This Act establishes TAFE Queensland as a state statutory corporation to provide vocational and related education, operate commercially on a not‑for‑profit basis, and be governed by an appointed board and chief executive. It creates mandatory operational planning, reporting and accountability rules, criminal‑history and confidentiality requirements, and protects the TAFE name.
The Minister and Governor in Council hold decision rights over board appointments, approvals, directions and restructures (e.g. ss12,24,39–47,50–52,57R). Dual‑sector entities must report quarterly and may be required to pay an annual return (ss57N,57U–57V). Who pays: the entity; who decides: the Minister/Governor in Council; compliance: binding plans, penalties and injunctions.
This Act establishes TAFE Queensland as a corporate statutory body (s 5) with the status, privileges and immunities of the State (s 6). It sets out TAFE Queensland’s functions (s 8), key objective (s 9), and broad powers to contract, hold property, appoint agents, charge fees and generally do anything necessary to perform its functions (s 10). The Act creates a board as the governing body, prescribes appointment and eligibility rules for board members (ss 12-19), and requires a chief executive officer appointed by the board with the Minister’s prior written approval (ss 24-27). Staff and transitional protections for staff moving between public service and TAFE Queensland are provided (ss 29, 32-33).
The Act imposes an operational planning and accountability regime. TAFE Queensland must submit a draft operational plan to the Minister for agreement each year (ss 39-41), must comply with the plan (s 43), and may amend it only with the Minister’s written agreement or by Ministerial direction (s 44). The Minister may require information and give directions in the public interest about operations (ss 46-47). There is a statutory mechanism for the entity to respond and suspend ministerial directions where compliance would threaten financial viability (s 48).
Part 4 and related provisions give the Crown extensive restructuring powers. Regulations may be made to transfer businesses, assets, liabilities, leases, instruments, employees, student enrolments and records between “relevant TAFE entities” (s 50). The Minister may issue transfer directions to facilitate restructuring and those directions are mandatory (s 51). A registering authority is required to record transfers effected under transfer regulations (s 52). The Act declares that measures done under this part take effect despite any other law or instrument and, in many respects, operate notwithstanding instruments that would otherwise restrict assignment, novation or transfer (ss 56-57).
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in TAFE Queensland Act 2013.
125
pt.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1
Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the TAFE Queensland Act 2013 .
sec.2
Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
sec.3
Dictionary
sec.3 Dictionary
The dictionary in schedule 1 defines particular words used in this Act.
s 3 amd 2013 No. 27 s 70 sch 1 pt 1
sec.4
References to functions
sec.4 References to functions
In this Act—
a reference to a function includes a reference to a power; and
a reference to performing a function includes a reference to exercising a power.
(a) a reference to a function includes a reference to a power; and
(b) a reference to performing a function includes a reference to exercising a power.
pt.2
TAFE Queensland
TAFE Queensland
pt.2-div.1
Establishment
Establishment
sec.5
Establishment and status
sec.5 Establishment and status
TAFE Queensland is established.
TAFE Queensland—
is a body corporate; and
has a common seal; and
may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(sec.5-ssec.1) TAFE Queensland is established.
(sec.5-ssec.2) TAFE Queensland— is a body corporate; and has a common seal; and may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(a) is a body corporate; and
(b) has a common seal; and
(c) may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
sec.6
TAFE Queensland represents the State
sec.6 TAFE Queensland represents the State
TAFE Queensland represents the State.
Without limiting subsection (1) , TAFE Queensland has the status, privileges and immunities of the State.
(sec.6-ssec.1) TAFE Queensland represents the State.
(sec.6-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , TAFE Queensland has the status, privileges and immunities of the State.
sec.7
Application of other Acts
sec.7 Application of other Acts
TAFE Queensland is—
a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 (the FA Act ); and
a statutory body under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (the SBFA Act ).
The SBFA Act , part 2B sets out the way in which TAFE Queensland’s powers under this Act are affected by the SBFA Act .
(sec.7-ssec.1) TAFE Queensland is— a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 (the FA Act ); and a statutory body under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (the SBFA Act ).
(sec.7-ssec.2) The SBFA Act , part 2B sets out the way in which TAFE Queensland’s powers under this Act are affected by the SBFA Act .
(a) a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 (the FA Act ); and
(b) a statutory body under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (the SBFA Act ).
pt.2-div.2
Functions and powers
Functions and powers
sec.8
Functions
sec.8 Functions
TAFE Queensland has the following functions—
to provide vocational education and training services;
to provide further education, and other forms of education, to support and complement the provision of vocational education and training services;
to produce and sell vocational education and training products;
to prepare, publish, distribute or license the use of literary or artistic work, audio or audiovisual material, or computer software;
to undertake research and development on matters relating to its functions;
to contribute to and actively engage with industry on matters relating to its functions;
to exploit commercially TAFE Queensland’s resources, including any study, research or knowledge or the practical application of any study, research or knowledge;
to report to the Minister on the performance of its functions;
to advise and make recommendations to the Minister about matters relevant to the performance of its functions and any other matters referred to it by the Minister;
any other functions given to it under an Act.
TAFE Queensland is to perform its functions—
in a way that is efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of industry, students and the general community; and
on a not-for-profit basis.
s 8 amd 2014 No. 24 s 4
(sec.8-ssec.1) TAFE Queensland has the following functions— to provide vocational education and training services; to provide further education, and other forms of education, to support and complement the provision of vocational education and training services; to produce and sell vocational education and training products; to prepare, publish, distribute or license the use of literary or artistic work, audio or audiovisual material, or computer software; to undertake research and development on matters relating to its functions; to contribute to and actively engage with industry on matters relating to its functions; to exploit commercially TAFE Queensland’s resources, including any study, research or knowledge or the practical application of any study, research or knowledge; to report to the Minister on the performance of its functions; to advise and make recommendations to the Minister about matters relevant to the performance of its functions and any other matters referred to it by the Minister; any other functions given to it under an Act.
(sec.8-ssec.2) TAFE Queensland is to perform its functions— in a way that is efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of industry, students and the general community; and on a not-for-profit basis.
(a) to provide vocational education and training services;
(b) to provide further education, and other forms of education, to support and complement the provision of vocational education and training services;
(c) to produce and sell vocational education and training products;
(d) to prepare, publish, distribute or license the use of literary or artistic work, audio or audiovisual material, or computer software;
(e) to undertake research and development on matters relating to its functions;
(f) to contribute to and actively engage with industry on matters relating to its functions;
(g) to exploit commercially TAFE Queensland’s resources, including any study, research or knowledge or the practical application of any study, research or knowledge;
(h) to report to the Minister on the performance of its functions;
(i) to advise and make recommendations to the Minister about matters relevant to the performance of its functions and any other matters referred to it by the Minister;
(j) any other functions given to it under an Act.
(a) in a way that is efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of industry, students and the general community; and
(b) on a not-for-profit basis.
sec.9
Key objective
sec.9 Key objective
The key objective of TAFE Queensland is to be efficient and effective in performing its functions.
Subject to section 8 (2) (b) , it is also an objective of TAFE Queensland to be commercially successful in performing its functions.
The commercial success, efficiency and effectiveness of TAFE Queensland is to be measured against its financial and non-financial performance targets stated in its operational plan.
(sec.9-ssec.1) The key objective of TAFE Queensland is to be efficient and effective in performing its functions.
(sec.9-ssec.2) Subject to section 8 (2) (b) , it is also an objective of TAFE Queensland to be commercially successful in performing its functions.
(sec.9-ssec.3) The commercial success, efficiency and effectiveness of TAFE Queensland is to be measured against its financial and non-financial performance targets stated in its operational plan.
sec.10
Powers
sec.10 Powers
TAFE Queensland has all the powers of an individual, and may, for example—
enter into contracts or agreements; and
acquire, hold, deal with, and dispose of, property; and
appoint agents and attorneys; and
engage consultants and researchers; and
charge a fee for services and other facilities it supplies; and
do anything else necessary or convenient to be done in performing its functions.
(a) enter into contracts or agreements; and
(b) acquire, hold, deal with, and dispose of, property; and
(c) appoint agents and attorneys; and
(d) engage consultants and researchers; and
(e) charge a fee for services and other facilities it supplies; and
(f) do anything else necessary or convenient to be done in performing its functions.
sec.11
Extraterritoriality
sec.11 Extraterritoriality
TAFE Queensland may perform its functions inside and outside Queensland, including outside Australia.
pt.2-div.3
Board
Board
sec.12
Establishment
sec.12 Establishment
A board is established as the governing body of TAFE Queensland.
The board consists of the following persons appointed by the Governor in Council—
1 nominee of the Minister;
at least 6 but no more than 8 persons who are eligible for appointment as a member under section 14 .
At least 1 member of the board must be an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander.
The members are appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022 .
s 12 amd 2019 No. 33 s 29 ; 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
(sec.12-ssec.1) A board is established as the governing body of TAFE Queensland.
(sec.12-ssec.2) The board consists of the following persons appointed by the Governor in Council— 1 nominee of the Minister; at least 6 but no more than 8 persons who are eligible for appointment as a member under section 14 .
(sec.12-ssec.3) At least 1 member of the board must be an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander.
(sec.12-ssec.4) The members are appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022 .
(a) 1 nominee of the Minister;
(b) at least 6 but no more than 8 persons who are eligible for appointment as a member under section 14 .
sec.13
Functions
sec.13 Functions
The board has the following functions for TAFE Queensland—
to ensure it operates in accordance with its operational plan and, as far as possible, achieves the performance targets and objectives stated in the plan;
to account to the Minister for its performance as required under an Act;
to ensure it otherwise performs its functions in a proper, effective and efficient way.
(a) to ensure it operates in accordance with its operational plan and, as far as possible, achieves the performance targets and objectives stated in the plan;
(b) to account to the Minister for its performance as required under an Act;
(c) to ensure it otherwise performs its functions in a proper, effective and efficient way.
sec.14
Eligibility for appointment
sec.14 Eligibility for appointment
A person is eligible for appointment as a member if—
the person is not disqualified under section 19 from becoming a member; and
the person has—
direct industry experience or direct experience in the education, training or employment sectors; or
skills, experience or expertise in commerce, corporate governance, economics, finance, law or management.
However, the following persons are ineligible for appointment—
a member of Parliament;
a councillor of a local government;
the chief executive officer.
(sec.14-ssec.1) A person is eligible for appointment as a member if— the person is not disqualified under section 19 from becoming a member; and the person has— direct industry experience or direct experience in the education, training or employment sectors; or skills, experience or expertise in commerce, corporate governance, economics, finance, law or management.
(sec.14-ssec.2) However, the following persons are ineligible for appointment— a member of Parliament; a councillor of a local government; the chief executive officer.
(a) the person is not disqualified under section 19 from becoming a member; and
(b) the person has— (i) direct industry experience or direct experience in the education, training or employment sectors; or (ii) skills, experience or expertise in commerce, corporate governance, economics, finance, law or management.
(i) direct industry experience or direct experience in the education, training or employment sectors; or
(ii) skills, experience or expertise in commerce, corporate governance, economics, finance, law or management.
(i) direct industry experience or direct experience in the education, training or employment sectors; or
(ii) skills, experience or expertise in commerce, corporate governance, economics, finance, law or management.
(a) a member of Parliament;
(b) a councillor of a local government;
(c) the chief executive officer.
sec.15
Conditions of appointment
sec.15 Conditions of appointment
A member is to be paid the remuneration and allowances decided by the Governor in Council.
For matters not provided for by this Act, a member holds office on the terms and conditions decided by the Governor in Council.
(sec.15-ssec.1) A member is to be paid the remuneration and allowances decided by the Governor in Council.
(sec.15-ssec.2) For matters not provided for by this Act, a member holds office on the terms and conditions decided by the Governor in Council.
sec.16
Term of appointment
sec.16 Term of appointment
A member is appointed for the term, of no more than 4 years, stated in the member’s instrument of appointment.
The Minister may extend the term until the earlier of the following—
the member’s successor is appointed;
1 year after the term would have expired under the member’s instrument of appointment.
However, the term ends if the member becomes disqualified under section 19 from continuing as a member.
(sec.16-ssec.1) A member is appointed for the term, of no more than 4 years, stated in the member’s instrument of appointment.
(sec.16-ssec.2) The Minister may extend the term until the earlier of the following— the member’s successor is appointed; 1 year after the term would have expired under the member’s instrument of appointment.
(sec.16-ssec.3) However, the term ends if the member becomes disqualified under section 19 from continuing as a member.
(a) the member’s successor is appointed;
(b) 1 year after the term would have expired under the member’s instrument of appointment.
sec.17
Chairperson
sec.17 Chairperson
The Governor in Council must appoint a member as the chairperson of the board.
A person may be appointed as the chairperson at the same time as the person is appointed as a member.
The chairperson holds office for the term, ending not later than the person’s term of appointment as a member, stated in the person’s appointment as chairperson.
A vacancy occurs in the office of chairperson if the person holding office—
resigns from office by giving notice of the resignation to the Minister; or
stops being a member.
However, a person resigning the office of chairperson may continue to be a member.
(sec.17-ssec.1) The Governor in Council must appoint a member as the chairperson of the board.
(sec.17-ssec.2) A person may be appointed as the chairperson at the same time as the person is appointed as a member.
(sec.17-ssec.3) The chairperson holds office for the term, ending not later than the person’s term of appointment as a member, stated in the person’s appointment as chairperson.
(sec.17-ssec.4) A vacancy occurs in the office of chairperson if the person holding office— resigns from office by giving notice of the resignation to the Minister; or stops being a member.
(sec.17-ssec.5) However, a person resigning the office of chairperson may continue to be a member.
(a) resigns from office by giving notice of the resignation to the Minister; or
(b) stops being a member.
sec.18
Deputy chairperson
sec.18 Deputy chairperson
The board must appoint a member, other than the chairperson, as its deputy chairperson.
The deputy chairperson holds office for the term decided by the board.
A vacancy occurs in the office of deputy chairperson if the person holding office—
resigns from office by giving notice of the resignation to the Minister; or
stops being a member.
However, a person resigning the office of deputy chairperson may continue to be a member.
The deputy chairperson is to act as chairperson—
during a vacancy in the office of chairperson; and
during all periods when the chairperson is absent from duty or, for another reason, can not perform the functions of the office.
(sec.18-ssec.1) The board must appoint a member, other than the chairperson, as its deputy chairperson.
(sec.18-ssec.2) The deputy chairperson holds office for the term decided by the board.
(sec.18-ssec.3) A vacancy occurs in the office of deputy chairperson if the person holding office— resigns from office by giving notice of the resignation to the Minister; or stops being a member.
(sec.18-ssec.4) However, a person resigning the office of deputy chairperson may continue to be a member.
(sec.18-ssec.5) The deputy chairperson is to act as chairperson— during a vacancy in the office of chairperson; and during all periods when the chairperson is absent from duty or, for another reason, can not perform the functions of the office.
(a) resigns from office by giving notice of the resignation to the Minister; or
(b) stops being a member.
(a) during a vacancy in the office of chairperson; and
(b) during all periods when the chairperson is absent from duty or, for another reason, can not perform the functions of the office.
sec.19
Disqualification from membership
sec.19 Disqualification from membership
A person is disqualified from becoming, or continuing as, a member if the person—
has a conviction for an indictable offence and the conviction is not a spent conviction, unless the Minister has taken action under subsection (4) for the conviction; or
is an insolvent under administration, unless the Minister has taken action under subsection (4) for the person being an insolvent under administration; or
is not able to manage a corporation because of the Corporations Act , part 2D .6.
Also, a person can not—
become a member if the person does not consent to the Minister requesting a report about the person’s criminal history under section 34 ; or
continue as a member if the person is absent from 3 consecutive board meetings of which proper notice has been given unless—
the board has given permission for the person to be absent from the meetings; or
the meetings occurred during the period of a leave of absence approved for the member by the Minister under section 21 .
The Minister may act under subsection (4) if the Minister considers it would be reasonable to do so having regard to—
the circumstances of the indictable offence of which a person has been convicted; or
the circumstances under which a person became an insolvent under administration.
The Minister may—
if the person was a member when the person was convicted or became an insolvent under administration, and the term of the person’s appointment as a member has not since ended, give the chairperson and the person notice ( approval notice ) that—
the person is restored as a member; and
the person may be later reappointed, despite the conviction or being an insolvent under administration; or
otherwise—give written approval for the person to become a member despite the conviction or being an insolvent under administration.
On the day the chairperson receives the approval notice the person is restored as a member.
The restored member’s term of appointment as a member ends when it would have ended if the member had not been convicted of the offence or become an insolvent under administration.
In this section—
conviction , for an indictable offence, does not include a finding of guilt, or the acceptance of a plea of guilty, by a court, in relation to the offence, without recording a conviction for the offence.
s 19 amd 2023 No. 23 s 247 sch 1 s 2 (1)
(sec.19-ssec.1) A person is disqualified from becoming, or continuing as, a member if the person— has a conviction for an indictable offence and the conviction is not a spent conviction, unless the Minister has taken action under subsection (4) for the conviction; or is an insolvent under administration, unless the Minister has taken action under subsection (4) for the person being an insolvent under administration; or is not able to manage a corporation because of the Corporations Act , part 2D .6.
(sec.19-ssec.2) Also, a person can not— become a member if the person does not consent to the Minister requesting a report about the person’s criminal history under section 34 ; or continue as a member if the person is absent from 3 consecutive board meetings of which proper notice has been given unless— the board has given permission for the person to be absent from the meetings; or the meetings occurred during the period of a leave of absence approved for the member by the Minister under section 21 .
(sec.19-ssec.3) The Minister may act under subsection (4) if the Minister considers it would be reasonable to do so having regard to— the circumstances of the indictable offence of which a person has been convicted; or the circumstances under which a person became an insolvent under administration.
(sec.19-ssec.4) The Minister may— if the person was a member when the person was convicted or became an insolvent under administration, and the term of the person’s appointment as a member has not since ended, give the chairperson and the person notice ( approval notice ) that— the person is restored as a member; and the person may be later reappointed, despite the conviction or being an insolvent under administration; or otherwise—give written approval for the person to become a member despite the conviction or being an insolvent under administration.
(sec.19-ssec.5) On the day the chairperson receives the approval notice the person is restored as a member.
(sec.19-ssec.6) The restored member’s term of appointment as a member ends when it would have ended if the member had not been convicted of the offence or become an insolvent under administration.
(sec.19-ssec.7) In this section— conviction , for an indictable offence, does not include a finding of guilt, or the acceptance of a plea of guilty, by a court, in relation to the offence, without recording a conviction for the offence.
(a) has a conviction for an indictable offence and the conviction is not a spent conviction, unless the Minister has taken action under subsection (4) for the conviction; or
(b) is an insolvent under administration, unless the Minister has taken action under subsection (4) for the person being an insolvent under administration; or
(c) is not able to manage a corporation because of the Corporations Act , part 2D .6.
(a) become a member if the person does not consent to the Minister requesting a report about the person’s criminal history under section 34 ; or
(b) continue as a member if the person is absent from 3 consecutive board meetings of which proper notice has been given unless— (i) the board has given permission for the person to be absent from the meetings; or (ii) the meetings occurred during the period of a leave of absence approved for the member by the Minister under section 21 .
(i) the board has given permission for the person to be absent from the meetings; or
(ii) the meetings occurred during the period of a leave of absence approved for the member by the Minister under section 21 .
(i) the board has given permission for the person to be absent from the meetings; or
(ii) the meetings occurred during the period of a leave of absence approved for the member by the Minister under section 21 .
(a) the circumstances of the indictable offence of which a person has been convicted; or
(b) the circumstances under which a person became an insolvent under administration.
(a) if the person was a member when the person was convicted or became an insolvent under administration, and the term of the person’s appointment as a member has not since ended, give the chairperson and the person notice ( approval notice ) that— (i) the person is restored as a member; and (ii) the person may be later reappointed, despite the conviction or being an insolvent under administration; or
(i) the person is restored as a member; and
(ii) the person may be later reappointed, despite the conviction or being an insolvent under administration; or
(b) otherwise—give written approval for the person to become a member despite the conviction or being an insolvent under administration.
