Treasurer Tim Nicholls has invited all Queenslanders to contribute to a “People’s Budget” to tell the State Government how they would tackle the once-in-a-generation threat of an $80 billion State debt. This excessive debt level is what destroyed the State’s AAA credit rating. The Strong Choices Campaign is an unprecedented solution to an unprecedented challenge.…
DetailsThe number of dental patients on the waiting list in the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) has almost halved during the period February 2013 to December 2013. 12,139 dental vouchers have been issued to give patients access to urgent dental care. In February 2013, 8,836 people were on the General Care Waiting List…
DetailsThank you to everyone who took part in the State Government’s on-line survey and my Facebook forum to share their views on this important issue. There is a community-wide resolve to stop the violence and I believe support for tougher laws for offenders as well as a need for a culture change about the abuse…
DetailsNew figures released this month reveal the social housing waiting list in the Maroochydore electorate has decreased by 40 per cent since the election of the Newman Government. The number of households waiting for social housing assistance in the Maroochydore electorate had been cut to its lowest level in five years. 55 households were waiting for…
DetailsThe State Government is focused on improving education outcomes for our children by increasing spending on education by $707 million, delivering 724 new teachers and support staff. State schools in the Maroochydore electorate have received almost $800,000 in funding to boost students’ learning, following the announcement of a new education program, Great Results Guarantee. This…
DetailsFurther rehabilitation works on the Maroochydore Road are due to commence early April 2014 and is expected to take five weeks to complete, weather permitting This $2.4 million project will involve replacing the existing asphalt surface with a new high-quality asphalt surface which will provide a safer, smoother surface for road users and reduce future…
DetailsOur working draft has now been released for public review from Sunday 8 December 2013 until 7 March 2014. Feedback on the working draft will be used to refine the final plan, which will be released mid-2014. More information and a copy of the draft plan is available online at www.qld.gov.au/queenslandplan. This working draft brings together…
DetailsI am seeking nominations for a local “Queensland Inspiring Woman” to go in the running to be honoured at my breakfast at Queensland Parliament House in Brisbane on March 7, 2014. As Speaker I am delighted to be hosting the Queensland Inspiring Women awards in recognition of International Women’s Day and to acknowledge the contributions…
DetailsThe State Government has announced a stronger stance against drug and alcohol-fuelled violence, including tougher penalties for offenders and a greater police presence in entertainment precincts. All options must be put on the table for consideration with feedback from Queenslanders, and especially young people, about what approach should be taken to tackle this problem. So…
DetailsWhile work is still ongoing at the new Maroochydore Bus Station, the new platforms have been operational from Monday 25th November to facilitate the changes to services as part of the new bus network. I am following up with the Minister about concerns raised about pedestrians crossing between the platforms rather than using the…
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