False

Other Information

The Business Names (Commonwealth Powers) Bill 2011 and Explanatory Notes are available from the Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel.

The Hansard transcript of the introduction and referral of the Bill is available online.

Referral

On 24 August 2011 the Attorney-General, Hon Paul Lucas, introduced the Business Names (Commonwealth Powers) Bill 2011 into the Queensland Parliament. Subsequently, Parliament referred the Bill to the Legal Affairs, Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services Committee for detailed consideration.

The committee reported back to the Parliament on 4 October 2011.

The Bill

The Bill proposes to transfer responsibility for the registration and regulation of business names in Queensland to the Commonwealth Government.

A business name is a simple and convenient way for a business to establish a profile and customer base in the marketplace, without the need for a corporate structure. A business name is an integral part of a small business' operation. A register of business names allows consumers to access information on the proprietor behind a business name.

The Bill would allow businesses to register their business names nationally and online from any jurisdiction, and facilitates an agreement by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission will administer the new scheme.