Qld Law Reform Commission – a New Look

The Queensland Law Reform Commission (QLRC), established in 1968, has modernised its logo and branding to reflect its progressive, principled and inclusive approach to law reform.

The new look and feel of the Commission branding was developed in close consultation with the design team from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.

QLRC Executive Director Matthew Corrigan said he was thrilled with the new branding and contemporary feel it conveyed.

“While the Commission’s previous logo and branding served us well, we felt it was important to refresh – to show that while we may be over half a century, we are a modern, adaptable, evolving organisation that is vibrant, respected, professional and trustworthy.

“The logo was inspired by a book theme – something many in the legal profession can relate to – with the colour elements representing brightly coloured sheets of paper, moving in an upward direction, which symbolises that we are always moving forward – progressing.”

Mr Corrigan said this year marked a new, exciting chapter for the Commission.

“In addition to the new branding, we’re rolling out an expanded approach to law reform to manage multiple reviews.

“Effective community engagement is critical to the work of the Commission, so it’s important people view us as accessible and feel comfortable in making suggestions for law reform to the Commission.

“We hope our new branding expresses this.”

Mr Corrigan said their website was also undergoing a makeover, in line with the rebrand.

For more information on the Commission, go to: qlrc.qld.gov.au

Extensive consultation underway for mining review

The Queensland Law Reform Commission (QLRC) continues its commitment to effective community consultation with a busy agenda of stakeholder engagement for its review of mining lease objections processes.

The mining review team has been travelling both within Queensland and to New South Wales to gain an insight and understanding from all stakeholders, including industry, government, First Nations people, environmentalists, land holders, academics and community organisations.

QLRC Executive Director Matthew Corrigan said effective community engagement was critical to the work of the Commission.

“Our recommendations for reform are based on extensive research, public consultation and the values of transparency, rigour, impartiality, inclusivity and collaboration,” Mr Corrigan said.

“It’s important we speak with and hear from a wide range of individuals to understand how the mining lease objection process is working in practice, what is working well and what is not working well. These practical insights are critical to the formation of effective recommendations for reform.

“Our Chair, President Fleur Kingham, together with members of the mining team travelled to Sydney in early August to learn how our mining lease objection processes are conducted in New South Wales. In September, a trip is planned to meet with First Nations groups in Mt Isa and Cloncurry, followed by a trip to Cairns,” he said.

Immediately following the launch event on 12 July at Customs House, in partnership with the Sustainable Minerals Institute, the mining team travelled to Central Queensland.

Both President Kingham and Mr Corrigan presented at the Land Court and Referring Agencies Annual Conference in Rockhampton. They outlined the various stages of the review and explained how interested stakeholders can participate in the process.

Following the Land Court Conference, the team met with representatives of the Darumbal people, the Traditional Owners of land in and around Rockhampton, Ragian, Yeppoon and Marlborough.

“This meeting provided an opportunity to introduce the review and listen to how we can engage with communities most effectively,” Mr Corrigan said.

The team met with staff from the Department of Resources at the Coal Assessment Hub to gain a practical insight into the operation of mining lease applications and approvals, and then travelled 2 hours west of Rockhampton to Woorabinda. There, they met with Woorabinda Mayor Cr Joshua Weazel and Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council CEO Kristine Smith.

“To gain a more nuanced understanding of the current process from a local government perspective, we headed to Emerald to meet with the Central Highlands Regional Council. We also met with staff from the Department of Environment and Science to discuss associated environmental authority processes, as well as representatives of the Western Kangoulu People, who are often involved in developing cultural heritage management plans with mining companies who operate on traditional country in the Bowen Basin.

“We encourage all those who an interest in mining leases, to please reach out to us,” Mr Corrigan said.

For more information on the review, go to: Current reviews | QLRC

Those interested in staying informed on the mining lease objections processes can email to subscribe to the Commission’s newsletter on the review, email: qlrccommunications@justice.qld.gov.au