Discounts for foster and kinship carers

Queensland’s foster and kinship carers can now stretch their dollar further by accessing discounts at more than 4,500 businesses across the state, as part of the Queensland Government’s Carer Business Discount Card scheme. Launching Foster and Kinship Carer Week on the Sunshine Coast, Child Safety Minister said approximately 4,700 foster and kinship carer families throughout…

Queensland’s transport network modelled on the best

Some of the world’s most cutting edge public transport design and technology was on show as Premier Campbell Newman toured New York’s East Access Rail Line project during his US trade mission. Mr Newman said the project underneath New York’s iconic Grand Central Station was a good model for Queensland’s own underground bus and rail…

State listens on flood planning

The push to make Queensland communities better protected against flooding is changing the way councils can apply for funding. Community Recovery and Resilience Minister David Crisafulli has called for Expressions of Interest for the first time from the state’s 77 councils for projects that will help their communities be better prepared to avoid the worst…

Greater access to ombudsman services

More Queenslanders will get support to resolve energy and water disputes after the Newman Government announced a review of the role of the Queensland Energy and Water Ombudsman. Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said the review would consider expanding the scope of customer complaints the ombudsman could investigate. “This review is part of…

The largest area of Queensland ever drought declared

Emergency aid and funding will be made available to another 15 shires after 79 per cent of Queensland was declared in drought, the largest area ever recorded. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh added the southern Queensland Shires of Banana, Bundaberg, Cherbourg, Fraser Coast, Gladstone, Goondiwindi, Gympie, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, South…

New Biosecurity Act to better protect Queensland

Queensland’s environment and agricultural sector will be better protected after the new Biosecurity Act was passed in State Parliament today. Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said the new legislation rolled multiple Acts, some dating back decades, into one streamlined Act. “This legislation will provide an important safeguard for our primary industries for future…

Queensland Inspiring Women honoured by Speaker Fiona Simpson MP

Speaker Fiona Simpson presented the Queensland Inspiring Women awards at Queensland Parliament House this morning, Friday 7 March 2014, during a sold out breakfast event being held in recognition of International Women’s Day. The awards were initiated to honour women who strengthened individuals or communities in the area of business, community service, the arts, the…

Simpson urges stand against binge drinking & disrespect

State MP Fiona Simpson has taken to the floor of Parliament to support a community call to action over alcohol-fuelled violence. Ms Simpson said: “It’s time to challenge the culture that tolerates binge drinking and losing control and to take a stand against behaviour that disrespects others and threatens their safety.” Expressing her condolences to…

Overhaul of fisheries management in Queensland

The LNP Government will undertake a wide-ranging review of fisheries management in Queensland to deliver a better system for the state’s commercial and recreational fishers. Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said the review would fix a system that was complex, costly to administer, inconsistent and a burden on fishers. “Fishing is a vital…

Doors open for small business

Online tendering resources will allow small businesses to operate on a level playing field with larger enterprises for the first time, delivering on the Newman Government’s election promise to cut red tape and regulation by 20 per cent by 2018. Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the…