THE FIRST THREE MONTHSA BETTER WAY FOR QUEENSLAND

THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT

The Premier’s Message

When my government assumed office in February, I made my commitments to Queensland clear. My government is focused on creating jobs for Queenslanders - restoring services, building our economy and reintroducing fairness, transparency and accountability to our State.

As Premier, along with my Ministry, I am determined to honour those commitments and govern for all Queenslanders.

I am determined to show Queenslanders there is a better way.

Already, over the course of the first three months of my government, we have accomplished a significant raft of achievements. Our government has introduced critical new laws restoring transparency in government to political donations. We’ve established landmark

new measures to protect our Great Barrier Reef, restored the important Skilling Queenslanders for Work program which creates thousands of jobs and have provided more resources to our police. Additionally, we’ve increased funding for health services and we are lending a helping hand to our farmers and regional Queenslanders.

My government is getting on with the job, and I am proud of the achievements outlined in this publication.

Annastacia Palaszczuk MPPREMIER OF QUEENSLAND AND MINISTER FOR THE ARTS

Image courtesy of the Arts Queensland

A message from Annastacia, Premier of Queensland

Image courtesy of Tourism Queensland, Damon Smith

Contents

2 Jobs and Economy

3 Frontline Services

1 Integrity and Accountability

4 Protecting the Environment

5 Community Services

6 Regional Queensland

HOW TO NAVIGATE THIS INTERACTIVE DOCUMENT:To jump to key chapters or specific sub-categories, click the title of the chapter. To quickly navigate back to this page, click [BACK TO CONTENTS] at the top right of every chapter intro page.

For more info on each item, click the heading.

01 Integrity and Accountability

BACK TOCONTENTS

SELECTION OF DIRECTORS-GENERAL ON MERIT

INVESTIGATION OF THE GREYHOUND RACING INDUSTRY

OPEN AND ACCOUNTABLE CCC RECRUITMENT

The Palaszczuk Government passed important legislation to improve the transparency of political donations. The new laws mean donations of $1000 or more must now be declared, reversing the laws of the former LNP government, where donations of up to $12,800 did not need to be declared.

The government is determined senior appointments are made on merit. In March, the positions of 18 Directors-General were advertised. The successful applicants for these roles will be determined by an independent selection panel, free from political influence. Merit selection is an important cornerstone of Westminster-style government.

The government announced a Commission of Inquiry into Queensland’s Greyhound Racing Industry following the shocking revelations of live baiting. The Government has provided Commissioner Alan MacSporran QC with powers to summon witnesses and produce documentation in response to the allegations.

The government established an open and accountable recruitment process for the Chair and CEO of the Crime and Corruption Commission. The positions were first advertised in major newspapers and online on 14 March 2015.

DONATION ACCOUNTABILITY REFORM 01

02

03

04THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS Photography credit: Jason H. - Lime.net.au

98

LIMIT MPs’ SALARY INCREASES TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE

RETURNING LABOUR DAY TO MAY

AXED PERFORMANCE BONUSES

The government has introduced legislation to restore the independence of the Speaker, allowing the Speaker the autonomy to run the Parliamentary Service.

Legislation has been introduced to link future salary increases for Members of Parliament to public sector employees. This will ensure that MPs’ salaries are fair.

The Palaszczuk Government has announced that the LNP’s arrogant decision to shift Labour Day to October has been reversed and from next year will return it to its rightful, historical place in the calendar in May. This will coincide with the 125th anniversary of the Shearer’s Strike, one of Australia’s earliest and most important industrial disputes.

The government has axed a bonus system for senior public servants which was introduced by the former LNP government. The policy allowed Directors-General to qualify for bonuses of up to 15% and in 2013-14, they were eligible for $1.2 million in performance bonuses, with $641,000 paid out. The bonuses will no longer be paid, with that money redirected back to frontline services.

RESTORING POWERS TO THE SPEAKER07

08

10

09

REMOVAL OF UNFAIR VOTER ID LAWS

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO ORGANISED CRIME

Legislation has been passed to remove the unfair and unnecessary voter laws which demanded voters produce ID. These laws threatened to disadvantage Queenslanders, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds.

