There are many and diverse challenges in the areas for which I have portfolio responsibility, but there are also great opportunities.
I believe in a truly inclusive society where everyone acknowledges the inherent rights of all people, including people with a disability, as equal citizens.
The needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are not new to me. My wife, Kerry, is a Kuku Yalangi woman and we both share close ties with the Yarrabah community near Cairns. I've worked in government on Indigenous issues and I feel deeply about closing the economic and social gap in opportunities faced by Indigenous Queenslanders.
As the father of an almost two-year-old I have had to use the phrase 'listening ears' a lot and I plan on using my listening ears to make the right decisions and to progress the government's agenda.
Hon. Curtis Pitt
Minister for Disability Services and Mental Health Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services
Cultural diversity has long been part of Queensland's identity. Our state is home to more than 200 different cultures, 220 languages and 100 different spiritual beliefs.
This diversity strengthens our community fabric.
Queensland Government has fostered this diversity through our ongoing support for cultural celebrations, events and festivals.
In total, 127 organisations from across the state will share in $800,000 in grants. These organisations should be applauded for embracing and promoting multiculturalism.
Their events further community respect and understanding. They strengthen multiculturalism, foster harmonious community relations and help to build community capacity.
These celebrations also provide an opportunity for Queenslanders from all backgrounds to come together to celebrate our rich cultural diversity and strengthen our multicultural identity.
In this time of community recovery, it is more important than ever to sustain community spirit.
Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk
Minister for Transport Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Queenslanders' willingness to volunteer and help others has been evident over the past couple of months as we have rallied to help our flood and cyclone-affected communities.
Some people volunteer every day to care for others who need them. They are the 4000-plus foster and kinship carers who have opened their hearts and homes to children and young people who cannot live safely at home.
We would normally have celebrated their efforts in March during Foster and Kinship Care Week, but the impact of floods and Cyclone Yasi has meant this special week will now be in July-August.
This edition of community connect salutes a key child protection advocate, the CREATE Foundation, which provides an independent voice for children and young people in care.
A former child in care talks of his aspirations to become a child safety officer which is further proof that our child protection system can build brighter futures.
Hon. Phil Reeves
Minister for Child Safety
Minister for Sport
Following our summer of destructive weather, the Queensland Government's focus for the rest of 2011 will be on the whole spectrum of recovery and reconstruction.
We must repair and rebuild physical infrastructure, support people as they recover financially and emotionally, and help communities and their enterprises reenergise and reconnect.
We are putting our government's financial, human and intellectual resources into the biggest job many of us have ever faced.
There is an air of strong resolve among my ministerial colleagues to see the rebuilding efforts push forward as quickly as possible. We want our state to emerge stronger than ever.
Everywhere I have travelled in Queensland I have been inspired by people's strength and resilience.
To every Queenslander facing a long road to recovery, I reassure you that we are with you every single step of the way.
Hon. Karen Struthers
Minister for Community
Services and Housing
Minister for Women
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