An Act to provide for a land access ombudsman to investigate and facilitate the resolution of land access disputes, and to conduct ADRs for ADR election notice disputes
Long title amd 2017 No. 34 s 69; 2024 No. 33 s 39
This Act may be cited as the Land Access Ombudsman Act 2017.
(1)The following provisions commence on 28 September 2017—(a)part 8, divisions 2, 5 and 6;(b)part 8, division 4, other than section 75.(2)The remaining provisions of this Act commence on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
The purpose of this Act is to provide for the land access ombudsman to—(a)investigate, and facilitate the timely resolution of, land access disputes; and(b)conduct ADRs for ADR election notice disputes.s 3 amd 2024 No. 33 s 40
The purpose is to be achieved mainly by—(a)providing for a land access ombudsman; and(b)establishing the Office of the Land Access Ombudsman; and(c)authorising the land access ombudsman to—(i)investigate, and facilitate the timely resolution of, land access disputes; and(ii)conduct ADRs for ADR election notice disputes.s 4 amd 2024 No. 33 s 41; 2026 No. 10 s 18
(1)This Act binds all persons, including the State.(2)Nothing in this Act makes the State liable to be prosecuted for an offence.
The dictionary in schedule 1 defines particular words used in this Act.
7What is a land access dispute
A land access dispute is—(a)a dispute about an alleged breach of a conduct and compensation agreement between—(i)the resource authority holder and the owner or occupier of private land who entered into the agreement; or(ii)the successors and assigns of a party to the agreement mentioned in subparagraph (i) that are bound by the agreement under the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014, chapter 3, part 7, division 5; or(b)a dispute about an alleged breach of a make good agreement between—(i)the resource tenure holder and the bore owner who entered into the agreement; or(ii)the successors and assigns of a party to the agreement mentioned in subparagraph (i) that are bound by the agreement under the Water Act 2000, section 422, 437 or 437A; or(c)a dispute about an alleged breach of an access agreement between—(i)the resource authority holder and the owner or occupier of land who entered into the agreement; or(ii)the successors and assigns of a party to the agreement mentioned in subparagraph (i) that are bound by the agreement under the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014, section 79.s 7 amd 2019 No. 17 s 205; 2024 No. 33 s 42
8What is a land access dispute referral
A land access dispute referral is a referral, under part 3, division 1, of a land access dispute to the land access ombudsman.
pt 2 div 1 sdiv 1 hdg om 2026 No. 10 s 19
pt 2 div 1 sdiv 2 hdg om 2026 No. 10 s 19
pt 2 div 1 sdiv 3 hdg om 2026 No. 10 s 21
(1)There is to be a land access ombudsman.(2)The land access ombudsman is the chief executive officer of Coexistence Queensland.See the Coexistence Queensland Act 2013, section 30(1) for the employment of the chief executive officer of Coexistence Queensland.s 9 sub 2026 No. 10 s 19
(1)The land access ombudsman is to be paid the remuneration and allowances decided by the Minister.(2)The land access ombudsman holds office on the terms and conditions, not provided for by this Act, that are decided by the Minister.(3)The remuneration and allowances mentioned in subsection (1) are in addition to the person’s remuneration and allowances as chief executive officer of Coexistence Queensland.(4)Subsection (2) is not affected by the terms and conditions of the person’s employment as chief executive officer of Coexistence Queensland, other than to the extent provided for in sections 11 and 12.s 10 amd 2023 No. 23 s 247 sch 1s 26(2)
sub 2026 No. 10 s 19
If the chief executive officer of Coexistence Queensland is removed from office under the Coexistence Queensland Act 2013, section 30(3), the person stops holding office as land access ombudsman under this Act.s 11 sub 2026 No. 10 s 19
12Acting land access ombudsman
(1)This section applies if a person is appointed to act in the office of the chief executive officer of Coexistence Queensland under the Coexistence Queensland Act 2013, section 30(4).(2)While the appointment is in effect, the person is taken to also be acting as the land access ombudsman under this Act.s 12 amd 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
sub 2026 No. 10 s 19
s 13 om 2026 No. 10 s 19
s 14 om 2026 No. 10 s 19
s 15 amd 2023 No. 23 s 247 sch 1 s 26(3)
om 2026 No. 10 s 19
(1)The land access ombudsman has the following functions—(a)to investigate, and facilitate the timely resolution of, land access disputes;(b)to conduct ADRs for ADR election notice disputes;(c)to refer or recommend to departments the investigation of—(i)possible offences under section 53, 54 or 55; or(ii)possible breaches, relating to access to land, of resource authorities;(d)to identify, and advise government entities about, systemic issues arising from land access disputes and ADR election notice disputes;(e)to promote public awareness of the ombudsman’s functions under paragraphs (a) to (d);(f)other functions conferred on the ombudsman under this Act or another Act.(2)In this Act, a reference to a function of the land access ombudsman applies only to the extent the function is conferred on the ombudsman in the person’s capacity as land access ombudsman.See section 9(2) in relation to who is the land access ombudsman.s 16 amd 2024 No. 33 s 43; 2026 No. 10 s 20
17Obligations in performing functions
The land access ombudsman must, in performing the ombudsman’s functions, act independently and impartially.
18What land access ombudsman can not deal with
(1)The land access ombudsman can not accept a land access dispute referral about any of the following matters—(a)an agreement mentioned in section 7 not yet entered into;(b)a conduct and compensation agreement while subject to a minimum negotiation period under the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014, section 87;(c)a make good agreement the subject of a cooling-off period under the Water Act 2000, section 423A;(d)the content of legislation or government policies;(e)a decision made by Cabinet, a Minister or a chief executive;(f)a matter that is or has been the subject of a proceeding or an arbitration;(g)a matter that is, or has been, the subject of an investigation by a department.(2)Also, the land access ombudsman can not investigate, or continue to investigate, a matter mentioned in subsection (1).(3)For subsection (1)(g), a matter is, or has been, the subject of an investigation by a department if the matter—(a)is being, or was, investigated by the department to decide whether or not to take compliance action against a person under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, a Resource Act or the Water Act 2000, chapter 3; or(b)is, or was, the subject of compliance action by the department under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, a Resource Act or the Water Act 2000, chapter 3; or(c)is, or was, the subject of a decision by the department not to take compliance action under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, a Resource Act or the Water Act 2000, chapter 3.s 18 amd 2024 No. 33 s 44
The land access ombudsman has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done in performing the ombudsman’s functions.
