QRIDA Can Claim Back Money as a Debt; Fines for Hiding Information; Fines for Misusing Criminal Records
Rural and Regional Adjustment Bill 2026
Topics
corporate governance court procedures criminal justice government accountability government oversight information sharing public finance
Introduced by: The Hon Dale Last MP (LNP) — Minister for Manufacturing, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Regional and Rural Development
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) can only provide financial assistance through approved schemes.
QRIDA can recover financial assistance as a debt if a person breaches a condition of the assistance, provides false or misleading information, or received the money by mistake.
The CEO of QRIDA can compel people to provide information or documents to help administer schemes, investigate offences, or recover debts.
People who provide documents to QRIDA under these rules get limited immunity. This means the documents cannot be used against them in court if the evidence would incriminate them, unless the case is about whether the document itself was false or misleading.
People who fail to comply with a QRIDA information notice or a request for documents can be fined up to 100 penalty units (2026: $17,270).
People have 30 business days to apply for an internal review of a QRIDA decision. While the review is pending, the original decision is suspended.
If a person is unhappy with an internal review decision regarding the recovery of funds, they can apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) for a review.
People cannot use QCAT to review certain original decisions about receiving financial assistance.
The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries can request criminal history reports from the Police Commissioner to check if someone is fit to be a QRIDA director or CEO.
The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, their staff, and related public servants can be fined up to 100 penalty units (2026: $17,270) if they misuse or disclose these criminal history reports.
People are banned from being a QRIDA director or CEO if they have a non-spent conviction for a serious crime, are an insolvent under administration, or are banned from managing corporations.
QRIDA directors and the CEO must immediately tell the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if they are convicted of a serious crime, become insolvent, or are banned from managing corporations. Failure to do so can lead to a fine of up to 100 penalty units (2026: $17,270).
Public sector employees who become the CEO of QRIDA keep their existing employment rights and service history.
The CEO of QRIDA cannot have other jobs or businesses unless the board gives written approval.