Apply to be a development tribunal referee

The Queensland Government is calling out for qualified professionals to join the Development Tribunals referee pool under the Planning Act 2016.

Development Tribunals support appeals across a range of building, planning, and plumbing related matters across Queensland. As a referee, you will use your expertise to support fair and independent decision making.

How to apply

To apply, you need to:

• review and complete the application package

• email your completed application package to registrar@hpw.qld.gov.au.

Nominations are now open and will close 5pm, Friday 30 October 2026. The closing date has been extended to provide additional time for interested applicants to submit their applications.

Appointments will commence 8 March 2027 for a term of up to 3 years.

The Queensland Government are looking for

people with skills and experience in areas such as:

• architecture

• building (construction, certification, and surveying)

• engineering (civil, fire, hydraulics, and structural)

• fire safety

• legal (environment, infrastructure, and planning)

• planning

• plumbing and drainage

• pool safety.

Referees are expected to have the skills and expertise to successfully manage a Development Tribunal appeal. Referees should:

• have strong written and verbal communication skills

• be able to negotiate and mediate between parties to a proceeding

• be able to apply the principles of natural justice (for example, procedural fairness, impartiality, and transparency in decision-making)

• be able to analyse complex technical issues.

Referees will be paid according to government procedures for part-time chairs and members of Queensland Government bodies. You will only be paid when appointed to a tribunal to consider a specific appeal.

More information

• Visit: Development Tribunals

• Email: register@hpw.qld.gov.au or call 1800 804 833.