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.…

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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.…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Community grants commemorate ANZAC Centenary

The Newman Government has announced $13.5 million for a community grants program, as part of $49.3 million in overall funding for events and activities to commemorate the centenary of the First World War starting next year. Minister Assisting the Premier on Veterans Affairs Glen Elmes said funding would be available for communities across the state…

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New State Planning Policy announced

The Newman Government has unveiled landmark reforms to revolutionise the way local councils, the development and construction industry and the State work together to make the best planning decisions for all Queenslanders.Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney announced Queensland’s new State Planning Policy at an Urban Development Institute Association…

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