Managing independence in a changing landscape

The Resources Safety and Health Queensland and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026 has passed in the Queensland Parliament. One of the resulting changes of this legislation is that the Coexistence Queensland CEO will also take on the role of Land Access Ombudsman, while Coexistence Queensland Board members will also serve as members of the LAO Advisory Committee.

It’s a change that reflects the need to ensure land access and coexistence issues are addressed with practical insight and strong institutional support.

While the two organisations have similar objectives, they perform distinctly different functions.

The Land Access Ombudsman exists to provide fair, impartial assistance in resolving disputes. Coexistence Queensland exists to provide independent, practical information and services, and to support constructive conversations between landholders, communities, industry, and government.

Given these differences, it is critical that the integrity of both roles can be maintained in practice – not just in principle.

Whilst we are still very much working through the detail, here’s how that will work at a high level.

Two roles, one principle: independence

At their core, both roles are built on the same foundation – independence.

That independence is not optional – it is embedded in legislation, and it is central to how both functions operate.

The new framework preserves that principle, while strengthening the structures around it.

Clear separation of functions

While the roles will be held by the same statutory officeholder, the functions themselves remain distinct.

The legislation makes clear that functions of the Land Access Ombudsman are exercised in that capacity – separate from the broader information, advisory and engagement functions of Coexistence Queensland.

In practice, that means:

• different decisions, under different legislation
• different processes, guided by different statutory requirements
• clear internal separation of functions and information handling

This is not a blending of roles; rather, it is a consolidation of leadership and resources, with separation of powers preserved.

Strengthened oversight and accountability

Importantly, the changes introduce additional oversight mechanisms.

A new Advisory Council – comprising the Coexistence Queensland Board – has a specific role to monitor the independence of the Land Access Ombudsman and provide advice to both the Ombudsman and the Minister.

This creates a formal, ongoing review on how independence is maintained in practice.

Alongside this:

• Legislative secrecy provisions continue to apply to confidential information
• Established conflict of interest obligations remain in force
• Decisions and actions remain subject to existing accountability frameworks

Practical safeguards in how we operate

Legislation sets the framework. Day-to-day practice is what builds trust.

We will be implementing clear operational safeguards, including:

• Defined internal protocols for identifying and managing potential conflicts of interest
• Separation of staff and workflows where required
• Clear communication with stakeholders about the capacity in which we are acting
• Transparent processes, so stakeholders understand how decisions are made

If a conflict arises – or could reasonably be perceived to arise – it will be actively managed.

Why this change matters

This change improves coordination and service delivery.

Land access issues are part of a broader system that includes community expectations, project development, regulatory frameworks, and on-the-ground realities.

Bringing these functions together provides an opportunity to:

• improve consistency in how issues are understood and addressed, with a shift toward earlier intervention
• strengthen the connection between lived experience and system-level insights
• ensure that what we hear from landholders and communities meaningfully informs advice and practice

The safeguards are being put in place. The focus now is on delivering them in practice.

Earning trust, not assuming it

Ultimately, trust is not created by structure alone.

It is built over time through actions, transparency, and a willingness to listen.

At both Coexistence Queensland and the Land Access Ombudsman, our focus will be on clearly and consistently demonstrating that independence is maintained and that every party engaging with us is treated fairly.

Done well, this approach will lead to better outcomes – for landholders, communities, and industry alike.