The Crisafulli Government has recognised the contribution of rural women to Queensland in business, agriculture and community by announcing the Queensland Rural Women’s Award finalists for 2025.
Libby Cook-Black, Nicole McNaughton and Angie Nisbet have been recognised for their contributions to rural Queensland.
Libby Cook-Black is a proud Zenadth Kes woman from Erub Island in the Torres Strait and the founder of The Female Co, an organisation that helps rural, regional and remote Indigenous women access high-performance leadership programs.
Nicole McNaughton is the CEO of Food and Agribusiness Network, one of Australia’s leading food and industry clusters, which has over 420 members in the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Gympie regions.
Angie Nisbet is a fifth-generation beef producer who co-founded FarmHer Hands, a business that produces UPF50+ sun protection gloves.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett congratulated the finalists, paying tribute to their achievements and their positive contribution to rural Queensland.
“Rural Queensland simply wouldn’t operate without the vital contribution of country women who carry out a myriad of many crucial roles, often behind the scenes,” Minister Perrett said.
“As a husband and father of capable country women, I know how much of women’s contributions go unacknowledged, which is why awards like this are cause for celebration.
“I take my hat off to this year’s finalists Angie, Nicole and Libby, and recognise their success in three very different but valuable endeavors.”
The Queensland winner of the Rural Women’s Award will receive a $15,000 grant to further their work and represent Queensland at the national awards in Canberra later this year.
The Department of Primary Industries has supported the Rural Women’s Award since 2000, and it is a collaboration with AgriFutures Australia and supported by the Queensland Country Women's Association and Westpac.
Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security Fiona Simpson said the finalists were contributing a great deal to Queensland’s rural communities.
“From beef producing to agriculture and providing leadership programs for indigenous women in rural, regional and remote areas – each of these three female finalists has excelled in their field,” Minister Simpson said.
“Women are a leading force in keeping Queensland’s regional and rural communities thriving, and I applaud not only Libby, Nicole and Angie, but all women who continue to support their communities, and make achievements in their everyday lives.”
Belinda Allitt, Chief Operating Officer of AgriFutures Australia, thanked the three finalists for their commitment to Australia’s rural industries.
“This award not only recognises the innovative contributions that these three women are making to their communities and Australia’s rural industries, but also acknowledges the grit, determination and dedication that is required to get to this point.
“The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award provides our state and territory winners a platform to build on their leadership skills to drive change, building towards a stronger rural and regional Australia.
“Congratulations to the three Queensland finalists.”
The Queensland winner will be announced at a ceremony in Brisbane on Thursday 20 March 2025.
The Crisafulli Government has announced it will introduce legislation to Parliament to transition the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) to a Statutory Body.
This move will allow the QAS to operate with more flexibility and efficiency which will be critical to the success of Queensland’s athletes as they prepare for LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032.
The reform will be introduced next week to set the stage for the transition to an independent entity which will happen on 1 July 2025.
Final timeframes remain subject to Parliamentary processes, and ongoing staff and sector consultation.
The QAS currently supports more than 530 athletes across 21 sport programs. Operations at the QAS continue as normal during the transition.
Paris 2024 was Australia's most successful Olympic Games, with 40 Queensland athletes bringing home 28 medals, representing more than half the national total. Queensland also saw its highest number of Paralympic medallists, with 28 athletes claiming medals.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said that with Brisbane 2032 fast approaching we need to seize every opportunity to give our athletes a winning advantage.
“It’s time to give the QAS the autonomy and agility it needs to take its operations to the next level, and I am working to make sure that happens in 2025,” Minister Mander said.
“For over 30 years, the Queensland Academy of Sport has established itself as the country’s leading sport institute, with world-class high-performance experts guiding athletes to perform at the top of their game.
“Unlike the former Labor Government, we are not dragging out feet on this process. I have accelerated the transition because I know how critical this move is to the success of our athletes.
“The QAS runs on the four-year Olympic cycle. Making this transition now will ensure that there is minimal disruption to its athletes as they work towards Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032.
“We are not just committed to making sure this happens; we are committed to doing it well and in a timely manner.”
The Crisafulli Government has appointed an Expert Legal Panel to provide advice on the next stages of reform to Queensland’s Youth Justice Act, relevant to Adult Crime, Adult Time.
As promised to Queenslanders prior to the election, The Panel will be tasked with identifying additional and more complex offences for inclusion in Adult Crime, Adult Time, as part of the second tranche of Making Queensland Safer Laws.
All five members of the Panel have extensive experience in legal practice, law enforcement or victim support. The members of the panel are:
Panelists will make recommendations to the Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support and provide advice on how to best implement legislative amendments.
The appointment of the Panel is another important step towards bringing back consequences for actions and holding youth criminals accountable for their crimes.
