Tell us what you want for council elections

The Newman Government is calling for your opinion on possible changes to how council elections should be held after concerns were raised following the last council polls. Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said a discussion paper on the Local Government Electoral Act had been released to get the ball rolling. “We inherited a local government…

100 Queensland roads named for review

Safety engineers will review 100 Queensland roads from next month to determine whether speed limits should be raised, lowered or kept consistent. Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said this was the first major review that has been conducted since 1997 and was part of the Newman Government’s commitment to improve safety on our roads.…

JP QCAT Trial marks 6 month milestone

More than 1,400 matters have been heard since the Newman Government’s JP QCAT Trial commenced six months ago saving taxpayers money and valuable Queensland court time. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie today marked the six month milestone of the trial in Townsville speaking to hundreds of hard working JPs in the local community.…

Another step in paying off Labor’s debt legacy

The Newman Government has taken another step towards paying down Labor’s legacy of debt, taking advantage of favourable market conditions to further reduce the State’s shareholding in Aurizon. Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the Newman Government was continuing its measured and methodical plan to turn Queensland’s finances around, last night raising $350 million for debt reduction.…

No more gap year for public tenants

The State Government has moved to tighten up generous public housing rules that left properties vacant for up to a year while tenants took extended holidays or served prison terms. Housing Minister Tim Mander said under Labor’s old rules, tenants could take getaways of up to 12 months without putting their tenancies at risk. “These houses…

Federal education funding welcomed

Premier Campbell Newman today welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that Queensland schools would receive $794 million in additional funding over the next four years.“I am delighted Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Minister Christopher Pyne have honoured their election commitment to match Labor’s education funding dollar for dollar,” he said. “The Abbott Government had already committed…

Toll road website to curb confusion

Paying your toll will be much simpler following the launch of a new website that provides a one-stop shop for information about Queensland toll roads. Assistant Minister for Public Transport Steve Minnikin said the new Queensland Toll Roads website will help visitors to Brisbane and casual toll road users avoid confusion over what they owe…

New Power Advocate to protect consumers

Queensland energy users’ rights and interests are the focus of a new Queensland energy consumer advocacy body being considered by the Newman Government. Minister for Energy Mark McArdle said several consumer representative groups met last week and had provided in principle agreement to terms of reference and the intent to establish the body by March…

Committee recommends cycling law overhaul

An overhaul of Queensland cycling rules will include a safe distance provision and increased penalties for breaking road rules, as the Newman Government delivers better planning for safer roads. Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said many of the 68 recommendations put forward by the Transport, Housing and Local Government committee would directly lead…