Our Founding Director Bill Potts features in A Current Affair's story on a former prisoner who has allegedly taken five of his ten housing complex neighbours to court over neighbourhood or quasi-criminal disputes. The video and associated article can be viewed on 9News' website by clicking here....
Continue readingOur Founding Director and QLS Deputy President, Bill Potts, comments on 10 News' report. The video is available at the link: https://tenplay.com.au/news/brisbane/2018/4/18/appeal-dismissed ...
Continue readingWho does this apply to? In Queensland, architects are subject to the Architects Act 2002 (Qld). Architects practicing outside Queensland are not subject to this legislation; however similar legislation may exist in other states and territories. We are also able to assist interstate architects; however this article is solely for those practicing, or seeking to practice in Queensland. Am I eligible to register as an architect? Do I need to disclose my charges or convictions? The Board of Architects of Queensland must be satisfied you are fit to practice as an architect prior to accepting the registration. In determining fitness, the Board may have...
Continue readingWho does this apply to? This article applies to all existing and aspiring teachers in Queensland. Registration to the Queensland College of Teachers is mandatory and regulated by the Education (Queensland College of Teachers) Act 2005 (Qld) (“the Act”). The law in other jurisdictions in Australia may differ, and hence this article is applicable only to those within Queensland. If you are interstate, we are still able to assist you, and have experience in a variety of jurisdictions. We encourage you to contact our office. If you are an early childhood teacher, registration with the College of Teachers may not be compulsory for...
Continue readingIntroduction As noted in our article on non-recorded convictions, having a criminal conviction can have a prolonged and profound impact on your life that extends far beyond the punishment imposed by a court. This is quite unfortunate, as one of the purposes of the criminal justice system is that a court will impose a punishment that is just and final in all the circumstances. It is also a principle that those convicted of offences should be rehabilitated, and are encouraged and even expected to resume being law-abiding and productive members of society upon completion of the imposed punishment. Yet, whenever you are taking...
Continue readingWho does this apply to? In Queensland, engineers who practise in virtually every area of engineering are subject to the Professional Engineers Act 2002 (Qld). Engineers practising outside Queensland are not subject to this legislation; however similar legislation may exist in other states and territories. We are also able to assist interstate engineers; however this article is solely for those practising in Queensland. Am I eligible to register as a professional engineer? Do I need to disclose my charges or convictions? The Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland must be satisfied you are fit to practise as a registered professional engineer prior to accepting...
Continue readingUnfortunately, there is no fixed answer to this question. The reason is because the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (“National Law”) makes it mandatory for a disclosure to be made if you have been charged with an offence punishable by 12 months or more of imprisonment; or convicted of any offence punishable by any term of imprisonment (even if no imprisonment was actually imposed). The maximum penalty for drink driving offences varies based on a number of factors. These include your blood alcohol concentration, previous drink driving or related convictions, the length of time since previous convictions, the type of license...
Continue readingWhat types of Health Practitioners does this apply to? Health practitioners, including chiropractors, dentists, doctors, nurses, medical radiation practitioners, midwives, occupational therapists, optometrists, osteopaths, pharmacists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, and psychologists are subject to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (“National Law”), which applies in each state and territory across Australia. The National Law sets out the general standards each of these practitioners must abide by, as well as outlining the process through which they may be registered under the relevant board. I am applying for registration as a health practitioner? What do I need to do? Section 52(1)(c) of the National Law sets out that...
Continue readingThe amendments passed by the Queensland Parliament in the Serious and Organised Crime Legislation Amendment Act 2016 (Qld) relating to the Peace and Good Behaviour Act 1982 (Qld) have now commenced, increasing police powers and expanding the types of orders that the courts can make. This article will cover 3 types of orders. We note that each order is subject to its own separate rules, hence if you are subject to another type of an order not covered, you should contact our lawyers as the procedures you should follow could differ substantially. Public Safety Orders Public safety orders are orders which prohibit a person or group from...
Continue readingTwo men stand together holding hands in the dock in a Queensland District Court in the late 1980s – their only crime is being in love. In a shameful episode from the state’s history, gay people were prosecuted for a range of offences including indecency, unnatural offences and sodomy, until homosexuality was decriminalised in 1991. John and John were in a committed relationship for 15 years, one had served his country in Vietnam, and they loved each other dearly. One day, police came to their home on the Gold Coast to investigate an unrelated and unproven matter. While there, the officers noticed photos of them on the wall,...
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