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the Crisafulli Government will continue to use every avenue to strengthen Labor’s watered down youth crime laws and restore community safety.
“Before the election, we promised Queenslanders an Expert Legal Panel would be established to review additional offences for inclusion in Adult Crime, Adult Time as part of the second tranche of Making Queensland Safer Laws,” Minister Gerber said.
“The panel members are all highly skilled and experienced professionals in the areas of legal practice, law enforcement, victim support and public policy.
“I am confident they will draw on their expertise to provide sound advice to the Government.
“After a decade of Labor, youth crime has spiraled out of control and that’s why we have already begun work to clean up Labor’s mess, by reforming youth crime laws and starting the tender process for two early intervention and rehabilitation programs.
“While it’s impossible to eliminate all crime, the rights of victims must always come before the rights of offenders, and we must restore community safety and have fewer victims in Queensland.”
Panel chair April Freeman KC said she is eager to start getting to work to consider the second tranche of the laws.
“The Expert Legal Panel has been tasked with considering important changes to the Youth Justice Act and to provide independent advice to the Government to assist navigation of these complex laws,” Ms Freeman said.
“I am looking forward to meeting my fellow panel members and to start getting to work as soon as possible.”
Young Queenslanders who want to influence the future of our state can now nominate for the Queensland Youth Parliament (QYP).
The 2025 QYP will be the 30th consecutive Youth Parliament and will see Youth Members chosen from every corner of Queensland to represent all 93 Queensland state electorates.
Queenslanders aged 15 to 25 can apply for a chance to represent their communities and make their voices heard on the issues which are important to them.
QYP offers a unique opportunity for participants to build leadership skills and contribute to meaningful policy discussions.
Given the current weather circumstances severely impacting Queensland’s northern regions we have extended nominations to be open until 28 February 2025.
Minister for Youth Sam O’Connor is a long-time supporter of the program which provides an opportunity for young Queenslanders to engage in the democratic process and learn useful skills to help them with whichever path they take.
“The Queensland Youth Parliament plays a vital role in inspiring future leaders and ensuring the perspectives of young Queenslanders are part of the conversation around the state’s future,” Minister O’Connor said.
“The 2025 Queensland Youth Parliament program offers young people the chance to make new friends, engage with key decision-makers, and work on policy proposals to improve their communities.
“Whether it’s action on climate change, housing pressures, mental health, or other pressing issues, participants will have the opportunity to advocate for change within the formal parliamentary chamber itself.”
Queensland Youth Parliament Coordinator Grace Campell said the program was an incredible opportunity for any young Queenslander wanting to make a difference.
“The program offers a unique experience for young people across Queensland, providing an opportunity to work on and present Youth Bills, in Queensland’s Parliament House, debate key issues, and gain first hand experience as a Member of Parliament, all while proudly representing their electorate,” Ms Campbell said.
Applications are available online for both desktop and mobile devices, and as a printable form. QYP can also provide direct support to young people facing challenges in completing their applications.
Flood-affected young people requiring additional support can contact qypcoordinator@ymcabrisbane.org to discuss alternative nomination options.
Applications can be submitted at www.ymcaqyp.org.au.
The Crisafulli Government has announced critical funding for community-based legal centres and assistance programs across the State, after Labor left frontline services at risk with a budget blackhole.
More than $666 million in State and Commonwealth funding has been allocated to 30 organisations providing legal assistance to some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged around the State, including victims of domestic and family violence, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and rural communities.
The Queensland-wide funding will be allocated over five years and comes after the Crisafulli Government announced a dedicated uplift for the legal assistance sector of $142 million, bringing total State funding to approximately $1 billion.
This allowed the State to access a further $827 million in Commonwealth funding under the National Access to Justice Partnership.
The previous Labor Government put the almost $1 billion in Commonwealth funding at risk through their budget blackhole and failing to fund community legal services.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said without the Crisafulli Government’s commitment, legal assistance services in the State would have been put in jeopardy.
“Demand for legal assistance continues to increase and I’m proud that the Crisafulli Government has fought hard to secure the funding that was at risk under Labor,” the Attorney-General said.
“Steven Miles and his bad budgeting would have cost the sector almost a billion dollars in federal funding over the next five years.
“Our investment helps to ensure these vital services can continue to help people experiencing domestic and family violence, tenancy issues, employment disputes, and other important legal matters.”
Director of Community Legal Centres Queensland, Rosslyn Monro AM, said the funding was vital for the sector.
"Community Legal Centres Queensland welcomes this historic investment into community legal centres by the State and Commonwealth governments,” Ms Monro said.
“The state proportion of the announcement is the biggest investment in Queensland community legal centres in decades.
“This investment provides these community legal centres with funding security for the next five years and the funding uplift means centres are facing a more sustainable future.”