20Land access ombudsman not subject to direction
The land access ombudsman is not subject to direction by anyone about—(a)the way the ombudsman performs the ombudsman’s functions; or(b)the priority given to—(i)investigations of land access dispute referrals; or(ii)the conduct of an ADR; or(c)an action taken under part 4.s 20 amd 2024 No. 33 s 45
(1)This section applies if an officer of the public service is appointed as the land access ombudsman.(2)The person keeps all rights accrued or accruing to the person as an officer of the public service as if service as the land access ombudsman were a continuation of service as a public service officer.(3)At the end of the person’s term of office or resignation as the land access ombudsman the person’s service as the land access ombudsman is taken to be service of a like nature in the public service for deciding the person’s rights as an officer of the public service.
22Acting land access ombudsman
(1)The Minister may appoint a person to act as the land access ombudsman during—(a)any vacancy, or all vacancies, in the office; or(b)any period, or all periods, when the land access ombudsman is absent from duty, or can not, for another reason, perform the duties of the office.(2)However, the person can not be appointed for more than 6 months in any 12 month period.(3)The acting land access ombudsman is appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022.s 22 amd 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
pt 2 div 2 sdiv 1 hdg ins 2024 No. 33 s 46
23Office of the Land Access Ombudsman
(1)An office called the Office of the Land Access Ombudsman is established.(2)The office’s function is to help the land access ombudsman perform the ombudsman’s functions.(3)The office consists of the land access ombudsman and the officers of the office.
The land access ombudsman controls the office.
The office is—(a)a statutory body for the Financial Accountability Act 2009; and(b)a statutory body under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982.The Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982, part 2B sets out the way that Act affects the office’s powers.s 25 sub 2024 No. 33 s 47
pt 2 div 2 sdiv 2 hdg ins 2024 No. 33 s 48
(1)The land access ombudsman must, before each 31 March, prepare, in consultation with the advisory council, a budget of estimated costs of the office for the next financial year.(2)The Minister must approve, or refuse to approve, a budget by each 30 April.(3)However, a failure by the Minister to act under subsection (2) does not prevent the Minister approving, or refusing to approve, a budget at a later time.(4)A budget has no effect until it has been approved by the Minister on the recommendation of the land access ombudsman.(5)During a financial year the land access ombudsman may prepare amendments to the office’s budget for that year.(6)An amendment of a budget has no effect until it has been approved by the Minister on the recommendation of the land access ombudsman.(7)The land access ombudsman may authorise spending by the office during a financial year only under the budget for that year, unless the Minister otherwise approves.(8)This section does not require the land access ombudsman to give the Minister any details that would, if given, prejudice a current investigation.s 25A ins 2024 No. 33s 48 (amd 2026 No. 10 s 31)
pt 2 div 2 sdiv 3 hdg ins 2024 No. 33 s 48
Officers of the office are appointed under the Public Sector Act 2022.s 26 amd 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
(1)The land access ombudsman must issue an identity card to each officer.(2)The identity card must—(a)contain a recent photo of the officer; and(b)contain a copy of the officer’s signature; and(c)identify the person as an officer under this Act; and(d)state an expiry date for the card.
28Production or display of identity card
(1)In exercising a power in relation to another person in the other person’s presence, an officer must—(a)produce the officer’s identity card for the other person’s inspection before exercising the power; or(b)have the identity card displayed so it is clearly visible to the other person when exercising the power.(2)However, if it is not practicable to comply with subsection (1), the officer must produce the identity card for the other person’s inspection at the first reasonable opportunity.
If the office of a person as an officer ends, the person must return the person’s identity card to the land access ombudsman within 21 days after the office ends unless the person has a reasonable excuse.Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
30Officers not subject to outside direction
An officer is not subject to direction by anyone, other than from within the office, about—(a)the way the land access ombudsman’s powers in relation to an investigation under this Act, or an ADR under part 3A, are to be exercised; or(b)the priority given to investigations or an ADR under part 3A.s 30 amd 2024 No. 33 s 49
31Alternative staffing arrangements
(1)The chief executive officer of Coexistence Queensland may make available to the land access ombudsman the services of other staff, or the facilities, of Coexistence Queensland.(2)The land access ombudsman may arrange with the chief executive of a government entity other than Coexistence Queensland for the services of officers or employees, or the facilities, of the entity to be made available to the ombudsman.(3)An officer or employee of a government entity whose services are made available under subsection (1) or (2)—(a)continues to be an officer or employee of the entity; and(b)continues to be employed or otherwise engaged by the entity on the same terms and conditions applying to the officer or employee before the services were made available; and(c)is, for the period the services are made available and for the carrying out of the ombudsman’s functions, taken to be an officer of the office of the land access ombudsman.s 31 amd 2026 No. 10 s 22
pt 2A hdg ins 2026 No. 10 s 23
An advisory council is established.s 31A ins 2026 No. 10 s 23
(1)The advisory council’s functions are to—(a)monitor the land access ombudsman’s independence; and(b)advise the land access ombudsman on the following—(i)policy and procedural issues relating to this Act;(ii)the operation of this Act for—(A)holders of resource authorities; and(B)owners or occupiers of private land;(iii)the preparation of annual budgets under section 25A;(iv)the development of procedural guidelines under section 65; and(c)advise the Minister on the funding of the land access ombudsman’s functions; and(d)as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year, prepare and provide the Minister with advice about—(i)matters arising in relation to the land access ombudsman’s independence during the financial year; and(ii)matters arising in relation to a matter mentioned in paragraph (b) during the financial year.(2)In this Act, a reference to a function of the advisory council applies only to the extent the function is conferred on the council in its capacity as the advisory council.See section 31C in relation to who comprises the advisory council.s 31B ins 2026 No. 10 s 23
