
s 13D ins 2017 No. 7 s 129A
(sec.13D-ssec.1) The authority must ensure a survey of rural indebtedness in Queensland (a rural debt survey ) is— conducted for the period starting on 1 January 2012 and ending on 31 December 2017; and completed by 30 June 2018.
(sec.13D-ssec.2) Also, the authority must ensure a rural debt survey is conducted for each period of 2 years starting on 1 January 2018.
(sec.13D-ssec.3) A rural debt survey conducted under subsection (2) must be completed within 6 months after the end of the 2-year period.
(sec.13D-ssec.4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply for a period mentioned in subsection (2) if a comparable national debt survey has been conducted in the period.
(a) conducted for the period starting on 1 January 2012 and ending on 31 December 2017; and
(b) completed by 30 June 2018.
sec.13E
Terms of reference for rural debt survey
sec.13E Terms of reference for rural debt survey
The terms of reference for a rural debt survey are as follows—
to establish the extent, nature and size of, and trends in, the total rural indebtedness—
in Queensland; and
across various primary industries; and
in different areas of Queensland identified by local government areas or postcodes;
to categorise loans to farmers for conducting farming businesses based on the financial viability of the farmers and the ability of the farmers to service their loans;
loans for which the farmers are considered financially viable under most circumstances
loans for which the farmers are considered financially viable in the long-term but who are experiencing some difficulty servicing the loan
loans for which the farmers are experiencing major difficulties servicing the loan
to consult with financial institutions and peak primary industry bodies about the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) to obtain information or observations about the matters.
s 13E ins 2017 No. 7 s 129A
(a) to establish the extent, nature and size of, and trends in, the total rural indebtedness— (i) in Queensland; and (ii) across various primary industries; and (iii) in different areas of Queensland identified by local government areas or postcodes;
(i) in Queensland; and
(ii) across various primary industries; and
(iii) in different areas of Queensland identified by local government areas or postcodes;
(b) to categorise loans to farmers for conducting farming businesses based on the financial viability of the farmers and the ability of the farmers to service their loans; Examples of loan categories— • loans for which the farmers are considered financially viable under most circumstances • loans for which the farmers are considered financially viable in the long-term but who are experiencing some difficulty servicing the loan • loans for which the farmers are experiencing major difficulties servicing the loan
• loans for which the farmers are considered financially viable under most circumstances
• loans for which the farmers are considered financially viable in the long-term but who are experiencing some difficulty servicing the loan
• loans for which the farmers are experiencing major difficulties servicing the loan
(c) to consult with financial institutions and peak primary industry bodies about the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) to obtain information or observations about the matters.
(i) in Queensland; and
(ii) across various primary industries; and
(iii) in different areas of Queensland identified by local government areas or postcodes;
• loans for which the farmers are considered financially viable under most circumstances
• loans for which the farmers are considered financially viable in the long-term but who are experiencing some difficulty servicing the loan
• loans for which the farmers are experiencing major difficulties servicing the loan
sec.13F
Power to require information for rural debt survey
sec.13F Power to require information for rural debt survey
This section applies in relation to the following entities (each a relevant entity )—
a bank or other financial institution;
another entity that carries on a business lending money to farmers for the purpose of conducting farming businesses.
The authority may, by written notice given to a relevant entity, require the entity to give the authority—
stated documents or information (the relevant material ), or stated types of documents or information (also the relevant material ), in its possession or control that the authority reasonably requires for the conduct of a rural debt survey; or
access to the relevant material.
The notice must state how, and a reasonable period by which, the relevant material, or access to the relevant material, must be given.
The relevant entity must comply with the notice unless—
the requirement relates to relevant material that is in someone else’s possession or control and the other person has refused to give the relevant material to the entity despite the entity’s reasonable efforts to obtain it; or
complying with the requirement would place the entity in contravention of a law; or
the requirement relates to someone else’s confidential information and the other person has refused to consent to it being disclosed to the authority despite the entity’s reasonable efforts to obtain the consent; or
the giving of the relevant material might tend to incriminate the entity; or
the relevant material is confidential to the entity or the giving of the relevant material might be to the detriment of the entity’s commercial or other interests.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
If an exemption under subsection (4) applies to a requirement made of a prescribed entity under subsection (2) , the entity must inform the authority in writing of the application of the exemption.
The authority must not use relevant material given to, or accessed by, the authority under this section for a purpose other than a rural debt survey conducted under this part.
Maximum penalty for subsection (6) —100 penalty units.
s 13F ins 2017 No. 7 s 129A
(sec.13F-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to the following entities (each a relevant entity )— a bank or other financial institution; another entity that carries on a business lending money to farmers for the purpose of conducting farming businesses.
(sec.13F-ssec.2) The authority may, by written notice given to a relevant entity, require the entity to give the authority— stated documents or information (the relevant material ), or stated types of documents or information (also the relevant material ), in its possession or control that the authority reasonably requires for the conduct of a rural debt survey; or access to the relevant material.
(sec.13F-ssec.3) The notice must state how, and a reasonable period by which, the relevant material, or access to the relevant material, must be given.
(sec.13F-ssec.4) The relevant entity must comply with the notice unless— the requirement relates to relevant material that is in someone else’s possession or control and the other person has refused to give the relevant material to the entity despite the entity’s reasonable efforts to obtain it; or complying with the requirement would place the entity in contravention of a law; or the requirement relates to someone else’s confidential information and the other person has refused to consent to it being disclosed to the authority despite the entity’s reasonable efforts to obtain the consent; or the giving of the relevant material might tend to incriminate the entity; or the relevant material is confidential to the entity or the giving of the relevant material might be to the detriment of the entity’s commercial or other interests. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.13F-ssec.5) If an exemption under subsection (4) applies to a requirement made of a prescribed entity under subsection (2) , the entity must inform the authority in writing of the application of the exemption.
(sec.13F-ssec.6) The authority must not use relevant material given to, or accessed by, the authority under this section for a purpose other than a rural debt survey conducted under this part. Maximum penalty for subsection (6) —100 penalty units.
(a) a bank or other financial institution;
(b) another entity that carries on a business lending money to farmers for the purpose of conducting farming businesses.
(a) stated documents or information (the relevant material ), or stated types of documents or information (also the relevant material ), in its possession or control that the authority reasonably requires for the conduct of a rural debt survey; or
(b) access to the relevant material.
(a) the requirement relates to relevant material that is in someone else’s possession or control and the other person has refused to give the relevant material to the entity despite the entity’s reasonable efforts to obtain it; or
(b) complying with the requirement would place the entity in contravention of a law; or
(c) the requirement relates to someone else’s confidential information and the other person has refused to consent to it being disclosed to the authority despite the entity’s reasonable efforts to obtain the consent; or
(d) the giving of the relevant material might tend to incriminate the entity; or
(e) the relevant material is confidential to the entity or the giving of the relevant material might be to the detriment of the entity’s commercial or other interests.
sec.13G
Authority’s report about rural debt survey
sec.13G Authority’s report about rural debt survey
The authority must, by the day the authority is required to complete a rural debt survey under section 13D —
prepare a report about the results of the survey; and
give a copy of the report to the Minister.
The authority’s report must compare the results of the rural debt survey to the results of previous rural debt surveys and include the authority’s observations about the comparison.
Also, the authority’s report must not include confidential information.
The Minister must table a copy of the report in the Legislative Assembly within 3 months after receiving the report.
s 13G ins 2017 No. 7 s 129A
(sec.13G-ssec.1) The authority must, by the day the authority is required to complete a rural debt survey under section 13D — prepare a report about the results of the survey; and give a copy of the report to the Minister.
(sec.13G-ssec.2) The authority’s report must compare the results of the rural debt survey to the results of previous rural debt surveys and include the authority’s observations about the comparison.
(sec.13G-ssec.3) Also, the authority’s report must not include confidential information.
(sec.13G-ssec.4) The Minister must table a copy of the report in the Legislative Assembly within 3 months after receiving the report.
(a) prepare a report about the results of the survey; and
(b) give a copy of the report to the Minister.
pt.3B-div.2
Farm Debt Restructure Office
Farm Debt Restructure Office
sec.13H
Authority must establish Farm Debt Restructure Office
sec.13H Authority must establish Farm Debt Restructure Office
The authority must establish an office of the authority called the Farm Debt Restructure Office.
The Farm Debt Restructure Office consists of a manager and the staff of the office, who are employees of the authority.
The authority must ensure the manager and staff of the Farm Debt Restructure Office are appropriately qualified to perform the function of the office.
s 13H ins 2017 No. 7 s 129A
(sec.13H-ssec.1) The authority must establish an office of the authority called the Farm Debt Restructure Office.
(sec.13H-ssec.2) The Farm Debt Restructure Office consists of a manager and the staff of the office, who are employees of the authority.
(sec.13H-ssec.3) The authority must ensure the manager and staff of the Farm Debt Restructure Office are appropriately qualified to perform the function of the office.
sec.13I
Function of Farm Debt Restructure Office
sec.13I Function of Farm Debt Restructure Office
The function of the Farm Debt Restructure Office is to assist a farmer in financial distress.
The Governor in Council may make a regulation about the functions of the Farm Debt Restructure Office.
s 13I ins 2017 No. 7 s 129A
(sec.13I-ssec.1) The function of the Farm Debt Restructure Office is to assist a farmer in financial distress.
(sec.13I-ssec.2) The Governor in Council may make a regulation about the functions of the Farm Debt Restructure Office.
pt.4
Other provisions about the authority
Other provisions about the authority
pt.4-div.1
The board
The board
sec.14
The board
sec.14 The board
The authority has a board of directors.
sec.15
Role of the board
sec.15 Role of the board
The board is responsible for the way the authority performs its functions and exercises its powers.
Without limiting subsection (1) , it is the board’s role—
to decide the strategies and the operational, administrative and financial policies to be followed by the authority; and
to ensure the authority performs its functions in a proper, effective and efficient way; and
to review annually the performance of the authority’s chief executive officer.
s 15 amd 2004 No. 28 s 14
(sec.15-ssec.1) The board is responsible for the way the authority performs its functions and exercises its powers.
(sec.15-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , it is the board’s role— to decide the strategies and the operational, administrative and financial policies to be followed by the authority; and to ensure the authority performs its functions in a proper, effective and efficient way; and to review annually the performance of the authority’s chief executive officer.
(a) to decide the strategies and the operational, administrative and financial policies to be followed by the authority; and
(b) to ensure the authority performs its functions in a proper, effective and efficient way; and
(c) to review annually the performance of the authority’s chief executive officer.
sec.16
Composition of board
sec.16 Composition of board
The board consists of the following persons (each of whom is a director )—
the chief executive;
the chief executive of the department in which the Financial Accountability Act 2009 is administered;
not more than 5 other persons, appointed by the Governor in Council, who have the skills and experience necessary to enable them to contribute effectively to the board’s ability to perform its functions.
financial skills, strategic and business planning skills, rural industry skills
The Governor in Council must appoint 1 of the directors appointed under subsection (1) (c) as the chairperson.
The chairperson’s term of appointment ends when the person’s term of appointment as a director ends.
s 16 sub 2004 No. 28 s 15
amd 2009 No. 9 s 136 sch 1
(sec.16-ssec.1) The board consists of the following persons (each of whom is a director )— the chief executive; the chief executive of the department in which the Financial Accountability Act 2009 is administered; not more than 5 other persons, appointed by the Governor in Council, who have the skills and experience necessary to enable them to contribute effectively to the board’s ability to perform its functions. financial skills, strategic and business planning skills, rural industry skills
(sec.16-ssec.2) The Governor in Council must appoint 1 of the directors appointed under subsection (1) (c) as the chairperson.
(sec.16-ssec.3) The chairperson’s term of appointment ends when the person’s term of appointment as a director ends.
(a) the chief executive;
(b) the chief executive of the department in which the Financial Accountability Act 2009 is administered;
(c) not more than 5 other persons, appointed by the Governor in Council, who have the skills and experience necessary to enable them to contribute effectively to the board’s ability to perform its functions. Example of skills for paragraph (c) — financial skills, strategic and business planning skills, rural industry skills
sec.16A
Chairperson to report to Minister
sec.16A Chairperson to report to Minister
The chairperson must report to the Minister on the performance of the authority’s functions and the exercise of its powers.
A report under subsection (1) must be given—
within 1 month after the end of each quarter; and
at any other time at the Minister’s request.
Also, if the chairperson becomes aware of a matter the chairperson is satisfied may adversely affect the authority’s ability to perform its functions, the chairperson must immediately report the matter to the Minister.
In subsection (2) —
quarter means a 3-month period ending on 31 March, 30 June, 30 September or 31 December.
s 16A ins 2004 No. 28 s 15
(sec.16A-ssec.1) The chairperson must report to the Minister on the performance of the authority’s functions and the exercise of its powers.
(sec.16A-ssec.2) A report under subsection (1) must be given— within 1 month after the end of each quarter; and at any other time at the Minister’s request.
(sec.16A-ssec.3) Also, if the chairperson becomes aware of a matter the chairperson is satisfied may adversely affect the authority’s ability to perform its functions, the chairperson must immediately report the matter to the Minister.
