Crackdown on rogue truck drivers boosts road safety

Queensland roads are now even safer after the completion of Operation Austrans, an annual initiative in Australia and New Zealand targeting heavy vehicle road-safety issues, including fatigue, speed and drug use. Police Minister Jack Dempsey joined Deputy Police Commissioner Ross Barnett to mark the completion of the operation. “As part of our strong plan for…

Last chance to register for 2014 DestinationQ Forum

Tourism representatives from across the State are being encouraged to nominate for this year’s DestinationQ Forum and help the Queensland Government shape and grow the industry, as promised at the election. Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey said there had been keen interest in the forum so far with 3 days left before registrations close. “We’ve had…

Health groups to get funding reprieve

Queensland health service organisations set to lose their funding in changes laid out in the Commonwealth Government’s 2014-15 Budget will receive a year’s reprieve from the State Government. Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said Commonwealth budgetary constraints imposed negative impacts on Queensland. “While the state hesitated to spread its health resources even further, it was necessary…

Leaseholders to benefit from more land reforms

There will be greater opportunities for local and regional development, economic prosperity will be built and thriving communities promoted after the launch of the second phase of the most significant review of Queensland’s state land in more than a century. Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said state land supported every one of…

Policy delivers seven million free trips

Record numbers of bus, train and ferry passengers are taking advantage of the Queensland Government’s free travel after nine weekly journeys. Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said since the policy was introduced almost two years ago about 78,500 people a week were benefiting. “As part of our strong plan for a brighter future we are delivering real savings for passengers with more than…

Skills shortages and unemployment targeted in strong plan

Queenslanders will be better trained for real jobs in a stronger four pillar economy as a result of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) plan released today. Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said the plan detailed how the Queensland Government would be investing $615 million in 2014-2015 in order to address skills…

New active limbs to help kids

More than 130 Queensland children born with a limb deficiency, or who have had limbs amputated, will be able to live more active and fulfilling lives thanks to a new Queensland Government program. Premier Campbell Newman and Health Minister Lawrence Springborg today announced a $7.7 million budget boost for a new Active Limbs4Kids Program for…

Tougher test, safer drivers

First results from the new driver licence test reveal a 15 per cent increase in the fail rate following the Queensland Government’s focus on high-risk manoeuvres and zero tolerance to speeding. Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the new practical test is being piloted across seven sites in Queensland and has been underway…

Budget debate: Strong plan vs no plan

This week’s debate on the Budget in State Parliament showed yet again that only the Newman Government has a strong plan for a brighter future for Queensland.  Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the Government had clearly articulated its plan while the Opposition had offered no new ideas.  “The Government has put forward a budget that carefully…

Queensland Mums given a headstart

More than 60,000 Queensland mums have benefited from the extra support and advice provided through the Queensland Government’s $28.9 million Mums and Bubs initiative. Premier Campbell Newman and Health Minister Lawrence Springborg joined Child Health Nurse Kelly Smith to visit Stafford mum Kareen Ghee and baby Antwaun and witness the home-visiting service in action.  Mr…