(i) the person is restored as a member; and
(ii) the person may be later reappointed, despite the conviction or being an insolvent under administration; or
sec.20
Resignation
sec.20 Resignation
A member may resign by signed notice given to the Minister.
The resignation takes effect—
on the date the notice is given; or
if a later date is stated in the notice—on the later date.
(sec.20-ssec.1) A member may resign by signed notice given to the Minister.
(sec.20-ssec.2) The resignation takes effect— on the date the notice is given; or if a later date is stated in the notice—on the later date.
(a) on the date the notice is given; or
(b) if a later date is stated in the notice—on the later date.
sec.21
Leave of absence
sec.21 Leave of absence
The Minister may approve a leave of absence for a member (the approved absent member ).
The Minister may appoint someone else to act in the office of the approved absent member while the member is absent on the leave.
Subsection (2) does not limit the Governor in Council’s power under the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 25 (1) (b) (v) to appoint a person to act in the office.
(sec.21-ssec.1) The Minister may approve a leave of absence for a member (the approved absent member ).
(sec.21-ssec.2) The Minister may appoint someone else to act in the office of the approved absent member while the member is absent on the leave.
(sec.21-ssec.3) Subsection (2) does not limit the Governor in Council’s power under the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 25 (1) (b) (v) to appoint a person to act in the office.
sec.22
Disclosure of interests
sec.22 Disclosure of interests
This section applies to a member if—
the member has a direct or indirect financial or personal interest in a matter being considered, or about to be considered, by the board; and
the interest could conflict with the proper performance of the member’s duties about the consideration of the matter.
As soon as practicable after the relevant facts come to the member’s knowledge, the member must disclose the nature of the interest to a meeting of the board.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
The disclosure must be recorded in the board’s minutes.
Unless the board otherwise decides, the member must not—
be present when the board considers the matter; or
take part in a decision of the board on the matter.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
The member must not be present when the board is considering the decision.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
Another member who also has a direct or indirect financial or personal interest in the matter must not—
be present when the board is considering the decision; or
take part in making the decision.
Maximum penalty for subsection (6) —100 penalty units.
(sec.22-ssec.1) This section applies to a member if— the member has a direct or indirect financial or personal interest in a matter being considered, or about to be considered, by the board; and the interest could conflict with the proper performance of the member’s duties about the consideration of the matter.
(sec.22-ssec.2) As soon as practicable after the relevant facts come to the member’s knowledge, the member must disclose the nature of the interest to a meeting of the board. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.22-ssec.3) The disclosure must be recorded in the board’s minutes.
(sec.22-ssec.4) Unless the board otherwise decides, the member must not— be present when the board considers the matter; or take part in a decision of the board on the matter. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.22-ssec.5) The member must not be present when the board is considering the decision. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.22-ssec.6) Another member who also has a direct or indirect financial or personal interest in the matter must not— be present when the board is considering the decision; or take part in making the decision. Maximum penalty for subsection (6) —100 penalty units.
(a) the member has a direct or indirect financial or personal interest in a matter being considered, or about to be considered, by the board; and
(b) the interest could conflict with the proper performance of the member’s duties about the consideration of the matter.
(a) be present when the board considers the matter; or
(b) take part in a decision of the board on the matter.
(a) be present when the board is considering the decision; or
(b) take part in making the decision.
sec.23
Duty to act in TAFE Queensland’s interest
sec.23 Duty to act in TAFE Queensland’s interest
A member, in performing functions as a member, must—
act honestly and in the best interests of TAFE Queensland; and
exercise reasonable skill, care and diligence.
(a) act honestly and in the best interests of TAFE Queensland; and
(b) exercise reasonable skill, care and diligence.
pt.2-div.4
Chief executive officer
Chief executive officer
sec.24
Appointment
sec.24 Appointment
TAFE Queensland must have a chief executive officer.
The chief executive officer must be appointed by the board with the prior written approval of the Minister.
(sec.24-ssec.1) TAFE Queensland must have a chief executive officer.
(sec.24-ssec.2) The chief executive officer must be appointed by the board with the prior written approval of the Minister.
sec.25
Conditions of appointment
sec.25 Conditions of appointment
For matters not provided for under this Act or stated in the contract of employment, the chief executive officer holds office on the terms of appointment decided by the board.
sec.26
Responsibilities
sec.26 Responsibilities
The chief executive officer is, under the board, responsible for—
the day-to-day management of TAFE Queensland; and
helping TAFE Queensland in the performance of its functions.
The chief executive officer has all the powers necessary for carrying out those responsibilities.
(sec.26-ssec.1) The chief executive officer is, under the board, responsible for— the day-to-day management of TAFE Queensland; and helping TAFE Queensland in the performance of its functions.
(sec.26-ssec.2) The chief executive officer has all the powers necessary for carrying out those responsibilities.
(a) the day-to-day management of TAFE Queensland; and
(b) helping TAFE Queensland in the performance of its functions.
sec.27
Appointment of acting chief executive officer
sec.27 Appointment of acting chief executive officer
The board may, without the Minister’s approval, appoint a person to act as TAFE Queensland’s chief executive officer.
Subsection (1) does not affect the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 24B or 25 for the appointment.
(sec.27-ssec.1) The board may, without the Minister’s approval, appoint a person to act as TAFE Queensland’s chief executive officer.
(sec.27-ssec.2) Subsection (1) does not affect the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 24B or 25 for the appointment.
sec.28
Resignation
sec.28 Resignation
The chief executive officer may resign by signed notice given to the chairperson.
pt.2-div.5
Other staff
Other staff
sec.29
Other staff
sec.29 Other staff
TAFE Queensland may employ other staff it considers appropriate to perform its functions, including, for example, on a temporary basis to meet temporary circumstances.
The other staff are appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022 .
s 29 amd 2013 No. 49 s 27 ; 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
(sec.29-ssec.1) TAFE Queensland may employ other staff it considers appropriate to perform its functions, including, for example, on a temporary basis to meet temporary circumstances.
(sec.29-ssec.2) The other staff are appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022 .
sec.30
Section sec.30
s 30 om 2022 No. 34 s 358
sec.31
Section sec.31
s 31 om 2022 No. 34 s 358
sec.32
Preservation of rights of public service employee appointed to TAFE Queensland
sec.32 Preservation of rights of public service employee appointed to TAFE Queensland
This section applies to a person who—
is appointed as an employee of TAFE Queensland; and
was, immediately before taking up the appointment, a public service employee.
The person is entitled to retain all existing and accruing rights as if service as an employee of TAFE Queensland were a continuation of service as a public service employee.
Also, the person keeps all the person’s existing and accruing rights relating to superannuation.
s 32 amd 2016 No. 64 s 79 sch 1
(sec.32-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who— is appointed as an employee of TAFE Queensland; and was, immediately before taking up the appointment, a public service employee.
(sec.32-ssec.2) The person is entitled to retain all existing and accruing rights as if service as an employee of TAFE Queensland were a continuation of service as a public service employee.
(sec.32-ssec.3) Also, the person keeps all the person’s existing and accruing rights relating to superannuation.
(a) is appointed as an employee of TAFE Queensland; and
(b) was, immediately before taking up the appointment, a public service employee.
sec.33
Preservation of rights of TAFE Queensland employee appointed to public service
sec.33 Preservation of rights of TAFE Queensland employee appointed to public service
This section applies to a person who—
is appointed as a public service employee; and
was, immediately before taking up the appointment, an employee of TAFE Queensland.
The person’s service as an employee of TAFE Queensland must be regarded as service as a public service employee.
(sec.33-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who— is appointed as a public service employee; and was, immediately before taking up the appointment, an employee of TAFE Queensland.
(sec.33-ssec.2) The person’s service as an employee of TAFE Queensland must be regarded as service as a public service employee.
(a) is appointed as a public service employee; and
(b) was, immediately before taking up the appointment, an employee of TAFE Queensland.
pt.2-div.6
Criminal history
Criminal history
sec.34
Report about person’s criminal history
sec.34 Report about person’s criminal history
This section applies to a person as follows—
a member;
a prospective member;
an employee of TAFE Queensland;
a prospective employee.
The Minister (the requesting authority ) may make investigations about a person mentioned in subsection (1) (a) or (b) to decide whether the person is disqualified under section 19 (1) (a) .
TAFE Queensland (also the requesting authority ) may make investigations about a person mentioned in subsection (1) (c) or (d) to decide whether the person is an appropriate person for performing, or continuing to perform, the particular duties of the person as an employee of TAFE Queensland.
Without limiting subsection (2) or (3) , the requesting authority may ask the commissioner of police for—
a written report about the person’s criminal history; and
a brief description of the circumstances of a conviction mentioned in the criminal history.
However, the requesting authority may make the request for a prospective member or prospective employee only if the person has given the requesting authority written consent for the request.
The commissioner of police must comply with the request.
However, the duty to comply applies only to information in the commissioner’s possession or to which the commissioner has access.
The requesting authority must ensure the report is destroyed as soon as practicable after it is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was requested.
(sec.34-ssec.1) This section applies to a person as follows— a member; a prospective member; an employee of TAFE Queensland; a prospective employee.
(sec.34-ssec.2) The Minister (the requesting authority ) may make investigations about a person mentioned in subsection (1) (a) or (b) to decide whether the person is disqualified under section 19 (1) (a) .
(sec.34-ssec.3) TAFE Queensland (also the requesting authority ) may make investigations about a person mentioned in subsection (1) (c) or (d) to decide whether the person is an appropriate person for performing, or continuing to perform, the particular duties of the person as an employee of TAFE Queensland.
(sec.34-ssec.4) Without limiting subsection (2) or (3) , the requesting authority may ask the commissioner of police for— a written report about the person’s criminal history; and a brief description of the circumstances of a conviction mentioned in the criminal history.
(sec.34-ssec.5) However, the requesting authority may make the request for a prospective member or prospective employee only if the person has given the requesting authority written consent for the request.
(sec.34-ssec.6) The commissioner of police must comply with the request.
(sec.34-ssec.7) However, the duty to comply applies only to information in the commissioner’s possession or to which the commissioner has access.
(sec.34-ssec.8) The requesting authority must ensure the report is destroyed as soon as practicable after it is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was requested.
(a) a member;
(b) a prospective member;
(c) an employee of TAFE Queensland;
(d) a prospective employee.
(a) a written report about the person’s criminal history; and
(b) a brief description of the circumstances of a conviction mentioned in the criminal history.
sec.35
Criminal history is confidential document
sec.35 Criminal history is confidential document
This section applies to a person who possesses a report, or information contained in a report, given under section 34 , because the person is, or was, an officer, employee or agent of the department or TAFE Queensland.
The person must not, directly or indirectly, disclose the report or information to anyone else, unless the disclosure is permitted under subsection (3) .
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
The person may disclose the information to someone else—
to the extent necessary to perform the person’s functions under this Act; or
if the disclosure is authorised under an Act; or
if the disclosure is otherwise required or permitted by law; or
if the person to whom the information relates consents to the disclosure; or
if the disclosure is in a form that does not disclose the identity of the person to whom the information relates; or
if the information is, or has been, lawfully accessible to the public.
(sec.35-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who possesses a report, or information contained in a report, given under section 34 , because the person is, or was, an officer, employee or agent of the department or TAFE Queensland.
(sec.35-ssec.2) The person must not, directly or indirectly, disclose the report or information to anyone else, unless the disclosure is permitted under subsection (3) . Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.35-ssec.3) The person may disclose the information to someone else— to the extent necessary to perform the person’s functions under this Act; or if the disclosure is authorised under an Act; or if the disclosure is otherwise required or permitted by law; or if the person to whom the information relates consents to the disclosure; or if the disclosure is in a form that does not disclose the identity of the person to whom the information relates; or if the information is, or has been, lawfully accessible to the public.
(a) to the extent necessary to perform the person’s functions under this Act; or
(b) if the disclosure is authorised under an Act; or
(c) if the disclosure is otherwise required or permitted by law; or
(d) if the person to whom the information relates consents to the disclosure; or
(e) if the disclosure is in a form that does not disclose the identity of the person to whom the information relates; or
(f) if the information is, or has been, lawfully accessible to the public.
sec.36
Requirement to disclose changes in criminal history
sec.36 Requirement to disclose changes in criminal history
This section applies to a person as follows—
a member;
an employee of TAFE Queensland.
If there is a change in the criminal history of the person, the person must, unless the person has a reasonable excuse, immediately disclose the change to the relevant requesting authority under section 34 .
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
If the person does not have a criminal history, there is taken to be a change in the person’s criminal history if the person acquires one.
To comply with subsection (2) —
the information disclosed must include all of the following—
the existence of the conviction;
when the offence was committed;
details adequate to identify the offence;
the sentence imposed on the person; and
the disclosure must be in writing.
(sec.36-ssec.1) This section applies to a person as follows— a member; an employee of TAFE Queensland.
(sec.36-ssec.2) If there is a change in the criminal history of the person, the person must, unless the person has a reasonable excuse, immediately disclose the change to the relevant requesting authority under section 34 . Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.36-ssec.3) If the person does not have a criminal history, there is taken to be a change in the person’s criminal history if the person acquires one.
(sec.36-ssec.4) To comply with subsection (2) — the information disclosed must include all of the following— the existence of the conviction; when the offence was committed; details adequate to identify the offence; the sentence imposed on the person; and the disclosure must be in writing.
(a) a member;
(b) an employee of TAFE Queensland.
(a) the information disclosed must include all of the following— (i) the existence of the conviction; (ii) when the offence was committed; (iii) details adequate to identify the offence; (iv) the sentence imposed on the person; and
(i) the existence of the conviction;
(ii) when the offence was committed;
(iii) details adequate to identify the offence;
(iv) the sentence imposed on the person; and
(b) the disclosure must be in writing.
(i) the existence of the conviction;
(ii) when the offence was committed;
(iii) details adequate to identify the offence;
(iv) the sentence imposed on the person; and
pt.3
Planning and accountability
Planning and accountability
pt.3-div.1
Operational plans
Operational plans
sec.37
Definition for div 1
sec.37 Definition for div 1
In this division—
community service obligation , for TAFE Queensland, means an obligation of TAFE Queensland to perform an activity or provide a service that—
is not in TAFE Queensland’s commercial interests to perform or provide; and
is purchased by the State.
(a) is not in TAFE Queensland’s commercial interests to perform or provide; and
(b) is purchased by the State.
sec.38
Purpose of div 1
sec.38 Purpose of div 1
The purpose of this division is to provide for requirements for TAFE Queensland’s operational plan and for compliance with the plan.
sec.39
Preparation of draft plan
sec.39 Preparation of draft plan
TAFE Queensland must give the Minister, for the Minister’s agreement, a draft operational plan for each financial year.
The draft must be given at least 2 months before the start of the financial year.
It is Parliament’s expectation that TAFE Queensland and the Minister should reach agreement about the draft plan at least 1 month before the start of the financial year.
(sec.39-ssec.1) TAFE Queensland must give the Minister, for the Minister’s agreement, a draft operational plan for each financial year.
(sec.39-ssec.2) The draft must be given at least 2 months before the start of the financial year.
(sec.39-ssec.3) It is Parliament’s expectation that TAFE Queensland and the Minister should reach agreement about the draft plan at least 1 month before the start of the financial year.
sec.40
Content of plan
sec.40 Content of plan
TAFE Queensland’s operational plan must include, for the financial year to which it relates, the following matters about TAFE Queensland—
an outline of its objectives;
its financial and non-financial performance targets for its functions;
performance indicators for the performance targets;
an outline of the nature and scope of the activities proposed to be undertaken during the financial year;
an outline of the major investments and borrowings proposed to be undertaken;
an outline of policies about managing the risk associated with investments or borrowings that may adversely affect its financial position;
the community service obligations it must perform during the financial year;
an outline of the arrangements for people performing work for it whether under mobility arrangements, or as employees;
the information required to be given to the Minister during the financial year and when it is to be given;
any other matter relevant to its functions and required to be included in the operational plan by the Minister.
s 40 amd 2022 No. 34 s 359
(a) an outline of its objectives;
(b) its financial and non-financial performance targets for its functions;
(c) performance indicators for the performance targets;
(d) an outline of the nature and scope of the activities proposed to be undertaken during the financial year;
(e) an outline of the major investments and borrowings proposed to be undertaken;
(f) an outline of policies about managing the risk associated with investments or borrowings that may adversely affect its financial position;
(g) the community service obligations it must perform during the financial year;
(h) an outline of the arrangements for people performing work for it whether under mobility arrangements, or as employees;
(i) the information required to be given to the Minister during the financial year and when it is to be given;
(j) any other matter relevant to its functions and required to be included in the operational plan by the Minister.
sec.41
When plan has effect
sec.41 When plan has effect
When TAFE Queensland’s draft operational plan is agreed to by the Minister, the draft operational plan becomes its operational plan for the financial year to which it relates.
The Minister may impose conditions on the agreement.
(sec.41-ssec.1) When TAFE Queensland’s draft operational plan is agreed to by the Minister, the draft operational plan becomes its operational plan for the financial year to which it relates.
(sec.41-ssec.2) The Minister may impose conditions on the agreement.
sec.42
Plan pending agreement
sec.42 Plan pending agreement
This section applies if a draft operational plan has not been agreed to by the Minister by the start of the financial year to which it relates.
The draft plan submitted, or last submitted, by TAFE Queensland to the Minister, with any modifications made by TAFE Queensland at the direction of the Minister, whether before or after that time, is taken to be its operational plan.
Subsection (2) applies until a draft operational plan becomes the institute’s operational plan under section 41 .
(sec.42-ssec.1) This section applies if a draft operational plan has not been agreed to by the Minister by the start of the financial year to which it relates.
(sec.42-ssec.2) The draft plan submitted, or last submitted, by TAFE Queensland to the Minister, with any modifications made by TAFE Queensland at the direction of the Minister, whether before or after that time, is taken to be its operational plan.
(sec.42-ssec.3) Subsection (2) applies until a draft operational plan becomes the institute’s operational plan under section 41 .
sec.43
Requirement to comply
sec.43 Requirement to comply
TAFE Queensland must comply with its operational plan for each financial year.
sec.44
Amendment of plan
sec.44 Amendment of plan
TAFE Queensland may amend its operational plan only with the Minister’s written agreement.
The Minister may impose conditions on the agreement.
The Minister may, by notice, direct TAFE Queensland to amend its operational plan.
(sec.44-ssec.1) TAFE Queensland may amend its operational plan only with the Minister’s written agreement.
(sec.44-ssec.2) The Minister may impose conditions on the agreement.
(sec.44-ssec.3) The Minister may, by notice, direct TAFE Queensland to amend its operational plan.
sec.45
Relationship with FA Act plan
sec.45 Relationship with FA Act plan
The requirements stated in this division apply in addition to the requirements for the operational plan under the FA Act .
If there is an inconsistency between a requirement under this division and a requirement under the FA Act , a requirement under this division prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.
(sec.45-ssec.1) The requirements stated in this division apply in addition to the requirements for the operational plan under the FA Act .
(sec.45-ssec.2) If there is an inconsistency between a requirement under this division and a requirement under the FA Act , a requirement under this division prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.
pt.3-div.2
Powers of Minister
Powers of Minister
sec.46
Minister may require information
sec.46 Minister may require information
The Minister may, by notice, require TAFE Queensland to give the Minister information about the performance of its functions under this Act.
The notice must state the day by which the information must be given.
The requirement may include a requirement to produce a document for inspection by the Minister.
TAFE Queensland must comply with the requirement.
(sec.46-ssec.1) The Minister may, by notice, require TAFE Queensland to give the Minister information about the performance of its functions under this Act.
(sec.46-ssec.2) The notice must state the day by which the information must be given.
(sec.46-ssec.3) The requirement may include a requirement to produce a document for inspection by the Minister.
(sec.46-ssec.4) TAFE Queensland must comply with the requirement.
sec.47
Minister may give direction in public interest
sec.47 Minister may give direction in public interest
The Minister may give TAFE Queensland a written direction if the Minister is satisfied it is necessary to give the direction in the public interest.
Before giving the direction, the Minister must—
consult with TAFE Queensland; and
ask TAFE Queensland to advise whether, in its opinion, complying with the direction would not be in its financial interest.