A Commission of Inquiry into organised crime, headed by respected criminal lawyer Michael Byrne QC has been established. The Commission of Inquiry is due to report to the Government on its findings by 30 October 2015.

05

06

The new amendments will fortify the autonomy of the Speaker and provide an important element of the separation of the powers of government and the legislature - one of the few such remaining in modern parliaments.

DR DAVID SOLOMON AMChair, Queensland Committee of the Accountability Round Table

REVIEW APPROVAL OF ACLAND STAGE 3 EXPANSION

The government has commenced a review of the approval for Acland Stage 3 expansion, with a focus on the EIS and the application processes.

11

REDUCEDCABINETSIZE

The Palaszczuk Government reduced the size of Cabinet from 19 to 14 Ministers. The number of Assistant Ministers was also reduced from 12 to one. This move will save an estimated $27 million over the term of the government. This money will be reinvested in frontline services.

12

Photography credit: Ben Vos

02

Jobs and Economy

BACK TOCONTENTS

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY REFORMS

TAX REBATE ON APPRENTICE AND TRAINEE WAGES

Up to 8000 Queensland job seekers are set to benefit after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced $60 million would be allocated to deliver a revamped Skilling Queenslanders for Work program in 2015-2016. This critical program, which trains Queenslanders for work and delivers jobs, was axed by the former LNP government. Skilling Queenslanders for Work delivers $240 million over four years and will support up to 32,000 job seekers.

The Palaszczuk Government is reinstating the rights of WHS entry permit holders to gain immediate access to a workplace to inquire into a suspected contravention and the power of health and safety representatives (HSRs) to direct workers to cease unsafe work. In addition, changes to improve electrical safety in Queensland are planned, including re-instating the Electrical Safety Commissioner and two electrical safety committees for Electrical Education and Electrical Equipment.

Legislation has been introduced and funding of $45 million has been allocated for a 25% payroll tax rebate on apprentice and trainee wages. The government is determined to give more young Queenslanders the opportunity to join the workforce as apprentices and trainees.

SKILLING QUEENSLANDERS FOR WORK01

02

03

THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS Photography credit: Ben Vos

1312

Delivering targeted training to suit the needs of Queensland business is critical in developing a strong economy. Collaborative initiatives such as [Skilling Queenslanders for Work] not only have the potential to support productivity and growth for industry but also offer individuals, especially the young and long term unemployed, an opportunity to secure their own futures through training and the attainment of meaningful qualifications.

THE YEERONGPILLY GREEN SITE

APPROVAL OF PACIFIC VIEW ESTATE

RECENT ECONOMIC DATA SHOWS

ABBOT POINT EXPANSION WITHOUT TAXPAYER COST

The government has appointed the preferred developer for the $850 million Yeerongpilly Green Transport Orientated Development. The government will deliver about $30 million of community amenities throughout the development, including 1.8 hectares of parkland and open space.

Approval has been given for Pacific View Estate at Worongary on the Gold Coast. This development will create more than 2,700 jobs during construction and has the potential to contribute $3.2 billion to Queensland’s economy. About 3,500 new homes will be delivered for Queensland families.

No taxpayer funds will be used for dredging or disposal of dredging at Abbot Point.

04 05

06

The upgrade of the Coomera Interchange (Exit 54) on the Pacific Motorway has been announced ensuring a new commercial and retail precinct goes ahead at Coomera Town Centre. The upgrade is to be jointly funded between the Queensland Government, the developers of the Coomera Town Centre and the Federal Government.

_ Queensland topped business confidence of any Australian state in April (NAB Monthly Business Survey);

_ Queensland recorded the strongest real retail growth of any mainland state in March quarter at 1.9 per cent after poor results during 2014 (ABS);

_ Dwelling approvals rose 3.0 per cent in March - up 26 per cent on the same time last year (ABS)

_ Merchandise exports were up 10.8 per cent to $11.4 billion in March quarter - twice the two decade average (ABS)

_ 5,300 full-time jobs were added in April, our sixth successive month of full-time employment growth (ABS)

_ Investment commitments for the construction of new dwellings increased in March quarter to the highest level since February 2008 - up $625 million (ABS)