The Crisafulli Government has today announced a $100 million boost to Surgery Connect allowing thousands more Queenslanders to receive life changing surgery.
The Surgery Connect Surge will deliver 10,000 additional elective surgeries by the end of June, utilising private sector capacity to deliver planned elective surgery within private hospitals.
Additional surgeries that will be delivered faster under this program will include cataract surgery, tonsils and adenoids, and knee replacements.
Surgery Connect Surge underpins the Crisafulli Government’s election commitment to stabilise Queensland’s elective surgery wait list which skyrocketed under the chaos and crisis of the former Labor Government.
Under Labor’s Health Crisis, the number of Queenslanders requiring elective surgery more than doubled. In February 2015 27,950 Queenslanders were on the elective surgery waitlist, that number rose to 64,171 in October 2024 and the latest quarterly data reveals it is now 66,632 patients.
The Crisafulli Government’s $100 million boost to Surgery Connect will kick-start efforts to stablise the waitlist, in line with the fresh start promised to Queenslanders.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the Crisafulli Government’s Easier Access to Health Services Plan would diagnose, treat, and cure Labor’s Health Crisis.
“The Crisafulli Government has delivered an additional $100 million to deliver more surgeries, more quickly for Queenslanders on the waitlist,” Minister Nicholls said.
“After a decade of Labor, the health system is in crisis and Queenslanders have been paying a high price.
“The Crisafulli Government is working to stabilise the elective surgery waitlist, and our boost to Surgery Connect is just the beginning.
“We will be working with more than 60 private partners to help deliver the boost to Surgery Connect across ENT, General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Urology, Ophthalmology, Gynaecology and Plastics.
“Shamefully, the former Labor Government ran a desperate scare campaign around Surgery Connect, but the Crisafulli Government is boosting the program to deliver more surgeries to more Queenslanders as part of our $100 million boost.”
The announcement follows the launch of Open Hospitals, delivering on the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to releasing real-time health data, via https://openhospitals.health.qld.gov.au.
The Crisafulli Government is reducing red tape and unnecessary costs to make it easier for builders, tradies and subbies to get on with the job, delivering the homes Queensland needs sooner.
The Building Reg Reno will deliver immediate relief for tradies sick of getting bogged down in unnecessary paperwork and provide support for the 270,000 Queenslanders working in the $59 billion industry.
The regulatory changes will also pause the rollout of new project trust accounts on projects less than $10 million, to allow smaller contractors to focus on more building and less administrative burden.
Trust accounts will still be required for private projects above $10 million. Security of payment will be considered by the Queensland Productivity Commission as part of its review of the building and construction sector.
These changes will be rolled out progressively to give builders, subcontractors, and homeowners greater certainty and fairness.
Changes will include:
The announcement follows the establishment of the Productivity Commission which will be tasked with a review into the construction industry to identify opportunities to boost productivity, which is lagging behind other states and territories.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said the changes would deliver a place to call home for more Queenslanders by reducing the administrative and paperwork burden on builders.
“The Crisafulli Government is removing unnecessary red tape and reinforcing the foundations for a stronger, more efficient building industry that can deliver the homes and infrastructure Queensland needs,” Minister O’Connor said.
“Building Reg Reno removes the financial reporting requirements will reduce red tape for 50,000 licensees.
“We have a huge challenge ahead of us to fix Labor’s Housing Crisis but the Crisafulli Government is up to the challenge and taking immediate action.
“This is about doing all we can to take the pressure off our building and construction industry to get more Queenslanders into homes and easing Labor’s Housing Crisis.
“We want Queensland to be the building capital of the nation but at the moment our construction sites are the least productive in Australia."
CEO of Master Builders Paul Bidwell welcomed the Crisafulli Government’s Building Reg Reno.
“We’ve been banging on, calling for action on these challenges for years, and in the first 100 days of the Crisafulli Government, we’ve seen swift action and commitment to change,” Mr Bidwell said.
“Slashing red tape is crucial to unlocking construction in Queensland. By hitting pause on the looming Project Trust Account expansion, scrapping additional financial reporting, and setting a new direction for the QBCC, the state government is better empowering our industry, particularly thousands of small businesses, to get on with the job.
“We applaud this ‘renovation’ of industry regulation and look forward to further measures being announced.”
For more information, go to: www.housing.qld.gov.au/BuildingRegulationReform
The LNP Permanent 50 Cent Fares officially begin today, delivering on another key election commitment to ease cost of living for Queenslanders.
Under Labor, 50 Cent Fares would have ended over the weekend as they didn’t allocate any funding in the budget beyond the 6 month trial.
During the trial, commuters have embraced the cheap fares across Translink’s South-East Queensland bus, train, ferry, tram, on-demand services and regional urban bus networks as well as the Coochiemudlo Island Ferry.