TAFE Queensland must comply with the direction.
(sec.47-ssec.1) The Minister may give TAFE Queensland a written direction if the Minister is satisfied it is necessary to give the direction in the public interest.
(sec.47-ssec.2) Before giving the direction, the Minister must— consult with TAFE Queensland; and ask TAFE Queensland to advise whether, in its opinion, complying with the direction would not be in its financial interest.
(sec.47-ssec.3) TAFE Queensland must comply with the direction.
(a) consult with TAFE Queensland; and
(b) ask TAFE Queensland to advise whether, in its opinion, complying with the direction would not be in its financial interest.
sec.48
Notice of concern about financial viability
sec.48 Notice of concern about financial viability
This section applies if—
TAFE Queensland is given a direction under section 47 ; and
TAFE Queensland is concerned about its financial viability; and
in TAFE Queensland’s opinion, the cause or a substantial cause of its concern would be compliance with the direction.
TAFE Queensland must immediately give the Minister notice of the concern and its reasons for the opinion (the response ).
The response must state that it is given under this section.
The giving of the response operates to suspend the direction until—
the Minister gives TAFE Queensland written advice that the Minister is not satisfied that—
TAFE Queensland’s concern mentioned in subsection (1) (b) is well-founded; or
TAFE Queensland’s opinion mentioned in subsection (1) (c) is justified; or
the direction is revoked.
If TAFE Queensland was given a direction, and the Minister is satisfied TAFE Queensland’s concern is well-founded, the Minister must immediately—
if the Minister is also satisfied TAFE Queensland’s opinion is justified—revoke the direction; and
in any case—give TAFE Queensland the written directions the Minister considers necessary or desirable, including any directions necessary or desirable to ensure—
TAFE Queensland does not incur further debts; or
TAFE Queensland will be able to pay all its debts as and when they become due.
Without limiting subsection (5) , a direction under this section may require TAFE Queensland to stop or limit particular activities.
TAFE Queensland must comply with a direction under this section.
(sec.48-ssec.1) This section applies if— TAFE Queensland is given a direction under section 47 ; and TAFE Queensland is concerned about its financial viability; and in TAFE Queensland’s opinion, the cause or a substantial cause of its concern would be compliance with the direction.
(sec.48-ssec.2) TAFE Queensland must immediately give the Minister notice of the concern and its reasons for the opinion (the response ).
(sec.48-ssec.3) The response must state that it is given under this section.
(sec.48-ssec.4) The giving of the response operates to suspend the direction until— the Minister gives TAFE Queensland written advice that the Minister is not satisfied that— TAFE Queensland’s concern mentioned in subsection (1) (b) is well-founded; or TAFE Queensland’s opinion mentioned in subsection (1) (c) is justified; or the direction is revoked.
(sec.48-ssec.5) If TAFE Queensland was given a direction, and the Minister is satisfied TAFE Queensland’s concern is well-founded, the Minister must immediately— if the Minister is also satisfied TAFE Queensland’s opinion is justified—revoke the direction; and in any case—give TAFE Queensland the written directions the Minister considers necessary or desirable, including any directions necessary or desirable to ensure— TAFE Queensland does not incur further debts; or TAFE Queensland will be able to pay all its debts as and when they become due.
(sec.48-ssec.6) Without limiting subsection (5) , a direction under this section may require TAFE Queensland to stop or limit particular activities.
(sec.48-ssec.7) TAFE Queensland must comply with a direction under this section.
(a) TAFE Queensland is given a direction under section 47 ; and
(b) TAFE Queensland is concerned about its financial viability; and
(c) in TAFE Queensland’s opinion, the cause or a substantial cause of its concern would be compliance with the direction.
(a) the Minister gives TAFE Queensland written advice that the Minister is not satisfied that— (i) TAFE Queensland’s concern mentioned in subsection (1) (b) is well-founded; or (ii) TAFE Queensland’s opinion mentioned in subsection (1) (c) is justified; or
(i) TAFE Queensland’s concern mentioned in subsection (1) (b) is well-founded; or
(ii) TAFE Queensland’s opinion mentioned in subsection (1) (c) is justified; or
(b) the direction is revoked.
(i) TAFE Queensland’s concern mentioned in subsection (1) (b) is well-founded; or
(ii) TAFE Queensland’s opinion mentioned in subsection (1) (c) is justified; or
(a) if the Minister is also satisfied TAFE Queensland’s opinion is justified—revoke the direction; and
(b) in any case—give TAFE Queensland the written directions the Minister considers necessary or desirable, including any directions necessary or desirable to ensure— (i) TAFE Queensland does not incur further debts; or (ii) TAFE Queensland will be able to pay all its debts as and when they become due.
(i) TAFE Queensland does not incur further debts; or
(ii) TAFE Queensland will be able to pay all its debts as and when they become due.
(i) TAFE Queensland does not incur further debts; or
(ii) TAFE Queensland will be able to pay all its debts as and when they become due.
pt.4
Restructuring TAFE
Restructuring TAFE
sec.49
Relevant TAFE entities
sec.49 Relevant TAFE entities
Each of the following entities is a relevant TAFE entity —
the department;
TAFE Queensland;
a TAFE institute;
a statutory TAFE institute;
a dual sector entity;
an entity prescribed under a regulation for this section.
However, the regulation may only prescribe—
an entity established under an Act; or
an entity ultimately owned by a relevant TAFE entity or the State.
s 49 amd 2014 No. 24 s 5
(sec.49-ssec.1) Each of the following entities is a relevant TAFE entity — the department; TAFE Queensland; a TAFE institute; a statutory TAFE institute; a dual sector entity; an entity prescribed under a regulation for this section.
(sec.49-ssec.2) However, the regulation may only prescribe— an entity established under an Act; or an entity ultimately owned by a relevant TAFE entity or the State.
(a) the department;
(b) TAFE Queensland;
(c) a TAFE institute;
(d) a statutory TAFE institute;
(e) a dual sector entity;
(f) an entity prescribed under a regulation for this section.
(a) an entity established under an Act; or
(b) an entity ultimately owned by a relevant TAFE entity or the State.
sec.50
Transfer of assets, liabilities etc. to relevant TAFE entity
sec.50 Transfer of assets, liabilities etc. to relevant TAFE entity
A regulation (a transfer regulation ) may make provision about all or any of the following for a relevant TAFE entity—
the transfer of a business, asset or liability of the relevant TAFE entity to another relevant TAFE entity;
the consideration for a business, asset or liability transferred under paragraph (a) ;
the grant of a lease, easement or other right from the relevant TAFE entity to another relevant TAFE entity;
the variation or extinguishment of a lease, easement or other right held by the relevant TAFE entity;
for a lease held by the relevant TAFE entity under the Land Act 1994 —
transferring the lease; or
changing a purpose for which the lease is issued; or
changing a condition imposed on the lease; or
granting a sublease;
for trust land for which the relevant TAFE entity is the trustee—
removing the relevant TAFE entity as trustee; or
appointing another relevant TAFE entity as trustee; or
changing the purpose for which the trust land was reserved or granted in trust, including to a purpose other than a community purpose;
whether and, if so, the extent to which the relevant TAFE entity is the successor in law of another relevant TAFE entity;
a legal proceeding that is being, or may be, taken by or against the relevant TAFE entity to be continued or taken by or against another relevant TAFE entity;
the transfer or application of an instrument to the relevant TAFE entity, including, for example—
whether the relevant TAFE entity is a party to an instrument; and
whether an instrument, or a benefit or right provided by an instrument, is taken to have been given to, by or in favour of the relevant TAFE entity; and
whether a reference to an entity in an instrument is a reference to the relevant TAFE entity; and
whether, under an instrument, an amount is or may become payable to or by the relevant TAFE entity or other property is, or may be, transferred to or by the relevant TAFE entity; and
whether a right or entitlement under an instrument is held by the relevant TAFE entity;
the transfer of an employee of the relevant TAFE entity to another relevant TAFE entity;
the employees of the relevant TAFE entity transferred under paragraph (j) , and their terms and conditions of employment, rights and entitlements;
the application of a particular industrial instrument to—
the employees mentioned in paragraph (k) ; or
the relevant TAFE entity to which the employees mentioned in paragraph (k) are transferred; or
other employees of the relevant TAFE entity mentioned in subparagraph (ii) ;
the transfer of a student enrolment from the relevant TAFE entity to another relevant TAFE entity;
whether any of the following registrations is taken to have been given to, or in favour of, the relevant TAFE entity or another relevant TAFE entity—
registration as a registered provider under the Education (Overseas Students) Act 1996 ;
registration of a registered course under the Education (Overseas Students) Act 1996 ;
whether a relevant TAFE entity is taken to be the supervising registered training organisation for a training contract under the VETE Act , chapter 3 ;
the records of the relevant TAFE entity;
anything incidental, consequential or supplemental to the restructure of the relevant TAFE entity.
A transfer regulation—
may transfer an asset attached to land without transferring the land, even though the asset would otherwise be a part of the land; and
has effect despite any other law or instrument; and
may provide for a matter by reference to a document held by an entity.
To remove any doubt it is declared that a transfer regulation applies despite—
the Industrial Relations Act 1999 ; and
any industrial instrument.
Subsection (2) (c) does not by implication limit the Statutory Instruments Act 1992 , section 26 .
A transfer regulation may make provision about—
how consideration mentioned in subsection (1) (b) is to be decided; and
the changing of the consideration.
A transfer regulation may make provision about accounting treatment in relation to a matter mentioned in subsection (1) .
In this section—
employee , of a relevant TAFE entity mentioned in section 49 (1) (d) , does not include a member of the board of the entity.
record includes any document.
(sec.50-ssec.1) A regulation (a transfer regulation ) may make provision about all or any of the following for a relevant TAFE entity— the transfer of a business, asset or liability of the relevant TAFE entity to another relevant TAFE entity; the consideration for a business, asset or liability transferred under paragraph (a) ; the grant of a lease, easement or other right from the relevant TAFE entity to another relevant TAFE entity; the variation or extinguishment of a lease, easement or other right held by the relevant TAFE entity; for a lease held by the relevant TAFE entity under the Land Act 1994 — transferring the lease; or changing a purpose for which the lease is issued; or changing a condition imposed on the lease; or granting a sublease; for trust land for which the relevant TAFE entity is the trustee— removing the relevant TAFE entity as trustee; or appointing another relevant TAFE entity as trustee; or changing the purpose for which the trust land was reserved or granted in trust, including to a purpose other than a community purpose; whether and, if so, the extent to which the relevant TAFE entity is the successor in law of another relevant TAFE entity; a legal proceeding that is being, or may be, taken by or against the relevant TAFE entity to be continued or taken by or against another relevant TAFE entity; the transfer or application of an instrument to the relevant TAFE entity, including, for example— whether the relevant TAFE entity is a party to an instrument; and whether an instrument, or a benefit or right provided by an instrument, is taken to have been given to, by or in favour of the relevant TAFE entity; and whether a reference to an entity in an instrument is a reference to the relevant TAFE entity; and whether, under an instrument, an amount is or may become payable to or by the relevant TAFE entity or other property is, or may be, transferred to or by the relevant TAFE entity; and whether a right or entitlement under an instrument is held by the relevant TAFE entity; the transfer of an employee of the relevant TAFE entity to another relevant TAFE entity; the employees of the relevant TAFE entity transferred under paragraph (j) , and their terms and conditions of employment, rights and entitlements; the application of a particular industrial instrument to— the employees mentioned in paragraph (k) ; or the relevant TAFE entity to which the employees mentioned in paragraph (k) are transferred; or other employees of the relevant TAFE entity mentioned in subparagraph (ii) ; the transfer of a student enrolment from the relevant TAFE entity to another relevant TAFE entity; whether any of the following registrations is taken to have been given to, or in favour of, the relevant TAFE entity or another relevant TAFE entity— registration as a registered provider under the Education (Overseas Students) Act 1996 ; registration of a registered course under the Education (Overseas Students) Act 1996 ; whether a relevant TAFE entity is taken to be the supervising registered training organisation for a training contract under the VETE Act , chapter 3 ; the records of the relevant TAFE entity; anything incidental, consequential or supplemental to the restructure of the relevant TAFE entity.
(sec.50-ssec.2) A transfer regulation— may transfer an asset attached to land without transferring the land, even though the asset would otherwise be a part of the land; and has effect despite any other law or instrument; and may provide for a matter by reference to a document held by an entity.
(sec.50-ssec.3) To remove any doubt it is declared that a transfer regulation applies despite— the Industrial Relations Act 1999 ; and any industrial instrument.
(sec.50-ssec.4) Subsection (2) (c) does not by implication limit the Statutory Instruments Act 1992 , section 26 .
(sec.50-ssec.5) A transfer regulation may make provision about— how consideration mentioned in subsection (1) (b) is to be decided; and the changing of the consideration.
(sec.50-ssec.6) A transfer regulation may make provision about accounting treatment in relation to a matter mentioned in subsection (1) .
(sec.50-ssec.7) In this section— employee , of a relevant TAFE entity mentioned in section 49 (1) (d) , does not include a member of the board of the entity. record includes any document.
(a) the transfer of a business, asset or liability of the relevant TAFE entity to another relevant TAFE entity;
(b) the consideration for a business, asset or liability transferred under paragraph (a) ;
(c) the grant of a lease, easement or other right from the relevant TAFE entity to another relevant TAFE entity;
(d) the variation or extinguishment of a lease, easement or other right held by the relevant TAFE entity;
(e) for a lease held by the relevant TAFE entity under the Land Act 1994 — (i) transferring the lease; or (ii) changing a purpose for which the lease is issued; or (iii) changing a condition imposed on the lease; or (iv) granting a sublease;
(i) transferring the lease; or
(ii) changing a purpose for which the lease is issued; or
(iii) changing a condition imposed on the lease; or
(iv) granting a sublease;
(f) for trust land for which the relevant TAFE entity is the trustee— (i) removing the relevant TAFE entity as trustee; or (ii) appointing another relevant TAFE entity as trustee; or (iii) changing the purpose for which the trust land was reserved or granted in trust, including to a purpose other than a community purpose;
(i) removing the relevant TAFE entity as trustee; or
(ii) appointing another relevant TAFE entity as trustee; or
(iii) changing the purpose for which the trust land was reserved or granted in trust, including to a purpose other than a community purpose;
(g) whether and, if so, the extent to which the relevant TAFE entity is the successor in law of another relevant TAFE entity;
(h) a legal proceeding that is being, or may be, taken by or against the relevant TAFE entity to be continued or taken by or against another relevant TAFE entity;
(i) the transfer or application of an instrument to the relevant TAFE entity, including, for example— (i) whether the relevant TAFE entity is a party to an instrument; and (ii) whether an instrument, or a benefit or right provided by an instrument, is taken to have been given to, by or in favour of the relevant TAFE entity; and (iii) whether a reference to an entity in an instrument is a reference to the relevant TAFE entity; and (iv) whether, under an instrument, an amount is or may become payable to or by the relevant TAFE entity or other property is, or may be, transferred to or by the relevant TAFE entity; and (v) whether a right or entitlement under an instrument is held by the relevant TAFE entity;
(i) whether the relevant TAFE entity is a party to an instrument; and
(ii) whether an instrument, or a benefit or right provided by an instrument, is taken to have been given to, by or in favour of the relevant TAFE entity; and
(iii) whether a reference to an entity in an instrument is a reference to the relevant TAFE entity; and
(iv) whether, under an instrument, an amount is or may become payable to or by the relevant TAFE entity or other property is, or may be, transferred to or by the relevant TAFE entity; and
(v) whether a right or entitlement under an instrument is held by the relevant TAFE entity;
(j) the transfer of an employee of the relevant TAFE entity to another relevant TAFE entity;
(k) the employees of the relevant TAFE entity transferred under paragraph (j) , and their terms and conditions of employment, rights and entitlements;
(l) the application of a particular industrial instrument to— (i) the employees mentioned in paragraph (k) ; or (ii) the relevant TAFE entity to which the employees mentioned in paragraph (k) are transferred; or (iii) other employees of the relevant TAFE entity mentioned in subparagraph (ii) ;
(i) the employees mentioned in paragraph (k) ; or
(ii) the relevant TAFE entity to which the employees mentioned in paragraph (k) are transferred; or
(iii) other employees of the relevant TAFE entity mentioned in subparagraph (ii) ;
(m) the transfer of a student enrolment from the relevant TAFE entity to another relevant TAFE entity;
(n) whether any of the following registrations is taken to have been given to, or in favour of, the relevant TAFE entity or another relevant TAFE entity— (i) registration as a registered provider under the Education (Overseas Students) Act 1996 ; (ii) registration of a registered course under the Education (Overseas Students) Act 1996 ;
(i) registration as a registered provider under the Education (Overseas Students) Act 1996 ;
(ii) registration of a registered course under the Education (Overseas Students) Act 1996 ;
(o) whether a relevant TAFE entity is taken to be the supervising registered training organisation for a training contract under the VETE Act , chapter 3 ;
(p) the records of the relevant TAFE entity;
(q) anything incidental, consequential or supplemental to the restructure of the relevant TAFE entity.
(i) transferring the lease; or
(ii) changing a purpose for which the lease is issued; or
(iii) changing a condition imposed on the lease; or
(iv) granting a sublease;
(i) removing the relevant TAFE entity as trustee; or
(ii) appointing another relevant TAFE entity as trustee; or
(iii) changing the purpose for which the trust land was reserved or granted in trust, including to a purpose other than a community purpose;
(i) whether the relevant TAFE entity is a party to an instrument; and
(ii) whether an instrument, or a benefit or right provided by an instrument, is taken to have been given to, by or in favour of the relevant TAFE entity; and
(iii) whether a reference to an entity in an instrument is a reference to the relevant TAFE entity; and
(iv) whether, under an instrument, an amount is or may become payable to or by the relevant TAFE entity or other property is, or may be, transferred to or by the relevant TAFE entity; and
(v) whether a right or entitlement under an instrument is held by the relevant TAFE entity;
(i) the employees mentioned in paragraph (k) ; or
(ii) the relevant TAFE entity to which the employees mentioned in paragraph (k) are transferred; or
(iii) other employees of the relevant TAFE entity mentioned in subparagraph (ii) ;
(i) registration as a registered provider under the Education (Overseas Students) Act 1996 ;
(ii) registration of a registered course under the Education (Overseas Students) Act 1996 ;
(a) may transfer an asset attached to land without transferring the land, even though the asset would otherwise be a part of the land; and
(b) has effect despite any other law or instrument; and
(c) may provide for a matter by reference to a document held by an entity.
(a) the Industrial Relations Act 1999 ; and
(b) any industrial instrument.
(a) how consideration mentioned in subsection (1) (b) is to be decided; and
(b) the changing of the consideration.
sec.51
Ministerial direction
sec.51 Ministerial direction
The Minister may give a direction (a transfer direction ) to a relevant entity or its board requiring the entity or board to do something the Minister considers necessary or convenient for effectively restructuring the entity under this part.
Without limiting subsection (1) , a transfer direction may be about—
the timing of transfers of particular businesses, assets and liabilities, instruments and employees; or
executing an instrument; or
disclosing information.
A transfer direction must be a signed notice.
A relevant entity must comply with a transfer direction given to it.
A relevant entity’s board must—
if a transfer direction is given to the board—comply with the direction; or
if a transfer direction is given to the entity—take the action necessary to ensure the entity complies with the direction.
A relevant entity’s employees must help the entity or its board comply with a transfer direction given to the entity or board.
In this section—
board , of a relevant entity, means—
for TAFE Queensland—the board; or
for an entity prescribed under a regulation for section 49 —the appropriate authority of the entity.
relevant entity means—
TAFE Queensland; or
an entity prescribed under a regulation for section 49 .
(sec.51-ssec.1) The Minister may give a direction (a transfer direction ) to a relevant entity or its board requiring the entity or board to do something the Minister considers necessary or convenient for effectively restructuring the entity under this part.
(sec.51-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , a transfer direction may be about— the timing of transfers of particular businesses, assets and liabilities, instruments and employees; or executing an instrument; or disclosing information.
