The South East Queensland Division was established in 1980 to take over the operations of the Brisbane Rugby League. This League was established in 1922 and was the controlling body of Rugby League in the Brisbane area.
The Division is unique in that it controls competitions as well as having jurisdiction over Local Leagues. These Local Leagues include the Gold Coast District Rugby League, Gold Coast District Junior Rugby League, Greater Brisbane Junior Rugby League, Ipswich Rugby League, Ipswich Junior Rugby League and the Brisbane Second Division Rugby League.