_ Investor housing finance for the purchase of existing dwellings for rent or resale totalled $4 billion in March quarter 2015 (ABS)

COOMERA INTERCHANGE UPGRADE07

JEMINA DUNN, DirectorAustralian Industry Group Queensland

THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS Photography credit: Ben Vos

COMMONWEALTH GAMES LEADERSHIP

By appointing a senior Minister to the Tourism portfolio and establishing a new Tourism and Commonwealth Games Cabinet Committee, the Palaszczuk Government has implemented a new level of leadership for tourism, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and the Embracing 2018 legacy program. This will ensure Queenslanders capitalise on jobs, investment and new tourism opportunities.

08

1514

MT ISA COPPER SMELTER AND COPPER REFINERY

APPROVAL OF MOUNT EMERALD WIND FARM

The Palaszczuk Government has approved Queensland’s largest wind farm, which has the potential to power 75,000 homes a year and create up to 200 construction jobs on the Atherton Tablelands.

10

11

Up to $26 million has been invested to deliver the Beaudesert Town Centre Bypass. The bypass is critical to the ongoing development of the Bromelton State Development Area, and will support Scenic Rim Regional Council’s planned revitalisation of the Beaudesert Town Centre.

The government has created the $8 million School Collaboration and Innovation Fund for Queensland high schools to support innovative education programs that promote science, technology, engineering and maths, providing young Queenslanders with the skills they need for the future.

Working with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland, the Palaszczuk Government has selected industry representatives for the Red Tape Reduction Advisory Council. By working with industry, the Palaszczuk Government will make it easier for small to medium businesses to thrive in Queensland.

The Palaszczuk Government has established Building Queensland within the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning to provide independent expert advice to government on infrastructure priorities, and appointed an interim CEO. Legislation will be introduced to formally establish Building Queensland as an independent entity.

FUNDING FOR BEAUDESERT BYPASS

SKILLING YOUNG QUEENSLANDERS FOR THE FUTURE

CUTTING RED TAPE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

ESTABLISHED BUILDING QUEENSLAND

12

13

14 15

The Queensland resources industry has given a tentative tick to the early performance of the Palaszczuk Government as it reports marginal improvements [in the] industry’s performance and some success in lowering the sector’s cost base.

THE AUSTRALIANMay 2015

THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS

TOOWOOMBA SECOND RANGE CROSSING

The government has reconfirmed that the joint Commonwealth-Queensland Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project will proceed and has shortlisted three consortia to bid for the tender.

09

Legislation has been introduced in State Parliament to facilitate the necessary environmental approvals for the continued operation of Mount Isa copper smelter, supporting almost 1000 jobs in Mount Isa and Townsville. Extending the life of Glencore’s Mount Isa copper smelter to 2020 will also extend the life of the company’s Townsville copper refinery.

Photography credit: Ben Vos

03 Frontline Services

BACK TOCONTENTS

MORE TEACHERS IN OUR SCHOOLS

EAR, NOSE AND THROAT WAITING LISTS

GUIDANCE OFFICERS IN STATE HIGH SCHOOLS

Seventy-one new constables were sworn into the Queensland Police Service and have taken up postings in Brisbane, Logan, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Cairns, Mareeba, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Gympie, Mackay, Sarina, the Whitsundays, Burpengary, Gatton, Toowoomba and Warwick.

The Palaszczuk Government has acted to boost teacher numbers by restoring fair teacher allocations. Under these arrangements, schools will be entitled to more teaching hours. This will be strengthened by the additional 2,500 teachers we will deliver from 2016.

$30 million has been injected to address waiting lists for outpatient appointments for children and adults suffering from ear, nose and throat complaints. This funding will assist the 114,000 Queenslanders that have been found to be waiting longer than clinically recommended for specialist outpatient appointments.

The government has developed a framework to allocate 45 full-time equivalent guidance officers in schools to ensure that every state high school with more than 500 students has an officer available to provide support and advice for their students.

