It’s been a busy and rewarding year. In July, we took a giant 'LEAP' forward to close the gap in urban and regional areas for Indigenous Queenslanders with our Learning Earning Active Places strategy.
In September, we released Absolutely Everybody — our 10 year disability strategy, followed closely by our Carer Action Plan 2011-14, which focuses on the varying needs of carers.
October also saw the launch of a new community mental health plan — Supporting Recovery: Mental Health Community Services Plan 2011-2017 — and announcement of other major reforms like the Mental Health Commission for Queensland.
And this month, we released Just Futures, the Queensland Government’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice strategy to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system.
From my family to yours, have a safe and happy holiday season.
Hon. Curtis Pitt
Minister for Disability Services and Mental Health Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
Queensland’s success as a culturally diverse society rests on our strong approach to multiculturalism — one that emphases the value of citizenship, harmony, diversity, and a ‘fair go’.
That’s why earlier this year I was pleased to launch Queensland’s new multicultural policy, A multicultural future for all of us.
It introduced key initiatives, including legislation that recognises the valuable contribution of Queensland’s multicultural communities.
For the first time in Queensland’s history, Queensland’s multicultural society will be formally recognised by the State Government.
Last month, this legislation was introduced into the Queensland Parliament.
This was a momentous occasion which has been a long time in the making and I would like to thank all who contributed towards the development of this policy.
Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk
Minister for Transport Minister for Multicultural Affairs
The Gold Coast will reap the benefits of hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games with the Queensland Government investing in world-class sports infrastructure.
We will upgrade Metricon Stadium to cater for 15,000 more spectators; build new badminton and mountain bike facilities, and a squash complex; develop the Coomera Sports and Leisure Centre; and upgrade the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Broadbeach Bowls Club and Gold Coast Hockey Centre.
Our investment will showcase the coast’s ability to host world-class sporting events, reinforcing our reputation as the events state.
As a result, we want to offer our rising sport stars the brightest possible future by developing a vision for sport and recreation in Queensland.
Based on the feedback on our Ahead of the Game discussion paper, we can build a plan for the future.
Hon. Phil Reeves
Minister for Child Safety Minister for Sport
This edition carries a timely report on the expected increase in domestic and family violence over Christmas-New Year, and how people affected by it can get support and advice.
It is a period when community-based services across the state will be in greater demand.
These State Government-funded services know they have my steadfast support and that the government is absolutely focused on preventing domestic violence.
We have drafted new legislation — the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Bill 2011 — which represents the first major overhaul of Queensland’s domestic and family violence legislation in 20 years.
Among its proposed changes is the introduction of police issued protection notices to hold perpetrators immediately accountable for their actions.
Best wishes for the New Year. Let's hope that Mother Nature is kind to us through summer!
Hon. Karen Struthers
Minister for Community Services and Housing
Minister for Women
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