Construction industry payments now fairer

Resolving payment disputes in Queensland’s construction industry will be easier and more transparent under changes introduced to Parliament. Minister for Housing and Public Works Minister Tim Mander said the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act was created in 2004 to give builders and contractors an alternative way to resolve construction payment disputes, but the industry…

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Red tape reforms boost Queensland economy

Significant savings are on the way for Queensland’s construction, resources and tourism industries thanks to red tape busting reforms to the QLeave scheme, passed in Parliament last night. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said they delivered on the Government’s election promises to supercharge the economy and revitalise frontline services. “Both workers and businesses…

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Changes to legislation to improve mental health outcomes

Delivering better mental health outcomes for Queenslanders is the goal of a major review of mental health legislation to pave the way for more relevant and effective laws. Health Minister Lawrence Springborg released a discussion paper for public comment on changes to the Mental Health Act. “Years of ad hoc approaches by Labor Governments have…

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Queensland exporters taking on the world

Queensland exporting businesses making important contributions to the state’s economy through job creation and increased community prosperity can now nominate for the 25th Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards. Treasurer Tim Nicholls said Queensland’s exporters were taking on the world and succeeding, reinforcing the state’s strong track record of supplying innovative and reliable goods and services…

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Queenslanders to help shape crime fighting future

Queenslanders can have their say on how crime is tackled in their state, with a special Parliamentary Inquiry shining a light on the issues that affect them. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the Inquiry into Criminal Activity would help build upon extensive crime-fighting reforms and successes already achieved by the Queensland Government.…

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Get out, Get Active

Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, and aqua aerobics will be more accessible to Queensland women in a new initiative to fuse fitness and fun and encourage them to Get Out and Get Active. Recreation and Sport Minister Steve Dickson said the Queensland Government would contribute up to $20,000 towards the delivery of community-based activities in a partnership…

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Science seeks solution to gender imbalance

More than double the number of boys than girls is studying physics, information technology, technology and maths C in Queensland according to new information. Science and Innovation Minister Ian Walker said it was important to address the gender imbalance which was far greater in some instances, with only 26 per cent of Year 11 Physics…

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Queensland child protection reforms passed

The Queensland Government is delivering on its commitment to making Queensland the safest place to raise a child with reforms recommended by the Child Protection Commission of Inquiry passed in Parliament today. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the Government was following the Commission’s roadmap to build an effective and sustainable child protection…

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Closing go card loophole saves $200,000 a year

Honest public transport users will benefit from savings of more than $200,000 per year after changes were made to the refundable deposit on adult go cards. In May 2013, the refundable deposit on adult go cards was increased from $5 to $10 to close a loophole that saw people deliberately running the balance below $5…

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Forgotten bonds redirected to help needy families

Queensland residential tenants and rental property owners are being urged to check if they are one of more than 42,500 people who have forgotten to get their bond refund. Housing Minister Tim Mander said the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) was holding $9.35 million in forgotten bonds that had accumulated over the past 25 years. “I…

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