(1)The advisory council consists of—(a)a full-time or part-time member, who is the chairperson; and(b)up to 6 part-time members.(2)The chairperson of the advisory council is the chairperson of Coexistence Queensland.(3)The other members of the advisory council are the other members of Coexistence Queensland.See the Coexistence Queensland Act 2013, section 9 for the appointment of the chairperson, and other members, of Coexistence Queensland.s 31C ins 2026 No. 10 s 23
(1)Each member of the advisory council is to be paid the remuneration and allowances decided by the Minister.(2)Each member holds office on the terms and conditions, not provided for by this Act, that are decided by the Minister.(3)The remuneration and allowances mentioned in subsection (1) are in addition to the person’s remuneration and allowances as the chairperson, or another member, of Coexistence Queensland.(4)Subsection (2) is not affected by the terms and conditions of the person’s appointment as the chairperson, or another member, of Coexistence Queensland, other than to the extent provided for in sections 31E to 31G.s 31D ins 2026 No. 10 s 23
(1)This section applies to a person who is on a leave of absence from office as a member of Coexistence Queensland that has been approved by the Minister under the Coexistence Queensland Act 2013, section 15.(2)While the approved leave of absence is in effect, the person is taken to also be on a leave of absence from office as a member of the advisory council.s 31E ins 2026 No. 10 s 23
31FResignation or removal from office
(1)This section applies if a person—(a)resigns as a member of Coexistence Queensland under the Coexistence Queensland Act 2013, section 13; or(b)is removed from office as a member of Coexistence Queensland under the Coexistence Queensland Act 2013, section 14.(2)The person stops holding office as a member of the advisory council under this Act.s 31F ins 2026 No. 10 s 23
31GActing chairperson or other member
(1)This section applies if the Minister appoints a person to act as the chairperson or another member of Coexistence Queensland under the Coexistence Queensland Act 2013, section 16.(2)While the appointment is in effect, the person is taken to also be acting as—(a)if the appointment is to act as the chairperson of Coexistence Queensland—the chairperson of the advisory council; or(b)otherwise—another member of the advisory council.s 31G ins 2026 No. 10 s 23
32Land access dispute may be referred
(1)A party to a land access dispute may refer the dispute to the land access ombudsman.(2)However, a party to a land access dispute may not refer the dispute unless the party has made a reasonable attempt to resolve the dispute with the other party to the dispute.(3)A land access dispute may not be referred for a party by another person, unless the party is a person with impaired capacity.(4)In this section—impaired capacity has the meaning under the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000.
33How land access dispute may be referred
(1)A land access dispute may be referred to the land access ombudsman orally or in the approved form.(2)However, the land access ombudsman may refuse to investigate or continue to investigate a land access dispute referred orally until the referral is made in the approved form.(3)The land access ombudsman may assist a party to refer a land access dispute if the party asks for assistance.
34Protection from liability for referring land access dispute
(1)This section applies if—(a)a party refers a land access dispute to the land access ombudsman; and(b)the agreement the subject of the dispute contains a condition about a dispute resolution process other than the process under this Act (a dispute resolution condition).(2)The party does not incur any civil liability for breach of the dispute resolution condition for referring the land access dispute to the land access ombudsman.s 34 amd 2024 No. 33 s 51
(1)The land access ombudsman may make reasonably necessary inquiries to decide whether a land access dispute referral should be accepted.(2)The parties to the land access dispute must give the land access ombudsman reasonable help in the conduct of the inquiries.
36Acceptance or refusal of referral
(1)If a party (the referring party) refers a land access dispute to the land access ombudsman, the ombudsman may—(a)accept the land access dispute referral; or(b)refuse to accept the land access dispute referral; or(c)give a direction under section 37 in relation to the land access dispute referral.(2)The land access ombudsman must refuse to accept the land access dispute referral if—(a)the referral is about a matter mentioned in section 18(1); or(b)the ombudsman is satisfied—(i)the referring party has not complied with section 32(2); or(ii)the land access dispute referral is frivolous or vexatious or has not been made in good faith; or(iii)the subject of the land access dispute is trivial; or(iv)in the circumstances, the investigation of the matter the subject of the land access dispute is unnecessary or unjustifiable; or(c)the referring party has not given the ombudsman reasonable help as required under section 35(2).(3)For subsection (2)(b)(i), the land access ombudsman may be satisfied the referring party has complied with section 32(2) regardless of whether the referring party has used, or attempted to use—(a)the dispute resolution process, if any, in the agreement the subject of the land access dispute referral; or(b)a process for alternative dispute resolution under another Act.s 36 amd 2024 No. 33 s 52
37Direction to make reasonable attempt to resolve
(1)This section applies if the land access ombudsman is satisfied a referring party has not complied with section 32(2).(2)Instead of refusing to accept the land access dispute referral, the land access ombudsman may direct the referring party to make a reasonable attempt to resolve the land access dispute with the other party.(3)If, after giving a direction under subsection (2), the land access ombudsman is satisfied the referring party has made a reasonable attempt to resolve the land access dispute, the ombudsman may accept the referral.
38Actions by land access ombudsman after refusal
(1)This section applies if the land access ombudsman refuses to accept a land access dispute referral.(2)The land access ombudsman must, as soon as practicable, in a way the ombudsman considers appropriate, give the referring party notice of the decision and reasons for the decision.(3)Also, the land access ombudsman may, in relation to a matter arising from the land access dispute referral, refer the matter to a regulator.(4)In this section—land access code see the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014, section 36.regulator means—(a)for a matter about a requirement under a Resource Act—the chief executive of the department in which the Resource Act is administered; or(b)for a matter about a condition of a resource authority—the chief executive of the department in which the relevant Resource Act for the resource authority is administered; or(c)for a matter about a mandatory condition of a land access code—the chief executive (natural resources and mines); or(d)for a matter about a requirement under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 or a condition of an environmental authority—the chief executive (environment protection); or(e)for a matter about a requirement under the Water Act 2000, chapter 3—the chief executive (water).