(sec.16A-ssec.4) In subsection (2) — quarter means a 3-month period ending on 31 March, 30 June, 30 September or 31 December.
(a) within 1 month after the end of each quarter; and
(b) at any other time at the Minister’s request.
sec.16B
Chairperson to give business plan to Minister
sec.16B Chairperson to give business plan to Minister
The chairperson must give the Minister a copy of each business plan, prepared by the chief executive officer, by 30 April in the year for which the plan is prepared.
The chairperson must not give a copy of a business plan to the Minister unless the board has approved the business plan.
s 16B ins 2004 No. 28 s 15
(sec.16B-ssec.1) The chairperson must give the Minister a copy of each business plan, prepared by the chief executive officer, by 30 April in the year for which the plan is prepared.
(sec.16B-ssec.2) The chairperson must not give a copy of a business plan to the Minister unless the board has approved the business plan.
sec.16C
Reporting and accountability
sec.16C Reporting and accountability
The Minister may, at any time, require the chairperson to give the Minister stated information and reports in the way, and within the time, the Minister requires.
The chairperson must comply with the requirement to the extent the chairperson is able to comply with it.
If the chairperson can not comply with the requirement, the chairperson must give the Minister reasons for not being able to comply.
The chairperson must give the Minister a report on any matter of which the chairperson becomes aware that may significantly affect the authority’s ability to perform its functions.
The chairperson must give the Minister a report mentioned in subsection (4) as soon as practicable but within 1 month after the chairperson first becomes aware of the matter.
s 16C ins 2004 No. 28 s 15
(sec.16C-ssec.1) The Minister may, at any time, require the chairperson to give the Minister stated information and reports in the way, and within the time, the Minister requires.
(sec.16C-ssec.2) The chairperson must comply with the requirement to the extent the chairperson is able to comply with it.
(sec.16C-ssec.3) If the chairperson can not comply with the requirement, the chairperson must give the Minister reasons for not being able to comply.
(sec.16C-ssec.4) The chairperson must give the Minister a report on any matter of which the chairperson becomes aware that may significantly affect the authority’s ability to perform its functions.
(sec.16C-ssec.5) The chairperson must give the Minister a report mentioned in subsection (4) as soon as practicable but within 1 month after the chairperson first becomes aware of the matter.
sec.16CA
Acting chairperson
sec.16CA Acting chairperson
The Minister may appoint any director of the board to act as the chairperson of the board during—
any vacancy, or all vacancies, in the position; or
any period, or all periods, when the chairperson is absent from duty, or can not, for another reason, perform the chairperson’s responsibilities.
Subsection (1) does not affect the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 24B or 25 for the appointment.
s 16CA ins 2020 No. 3 s 127
(sec.16CA-ssec.1) The Minister may appoint any director of the board to act as the chairperson of the board during— any vacancy, or all vacancies, in the position; or any period, or all periods, when the chairperson is absent from duty, or can not, for another reason, perform the chairperson’s responsibilities.
(sec.16CA-ssec.2) Subsection (1) does not affect the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 24B or 25 for the appointment.
(a) any vacancy, or all vacancies, in the position; or
(b) any period, or all periods, when the chairperson is absent from duty, or can not, for another reason, perform the chairperson’s responsibilities.
pt.4-div.1A
Other provisions about directors
Other provisions about directors
sec.16D
Delegation by non-appointed directors
sec.16D Delegation by non-appointed directors
A director mentioned in section 16 (1) (a) or (b) may delegate the director’s functions under this Act to an appropriately qualified senior executive in the public service.
In this section—
appropriately qualified includes having the qualifications, experience or standing appropriate to the exercise of the function.
the person’s classification level in a department
function includes a power.
s 16D ins 2008 No. 22 s 14
(sec.16D-ssec.1) A director mentioned in section 16 (1) (a) or (b) may delegate the director’s functions under this Act to an appropriately qualified senior executive in the public service.
(sec.16D-ssec.2) In this section— appropriately qualified includes having the qualifications, experience or standing appropriate to the exercise of the function. the person’s classification level in a department function includes a power.
sec.17
Duration of appointment
sec.17 Duration of appointment
A director appointed under section 16 (1) (c) is appointed for the term, of not more than 3 years, stated in the director’s instrument of appointment.
The terms of appointment must be staggered so that, as far as practicable, half the directors’ terms end every 18 months.
The office of a director appointed under section 16 (1) (c) becomes vacant if—
the director resigns by signed notice to the Minister; or
the director is found guilty of an indictable offence or an offence against this Act; or
the director becomes employed by, or becomes a contractor of, the authority; or
the director’s appointment is ended by the Governor in Council under subsection (3) .
The Governor in Council may, at any time, end the appointment of a director for any reason or none.
s 17 amd 2004 No. 28 s 16
(sec.17-ssec.1) A director appointed under section 16 (1) (c) is appointed for the term, of not more than 3 years, stated in the director’s instrument of appointment.
(sec.17-ssec.1A) The terms of appointment must be staggered so that, as far as practicable, half the directors’ terms end every 18 months.
(sec.17-ssec.2) The office of a director appointed under section 16 (1) (c) becomes vacant if— the director resigns by signed notice to the Minister; or the director is found guilty of an indictable offence or an offence against this Act; or the director becomes employed by, or becomes a contractor of, the authority; or the director’s appointment is ended by the Governor in Council under subsection (3) .
(sec.17-ssec.3) The Governor in Council may, at any time, end the appointment of a director for any reason or none.
(a) the director resigns by signed notice to the Minister; or
(b) the director is found guilty of an indictable offence or an offence against this Act; or
(c) the director becomes employed by, or becomes a contractor of, the authority; or
(d) the director’s appointment is ended by the Governor in Council under subsection (3) .
sec.18
Conditions of appointment
sec.18 Conditions of appointment
A director is appointed on a part-time basis.
A director is entitled to be paid the remuneration and allowances fixed by the Governor in Council.
(sec.18-ssec.1) A director is appointed on a part-time basis.
(sec.18-ssec.2) A director is entitled to be paid the remuneration and allowances fixed by the Governor in Council.
pt.4-div.2
Proceedings of the board
Proceedings of the board
sec.19
Time and place of meetings
sec.19 Time and place of meetings
The board may hold its meetings when and where it decides.
However, the board must meet at least once every 3 months.
The chairperson—
may at any time call a meeting of the board; and
must call a meeting if asked by one-quarter or more of the other directors.
(sec.19-ssec.1) The board may hold its meetings when and where it decides.
(sec.19-ssec.2) However, the board must meet at least once every 3 months.
(sec.19-ssec.3) The chairperson— may at any time call a meeting of the board; and must call a meeting if asked by one-quarter or more of the other directors.
(a) may at any time call a meeting of the board; and
(b) must call a meeting if asked by one-quarter or more of the other directors.
sec.20
Conduct of proceedings
sec.20 Conduct of proceedings
The chairperson presides at all meetings of the board at which the chairperson is present.
If the chairperson is absent, the director chosen by the directors present presides.
At a meeting of the board—
a quorum is at least half of the directors; and
a question is decided by a majority of the votes of the directors present and voting; and
each director present has a vote on each question to be decided and, if the votes are equal, the director presiding has a casting vote.
The board may conduct its proceedings (including its meetings) as it considers appropriate.
The board may hold meetings, or permit directors to take part in meetings, by telephone, closed-circuit television or another form of communication.
A director who takes part in a meeting of the board under subsection (5) is taken to be present at the meeting.
A resolution is a valid resolution of the board, even though it is not passed at a meeting of the board, if—
at least half the directors give written agreement to the resolution; and
notice of the resolution is given under procedures approved by the board.
s 20 amd 2008 No. 22 s 15
(sec.20-ssec.1) The chairperson presides at all meetings of the board at which the chairperson is present.
(sec.20-ssec.2) If the chairperson is absent, the director chosen by the directors present presides.
(sec.20-ssec.3) At a meeting of the board— a quorum is at least half of the directors; and a question is decided by a majority of the votes of the directors present and voting; and each director present has a vote on each question to be decided and, if the votes are equal, the director presiding has a casting vote.
(sec.20-ssec.4) The board may conduct its proceedings (including its meetings) as it considers appropriate.
(sec.20-ssec.5) The board may hold meetings, or permit directors to take part in meetings, by telephone, closed-circuit television or another form of communication.
(sec.20-ssec.6) A director who takes part in a meeting of the board under subsection (5) is taken to be present at the meeting.
(sec.20-ssec.7) A resolution is a valid resolution of the board, even though it is not passed at a meeting of the board, if— at least half the directors give written agreement to the resolution; and notice of the resolution is given under procedures approved by the board.
(a) a quorum is at least half of the directors; and
(b) a question is decided by a majority of the votes of the directors present and voting; and
(c) each director present has a vote on each question to be decided and, if the votes are equal, the director presiding has a casting vote.
(a) at least half the directors give written agreement to the resolution; and
(b) notice of the resolution is given under procedures approved by the board.
sec.21
Disclosure of interests
sec.21 Disclosure of interests
A director must disclose to a meeting of the board a direct or indirect financial interest in an issue being considered or about to be considered by the board if—
the director, or a person who, under the regulations, is related to the director, has the interest; and
the interest could conflict with the appropriate performance of the director’s duties about the consideration of the issue.
The disclosure must be recorded in the board’s minutes and, unless the board otherwise directs, the director must not be present when the board considers the issue, or take part in a decision of the board on the issue.
Another director who also has, or who is, under the regulations, related to a person who also has, a direct or indirect financial interest in the issue must not—
be present when the board is considering its decision under subsection (2) ; or
take part in making the decision.
If, because of this section, a director is not present at a meeting of the board for the deliberation of the board about an issue, but there would be a quorum if the director were present, the remaining directors present are a quorum for the board’s deliberation or decision about the issue at the meeting.
(sec.21-ssec.1) A director must disclose to a meeting of the board a direct or indirect financial interest in an issue being considered or about to be considered by the board if— the director, or a person who, under the regulations, is related to the director, has the interest; and the interest could conflict with the appropriate performance of the director’s duties about the consideration of the issue.
(sec.21-ssec.2) The disclosure must be recorded in the board’s minutes and, unless the board otherwise directs, the director must not be present when the board considers the issue, or take part in a decision of the board on the issue.
(sec.21-ssec.3) Another director who also has, or who is, under the regulations, related to a person who also has, a direct or indirect financial interest in the issue must not— be present when the board is considering its decision under subsection (2) ; or take part in making the decision.
(sec.21-ssec.4) If, because of this section, a director is not present at a meeting of the board for the deliberation of the board about an issue, but there would be a quorum if the director were present, the remaining directors present are a quorum for the board’s deliberation or decision about the issue at the meeting.
(a) the director, or a person who, under the regulations, is related to the director, has the interest; and
(b) the interest could conflict with the appropriate performance of the director’s duties about the consideration of the issue.
(a) be present when the board is considering its decision under subsection (2) ; or
(b) take part in making the decision.
sec.22
Minutes
sec.22 Minutes
The board must keep minutes of its proceedings.
pt.4-div.3
Financial matters
Financial matters
sec.23
Application of Financial Accountability Act
sec.23 Application of Financial Accountability Act
The authority is a statutory body within the meaning of the Financial Accountability Act 2009 .
This section is enacted to avoid doubt.
s 23 amd 2009 No. 9 s 136 sch 1
(sec.23-ssec.1) The authority is a statutory body within the meaning of the Financial Accountability Act 2009 .
(sec.23-ssec.2) This section is enacted to avoid doubt.
sec.23A
Authority is a statutory body for Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982
sec.23A Authority is a statutory body for Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982
Under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 , the authority is a statutory body.
The Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 , part 2B sets out the way in which the authority’s powers under this Act are affected by the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 .
s 23A ins 1996 No. 54 s 9 sch
(sec.23A-ssec.1) Under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 , the authority is a statutory body.
(sec.23A-ssec.2) The Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 , part 2B sets out the way in which the authority’s powers under this Act are affected by the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 .
sec.24
Administration budget
sec.24 Administration budget
For each financial year, the authority must develop, adopt and submit to the Minister an administration budget not later than the day the Minister directs.
An administration budget has no effect until approved by the Minister.
During a financial year the authority may develop, adopt and submit to the Minister amendments to its administration budget.
An amendment has no effect until approved by the Minister.
(sec.24-ssec.1) For each financial year, the authority must develop, adopt and submit to the Minister an administration budget not later than the day the Minister directs.
(sec.24-ssec.2) An administration budget has no effect until approved by the Minister.
(sec.24-ssec.3) During a financial year the authority may develop, adopt and submit to the Minister amendments to its administration budget.
(sec.24-ssec.4) An amendment has no effect until approved by the Minister.
pt.4-div.4
Other things about the authority
Other things about the authority
sec.25
Seal
sec.25 Seal
Judicial notice must be taken of the imprint of the authority’s seal appearing on a document, and the document must be presumed to have been properly sealed unless the contrary is proved.
sec.26
Application of certain Acts
sec.26 Application of certain Acts
The authority is—
a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 ; and
a prescribed entity for the Public Sector Act 2022 , section 25 , definition prescribed entity , paragraph (c) .
s 26 amd 2001 No. 69 s 378 sch 1 ; 2008 No. 38 s 252 sch 3 ; 2014 No. 21 s 94 (2) sch 2 ; 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
(a) a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 ; and
(b) a prescribed entity for the Public Sector Act 2022 , section 25 , definition prescribed entity , paragraph (c) .
sec.27
Delegation
sec.27 Delegation
The authority may delegate the authority’s functions and powers under this Act or another Act to a director or an appropriately qualified officer of the authority.
s 27 amd 2017 No. 7 s 130
pt.5
Staff of the authority
Staff of the authority
pt.5-div.1
Chief executive officer
Chief executive officer
sec.28
Chief executive officer
sec.28 Chief executive officer
The authority must have a chief executive officer (however called).
