Queensland will have a stronger, more effective and independent watchdog following important reforms passed in Parliament overnight. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the Government had listened to community consultation and accepted the majority of amendments recommended by the Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee, including providing its oversight Committee the power to…
DetailsLandholders have been saved up to 86 years in productive time and almost $200,000 thanks to the Newman Government’s self-assessable vegetation management codes, according to the latest quarterly update released this week. Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said since the codes were introduced in December 2013, the Department of Natural Resources and…
DetailsQueenslanders 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…
DetailsToday’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…
DetailsPublic 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…
DetailsThe 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…
DetailsLocal 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.…
DetailsKids with complex health needs will have better access to specialists from today with the announcement of a statewide care team that will help families across Queensland. Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said the new Connected Care Program aimed to improve access to quality care for every young person regardless of where they lived, and delivered…
DetailsA 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…
DetailsThe 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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