Time to recognise cultural diversity champions

Queenslanders who have contributed to our state’s cultural diversity have the opportunity to be recognised by the Premier’s Cultural Diversity Awards 2014. Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes announced that nominations for the 2014 Awards are now open. “Our culture and lifestyle is made all the more vibrant by…

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Encouraging employment growth for Queensland

Today’s ABS labour force figures underline the importance of the Queensland Government’s efforts to grow the economy, reduce debt and invest in infrastructure for the future. Treasurer Tim Nicholls said Queensland had created more jobs than any other state over the past year. “The latest ABS figures again show encouraging employment growth in the Queensland…

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Life’s a beach for Queenslanders

Public access to the beach has been secured under new legislation introduced by the Queensland Government into State Parliament. Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said amendments to the Land Act 1994 would address issues surrounding public access to areas of beach which, due to erosion, had fallen under private ownership. “The Newman…

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Sweeping reforms improve justice for Queenslanders

The Government’s commitment to revitalise frontline services and make Queensland the safest place to raise a family has taken a major step forward with a raft of ground breaking criminal law reforms introduced in Parliament today. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the Criminal Law Amendment Bill 2014 tackled cut and run sex…

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What is stopping you from quitting?

A new advertising campaign targeted at 25 to 44 year-olds, is seeking the further reduce Queensland’s smoking rates.  Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said the $1.65 million campaign would tell smokers the rest of Queensland has quit and ‘it’s time you did too’. “These ads send an emotional message rather than using graphic images to shock…

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Building industry to benefit from cuts to red tape

The State’s construction industry has received a boost, with new legislation making it easier, quicker and more cost-effective to connect to the water and sewerage system. Water Supply Mark McArdle said the Water Supply Services Legislation Amendment Act will help speed up and simplify development approvals for building projects of all sizes. “We promised at…

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Property reforms an easy sell for Queensland

Buying a property or vehicle in Queensland will be a whole lot easier thanks to new laws passed by the State Government in Parliament last night. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said splitting the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Acts (2000) into separate industry-specific Bills meant an end to the ‘one size fits all’ approach…

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Book in for Premier’s Reading Challenge

Queensland kids will be encouraged to discover the joy of reading and boost their literary skills by taking part in the 2014 Premier’s Reading Challenge. Premier Campbell Newman and Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek launched the challenge which attracts more than 100,000 participants annually. “Reading is a vital skill and the annual challenge,…

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Camera action will deliver justice and savings

Reforms that will bring Queensland’s courtrooms into the 21st century and further improve court efficiency will be introduced in Parliament this week. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie and Chief Justice Paul de Jersey demonstrated technology that would allow expert witnesses to give video evidence from anywhere in the world. “We live in a…

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Positive verdict continues for JP QCAT Trial

Local JPs have heard over 2,600 minor matters since the commencement of the State Government’s JP QCAT Trial almost 12 months ago, saving taxpayers’ money and valuable Queensland court time. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the success of the trial was a testament to the professionalism and experience of JPs across Queensland.…

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