Queensland

Compliance for Businesses in Queensland

Queensland's rapidly growing economy supports hundreds of thousands of small businesses. From Workplace Health and Safety Queensland obligations to state payroll tax and unique industrial relations laws, Reguladar helps QLD businesses stay ahead.

Primary regulator:Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
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What's different in QLD

Key compliance differences in Queensland

Every state and territory has its own regulatory nuances. Here are the key differences that matter for your business.

Industrial relations for state employees

Queensland maintains its own industrial relations system for state-referenced employers (e.g., local government, state entities). Private-sector employers are generally covered by the federal Fair Work Act.

Payroll tax

Queensland payroll tax applies at 4.75% on wages above $1.3M (2025-26). Regional employers may be eligible for a 1% discount, reducing the rate to 3.75% for businesses operating in designated regional areas.

Workers' compensation

Queensland uses the WorkCover Queensland scheme, which is a competitive publicly-owned insurer. Employers must hold a WorkCover policy if they employ workers. Premiums are experience-rated.

Regulations

Key QLD regulations

These are the primary state and territory regulations Reguladar tracks for businesses in Queensland.

Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld)

Primary WHS legislation administered by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

Payroll Tax Act 1971 (Qld)

State payroll tax with regional employer discounts

Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (Qld)

Workers' compensation through WorkCover Queensland

Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld)

Payment claims, project bank accounts, and subcontractor protections

Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991

Builder licensing, building approvals, and dispute resolution

Retail Trading Hours Act (Qld)

Regulation of retail trading hours across Queensland

Deadlines

Never miss a QLD compliance deadline

Reguladar tracks all your recurring obligations and alerts you before they're due.

ObligationFrequency
Payroll tax monthly returnMonthly (by 7th)
Payroll tax annual reconciliationAnnually (July)
WorkCover policy renewalAnnually
BAS lodgementQuarterly or monthly
Superannuation guaranteeQuarterly
QBCC licence renewalVaries (1-3 years)

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about QLD compliance

What is the payroll tax rate in Queensland?
For 2025-26, the Queensland payroll tax rate is 4.75% on Australian taxable wages above $1.3M. Employers based in regional Queensland may be eligible for a discounted rate of 3.75%. The definition of 'regional' excludes South East Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast).
Do I need a QBCC licence in Queensland?
If you perform building work valued over $3,300 (including labour and materials) in Queensland, you must hold a Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licence. There are different licence classes depending on the type of work. Trading without a licence is an offence.
How does workers' compensation work in Queensland?
Queensland employers must hold a workers' compensation insurance policy with WorkCover Queensland (or an approved self-insurer). WorkCover is a publicly-owned competitive insurer. Premiums are based on your industry classification and claims history. You must report workplace injuries within 8 business days.

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