The Crisafulli Government is delivering a major funding boost in the 2025-26 Budget to strengthen the independence of the Office of the Queensland Integrity Commissioner.
The Budget provides an extra $7.1 million in funding over four years - and $1.9 million ongoing - to allow the Office to operate as a truly independent statutory body as it carries out its important role.
Under the former Labor Government, the Office of the Queensland Intergrity Commissioner was not funded to operate as an independent office, and instead remained a division of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
The Integrity Commissioner’s core responsibilities include providing confidential advice on ethics and integrity issues to members of parliament, their staff, senior public servants, and statutory office holders.
It is also responsible for registering lobbyists and administering the lobbying regulatory scheme, while providing education and training to lobbyists and politicians across all parties.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the budget boost demonstrated the Crisafulli Government’s firm commitment to restoring integrity to government.
“For the past decade we’ve seen the Labor Party have a total disregard for integrity, with scandal after scandal,” the Attorney-General said.
“Since coming to office, I have made integrity a priority and that includes ensuring the Integrity Commissioner is genuinely independent.
“This significant increase in funding will allow the Office to operate effectively and properly discharge its statutory functions.
“Unlike our predecessors, who wanted to keep Queenslanders in the dark as they ran a protection racket for their mates, the Crisafulli Government is committed to restoring integrity and delivering a more open and transparent government.”
Since November, the Crisafulli Government has also:
The Crisafulli Government is delivering the strongest child protection system in the nation to help keep Queensland children safe by fast-tracking requirements for the early childhood sector to investigate and report suspicious conduct to deliver stronger protections for Queensland children.
The Reportable Conduct Scheme – a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse back in 2017 – is due to commence from 1 July 2026, with implementation over three stages from mid-2026 to mid-2027.
After failing to act for seven years, the former Labor Government planned to leave early childhood education, care and child-minding services to be the last sector to be included in the scheme.
The Crisafulli Government is accelerating these timeframes to require the early childhood sector to comply with the Reportable Conduct Scheme as soon as possible, from 1 July 2026, and boost protection for Queensland children.
Amendments will be brought to the Queensland Parliament in coming months to give effect to this change.
The scheme requires organisations to report and investigate concerns regarding the conduct of staff and volunteers in relation to their work with children.
Reportable conduct ranges from ill-treatment or significant neglect of a child, through to physical harm and sexual offences.
Where there are concerns the alleged conduct may constitute a criminal offence, the organisation must also promptly report the matter to the police.
The scheme will prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children by holding organisations accountable when concerns are raised regarding the behaviour of their employees, contractors, or volunteers.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the changes would deliver the protections needed to keep young Queensland children safe.
“We are acting now, based on interim findings in our Blue Card Review, and we’ll continue to deliver the strongest protections in the nation for children,” the Attorney-General said.
“All options are on the table and we’ll be looking closely at the recommendations from both the Blue Card review and the Child Safety Commission of Inquiry.
“We have long held concerns about the failures of the Blue Card system under the former Labor Government, which is why we acted on launching the Review within our first 100 days in office.”
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the Crisafulli Government had delivered an additional $12.7 million for Queensland’s Regulatory Authority in the 2025-26 Budget, which Labor had failed to fund past June 2025.
“The safety of kids is our utmost priority at all times and that’s why we’ve bolstered the Regulatory Authority with more officers to conduct more checks on more early childcare centres,” Minister Langbroek said.
“Fast-tracking requirements through the Reportable Conduct Scheme will deliver stronger protections for children and it works hand-in-hand with our recent announcement to implement nation-leading child safety training for all early childcare workers.
“We have to get this right and we will be working closely with the sector to ensure all the measures are successfully implemented to deliver real long-term safety improvements.”
Minister for Child Safety Amanda Camm said parents should feel their children are safe from predators and other dangers when dropping them off at day care.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to child safe organisations and advancing the commencement of the Reportable Conduct Scheme for early child care centres as a priority to further protect children,” Minister Camm said.
Child Death Review Board Chairperson, Commissioner Luke Twyford said he supported the Crisafulli Government’s decision to bring forward the application of the reportable conduct scheme for the early childhood sector.