The chief executive officer is responsible for ensuring the authority is managed as required by the policies of the board.
(sec.28-ssec.1) The authority must have a chief executive officer (however called).
(sec.28-ssec.2) The chief executive officer is responsible for ensuring the authority is managed as required by the policies of the board.
sec.29
Appointment
sec.29 Appointment
The chief executive officer is appointed by the Governor in Council.
sec.30
Restriction on appointment
sec.30 Restriction on appointment
A director must not be appointed as chief executive officer.
sec.31
Chief executive officer appointed under this Act
sec.31 Chief executive officer appointed under this Act
The chief executive officer is to be appointed under this Act, and not under the Public Sector Act 2022 .
s 31 sub 1996 No. 37 s 147 sch 2 ; 2004 No. 28 s 17
amd 2008 No. 38 s 252 sch 3 ; 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
sec.32
Term of appointment
sec.32 Term of appointment
The chief executive officer holds office for the term (not longer than 5 years) stated by the Governor in Council in the instrument of appointment.
sec.32A
Resignation
sec.32A Resignation
The chief executive officer may resign by signed written notice given to the Minister.
s 32A ins 2020 No. 3 s 128
sec.33
Chief executive officer not to engage in other paid employment
sec.33 Chief executive officer not to engage in other paid employment
The chief executive officer must not, without the approval of the board—
engage in paid employment outside the duties of the office of chief executive officer; or
actively take part in the activities of a business, or in the management of a corporation carrying on business.
(a) engage in paid employment outside the duties of the office of chief executive officer; or
(b) actively take part in the activities of a business, or in the management of a corporation carrying on business.
sec.34
Conditions of appointment
sec.34 Conditions of appointment
The chief executive officer holds office on the conditions (including conditions for remuneration, allowances and remuneration when the appointment ends) fixed by the authority.
sec.35
Acting chief executive officer
sec.35 Acting chief executive officer
The board may appoint a person, who is eligible for appointment as chief executive officer, to act in the office of chief executive officer during—
any vacancy, or all vacancies, in the office; or
any period, or all periods, when the chief executive officer is absent from duty, or cannot, for another reason, perform the duties of the office.
Subsection (1) does not affect the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 24B or 25 for the appointment.
s 35 amd 2013 No. 41 s 76 ; 2017 No. 7 s 131
(sec.35-ssec.1) The board may appoint a person, who is eligible for appointment as chief executive officer, to act in the office of chief executive officer during— any vacancy, or all vacancies, in the office; or any period, or all periods, when the chief executive officer is absent from duty, or cannot, for another reason, perform the duties of the office.
(sec.35-ssec.2) Subsection (1) does not affect the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 24B or 25 for the appointment.
(a) any vacancy, or all vacancies, in the office; or
(b) any period, or all periods, when the chief executive officer is absent from duty, or cannot, for another reason, perform the duties of the office.
sec.35A
Chief executive officer to prepare business plan
sec.35A Chief executive officer to prepare business plan
Without limiting section 28 (2) , the chief executive officer must—
prepare a business plan for each year; and
give the plan to the board by 31 March in the year for which the plan is prepared.
The business plan must cover the authority’s operations for the year in which the plan is prepared and the following 2 years.
s 35A ins 2004 No. 28 s 18
(sec.35A-ssec.1) Without limiting section 28 (2) , the chief executive officer must— prepare a business plan for each year; and give the plan to the board by 31 March in the year for which the plan is prepared.
(sec.35A-ssec.2) The business plan must cover the authority’s operations for the year in which the plan is prepared and the following 2 years.
(a) prepare a business plan for each year; and
(b) give the plan to the board by 31 March in the year for which the plan is prepared.
sec.35B
Delegation
sec.35B Delegation
The chief executive officer may, with the board’s approval, delegate the chief executive officer’s functions under this Act or another Act, including a function delegated to the chief executive officer by the authority, to an appropriately qualified employee of the authority.
In this section—
function includes power.
s 35B ins 2013 No. 41 s 77
amd 2017 No. 7 s 132
(sec.35B-ssec.1) The chief executive officer may, with the board’s approval, delegate the chief executive officer’s functions under this Act or another Act, including a function delegated to the chief executive officer by the authority, to an appropriately qualified employee of the authority.
(sec.35B-ssec.2) In this section— function includes power.
pt.5-div.2
Staffing the authority
Staffing the authority
sec.36
Authority staff
sec.36 Authority staff
The authority may engage the employees it considers necessary to perform its functions.
The authority may decide its employees’ conditions of employment.
However, subsection (2) has effect subject to any relevant industrial instrument.
The authority’s employees are to be employed under this Act, and not under the Public Sector Act 2022 .
In subsection (2) —
conditions of employment includes conditions about duration of the employment and ending the employment.
s 36 amd 1996 No. 37 s 147 sch 2 ; 2008 No. 38 s 252 sch 3; 2016 No. 63 s 1157 sch 6 ; 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
(sec.36-ssec.1) The authority may engage the employees it considers necessary to perform its functions.
(sec.36-ssec.2) The authority may decide its employees’ conditions of employment.
(sec.36-ssec.3) However, subsection (2) has effect subject to any relevant industrial instrument.
(sec.36-ssec.4) The authority’s employees are to be employed under this Act, and not under the Public Sector Act 2022 .
(sec.36-ssec.5) In subsection (2) — conditions of employment includes conditions about duration of the employment and ending the employment.
sec.37
Alternative staffing arrangements
sec.37 Alternative staffing arrangements
The authority may arrange with the chief executive of a department, an authority of the State or a government owned corporation, for the services of officers or employees of the department, authority or corporation to be made available to the authority.
pt.5-div.3
Conflict of interest
Conflict of interest
sec.38
Disclosure of interests
sec.38 Disclosure of interests
This section applies to an officer of the authority if—
the officer, or a person who, under the regulations, is related to the officer, has a direct or indirect financial interest in an issue being decided, or about to be decided by the authority (whether or not under a delegation from the authority); and
the interest could conflict with the proper performance of the officer’s duties about the decision.
As soon as practicable after the officer becomes aware of the facts causing this section to apply to the officer, the officer must disclose the nature of the interest to the authority.
(sec.38-ssec.1) This section applies to an officer of the authority if— the officer, or a person who, under the regulations, is related to the officer, has a direct or indirect financial interest in an issue being decided, or about to be decided by the authority (whether or not under a delegation from the authority); and the interest could conflict with the proper performance of the officer’s duties about the decision.
(sec.38-ssec.2) As soon as practicable after the officer becomes aware of the facts causing this section to apply to the officer, the officer must disclose the nature of the interest to the authority.
(a) the officer, or a person who, under the regulations, is related to the officer, has a direct or indirect financial interest in an issue being decided, or about to be decided by the authority (whether or not under a delegation from the authority); and
(b) the interest could conflict with the proper performance of the officer’s duties about the decision.
pt.6
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
sec.39
Duty to act honestly
sec.39 Duty to act honestly
This section applies to a person who is a director or an officer of the authority.
A person to whom this section applies must at all times act honestly in the exercise of the person’s powers and the discharge of the person’s duties.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
(sec.39-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who is a director or an officer of the authority.
(sec.39-ssec.2) A person to whom this section applies must at all times act honestly in the exercise of the person’s powers and the discharge of the person’s duties. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
sec.40
Disclosure of information
sec.40 Disclosure of information
A person must not disclose information obtained in the administration of this Act (or another Act giving functions to the authority) unless the disclosure is made—
with the agreement of the person from whom the information was obtained; or
for the administration of this Act (or another Act giving functions to the authority); or
in legal proceedings; or
under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 or the Ombudsman Act 2001 ; or
with another lawful excuse.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
s 40 amd 2001 No. 69 s 378 sch 1 ; 2001 No. 73 s 96 sch 1 ; 2014 No. 21 s 94 (2) sch 2
(a) with the agreement of the person from whom the information was obtained; or
(b) for the administration of this Act (or another Act giving functions to the authority); or
(c) in legal proceedings; or
(d) under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 or the Ombudsman Act 2001 ; or
(e) with another lawful excuse.
sec.41
False or misleading information
sec.41 False or misleading information
A person must not for the purposes of this Act, including for the purpose of an application for financial assistance under this Act—
state anything the person knows is false or misleading in a material particular; or
omit from a statement anything without which the statement is, to the person’s knowledge, misleading in a material particular.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
It is enough for a complaint against a person for an offence against subsection (1) (a) or (b) to state that the statement made was false or misleading to the person’s knowledge.
(sec.41-ssec.1) A person must not for the purposes of this Act, including for the purpose of an application for financial assistance under this Act— state anything the person knows is false or misleading in a material particular; or omit from a statement anything without which the statement is, to the person’s knowledge, misleading in a material particular. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
(sec.41-ssec.2) It is enough for a complaint against a person for an offence against subsection (1) (a) or (b) to state that the statement made was false or misleading to the person’s knowledge.
(a) state anything the person knows is false or misleading in a material particular; or
(b) omit from a statement anything without which the statement is, to the person’s knowledge, misleading in a material particular.
sec.42
False or misleading documents
sec.42 False or misleading documents
A person must not, for the purposes of this Act, including for the purpose of an application for financial assistance under this Act, give to the authority a document containing information the person knows is false, misleading or incomplete in a material particular.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who, when giving the document—
informs the authority, to the best of the person’s ability, how it is false, misleading or incomplete; and
if the person has, or can reasonably obtain, the correct information—gives the correct information to the authority.
It is enough for a complaint against a person for an offence against subsection (1) to state that the document was false, misleading or incomplete to the person’s knowledge.
(sec.42-ssec.1) A person must not, for the purposes of this Act, including for the purpose of an application for financial assistance under this Act, give to the authority a document containing information the person knows is false, misleading or incomplete in a material particular. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
(sec.42-ssec.2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who, when giving the document— informs the authority, to the best of the person’s ability, how it is false, misleading or incomplete; and if the person has, or can reasonably obtain, the correct information—gives the correct information to the authority.
(sec.42-ssec.3) It is enough for a complaint against a person for an offence against subsection (1) to state that the document was false, misleading or incomplete to the person’s knowledge.
(a) informs the authority, to the best of the person’s ability, how it is false, misleading or incomplete; and
(b) if the person has, or can reasonably obtain, the correct information—gives the correct information to the authority.
sec.43
Calling up financial assistance obtained by false statement
sec.43 Calling up financial assistance obtained by false statement
This section applies to financial assistance given under this Act to a person who—
in applying for the financial assistance contravened section 41 (False or misleading information) or 42 (False or misleading documents); and
would not otherwise have been given the financial assistance.
The authority may, by notice given to a person who has received financial assistance to which this section applies—
call up a loan or other amount given as the financial assistance; and
exercise the authority’s rights under a security for the loan or other amount.
If the authority calls up a loan or other amount under this section, the amount is payable from the day the notice is given, or from a later day stated in the notice.
(sec.43-ssec.1) This section applies to financial assistance given under this Act to a person who— in applying for the financial assistance contravened section 41 (False or misleading information) or 42 (False or misleading documents); and would not otherwise have been given the financial assistance.
(sec.43-ssec.2) The authority may, by notice given to a person who has received financial assistance to which this section applies— call up a loan or other amount given as the financial assistance; and exercise the authority’s rights under a security for the loan or other amount.
(sec.43-ssec.3) If the authority calls up a loan or other amount under this section, the amount is payable from the day the notice is given, or from a later day stated in the notice.
(a) in applying for the financial assistance contravened section 41 (False or misleading information) or 42 (False or misleading documents); and
(b) would not otherwise have been given the financial assistance.
(a) call up a loan or other amount given as the financial assistance; and
(b) exercise the authority’s rights under a security for the loan or other amount.
sec.44
Regulation-making power
sec.44 Regulation-making power
The Governor in Council may make regulations under this Act.
s 44 sub 2008 No. 22 s 16
sec.45
Review of Act
sec.45 Review of Act
The Minister must, within each period of 10 years after 1 July 2013, review this Act to decide whether its provisions remain appropriate.
The Minister must, as soon as practicable after finishing each review, table a report about the outcome of the review in the Legislative Assembly.
s 45 prev s 45 exp 1 October 1995 (see s 45(2))
pres s 45 ins 2004 No. 28 s 19
amd 2013 No. 41 s 78
(sec.45-ssec.1) The Minister must, within each period of 10 years after 1 July 2013, review this Act to decide whether its provisions remain appropriate.