(sec.51-ssec.3) A transfer direction must be a signed notice.
(sec.51-ssec.4) A relevant entity must comply with a transfer direction given to it.
(sec.51-ssec.5) A relevant entity’s board must— if a transfer direction is given to the board—comply with the direction; or if a transfer direction is given to the entity—take the action necessary to ensure the entity complies with the direction.
(sec.51-ssec.6) A relevant entity’s employees must help the entity or its board comply with a transfer direction given to the entity or board.
(sec.51-ssec.7) In this section— board , of a relevant entity, means— for TAFE Queensland—the board; or for an entity prescribed under a regulation for section 49 —the appropriate authority of the entity. relevant entity means— TAFE Queensland; or an entity prescribed under a regulation for section 49 .
(a) the timing of transfers of particular businesses, assets and liabilities, instruments and employees; or
(b) executing an instrument; or
(c) disclosing information.
(a) if a transfer direction is given to the board—comply with the direction; or
(b) if a transfer direction is given to the entity—take the action necessary to ensure the entity complies with the direction.
(a) for TAFE Queensland—the board; or
(b) for an entity prescribed under a regulation for section 49 —the appropriate authority of the entity.
(a) TAFE Queensland; or
(b) an entity prescribed under a regulation for section 49 .
sec.52
Registering authority to register or record transfer or other dealing
sec.52 Registering authority to register or record transfer or other dealing
A registering authority must, on written application by a relevant TAFE entity, register or record in the appropriate way a transfer of, or other dealing affecting, an asset, liability or instrument provided for under a transfer regulation.
The relevant TAFE entity must comply with any relevant procedures required by the registering authority for the purpose of registering or recording the transfer or other dealing.
The registering authority may require the relevant TAFE entity to complete and submit a particular form.
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.52-ssec.1) A registering authority must, on written application by a relevant TAFE entity, register or record in the appropriate way a transfer of, or other dealing affecting, an asset, liability or instrument provided for under a transfer regulation.
(sec.52-ssec.2) The relevant TAFE entity must comply with any relevant procedures required by the registering authority for the purpose of registering or recording the transfer or other dealing. The registering authority may require the relevant TAFE entity to complete and submit a particular form.
(sec.52-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.53
Regulation dissolving statutory TAFE institute
sec.53 Regulation dissolving statutory TAFE institute
This section applies if all the assets and liabilities of a statutory TAFE institute have become the assets and liabilities of another relevant TAFE entity or have been otherwise disposed of by the statutory TAFE institute.
A regulation may—
dissolve the statutory TAFE institute; and
make provision about—
any matter relating to the dissolution for which it is necessary or convenient to make provision; and
the preparation of the institute’s final statements and report; and
access to information and documents for preparing the institute’s final statements and report; and
the entity that is to prepare the institute’s final statements and report.
Subsection (2) (b) (iv) applies despite the Financial and Performance Management Standard 2009 , sections 48 (1) and 53 .
In this section—
final statements and report , of a statutory TAFE institute, means its final financial statements and final report under the FA Act , sections 62 and 63 .
(sec.53-ssec.1) This section applies if all the assets and liabilities of a statutory TAFE institute have become the assets and liabilities of another relevant TAFE entity or have been otherwise disposed of by the statutory TAFE institute.
(sec.53-ssec.2) A regulation may— dissolve the statutory TAFE institute; and make provision about— any matter relating to the dissolution for which it is necessary or convenient to make provision; and the preparation of the institute’s final statements and report; and access to information and documents for preparing the institute’s final statements and report; and the entity that is to prepare the institute’s final statements and report.
(sec.53-ssec.3) Subsection (2) (b) (iv) applies despite the Financial and Performance Management Standard 2009 , sections 48 (1) and 53 .
(sec.53-ssec.4) In this section— final statements and report , of a statutory TAFE institute, means its final financial statements and final report under the FA Act , sections 62 and 63 .
(a) dissolve the statutory TAFE institute; and
(b) make provision about— (i) any matter relating to the dissolution for which it is necessary or convenient to make provision; and (ii) the preparation of the institute’s final statements and report; and (iii) access to information and documents for preparing the institute’s final statements and report; and (iv) the entity that is to prepare the institute’s final statements and report.
(i) any matter relating to the dissolution for which it is necessary or convenient to make provision; and
(ii) the preparation of the institute’s final statements and report; and
(iii) access to information and documents for preparing the institute’s final statements and report; and
(iv) the entity that is to prepare the institute’s final statements and report.
(i) any matter relating to the dissolution for which it is necessary or convenient to make provision; and
(ii) the preparation of the institute’s final statements and report; and
(iii) access to information and documents for preparing the institute’s final statements and report; and
(iv) the entity that is to prepare the institute’s final statements and report.
sec.54
References in documents after dissolution
sec.54 References in documents after dissolution
This section applies if a regulation is made under section 53 to dissolve a statutory TAFE institute.
A reference in a document to the institute is, if the context permits, taken to be a reference to—
one or more relevant TAFE entities prescribed under a regulation; or
if no entity is prescribed—the relevant TAFE entity to which the institute’s assets and liabilities were transferred before its dissolution.
(sec.54-ssec.1) This section applies if a regulation is made under section 53 to dissolve a statutory TAFE institute.
(sec.54-ssec.2) A reference in a document to the institute is, if the context permits, taken to be a reference to— one or more relevant TAFE entities prescribed under a regulation; or if no entity is prescribed—the relevant TAFE entity to which the institute’s assets and liabilities were transferred before its dissolution.
(a) one or more relevant TAFE entities prescribed under a regulation; or
(b) if no entity is prescribed—the relevant TAFE entity to which the institute’s assets and liabilities were transferred before its dissolution.
sec.55
Rights of transferred employees etc.
sec.55 Rights of transferred employees etc.
This section applies if there is a transfer of an employee (a transferred employee ) from a relevant TAFE entity (the transferor ) to another relevant TAFE entity (the transferee ) under a transfer regulation.
The transfer does not—
reduce the transferred employee’s total remuneration; or
prejudice the transferred employee’s existing or accruing rights to superannuation or recreation, sick, long service or other leave; or
affect a right or entitlement of the transferred employee to be employed as a public service employee accrued—
immediately before the commencement under former section 220X (4) ; or
before, on or after the commencement under the Public Sector Act 2022 , section 156 ; or
interrupt continuity of service, including continuity of service under former section 220W (4) , except that the transferred employee is not entitled to claim the benefit of a right or entitlement more than once for the same period of service; or
constitute a termination, retrenchment or redundancy of the transferred employee’s employment by the transferor; or
entitle the transferred employee to a payment or other benefit merely because he or she is no longer employed by the transferor; or
require the transferor to make any payment for the transferred employee’s accrued rights to recreation, sick, long service or other leave irrespective of any arrangement between the transferor and the transferred employee.
The transfer has effect despite any other contract, law or instrument.
If the transfer regulation provides for the application of a particular industrial instrument to an employee of the transferee other than a transferred employee, the provision does not reduce the other employee’s total remuneration.
In this section—
commencement means the day this section commences.
former section 220W(4) means the VETE Act , section 220W (4) as in force immediately before the commencement.
former section 220X(4) means the VETE Act , section 220X (4) as in force immediately before the commencement.
s 55 amd 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
(sec.55-ssec.1) This section applies if there is a transfer of an employee (a transferred employee ) from a relevant TAFE entity (the transferor ) to another relevant TAFE entity (the transferee ) under a transfer regulation.
(sec.55-ssec.2) The transfer does not— reduce the transferred employee’s total remuneration; or prejudice the transferred employee’s existing or accruing rights to superannuation or recreation, sick, long service or other leave; or affect a right or entitlement of the transferred employee to be employed as a public service employee accrued— immediately before the commencement under former section 220X (4) ; or before, on or after the commencement under the Public Sector Act 2022 , section 156 ; or interrupt continuity of service, including continuity of service under former section 220W (4) , except that the transferred employee is not entitled to claim the benefit of a right or entitlement more than once for the same period of service; or constitute a termination, retrenchment or redundancy of the transferred employee’s employment by the transferor; or entitle the transferred employee to a payment or other benefit merely because he or she is no longer employed by the transferor; or require the transferor to make any payment for the transferred employee’s accrued rights to recreation, sick, long service or other leave irrespective of any arrangement between the transferor and the transferred employee.
(sec.55-ssec.3) The transfer has effect despite any other contract, law or instrument.
(sec.55-ssec.4) If the transfer regulation provides for the application of a particular industrial instrument to an employee of the transferee other than a transferred employee, the provision does not reduce the other employee’s total remuneration.
(sec.55-ssec.5) In this section— commencement means the day this section commences. former section 220W(4) means the VETE Act , section 220W (4) as in force immediately before the commencement. former section 220X(4) means the VETE Act , section 220X (4) as in force immediately before the commencement.
(a) reduce the transferred employee’s total remuneration; or
(b) prejudice the transferred employee’s existing or accruing rights to superannuation or recreation, sick, long service or other leave; or
(c) affect a right or entitlement of the transferred employee to be employed as a public service employee accrued— (i) immediately before the commencement under former section 220X (4) ; or (ii) before, on or after the commencement under the Public Sector Act 2022 , section 156 ; or
(i) immediately before the commencement under former section 220X (4) ; or
(ii) before, on or after the commencement under the Public Sector Act 2022 , section 156 ; or
(d) interrupt continuity of service, including continuity of service under former section 220W (4) , except that the transferred employee is not entitled to claim the benefit of a right or entitlement more than once for the same period of service; or
(e) constitute a termination, retrenchment or redundancy of the transferred employee’s employment by the transferor; or
(f) entitle the transferred employee to a payment or other benefit merely because he or she is no longer employed by the transferor; or
(g) require the transferor to make any payment for the transferred employee’s accrued rights to recreation, sick, long service or other leave irrespective of any arrangement between the transferor and the transferred employee.
(i) immediately before the commencement under former section 220X (4) ; or
(ii) before, on or after the commencement under the Public Sector Act 2022 , section 156 ; or
sec.56
Things done under this part
sec.56 Things done under this part
A thing may be done under this part despite any other law or instrument.
To remove any doubt, it is declared that a thing is taken to be done under this part if it is done by, or in compliance with, a transfer regulation or transfer direction, even if the thing includes taking steps under another Act.
(sec.56-ssec.1) A thing may be done under this part despite any other law or instrument.
(sec.56-ssec.2) To remove any doubt, it is declared that a thing is taken to be done under this part if it is done by, or in compliance with, a transfer regulation or transfer direction, even if the thing includes taking steps under another Act.
sec.57
Effect on legal relationships
sec.57 Effect on legal relationships
Nothing done under this part—
makes a relevant entity liable for a civil wrong or a contravention of a law or for a breach of a contract or confidence; or
makes a relevant entity 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; or
except as provided for under a transfer regulation, is taken to 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; or
releases 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 part, the advice is taken to have been obtained or the consent or approval is taken to have been given unconditionally.
If, apart from this Act, giving notice to a person would be necessary to do something under this part, the notice is taken to have been given.
In this section—
relevant entity means—
the State or an employee or agent of the State; or
a relevant TAFE entity, a member of the relevant TAFE entity’s board, or an employee or agent of the relevant TAFE entity.
(sec.57-ssec.1) Nothing done under this part— makes a relevant entity liable for a civil wrong or a contravention of a law or for a breach of a contract or confidence; or makes a relevant entity 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; or except as provided for under a transfer regulation, is taken to 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; or releases a surety or other obligee, wholly or partly, from an obligation.
(sec.57-ssec.2) If, apart from this subsection, the advice, consent or approval of a person would be necessary to do something under this part, the advice is taken to have been obtained or the consent or approval is taken to have been given unconditionally.
(sec.57-ssec.3) If, apart from this Act, giving notice to a person would be necessary to do something under this part, the notice is taken to have been given.
(sec.57-ssec.4) In this section— relevant entity means— the State or an employee or agent of the State; or a relevant TAFE entity, a member of the relevant TAFE entity’s board, or an employee or agent of the relevant TAFE entity.
(a) makes a relevant entity liable for a civil wrong or a contravention of a law or for a breach of a contract or confidence; or
(b) makes a relevant entity 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; or
(c) except as provided for under a transfer regulation, is taken to 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; or
(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; or
(d) releases 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; or
(a) the State or an employee or agent of the State; or
(b) a relevant TAFE entity, a member of the relevant TAFE entity’s board, or an employee or agent of the relevant TAFE entity.
pt.4A
Dual sector entities
Dual sector entities
pt.4A-div.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.57A
Definitions
sec.57A Definitions
In this part—
dual sector entity means an entity prescribed as a dual sector entity under division 2 .
VET operations , in relation to a dual sector entity, means the operations of the dual sector entity that involve the delivery of vocational education and training.
s 57A ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
pt.4A-div.2
Establishing dual sector entity
Establishing dual sector entity
sec.57B
Dual sector entity may be prescribed
sec.57B Dual sector entity may be prescribed
A regulation may prescribe an entity as a dual sector entity.
The Minister may recommend the making of a regulation under subsection (1) —
only with the entity’s agreement; and
only if the Minister is satisfied the entity is a suitable entity for performing VET operations at an appropriate standard.
s 57B ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57B-ssec.1) A regulation may prescribe an entity as a dual sector entity.
(sec.57B-ssec.2) The Minister may recommend the making of a regulation under subsection (1) — only with the entity’s agreement; and only if the Minister is satisfied the entity is a suitable entity for performing VET operations at an appropriate standard.
(a) only with the entity’s agreement; and
(b) only if the Minister is satisfied the entity is a suitable entity for performing VET operations at an appropriate standard.
pt.4A-div.3
Operational plans
Operational plans
sec.57C
Application of division
sec.57C Application of division
This division applies to a dual sector entity in the performance of all its operations.
However, if a regulation under this section prescribes a day for the entity, this division applies to the entity on and from the prescribed day only to the extent of the performance of its VET operations.
s 57C ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57C-ssec.1) This division applies to a dual sector entity in the performance of all its operations.
(sec.57C-ssec.2) However, if a regulation under this section prescribes a day for the entity, this division applies to the entity on and from the prescribed day only to the extent of the performance of its VET operations.
sec.57D
Relationship with operational plan requirements under FA Act
sec.57D Relationship with operational plan requirements under FA Act
The requirements applying to a dual sector entity under this division are in addition to any requirements about an operational plan that may apply to the entity as a statutory body or otherwise under the FA Act .
Subsection (1) does not stop the dual sector entity combining its compliance with this division with its compliance with the FA standards to the extent it is reasonable and practicable to do so.
s 57D ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57D-ssec.1) The requirements applying to a dual sector entity under this division are in addition to any requirements about an operational plan that may apply to the entity as a statutory body or otherwise under the FA Act .
(sec.57D-ssec.2) Subsection (1) does not stop the dual sector entity combining its compliance with this division with its compliance with the FA standards to the extent it is reasonable and practicable to do so.
sec.57E
Purpose and operation of division
sec.57E Purpose and operation of division
The purpose of this division is to require a dual sector entity to have an operational plan and to comply with the plan.
s 57E ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
sec.57F
Preparation of draft plan
sec.57F Preparation of draft plan
A dual sector entity must give the Minister, for the Minister’s agreement, a draft operational plan for each operational plan year for the entity (the relevant year ).
This section does not apply for a dual sector entity’s first operational plan as provided for in section 57L .
The draft must be given at least 2 months before the start of the relevant year.
It is Parliament’s expectation that the Minister and the dual sector entity should reach agreement about the draft plan at least 1 month before the start of the relevant year.
Despite subsections (3) and (4) , if an entity becomes a dual sector entity in the last 3 months immediately before the start of the relevant year—
the draft plan must be given as soon as possible; and
it is Parliament’s expectation that the Minister and the dual sector entity should reach agreement about the draft plan as soon as possible, whether before or after the start of the relevant year.
Section 57L would nevertheless apply to require a first draft operational plan for the period before the relevant year starts.
In this section—
operational plan year , for a dual sector entity, means—
if the dual sector entity is a university established under an Act—the period stated under that Act as the university’s financial year; or
otherwise—
a financial year; or
a period of 1 year, other than a financial year, prescribed under a regulation.
s 57F ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57F-ssec.1) A dual sector entity must give the Minister, for the Minister’s agreement, a draft operational plan for each operational plan year for the entity (the relevant year ).
(sec.57F-ssec.2) This section does not apply for a dual sector entity’s first operational plan as provided for in section 57L .
(sec.57F-ssec.3) The draft must be given at least 2 months before the start of the relevant year.
(sec.57F-ssec.4) It is Parliament’s expectation that the Minister and the dual sector entity should reach agreement about the draft plan at least 1 month before the start of the relevant year.
(sec.57F-ssec.5) Despite subsections (3) and (4) , if an entity becomes a dual sector entity in the last 3 months immediately before the start of the relevant year— the draft plan must be given as soon as possible; and it is Parliament’s expectation that the Minister and the dual sector entity should reach agreement about the draft plan as soon as possible, whether before or after the start of the relevant year. Section 57L would nevertheless apply to require a first draft operational plan for the period before the relevant year starts.
(sec.57F-ssec.6) In this section— operational plan year , for a dual sector entity, means— if the dual sector entity is a university established under an Act—the period stated under that Act as the university’s financial year; or otherwise— a financial year; or a period of 1 year, other than a financial year, prescribed under a regulation.
(a) the draft plan must be given as soon as possible; and
(b) it is Parliament’s expectation that the Minister and the dual sector entity should reach agreement about the draft plan as soon as possible, whether before or after the start of the relevant year.
(a) if the dual sector entity is a university established under an Act—the period stated under that Act as the university’s financial year; or
(b) otherwise— (i) a financial year; or (ii) a period of 1 year, other than a financial year, prescribed under a regulation.
(i) a financial year; or
(ii) a period of 1 year, other than a financial year, prescribed under a regulation.
(i) a financial year; or
(ii) a period of 1 year, other than a financial year, prescribed under a regulation.
sec.57G
Content of plan
sec.57G Content of plan
A dual sector entity’s operational plan must to the greatest practicable extent conform with the requirements for an operational plan applying under the FA standards.
Despite subsection (1) , a dual sector entity’s operational plan must include, for the operational plan year to which it relates, the following matters about the entity—
an outline of its objectives;
its financial and non-financial performance targets for its operations;
performance indicators for the performance targets;
an outline of the nature and scope of the activities proposed to be undertaken during the operational plan year;
an outline of the major investments and borrowings proposed to be undertaken;
an outline of policies about managing the risk associated with investments or borrowings that may adversely affect its financial position;
an outline of the arrangements for people performing work for it, including as employees;
the information required to be given to the Minister in quarterly reports under division 4 ;
any other information required to be given to the Minister during the year and when it is to be given;
any other matter relevant to its operations and required to be included in the operational plan by the Minister.
s 57G ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57G-ssec.1) A dual sector entity’s operational plan must to the greatest practicable extent conform with the requirements for an operational plan applying under the FA standards.
(sec.57G-ssec.2) Despite subsection (1) , a dual sector entity’s operational plan must include, for the operational plan year to which it relates, the following matters about the entity— an outline of its objectives; its financial and non-financial performance targets for its operations; performance indicators for the performance targets; an outline of the nature and scope of the activities proposed to be undertaken during the operational plan year; an outline of the major investments and borrowings proposed to be undertaken; an outline of policies about managing the risk associated with investments or borrowings that may adversely affect its financial position; an outline of the arrangements for people performing work for it, including as employees; the information required to be given to the Minister in quarterly reports under division 4 ; any other information required to be given to the Minister during the year and when it is to be given; any other matter relevant to its operations and required to be included in the operational plan by the Minister.
(a) an outline of its objectives;
(b) its financial and non-financial performance targets for its operations;
(c) performance indicators for the performance targets;
(d) an outline of the nature and scope of the activities proposed to be undertaken during the operational plan year;
(e) an outline of the major investments and borrowings proposed to be undertaken;
(f) an outline of policies about managing the risk associated with investments or borrowings that may adversely affect its financial position;
(g) an outline of the arrangements for people performing work for it, including as employees;
(h) the information required to be given to the Minister in quarterly reports under division 4 ;
(i) any other information required to be given to the Minister during the year and when it is to be given;
(j) any other matter relevant to its operations and required to be included in the operational plan by the Minister.
sec.57H
When plan has effect
sec.57H When plan has effect
When a dual sector entity’s draft operational plan is agreed to by the Minister, the draft operational plan becomes the entity’s operational plan for the operational plan year to which it relates.