NEW POLICEOFFICERS01

03

02

04

THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS Photography credit: Ben Vos

1918

DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE SUPPORT FUNDING

BOOSTING POLICE DRUG TESTING CAPACITY

SEVEN NEW POLICE DOGS FOR QUEENSLAND

NEW CUSTODIAL OFFICERS

ADDRESSING LONG WAIT LISTS

The government has provided $17 million to target gaps in domestic violence services, recognising the link between domestic and family violence and the risk of entering the child protection system, addressing a key recommendation of the Carmody Report.

Queensland Police roadside drug testing capacity has been boosted with numbers expanding from 51 officers to 291.

Seven new police dogs will be trained from the QPS Academy in Oxley, boosting the capacity of the police to remove illicit drugs from the community.

Woodford and Brisbane Correctional Centres have received 23 new Custodial Officers.

The government has made $30 million immediately available to Queensland Health and Hospital Services (HHS) to address the ‘waiting list for the waiting list’ where the LNP had 114,000 Queenslanders waiting in line.

05

06

07

08

09

Photography credit: Michael Marston

The model establishes a clinic that will see specialists, audiologists, speech therapists and vestibular physiotherapy staff working together to ensure patients can receive the appropriate treatment much sooner.

BRETT BRICKNELLExecutive DirectorLogan Bayside Health Network

2120

REGIONAL POWER PRICES TO REMAIN SUBSIDISED

NDISLAUNCHSITE

A new delegation has been signed for the Queensland Competition Authority for setting 2015/16 electricity prices which requires QCA to consider the uniform tariff policy in its price determination.

The government has Commonwealth Government agreement for an NDIS launch site in Queensland. Under the former LNP government, Queensland was the only jurisdiction in Australia not to fund a trial site.

11

12

EXTENDED PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES

NQ INTENSIVE YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

BOOST TO DVCONNECT FUNDING

$1.8 million has been provided over three years so that the palliative care helpline PalAssist, operated by the Cancer Council Queensland, will operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

The government announced a new youth residential facility for Townsville. Expansion will include two four-bed youth residential rehabilitation facilities that will support up to eight young people living with a serious mental health illness.

An extra $1.5 million to DVConnect telephone support service to help them meet increased demand.

13

14

15

As the statewide 24/7 frontline crisis response to domestic and family violence for Queensland, DVConnect manages a heavy demand for assistance from across the state. Our service experienced a sudden 35% increase in demand for help from October last year and we sought and received the financial support from the Government that we needed to meet this demand. DVConnect is very grateful for such a significant financial boost to allow us to keep the increased staffing level and the ability to meet the increased urgent client needs.

DIANE MANGAN CEO DVConnect

Photography credit: Ben Vos

The government has announced the creation of the Queensland Productivity Commission to promote productivity growth in the State. Its first inquiry is into rising electricity prices.

ELECTRICITY PUBLIC INQUIRY10

04 Protecting the Environment

BACK TOCONTENTS

OFFICE OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

REVIEW OF BIOSECURITY CAPABILITY

Highlighting the importance the government attaches to protecting and preserving our environment, for the first time a designated Minister for the Great Barrier Reef has been appointed. The appointment of a designated Minister for the Reef is an indication of the priority the government places on reef protection.

The government established an Office of the Great Barrier Reef, responsible for overseeing implementation of the government’s reef management strategies and programs. One of the first tasks for the Office will be to support the new Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Taskforce to provide advice on the best possible approach to meeting the government’s ambitious water quality targets for the reef. The taskforce, to be chaired by Queensland’s Chief Scientist, Dr Geoff Garrett, is expertise-based and will harness a wide range of knowledge and experience.

A review of Queensland’s biosecurity capability has been announced following a 26% reduction in the biosecurity workforce under the former LNP Government and in the wake of the detection of Panama Disease in North Queensland.

FIRST MINISTER FOR THE GREAT BARRIER REEF01

02

03

THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS Image courtesy of Tourism Queensland, Darren Jew

2524

TROPICAL CYCLONE MARCIA NATIONAL PARKS RECOVERY

The government is committed to supporting Queensland’s banana industry as it faces the threat of Panama Disease in North Queensland. The government, in partnership with industry, established the Queensland Government Panama Disease Taskforce to provide a comprehensive response to this issue. The government has provided $2 million to help support Queensland’s $600 million banana industry and more than $300,000 to the Australian Banana Growers’ Council to support special biosecurity advisors.

