The Queensland Government has passed new legislation that it says will promote greater transparency and accountability of industrial organisations.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said that the new laws will apply to 32 employer associations and 34 trade unions currently registered in Queensland.

“Amendments passed in Parliament overnight will hold unions and business groups accountable to their members and the public,” Mr Bleijie said.

Mr Bleijie said from July 1 2013 organisations would be required to ballot members for expenditure of more than $10,000 on political campaigns.

“We are giving power back to the hardworking, grassroots members of these organisations. They deserve to know where and how their membership fees are being spent.

“New disclosure requirements, including personal interests and gifts declarations, will ensure greater accountability by decision makers in these organisations. Officials and decision makers occupy a privileged position and it is important they are kept to the highest standard.

“Maximum penalties for dishonesty have been increased from $22,000 to $340,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment, in line with the Corporations Act.

“This government wants to see an end to recent scandals and these new laws let the light shine in, and give Queenslanders a say at the same time.”

The Attorney-General said workers would now have the right to choose whether they wanted to join an association.

“The Government will no longer be used as a recruitment agency. We believe in freedom of association but if unions want to increase their membership, they can do it themselves.”