The Minister’s agreement may be given subject to conditions.
s 57H ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57H-ssec.1) When a dual sector entity’s draft operational plan is agreed to by the Minister, the draft operational plan becomes the entity’s operational plan for the operational plan year to which it relates.
(sec.57H-ssec.2) The Minister’s agreement may be given subject to conditions.
sec.57I
Plan pending agreement
sec.57I Plan pending agreement
This section applies if a draft operational plan has not been agreed to by the Minister, as provided for in section 57F , by the start of the operational plan year to which it relates.
The draft operational plan submitted, or last submitted, by the dual sector entity to the Minister, with any modifications made by the entity at the direction of the Minister, whether before or after the plan was submitted, is taken to be its operational plan.
Subsection (2) applies until a draft operational plan becomes the dual sector entity’s operational plan as provided for in this division.
s 57I ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57I-ssec.1) This section applies if a draft operational plan has not been agreed to by the Minister, as provided for in section 57F , by the start of the operational plan year to which it relates.
(sec.57I-ssec.2) The draft operational plan submitted, or last submitted, by the dual sector entity to the Minister, with any modifications made by the entity at the direction of the Minister, whether before or after the plan was submitted, is taken to be its operational plan.
(sec.57I-ssec.3) Subsection (2) applies until a draft operational plan becomes the dual sector entity’s operational plan as provided for in this division.
sec.57J
Requirement to comply
sec.57J Requirement to comply
A dual sector entity must comply with its operational plan for each operational plan year.
s 57J ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
sec.57K
Amendment of plan
sec.57K Amendment of plan
A dual sector entity may amend its operational plan only with the Minister’s written agreement.
The Minister’s agreement may be given subject to conditions.
The Minister may, by notice, direct a dual sector entity to amend its operational plan.
s 57K ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57K-ssec.1) A dual sector entity may amend its operational plan only with the Minister’s written agreement.
(sec.57K-ssec.2) The Minister’s agreement may be given subject to conditions.
(sec.57K-ssec.3) The Minister may, by notice, direct a dual sector entity to amend its operational plan.
sec.57L
First operational plan
sec.57L First operational plan
This section applies for when an entity first becomes a dual sector entity.
The dual sector entity’s first draft operational plan must be—
for the period starting on the day it becomes a dual sector entity (the start day ) and ending at the end of the operational plan year; and
given to the Minister as soon as possible after the start day.
It is Parliament’s expectation that the Minister and the dual sector entity should reach agreement about the first draft operational plan as soon as possible.
If the Minister and the dual sector entity have not reached agreement within 3 months after the start day, the first draft operational plan submitted, or last submitted, by the entity to the Minister is taken to be its first operational plan.
Subsection (4) applies until the first of the following to happen—
the dual sector entity’s first draft operational plan is agreed to by the Minister;
the commencement of the plan that is, or is taken to be, the entity’s operational plan for the entity’s next operational plan year.
s 57L ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57L-ssec.1) This section applies for when an entity first becomes a dual sector entity.
(sec.57L-ssec.2) The dual sector entity’s first draft operational plan must be— for the period starting on the day it becomes a dual sector entity (the start day ) and ending at the end of the operational plan year; and given to the Minister as soon as possible after the start day.
(sec.57L-ssec.3) It is Parliament’s expectation that the Minister and the dual sector entity should reach agreement about the first draft operational plan as soon as possible.
(sec.57L-ssec.4) If the Minister and the dual sector entity have not reached agreement within 3 months after the start day, the first draft operational plan submitted, or last submitted, by the entity to the Minister is taken to be its first operational plan.
(sec.57L-ssec.5) Subsection (4) applies until the first of the following to happen— the dual sector entity’s first draft operational plan is agreed to by the Minister; the commencement of the plan that is, or is taken to be, the entity’s operational plan for the entity’s next operational plan year.
(a) for the period starting on the day it becomes a dual sector entity (the start day ) and ending at the end of the operational plan year; and
(b) given to the Minister as soon as possible after the start day.
(a) the dual sector entity’s first draft operational plan is agreed to by the Minister;
(b) the commencement of the plan that is, or is taken to be, the entity’s operational plan for the entity’s next operational plan year.
pt.4A-div.4
Reporting to the Minister
Reporting to the Minister
sec.57M
Application of division
sec.57M Application of division
This division applies to a dual sector entity in the performance of all its operations.
However, if a regulation under this section prescribes a day for the entity, this division applies to the entity on and from the prescribed day only to the extent of the performance of its VET operations.
s 57M ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57M-ssec.1) This division applies to a dual sector entity in the performance of all its operations.
(sec.57M-ssec.2) However, if a regulation under this section prescribes a day for the entity, this division applies to the entity on and from the prescribed day only to the extent of the performance of its VET operations.
sec.57N
Quarterly reports
sec.57N Quarterly reports
A dual sector entity must give the Minister a report on the entity’s operations for each quarter.
A quarterly report must be given to the Minister—
within 6 weeks after the end of the quarter; or
if another period after the end of the quarter is agreed between the entity and the Minister—within the agreed period.
A quarterly report must contain the information required to be given in the report under the entity’s operational plan as provided for in division 3 .
In this section—
quarter means each of the following periods in any year—
1 January to 31 March;
1 April to 30 June;
1 July to 30 September;
1 October to 31 December.
s 57N ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57N-ssec.1) A dual sector entity must give the Minister a report on the entity’s operations for each quarter.
(sec.57N-ssec.2) A quarterly report must be given to the Minister— within 6 weeks after the end of the quarter; or if another period after the end of the quarter is agreed between the entity and the Minister—within the agreed period.
(sec.57N-ssec.3) A quarterly report must contain the information required to be given in the report under the entity’s operational plan as provided for in division 3 .
(sec.57N-ssec.4) In this section— quarter means each of the following periods in any year— 1 January to 31 March; 1 April to 30 June; 1 July to 30 September; 1 October to 31 December.
(a) within 6 weeks after the end of the quarter; or
(b) if another period after the end of the quarter is agreed between the entity and the Minister—within the agreed period.
(a) 1 January to 31 March;
(b) 1 April to 30 June;
(c) 1 July to 30 September;
(d) 1 October to 31 December.
sec.57O
Notice of proposed significant action
sec.57O Notice of proposed significant action
This section applies if a dual sector entity proposes to—
do anything that may have a significant adverse effect on the entity’s ability to meet its obligations under its operational plan; or
sell, lease or mortgage property transferred to the entity, as a relevant TAFE entity, under a transfer regulation; or
enter into an arrangement for any of its operations that commits to spending more than the amount prescribed under a regulation.
Before taking any action mentioned in subsection (1) (the proposed significant action ), and as soon as practicable after proposing to take the action, the dual sector entity must give the Minister notice of the action.
A dual sector entity is not required to comply with subsection (2) before taking the proposed significant action if details of the action, and a clear intention to take the action, are included in the entity’s operational plan for its current operational plan year.
s 57O ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57O-ssec.1) This section applies if a dual sector entity proposes to— do anything that may have a significant adverse effect on the entity’s ability to meet its obligations under its operational plan; or sell, lease or mortgage property transferred to the entity, as a relevant TAFE entity, under a transfer regulation; or enter into an arrangement for any of its operations that commits to spending more than the amount prescribed under a regulation.
(sec.57O-ssec.2) Before taking any action mentioned in subsection (1) (the proposed significant action ), and as soon as practicable after proposing to take the action, the dual sector entity must give the Minister notice of the action.
(sec.57O-ssec.3) A dual sector entity is not required to comply with subsection (2) before taking the proposed significant action if details of the action, and a clear intention to take the action, are included in the entity’s operational plan for its current operational plan year.
(a) do anything that may have a significant adverse effect on the entity’s ability to meet its obligations under its operational plan; or
(b) sell, lease or mortgage property transferred to the entity, as a relevant TAFE entity, under a transfer regulation; or
(c) enter into an arrangement for any of its operations that commits to spending more than the amount prescribed under a regulation.
sec.57P
Minister may require information
sec.57P Minister may require information
The Minister may, by notice given to a dual sector entity, require the entity to give the Minister information about the performance of any of its operations.
The notice must state the day by which the information must be given.
The entity must give the Minister the information by the stated day.
Without limiting subsection (1) , a requirement to give information may include a requirement to produce a document for inspection by the Minister.
s 57P ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57P-ssec.1) The Minister may, by notice given to a dual sector entity, require the entity to give the Minister information about the performance of any of its operations.
(sec.57P-ssec.2) The notice must state the day by which the information must be given.
(sec.57P-ssec.3) The entity must give the Minister the information by the stated day.
(sec.57P-ssec.4) Without limiting subsection (1) , a requirement to give information may include a requirement to produce a document for inspection by the Minister.
pt.4A-div.5
Minister’s reserve powers
Minister’s reserve powers
sec.57Q
Application of division
sec.57Q Application of division
This division applies to a dual sector entity in the performance of all of its operations.
However, if a regulation under this section prescribes a day for the entity, this division applies to the entity on and from the prescribed day only to the extent of the performance of its VET operations.
s 57Q ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57Q-ssec.1) This division applies to a dual sector entity in the performance of all of its operations.
(sec.57Q-ssec.2) However, if a regulation under this section prescribes a day for the entity, this division applies to the entity on and from the prescribed day only to the extent of the performance of its VET operations.
sec.57R
Minister may give direction in public interest
sec.57R Minister may give direction in public interest
The Minister may give a dual sector entity a written direction if the Minister is satisfied it is necessary to give the direction in the public interest.
Before giving the direction, the Minister must—
consult with the dual sector entity; and
ask the entity to advise whether, in its opinion, complying with the direction would not be in its financial interest.
The dual sector entity must comply with the direction.
s 57R ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57R-ssec.1) The Minister may give a dual sector entity a written direction if the Minister is satisfied it is necessary to give the direction in the public interest.
(sec.57R-ssec.2) Before giving the direction, the Minister must— consult with the dual sector entity; and ask the entity to advise whether, in its opinion, complying with the direction would not be in its financial interest.
(sec.57R-ssec.3) The dual sector entity must comply with the direction.
(a) consult with the dual sector entity; and
(b) ask the entity to advise whether, in its opinion, complying with the direction would not be in its financial interest.
sec.57S
Notice of concern about financial viability because of direction
sec.57S Notice of concern about financial viability because of direction
This section applies if—
a dual sector entity is given a direction under section 57R ; and
the entity is concerned that its financial viability could be seriously compromised if it is required to comply with the direction.
The entity must immediately give the Minister notice of the concern.
The notice must state—
the entity’s reasons for the concern; and
that the notice is given under this section.
The giving of the notice operates to suspend the direction until—
the Minister gives the entity written advice that the Minister is not satisfied that the entity’s concern is well-founded; or
the direction is revoked.
The Minister must immediately revoke the direction if the Minister is satisfied that the entity’s concern is well-founded.
Whether or not the Minister revokes the direction, the Minister may give any further directions the Minister considers necessary or desirable for the entity’s financial viability, including, for example, a further direction requiring the entity to stop or limit particular activities.
A further direction given under subsection (6) is not a direction under section 57R .
The entity must comply with a further direction given under subsection (6) .
s 57S ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57S-ssec.1) This section applies if— a dual sector entity is given a direction under section 57R ; and the entity is concerned that its financial viability could be seriously compromised if it is required to comply with the direction.
(sec.57S-ssec.2) The entity must immediately give the Minister notice of the concern.
(sec.57S-ssec.3) The notice must state— the entity’s reasons for the concern; and that the notice is given under this section.
(sec.57S-ssec.4) The giving of the notice operates to suspend the direction until— the Minister gives the entity written advice that the Minister is not satisfied that the entity’s concern is well-founded; or the direction is revoked.
(sec.57S-ssec.5) The Minister must immediately revoke the direction if the Minister is satisfied that the entity’s concern is well-founded.
(sec.57S-ssec.6) Whether or not the Minister revokes the direction, the Minister may give any further directions the Minister considers necessary or desirable for the entity’s financial viability, including, for example, a further direction requiring the entity to stop or limit particular activities.
(sec.57S-ssec.7) A further direction given under subsection (6) is not a direction under section 57R .
(sec.57S-ssec.8) The entity must comply with a further direction given under subsection (6) .
(a) a dual sector entity is given a direction under section 57R ; and
(b) the entity is concerned that its financial viability could be seriously compromised if it is required to comply with the direction.
(a) the entity’s reasons for the concern; and
(b) that the notice is given under this section.
(a) the Minister gives the entity written advice that the Minister is not satisfied that the entity’s concern is well-founded; or
(b) the direction is revoked.
pt.4A-div.6
Payment of returns
Payment of returns
sec.57T
Application of division
sec.57T Application of division
This division applies to a dual sector entity only to the extent of the performance of its VET operations.
s 57T ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
sec.57U
Requirement to pay annual return
sec.57U Requirement to pay annual return
A dual sector entity must pay to the State, for each year, an annual return of the amount decided by the Minister.
The return must be paid within 6 months after the end of the year for which it is payable or a longer period allowed by the Minister.
s 57U ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57U-ssec.1) A dual sector entity must pay to the State, for each year, an annual return of the amount decided by the Minister.
(sec.57U-ssec.2) The return must be paid within 6 months after the end of the year for which it is payable or a longer period allowed by the Minister.
sec.57V
Amount of annual return
sec.57V Amount of annual return
During the estimate advice period in each year, a dual sector entity must give the Minister—
an estimate of its VET surplus for the year; and
a recommendation about the amount of the annual return to be paid for the year.
The dual sector entity is not stopped from recommending that no return is payable for a particular year.
Before the year ends, the Minister must either accept the recommendation or give the dual sector entity a direction to pay an annual return of a different stated amount.
The amount of the annual return must not be more than the VET surplus for the year.
In this section—
estimate advice period , in a year, means the period from 1 November to 15 November in the year.
VET surplus , for a dual sector entity for a year, means the surplus generated by the entity for the year in the performance of its VET operations after—
providing for income tax or its equivalent; and
excluding any unrealised capital gains from upwards revaluation of non-current assets.
s 57V ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57V-ssec.1) During the estimate advice period in each year, a dual sector entity must give the Minister— an estimate of its VET surplus for the year; and a recommendation about the amount of the annual return to be paid for the year.
(sec.57V-ssec.2) The dual sector entity is not stopped from recommending that no return is payable for a particular year.
(sec.57V-ssec.3) Before the year ends, the Minister must either accept the recommendation or give the dual sector entity a direction to pay an annual return of a different stated amount.
(sec.57V-ssec.4) The amount of the annual return must not be more than the VET surplus for the year.
(sec.57V-ssec.5) In this section— estimate advice period , in a year, means the period from 1 November to 15 November in the year. VET surplus , for a dual sector entity for a year, means the surplus generated by the entity for the year in the performance of its VET operations after— providing for income tax or its equivalent; and excluding any unrealised capital gains from upwards revaluation of non-current assets.
(a) an estimate of its VET surplus for the year; and
(b) a recommendation about the amount of the annual return to be paid for the year.
(a) providing for income tax or its equivalent; and
(b) excluding any unrealised capital gains from upwards revaluation of non-current assets.
pt.4A-div.7
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
sec.57W
Annual report
sec.57W Annual report
This section applies to a dual sector entity that is a statutory body under the FA Act .
In the dual sector entity’s annual report under the FA Act , the entity must include copies of all directions given to the entity by the Minister under this Act during the year to which the report relates.
s 57W ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57W-ssec.1) This section applies to a dual sector entity that is a statutory body under the FA Act .
(sec.57W-ssec.2) In the dual sector entity’s annual report under the FA Act , the entity must include copies of all directions given to the entity by the Minister under this Act during the year to which the report relates.
sec.57X
Review of performance of VET operations
sec.57X Review of performance of VET operations
The Minister must review a dual sector entity’s performance of its VET operations every 5 years.
The first review must be completed within 12 months after the fifth anniversary of the entity becoming a dual sector entity.
Subsequent reviews must be completed within 12 months after each subsequent fifth anniversary.
The purpose of a review is to ensure the dual sector entity is operating efficiently and effectively.
s 57X ins 2014 No. 24 s 6
(sec.57X-ssec.1) The Minister must review a dual sector entity’s performance of its VET operations every 5 years.
(sec.57X-ssec.2) The first review must be completed within 12 months after the fifth anniversary of the entity becoming a dual sector entity.
(sec.57X-ssec.3) Subsequent reviews must be completed within 12 months after each subsequent fifth anniversary.
(sec.57X-ssec.4) The purpose of a review is to ensure the dual sector entity is operating efficiently and effectively.
pt.5
Miscellaneous provisions
Miscellaneous provisions
pt.5-div.1
TAFE brand
TAFE brand
sec.58
Use of protected terms
sec.58 Use of protected terms
A person must not use a protected term in its name, or in a description of its activities, operations or services, in connection with its operations in and from Queensland if having regard to the circumstances in which it is used a reasonable person would think that—
the person is a TAFE entity; or
the activity, operation or service is being provided by a TAFE entity.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
Subsection (1) does not apply to—
a TAFE entity; or
a person to whom the Minister has given approval under subsection (3) to use the protected term in its name or in connection with its activities, operations or services.
The Minister may give a person an approval to use a protected term in its name or in connection with its activities, operations or services if the Minister is satisfied—
the person is established by or operates in association with TAFE Queensland; or
it is unlikely that a reasonable person would think that, because of the use of the protected term in its name or in connection with its activities, operations or services, the person is a TAFE entity.
The Minister must publish details of approvals in force under subsection (3) on the department’s website on the internet.
In this section—
protected term means the following terms—
TAFE;
technical and further education.
TAFE entity means—
TAFE Queensland; or
a TAFE institute established under the VETE Act , chapter 6 ; or
a dual sector entity; or
an entity prescribed under a regulation.
s 58 amd 2014 No. 24 s 7
(sec.58-ssec.1) A person must not use a protected term in its name, or in a description of its activities, operations or services, in connection with its operations in and from Queensland if having regard to the circumstances in which it is used a reasonable person would think that— the person is a TAFE entity; or the activity, operation or service is being provided by a TAFE entity. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.58-ssec.2) Subsection (1) does not apply to— a TAFE entity; or a person to whom the Minister has given approval under subsection (3) to use the protected term in its name or in connection with its activities, operations or services.
(sec.58-ssec.3) The Minister may give a person an approval to use a protected term in its name or in connection with its activities, operations or services if the Minister is satisfied— the person is established by or operates in association with TAFE Queensland; or it is unlikely that a reasonable person would think that, because of the use of the protected term in its name or in connection with its activities, operations or services, the person is a TAFE entity.
(sec.58-ssec.4) The Minister must publish details of approvals in force under subsection (3) on the department’s website on the internet.
(sec.58-ssec.5) In this section— protected term means the following terms— TAFE; technical and further education. TAFE entity means— TAFE Queensland; or a TAFE institute established under the VETE Act , chapter 6 ; or a dual sector entity; or an entity prescribed under a regulation.
(a) the person is a TAFE entity; or
(b) the activity, operation or service is being provided by a TAFE entity.
(a) a TAFE entity; or
(b) a person to whom the Minister has given approval under subsection (3) to use the protected term in its name or in connection with its activities, operations or services.
(a) the person is established by or operates in association with TAFE Queensland; or
(b) it is unlikely that a reasonable person would think that, because of the use of the protected term in its name or in connection with its activities, operations or services, the person is a TAFE entity.
(a) TAFE;
(b) technical and further education.
(a) TAFE Queensland; or
(b) a TAFE institute established under the VETE Act , chapter 6 ; or
(c) a dual sector entity; or
(d) an entity prescribed under a regulation.
sec.59
Injunction to prevent or restrain a contravention
sec.59 Injunction to prevent or restrain a contravention
This section applies if the Minister reasonably believes a person (an offending party ) has engaged, is engaging or is proposing to engage in conduct that contravened, is contravening or would contravene section 58 .