“The Reportable Conduct Scheme will give Queenslanders a place to report worrying behaviour that does not meet criminal thresholds and will allow me, as the head of the scheme, to share this information with Blue card services, industry regulators and the police,” Commissioner Twyford said.
“This is a significant and critical improvement to the safeguards we have in place to protect Queensland's children. While there is work to do to implement new reporting systems and train staff, I can see no reason to delay the application of this new protection to the early child care sector for an additional year.”
The Child Death Review Board will make further recommendations to improve system responses to child sexual abuse in its final report, due to Government by the end of this year.
A new Crisafulli Government initiative is helping communities become more age-friendly for older residents, by celebrating the contribution that seniors make across the State.
Seven local councils in south-east, north-west and central Queensland will receive a total of $300,000 in Community Development Grants, which will go towards ensuring Queensland seniors are connected with their communities.
The Councils that have received funding include:
Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services Amanda Camm said the government was committed to building an age-friendly state.
“We want to see a state where seniors lead healthy and productive lives, are connected to their community and cared for when support is required,” Minister Camm said.
“It’s wonderful to see local governments designing activities that ensure the voices of older people shape the communities they live in.
“Age-friendly communities are not just great for older people – they’re great for everyone.
“From our first days in office, this government committed to ensuring our policies, programs and services are age-friendly and inclusive.
“I am delighted to know these local initiatives will contribute to that vision.”
The Crisafulli Government has announced more than $14 million in grants as part of the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF), with almost 600 community organisations to receive grants of up to $35,000.
The funding boost supports a wide range of initiatives, including volunteer-led services, community events and clubs, grassroots sports improvements and projects that improve wellbeing and inclusion.
More than $1.25 billion in funding has been distributed directly into local communities since the GCBF began more than three decades ago.
Successful recipients of Round 123 include:
Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said GCBF funding rounds were critical in providing additional support to regional Queensland towns and cities.
“Every dollar invested through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund goes directly to communities, and I’m proud this round is supporting so many hardworking groups state-wide,” the Attorney-General said.
“It’s fantastic to see $14 million flowing to community services - whether it’s for a new shed to store equipment, upgrading dated facilities, or installing air conditioning for the hot summer months – every dollar helps local groups and the communities that depend on them.”
“We received more than 1,100 applications for this round, and I urge all eligible groups to apply to current and future rounds.
“This Government will continue to identify and deliver practical support to local groups and clubs as well as their staff and volunteers who form the backbone of Queensland.”
Applications for Round 124 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund’s next $100,000 Super Round are closing soon, on 18 July 2025.
To view the full list of Round 123 recipients, and find out more about current GCBF rounds, visit: www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants
The Crisafulli Government has delivered a $12.5 million Budget boost to restore the Bowen Courthouse, addressing major structural issues to the historic building while ensuring justice services continue to be delivered in the Whitsunday region.
The project will focus on long-overdue restorations of one of Queensland’s oldest courthouses, after successive years of Labor under-funding left the 145-year-old building ridden with termites and mould.
The roof, gutters, downpipes, and storm water systems will be replaced to ensure the courthouse can better manage future weather conditions.
Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the Bowen Courthouse was last refurbished almost two decades ago, and upgrades would preserve the building’s original character.
“The multi-million-dollar refurbishment will ensure the Bowen Courthouse can continue to serve the community for years to come,” the Attorney-General said.
“The former Labor Government’s chronic under-funding of Queensland’s justice system meant there was no money in the budget to maintain this historic courthouse.
“Conditions inside the courthouse are horrendous – there is rising damp, rust, mould and structural shifting inside the courthouse, as well as rotting floors ridden with termites.
“Modern and maintained court facilities are critical for victims navigating the justice system, as well as the safety of our courthouse staff and judiciary.”
Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the Bowen Courthouse illustrates the importance of Bowen during Queensland’s early history.
“Sadly, Labor failed to recognise the importance of this building and left it to crumble,” Mr Last said.
“This investment will breathe new life into an historic and beautiful building that will serve the Bowen community for many years to come.
“Not only will these works improve safety, comfort and accessibility for people accessing essential justice services, but they will also restore and protect a building that holds so much history and prominence for the Bowen community.”
