Queensland school leavers will be given fee-free training in core skills areas from next year in a bid to boost frontIine services and build the state’s economy. 11 high-priority qualifications would be available fee-free under the Certificate III Guarantee if students started their training in the calendar year after completing Year 12. Year 12 graduates…
The creation of the Queensland’s new building industry watchdog, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) heralds the start of the most significant reform of the construction industry regulations in more than 20 years. The QBCC will replace the controversial Building Services Authority (BSA) and will be tasked with implementing the Government’s 10 point action plan…
Vital information on natural disasters and emergencies are now available online at www.qld.gov.au/emergency. This One-Stop Shop approach will provide Queenslanders with easy to access, up to date, consistent information online via a smart phone, tablet or PC, or by calling or visiting a government services counter in their local community. In this case people…
Voting will be revolutionised at the next state election under electoral reforms recently introduced in Parliament. Queensland’s electoral system will be modernised and simplified but also better protected, with proof of identity to be required on polling days to prevent voter impersonation. Electronic voting will be made available for people with disabilities and blind…
The State Government has unveiled landmark reforms to revolutionise Queensland’s planning processes. The new policy provides greater clarity for local governments by consolidating in one document, the state interests and policies that councils must consider when preparing or amending local planning schemes, or assessing development applications. Developers now also have a clear guide to…
The State Government has recently announced that it will conduct a broad review of our property laws, including the Body Corporate and Community Management Act (BCCM Act). The broad ranging review will look at the Property Law Act, seller disclosure across various pieces of legislation and Body Corporate governance and lot entitlements issues. Earlier this…
The State Government is making progress in its commitment to reduce red tape by 20% by 2018 with changes to liquor licencing legislation helping small businesses and supporting our local tourism industry. Tour operators will now be allowed to serve up to two standard alcoholic drinks to their guests without requiring a licence. Low risk…
Pedestrian safety on Aerodrome Road will be improved thanks to a new signalised pedestrian crossing currently under construction between May Street and Fourth Avenue. Local residents have lobbied for an extra crossing and this a good outcome for the local community who crosses this road to access local shops and eateries. The location was chosen…
While work is still ongoing at the new Maroochydore Bus Station, the new platforms have been operational from Monday 25th November to facilitate the changes to services as part of the new bus network. I am following up with the Minister about concerns raised about pedestrians crossing between the platforms rather than using the…
The Newman Government is calling for your opinion on possible changes to how council elections should be held after concerns were raised following the last council polls. Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said a discussion paper on the Local Government Electoral Act had been released to get the ball rolling. “We inherited a local government…