The Minister may apply to the Supreme Court of Queensland (the court ) for an injunction restraining the offending party from engaging, or continuing to engage, in the conduct.
The court may grant an interim injunction restraining the offending party from engaging, or continuing to engage, in the conduct pending a decision about the application.
After considering the application the court may—
if it is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the offending party has engaged, or is likely to engage or continue to engage, in the conduct—grant the injunction; or
refuse to grant the injunction.
The court may grant the injunction—
if it is satisfied the offending party has engaged in the conduct—whether or not it considers the offending party intended to engage again, or continue to engage, in the conduct; or
if it is satisfied the offending party will likely engage again, or continue to engage, in the conduct if the injunction is not granted—
whether or not the offending party has previously engaged in the conduct; and
whether or not there is an imminent danger of substantial damage to a person if the offending party engaged in the conduct.
If the court is satisfied there is an adequate reason for doing so, it may grant an injunction under subsection (3) or (4) without notice to the offending party.
(sec.59-ssec.1) This section applies if the Minister reasonably believes a person (an offending party ) has engaged, is engaging or is proposing to engage in conduct that contravened, is contravening or would contravene section 58 .
(sec.59-ssec.2) The Minister may apply to the Supreme Court of Queensland (the court ) for an injunction restraining the offending party from engaging, or continuing to engage, in the conduct.
(sec.59-ssec.3) The court may grant an interim injunction restraining the offending party from engaging, or continuing to engage, in the conduct pending a decision about the application.
(sec.59-ssec.4) After considering the application the court may— if it is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the offending party has engaged, or is likely to engage or continue to engage, in the conduct—grant the injunction; or refuse to grant the injunction.
(sec.59-ssec.5) The court may grant the injunction— if it is satisfied the offending party has engaged in the conduct—whether or not it considers the offending party intended to engage again, or continue to engage, in the conduct; or if it is satisfied the offending party will likely engage again, or continue to engage, in the conduct if the injunction is not granted— whether or not the offending party has previously engaged in the conduct; and whether or not there is an imminent danger of substantial damage to a person if the offending party engaged in the conduct.
(sec.59-ssec.6) If the court is satisfied there is an adequate reason for doing so, it may grant an injunction under subsection (3) or (4) without notice to the offending party.
(a) if it is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the offending party has engaged, or is likely to engage or continue to engage, in the conduct—grant the injunction; or
(b) refuse to grant the injunction.
(a) if it is satisfied the offending party has engaged in the conduct—whether or not it considers the offending party intended to engage again, or continue to engage, in the conduct; or
(b) if it is satisfied the offending party will likely engage again, or continue to engage, in the conduct if the injunction is not granted— (i) whether or not the offending party has previously engaged in the conduct; and (ii) whether or not there is an imminent danger of substantial damage to a person if the offending party engaged in the conduct.
(i) whether or not the offending party has previously engaged in the conduct; and
(ii) whether or not there is an imminent danger of substantial damage to a person if the offending party engaged in the conduct.
(i) whether or not the offending party has previously engaged in the conduct; and
(ii) whether or not there is an imminent danger of substantial damage to a person if the offending party engaged in the conduct.
pt.5-div.2
Delegations
Delegations
sec.60
Delegation by TAFE Queensland
sec.60 Delegation by TAFE Queensland
TAFE Queensland may delegate a function to—
a member; or
the chief executive officer; or
an appropriately qualified employee of TAFE Queensland; or
an appropriately qualified person performing work under a mobility arrangement.
s 60 amd 2022 No. 34 s 360
(a) a member; or
(b) the chief executive officer; or
(c) an appropriately qualified employee of TAFE Queensland; or
(d) an appropriately qualified person performing work under a mobility arrangement.
sec.61
Delegation by chief executive officer
sec.61 Delegation by chief executive officer
The chief executive officer may delegate a function of the officer to—
an appropriately qualified employee of TAFE Queensland; or
an appropriately qualified person performing work under a mobility arrangement.
s 61 amd 2022 No. 34 s 361
(a) an appropriately qualified employee of TAFE Queensland; or
(b) an appropriately qualified person performing work under a mobility arrangement.
sec.62
Delegation by Minister
sec.62 Delegation by Minister
The Minister may delegate a function to an appropriately qualified public service employee.
pt.5-div.3
Other matters
Other matters
sec.63
Crime and Misconduct Act 2001
sec.63 Crime and Misconduct Act 2001
TAFE Queensland is a unit of public administration under the Crime and Misconduct Act 2001.
sec.64
Annual report
sec.64 Annual report
TAFE Queensland’s annual report for a financial year under the FA Act must include copies of—
directions and notices given to TAFE Queensland by the Minister under this Act in the financial year to which the report relates; and
all authorisations under section 66 (3) (d) given in the financial year.
s 64 amd 2014 No. 24 s 8
(a) directions and notices given to TAFE Queensland by the Minister under this Act in the financial year to which the report relates; and
(b) all authorisations under section 66 (3) (d) given in the financial year.
sec.65
Protection from liability
sec.65 Protection from liability
This section applies to the following persons—
the Minister;
the chief executive;
a member;
the chief executive officer;
an employee of TAFE Queensland;
a person performing work for TAFE Queensland under a mobility arrangement.
The person is not civilly liable for an act done, or omission made, honestly and without negligence under this Act.
If subsection (2) prevents a liability attaching to the person, the liability attaches instead to the State.
s 65 amd 2022 No. 34 s 362
(sec.65-ssec.1) This section applies to the following persons— the Minister; the chief executive; a member; the chief executive officer; an employee of TAFE Queensland; a person performing work for TAFE Queensland under a mobility arrangement.
(sec.65-ssec.2) The person is not civilly liable for an act done, or omission made, honestly and without negligence under this Act.
(sec.65-ssec.3) If subsection (2) prevents a liability attaching to the person, the liability attaches instead to the State.
(a) the Minister;
(b) the chief executive;
(c) a member;
(d) the chief executive officer;
(e) an employee of TAFE Queensland;
(f) a person performing work for TAFE Queensland under a mobility arrangement.
sec.66
Protection of confidentiality
sec.66 Protection of confidentiality
This section applies to a person who acquires information about another person (the other person )—
in performing a function under this Act; or
because of an opportunity provided by the performance of the person’s function under this Act.
The person must not do any of the following (each a disclosure )—
make a record of the information;
whether directly or indirectly, divulge or communicate the information;
use the information to benefit any person.
Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.
However, subsection (2) does not apply if—
the disclosure is—
necessary to perform the person’s functions under this Act; or
authorised under an Act; or
necessary to perform functions under the Public Records Act 2023 ; or
otherwise required or permitted by law; or
ordered by a court, commission or tribunal constituted by law in proceedings before it; or
in a form that does not disclose the identity of the other person; or
the other person is an adult and consents to the disclosure; or
the other person is a child and the child’s parent or guardian consents to the disclosure; or
the Minister considers the disclosure is in the public interest and gives the person written authorisation for the disclosure.
s 66 amd 2023 No. 33 s 107 sch 5
(sec.66-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who acquires information about another person (the other person )— in performing a function under this Act; or because of an opportunity provided by the performance of the person’s function under this Act.
(sec.66-ssec.2) The person must not do any of the following (each a disclosure )— make a record of the information; whether directly or indirectly, divulge or communicate the information; use the information to benefit any person. Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.
(sec.66-ssec.3) However, subsection (2) does not apply if— the disclosure is— necessary to perform the person’s functions under this Act; or authorised under an Act; or necessary to perform functions under the Public Records Act 2023 ; or otherwise required or permitted by law; or ordered by a court, commission or tribunal constituted by law in proceedings before it; or in a form that does not disclose the identity of the other person; or the other person is an adult and consents to the disclosure; or the other person is a child and the child’s parent or guardian consents to the disclosure; or the Minister considers the disclosure is in the public interest and gives the person written authorisation for the disclosure.
(a) in performing a function under this Act; or
(b) because of an opportunity provided by the performance of the person’s function under this Act.
(a) make a record of the information;
(b) whether directly or indirectly, divulge or communicate the information;
(c) use the information to benefit any person.
(a) the disclosure is— (i) necessary to perform the person’s functions under this Act; or (ii) authorised under an Act; or (iii) necessary to perform functions under the Public Records Act 2023 ; or (iv) otherwise required or permitted by law; or (v) ordered by a court, commission or tribunal constituted by law in proceedings before it; or (vi) in a form that does not disclose the identity of the other person; or
(i) necessary to perform the person’s functions under this Act; or
(ii) authorised under an Act; or
(iii) necessary to perform functions under the Public Records Act 2023 ; or
(iv) otherwise required or permitted by law; or
(v) ordered by a court, commission or tribunal constituted by law in proceedings before it; or
(vi) in a form that does not disclose the identity of the other person; or
(b) the other person is an adult and consents to the disclosure; or
(c) the other person is a child and the child’s parent or guardian consents to the disclosure; or
(d) the Minister considers the disclosure is in the public interest and gives the person written authorisation for the disclosure.
(i) necessary to perform the person’s functions under this Act; or
(ii) authorised under an Act; or
(iii) necessary to perform functions under the Public Records Act 2023 ; or
(iv) otherwise required or permitted by law; or
(v) ordered by a court, commission or tribunal constituted by law in proceedings before it; or
(vi) in a form that does not disclose the identity of the other person; or
sec.67
Regulation-making power
sec.67 Regulation-making power
The Governor in Council may make regulations under this Act or relating to any or all of the functions of TAFE Queensland under this Act.
pt.6
Transitional provisions
Transitional provisions
pt.6-div.1
Transitional provisions for Act No. 27 of 2013
Transitional provisions for Act No. 27 of 2013
sec.68
Appointment of TAFE Queensland’s first chief executive officer
sec.68 Appointment of TAFE Queensland’s first chief executive officer
Despite section 24(2), the Minister may appoint the first chief executive officer of TAFE Queensland.
Despite section 25, for matters not provided for under this Act or stated in the contract of employment, the first chief executive officer holds office on the terms of appointment decided by the Minister.
This Act applies to the first chief executive officer as if he or she had been appointed under section 24.
(sec.68-ssec.1) Despite section 24(2), the Minister may appoint the first chief executive officer of TAFE Queensland.
(sec.68-ssec.2) Despite section 25, for matters not provided for under this Act or stated in the contract of employment, the first chief executive officer holds office on the terms of appointment decided by the Minister.
(sec.68-ssec.3) This Act applies to the first chief executive officer as if he or she had been appointed under section 24.
sec.69
TAFE Queensland’s first operational plan
sec.69 TAFE Queensland’s first operational plan
Despite sections 39 to 42—
TAFE Queensland’s first draft operational plan must be—
for the period starting on the commencement of this section and ending on 30 June 2014; and
given to the Minister within 4 months after this section commences; and
it is Parliament’s expectation that the Minister and TAFE Queensland should reach agreement, for the first draft operational plan, as soon as possible; and
if the Minister and TAFE Queensland have not reached agreement within 5 months after the commencement, the first draft operational plan submitted, or last submitted, by TAFE Queensland to the Minister is taken to be its first operational plan.
(a) TAFE Queensland’s first draft operational plan must be— (i) for the period starting on the commencement of this section and ending on 30 June 2014; and (ii) given to the Minister within 4 months after this section commences; and
(i) for the period starting on the commencement of this section and ending on 30 June 2014; and
(ii) given to the Minister within 4 months after this section commences; and
(b) it is Parliament’s expectation that the Minister and TAFE Queensland should reach agreement, for the first draft operational plan, as soon as possible; and
(c) if the Minister and TAFE Queensland have not reached agreement within 5 months after the commencement, the first draft operational plan submitted, or last submitted, by TAFE Queensland to the Minister is taken to be its first operational plan.
(i) for the period starting on the commencement of this section and ending on 30 June 2014; and
(ii) given to the Minister within 4 months after this section commences; and
pt.6-div.2
Transitional provision for Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2019
Transitional provision for Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2019
sec.70
Membership of the board on commencement
sec.70 Membership of the board on commencement
Despite section 12(3), if on the commencement the board does not consist of a member who is an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander the board is taken to be validly constituted.
Subsection (1) continues to apply until the first day on which, after the commencement, a member is appointed to the board.
s 70 ins 2019 No. 33 s 32
(sec.70-ssec.1) Despite section 12(3), if on the commencement the board does not consist of a member who is an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander the board is taken to be validly constituted.
(sec.70-ssec.2) Subsection (1) continues to apply until the first day on which, after the commencement, a member is appointed to the board.
pt.6-div.3
Transitional provisions for Public Sector Act 2022
Transitional provisions for Public Sector Act 2022
sec.71
Definition for division
sec.71 Definition for division
In this division—
former , for a provision of this Act, means the provision as in force immediately before the commencement.
s 71 ins 2022 No. 34 s 363
sec.72
Existing work performance arrangements
sec.72 Existing work performance arrangements
This section applies to a person who, immediately before the commencement, was subject to a work performance arrangement made under former section 30.
From the commencement, the work performance arrangement is taken to be a mobility arrangement.
s 72 ins 2022 No. 34 s 363
(sec.72-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who, immediately before the commencement, was subject to a work performance arrangement made under former section 30.
(sec.72-ssec.2) From the commencement, the work performance arrangement is taken to be a mobility arrangement.
sec.73
Existing interchange arrangements
sec.73 Existing interchange arrangements
This section applies to a person who, immediately before the commencement, was subject to an interchange arrangement made under former section 31.
From the commencement, the interchange arrangement is taken to be a mobility arrangement.
s 73 ins 2022 No. 34 s 363
(sec.73-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who, immediately before the commencement, was subject to an interchange arrangement made under former section 31.
(sec.73-ssec.2) From the commencement, the interchange arrangement is taken to be a mobility arrangement.
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 TAFE Queensland Act 2013 .
sec.2 Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
sec.3 Dictionary
sec.3 Dictionary
The dictionary in schedule 1 defines particular words used in this Act.
s 3 amd 2013 No. 27 s 70 sch 1 pt 1
sec.4 References to functions
sec.4 References to functions
In this Act—
a reference to a function includes a reference to a power; and
a reference to performing a function includes a reference to exercising a power.
(a) a reference to a function includes a reference to a power; and
(b) a reference to performing a function includes a reference to exercising a power.
pt.2 TAFE Queensland
TAFE Queensland
pt.2-div.1 Establishment
Establishment
sec.5 Establishment and status
sec.5 Establishment and status
TAFE Queensland is established.
TAFE Queensland—
is a body corporate; and
has a common seal; and
may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(sec.5-ssec.1) TAFE Queensland is established.
(sec.5-ssec.2) TAFE Queensland— is a body corporate; and has a common seal; and may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(a) is a body corporate; and
(b) has a common seal; and
(c) may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
sec.6 TAFE Queensland represents the State
sec.6 TAFE Queensland represents the State
TAFE Queensland represents the State.
Without limiting subsection (1) , TAFE Queensland has the status, privileges and immunities of the State.
(sec.6-ssec.1) TAFE Queensland represents the State.
(sec.6-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , TAFE Queensland has the status, privileges and immunities of the State.
sec.7 Application of other Acts
sec.7 Application of other Acts
TAFE Queensland is—
a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 (the FA Act ); and
a statutory body under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (the SBFA Act ).
The SBFA Act , part 2B sets out the way in which TAFE Queensland’s powers under this Act are affected by the SBFA Act .
(sec.7-ssec.1) TAFE Queensland is— a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 (the FA Act ); and a statutory body under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (the SBFA Act ).
(sec.7-ssec.2) The SBFA Act , part 2B sets out the way in which TAFE Queensland’s powers under this Act are affected by the SBFA Act .
A distinct regime applies for “dual sector entities” (universities or other prescribed entities that perform VET operations). The Act allows prescription of dual sector entities (s 57B), subjects them to operational plan and reporting requirements modelled on the Financial Accountability regime (ss 57F-57K, 57N), reserves Ministerial directions and suspension procedures (ss 57R-57S), requires annual returns to the State of VET surpluses (ss 57U-57V), and mandates five-year reviews of VET performance (s 57X). The Act also protects the “TAFE” brand by making improper use of protected terms a penalty offence unless the Minister approves use (s 58) and provides an injunction power to restrain misuse (s 59).
Specific governance duties include disclosure of conflicts of interest by board members (s 22), a duty to act honestly and in TAFE Queensland’s best interests (s 23), criminal history checks and confidentiality rules for those reports (ss 34-36, 35), statutory protections from civil liability for persons acting honestly and without negligence under the Act (s 65), and a confidentiality prohibition on recording, divulging or using information acquired under the Act unless authorised or necessary for functions (s 66).
Mechanically, the Act creates an entity with corporate capacities, subjects it to strong Ministerial oversight via operational plans and directions, supplies a statutory pathway for structural reorganisation across government VET entities via regulations and directions, imposes reporting and financial return obligations on dual sector providers for their VET activities, and protects intellectual and reputational assets of the TAFE brand.
Main concepts
The Act organises its architecture around a small set of concrete statutory concepts that determine powers, duties and mechanisms.
TAFE Queensland as the corporate State-representative: TAFE Queensland is established as a body corporate with a common seal and the capacity to sue and be sued (s 5). The Act expressly says it “represents the State” and has the State’s status, privileges and immunities (s 6). That positions TAFE Queensland as a public authority with state-like legal standing.
Functions, object and not-for-profit framing: The list of statutory functions is broad, covering delivery of VET services, related education, production and sale of VET products, publication and licensing, research and industry engagement and commercial exploitation of resources (s 8). The board must perform these functions efficiently and effectively and on a not-for-profit basis (s 8(2)). The key objective includes efficiency and effectiveness and, subject to the not-for-profit constraint, commercial success measured against targets in the operational plan (s 9).
Operational plan as controlling instrument: The operational plan is central. The Act requires submission of a draft for ministerial agreement (s 39), specifies content requirements (s 40), makes agreed drafts the operative plan (s 41), and requires compliance (s 43). The Minister can impose conditions on agreement, direct amendments and require information (ss 41, 44-46). If there is no agreement at the start of a year, the last draft submitted, with Ministerial modifications, is “taken to be” the operational plan (s 42). Dual sector entities are subject to a similar but tailored regime (ss 57F-57K).
Ministerial direction and financial viability suspension: The Minister may give directions in the public interest (s 47) after consultation and asking the entity whether compliance would be not in its financial interest (s 47(2)). If TAFE Queensland or a dual sector entity believes compliance would threaten financial viability, the entity must notify the Minister and that notification suspends the direction until the Minister decides the concern is not well-founded or revokes the direction (s 48; ss 57R-57S for dual sector entities).
Transfer and restructure powers: The Act enables transfer regulations that can move businesses, assets, liabilities, leases, trust arrangements, employees, student enrolments and registrations between “relevant TAFE entities” (s 50). These transfer regulations have broad effect “despite any other law or instrument” and may transfer assets attached to land without transferring the land (s 50(2)). The Minister may give transfer directions that are mandatory on entities, boards and employees (s 51). The Act also declares that actions done under this part are valid despite other laws (s 56) and limits the effect on legal relationships but provides deemed consents and notices where needed (s 57).
Dual sector financial returns and reporting: A prescribed dual sector entity must pay an annual return to the State for VET operations, determined by the Minister after receiving the entity’s estimate and recommendation, and capped at the VET surplus for the year (ss 57U-57V). Dual sector entities must provide quarterly reports (s 57N), notify proposed significant actions (s 57O), and undergo five-year reviews of VET performance (s 57X).
Brand protection and injunctions: The Act restricts use of protected terms “TAFE” and “technical and further education” in Queensland where a reasonable person would think the user is a TAFE entity or the activity is provided by a TAFE entity, with a penalty (s 58). Ministerial approvals may be granted and published. The Minister can seek injunctive relief in the Supreme Court to restrain contraventions (s 59).
Confidentiality and criminal-history regimes: The Minister or TAFE Queensland can request police reports on criminal history for prospective or current members and employees, with obligations to destroy reports when no longer needed (s 34). Those in possession of such reports must not disclose them except in limited circumstances (s 35). Members and employees must disclose changes in criminal history in writing (s 36). Separately, s 66 prohibits recording, divulging or using information acquired under the Act except under enumerated exceptions.