Tenders for the construction stage will be called in the coming months, with work expected to commence early next year.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering $18.8 million for upgrades at Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence Courthouse Improvement Program for important safety upgrades, including in Mackay.
The additional funding under the 2025-26 Budget brings the total investment in the program to almost $68 million, after it was left seriously underfunded by Labor.
The Crisafulli Government’s $6 million funding will ensure upgrades to Mackay Courthouse can go ahead, including a new safe room that will provide vulnerable witnesses with direct and secure access to a courtroom.
Under the planned work, the courthouse entry will also be reconfigured to improve security, while the registry will be refurbished to accommodate additional staff for the delivery of court services.
The Crisafulli Government’s Budget is delivering The Foundations for a Fresh Start, with $5.2 billion for the Making Our Community Safer Plan which will include stronger laws, more police, better resourced courts and better support for the prevention of domestic and family violence.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said every Queenslander deserved to feel safe when seeking justice.
“The Crisafulli Government promised Queenslanders we would deliver a justice system that prioritised the rights of victims and makes our community safer and I’m very proud this important upgrade program has been saved,” the Attorney-General said.
“Labor left the domestic and family violence upgrades at Mackay Courthouse at serious risk of getting scrapped, with nowhere near enough money in their last budget to cover the cost.
“These critical upgrades will ensure victims of domestic and family violence are supported as they navigate the court process, helping deliver faster and safer access to justice, while ensuring offenders are held to account.”
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the investment was a commitment to safety in Mackay.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that every person who walks through the courthouse doors seeking protection feels safe from the moment they arrive,” Mr Dalton said.
“For survivors of domestic and family violence, facing court can be one of the most intimidating steps in their journey.
“This new safe room will offer them security, privacy, and a sense of control when they need it most.”
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly welcomed the necessary upgrades to the Mackay Courthouse.
“For too long victims were overlooked and neglected by the former Labor Government,” Mr Kelly said.
“These upgrades provide more security and comfort for victims of domestic and family violence in our region.”
Designs for the project are currently being developed with construction scheduled to begin mid next year and be completed by early 2027.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for the State’s primary producers with additional funding to help build resilience through Drought Preparedness Grants.
This year’s Drought Preparedness Grants round will open soon, delivering primary producers with a grant to cover 25 per cent of the cost of purchasing new permanent capital infrastructure, up to a total of $50,000 for drought-resilience measures.
Primary producers are encouraged to work on their drought preparedness before the next drought hits by accessing loans under Primary Industries Productivity Enhancement Scheme (PIPES).
The scheme offers loan periods up to 20 years, a maximum loan amount of $1.3 million, and provides flexible variable or fixed interest rate options at concessional rates.
These terms have been designed to keep pace with industry needs and replace the Drought Ready and Recovery loan.
Two loans to help producers significantly affected by drought, the Drought Carry-On Finance Loan and the Emergency Drought Assistance Loan have been closed noting no part of Queensland is drought declared.
Additionally, aspiring producers can access the First Start Loan through PIPES, which offers up to $2 million to help new entrants expand livestock operations, purchase their first agricultural property, implement family succession plans, or achieve standalone viability.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Crisafulli Government supports primary producers in the bad times and backs them to grow their resilience in good times.
"Queensland's primary producers shouldn't have to wait for drought conditions to access support,” Minister Perrett said.
"Queensland has made a fundamental shift to proactive drought preparedness because we know that preparation is far more effective than reaction.
"Whether it's installing more efficient irrigation systems, improving water storage capacity or adapting production systems to be more resilient, these grants and loans give producers the financial backing they need to future-proof their operations."
“Under Labor, when drought-stricken graziers needed help, they got more red tape, more paperwork, more time inside on the computer instead of feeding hungry stock.”
"Should Queensland face drought conditions again, the Crisafulli Government stands ready to consider emergency and drought carry-on loan facilities as required,"
“We will always have the backs of rural and regional Queenslanders, in good times and in tougher times too.”
The Crisafulli Government is accelerating efforts to stop the march of fire ants with new year-round treatment.
For the first time, fire ant eradication treatment will be conducted in winter, which is expected to enhance eradication efforts and reduce the pest’s infestation footprint.