39Withdrawal of land access dispute referral
(1)A referring party may, by notice given to the land access ombudsman, withdraw the party’s land access dispute referral.(2)In withdrawing the referral the party must comply with any requirements for the withdrawal under a procedural guideline made under section 65.(3)The land access ombudsman must, as soon as practicable after receiving the notice, give the other party to the land access dispute notice of the withdrawal.
(1)If the land access ombudsman decides to accept a land access dispute referral from a referring party, the ombudsman must, as soon as practicable, give a notice (an investigation notice) to the other party to the land access dispute the subject of the referral.(2)The investigation notice must state—(a)the subject of the land access dispute referral; and(b)sufficient details to identify the referring party and the land the subject of the referral; and(c)when the ombudsman proposes to start to investigate the land access dispute referral.(3)The notice need not be given if the land access dispute referral has been withdrawn.(4)The land access ombudsman may give the information mentioned in subsection (2) to the other party orally before giving the investigation notice.
(1)Subject to this Act, the procedure for investigating a land access dispute referral is the procedure decided by the land access ombudsman.(2)If practicable, the procedure must involve an alternative dispute resolution process to resolve the land access dispute.(3)The alternative dispute resolution process—(a)may be a process of any type, including, for example, case appraisal, conciliation or mediation; and(b)must not bind the parties.(4)The land access ombudsman, in carrying out an investigation—(a)is not bound by the rules of evidence, but must comply with natural justice; and(b)may, but is not required to, hold meetings and conduct interviews for the investigation; and(c)may make inquiries the ombudsman considers appropriate, including consulting with an entity with relevant technical expertise about the land access dispute referral and requesting information from government entities relevant to a land access dispute referral; and(d)may advise each party about the merits of their position in relation to the land access dispute referral; and(e)may, if the ombudsman considers a party would benefit from health advice, treatment or care, provide the party with information about entities that provide the advice, treatment or care; and(f)must act in a way that is fair, reasonable, just, timely and maintains confidentiality.(5)Nothing said by a person to the land access ombudsman or an officer in an alternative dispute resolution process during an investigation is admissible in evidence in a proceeding without the person’s consent.
42Power to require particular information
(1)If a land access dispute referral has been accepted by the land access ombudsman, the ombudsman may, by notice given to a party to the land access dispute the subject of the referral, require the party to give the ombudsman—(a)a stated document or information at a stated reasonable time and place; or(b)access to a stated document or information.(2)A requirement under subsection (1) may relate only to documents or information related to the investigation of the land access dispute referral.(3)A requirement under subsection (1) may be included in an investigation notice.(4)A party of whom a requirement is made under subsection (1) must comply with the requirement unless the party has a reasonable excuse.Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(5)It is a reasonable excuse for a party not to comply with the requirement if—(a)the document or information is not in the party’s possession or control; or(b)the document or information is in another person’s possession and—(i)the party has taken all reasonable steps to obtain the document or information from the other person; and(ii)the other person has not given it to the party; or(c)the party is an individual and complying with the requirement might tend to incriminate the individual or expose the individual to a penalty.(6)A party is not obliged to disclose a document or information under this section if the document or information—(a)is protected by legal professional privilege; or(b)is a communication of an admission made by a party before the land access referral was made, and in the course of negotiations to attempt to settle the land access dispute between the parties.
(1)If a land access dispute referral has been accepted by the land access ombudsman, the ombudsman may, by notice given to a party to the land access dispute the subject of the referral, require the party to—(a)attend a meeting with the land access ombudsman at a stated reasonable time and place; and(b)answer questions, related to the investigation of the land access dispute referral, asked by the ombudsman.(2)A party of whom a requirement is made under subsection (1) must comply with the requirement unless the party has a reasonable excuse.Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(3)It is a reasonable excuse for a party who is an individual to fail to answer a question if answering the question might tend to incriminate the individual or expose the individual to a penalty.(4)A party may be represented by someone at a meeting only with the leave of the land access ombudsman.(5)The land access ombudsman must not unreasonably withhold leave for a party to be represented at a meeting.(6)A party must bear the party’s own costs of representation for a meeting.
In this subdivision—coal mine see the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999, section 9.dispute land see section 45(1) and (2).mine see the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999, section 9.operating plant see the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004, section 670.safety and health management system—(a)for a coal mine, see the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999, schedule 3, definition safety and health management system, first mention; or(b)for a mine, see the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999, schedule 2.safety management system, for an operating plant, see the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004, schedule 2.
(1)If a land access dispute referral about an agreement other than a make good agreement has been accepted by the land access ombudsman, the ombudsman may enter land the subject of the agreement (the dispute land) if—(a)the party to the land access dispute who is an owner or occupier of the dispute land consents under this subdivision to the entry and section 48 has been complied with for the party; and(b)any owner of the dispute land who is not a party to the land access dispute consents under this subdivision to the entry and section 48 has been complied with for the owner; and(c)any occupier of the dispute land who is not a party to the land access dispute consents under this subdivision to the entry and section 48 has been complied with for the occupier; and(d)for dispute land on which there is a coal mine with a safety and health management system for the coal mine—(i)the party to the land access dispute who is the resource authority holder consents under this subdivision to the entry; and(ii)section 48 has been complied with for the party; and(e)for dispute land on which there is a mine with a safety and health management system for the mine—(i)the party to the land access dispute who is the resource authority holder consents under this subdivision to the entry; and(ii)section 48 has been complied with for the party; and(f)for dispute land on which there is an operating plant with a safety management system for the operating plant—(i)the party to the land access dispute who is the resource authority holder consents under this subdivision to the entry; and(ii)section 48 has been complied with for the party.(2)If a land access dispute referral about a make good agreement has been accepted by the land access ombudsman, the ombudsman may enter land the subject of the agreement (also the dispute land) if—(a)the party to the land access dispute who is the bore owner consents under this subdivision to the entry and section 48 has been complied with for the party; and(b)any owner of the dispute land who is not a party to the land access dispute consents under this subdivision to the entry and section 48 has been complied with for the owner; and(c)any occupier of the dispute land who is not a party to the land access dispute consents under this subdivision to the entry and section 48 has been complied with for the occupier.(3)The power to enter dispute land under this section is subject to any conditions of a consent given for the entry and ceases if the consent is withdrawn.s 45 amd 2024 No. 33 s 53
Sections 47 to 49 apply if the land access ombudsman intends to ask a person to consent to the ombudsman entering dispute land under section 45.
