Queenslanders have their say on social services investment

Queenslanders are being asked to give their feedback on how the Newman Government can revitalise investment in social services like child safety, health, housing, disability services and homelessness. Treasurer and Chair of the Social Services Cabinet Committee Tim Nicholls said the public consultation period for the draft Social Services Investment Framework was now open for…

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…

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…

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…

Insurance data predicts lift in construction activity

Construction activity is set to boom across the state, with insurance policy data released by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) increasing by 27 per cent in two years. Minister for Housing and Public Works, Tim Mander, said the data showed the Government was delivering on its election promise to grow construction as one…

Nineteen bidders vie for integrated resorts

A total of 19 national and international developers have registered their interest in delivering up to three new world-class Integrated Resort Developments in Queensland. Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the announcement shows that people want to invest and do business in Queensland. “The level of interest in…

Queensland’s resources sector moving up the ranks

Moves to strengthen Queensland’s resources sector by encouraging investment and cutting red tape have been endorsed by an independent industry survey. Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps welcomed the results of the Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies 2013 and said it showed the Government was delivering on its election promises. “We…

Respected doctor’s advocate welcomes improved contracts

Better working conditions and entitlements provided by new contracts to 650 Visiting Medical Officers (VMOs) in Queensland Hospitals have been recognised in the final report of their industrial advocate, outlined in State Parliament today. Health Minister Lawrence Springborg welcomed the findings of the VMO’s long-time industrial representative, Dr Ross Cartmill which had been subsequently endorsed…

Queensland Choices consultation to secure our future

Queenslanders are being asked to join the conversation about Queensland’s choices to reduce the $80 billion debt left by the previous Labor Government, Treasurer Tim Nicholls said today. “Queensland is a great place to live and work, but the outlook for our strong economic future is being overshadowed by an $80 billion black cloud of…