The Crisafulli Government is ramping up efforts to eradicate and suppress the super-pests, with increased treatments to reverse Labor’s failed biosecurity approach that allowed them to spread across South East Queensland.
The additional winter treatments follow scientific trials conducted by the National Fire Ant Eradication Program that have proven fire ants continue to forage and consume treatment granules even as Queensland experiences cooler temperatures.
Eradication treatment has begun in western areas of the biosecurity zone, including parts of the Lockyer Valley through Somerset and the Scenic Rim, before teams then move east towards the southern Gold Coast, where warmer temperatures persist longer.
The former Labor government ignored multiple independent recommendations to deal with the invasive pest, leading fire ants to spread into New South Wales.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Crisafulli Government was committed to strengthening the fight against the invasive species, which threatens our health, environment, economy, and lifestyle, including primary production.
“The era of Labor’s lacklustre go-slow approach to fire ants is over and we are meeting this challenge with all the resources available,” Minister Perrett said.
“The research-based treatment all year round could change the game for the National Fire Ant Eradication Program and puts Queensland in a very exciting position to have the best chance to eradicate fire ants from Australia by 2032.
“We are listening to the most cutting-edge science, and we are implementing key recommendations from multiple scathing reports that Labor ignored during their decade in power.
The Crisafulli Government's Budget is delivering a major $12.5 million restoration of the Maryborough Courthouse, preserving the historic building and ensuring the local community’s continued access to justice.
The project will focus on repairing the deteriorating 148-year-old building while protecting the building’s heritage character, after successive years of Labor allocating an under-funded maintenance budget.
Works will include restoring areas of the courthouse that have deteriorated over time, including the courtrooms, registry office, stairwell, safe room, and remote witness room.
Upgrades will also improve safety, comfort, and accessibility at the courthouse for the wider Fraser Coast community.
The under-floor will be refurbished to address structural issues, as well as the installation of a new air conditioning system, and replacements of roof, gutters, downpipes, and storm water drainage systems.
Safety across the site will also be enhanced through upgraded security systems and services.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the multi-million-dollar refurbishment would ensure the Maryborough Courthouse can continue to serve the community for years to come.
“The former Labor Government’s chronic under-funding of Queensland’s justice system meant there was no money in the budget to maintain this historic courthouse,” the Attorney-General said.
“The floors and stairs have started to rot, the carpets have grown mould and the walls are peeling throughout the building.
“The Crisafulli Government is proud to be delivering this long-overdue restoration of the Maryborough Courthouse, the most significant refurbishment in the courthouse’s recent history, breathing new life into the iconic civic landmark.
“Modern and maintained court facilities are essential to supporting victims of crime through the justice system.”
Member for Maryborough John Barounis said he welcomed the preservation of one of the Fraser Coast’s iconic buildings.
“Not only will these works improve the court experience for people accessing critical justice services, but they will also restore and protect a building that holds so much history and prominence in our community,” Mr Barounis said.
“The upgrades support the Crisafulli Government’s top priority of protecting victims in our region, including a safe room and a remote witness floor within the courthouse.”
Project design is set to commence this year, with construction expected to begin in 2026-27.
Queenslanders are encouraged to nominate individuals whose actions inspire, lead, and strengthen communities in the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.
The awards celebrate the achievements and dedication of people who consistently go above and beyond to help and improve the lives of others.
The Australian of the Year Awards are driven by public nominations presenting an opportunity for special Queenslanders to be recognised with one of the nation’s highest honours.
There are four national award categories:
The Queensland recipients of the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards will represent the State at the national awards held on the evening of 25 January 2026 in Canberra.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Australian of the Year Awards shone a spotlight on Queenslanders who go the extra mile for others, often without recognition.
“I encourage Queenslanders to nominate someone whose passion, commitment, and kindness makes a real difference in the lives of others,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“As a born and bred Queenslander, I know we have some of the most inspiring people who call this State home, and we want to see them get the recognition they deserve."
If you see and hear a Queenslander who is demonstrating exceptional work, nominate them at: www.australianoftheyear.org.au.
Nominations close at midnight on Thursday, 31 July 2025.