47Incidental entry to ask for access
(1)For the purpose of asking a person for consent, the land access ombudsman may, without the person’s consent—(a)enter land around premises on the dispute land to an extent that is reasonable to contact the person; or(b)enter part of the dispute land the ombudsman reasonably considers members of the public ordinarily are allowed to enter when they wish to contact an occupier of the dispute land.(2)In this section—premises includes—(a)a building or other structure; and(b)a part of a building or other structure; and(c)a caravan or vehicle; and(d)a cave or tent; and(e)premises held under more than 1 title or by more than 1 owner.
48Matters land access ombudsman must tell person
Before asking for the consent, the land access ombudsman must give a reasonable explanation to the person—(a)about the purpose of the entry, including the powers intended to be exercised; and(b)that the person is not required to consent; and(c)that the consent may be given subject to conditions and may be withdrawn at any time.
(1)If the consent is given, the land access ombudsman may ask the person to sign an acknowledgement of the consent.(2)The acknowledgement must state—(a)the purpose of the entry, including the powers to be exercised; and(b)the following has been explained to the person—(i)the purpose of the entry, including the powers intended to be exercised;(ii)that the person is not required to consent;(iii)that the consent may be given subject to conditions and may be withdrawn at any time; and(c)the person gives the land access ombudsman consent to enter the land and exercise the powers; and(d)the time and day the consent was given; and(e)any conditions of the consent.(3)If the person signs the acknowledgement, the land access ombudsman must immediately give a copy to the person.(4)If—(a)an issue arises in a proceeding about whether the person consented to the entry; and(b)an acknowledgement complying with subsection (2) for the entry is not produced in evidence;the onus of proof is on the person relying on the lawfulness of the entry to prove the party consented.
50General powers of land access ombudsman after entering dispute land
(1)If the land access ombudsman enters dispute land under section 45, the ombudsman may do anything on the dispute land that is reasonably necessary for performing the ombudsman’s function under section 16(1)(a).(2)However—(a)the power under subsection (1) is subject to any conditions of the consent; and(b)the land access ombudsman may not take for examination a thing, or a sample of or from a thing, on the dispute land.s 50 amd 2026 No. 10 s 24
pt 3A hdg ins 2024 No. 33 s 54
In this part—ADR see section 50B.initiating party see section 50C(1).other party see section 50C(1).s 50A ins 2024 No. 33 s 54
The purpose of this part is to enable a party who has a right to require or request another party to participate in a non-binding alternative dispute resolution process (an ADR), under particular provisions of the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014, the Mineral Resources Act 1989 and the Water Act 2000, to apply to the land access ombudsman to conduct the ADR.s 50B ins 2024 No. 33 s 54
50CWhen party may apply to land access ombudsman to conduct ADR
(1)This section applies if a party (the initiating party) has a right to give an ADR election notice to another party (the other party) under—(a)any of the following provisions of the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014—(i)section 51A(2);(ii)section 88(2);(iii)section 92A(2); or(b)either of the following provisions of the Mineral Resources Act 1989—(i)section 85AA(2);(ii)section 283C(2); or(c)the Water Act 2000, section 426(2)(b).(2) The initiating party may, in the ADR election notice, state the land access ombudsman as the ADR facilitator proposed to conduct the ADR.(3)If the other party accepts the land access ombudsman as the ADR facilitator, the initiating party may apply to the land access ombudsman to conduct the ADR.(4)This section applies despite any agreement to the contrary.s 50C ins 2024 No. 33 s 54
50DRequirements for making application
(1)The application must be in the approved form.(2)The approved form must provide for the name and contact details of each of the following to be provided—(a)the initiating party;(b)the other party.s 50D ins 2024 No. 33 s 54
The land access ombudsman must decide to conduct or refuse to conduct the ADR within 10 business days after the application is made.s 50E ins 2024 No. 33 s 54
50FSteps after, and taking effect of, decision
(1)If the land access ombudsman decides to conduct the ADR—(a)the land access ombudsman must give notice of the decision to—(i)the initiating party; and(ii)the other party; and(b)the land access ombudsman is taken to be appointed as the ADR facilitator, under the Act mentioned in section 50C(1) under which the ADR election notice was given, on the day on which the notice mentioned in paragraph (a) is given; and(c)the land access ombudsman must conduct the ADR under the Act mentioned in section 50C(1) under which the ADR election notice was given.(2)If the land access ombudsman decides not to conduct the ADR, the land access ombudsman must give the initiating party and the other party notice of the decision.s 50F ins 2024 No. 33 s 54
51Notice about outcome of investigation
(1)This section applies to an investigation of a land access dispute referral unless—(a)the investigation has been discontinued because of section 18(2); or(b)the land access dispute referral has been withdrawn; or(c)the land access dispute the subject of the referral has been resolved between the parties other than by way of investigation by the land access ombudsman under this Act.(2)After finishing the investigation, the land access ombudsman must give the parties a notice about the investigation.(3)Before the land access ombudsman gives a notice under subsection (2), the ombudsman must—(a)give the parties a draft of the notice; and(b)invite the parties to make submissions to the ombudsman, within a stated reasonable period, about the draft of the notice.(4)A party may make submissions orally or in writing.(5)The land access ombudsman must have regard to any submissions made by the parties within the stated period before giving a notice under subsection (2).(6)The notice under subsection (2) must include—(a)if the land access dispute referral is resolved as a result of the investigation—the details of the resolution of the dispute; or(b)if the land access dispute referral is not resolved as a result of the investigation—(i)advice about the merits of the parties’ positions in the land access dispute referral; and(ii)recommendations about how the land access dispute referral could be resolved; and(iii)reasons for the advice and recommendations mentioned in subparagraphs (i) and (ii).(7)The notice is not binding on the parties and is by way of information or advice only to the parties.(8)Subsection (9) applies if—(a)a party has given the land access ombudsman a document or information for an inquiry under section 35 about, or an investigation into, a land access dispute referral; and(b)the ombudsman relied on the document or information to decide the land access dispute referral; and(c)the ombudsman is satisfied the document or information is confidential and that disclosing it might be detrimental to the party’s commercial interests.(9)The land access ombudsman must, in giving reasons under subsection (6)(b)(iii), state that the ombudsman has relied on a confidential document or information given by the party, without disclosing what that document or information is.