(sec.45-ssec.2) The Minister must, as soon as practicable after finishing each review, table a report about the outcome of the review in the Legislative Assembly.
pt.7
Savings, transitional and validation provisions for Act No. 50 of 1994
Savings, transitional and validation provisions for Act No. 50 of 1994
pt.7-div.1
pt.7-div.2
Transitional references
Transitional references
sec.46
Application of division
sec.46 Application of division
This division applies to references in Acts in existence at its commencement.
sec.47
References to Acts
sec.47 References to Acts
A reference to any of the following Acts is taken to be a reference to this Act—
Agricultural Bank (Loans) Act 1959
Co-ordination of Rural Advances and Agricultural Bank Act 1938
Farmers’ Assistance (Debts Adjustment) Act 1967
Farm Water Supplies Assistance Act 1958
Primary Producers’ Assistance Act 1972.
s 47 amd 1995 No. 57 s 4 sch 1
• Agricultural Bank (Loans) Act 1959
• Co-ordination of Rural Advances and Agricultural Bank Act 1938
• Farmers’ Assistance (Debts Adjustment) Act 1967
• Farm Water Supplies Assistance Act 1958
• Primary Producers’ Assistance Act 1972.
sec.48
Section sec.48
s 48 exp 1 October 1995 (see s 48(4))
AIA s 20A applies (see s 48(3))
sec.49
Section sec.49
s 49 exp 1 October 1995 (see s 49(3))
AIA s 20A applies (see s 49(2))
sec.50
Section sec.50
s 50 exp 1 October 1997 (see s 50(3))
pt.7-div.3
sec.51
Section sec.51
s 51 amd 2000 No. 46 s 3 sch
exp 1 October 2004 (see s 51(5))
pt.7-div.4
pt.8
Other repeal, savings and transitional provisions
Other repeal, savings and transitional provisions
pt.8-div.1
Transitional provisions for Rural Adjustment Authority Amendment Act 2004
Transitional provisions for Rural Adjustment Authority Amendment Act 2004
sec.52
Continuance of authority
sec.52 Continuance of authority
The Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority established under this Act, as in force immediately before the commencement of this section, is continued in existence as QRAA.
s 52 prev s 52 exp 1 October 1995 (see s 52(3))
pres s 52 ins 2004 No. 28 s 21
sec.53
Transitional appointments of directors of board
sec.53 Transitional appointments of directors of board
This section applies to a person holding appointment as a director immediately before the commencement of this section.
The term of appointment stated in the person’s instrument of appointment as a director continues to apply as if section 17 had not been amended by the Rural Adjustment Authority Amendment Act 2004 .
s 53 orig s 53 exp 1 April 1995 (see s 53)
prev s 53 ins 1995 No. 57 s 4 sch 1
exp 28 May 1996 (see s 53(4))
pres s 53 ins 2004 No. 28 s 21
(sec.53-ssec.1) This section applies to a person holding appointment as a director immediately before the commencement of this section.
(sec.53-ssec.2) The term of appointment stated in the person’s instrument of appointment as a director continues to apply as if section 17 had not been amended by the Rural Adjustment Authority Amendment Act 2004 .
sec.54
Existing approved assistance schemes
sec.54 Existing approved assistance schemes
A transitional scheme is, for the transitional period for the scheme, taken to be an approved assistance scheme.
A transitional scheme may be read with the changes necessary to—
make it consistent with this Act; and
adapt its operation to the provisions of this Act.
In this section—
transitional period , for a transitional scheme, means the period from the commencement of this section until—
2 years after the commencement; or
the transitional scheme is earlier approved under section 11(1)(c).
transitional scheme means an approved assistance scheme in existence under this Act immediately before the commencement of this section.
s 54 prev s 54 exp 1 April 1995 (see s 53)
pres s 54 ins 2004 No. 28 s 21
(sec.54-ssec.1) A transitional scheme is, for the transitional period for the scheme, taken to be an approved assistance scheme.
(sec.54-ssec.2) A transitional scheme may be read with the changes necessary to— make it consistent with this Act; and adapt its operation to the provisions of this Act.
(sec.54-ssec.3) In this section— transitional period , for a transitional scheme, means the period from the commencement of this section until— 2 years after the commencement; or the transitional scheme is earlier approved under section 11(1)(c). transitional scheme means an approved assistance scheme in existence under this Act immediately before the commencement of this section.
(a) make it consistent with this Act; and
(b) adapt its operation to the provisions of this Act.
(a) 2 years after the commencement; or
(b) the transitional scheme is earlier approved under section 11(1)(c).
pt.8-div.2
Transitional provisions for Farm Business Debt Mediation Act 2017
Transitional provisions for Farm Business Debt Mediation Act 2017
sec.55
Authority continues
sec.55 Authority continues
The QRAA established under this Act, as in force immediately before this section commenced, is continued as the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority.
s 55 prev s 55 exp 1 April 1995 (see s 53)
pres s 55 ins 2017 No. 7 s 134
sec.56
References to QRAA
sec.56 References to QRAA
In an Act or other document, a reference to QRAA, may, if the context permits, be taken to be a reference to the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority.
s 56 prev s 56 exp 1 April 1995 (see s 53)
pres s 56 ins 2017 No. 7 s 134
pt.8-div.3
Repeal, savings and transitional provisions for repeal of Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges Act 2005
Repeal, savings and transitional provisions for repeal of Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges Act 2005
sec.57
Repeal
sec.57 Repeal
The Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges Act 2005 , No. 20 is repealed.
s 57 ins 2020 No. 3 s 128B
sec.58
Definitions for subdivision
sec.58 Definitions for subdivision
In this subdivision—
QATC means the Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges in existence under the repealed Act before the commencement.
repealed Act means the repealed Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges Act 2005 .
s 58 ins 2020 No. 3 s 128B
sec.59
Words have meanings given by repealed Act
sec.59 Words have meanings given by repealed Act
Words defined under the repealed Act immediately before its repeal and used in this subdivision have the same meanings as they had under the repealed Act.
s 59 ins 2020 No. 3 s 128B
sec.60
QATC and other entities
sec.60 QATC and other entities
On the commencement—
QATC and its board are dissolved; and
QATC’s principal executive officer and each member of its board go out of office; and
each board committee, if any, is dissolved and each member of the board committee goes out of office; and
each college board, if any, is dissolved and each member of the college board goes out of office; and
a college director goes out of office.
No compensation is payable to a person because of subsection (1).
To remove any doubt, it is declared that subsection (2) does not limit or otherwise affect a person’s right to a benefit or entitlement that had accrued before the commencement.
s 60 ins 2020 No. 3 s 128B
(sec.60-ssec.1) On the commencement— QATC and its board are dissolved; and QATC’s principal executive officer and each member of its board go out of office; and each board committee, if any, is dissolved and each member of the board committee goes out of office; and each college board, if any, is dissolved and each member of the college board goes out of office; and a college director goes out of office.
(sec.60-ssec.2) No compensation is payable to a person because of subsection (1).
(sec.60-ssec.3) To remove any doubt, it is declared that subsection (2) does not limit or otherwise affect a person’s right to a benefit or entitlement that had accrued before the commencement.
(a) QATC and its board are dissolved; and
(b) QATC’s principal executive officer and each member of its board go out of office; and
(c) each board committee, if any, is dissolved and each member of the board committee goes out of office; and
(d) each college board, if any, is dissolved and each member of the college board goes out of office; and
(e) a college director goes out of office.
sec.61
State is successor in law of QATC
sec.61 State is successor in law of QATC
The State is the successor in law of QATC.
Subsection (1) is not limited by another provision of this subdivision.
s 61 ins 2020 No. 3 s 128B
(sec.61-ssec.1) The State is the successor in law of QATC.
(sec.61-ssec.2) Subsection (1) is not limited by another provision of this subdivision.
sec.62
Assets and liabilities
sec.62 Assets and liabilities
On the commencement, the assets and liabilities of QATC immediately before the commencement become assets and liabilities of the State held in the department.
s 62 ins 2020 No. 3 s 128B
sec.63
Records and other documents
sec.63 Records and other documents
On the commencement, QATC’s records and other documents held by QATC immediately before the commencement become records and other documents of the State held in the department.
s 63 ins 2020 No. 3 s 128B
sec.64
Current instruments
sec.64 Current instruments
This section applies to a contract or other instrument to which QATC was a party, or that otherwise applied to QATC, immediately before the commencement (a current instrument ).
The State is a party to the current instrument, or the current instrument otherwise applies to the State, in place of QATC.
Without limiting subsection (2)—
any right, title, interest or liability of QATC arising under or relating to a current instrument is a right, title, interest or liability of the State; and
a current instrument, including a benefit or right provided by a current instrument, given to, by or in favour of QATC before the commencement is taken to have been given to, by or in favour of the State; and
an application relating to a current instrument made in the name of QATC before the commencement is taken to have been made in the name of the State; and
a current instrument under which an amount is, or may become, payable to or by QATC is taken to be an instrument under which the amount is, or may become, payable to or by the State in the way the amount was, or might have become, payable to or by QATC; and
a current instrument under which property, other than money, is or may become liable to be transferred, conveyed or assigned to or by QATC is taken to be an instrument under which property is, or may become liable to be, transferred, conveyed or assigned to or by the State in the way the property was, or might have become, liable to be transferred, conveyed or assigned to or by QATC.
This section applies subject to section 69.
s 64 ins 2020 No. 3 s 128B
(sec.64-ssec.1) This section applies to a contract or other instrument to which QATC was a party, or that otherwise applied to QATC, immediately before the commencement (a current instrument ).
(sec.64-ssec.2) The State is a party to the current instrument, or the current instrument otherwise applies to the State, in place of QATC.
(sec.64-ssec.3) Without limiting subsection (2)— any right, title, interest or liability of QATC arising under or relating to a current instrument is a right, title, interest or liability of the State; and a current instrument, including a benefit or right provided by a current instrument, given to, by or in favour of QATC before the commencement is taken to have been given to, by or in favour of the State; and an application relating to a current instrument made in the name of QATC before the commencement is taken to have been made in the name of the State; and a current instrument under which an amount is, or may become, payable to or by QATC is taken to be an instrument under which the amount is, or may become, payable to or by the State in the way the amount was, or might have become, payable to or by QATC; and a current instrument under which property, other than money, is or may become liable to be transferred, conveyed or assigned to or by QATC is taken to be an instrument under which property is, or may become liable to be, transferred, conveyed or assigned to or by the State in the way the property was, or might have become, liable to be transferred, conveyed or assigned to or by QATC.
(sec.64-ssec.4) This section applies subject to section 69.
(a) any right, title, interest or liability of QATC arising under or relating to a current instrument is a right, title, interest or liability of the State; and
(b) a current instrument, including a benefit or right provided by a current instrument, given to, by or in favour of QATC before the commencement is taken to have been given to, by or in favour of the State; and
(c) an application relating to a current instrument made in the name of QATC before the commencement is taken to have been made in the name of the State; and
(d) a current instrument under which an amount is, or may become, payable to or by QATC is taken to be an instrument under which the amount is, or may become, payable to or by the State in the way the amount was, or might have become, payable to or by QATC; and
(e) a current instrument under which property, other than money, is or may become liable to be transferred, conveyed or assigned to or by QATC is taken to be an instrument under which property is, or may become liable to be, transferred, conveyed or assigned to or by the State in the way the property was, or might have become, liable to be transferred, conveyed or assigned to or by QATC.
sec.65
References to QATC
sec.65 References to QATC
In an Act or document, a reference to QATC is, if the context permits, taken to be a reference to the State.
s 65 ins 2020 No. 3 s 128B
sec.66
Current proceedings
sec.66 Current proceedings
This section applies to a proceeding that, immediately before the commencement, had not ended and to which QATC was a party.
On the commencement, the State becomes a party to the proceeding in place of QATC.
s 66 ins 2020 No. 3 s 128B
(sec.66-ssec.1) This section applies to a proceeding that, immediately before the commencement, had not ended and to which QATC was a party.
(sec.66-ssec.2) On the commencement, the State becomes a party to the proceeding in place of QATC.
sec.67
Proceedings not yet started
sec.67 Proceedings not yet started
This section applies if, immediately before the commencement, a proceeding could have been started by or against QATC within a particular period.
The proceeding may be started by or against the State within the period.
s 67 ins 2020 No. 3 s 128B
(sec.67-ssec.1) This section applies if, immediately before the commencement, a proceeding could have been started by or against QATC within a particular period.
(sec.67-ssec.2) The proceeding may be started by or against the State within the period.
sec.68
Registering authority to note transfer or other dealing
sec.68 Registering authority to note transfer or other dealing
A registering authority must, on written application by the chief executive and without charge, register or record in the appropriate way a transfer of, or other dealing affecting, an asset, liability or instrument under this subdivision.
The chief executive must comply with any relevant procedures required by the registering authority for the purpose of registering or recording the transfer or other dealing.
In this section—
registering authority means the registrar of titles or another entity required or authorised by law to register or record transactions affecting assets, liabilities or instruments.
s 68 ins 2020 No. 3 s 128B
(sec.68-ssec.1) A registering authority must, on written application by the chief executive and without charge, register or record in the appropriate way a transfer of, or other dealing affecting, an asset, liability or instrument under this subdivision.
(sec.68-ssec.2) The chief executive must comply with any relevant procedures required by the registering authority for the purpose of registering or recording the transfer or other dealing.
