Development Tribunal referee

About the role

The Department of Housing and Public Works is seeking expressions of interest from people throughout Queensland to serve as referees on the Development Tribunals under the Planning Act 2016.

Development Tribunals hear appeals about a range of building, planning, plumbing, infrastructure charges and other related matters.

Expertise is required in a number of fields 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 and 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.

Remuneration will be paid in accordance with government procedures for part-time chairs and members of Queensland Government bodies and will only be paid when a referee is appointed to a tribunal to consider a specific appeal.

The application package is now available online. To apply, email a completed application package to [email protected].

Applications close 5pm, Wednesday 30 September 2026.

For more information, call [1800 804 833](tel:1800 804 833) or visit the Development Tribunals on https://www.housing.qld.gov.au/development-tribunal-referee