(1)A notice given by the land access ombudsman under section 51 for a land access dispute referral about an agreement is admissible in a proceeding about the agreement before the Land Court under—(a)either of the following provisions of the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014—(i)section 53A;(ii)section 99A; or(b)the Water Act 2000, section 434.(2)A notice given by the land access ombudsman under section 51 for a land access dispute referral about an agreement is admissible in an arbitration about the agreement as evidence of the matters in the notice.s 52 sub 2024 No. 33 s 55
53Recommendation about Resource Act offence or resource authority breach
(1)This section applies if—(a)the land access ombudsman has accepted—(i)a land access dispute referral; or(ii)an application to conduct an ADR; and(b)the ombudsman reasonably suspects a party to the land access dispute or the ADR who holds a resource authority—(i)has committed, is committing, or is likely to commit, an offence against a Resource Act (the possible offence); or(ii)has breached, is breaching, or is likely to breach, a condition of a resource authority that relates to land access (the possible authority breach).(2)The land access ombudsman may give the relevant chief executive a notice stating—(a)the name of the party; and(b)details of the possible offence or possible authority breach; and(c)the land access ombudsman recommends the investigation of the possible offence or possible authority breach.(3)Before taking action under subsection (2), the land access ombudsman must give the party a notice—(a)stating the proposed action; and(b)inviting the party to make a submission to the ombudsman, within a stated reasonable period, about the proposed action.(4)The party may make submissions orally or in writing.(5)The land access ombudsman must have regard to any submissions made by the party within the stated period before giving a notice under subsection (2).(6)The notice under subsection (2) may also—(a)disclose information given to the land access ombudsman by either party in relation to the land access dispute referral that is relevant to the possible offence or possible authority breach; and(b)include a copy of a notice given to the parties under section 51(2).(7)In this section—relevant chief executive means—(a)if the possible offence or possible authority breach is against a Resource Act mentioned in schedule 1, definition Resource Act, paragraph (a)—the chief executive of the department in which the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014 is administered; or(b)if the possible offence or possible authority breach is against a Resource Act mentioned in schedule 1, definition Resource Act, paragraph (b) or (c)—the chief executive of the department in which the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 is administered.s 53 amd 2024 No. 33 s 56
54Recommendation about offence against Water Act 2000
(1)This section applies if—(a)the land access ombudsman has accepted—(i)a land access dispute referral; or(ii)an application to conduct an ADR; and(b)the ombudsman reasonably suspects a party to the land access dispute or the ADR who holds a resource authority has committed, is committing, or is likely to commit, an offence against the Water Act 2000, chapter 3 (the possible offence).(2)The land access ombudsman may give the chief executive (water) a notice stating—(a)the name of the party; and(b)details of the possible offence; and(c)the land access ombudsman recommends the investigation of the possible offence.(3)Before taking action under subsection (2), the land access ombudsman must give the party a notice—(a)stating the proposed action; and(b)inviting the party to make a submission to the ombudsman, within a stated reasonable period, about the proposed action.(4)The party may make submissions orally or in writing.(5)The land access ombudsman must have regard to any submissions made by the party within the stated period before giving a notice under subsection (2).(6)The notice under subsection (2) may also—(a)disclose information given to the land access ombudsman by either party in relation to the land access dispute referral that is relevant to the possible offence; and(b)include a copy of a notice given to the parties under section 51(2).s 54 amd 2024 No. 33 s 57
55Recommendation about offence against Environmental Protection Act 1994
(1)This section applies if—(a)the land access ombudsman has accepted—(i)a land access dispute referral; or(ii)an application to conduct an ADR; and(b)the ombudsman reasonably suspects a party to the land access dispute or the ADR who holds a resource authority has committed, is committing, or is likely to commit, an offence against the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (the possible offence).(2)The land access ombudsman may give the chief executive (environment protection) a notice stating—(a)the name of the party; and(b)details of the possible offence; and(c)the land access ombudsman recommends the investigation of the possible offence.(3)Before taking action under subsection (2), the land access ombudsman must give the party a notice—(a)stating the proposed action; and(b)inviting the party to make a submission to the ombudsman, within a stated reasonable period, about the proposed action.(4)The party may make submissions orally or in writing.(5)The land access ombudsman must have regard to any submissions made by the party within the stated period before giving a notice under subsection (2).(6)The notice under subsection (2) may also—(a)disclose information provided to the ombudsman by either party in relation to the land access dispute referral that is relevant to the possible offence; and(b)include a copy of a notice given to the parties under section 51(2).s 55 amd 2024 No. 33 s 58
56Advice about systemic issues
(1)This section applies if the land access ombudsman identifies a systemic issue relating to access to land arising from 1 or more land access dispute referrals or 1 or more ADRs conducted by the land access ombudsman.(2)If the land access ombudsman considers it appropriate, the ombudsman may—(a)for a systemic issue relating to a particular matter for which the chief executive of a department is responsible—advise that chief executive about the issue; or(b)advise a government entity about the systemic issue.(3)The advice—(a)must be in writing and state the systemic issue; and(b)may include the land access ombudsman’s opinion or advice about the issue; and(c)must not include information the ombudsman is satisfied is confidential and the disclosure of which might be detrimental to a person’s commercial interests.s 56 amd 2024 No. 33 s 59
57Document in land access ombudsman’s custody
(1)If a document is produced to the land access ombudsman for an investigation, the ombudsman may—(a)keep it for a reasonable period to carry out the investigation; and(b)take extracts from or make copies of it.(2)While the land access ombudsman has custody of the document, the ombudsman must allow it to be inspected at any reasonable time by a person who would have the right to inspect it if it were not in the ombudsman’s possession.