(sec.68-ssec.3) In this section— registering authority means the registrar of titles or another entity required or authorised by law to register or record transactions affecting assets, liabilities or instruments.
sec.69
Matters relating to employment
sec.69 Matters relating to employment
On the commencement—
a person who, immediately before the commencement, is employed by QATC on a permanent full-time or permanent part-time basis, other than the principal executive officer or a college director, becomes a public service employee of the department; and
a work performance arrangement, under section 15 of the repealed Act, between QATC and another government entity ends; and
despite the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 2016 , the following instruments stop having effect—
the instrument called the ‘Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges Certified Agreement 2016’;
the instrument called the ‘Queensland Agricultural Colleges Award—State 2015’.
The change of employer under subsection (1)(a) does not—
interrupt a person’s continuity of service; or
prejudice an employee’s existing or accruing right to long service leave; or
constitute a termination of employment by QATC, retrenchment or redundancy; or
entitle a person to a payment or other benefit merely because the person is no longer employed by QATC.
s 69 ins 2020 No. 3 s 128B
(sec.69-ssec.1) On the commencement— a person who, immediately before the commencement, is employed by QATC on a permanent full-time or permanent part-time basis, other than the principal executive officer or a college director, becomes a public service employee of the department; and a work performance arrangement, under section 15 of the repealed Act, between QATC and another government entity ends; and despite the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 2016 , the following instruments stop having effect— the instrument called the ‘Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges Certified Agreement 2016’; the instrument called the ‘Queensland Agricultural Colleges Award—State 2015’.
(sec.69-ssec.2) The change of employer under subsection (1)(a) does not— interrupt a person’s continuity of service; or prejudice an employee’s existing or accruing right to long service leave; or constitute a termination of employment by QATC, retrenchment or redundancy; or entitle a person to a payment or other benefit merely because the person is no longer employed by QATC.
(a) a person who, immediately before the commencement, is employed by QATC on a permanent full-time or permanent part-time basis, other than the principal executive officer or a college director, becomes a public service employee of the department; and
(b) a work performance arrangement, under section 15 of the repealed Act, between QATC and another government entity ends; and
(c) despite the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 2016 , the following instruments stop having effect— (i) the instrument called the ‘Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges Certified Agreement 2016’; (ii) the instrument called the ‘Queensland Agricultural Colleges Award—State 2015’.
(i) the instrument called the ‘Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges Certified Agreement 2016’;
(ii) the instrument called the ‘Queensland Agricultural Colleges Award—State 2015’.
(i) the instrument called the ‘Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges Certified Agreement 2016’;
(ii) the instrument called the ‘Queensland Agricultural Colleges Award—State 2015’.
(a) interrupt a person’s continuity of service; or
(b) prejudice an employee’s existing or accruing right to long service leave; or
(c) constitute a termination of employment by QATC, retrenchment or redundancy; or
(d) entitle a person to a payment or other benefit merely because the person is no longer employed by QATC.
sec.70
Effect on legal relationships
sec.70 Effect on legal relationships
A thing done under this subdivision—
does not make the State liable for a civil wrong or a contravention of a law or for a breach of a contract or confidence; and
does not make the State in breach of any instrument, including an instrument prohibiting, restricting or regulating the assignment, novation or transfer of a right or liability or the disclosure of information; and
does not fulfil a condition that—
terminates, or allows a person to terminate, an instrument or obligation; or
modifies, or allows a person to modify, the operation or effect of an instrument or obligation; or
allows a person to avoid or enforce an obligation or liability contained in an instrument or requires a person to perform an obligation contained in an instrument; or
requires any money to be paid before its stated maturity; and
does not release a surety or other obligee, wholly or partly, from an obligation.
If, apart from this subsection, the advice, consent or approval of a person would be necessary to do something under this subdivision, the advice is taken to have been obtained or the consent or approval is taken to have been given unconditionally.
If giving notice to a person would be necessary to do something under this subdivision, the notice is taken to have been given.
A reference in this section to the State includes an employee or agent of the State.
s 70 ins 2020 No. 3 s 128B
(sec.70-ssec.1) A thing done under this subdivision— does not make the State liable for a civil wrong or a contravention of a law or for a breach of a contract or confidence; and does not make the State in breach of any instrument, including an instrument prohibiting, restricting or regulating the assignment, novation or transfer of a right or liability or the disclosure of information; and does not fulfil a condition that— terminates, or allows a person to terminate, an instrument or obligation; or modifies, or allows a person to modify, the operation or effect of an instrument or obligation; or allows a person to avoid or enforce an obligation or liability contained in an instrument or requires a person to perform an obligation contained in an instrument; or requires any money to be paid before its stated maturity; and does not release a surety or other obligee, wholly or partly, from an obligation.
(sec.70-ssec.2) If, apart from this subsection, the advice, consent or approval of a person would be necessary to do something under this subdivision, the advice is taken to have been obtained or the consent or approval is taken to have been given unconditionally.
(sec.70-ssec.3) If giving notice to a person would be necessary to do something under this subdivision, the notice is taken to have been given.
(sec.70-ssec.4) A reference in this section to the State includes an employee or agent of the State.
(a) does not make the State liable for a civil wrong or a contravention of a law or for a breach of a contract or confidence; and
(b) does not make the State in breach of any instrument, including an instrument prohibiting, restricting or regulating the assignment, novation or transfer of a right or liability or the disclosure of information; and
(c) does not fulfil a condition that— (i) terminates, or allows a person to terminate, an instrument or obligation; or (ii) modifies, or allows a person to modify, the operation or effect of an instrument or obligation; or (iii) allows a person to avoid or enforce an obligation or liability contained in an instrument or requires a person to perform an obligation contained in an instrument; or (iv) requires any money to be paid before its stated maturity; and
(i) terminates, or allows a person to terminate, an instrument or obligation; or
(ii) modifies, or allows a person to modify, the operation or effect of an instrument or obligation; or
(iii) allows a person to avoid or enforce an obligation or liability contained in an instrument or requires a person to perform an obligation contained in an instrument; or
(iv) requires any money to be paid before its stated maturity; and
(d) does not release a surety or other obligee, wholly or partly, from an obligation.
(i) terminates, or allows a person to terminate, an instrument or obligation; or
(ii) modifies, or allows a person to modify, the operation or effect of an instrument or obligation; or
(iii) allows a person to avoid or enforce an obligation or liability contained in an instrument or requires a person to perform an obligation contained in an instrument; or
(iv) requires any money to be paid before its stated maturity; and
Source text: opening excerpt
Sourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
pt.1 Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1 Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Rural and Regional Adjustment Act 1994 .
s 1 sub 2004 No. 28 s 4
Section sec.2
s 2 om 2004 No. 28 s 5
sec.3 Object of Act
sec.3 Object of Act
The object of this Act is to establish the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority primarily to administer assistance schemes that foster the development of a more productive and sustainable rural and regional sector in Queensland.
The authority may also—
support the State’s economy by administering schemes to give assistance to primary producers, small businesses or other elements of the State’s economy—
in periods when they are experiencing temporary difficulty; or
to otherwise benefit the State’s economy; and
support communities in the State and build its own effectiveness by administering schemes to give assistance that benefits these communities, including, for example, by giving assistance to persons and organisations that contribute to these communities; and
community service, sporting and cultural organisations
give assistance and build its own effectiveness by administering schemes or parts of schemes for the Commonwealth and other States in rural and regional sectors outside Queensland.
conducting financial analysis of applications for assistance under an authorised interstate scheme
reviewing an authorised interstate scheme
providing advice on applications for financial assistance under an authorised interstate scheme
s 3 amd 2004 No. 28 s 6
sub 2008 No. 22 s 4
amd 2013 No. 41 s 73 ; 2017 No. 7 s 123
(sec.3-ssec.1) The object of this Act is to establish the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority primarily to administer assistance schemes that foster the development of a more productive and sustainable rural and regional sector in Queensland.
(sec.3-ssec.2) The authority may also— support the State’s economy by administering schemes to give assistance to primary producers, small businesses or other elements of the State’s economy— in periods when they are experiencing temporary difficulty; or to otherwise benefit the State’s economy; and support communities in the State and build its own effectiveness by administering schemes to give assistance that benefits these communities, including, for example, by giving assistance to persons and organisations that contribute to these communities; and community service, sporting and cultural organisations give assistance and build its own effectiveness by administering schemes or parts of schemes for the Commonwealth and other States in rural and regional sectors outside Queensland. conducting financial analysis of applications for assistance under an authorised interstate scheme reviewing an authorised interstate scheme providing advice on applications for financial assistance under an authorised interstate scheme
Sets internal governance: a board (ss 14, 15), composition including the chief executive and departmental chief executive and up to five appointed directors with a chair appointed by Governor in Council (s 16), and board duties on strategy and oversight (s 15).
Provides for internal review of certain authority decisions: applications for review may be made to the chief executive officer in specified circumstances with time limits and a stay of the decision pending review (ss 13A-13C).
Imposes reporting, budgeting and financial accountability obligations: administration budgets require Ministerial approval (s 24), the authority is a statutory body for the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (ss 23, 23A).
Establishes the Farm Debt Restructure Office and a statutory schedule for rural debt surveys with powers to require information from lenders for survey purposes and confidentiality protections and penalties for misuse (ss 13D-13G, 13F, 13H-13I).
Creates criminal and civil offences for dishonest behaviour, false or misleading information or documents, and unauthorised disclosure of information with specified maximum penalties (ss 39-42, 40).
The Act therefore creates a public corporate agency with delegated discretion to design and administer narrowly defined assistance schemes, plus investigatory and reporting functions aimed at monitoring rural indebtedness. It centralises decision power in the authority and the board, while retaining Ministerial oversight through directions, reporting and budget approvals (ss 9A, 16A, 24). The Act also sets out transitional and savings provisions for previous bodies and instruments (Pt 7 and Pt 8).
Main concepts
The Act organises around a few primary legal concepts: approved assistance schemes, the authority as a statutory body with corporate capacity, governance by a board and chief executive officer, limits on assistance and interaction with financial and public sector laws, and protections and penalties for misconduct.
Approved assistance scheme. Financial assistance can only be given under an approved scheme (s 10). An approved assistance scheme is defined by three elements: it states the purpose and nature of assistance, identifies eligible categories of persons, and is approved by regulation (s 11(1)). Regulations approving schemes must set schemes out in detail (s 11(2)). Approved schemes may include conditions, provide for payments into public accounts and write-offs to loan balances (s 11(3)). Regulations may also approve Commonwealth or other State schemes if they are consistent with the Act’s object (s 11(4)-(5)). This concentrates the substantive design of financial assistance in instruments made under regulation rather than in administrative discretion alone.
Authority functions and powers. The authority’s primary function is to put approved assistance schemes into effect and directly give the assistance (s 8(1)). Other functions include education and advice to applicants, negotiating assistance funding with governments, research and policy advice to the Minister about rural financial sustainability and distressed farming businesses, liaising with lenders and industry bodies, and administering authorised interstate schemes (s 8(2)). The authority has broad powers of an individual and may, for example, enter into loan contracts, hold and dispose of property, appoint agents and charge for goods and services (s 9).
Governance. The authority has a board responsible for strategy, operational, administrative and financial policy, and for ensuring effective performance (s 15). The board composition includes the chief executive officer of the authority, the departmental chief executive and up to five Governor in Council-appointed directors with required skills (s 16). The chair must report quarterly to the Minister on performance (s 16A) and provide approved business plans (s 16B). The Minister can require information from the chairperson and give written directions in the public interest, subject to consultation and a requirement that the Minister gazette the directions and the authority include the direction in its annual report (s 9A, ss 16C, 16B).
Financial control and accountability. The authority is a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (ss 23, 23A). It must prepare an administration budget for Ministerial approval and any amendments require approval (s 24). Approved assistance funds are the funding source for assistance (s 13). The Governor in Council may make regulations, including prescribing other functions (s 44).
Decision review and safeguards. Persons dissatisfied by certain authority decisions can apply for internal review by the chief executive officer within 20 business days; the decision is stayed pending review and the chief executive must decide within 30 business days (ss 13A-13C). The Act also contains disclosure, confidentiality and misuse offences (ss 40-42) and a mechanism allowing the authority to call up assistance obtained by false or misleading statements (s 43).
Rural debt monitoring and assistance. The authority must conduct periodic rural debt surveys (s 13D), with stated terms of reference on indebtedness, categorisation of loans by viability and consultation with lenders and industry (s 13E). The authority can require lenders to supply information for the surveys, subject to specified exemptions and penalties for non-compliance (s 13F). The authority must prepare a report and give it to the Minister, who must table it in the Legislative Assembly (s 13G). The authority must also establish a Farm Debt Restructure Office to assist farmers in financial distress (ss 13H-13I).
Transitional and miscellaneous provisions. The Act contains a wide set of transitional provisions for continuance of prior bodies, transfer of assets and liabilities and employment arrangements, including the dissolution of certain agricultural training corporations and treatment of their assets and employees (Pt 7, Pt 8, ss 52-70).
Each of these concepts is implemented with specific procedural constraints, for example scheme approval by regulation (s 11), Ministerial direction subject to consultation and reporting (s 9A), and statutory offences with numerical penalty units specified (ss 39-42). The Act therefore creates a framework blending delegated regulatory instruments, administrative discretion, ministerial oversight and statutory compliance mechanisms.