These concepts create an ecosystem where ministerial oversight, statutory planning instruments and enabling regulations combine with statutory protections for State status and brand. The mechanisms for transfers and directions explicitly override other laws in many cases, while the operational plan regime formalises performance targets and the Minister’s supervisory role.
Who it affects
The Act names and affects a wide set of public and private actors through duties, constraints and processes.
TAFE Queensland and its board and staff: The Act directly governs TAFE Queensland (s 5), the board (ss 12-19), the chief executive officer (ss 24-28) and other staff (s 29). Board members’ eligibility, terms, duties and conflict-of-interest rules (ss 14, 15, 16, 22, 23) apply. Staff movement protections for prior public service employees and reciprocal recognition of TAFE service for public service appointments are included (ss 32-33). The chief executive is responsible for day-to-day management and has delegated powers (s 26).
Ministers and the department: The Minister is given specific oversight powers, including approval of operational plans (ss 39-41), directions in the public interest (s 47), transfer directions for restructuring (s 51), and the power to demand information (ss 46, 57P). The department is a “relevant TAFE entity” for restructuring purposes (s 49).
Dual sector entities and universities: Entities prescribed as dual sector entities are drawn into a parallel but related regime. The Minister may recommend prescription only with the entity’s agreement (s 57B). Once prescribed, the entity must comply with operational plans, quarterly reports, notice requirements for significant actions, Ministerial directions and a requirement to pay an annual return of VET surplus to the State (ss 57F-57V). Universities established under an Act are explicitly contemplated in the definition of operational plan year (s 57F(6)).
Employees and prospective employees: Employees of TAFE Queensland and of relevant TAFE entities are affected by transfer regulations (s 50(j)-(k), s 55), mobility arrangements and delegation mechanisms (ss 60-61), and criminal-history checks (s 34). Transfers of employees are not to reduce remuneration or accrued entitlements (s 55). The Act also requires staff to keep certain information confidential (s 66).
Students and prospective students: The Act permits transfer of student enrolments under transfer regulations (s 50(m)). Dual sector entity reporting and operational plans require disclosure of arrangements for people performing work, which may affect teaching delivery (s 40(h), s 57G(g)).
Private providers and third parties using the TAFE brand: The use of protected terms “TAFE” and “technical and further education” is restricted for persons operating in and from Queensland where a reasonable person might be misled (s 58). Private providers that use these terms without Ministerial approval may face penalties and injunctions (ss 58-59). The Minister can grant approvals and must publish them on the department’s website (s 58(4)).
Registrars, landlords and contracting counterparties: Transfer regulations may require registers to record transfers and permit transfers of assets attached to land without transfer of the land (s 50(2), s 52). The Act requires registering authorities to register or record transfers on written application (s 52). The Act also declares that transfer regulations have effect despite other laws or instruments, which can affect contractual rights, leases and statutory consents (ss 50(2), 56-57).
Courts and tribunals: The Supreme Court is the forum for injunctive relief to restrain misuse of protected terms under s 59. Other tribunals or courts may be required to act on orders for disclosure or to resolve disputes that arise in the wake of transfer regulations and directions, though the Act seeks to limit the ability to import extra contractual conditions (s 57).
Concentrated effects are visible. The Minister and the Governor in Council retain concentrated appointment and oversight powers (ss 12, 15, 24). Dual sector entities and entities subject to transfer regulations face discrete financial and reporting obligations (ss 57U-57V, 57N). Private providers and businesses that trade on the “TAFE” name are directly constrained by s 58 and the injunction power in s 59.
Key duties and rights
This section lists the statutory duties, rights and powers in practical terms with section references.
Duties of TAFE Queensland and its governing board
Prepare and submit a draft operational plan to the Minister for agreement at least 2 months before each financial year (s 39). The Minister and TAFE Queensland are expected by Parliament to reach agreement at least 1 month before the year starts (s 39(3)). If no agreement, the last draft submitted, with any Ministerial modifications, is “taken to be” the operational plan (s 42).
Comply with the operational plan once agreed or taken to be operative (s 41, s 43). Amendments require Minister’s written agreement or a Ministerial direction (s 44).
Provide the Minister with information on performance when required by notice (s 46).
Act in accordance with operational plan objectives and meet performance targets; board has function to ensure the operational plan is followed (s 13).
Governance duties for members and officers
Members must be eligible and not disqualified (ss 14, 19). Eligibility includes industry, education or corporate governance experience (s 14). Disqualifications include unspent convictions for indictable offences, being an insolvent under administration, or being subject to a Corporations Act disqualification (s 19).
Members must disclose direct or indirect financial or personal interests in matters before the board as soon as practicable and the disclosure must be recorded in minutes (s 22). Unless the board otherwise decides, the conflicted member must not be present for consideration or decision (s 22(4)-(6)). Failure to disclose or improper participation carries penalties of up to 100 penalty units (s 22).
Members must act honestly and in the best interests of TAFE Queensland and exercise reasonable skill, care and diligence (s 23).
Duties concerning criminal history and confidentiality
Minister or TAFE Queensland may request criminal-history reports for members, prospective members, employees or prospective employees; prospective persons must provide written consent for the request (s 34).
Reports obtained under s 34 must be destroyed as soon as practicable after they are no longer needed (s 34(8)).
Persons in possession of such reports must not disclose them except in narrow circumstances and face a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units for unauthorised disclosure (s 35).
Members and employees must immediately disclose changes in their criminal history in writing; maximum penalty 100 penalty units (s 36).
Ministerial powers and dual sector obligations
Minister may give written directions in the public interest; TAFE Queensland and dual sector entities must comply (s 47, s 57R). Prior consultation and a request for the entity’s assessment of financial impact are required (s 47(2), s 57R(2)).
If the entity believes compliance with a direction would threaten financial viability, it must notify the Minister and that notification suspends the direction until the Minister advises otherwise or revokes the direction (s 48; s 57S for dual sector entities). The Minister, if satisfied the concern is well-founded, must revoke the direction and may give other directions to preserve solvency (s 48(5)).
Dual sector entities must provide quarterly reports (s 57N), notify proposed significant actions (s 57O), and pay an annual return of VET surplus to the State of an amount decided by the Minister but not more than the VET surplus (ss 57U-57V).
Transfer and restructuring powers
Regulations may transfer business, assets, liabilities, leases, trust roles, employees, student enrolments and instruments among relevant TAFE entities; transfer regulations prevail despite other law or instruments and may transfer assets attached to land without transferring land (s 50).
The Minister may direct relevant entities or boards by signed notice to take steps necessary to effect restructuring; such transfer directions are mandatory for entities, boards and employees (s 51).
Protections and rights
TAFE Queensland, its board or agents acting under this Act are protected from civil liability for acts done honestly and without negligence; if this prevents a liability attaching, the liability is taken to attach to the State (s 65).
Persons authorised under s 66 may disclose confidential information where necessary to perform functions under the Act, authorised by law, or where the Minister gives written authorisation, among other enumerated exceptions (s 66).
Brand protection and remedies
Persons must not use protected terms in a manner likely to lead a reasonable person to believe they are a TAFE entity or the activity is being provided by a TAFE entity; maximum penalty 100 penalty units (s 58).
The Minister may seek injunctive relief to prevent or restrain contraventions of s 58 in the Supreme Court without notice in appropriate circumstances (s 59).
These duties create compliance points at governance, operational planning, financial reporting and information-handling levels, and they vest significant intervention rights in the Minister linked to public-interest and financial-viability tests.
Penalties and enforcement
The Act uses a mix of civil, administrative and criminal-style enforcement levers. Penalties and enforcement mechanisms are provided for particular contraventions and to support Ministerial oversight.
Monetary penalties and criminal-style offences
Disclosure obligations by members and employees concerning criminal-history reports carry maximum penalties of 100 penalty units. Specifically, failing to disclose an interest under s 22, unauthorised presence or participation when conflicted (ss 22(2), (4)-(6)), unauthorised disclosure of criminal-history reports under s 35, and failure to disclose changes in criminal history under s 36 each attract maximum penalties of 100 penalty units.
Confidentiality breaches under s 66 (prohibiting making a record, divulging or using information acquired under the Act) attract a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units unless an express exception applies (s 66(2)-(3)).
Injunction and equitable relief
The Minister may apply to the Supreme Court for an injunction to restrain conduct that contravenes s 58 (use of protected terms) (s 59(2)). The court may grant interim injunctions pending determination (s 59(3)), and may grant injunctions on the balance of probabilities that the offending conduct has occurred or is likely to occur (s 59(4)). The court may grant injunctions without notice in appropriate circumstances (s 59(6)). These are civil remedies but can be granted on preventive grounds and without prior finding of intent.
Administrative compulsion and mandatory compliance
The Minister may require information by notice (s 46, s 57P). The notices must specify the day by which information must be supplied and may require documents for inspection. The Act provides that TAFE Queensland and dual sector entities must comply with such notices (s 46(4), s 57P(3)).
The Minister’s directions in the public interest are mandatory and must be complied with by TAFE Queensland and dual sector entities, subject only to the suspension mechanism triggered by a well-founded financial viability notice (s 47; ss 57R-57S). The Minister may impose conditions when agreeing to operational plans (s 41).
Statutory override and effect despite other laws
Transfer regulations and acts under Part 4 have effect “despite any other law or instrument” and clearly override other statutory or contractual limits in many respects (s 50(2)). Section 56 repeats that a thing may be done under the part despite any other law or instrument. That statutory primacy reduces the scope for private parties to resist transfers by relying on other laws or instruments, and it reduces legal uncertainty about whether transfers can be registered (s 52). Section 57 attempts to limit certain consequences, but generally the Act provides enforcement by statutory direction rather than by criminal sanction for restructures.
Protections for public officers
Section 65 protects a specified list of persons (the Minister, the chief executive, members, the chief executive officer, employees, and persons performing work under mobility arrangements) from civil liability for acts done honestly and without negligence under the Act. If the immunity prevents liability from attaching to the person, the liability attaches instead to the State. This reduces personal exposure for official decision-makers.
Practical enforcement implications
The enforcement framework combines ministerial directions backed by statutory compulsion, monetary penalties for governance infractions and disclosure breaches, and equitable remedies for brand misuse. Transfer and restructure enforcement is administrative and statutory: entities and registering authorities are compelled to co-operate (ss 50-52), and actions taken under the restructuring provisions are insulated from being undone by reliance on other laws unless expressly preserved in transfer regulations (s 57). The Act therefore prioritises administrative mechanisms and statutory primacy over criminal enforcement in the context of restructuring and oversight.
How it interacts with other laws
The Act expressly defines its relationship with other statutes and legal instruments in several places, and in others its effect is implied by the breadth of its powers.
Statutory-body regimes and financial accountability
TAFE Queensland is a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (s 7). The latter’s Part 2B governs how TAFE Queensland’s powers under this Act are affected by that Act (s 7(2)). Section 45 says the operational plan requirements in this Act apply in addition to the FA Act requirements and prevail to the extent of inconsistency (s 45). For dual sector entities the operational plan requirements must, to the greatest practicable extent, conform with FA standards (s 57G(1)) and the Act contemplates combining compliance where reasonable (s 57D(2)).
Restructuring and overriding other instruments
Transfer regulations may have effect “despite any other law or instrument” (s 50(2)(b)). The Act declares that actions done under Part 4 may be done despite any other law or instrument (s 56(1)). Section 50(3) further removes doubt that a transfer regulation applies despite the Industrial Relations Act 1999 and any industrial instrument. Section 57 then sets out limits: it states that nothing done under Part 4 makes a relevant entity liable for civil wrongs, contraventions, or breach of contract, or constitutes satisfaction of contractual conditions except as expressly provided in transfer regulations (s 57(1)). However, s 57(2) deems required consents or notices obtained where they would otherwise be necessary, and s 57(3) declares notices given if notice would otherwise be required.
Corporations and insolvency interaction
Section 19(1)(c) disqualifies persons from board membership if they are not able to manage a corporation because of Corporations Act Part 2D.6. Thus the Corporations Act disqualification regime is imported as a disqualifier for governance.
Land and leasing regimes
Transfer regulations may deal with leases held under the Land Act 1994, including transferring leases, changing lease purposes or conditions, granting subleases (s 50(1)(e)). Transfer regs may transfer an asset attached to land without the land (s 50(2)(a)). Section 52 requires registering authorities such as registrars of titles to register or record transfers provided for under a transfer regulation (s 52). These provisions interact directly with land registration systems and might displace usual title transfer formalities to the extent authorised by regulation.
Industrial instruments and employment law
The Act asserts that transfer regulations apply despite the Industrial Relations Act 1999 and any industrial instrument (s 50(3)). Section 55 protects transferred employees by preserving total remuneration and accrued entitlements and continuity of service; the transfer does not constitute retrenchment (s 55). A transfer regulation can, however, prescribe the application of particular industrial instruments to transferred employees and to the transferee employer (s 50(1)(k)-(l)) while s 50(3) attempts to remove doubt about operation despite industrial law.
Privacy and public-records regimes
The Act imposes strict confidentiality rules for criminal-history reports and other information (ss 35, 66) and mandates destruction of police reports when no longer needed (s 34(8)). Section 66 includes an exception where disclosure is necessary to perform functions under the Public Records Act 2023. That cross-reference shows an anticipated interaction with the State’s public-records obligations.
Judicial oversight and remedies
The Supreme Court has jurisdiction to grant interim and final injunctions to restrain misuse of the TAFE brand under s 59. The Act contemplates that injunctions may be granted without notice in adequate circumstances.
Registration regimes for overseas students and vocational training
Transfer regulations may treat whether registrations as a registered provider or of a registered course under the Education (Overseas Students) Act 1996 are taken to be given to a relevant TAFE entity (s 50(1)(n)). Transfer regs can also fix whether a relevant TAFE entity is taken to be the supervising registered training organisation for a training contract under the VETE Act, chapter 3 (s 50(1)(o)). Thus the Act interfaces with Commonwealth and State registration and training contract regimes, but does so by statute making deemed transfers or reassignments under regulation rather than by relying on external administrative processes.
Limitations and protective clauses
Section 57(1) lists what actions under Part 4 do not do, such as making a relevant entity liable for a civil wrong or breach of contract. However, the Act also provides that absent specific provision being necessary to do something under Part 4, advice or consent of another person is taken to have been obtained and that notice is taken to have been given (s 57(2)). That creates a legal fiction to smooth restructures, while s 57(1) attempts to preserve certain third-party rights unless a transfer regulation provides otherwise.
In short, the Act leverages express statutory primacy to achieve transfers and restructure while identifying specific interactions with FA Act, Land Act, Industrial Relations Act, Corporations Act disqualification rules, Public Records Act and the Education (Overseas Students) Act. The repeated “despite” clauses (s 50(2), s 56) and deemed consent and notice provisions (s 57(2)) significantly change the interaction landscape compared with ordinary contractual and statutory processes.
Amendment history
The text includes inline amendment notes indicating a sequence of statutory amendments. The key amendment signals recorded in the body supplied are as follows; each note identifies the section and the amending instrument number and year where recorded in the text.
s 8 amended by 2014 No. 24 s 4 (affects functions and paragraphing). The functions and the “not-for-profit” requirement in s 8(2) are shown with an amendment note.
s 9 contains an amendment notation that references s 8(2)(b) which relates to the “not-for-profit” constraint, consistent with the 2014 amendment.
s 12 amended by 2019 No. 33 s 29 and by 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3; these amendments appear in the text: the board composition is stated with the 2019 and 2022 amendments recorded.
s 15, s 29, s 55 and other sections have amendment notes: s 29 amended 2013 No. 49 s 27; s 55 amended 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3; s 32 amended 2016 No. 64 s 79 sch 1; s 19 amended 2023 No. 23 s 247 sch 1 s 2(1). These entries indicate the Act has been updated across multiple years.
Sections in Part 4A (the dual sector entity provisions) were inserted by 2014 No. 24 s 6, as indicated by “ins 2014 No. 24 s 6”.
Sections referencing the Public Sector Act 2022 amendments (e.g. s 12(4) notes that members are appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022) show integration with more recent public sector reform.
Several provisions were omitted by 2022 No. 34 s 358 (nominally s 30 and s 31 are shown as omitted).
Section 65 updated by 2022 No. 34 s 362; s 66 updated by 2023 No. 33 s 107 sch 5.
Transitional provisions record that s 70 was inserted in 2019 No. 33 s 32 and that various provisions were inserted in 2022 No. 34 s 363 in relation to the Public Sector Act 2022.
The Act’s body shows a pattern of amendment introducing the dual sector entity governance and financial-return regime in 2014, structural adjustments and clarifications in 2019 and 2022 (notably to board composition and Public Sector Act interactions), updates to staff preservation and mobility arrangements, and criminal-history and confidentiality updates in 2023. The inline amendment citations provide statutory breadcrumbs for practitioners to trace primary amending instruments in the Queensland statute series by year and item number as shown in the embedded notes.
This summary does not attempt to reconstruct the full legislative history or every textual change. For a formal due-diligence or counsel opinion you would retrieve the particular amending Acts (e.g. Acts numbered and dated as cited in the margins) and the consolidated text available from the Queensland legislation database to compare versions and transitional arrangements precisely.
Litigation history
The supplied text contains no judicial decisions, case names or litigation history. The Act itself provides judicial enforcement mechanisms, notably the Supreme Court injunction power for breaches of the protected-terms prohibition (s 59), but the text does not supply any reported cases, precedent or examples of enforcement.
For litigation history you will need to search Queensland Supreme Court and appellate decisions, unreported remedial decisions, and tribunal files for actions involving s 58 injunctions, Ministerial directions (including disputes about suspension under s 48 and s 57S), or disputes arising from transfer regulations and directions under Part 4. The Act’s provisions that have the practical potential to generate litigation are:
s 59: injunctions to restrain unlawful use of “TAFE” and related phrases. Applications could be interlocutory and possibly granted without notice.
ss 47-48 and ss 57R-57S: disputes about the validity and suspension of Ministerial directions due to financial viability concerns. Litigation is possible if the Minister declines to revoke or the entity seeks judicial review of the Minister’s satisfaction.
s 50 and s 56-57: restructures that transfer assets, instruments and employees despite other instruments could lead to litigation by third parties asserting contractual, property or industrial-law rights, and to judicial review claims on procedural or jurisdictional grounds.
s 66: prohibitions on making records or disclosing information could give rise to disputes over administrative law obligations, whistleblower protections or public-interest disclosure rules.
None of these are mentioned as having been litigated in the supplied text. To identify litigation one should search reported decisions and internal departmental litigation logs, and consider applications for injunctive relief and judicial review in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Gotchas
This Act contains several provisions that create practical traps or require careful drafting and governance attention. The following “gotchas” are grounded in the text and explained as mechanisms to watch for.
Operational plan becomes operative even without ministerial agreement
If a draft operational plan has not been agreed by the Minister by the start of the financial year, the draft last submitted by TAFE Queensland, with any Ministerial modifications made at the Minister’s direction, is taken to be the operational plan until the Minister and TAFE Queensland agree (s 42). Practically, that means that a board cannot simply refuse to implement a plan because agreement has not been reached; the last draft can become binding. Boards and management must therefore track timing and Ministerial modifications and treat the draft as potentially enforceable after the start date.
Broad “despite any other law” transfer power
Transfer regulations may provide for transfers and amendments “despite any other law or instrument” (s 50(2)(b)). Section 56 reiterates that things may be done despite any other law. Section 57 attempts to preserve some third-party rights, but the net effect is that transfer regulations and transfer directions can effect reassignments, extinguish or vary instruments, and transfer leases and trust roles in ways that would ordinarily be constrained by contract, statute or registration processes. This can produce consequences for counterparties who are not given direct notice in the ordinary way because the Act deems consent and notice for Part 4 matters (s 57(2)). Entities and counterparties should assume statutory-based restructures may be effected and build appropriate covenants or seek protective provisions.
Effect on industrial instruments and employee rights
The Act declares transfer regulations apply despite the Industrial Relations Act 1999 and any industrial instrument (s 50(3)), but s 55 preserves employee total remuneration and accrued rights on transfer. If a transfer regulation applies a particular industrial instrument, it must not reduce total remuneration for other employees (s 55(4)). In practice this requires careful drafting of transfer regulations to avoid unintended changes to bargaining coverage and to ensure transferred employees retain accrued entitlements.
