Night-life Economy Commissioner would have the power to hold inquiries

The Miles Labor government has introduced legislation to create the role of Night-life Economy Commissioner, as Queensland’s hospitality and live-music sector continues to grapple with rising costs and changing consumer habits.

Supporting documents for the legislation, tabled in parliament on Tuesday, show the commissioner will largely have an advocacy role, expected to promote better co-operation in the sector and become a central point of contact for businesses.

While a regulatory impact statement makes clear the role will not bring about “substantive regulatory or policy change,” the commissioner will have the power to conduct inquiries – with one caveat.

The Labor government has introduced legislation to establish the role of Night-Time Economy Commissioner.Credit: Paul Harris

“The commissioner can conduct inquiries into issues affecting the night-life economy sector upon approval by the Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development,” it states.

The current minister, Lance McCallum, told parliament on Tuesday the commissioner’s focus would be on “fostering partnerships that promote growth, sustainability and vibrancy”.

“The requirement that the minister must direct the commissioner to conduct an inquiry is to navigate when an issue may intersect across multiple areas and ensure a co-ordinated
government approach is applied,” McCallum said.

McCallum – who does not have primary responsibility for trading hours or alcohol and gaming regulation – has yet to foreshadow any such inquiries, and it remained unclear what action would be taken before the state election.

Queensland Hotels Association chief executive Bernie Hogan said government ministers already had the power to conduct inquiries and take action to support the sector.

“We don’t want this to become just another figurehead position that is relatively powerless,” Hogan said, while welcoming any attempt to help businesses.

“We’re not looking for an ombudsman, we’re not looking for a complaints department, we’re not looking for a champion of the industry – we have thousands of them out there every day.”

The bill has been referred to a parliamentary committee for consideration. With the election on October 26, it is possible the commissioner role might be left in limbo.

Hogan reiterated the QHA’s call for the government to ease regulations in Safe Night Precincts, including the long-standing requirement for ID scanners.

While the government previously confirmed a legislative review of the precincts would start this year, documents obtained under the Right to Information Act showed it was largely a data evaluation exercise rather than a policy review.

Hogan said other jurisdictions had eased regulation in entertainment precincts and Queensland should follow suit.

The state opposition has yet to detail its policies but the LNP-led Brisbane City Council was among those advocating for change, including an alternative to ID scanners.