Who it affects
The Act defines clear classes of affected persons and entities, and identifies who pays, who decides and who must disclose information.
Primary recipients of assistance. The immediate beneficiaries under the Act are persons and organisations eligible under approved assistance schemes. An approved scheme must identify categories of eligible persons; those categories determine who may receive loans or other assistance (s 11(1)). The authority may give assistance to primary producers, small business and other components of the State’s economy to support them in temporary difficulty or to otherwise benefit the State’s economy, and may assist community, sporting and cultural organisations where consistent with the object (s 3(2)).
Financial institutions and lenders. Banks and other financial institutions that lend to farmers are subject to the authority’s powers to require information for rural debt surveys (s 13F(1)-(2)). Those entities must comply with written notices requiring documents or access unless a specified exemption applies, including if the material is in a third party’s possession and cannot be obtained, the request would contravene law, or the material is confidential or commercially sensitive (s 13F(4)). There is a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units for failure to comply (s 13F(4)). Therefore commercial lenders are obliged to supply data for survey purposes, subject to certain limits.
Farmers and applicants. Farmers who apply for assistance are affected by application, disclosure and review rules. Applicants must not provide false or misleading information or documents; the Act makes those acts offences with maximum penalties (ss 41-42). If assistance was obtained by a contravention of those sections and would not otherwise have been given, the authority may call up the loan or exercise security rights (s 43). Farmers in financial distress are specifically targeted by the Farm Debt Restructure Office whose function is to assist such farmers (ss 13H-13I).
Authority staff, directors and the chief executive officer. The Act affects the authority’s employees and directors in several ways. Directors’ duties include acting honestly at all times; a director must disclose conflicts of interest in board meetings and refrain from participating in decisions where there is a direct or indirect financial interest (ss 21, 39). Directors appointed under s 16(1)(c) are part-time and remunerated as fixed by Governor in Council (s 18). The chief executive officer is appointed by Governor in Council, is appointed under this Act (not the Public Sector Act 2022) and must prepare business plans; the CEO may not, without board approval, engage in outside paid employment (ss 28-36).
Minister and departmental officials. The Minister has powers to issue written directions in the public interest about the authority’s functions and must consult the authority and seek its financial-interest advice before doing so; directions must be gazetted within 21 days and reported in the authority’s annual report (s 9A). The chairperson must provide quarterly reports and approved business plans to the Minister (ss 16A, 16B). The Minister also has a role in authorising the authority to tender for interstate schemes (s 11A).
Other public bodies. The authority is a statutory body for the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982, which affects how its financial powers are exercised and how budgets and borrowing arrangements are managed (ss 23, 23A). The authority is a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 and a prescribed entity under the Public Sector Act 2022 (s 26), further exposing it to public sector governance and oversight regimes.
Parties to transitional arrangements. The Act’s transitional provisions affect prior entities such as QRAA and QATC and their employees, assets and contracts. Those provisions transfer assets and liabilities to the State, continue certain instruments as approved schemes for transitional periods, and convert some employees into public service employees (Pt 7, Pt 8, s 54, ss 60-69). Registering authorities are required to note transfers on application by the chief executive without charge (s 68).
Who pays and bears risk. Funding for assistance is to be drawn from the authority’s assistance funds (s 13). The authority may charge and fix conditions for supply of goods and services (s 9(1)(d)). The Minister’s budgeting oversight and the need for Ministerial approval of the administration budget (s 24) allocates approval risk to the Minister. Lenders supplying data for rural debt surveys bear compliance costs and potential disclosure risk, albeit with statutory exemptions for confidentiality and legal constraints (s 13F(4)).
In short, the Act affects three core groups: recipients and potential recipients of financial assistance (farmers, small businesses, community organisations), financial institutions that lend to farmers (reporting and data obligations), and the public administration of assistance (the authority, its board, staff and Ministerial oversight). The Act also creates specific interactions with other public sector entities through its statutory body status (ss 23, 23A, 26).
Key duties and rights
This Act establishes duties for the authority, directors, officers, applicants, lenders and the Minister. It also prescribes rights such as the authority’s corporate powers and procedural rights for applicants.
Authority duties and rights. The authority’s primary duty is to put approved assistance schemes into effect by ensuring schemes are properly and fairly administered and directly giving the assistance provided for (s 8(1)). The authority must ensure educational, training and advisory services are available to applicants, negotiate funding with governments, carry out research and advise the Minister on rural financial matters and distressed farming businesses, and administer authorised interstate schemes (s 8(2)). It must draw assistance amounts from its assistance funds (s 13). The authority has rights and powers to enter contracts including loans, hold and dispose of property, appoint agents, charge for goods and services and engage consultants (s 9). It may exercise powers within or outside Queensland (s 9(3)).
Board and director duties and rights. The board is responsible for how the authority performs its functions and exercises powers, including deciding strategy and operational, administrative and financial policies and ensuring proper, effective and efficient performance (s 15). Directors must act honestly in the exercise of their powers and discharge of duties, with a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units for breaches (s 39). Directors must disclose direct or indirect financial interests in board matters and typically withdraw from deliberation and voting unless the board directs otherwise; the disclosure must be recorded in the minutes (s 21). The board must meet at least quarterly and maintain minutes (ss 19, 22). The Governor in Council appoints up to five external directors and a chair (s 16). The chair must report quarterly to the Minister and provide business plans approved by the board (ss 16A-16B).
Chief executive officer duties and rights. The chief executive officer must manage the authority consistent with board policies (s 28(2)), prepare business plans covering the current and subsequent two years by 31 March (s 35A), and is subject to appointment and term rules set by Governor in Council (ss 29, 32). The CEO administers internal reviews of certain decisions as the review decision-maker (ss 13A-13C). The CEO may delegate functions to appropriately qualified employees with board approval (s 35B).
Applicant duties and rights. Applicants have the right to apply for assistance only under approved schemes (s 10) and to internal review of adverse authority decisions under specified sections with a stay pending review (ss 13A-13C). Applicants must make applications in the approved form and supported by sufficient information within 20 business days for internal review applications (s 13B). Applicants must not make false or misleading statements or provide false documents; doing so is an offence with maximum penalties and exposes them to the authority calling up assistance obtained by false statement and enforcement of securities (ss 41-43).
Lender and third-party duties and rights. Banks and other financial institutions lending to farmers are required to comply with written notices to produce documents or grant access for rural debt surveys unless an exemption applies such as contravention of law, third-party confidentiality refusal, risk of self-incrimination or commercial detriment; failure to comply attracts a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units (s 13F(2)-(4)). Entities receiving such notices must notify the authority in writing if an exemption applies (s 13F(5)). The authority is limited to using the material for rural debt surveys and must not use it for other purposes, with a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units for misuse (s 13F(6)).
Ministerial duties and rights. The Minister may give written directions to the authority about its functions or powers if satisfied the direction is necessary in the public interest, but must consult the authority and ask for advice about financial interest before giving the direction, and must gazette the direction within 21 days; the authority must comply and report the direction in its annual report (s 9A). The Minister authorises the authority to tender for interstate schemes and may set conditions for that authorisation (s 11A). The Minister may require the chairperson to provide stated information and reports anytime and may request additional reporting (s 16C).
Financial and administrative duties. The authority must prepare, adopt and submit an administration budget to the Minister for each financial year and any amendments during the year, and the budget has no effect until approved by the Minister (s 24). It must also comply with the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 which govern its financial management and borrowing powers respectively (ss 23, 23A).
Confidentiality and disclosure duties. Persons must not disclose information obtained in administration of the Act unless permitted such as by agreement of the source, for administration of the Act, in legal proceedings, under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 or the Ombudsman Act 2001, or another lawful excuse; breach carries a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units (s 40). Officers must disclose conflicts of interest to the authority as soon as practicable (s 38).
Rights of internal review and procedural protections. A person dissatisfied by specified authority decisions may apply for internal review to the chief executive officer; the decision is stayed until review and chief executive must issue review decision within 30 business days, or the original decision is taken to be confirmed (ss 13A-13C). The review notice must state reasons if the review decision is not the decision sought by the applicant (s 13C(2)).
Regulation and review. The Governor in Council may make regulations under the Act (s 44). The Minister must review the Act within each 10 year period after 1 July 2013 to decide if provisions remain appropriate and table a report in the Legislative Assembly (s 45).
These duties and rights create a structure where administrative discretion is channelled through regulated schemes and board policy, ministerial oversight and internal review, while imposing criminal penalties for dishonesty and statutory controls on how survey data may be obtained and used.
Penalties and enforcement
The Act sets out a combination of criminal penalties, civil enforcement actions and administrative compliance obligations. Penalties are expressed in penalty units and the Act also provides authority remedial powers such as calling up loans and exercising securities.
Specified criminal penalties. Several provisions create offences with maximum penalties stated in penalty units:
Directors and officers must act honestly; contravention carries a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units (s 39).
False or misleading information when giving information for the purposes of the Act, including in applications for financial assistance, is an offence carrying up to 200 penalty units (s 41(1)).
Giving a document containing false, misleading or incomplete information for the purposes of the Act is a separate offence with a maximum of 200 penalty units; an exception applies where the person informs the authority how the document is false or incomplete and supplies correct information if available (s 42).
Unauthorised disclosure of information obtained in the administration of the Act is an offence with a maximum of 100 penalty units, unless the disclosure falls within enumerated exceptions such as consent of the person from whom information was obtained, administration of the Act, legal proceedings, or statutory oversight by the Crime and Corruption or Ombudsman Acts (s 40).
Administrative enforcement and remedies. The authority has administrative enforcement remedies against recipients found to have obtained assistance by false or misleading statements. If assistance was obtained in contravention of ss 41 or 42 and the assistance would not otherwise have been given, the authority may, by notice, call up a loan or other amount and exercise its rights under any security for the loan or amount; the amount becomes payable from the date specified in the notice (s 43). This is an administrative debt-recovery pathway in addition to criminal liability.
Sanctions for non-compliance with rural debt survey notices. Banks and other relevant lending entities who fail to comply with written notices requiring documents or access for the rural debt survey may be liable to a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units (s 13F(4)). The Act also requires prescribed entities that rely on an exemption to inform the authority in writing (s 13F(5)). There is also a reciprocal limit on the authority’s use of the obtained material: the authority must not use relevant material for purposes other than a rural debt survey, with a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units for breach (s 13F(6)). The Act therefore imposes both duties to supply information and limits on the authority’s subsequent use of it.
Procedural safeguards and stays. The Act provides an internal review mechanism for certain decisions made under s 12(1)(a)-(e) or s 43(2) in relation to an approved scheme (ss 13A-13C). The application for internal review must be in the approved form and within 20 business days; crucially the decision is stayed until the chief executive officer makes a review decision (s 13B(3)). The chief executive officer must decide the review within 30 business days or is taken to have confirmed the original decision; the review notice must give reasons where the review decision is not the decision sought by the applicant (s 13C).
Ministerial oversight and reporting. The Minister may give directions about performance of functions or exercise of powers if satisfied it is necessary in the public interest; the authority must comply and the Minister must gazette the direction within 21 days and the authority must report directions in its annual report (s 9A). This creates an accountability channel where ministerial instructions are public and reportable, and the authority has an obligation to comply.
Other enforcement mechanisms. The Governor in Council may make regulations including those that prescribe further functions or procedures (s 44). The authority is a statutory body under accountability and financial acts, making it subject to financial oversight and the State’s obligations under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 and the Financial Accountability Act 2009 (ss 23, 23A). The authority is also a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 which brings additional oversight and investigation mechanisms (s 26).
Practical enforcement implications. Penalty unit levels create quantifiable maximum fines but the Act does not specify imprisonment terms. The administrative call-up under s 43 allows immediate recovery of funds via notice and enforcement of securities, which is a significant administrative tool. The rural debt survey powers compel lender cooperation with a penalty regime, while the authority’s obligation not to use material for other purposes and the requirement that the Minister’s directions be gazetted create legally enforceable constraints on executive discretion (s 13F(6), s 9A(4)).
In summary, the Act mixes criminal sanctions for dishonest conduct and unauthorised disclosures, administrative debt recovery for assistance obtained by deception, compelled production and confidentiality protections for survey information, and ministerial and financial oversight mechanisms for institutional compliance.
How it interacts with other laws
The Act expressly integrates with multiple other statutory regimes and creates consequential effects for existing instruments and entities. All interactions in this section are grounded in specific provisions.
Financial management and borrowing laws. The authority is a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and is also a statutory body for the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (ss 23, 23A). The Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982, part 2B, sets out how the authority’s powers under this Act are affected by that Act (s 23A(2)). The effect is to place the authority within the State’s statutory framework for budgeting, reporting and borrowing; administration budgets require Ministerial approval (s 24), and the authority’s assistance funds are the source of assistance amounts (s 13). Those cross-references import financial governance obligations that affect the authority’s capacity to borrow, invest and use public funds.
Public sector oversight and corruption laws. The authority is declared to be a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 and a prescribed entity for the Public Sector Act 2022, section 25 (s 26). This subjects the authority to the investigative and reporting powers of the Crime and Corruption Commission and to obligations under the Public Sector Act, including conduct, integrity and reporting frameworks.