Following Tropical Cyclone Marcia in mid-March which impacted 77 national parks, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers worked hard to ensure that all camping areas were open and available for the Easter school holiday period. Recovery efforts have progressed to ensure all parks have re-opened with only three having partial closures in place for damaged infrastructure.

STRONG RESPONSE TO PANAMA DISEASE04

05

CLIMATE CHANGE BACK ON STATE’S AGENDA

The government has re-engaged with the serious issue of climate change. The government has reconnected with mainstream science on the causes and consequences of climate change. Queensland has joined other States and territories in presenting a united position to the Federal Government on post 2020 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. Climate change is a significant long-term threat to the Queensland economy, communities and ecosystems, as well as to the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

06

The State Government’s health and science experts have provided assessments of contaminated dust at a number of locations in Townsville. As a result, additional air quality monitoring is being undertaken and the port operator and port users will continue to focus on practices aimed at reducing dust emissions and delivering continued improvements in air quality.

TOWNSVILLE PORT DUST MANAGEMENT07

2726

RE-ENGAGING CONSERVATION GROUPS

PROTECTION OF CALEY VALLEY WETLANDS

The government has re-engaged with environment and conservation groups, with the Environment Minister reconvening a key roundtable with key environment sector groups and non-government organisations to ensure consultation and collaboration occurs on policy and program work.

Dumping of dredge spoil in Caley Valley Wetlands has been banned. Instead dumping will take place at the T2 Site at Abbot Point.

08

09

The government has confirmed that the Mooloolah Logging Area in the Beerwah State Forest on the Sunshine Coast which had been earmarked by the former government for a trail bike facility, will be protected from future commercial or recreational motorised use in recognition of its significant natural resource values.

PROTECTION OF MOOLOOLAH LOGGING AREA10

PURCHASE OF KOALA HABITAT

The government has finalised the purchase of 31,500 hectares of land for $12.5 million to protect and restore koala habitat in areas where the animals are under threat. Under the latest habitat acquisitions, 11 properties have been secured in south east and central Queensland locations.

11

This shows the Government is listening to people who care about the Reef and the important coastal wetlands, that are precious habitats and act as filters to protect the Reef. The new Queensland Government is to be commended for following through on its election promise to rule out dumping on the wetlands...

LOUISE MATTHIESSONWWF-Australia

Photography credit: Ben Vos

05 Community Services

BACK TOCONTENTS

BOOST TO HEART FOUNDATION WALKING PROGRAM

ADDITIONAL MULTICULTURAL SUPPORT

FUNDING FOR THE QUEENSLAND LITERARY AWARDS

The government has provided a further $880,000 over three years for the Pyjama Foundation support program for children in care.

Funding of $1.1 million has been provided over four years for the Heart Foundation Walking Group program. Currently there are around 5,000 walkers in 280 programs. Through this restored funding, the Heart Foundation can start new programs and recruit more walkers. Coronary heart disease and stroke rates in Queensland are 8 - 9% higher than national rates.

Additional funding has been provided for Community Action for Multicultural Society (CAMS) workers in Rockhampton and Mt Isa, and to provide a multicultural worker working with Muslim women across Queensland on social inclusion. This brings the total number of workers to 22 across the state.

The government has restored funding for the Queensland Literary Awards. After being axed as one of the first acts of the former LNP government, funding for the Literary Awards has been reinstated to celebrate and acknowledge outstanding Queensland and Australian writers.

ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO PYJAMA FOUNDATION01

02

03

04

THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS Photography credit: Ben Vos

3130

APPOINTMENT OF MINISTER FOR SENIORS

SAFER ROADS, SAFER QUEENSLAND FORUM

The government announced Queensland Fire and Emergency Services will partner with Deaf Services Queensland to run a series of fire safety campaigns targeting the deaf community.

The government has appointed a Cabinet Minister for Seniors. This is to recognise the importance of our seniors and the valuable role they play in our communities.

Following the tragic Easter road toll, the Government convened the Safer Roads, Safer Queensland Forum, bringing stakeholders together to discuss ways to reduce the road toll.