Criminal history and confidentiality traps
The Act allows police reports to be requested for prospective members or employees, but only with written consent from the prospective person (s 34(5)). Reports must be destroyed when no longer required (s 34(8)). Possession and disclosure are tightly controlled: a person who has a report must not disclose it except in narrow circumstances (s 35), with 100 penalty units for breaches. Separately, s 66 forbids making a record of information acquired under the Act, divulging or using it, subject to exceptions, with a 50 unit maximum penalty. A literal reading of s 66 forbids making a record of information obtained under the Act unless an exception applies. That is counterintuitive to ordinary recordkeeping and compliance; practitioners should map which exceptions apply (for example, “necessary to perform the person’s functions under this Act” or Ministerial authorisation, or Public Records Act exceptions) before retaining or circulating information.
Ministerial direction and limited judicial review window
The Minister’s power to give directions in the public interest is broad and mandatory (s 47). The only statutory protection to an entity facing a direction is the suspension procedure where the entity notifies financial-viability concerns (s 48). The Minister must consult before direction and ask whether compliance would not be in the entity’s financial interest but may still give the direction. Entities should engage the consultation stage and be ready to trigger s 48/57S suspension if financial viability is implicated.
TAFE brand is protected by a “reasonable person” test
The prohibition on using protected terms depends on whether “having regard to the circumstances in which it is used a reasonable person would think” the user is a TAFE entity or the activity is provided by a TAFE entity (s 58(1)). That standard is fact-driven and can be broad; a private provider using “TAFE” in signage, branding, or course descriptions may risk penalty units or injunctive relief unless they secure Ministerial approval (s 58(3)).
Delegations and mobility arrangements create split accountability
TAFE Queensland may delegate functions to members, the CEO, appropriately qualified employees or people performing work under mobility arrangements (s 60). The CEO may delegate to appropriately qualified employees or mobility arrangement persons (s 61). The availability of delegations and mobility arrangements can diffuse accountability lines unless delegations are captured in governance documentation.
Annual returns for dual sector entities tie VET surplus to State revenue
Dual sector entities must pay an annual return equal to an amount the Minister decides but not more than the VET surplus (s 57V(3)-(4)). The entity must provide an estimate and recommendation during a fixed estimate advice period (1-15 November) (s 57V(1) and definition). That creates a discrete fiscal lever on dual sector VET activities and timing obligations that can affect budgeting and reserves.
Statutory protections for officers transfer liability to the State
s 65 removes civil liability for listed persons for acts done honestly and without negligence under the Act; if immunity prevents liability attaching, the liability attaches to the State. For third parties seeking remedies, this shifts potential recovery to the State and may alter litigation strategy.
Registering authorities must comply for transfers
When a transfer regulation effects a transfer of an asset or instrument requiring registration, the relevant registering authority must register or record the transfer on written application (s 52). That removes the usual procedural friction but requires coordination with registrars and adherence to their procedural requirements.
These are high-sensitivity elements of the text where small errors in process, timing or documentation can produce unintended legal outcomes. Practitioners should map governance processes, check consent and notice requirements, and build a checklist for operational-plan timing, Ministerial consultation, required disclosures, criminal-history handling and record-retention consistent with ss 34-36 and 66.
How to comply
The Act prescribes multiple compliance obligations spanning governance, planning, reporting, staff and information handling. The steps below are practical, tied to the statutory provisions, and intended to reduce legal risk.
Governance and board duties
Appointment and eligibility: Ensure candidate screening against s 14 and s 19 before proposing or accepting appointment. Verify candidates consent to criminal-history checks where relevant (s 34(5)), confirm they are not disqualified by s 19(1) (unspent indictable convictions, insolvency under administration, Corporations Act disqualifications). Where the Minister’s approval under s 19(4) is sought or required, document the circumstances and secure any approval notice in writing.
Conflict-of-interest regime: Adopt a board conflict register and minute procedures to comply with s 22. Require immediate disclosure of direct or indirect financial or personal interests in matters before the board, record disclosures in minutes, and ensure conflicted members do not attend or participate unless the board decides otherwise. Note the maximum penalty exposure for failures under s 22 and include this in any member induction.
Duty of care and skill: Incorporate the s 23 duty into member charters and induction material: act honestly, in TAFE’s best interests, and exercise reasonable skill, care and diligence.
Operational planning and ministerial engagement
Draft operational plans: Prepare drafts at least two months before the start of the financial year (s 39), mindful of Parliament’s expectation to reach agreement at least one month before the year starts (s 39(3)). Ensure plans include the matters listed in s 40: objectives, financial and non-financial performance targets, indicators, nature and scope of activities, major investments and borrowings, risk management policies, community service obligations, people-arrangement outlines, required ministerial information and any other matters directed by the Minister.
Plan amendments and compliance: Treat the agreed draft as binding once the Minister agrees (s 41). Do not amend the operational plan without the Minister’s written agreement (s 44). If a draft has not been agreed at the start of the year, treat the last submitted draft, with any Ministerial modifications, as operative (s 42) and ensure compliance with it (s 43).
Ministerial directions: Implement an internal process to respond to Ministerial consultation under s 47(2), prepare written analysis of financial impact if requested, and establish emergency protocols to prepare and lodge a section 48 response immediately if a direction threatens financial viability.
Reporting and financial return compliance for dual sector entities
Quarterly reports: For dual sector entities, establish quarterly reporting systems aligned with the operational plan requirements and deliver reports within six weeks after quarter end or within any mutually agreed period (s 57N).
Notices of proposed significant action: If proposing activities that could adversely affect operational-plan compliance or that commit to spending above prescribed thresholds, ensure early notice to the Minister as required by s 57O and include such actions in the operational plan where appropriate to avoid prior-notice obligations.
Annual return and estimate process: Implement the estimate-advice process each year between 1 and 15 November. Prepare an estimate of the VET surplus and a reasoned recommendation about the return amount (s 57V(1)). Understand the cap that the annual return cannot exceed the VET surplus (s 57V(4)) and plan cashflow accordingly to meet payment within six months after the year end unless a longer period is allowed by the Minister (s 57U(2)).
Staff transfers, employment and industrial instruments
Transfers under transfer regulations: When transfers are contemplated, map employee entitlements carefully. Section 55 requires that transferred employees not suffer reduced total remuneration or prejudice to accrued superannuation or leave entitlements. Ensure transfer regulations or directions record terms, uphold continuity of service and avoid double entitlements claims.
Industrial instruments: Where a transfer regulation applies a particular industrial instrument to transferred employees, ensure it does not reduce total remuneration of other employees (s 55(4)). Coordinate with industrial-relations and payroll teams to preserve entitlements and record continuity.
Criminal-history checks and confidentiality handling
Consent and destruction procedures: Obtain written consent before requesting police reports for prospective members or employees (s 34(5)). Maintain a secure process for handling police reports and ensure they are destroyed as soon as practicable once no longer needed for the purpose (s 34(8)).
Access controls and disclosure exceptions: Implement strict access controls for criminal-history reports and internal guidance covering disclosure exceptions in s 35(3) including disclosure necessary to perform functions, authorised disclosures, public-records exceptions, consent-based disclosures, and anonymised disclosures. Train staff on the maximum penalty (100 penalty units) for unauthorised disclosures.
Changes in criminal history: Require members and employees to notify changes in criminal history in writing immediately and capture all required elements (existence of conviction, when it occurred, identifying details of offence, sentence) as mandated by s 36(4). Incorporate this requirement into employment contracts and board member terms.
Confidential information and recordkeeping
s 66 imposes a prohibition against making a record, disclosing or using information acquired under the Act except under limited exceptions. Because the text literally restricts making a record, establish a legal clearance process before creating or storing records of information acquired under the Act. Map applicable exceptions: necessary to perform functions under the Act, authorised under another Act, necessary to comply with the Public Records Act 2023, ordered by a court, anonymised disclosures, consent by the individual, or Ministerial written authorisation (s 66(3)). Ensure retention and destruction regimes align with Public Records Act obligations and ministerial authorisations.
Brand protection and approvals
Use of “TAFE” and “technical and further education”: Private entities or third parties planning to use protected terms must apply for Ministerial approval where there is any risk a reasonable person would believe the user is a TAFE entity or the activity is provided by a TAFE entity (s 58). Prepare an application demonstrating either that the person is established by or operates in association with TAFE Queensland or that use will not mislead reasonable persons (s 58(3)). Track published approvals on the department’s website (s 58(4)). Build compliance checks into marketing processes to avoid 100 unit penalties and possible injunctive action (s 59).
Transfers, registries and instruments
Registering authority cooperation: When transfers under transfer regulations require registration, submit written applications to registrars promptly and comply with procedural requirements (s 52). Retain documentary evidence of applications to registering authorities and confirmations of registration or recording.
Delegations and delegations register
Use the delegation provisions in ss 60-61 to document delegations made by TAFE Queensland and the CEO. Maintain a delegations register that records delegations to members, the CEO, qualified employees or mobility arrangement persons and include reporting back and review mechanisms.
Insurance and liability planning
Given s 65’s immunity and the State substitution for liability where immunity applies, review insurance structures and indemnity arrangements. Understand that liability for acts done honestly and without negligence may attach to the State rather than the individual officer. Ensure legal advice for high-risk decisions and preserve minutes demonstrating honest, non-negligent decision-making processes.
Legal and procedural readiness for restructures and Ministerial directions
Pre-design templates and checklists for compliance with transfer regulations and ministerial transfer directions (s 51). Maintain an escalation path that enables rapid provision of a s 48 or s 57S financial-viability notice when directions could jeopardise solvency. Keep contemporaneous analyses of financial impacts for Director and Minister consultations.
Documentation and transparency
Keep copies of directions and notices given to TAFE Queensland or dual sector entities in annual reports as required by s 64 and s 57W. Ensure annual report drafting includes all directions and any authorisations given under s 66(3)(d) that must be reported.
These compliance steps should be adapted into governance checklists, internal policies and manuals for board members, executive management and functional leads (finance, legal, HR, property, records). The Act creates tight timing windows for operational plans and estimate advice periods; calendar those statutory deadlines and embed them into corporate planning cycles.
(a) a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 (the FA Act ); and
(b) a statutory body under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (the SBFA Act ).
pt.2-div.2 Functions and powers
Functions and powers
sec.8 Functions
sec.8 Functions
TAFE Queensland has the following functions—
to provide vocational education and training services;
to provide further education, and other forms of education, to support and complement the provision of vocational education and training services;
to produce and sell vocational education and training products;
to prepare, publish, distribute or license the use of literary or artistic work, audio or audiovisual material, or computer software;
to undertake research and development on matters relating to its functions;
to contribute to and actively engage with industry on matters relating to its functions;
to exploit commercially TAFE Queensland’s resources, including any study, research or knowledge or the practical application of any study, research or knowledge;
to report to the Minister on the performance of its functions;
to advise and make recommendations to the Minister about matters relevant to the performance of its functions and any other matters referred to it by the Minister;
any other functions given to it under an Act.
TAFE Queensland is to perform its functions—
in a way that is efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of industry, students and the general community; and
on a not-for-profit basis.
s 8 amd 2014 No. 24 s 4
(sec.8-ssec.1) TAFE Queensland has the following functions— to provide vocational education and training services; to provide further education, and other forms of education, to support and complement the provision of vocational education and training services; to produce and sell vocational education and training products; to prepare, publish, distribute or license the use of literary or artistic work, audio or audiovisual material, or computer software; to undertake research and development on matters relating to its functions; to contribute to and actively engage with industry on matters relating to its functions; to exploit commercially TAFE Queensland’s resources, including any study, research or knowledge or the practical application of any study, research or knowledge; to report to the Minister on the performance of its functions; to advise and make recommendations to the Minister about matters relevant to the performance of its functions and any other matters referred to it by the Minister; any other functions given to it under an Act.
(sec.8-ssec.2) TAFE Queensland is to perform its functions— in a way that is efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of industry, students and the general community; and on a not-for-profit basis.
(a) to provide vocational education and training services;
(b) to provide further education, and other forms of education, to support and complement the provision of vocational education and training services;
(c) to produce and sell vocational education and training products;
(d) to prepare, publish, distribute or license the use of literary or artistic work, audio or audiovisual material, or computer software;
(e) to undertake research and development on matters relating to its functions;
(f) to contribute to and actively engage with industry on matters relating to its functions;
(g) to exploit commercially TAFE Queensland’s resources, including any study, research or knowledge or the practical application of any study, research or knowledge;
(h) to report to the Minister on the performance of its functions;
(i) to advise and make recommendations to the Minister about matters relevant to the performance of its functions and any other matters referred to it by the Minister;
(j) any other functions given to it under an Act.
(a) in a way that is efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of industry, students and the general community; and
(b) on a not-for-profit basis.
sec.9 Key objective
sec.9 Key objective
The key objective of TAFE Queensland is to be efficient and effective in performing its functions.
Subject to section 8 (2) (b) , it is also an objective of TAFE Queensland to be commercially successful in performing its functions.
The commercial success, efficiency and effectiveness of TAFE Queensland is to be measured against its financial and non-financial performance targets stated in its operational plan.
(sec.9-ssec.1) The key objective of TAFE Queensland is to be efficient and effective in performing its functions.
(sec.9-ssec.2) Subject to section 8 (2) (b) , it is also an objective of TAFE Queensland to be commercially successful in performing its functions.
(sec.9-ssec.3) The commercial success, efficiency and effectiveness of TAFE Queensland is to be measured against its financial and non-financial performance targets stated in its operational plan.
sec.10 Powers
sec.10 Powers
TAFE Queensland has all the powers of an individual, and may, for example—
enter into contracts or agreements; and
acquire, hold, deal with, and dispose of, property; and
appoint agents and attorneys; and
engage consultants and researchers; and
charge a fee for services and other facilities it supplies; and
do anything else necessary or convenient to be done in performing its functions.
(a) enter into contracts or agreements; and
(b) acquire, hold, deal with, and dispose of, property; and
(c) appoint agents and attorneys; and
(d) engage consultants and researchers; and
(e) charge a fee for services and other facilities it supplies; and
(f) do anything else necessary or convenient to be done in performing its functions.
sec.11 Extraterritoriality
sec.11 Extraterritoriality
TAFE Queensland may perform its functions inside and outside Queensland, including outside Australia.
pt.2-div.3 Board
Board
sec.12 Establishment
sec.12 Establishment
A board is established as the governing body of TAFE Queensland.
The board consists of the following persons appointed by the Governor in Council—
1 nominee of the Minister;
at least 6 but no more than 8 persons who are eligible for appointment as a member under section 14 .
At least 1 member of the board must be an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander.
The members are appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022 .
s 12 amd 2019 No. 33 s 29 ; 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
(sec.12-ssec.1) A board is established as the governing body of TAFE Queensland.
(sec.12-ssec.2) The board consists of the following persons appointed by the Governor in Council— 1 nominee of the Minister; at least 6 but no more than 8 persons who are eligible for appointment as a member under section 14 .
(sec.12-ssec.3) At least 1 member of the board must be an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander.
(sec.12-ssec.4) The members are appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022 .
(a) 1 nominee of the Minister;
(b) at least 6 but no more than 8 persons who are eligible for appointment as a member under section 14 .
sec.13 Functions
sec.13 Functions
The board has the following functions for TAFE Queensland—
to ensure it operates in accordance with its operational plan and, as far as possible, achieves the performance targets and objectives stated in the plan;
to account to the Minister for its performance as required under an Act;
to ensure it otherwise performs its functions in a proper, effective and efficient way.
(a) to ensure it operates in accordance with its operational plan and, as far as possible, achieves the performance targets and objectives stated in the plan;
(b) to account to the Minister for its performance as required under an Act;
(c) to ensure it otherwise performs its functions in a proper, effective and efficient way.
sec.14 Eligibility for appointment
sec.14 Eligibility for appointment
A person is eligible for appointment as a member if—
the person is not disqualified under section 19 from becoming a member; and
the person has—
direct industry experience or direct experience in the education, training or employment sectors; or
skills, experience or expertise in commerce, corporate governance, economics, finance, law or management.
However, the following persons are ineligible for appointment—
a member of Parliament;
a councillor of a local government;
the chief executive officer.
(sec.14-ssec.1) A person is eligible for appointment as a member if— the person is not disqualified under section 19 from becoming a member; and the person has— direct industry experience or direct experience in the education, training or employment sectors; or skills, experience or expertise in commerce, corporate governance, economics, finance, law or management.
(sec.14-ssec.2) However, the following persons are ineligible for appointment— a member of Parliament; a councillor of a local government; the chief executive officer.
(a) the person is not disqualified under section 19 from becoming a member; and
(b) the person has— (i) direct industry experience or direct experience in the education, training or employment sectors; or (ii) skills, experience or expertise in commerce, corporate governance, economics, finance, law or management.
(i) direct industry experience or direct experience in the education, training or employment sectors; or
(ii) skills, experience or expertise in commerce, corporate governance, economics, finance, law or management.
(i) direct industry experience or direct experience in the education, training or employment sectors; or
(ii) skills, experience or expertise in commerce, corporate governance, economics, finance, law or management.
(a) a member of Parliament;
(b) a councillor of a local government;
(c) the chief executive officer.
sec.15 Conditions of appointment
sec.15 Conditions of appointment
A member is to be paid the remuneration and allowances decided by the Governor in Council.
For matters not provided for by this Act, a member holds office on the terms and conditions decided by the Governor in Council.
(sec.15-ssec.1) A member is to be paid the remuneration and allowances decided by the Governor in Council.
(sec.15-ssec.2) For matters not provided for by this Act, a member holds office on the terms and conditions decided by the Governor in Council.
sec.16 Term of appointment
sec.16 Term of appointment
A member is appointed for the term, of no more than 4 years, stated in the member’s instrument of appointment.
The Minister may extend the term until the earlier of the following—
the member’s successor is appointed;
1 year after the term would have expired under the member’s instrument of appointment.
However, the term ends if the member becomes disqualified under section 19 from continuing as a member.
(sec.16-ssec.1) A member is appointed for the term, of no more than 4 years, stated in the member’s instrument of appointment.
(sec.16-ssec.2) The Minister may extend the term until the earlier of the following— the member’s successor is appointed; 1 year after the term would have expired under the member’s instrument of appointment.
(sec.16-ssec.3) However, the term ends if the member becomes disqualified under section 19 from continuing as a member.
(a) the member’s successor is appointed;
(b) 1 year after the term would have expired under the member’s instrument of appointment.
sec.17 Chairperson
sec.17 Chairperson
The Governor in Council must appoint a member as the chairperson of the board.
A person may be appointed as the chairperson at the same time as the person is appointed as a member.
The chairperson holds office for the term, ending not later than the person’s term of appointment as a member, stated in the person’s appointment as chairperson.
A vacancy occurs in the office of chairperson if the person holding office—
resigns from office by giving notice of the resignation to the Minister; or
stops being a member.
However, a person resigning the office of chairperson may continue to be a member.
(sec.17-ssec.1) The Governor in Council must appoint a member as the chairperson of the board.
(sec.17-ssec.2) A person may be appointed as the chairperson at the same time as the person is appointed as a member.
(sec.17-ssec.3) The chairperson holds office for the term, ending not later than the person’s term of appointment as a member, stated in the person’s appointment as chairperson.
(sec.17-ssec.4) A vacancy occurs in the office of chairperson if the person holding office— resigns from office by giving notice of the resignation to the Minister; or stops being a member.
(sec.17-ssec.5) However, a person resigning the office of chairperson may continue to be a member.
(a) resigns from office by giving notice of the resignation to the Minister; or
(b) stops being a member.
sec.18 Deputy chairperson
sec.18 Deputy chairperson
The board must appoint a member, other than the chairperson, as its deputy chairperson.
The deputy chairperson holds office for the term decided by the board.
A vacancy occurs in the office of deputy chairperson if the person holding office—
resigns from office by giving notice of the resignation to the Minister; or
stops being a member.
However, a person resigning the office o
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