58Protection from liability for giving agreement to land access ombudsman
(1)This section applies if—(a)a party to a relevant agreement gives a copy of the agreement, or part of the agreement, to the land access ombudsman—(i)because of a requirement under section 42; or(ii)under part 3A; or(iii)on the party’s own initiative; and(b)the agreement contains a condition prohibiting the disclosure of all or any part of the agreement.(2)The party does not incur any civil liability for breach of the condition by giving the agreement, or part of the agreement, to the land access ombudsman.(3)In this section—relevant agreement means—(a)an agreement to which a land access dispute relates; or(b)an agreement to which an ADR election notice mentioned in section 50C relates.s 58 sub 2024 No. 33 s 60
(1)This section applies if a party to a relevant agreement mentioned in section 58 believes—(a)a document or information to be made available by the party to the land access ombudsman is confidential; or(b)the disclosure of a document or information to be made available by the party to the ombudsman might be detrimental to the party’s commercial activities.(2)When giving the document or information to the land access ombudsman, the party may inform the ombudsman of the party’s belief.s 59 amd 2024 No. 33 s 61
(1)This section applies to a person who—(a)is, or has been—(i)the land access ombudsman; or(ii)a member of the advisory council; or(iii)an officer; or(iv)a contractor of the land access ombudsman; and(b)obtains confidential information in the course of, or because of, the performance of a function under this Act.(2)The person must not—(a)make a record of the information; or(b)whether directly or indirectly, disclose the information to a person; or(c)use the information to benefit any person.Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(3)However, subsection (2) does not apply to a person if the record is made, or the information is disclosed or used—(a)in the performance of a function under this Act; or(b)with the consent of the person to whom the information relates; or(c)as required by law.(4)In this section—confidential information means information, other than information that is publicly available—(a)about a person’s personal affairs or reputation; or(b)that would be likely to damage the commercial activities of a person to whom the information relates.s 60 amd 2026 No. 10 s 25
(1)The land access ombudsman may delegate any of the ombudsman’s functions to an appropriately qualified officer.(2)The land access ombudsman may delegate a function of the ombudsman mentioned in section 16(1)(a) or (b) to an appropriately qualified contractor of the ombudsman.(3)However, the land access ombudsman must not delegate to a contractor mentioned in subsection (2) the giving of advice, recommendations or reasons under section 51(6)(b).(4)In this section—functions includes powers.s 61 sub 2026 No. 10 s 26
(1)None of the following persons incur civil liability for an act done, or omission made, honestly and without negligence under this Act—(a)the land access ombudsman;(b)a member of the advisory council;(c)a contractor of the land access ombudsman.(2)If subsection (1) prevents a civil liability attaching to a person, the liability attaches instead to the State.For protection from civil liability for officers, see the Public Sector Act 2022, sections 268 and 269.s 62 amd 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
sub 2026 No. 10 s 26
(1)As soon as practicable after the end of each financial year, but within 3 months after the end of the financial year, the land access ombudsman must prepare and give to the Minister a written report about the operation of the office during the year.(2)Without limiting subsection (1), the report must include—(a)a description of the following matters for the year—(i)land access dispute referrals made;(ii)land access dispute referrals that the land access ombudsman decided, under section 36, not to investigate or continue to investigate;(iii)land access dispute referrals investigated;(iv) applications for an ADR made;(v) applications for an ADR that the land access ombudsman has accepted;(vi) applications for an ADR that the land access ombudsman has refused;(vii)notices given under section 51;(viii)notices given to a chief executive under section 53, 54 or 55; and(b)details of other functions performed by the ombudsman or officers during the year.(3)The report must not be prepared in a way that discloses the identity of a party to a land access dispute or an ADR.(4)The land access ombudsman must publish on the office’s website a copy of the report as soon as practicable after the report is given to the Minister.s 63 amd 2024 No. 33 s 62
The land access ombudsman may approve forms for use under this Act.
(1)The land access ombudsman may make procedural guidelines about practices and procedures for any of the following—(a)land access dispute referrals;(b)investigations under this Act;(c)the conduct of ADRs.(2)Without limiting subsection (1), a procedural guideline may be about what constitutes a reasonable attempt to resolve a dispute under section 32(2).(3)A procedural guideline—(a)must not be inconsistent with—(i)this Act; or(ii)to the extent the guideline relates to a land access dispute—a provision of an Act mentioned in section 7 relating to the land access dispute; or(iii)to the extent the guideline relates to an ADR—a provision of an Act mentioned in section 50C(1) relating to the ADR; and(b)must be consistent with best practice industry standards.s 65 amd 2024 No. 33 s 63
The Governor in Council may make regulations under this Act.
pt 7 hdg amd 2024 No. 33 s 64
pt 7 div 1 hdg ins 2024 No. 33 s 65
67Pre-commencement agreements may be referred and dealt with
(1)A land access dispute referral may be made and dealt with under this Act even if—(a)the conduct and compensation agreement or make good agreement the subject of the referral was entered into before the commencement; or(b)the land access dispute the subject of the referral arose before the commencement.(2)This section applies subject to section 18.
