Government’s plan drives strong employment growth

More than 65,000 jobs have been created in Queensland over the past year, according to the latest ABS Labour Force figures released today.  In an impressive result for Queensland, the State’s strong economic performance accounted for 65 per cent of all new jobs created in Australia.  Treasurer Tim Nicholls said it was clear Queensland was…

New substation to power Sunshine Coast University Hospital

Work is underway on a new $23.7 million electricity substation at Birtinya to power the new Sunshine Coast University Hospital and medical precinct. Energy Minister Mark McArdle said the $1.87 billion hospital development would transform the Sunshine Coast region – providing word-class health facilities for Sunshine Coast families and visitors. Mr McArdle said a secure…

Vaccine pilot to protect mums and bubs

A vaccination program for pregnant women will help protect their newborn babies from deadly whooping cough as part of the Queensland Government’s new immunisation strategy. Unveiling the initiative at a Brisbane childcare centre today, Premier Campbell Newman said the program would address the first few weeks of life, during which newborns exposed to whooping cough…

Schools to boost adolescent immunisation rates

The Queensland Government’s new immunisation strategy will target adolescent immunisation rates through the school immunisation program.  Premier Campbell Newman said the public benefits of the school-based program were enormous and provided a convenient way for adolescents to be protected against serious infectious diseases. “We vaccinate adolescents at school to protect them against diseases such as…

Queensland readies for the NDIS

Two expert teams have been announced to help prepare families for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in 2016, making Queensland among the best organised states in Australia. Disability Services Minister Tracy Davis said Queensland was on track with its preparations for the NDIS which, when fully implemented, would mean better health…

Provide your feedback for Fisheries review

Queenslanders interested in ensuring that the state’s fisheries remain sustainable are encouraged to have their say in a review which will involve strategic advice from leading experts. Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said written submissions could be made to MRAG Asia Pacific independent consultants who were working closely with his department on the…

Queenslanders respond to anti-smoking campaign

The Queensland Quitline service has experienced its busiest month in seven years; driven by the success of a two-pronged State-Government advertising and legislative anti-smoking campaign. Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said Queensland smokers were responding to the Government campaign, with more than 3000 calls to and from the centre in May, 2014. “They’re calling Quitline for advice…

Queensland scientists leading way in cancer battle

Queensland families living with pancreatic cancer have more chance of beating the disease, with the State’s scientists among the first in the world to identify how the disease forms. Premier Campbell Newman hailed this breakthrough as a significant scientific achievement that will give hope to many cancer sufferers both in Queensland and around the world.…

Have your say on the 30-year ResourcesQ vision

Queenslanders will get to have their say on the proposed 30-year ResourcesQ vision to drive economic growth and create jobs in the resources sector. Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said the ResourcesQ partnering for prosperity consultation paper delivered on the Government’s election promise to grow resources as one of the four pillars…

Govt eyes ophthalmology waiting lists

Patients with vision impairment or debilitating eye conditions such as cataracts will be major beneficiaries of a new ophthalmology blitz, delivering on the Queensland Government’s election promise to revitalise frontline services. Premier Campbell Newman said the program would clear the long wait list of patients by 30 June, 2015, improving the quality of life for…