DEAF SERVICES QUEENSLAND PARTNERSHIP05

06

07

NEW ALZHEIMER’S ID BRACELETS

The government has partnered with Alzheimer’s Australia (QLD) to launch an initiative to help ensure Queenslanders living with dementia are more easily identified should they go missing.

08

NEW ANTI-VIOLENCE CAMPAIGN ‘OI, IT’S YOUR CHOICE!’

The government is partnering with former NRL star Petero Civoniceva to reduce violent assaults across Queensland as part of a campaign developed by Moreton District police and set to be rolled out statewide.

09

Photography credit: Ben Vos

3332

The government has expanded the Project Booyah program to give at-risk youth a chance to gain skills and employment. So far this year, 50 young people from the Gold Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Logan and Capalaba are already taking part and from July, a further 80 young people from regions such as Mt Isa, Toowoomba and Redcliffe will get involved.

PROJECT BOOYAH EXTENSION10

‘KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY’ PROGRAM

FUNDING FOR DEADLY CHOICES

“Know Your Community” Program has been launched to help provide easy-to-obtain statistical data for Queensland’s Indigenous Communities.

The government has provided $300,000 each year for three years to support Deadly Choices, a partnership between the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health and the Brisbane Broncos. The program will be extended for the first time to Cape York, Mt Isa, Central Qld, Wide Bay, Mackay and Far South West.

11

12

The appointment of a Minister for Seniors acknowledges the important contribution seniors have made and continue to make to our community. Our population is ageing and have diverse needs. We welcome the opportunity to work with the Minister to develop policies and programs to meet the priority needs of older people throughout Queensland.

MARK TUCKER-EVANSChief Executive, Council of the Ageing Queensland

Photography credit: Ben Vos

06 Regional Queensland

BACK TOCONTENTS

PROGRESS ON MACKAY RING ROAD

ETHANOL MANDATE AND BIOFUELS DISCUSSION PAPER

A Commission of Inquiry has been established to investigate the tragic 2011 Grantham floods which claimed the lives of 12 people and left 50 families homeless. The Commission will be headed by respected QC Walter Sofronoff and will take submissions from those who lived through the tragedy.

The government has appointed AECOM as the detailed design consultant for the Mackay Ring Road. Detailed design for this joint Commonwealth/State project is expected to take two years. Construction should begin in 2017 and take about two and a half years to complete. Local residents, businesses and visitors to Mackay will be the beneficiaries of a better, more efficient road network.

Legislation will be introduced to require ethanol in fuels and the government will release a discussion paper to expand Queensland’s biofuels and bio-manufacturing industries.

INQUIRY INTO THE GRANTHAM FLOOD01

02

03

THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS Photography credit: Ben Vos

ANGELLALA CREEK BRIDGE

AUSTRALIAN TROPICAL HERBARIUM

UPGRADE TO TOWNSVILLE SPORTS RESERVE

SCHOOLS OF DISTANCE EDUCATION

The government has committed an additional $5 million to tackle the problems caused by the escalating numbers of wild dogs in rural Queensland. Wild dog numbers have increased, wreaking havoc for Queensland farmers.

$10 million has been allocated to build the new Angellala Creek Bridge on the Mitchell Highway near Charleville. The funding to restore the bridge - which was destroyed in an explosion in 2014 - will create 24 jobs.

The government is providing $5.524 million over 10 years as part of the agreement with James Cook University (JCU), the CSIRO and the Australian Government’s Department of the Environment to develop the Australian Tropical Herbarium.

$1.2 million will be provided to support much-needed track upgrades at the Townsville Sports Reserve.

An extra $250,000 has been allocated to Queensland’s Schools of Distance Education. This funding through the Rural and Remote Education Access Program is to relieve financial pressures on drought-affected families in remote areas.

WILDDOGMANAGEMENT07

06

04

0508

3736

We are heartened by today’s joint announcement from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Treasurer Curtis Pitt, Energy Minister Mark Bailey and Environment Minister Steven Miles, and look forward to working further with them on how best to expand ethanol production and use for the benefit of agriculture, the environment and the greater Queensland economy.

WAYNE NEWTONPresident - AgForce Grains

Photography credit: Ben Vos

Photography credit: Ben Vos

THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHSMAY 2015