Division 2 Transitional provisions for Mineral and Energy Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024
pt 7 div 2 hdg ins 2024 No. 33 s 66
In this division—new, for a provision of this Act, means the provision as in force from the commencement.s 68 ins 2024 No. 33s 66
69Land access dispute referral relating to matters arising before commencement
A land access dispute mentioned in new section 7(c) may be the subject of a land access dispute referral—(a)whether the agreement the subject of the dispute was entered into before or after the commencement; and(b)whether the land access dispute arose before or after the commencement.s 69 ins 2024 No. 33s 66
70Protection from liability for referring land access dispute
New section 34 applies in relation to the referral to the land access ombudsman of a land access dispute mentioned in new section 7(c)—(a)whether the agreement the subject of the dispute was entered into before or after the commencement; and(b)whether the land access dispute arose before or after the commencement.s 70 ins 2024 No. 33s 66
New section 45 applies in relation to a land access dispute referral mentioned in new section 7(c)—(a)whether the agreement the subject of the dispute was entered into before or after the commencement; and(b)whether the land access dispute arose before or after the commencement.s 71 ins 2024 No. 33s 66
72ADR for ADR election notice disputes relating to matters arising before commencement
New part 3A applies in relation to an ADR election notice given after the commencement—(a)whether the agreement in relation to which the ADR election notice was given was entered into before or after the commencement; and(b)whether the ADR election notice dispute in relation to which the ADR election notice was given arose before or after the commencement.s 72 ins 2024 No. 33 s 66
73Protection from liability for giving agreement to land access ombudsman
New section 58 applies in relation to a relevant agreement given to the land access ombudsman after the commencement whether the agreement was entered into before or after the commencement.s 73 ins 2024 No. 33 s 66
Division 3 Transitional provisions for Resources Safety and Health Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026
pt 7 div 3 hdg ins 2026 No. 10 s 27
74Acting land access ombudsman
(1)This section applies to the person who, immediately before the commencement, was acting as the land access ombudsman as appointed under former section 22.(2)The person’s appointment ends on the commencement.(3)No compensation is payable to the person because of subsection (2).(4)To remove any doubt, it is declared that subsection (3) does not limit or otherwise affect the person’s right to a benefit or an entitlement that had accrued or was accruing before the commencement.(5)In this section—former, in relation to a provision of this Act, means the provision as in force immediately before the commencement.s 74 ins 2026 No. 10 s 27
75Leave of absence for member of advisory council
(1)This section applies to a person if—(a)before the commencement, the Minister had approved a leave of absence for the person under the Coexistence Queensland Act 2013, section 15; and(b)immediately before the commencement, the approved leave of absence was still in effect.(2)From the commencement until the time the approved leave of absence stops having effect, the person is taken to also be on a leave of absence from office as a member of the advisory council.s 75 ins 2026 No. 10 s 27
76Acting chairperson or other member of advisory council
(1)This section applies if—(a)before the commencement, the Minister appointed a person to act as the chairperson or another member of Coexistence Queensland under the Coexistence Queensland Act 2013, section 16; and(b)immediately before the commencement, the appointment was still in effect.(2)From the commencement until the time the appointment stops having effect, the person is taken to also be acting as—(a)if the appointment was to act as the chairperson of Coexistence Queensland—the chairperson of the advisory council; or(b)otherwise—another member of the advisory council.s 76 ins 2026 No. 10 s 27
access agreement see the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014, section 47(2).
sch 1 def access agreement ins 2024 No. 33 s 67(2)
ADR see section 50B.
sch 1 def ADR ins 2024 No. 33 s 67(2)
ADR election notice dispute means a dispute in relation to which an ADR election notice mentioned in section 50C is given.
sch 1 def ADR election notice dispute ins 2024 No. 33 s 67(2)
advisory council means the advisory council established under section 31A.
sch 1 def advisory council ins 2026 No. 10 s 28(1)
approved form means a form approved under section 64.
bore owner see the Water Act 2000, section 362.
chief executive (environment protection) means the chief executive of the department in which the Environmental Protection Act 1994 is administered.
chief executive (natural resources and mines) means the chief executive of the department in which this Act is administered.
chief executive (water) means the chief executive of the department in which the Water Act 2000, chapter 3 is administered.
coal mine, for part 3, division 2, subdivision 3, see section 44.
Coexistence Queensland means Coexistence Queensland under the Coexistence Queensland Act 2013.
sch 1 def Coexistence Queensland ins 2026 No. 10 s 28(1)
conduct and compensation agreement see the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014, section 83.
contractor, of the land access ombudsman, means a person, other than a member of the advisory council or an officer, who provides services for the land access ombudsman under a contract between the person and the ombudsman.
sch 1 def contractor ins 2026 No. 10 s 28(1)
dispute land, for part 3, division 2, subdivision 3, see section 45(1) and (2).
environmental authority means an environmental authority under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
government entity see the Public Sector Act 2022, section 276.
sch 1 def government entity amd 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
initiating party, for part 3A, see section 50C(1).
sch 1 def initiating party ins 2024 No. 33 s 67(2)
investigation notice see section 40(1).
land access dispute see section 7.
land access dispute referral see section 8.
land access ombudsman means the land access ombudsman under section 9.
sch 1 def land access ombudsman amd 2026 No. 10 s 28(2)
make good agreement see the Water Act 2000, section 420.
mine, for part 3, division 2, subdivision 3, see section 44.
notice means a written notice.
occupier, other than for section 45(1)(c) or (2)(c), see the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014, schedule 2.
office means the office of the land access ombudsman.
office of the land access ombudsman means the Office of the Land Access Ombudsman established under section 23.
officer means an officer mentioned in section 26.
operating plant, for part 3, division 2, subdivision 3, see section 44.
other party, for part 3A, see section 50C(1).
sch 1 def other party ins 2024 No. 33 s 67(2)
owner, other than for section 45(1)(b) or (2)(b), see the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014, section 12.
private land see the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014, section 13.
referring party see section 36(1).
relevant Resource Act, for a resource authority, means the particular Resource Act under which the resource authority is granted.
Resource Act means—
(a)a Resource Act under the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014, section 9; and
(b)the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999; and
(c)the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999.
sch 1 def Resource Act sub 2024 No. 33 s 67
resource authority means a resource authority mentioned in the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014, section 10, other than the following—
(a)a prospecting permit;
(b)a mining claim;
(c)a mining lease.
resource authority holder means the person who is the holder of the resource authority under the relevant Resource Act for the authority.
resource tenure holder see the Water Act 2000, schedule 4.
safety and health management system, for part 3, division 2, subdivision 3, see section 44.
safety management system, for an operating plant, for part 3, division 2, subdivision 3, see section 44.