Privacy, confidentiality and legal proceedings. The Act restricts disclosure of information obtained in the administration of the Act, allowing disclosure only in specified circumstances including with consent, for administration of the Act, in legal proceedings, or under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 or the Ombudsman Act 2001 (s 40). The rural debt survey provisions also limit the use of material obtained under the survey powers to the survey itself (s 13F(6)). These cross-referential limits frame the authority’s data handling in relation to privacy, oversight and evidentiary use.
Industrial and employment law. The Act makes clear that the authority’s employees are to be employed under this Act, not under the Public Sector Act 2022 (s 36(4)). In the transitional provisions for repeal of QATC, it converts certain QATC employees to public service employees and specifies that continuity of service and accrued entitlements remain (s 69). It also provides that the authority’s freedom to set employment conditions operates subject to any relevant industrial instrument (s 36(3)). Thus the Act interacts with industrial law through specific savings and conversion clauses.
Transitional and succession provisions. Part 7 and Part 8 contain detailed transitional provisions transferring functions, assets, liabilities, contracts, records and proceedings from predecessor bodies to the authority or the State. For example, when QATC was dissolved, assets and liabilities became State assets and liabilities held in the department (s 62), contracts in which QATC was a party are taken to be contracts of the State (s 64), and ongoing proceedings continue with the State substituting for QATC (ss 66-67). Those provisions modify property, contract and litigation relationships by statutory substitution and successor-in-law rules.
Interaction with Commonwealth and interstate schemes. The Act permits approval of schemes established by the Commonwealth or another State by regulation, where the purpose is consistent with the Act’s object (s 11(4)-(5)). For non-approved interstate schemes the authority must obtain the Minister’s authorisation before tendering to administer or agreeing to administer such a scheme (s 11A). The Minister may authorise only if satisfied the scheme’s main purpose is to foster rural development or give assistance to primary producers or small businesses in another State during temporary difficulties (s 11A(3)). These provisions create a procedural gatekeeper for interstate or Commonwealth participation, requiring ministerial oversight.
Legal process and evidence. The authority’s seal is given presumptive validity, judicial notice is required for its imprint and documents sealed are presumed properly sealed (s 25). This simplifies evidentiary and legal processes for the authority as a corporate entity.
Regulatory reach. The Governor in Council may make regulations under the Act (s 44). Those regulations can prescribe other functions, adapt the operation of transitional schemes, set conditions for interstate authorisations, and provide the detailed content of approved assistance schemes (s 11(2), s 44). Therefore, much of the substantive implementation will be via subordinate legislation, connecting this Act to the broader legislative and regulatory architecture.
Limitations and non-derogations. The transitional provisions include explicit statements that certain actions do not create State liability for civil wrongs, breaches, or releases of sureties, among other limits (s 70). This preserves existing legal relationships by preventing the statutory transfer of certain liabilities from creating unintended contractual or tortious consequences.
In sum, the Act is embedded within Queensland’s public sector financial and oversight laws, interacts with Commonwealth and interstate assistance frameworks through regulated approvals and ministerial authorisations, and uses transitional provisions to effect legal succession for prior entities and instruments.
Amendment history
The source text records amendments and insertions over time. Where the Act indicates amendments, those are summarised here by cited sections and the matters they changed. All references are to amendment notes in the supplied text.
s 1: Short title shows amendment reference s 1 sub 2004 No. 28 s 4 indicating a 2004 amendment to the Act’s citation provision.
s 3: The object provision includes amendments noted as s 3 amd 2004 No. 28 s 6; sub 2008 No. 22 s 4; amd 2013 No. 41 s 73; 2017 No. 7 s 123. These amendment notes indicate the object and its subparagraphs have been updated over several legislative changes, including additions relating to interstate administration and farm support measures.
s 4: Definitions were amended, with notes s 4 amd 2017 No. 7 s 124(3) indicating definitional updates.
ss 5-9: Establishment, legal status and powers of the authority carry amendment notes (s 5 sub 2004 No. 28 s 9; s 6 amd 2001 No. 45 s 29 sch 3; s 7 amd 2001 No. 45 s 29 sch 3; s 9 amd 2008 No. 22 s 7; 2017 No. 7 s 128), showing iterative adjustments to statutory powers and immunities.
s 9A: Ministerial direction provision was inserted in 2004 (ins 2004 No. 28 s 11) and amended in 2009 to align reporting and gazettal mechanics (amd 2009 No. 9 s 136 sch 1).
Pt 3A internal review provisions (ss 13A-13C) were inserted in 2004 (ins 2004 No. 28 s 13) and amended in 2008 (amd 2008 No. 22 s 13).
Pt 3B (rural debt surveys and Farm Debt Restructure Office) were added by 2017 amendments (ss 13D-13I ins 2017 No. 7 s 129A), creating the survey schedule, lender information powers, a reporting duty and the Farm Debt Restructure Office.
Governance and board provisions were amended in 2004 and later, including s 16 sub 2004 No. 28 s 15 and subsequent amendments to reporting duties and composition (e.g., s 16A ins 2004 No. 28 s 15; s 16B ins 2004 No. 28 s 15; s 16C ins 2004 No. 28 s 15; s 16CA ins 2020 No. 3 s 127).
Employment and staffing provisions have multiple amendments: s 31 sub 1996 No. 37 s 147 sch 2; 2004 No. 28 s 17; amended in 2008 and 2022 to clarify the appointment mechanism and exclusion from the Public Sector Act 2022 (s 31 amd 2008 No. 38 s 252 sch 3; 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3).
Delegation and delegation-by-directors provisions were inserted and updated at different times (s 16D ins 2008 No. 22 s 14; s 35B ins 2013 No. 41 s 77; amd 2017 No. 7 s 132).
The authority’s status under financial accountability acts and statutory financial arrangements acts is subject to amendments in 1996, 2009 and subsequent adjustments (ss 23, 23A).
Transitional and repeal provisions in Pt 7 and Pt 8 record several insertions and replacements: the transition from QRAA to Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority was effected by ins 2004 No. 28 s 21 and later 2017 No. 7 s 134; repeal and transfer of Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges Act 2005 matters were inserted in 2020 No. 3 s 128B which includes ss 57-70 and related provisions.
The amendment notes in the supplied text show the Act has been regularly updated to add new functions, strengthen oversight and accountability, create survey and farm debt restructuring mechanisms, and manage transitional issues for predecessor entities. The most significant structural additions in the recent decade were the rural debt survey and Farm Debt Restructure Office provisions inserted in 2017, and the transitional and repeal provisions concerning agricultural training colleges enacted in 2020.
This summary relies solely on the amendment annotations and insertions shown in the source text. It does not infer reasons for amendments beyond what is visible in the recorded insertions and amendments.
Litigation history
The supplied legislative text does not supply any case law or judicial decisions interpreting the Act. The Act itself names Acts that it interacts with, for example the Financial Accountability Act 2009, Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982, Crime and Corruption Act 2001, Ombudsman Act 2001, Public Sector Act 2022 and transitional references to prior Acts such as the Agricultural Bank (Loans) Act 1959 and the Primary Producers’ Assistance Act 1972 (s 47). Those are statutory cross-references, not judicial authorities.
Because the supplied text contains no judicial citations or reported decisions, this section records that there is no litigation history provided in the source material. Any interpretation of how courts have applied provisions such as s 9A (ministerial directions), s 11 (approved schemes), or the offences in ss 39-42 would require consultation of external judicial records not included in the source.
Practitioners should treat the internal review mechanism (ss 13A-13C) and the administrative call-up in s 43 as administrative remedies that may give rise to judicial review challenges in appropriate circumstances under general administrative law principles. The Act also creates overlaps with public law regimes (Crime and Corruption Act 2001, Ombudsman Act 2001) which may generate investigatory or review proceedings. This note does not include any reported litigation as none is present in the supplied text.
Gotchas
This Act contains several provisions where operational practice or legal risk may emerge in ways not immediately obvious from a high-level reading. These are specific features to watch, each grounded in the cited sections.
Assistance only under approved schemes. The authority may give financial assistance only under an approved scheme (s 10). Approved schemes must be approved by regulation and set out in detail (s 11(1)-(2)). This means the authority cannot lawfully provide ad hoc assistance outside formally approved regulatory schemes, even where the board or Minister wishes to do so. Practitioners should ensure any assistance programs are properly converted into approved schemes via regulation before implementation.
Ministerial directions and financial interest consultation. The Minister may give written directions in the public interest, and the authority must ensure compliance (s 9A(1)-(2)). However the Minister must consult the authority and ask whether complying would not be in its financial interest before giving the direction (s 9A(3)). The Minister must also gazette the direction within 21 days and the authority must disclose directions in its annual report (s 9A(4)-(5)). Operationally this creates a formal procedural step that, if omitted, may raise compliance and transparency issues. The Act imposes a duty on the authority to include the direction in its annual report and gives the authority the right to comment on financial impact (s 9A(5)).
Internal review has stays and time limits. Applicants dissatisfied by certain decisions may apply for internal review within 20 business days and the original decision is stayed until the chief executive officer makes a review decision (ss 13A-13C). The stay is a powerful procedural protective measure for applicants but has a strict application form and timeliness requirement (s 13B). The chief executive must decide within 30 business days or the original decision is taken to be confirmed; delays benefit the authority. Practitioners must be alert to these time frames because failing to apply within 20 business days may forfeit the remedy unless the chief executive extends time (s 13B(2)).
Rural debt survey powers and confidentiality tensions. The authority may compel banks and lenders to provide documents and access for rural debt surveys and impose a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units for non-compliance (s 13F(2)-(4)). Exemptions include contravention of law, third-party confidentiality refusal, self-incrimination and commercial detriment (s 13F(4)). The authority must not use the material for purposes other than the survey and there is a penalty for misuse (s 13F(6)). Practically, lenders will need to assess whether production would breach other laws or third-party confidentiality, and should document steps to obtain consents. The authority must also ensure anonymisation or other measures to avoid including confidential information in its report (s 13G(3)).
Approved scheme detail required in regulation. The Act requires that a regulation approving a scheme sets out the scheme in detail (s 11(2)). This shifts substantive policy from administrative instruments to regulation, which requires legislative process and may be more time-consuming and politically visible. Authorities and Ministers must plan for the lead time required for regulatory approvals.
Call-up remedy where assistance obtained fraudulently. If a person obtained assistance by false or misleading statements or documents and would not otherwise have received the assistance, the authority may call up the loan and exercise security rights (s 43). This exposes recipients of assistance who provided inaccurate information, even if they did so negligently rather than fraudulently. The Act does not require a criminal conviction before administrative recovery; the remedy is available on breach of ss 41-42.
Budget control and Ministerial approval. The administration budget prepared by the authority has no effect until approved by the Minister, and any amendments require approval (s 24). This gives the Minister substantial control over administration spending and may delay implementation of operational changes if approvals are not timely.
Director conflicts and quorum consequences. Directors must disclose conflicts and typically withdraw from deliberation; if enough directors withdraw, s 21(4) provides that remaining directors present still form a quorum if there would have been a quorum had the conflicted director been present. The practical effect is that board decisions can proceed without conflicted members, but attention should be paid to minutes and legal compliance with s 21 procedures.
Employment and public sector boundaries. The authority’s employees are employed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022 (s 36(4)). This can create differences in terms and conditions and industrial relations treatment compared with mainstream public service employees. Transitional provisions for QATC convert certain employees into public service employees with preservation of continuity of service (s 69). Practitioners must track which employees are covered by which employment regime.
Use of the authority’s seal and evidentiary presumption. Judicial notice must be taken of the seal and documents are presumed properly sealed unless the contrary is proved (s 25). This evidentiary presumption aids transactional certainty but means that parties seeking to challenge documents need affirmative proof to rebut the presumption.
Regulation-making scope. The Governor in Council can make regulations, including prescribing other functions (s 44). Because approved assistance schemes must be set out in regulation (s 11(2)), much operational detail will be in subordinate legislation, which may be more difficult to vary rapidly compared with administrative policy.
These are concrete operational and legal points arising directly from the statutory text that should be considered in program design, litigation strategy and compliance planning.
How to comply
This section draws directly from statutory duties and procedural requirements to create a practical compliance checklist for the authority, applicants, lenders and board members. Each item cites the relevant section(s).
For the authority
Operate only under approved schemes: ensure every assistance product has regulatory approval and that the regulation sets out the scheme in detail (ss 10, 11(1)-(2)). Do not provide financial assistance outside such schemes (s 10).
Prepare and seek Ministerial approval for the administration budget on time: develop, adopt and submit the administration budget as directed and await Ministerial approval before effecting budgeted items; submit any amendments for approval (s 24).
Follow board-approved procedures and internal policy: the board decides strategy and operational policies and must review CEO performance annually (s 15). The CEO must prepare business plans by 31 March and the chair must provide copies by 30 April (ss 35A, 16B).
Ensure ministerial directions are obeyed but manage the consultation process: when the Minister proposes directions, engage in the required consultation and provide advice on financial interest when asked; maintain a process to ensure directions are gazetted within 21 days and are included in the annual report (s 9A).
