States’ representatives should axe Labor’s carbon tax

Scrapping Labor’s carbon tax is the quickest and easiest way of cutting electricity bills and relieving cost of living pressures on all Queenslanders. Attending the COAG Energy Council meeting in Brisbane, Queensland Energy Minister Mark McArdle called on all Australian senators to recognise their constituents overwhelmingly supported Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s mandate to axe the…

Double jeopardy reform means justice for victims

A significant roadblock to justice will be removed under reforms to Queensland’s double jeopardy defence. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said recent amendments to the defence would be made retrospective. “Our reforms will stop offenders from potentially and literally getting away with murder,” Mr Bleijie said. “We are keeping the promise we made…

G20 Police Operations Centre Launched

Hundreds of personnel from organisations across Queensland and Australia will direct Queensland’s largest police operation from a new purpose-built G20 Police Operations Centre launched today. Minister for Police Jack Dempsey and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP said the facility would allow both Commonwealth and Queensland officers to direct operations…

Draft recommendation backs Queensland’s reef management

Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell has welcomed UNESCO’s acknowledgement of the progress the Queensland Government has made in ensuring the Great Barrier Reef remains on the World Heritage List. Mr Powell said that UNESCO released its draft recommendations to the World Heritage Committee overnight and they would be considered by the World Heritage Committee in…

Anzac weekend makes for happy campers

Nearly 13,000 people pitched a tent or unrolled a swag in Queensland’s national parks and state forests over the ANZAC weekend, providing a massive tourism boost to regional areas. National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said campers were finding it easier to take advantage of the state’s natural assets, thanks to the Newman Government’s commitment to…

Reports highlight Queensland’s economic strength

Two separate economic reports out today again highlight the strength of the Queensland economy, Treasurer Tim Nicholls says.  “The CommSec State of the States report and the Deloitte Access Economics Business Outlook both confirm that Queensland is on the cusp of strong growth,” Mr Nicholls said.  “But to realise that growth we will have to…

May is domestic and family violence prevention month

‘Don’t let concern become regret – make the call to DVConnect’: That’s the message from Communities Minister Tracy Davis in the lead up to Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month 2014. Ms Davis said the month which was held each May, raised awareness of domestic and family violence and aligned with the Queensland Government’s election…

$3 million incentive to boost vaccination rates

A $3 million incentive to improve vaccination rates has been posted by the State Government in a bid to inspire local strategies that protect young Queenslanders.  Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said that while our state-wide vaccination rates are among the best in Australia, Queensland plans local strategies to lift rates of inoculation to a new…

Queensland breakthrough makes chemo safer

A Queensland research breakthrough could relieve the suffering of millions of chemotherapy patients around the world. Science and Innovation Minister Ian Walker said Associate Professor Ingrid Winkler from Mater Research had discovered how to flick a biological switch that allowed the immune system to be better protected during the onslaught of chemo. “Every year about…

$12.4 million boost for community groups across the State

Almost 600 local community organisations across Queensland will share in over $12.4 million in the latest round of State Government community benefit grants. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the latest funding boost would help charities and not-for-profit organisations provide invaluable programs and services in their local area. “This Government recognises the financial…