New security requirements for explosives

On 1 February 2020, Queensland is introducing a new licence for the transport of explosives, as well as new requirements for security clearances.

What’s changing?

Amendments to the Queensland Explosives Act 1999 and Explosives Regulation 2017 include:

• New Queensland explosive security clearance is required for all licence and authorisation holders, and for all people with unsupervised access to explosives.
• Enhanced criminal history checks are required for in-effect domestic violence orders.
  • Requirements for criminal history checks now apply, with ongoing monitoring by Queensland Police. The new requirements align with other states.
  • Continuous monitoring of card holders for offences will be notified to the Queensland Police Service
• Strengthened explosives security, storage and planning requirements apply.
  • Legal obligation to secure, and report unsecured, explosives now applies.
  • Safety management planning requirements are expanded to encompass security, including the requirement for a security plan.
• Improved safety requirements apply for transporting explosives.
• New explosives driver licences are required, including rules for the transportation and storage of ammonium nitrate, and notification of journey plans for the assessment of, and access to, transport routes.
• New requirements apply for the licensing of drivers of explosives transport, with a need to complete nationally recognised training.

Find out more

A copy of the Land, Explosives and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2019 (as passed), the explanatory notes and indicative reprints are available on the Queensland Legislation website.

Please note:

• changes made by the Amendment Act will not appear in the Explosives Act or Regulation until after the changes have commenced
• mock-ups of the amended Explosives Act and Regulation (i.e. indicative reprints) are available for information purposes
• indicative reprints are point-in-time versions and do not reflect amendments made to the Explosives Act and Regulation since 7 March 2018.

Related links

• Read more about explosives licensing and safety.
• Subscribe to obtain news updates from the Explosives Inspectorate.

Contact us

Enquiries about these changes can be made directly to the Queensland Explosives Inspectorate.

Email: explosives@rshq.qld.gov.au