New laws cut funding red tape

Community groups will have more time to deliver frontline services after new laws were introduced into State Parliament to reduce regulation and red tape. Communities Minister Tracy Davis said the Communities Legislation (Funding Red Tape Reduction) Amendment Bill 2014 would simplify current laws and improve the management and use of public funds. “This Bill will…

Sunshine Coast dental wait lists slashed

The number of dental patients on the waiting list in the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) has almost halved during the period February 2013 to December 2013.   Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said SCHHS issued 12,139 dental vouchers, of which 11,632 have already been claimed – giving patients access to dental care they…

Have your say on alcohol-related violence

Please take part in our on-line survey to share your views on alcohol-related violence, consumption of alcohol and liquor laws in Queensland. We are particularly seeking feedback from the 18-25 year old age group so please share this link. Alternatively, email me your feedback at Maroochydore@parliament.qld.gov.au.https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/alcoholviolencesurvey

New laws to help keep parties ‘in control’

Organisers of out-of-control ‘Facebook parties’ could face hefty fines or jail time under new laws to go before State Parliament this week. Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the Newman Government’s proposed legislation was designed to crack down on wild suburban parties – that often lead to senseless violence and property damage. “All too often we’ve…

Health sinks its teeth into dental wait lists

Queensland’s dental waiting list has been cut in half and the long wait list slashed from 62,513 to 8,494 between February and December 2013. Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said Queensland Health had issued 80,000 vouchers to give patients access to dental care they so desperately needed. “In February last year, 56 per cent of people…

Queensland recognised at national tourism awards

The strength of the State’s tourism industry has been further recognised at the 2013 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards with eleven Queensland operators awarded for their outstanding contribution. Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey applauded the winners for their fantastic achievement which saw the State take home four Gold,…

Get in the game in 2014

Queensland sport stars have urged the state’s children to give sport a try in 2014, while launching the third round of Get Startedat the Queensland Reds Fan Day. Get Started is one of three programs under the Newman Government’s flagship $47.8 million Get in the Game initiative, which is designed to help Queenslanders get active.…

8 new police officers to join the Sunshine Coast beat

Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson today welcomed news that 8 more first year constables have joined the Sunshine Coast Police Service. Ms Simpson said the State Government is delivering on its election promise to revitalise frontline services.  “These new police officers are in addition to the 19 more police officers added to the Sunshine Coast…

Queenslanders have their say on electricity prices

Household and business energy users across Queensland now have the chance to have their say on future electricity prices. Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) was holding electricity price workshops across the state starting in Toowoomba today. “The Newman Government is doing what it can to put downward…

Nominate a Sunshine Coast inspiring woman

State MP and Queensland Speaker Fiona Simpson is inviting nominations for a local “Queensland Inspiring Woman” to be honoured at a breakfast at Queensland Parliament House. Ms Simpson said the awards, which she is hosting, are to acknowledge the contributions made by the many amazing women in our communities,  in recognition of International Women’s Day.…