Tougher school disciplinary powers in 2014

Queensland state school principals will have greater powers to discipline students when school starts back next week. Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said the Strengthening Discipline in Queensland State Schools strategy was introduced as part of the Newman Government’s Great Teachers = Great Results and would give principals the increased authority they’d…

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New partnership delivers for seniors

Council of the Ageing Queensland (COTAQ) has been selected to play an important role in representing the interests of older people across the state. Communities Minister Tracy Davis said COTAQ would receive $375,000 over three years through an innovative Government partnership, the Seniors Advocacy and Research Initiative. “This funding will allow COTAQ to work with…

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Early Start for 2014 Prep students

Prep students in Queensland state schools will be given greater opportunities to learn and improve their literacy and numeracy skills thanks to a new teacher kit delivered by the Newman Government. The Early Start Kit is a suite of literacy and numeracy materials which gives schools and teachers the opportunity to monitor the progress of…

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Queensland growing as economic powerhouse

CommSec’s latest State of the States report shows Queensland has the fastest economic growth rate in the nation, cementing its position as the best place in Australia to invest, employ and grow your business. Premier Campbell Newman said economic growth was up 4.2 per cent from this time last year, as the Government’s hard work…

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School dates and holidays for 2014

Queensland state school students will return for Term 1 on Tuesday 28 January, the day after the Australia Day public holiday. Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said teachers would report back on Thursday 23 January, with student-free staff development days planned for 23 and 24 January. “I’m looking forward to another significant…

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New Children’s Commissioner appointed

A government executive with 15 years of management experience delivering services to vulnerable Queenslanders has been appointed as Commissioner for Children and Young People and the Child Guardian (the Children’s Commissioner). Acting Child Safety Minister Jann Stuckey today announced Mr Stephen Armitage had been named as the new Children’s Commissioner. “Mr Armitage’s extensive background includes…

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State funding boost for local community groups

Maroochydore’s Suncare Community Service and the Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club are among those who were successful under the latest round of State Government community funding. It’s part of millions of dollars provided across Queensland through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund and the Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund. Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said the…

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Surge in Queensland property industry confidence

A new report out today shows Queensland’s property industry is the most confident in the nation, Premier Campbell Newman said. The Property Council of Australia – ANZ Property Industry Confidence Survey shows Queensland leading the way with a surge in industry confidence for the March quarter of 10 points. “That result tells us that the…

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Minister warns of phishing email scam

Queenslanders beware, another scam targeting electricity consumers has reared its head. Acting Energy and Water Supply Minister Andrew Cripps said Ergon Energy customers were being targeted with phishing emails in the form of bogus electricity accounts. “The emails from a company calling itself Pacific Gas & Electric include a link which directs customers to a site where they…

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Red tape reduction boosts apprenticeship and Indigenous opportunities

The Newman Government’s war on red tape has resulted in a new training policy for apprentices and trainees across Queensland from 1 July 2014. Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the Queensland Government Building and Construction Training Policy rolled two existing policies into one. “This amalgamation will streamline compliance and reporting requirements and…

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