Administer approved schemes according to their content and agreements with recipients: in administering schemes, comply with the scheme contents and any agreements with recipients; record decisions and maintain operational accounts with Australian financial institutions (s 12).
Respect confidentiality limits on rural debt survey material: use information obtained under s 13F only for rural debt surveys and implement protocols to avoid using such material for other purposes; document exemptions and inform the authority when an exemption applies (s 13F(6), (5)).
Maintain statutory reporting obligations: prepare rural debt survey reports and ensure the Minister tables them in the Legislative Assembly in the specified timeframe (s 13G). Include details of ministerial directions in the annual report (s 9A(5)).
Institute internal review procedures: accept and process internal review applications in the approved form within the statutory timeframes, and implement stays where applicable (ss 13A-13C).
Ensure staff qualifications for specialist offices: establish the Farm Debt Restructure Office with a sufficiently qualified manager and staff (s 13H(2)-(3)).
For applicants and recipients
Apply under approved schemes only and provide complete, accurate information: submit applications in the approved form and support them with sufficient information; do not omit or falsify material particulars (s 13B(1), s 41).
Use internal review rights properly: if aggrieved under eligible sections, apply within 20 business days for internal review and be aware the decision is stayed pending review (ss 13A-13B).
Keep records and be prepared for call-up: understand that false or misleading statements can lead to administrative recovery and enforcement of securities without a criminal conviction (s 43).
For lenders and financial institutions
Prepare for rural debt survey notices: establish a compliance process to respond to written notices for documents or access, and to assess whether exemptions under s 13F(4) apply. If an exemption applies, inform the authority in writing as required (s 13F(5)).
Document consents and confidentiality decisions: where third-party data exist, document any refusals to consent and the reasonable steps taken to obtain consent to withstand challenge under s 13F(4).
Protect commercial information: if required to produce commercially sensitive material, seek legal advice regarding obligations and rely on statutory exemptions where appropriate (s 13F(4)).
For directors, officers and the CEO
Act honestly and disclose conflicts promptly: comply with the duty to act honestly at all times (s 39) and disclose direct or indirect financial interests as soon as practicable (ss 21, 38). Ensure disclosures are recorded in minutes and follow withdrawal procedures where applicable.
Follow reporting obligations to the Minister: the chairperson must report quarterly and immediately report matters that may adversely affect the authority’s ability to perform its functions (s 16A). Be ready to supply information to the Minister on request (s 16C).
Maintain proper minutes and governance records: keep minutes of board proceedings and document resolutions, particularly for decisions where conflicts of interest have been managed (s 22).
Regulatory processes and record-keeping
Keep records secure and ensure confidentiality compliance: statutory limits on disclosure (s 40) and penalties require secure records management and access controls. For rural debt survey data, adopt strict use controls to ensure material is used only for the survey (s 13F(6)).
Seal and authenticate documents correctly: the seal is presumed valid and documents bearing it enjoy presumptive authenticity; use formal sealing procedures and maintain records (s 25).
Transitional compliance
Manage transfers and successors-in-law carefully: where the Act’s transitional provisions operate to transfer assets, liabilities, or contracts to the State (ss 61-64), ensure registers are updated and registering authorities are notified to record transfers free of charge per s 68.
General compliance and risk mitigation
Integrate with finance and public sector frameworks: align the authority’s financial controls with the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 requirements (ss 23, 23A).
Train staff on disclosure and false information offences: ensure staff and applicants understand penalties under ss 39-42, and implement application checks to reduce risk of errors that could trigger administrative recovery or criminal charges.
Establish a schedule and procedure for statutory reviews and reports: schedule rural debt surveys, reports and statutory Act reviews to meet deadlines, such as the periodic Act review every 10 years (s 45), and the rural debt survey timetable (s 13D).
Complying with the Act therefore requires simultaneous management of regulatory approvals for schemes, disciplined operational governance, strict records and confidentiality practices, time-sensitive procedural safeguards for applicants, and legal readiness to manage lender exemptions and transfer obligations. Each compliance step is anchored to a specific section cited above.
Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority
(a) support the State’s economy by administering schemes to give assistance to primary producers, small businesses or other elements of the State’s economy— (i) in periods when they are experiencing temporary difficulty; or (ii) to otherwise benefit the State’s economy; and
(i) in periods when they are experiencing temporary difficulty; or
(ii) to otherwise benefit the State’s economy; and
(b) support communities in the State and build its own effectiveness by administering schemes to give assistance that benefits these communities, including, for example, by giving assistance to persons and organisations that contribute to these communities; and Examples of organisations that contribute to communities— community service, sporting and cultural organisations
(c) give assistance and build its own effectiveness by administering schemes or parts of schemes for the Commonwealth and other States in rural and regional sectors outside Queensland. Examples of administering parts of schemes— • conducting financial analysis of applications for assistance under an authorised interstate scheme • reviewing an authorised interstate scheme • providing advice on applications for financial assistance under an authorised interstate scheme
• conducting financial analysis of applications for assistance under an authorised interstate scheme
• reviewing an authorised interstate scheme
• providing advice on applications for financial assistance under an authorised interstate scheme
(i) in periods when they are experiencing temporary difficulty; or
(ii) to otherwise benefit the State’s economy; and
• conducting financial analysis of applications for assistance under an authorised interstate scheme
• reviewing an authorised interstate scheme
• providing advice on applications for financial assistance under an authorised interstate scheme
sec.4 Definitions
sec.4 Definitions
The dictionary in schedule 1 defines particular words used in this Act.
government owned corporation ...
s 4 def government owned corporation om 2004 No. 28 s 7 (1)
public accounts ...
s 4 def public accounts om 1999 No. 29 s 50 sch
s 4 amd 2017 No. 7 s 124 (3)
pt.2 Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority
Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority
pt.2-div.1 Establishment of authority
Establishment of authority
sec.5 Establishment of authority
sec.5 Establishment of authority
The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority is established.
s 5 sub 2004 No. 28 s 9
amd 2017 No. 7 s 126
sec.6 Legal status of authority
sec.6 Legal status of authority
The authority—
is a body corporate; and
has a seal; and
may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(a) is a body corporate; and
(b) has a seal; and
(c) may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
sec.7 Authority represents the State
sec.7 Authority represents the State
The authority represents the State.
Without limiting subsection (1) , the authority has all the privileges and immunities of the State.
s 7 amd 2001 No. 45 s 29 sch 3
(sec.7-ssec.1) The authority represents the State.
(sec.7-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , the authority has all the privileges and immunities of the State.
pt.2-div.2 Functions and powers of authority
Functions and powers of authority
sec.8 Authority’s functions
sec.8 Authority’s functions
The authority’s primary function is to put approved assistance schemes into effect by—
ensuring the schemes are properly and fairly administered; and
directly giving the assistance the schemes provide for.
The other functions of the authority are—
to arrange for education, training and advice to applicants under approved assistance schemes; and
to negotiate for assistance funding with all levels of government; and
to carry out research into, develop policies on and give advice to the Minister about—
issues affecting persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and
the financial performance and sustainability of the rural and regional sector in Queensland, in particular, primary producers, small business and other components of the State’s economy; and
areas of need, and assistance, for farmers in financial distress and farming businesses that are unlikely to be financially viable in the long-term, including, for example, ways to restructure a farm debt or to ensure a farmer who stops carrying on a farming business remains in the best possible financial position; and
to review, and give advice to the Minister on—
proposed assistance schemes; and
the implementation of approved assistance schemes; and
economic and other conditions in the rural and regional sectors; and
to consult, and liaise with—
commercial lenders and financial advisers; and
public sector units with the function of helping the rural, regional and small business sectors of the economy, and equivalent entities of other States or the Commonwealth; and
organisations representing the interests of persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and
to partner with commercial lenders and financial advisors to—
perform another function under this subsection; and
further the object of this Act under section 3 ; and
to administer authorised interstate schemes or parts of the schemes; and
to perform functions incidental to a function under another paragraph of this subsection; and
to perform other functions given to the authority under this Act or another Act; and
other functions prescribed by regulation.
s 8 amd 1996 No. 37 s 147 sch 2 ; 2004 No. 28 s 10 ; 2008 No. 22 s 6 ; 2013 No. 41 s 74 ; 2017 No. 7 s 127
(sec.8-ssec.1) The authority’s primary function is to put approved assistance schemes into effect by— ensuring the schemes are properly and fairly administered; and directly giving the assistance the schemes provide for.
(sec.8-ssec.2) The other functions of the authority are— to arrange for education, training and advice to applicants under approved assistance schemes; and to negotiate for assistance funding with all levels of government; and to carry out research into, develop policies on and give advice to the Minister about— issues affecting persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and the financial performance and sustainability of the rural and regional sector in Queensland, in particular, primary producers, small business and other components of the State’s economy; and areas of need, and assistance, for farmers in financial distress and farming businesses that are unlikely to be financially viable in the long-term, including, for example, ways to restructure a farm debt or to ensure a farmer who stops carrying on a farming business remains in the best possible financial position; and to review, and give advice to the Minister on— proposed assistance schemes; and the implementation of approved assistance schemes; and economic and other conditions in the rural and regional sectors; and to consult, and liaise with— commercial lenders and financial advisers; and public sector units with the function of helping the rural, regional and small business sectors of the economy, and equivalent entities of other States or the Commonwealth; and organisations representing the interests of persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and to partner with commercial lenders and financial advisors to— perform another function under this subsection; and further the object of this Act under section 3 ; and to administer authorised interstate schemes or parts of the schemes; and to perform functions incidental to a function under another paragraph of this subsection; and to perform other functions given to the authority under this Act or another Act; and other functions prescribed by regulation.
(a) ensuring the schemes are properly and fairly administered; and
(b) directly giving the assistance the schemes provide for.
(a) to arrange for education, training and advice to applicants under approved assistance schemes; and
(b) to negotiate for assistance funding with all levels of government; and
(c) to carry out research into, develop policies on and give advice to the Minister about— (i) issues affecting persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and (ii) the financial performance and sustainability of the rural and regional sector in Queensland, in particular, primary producers, small business and other components of the State’s economy; and (iii) areas of need, and assistance, for farmers in financial distress and farming businesses that are unlikely to be financially viable in the long-term, including, for example, ways to restructure a farm debt or to ensure a farmer who stops carrying on a farming business remains in the best possible financial position; and
(i) issues affecting persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and
(ii) the financial performance and sustainability of the rural and regional sector in Queensland, in particular, primary producers, small business and other components of the State’s economy; and
(iii) areas of need, and assistance, for farmers in financial distress and farming businesses that are unlikely to be financially viable in the long-term, including, for example, ways to restructure a farm debt or to ensure a farmer who stops carrying on a farming business remains in the best possible financial position; and
(d) to review, and give advice to the Minister on— (i) proposed assistance schemes; and (ii) the implementation of approved assistance schemes; and (iii) economic and other conditions in the rural and regional sectors; and
(i) proposed assistance schemes; and
(ii) the implementation of approved assistance schemes; and
(iii) economic and other conditions in the rural and regional sectors; and
(e) to consult, and liaise with— (i) commercial lenders and financial advisers; and (ii) public sector units with the function of helping the rural, regional and small business sectors of the economy, and equivalent entities of other States or the Commonwealth; and (iii) organisations representing the interests of persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and
(i) commercial lenders and financial advisers; and
(ii) public sector units with the function of helping the rural, regional and small business sectors of the economy, and equivalent entities of other States or the Commonwealth; and
(iii) organisations representing the interests of persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and
(f) to partner with commercial lenders and financial advisors to— (i) perform another function under this subsection; and (ii) further the object of this Act under section 3 ; and
(i) perform another function under this subsection; and
(ii) further the object of this Act under section 3 ; and
(g) to administer authorised interstate schemes or parts of the schemes; and
(h) to perform functions incidental to a function under another paragraph of this subsection; and
(i) to perform other functions given to the authority under this Act or another Act; and
(j) other functions prescribed by regulation.
(i) issues affecting persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and
(ii) the financial performance and sustainability of the rural and regional sector in Queensland, in particular, primary producers, small business and other components of the State’s economy; and
(iii) areas of need, and assistance, for farmers in financial distress and farming businesses that are unlikely to be financially viable in the long-term, including, for example, ways to restructure a farm debt or to ensure a farmer who stops carrying on a farming business remains in the best possible financial position; and
(i) proposed assistance schemes; and
(ii) the implementation of approved assistance schemes; and
(iii) economic and other conditions in the rural and regional sectors; and
(i) commercial lenders and financial advisers; and
(ii) public sector units with the function of helping the rural, regional and small business sectors of the economy, and equivalent entities of other States or the Commonwealth; and
(iii) organisations representing the interests of persons likely to receive assistance under this Act; and
(i) perform another function under this subsection; and
(ii) further the object of this Act under section 3 ; and
sec.9 Authority’s powers
sec.9 Authority’s powers
The authority has all the powers of an individual, and may, for example—
enter into contracts, including contracts for loans; and
acquire, hold, deal with and dispose of property; and
appoint agents and attorneys; and
charge for, and fix conditions for the supply of, the goods, services and information it supplies; and
engage consultants; and
do anything else necessary or convenient to be done for, or
This is an opening excerpt, not the complete document.