South East Queensland public transport users have saved more than $181 million since the introduction of 50 cent fares, with more than 93.3 million trips taken.
Overall patronage across all modes of transport is 18.3 per cent higher than the same period in 2023, and almost 5 per cent higher than pre-COVID-19 levels.
Patronage in regional Queensland has grown by an average of about 20 per cent from the previous year across the 16 regional urban bus networks.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said he was pleased to deliver on this important election commitment for Queenslanders.
"Our decision to make 50 cent fares permanent was the right one, with so many Queenslanders benefiting from affordable public transport," Minister Mickelberg said.
“This cost of living relief would have ended yesterday under Labor, so I am pleased to deliver on our promise to keep the cheap fares for commuters while encouraging more families to jump on board public transport.
"The benefits are widespread, whether it’s everyday commuters, students connecting with their university or school, retirees heading into the community for social activities, families enjoying a day out, or anyone using public transport to connect with shops, healthcare or events.
“We have seen patronage numbers gradually increasing across the network.
“Queenslanders have saved more than $181 million thanks to 50 cent fares, and our networks have seen a total of 93.3 million trips since the trial started to February 2nd.
“Some Queenslanders have told me they now use public transport instead of driving to work, while others say their family is getting out and about more on weekends thanks to the cheap travel. It’s great to hear.
"Thank you to our public transport staff and operators across Queensland for the continued support in successfully implementing 50 cent fares and increasing the accessibility of our great state."
The Crisafulli Government has announced $2 million in funding for The Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) to launch a new Para-Sport Unit which will more than double the pipeline of future Paralympians on the road to Brisbane 2032.
The Unit, delivered in partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Paralympics Australia, will reduce barriers for participation and talent identification, enhance performance pathways, and develop world-class Para-sport coaches.
There are more than 160 systemic barriers to entry and progression for Para-athletes, including limited access to classification and high-performance pathways, a lack of experienced coaches and challenges with travelling to national and international competitions.
The QAS currently supports 85 Para-athletes, and this investment aims to more than double this number by 2029.
Key initiatives of the Para Sport Unit include:
Para Talent Program: A pre-elite pathway providing tailored support for 40 aspiring Para athletes, modelled on the successful QAS Talent Support Plan program
Gen2032 Para Coaching Program: Developing specialised coaching pathways to strengthen Para sport expertise across Queensland
Affiliate Program and Talent ID Network: Establishing partnerships with allied health professionals and networks to expand talent identification efforts
Revamped YouFor2032 Talent Search: Redesigned as a four-stage program to identify and develop emerging Para talent.
The Unit is backed by $2 million from the Queensland Government, $2.125 million from the Australian Government and $270,000 from Paralympics Australia over two years.
Queensland’s Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Para-Sport Unit would be a game-changer for Queensland’s Paralympic future.
“We want Brisbane 2032 to be our most successful Paralympic Games ever,” Minister Mander said.
"The Crisafulli Government is committed to promoting inclusion in sport and investing in pathways and programs that allow all Queenslanders to pursue their dreams at the highest level.
“The QAS Para-Sport Unit has a clear focus on reducing barriers that Para-athletes and people with a disability face when engaging in sport, creating a legacy that will drive Queensland and Australia’s success on the global stage.
“The Unit will help pave the way for Australian dominance in Para-sport, igniting the dreams of the next generation and inspiring them to follow in the footsteps of Paralympic champions like Ella Sabljak, Lewis Bishop, Rachael Watson, Korey Boddington, Alexa Leary and Curtis McGrath.”
Federal Minister for Aged Care and Sport, the Hon Minister Anika Wells, said the lead-up to our home Games in Brisbane 2032 provided a generational opportunity to create a legacy in sport and reshape how all Australians look at disability in this country.
“The Albanese Government is determined to ensure we have more Australians who live with a disability participating in sport as we know that while three in four people with a disability want to play sport, unfortunately only one in four are able to take part,” Minister Wells said.
“We are proud of our record investment in our Paralympians, doubling previous funding, creates even more pathways for Queenslanders to wear the green and gold at our home Games in Brisbane in eight years’ time.”
Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Officer Cameron Murray said Paralympics Australia was proud to contribute its knowledge and expertise in support of the Queensland Para-Sport Unit.
“We’re grateful to the Federal and Queensland Governments for their generous contributions and for truly grasping the value of a strong Para-sport system in Queensland and more broadly,” he said.
“A huge amount of work has gone into understanding and addressing the barriers to entry and progression faced by current and future Para-athletes to participate in sport and potentially reach high performance levels.
“Having a dedicated and well-resourced Para-Sport Unit at the QAS addresses many of these issues, opening doors for athletes across multiple sports to progress and maintain Queensland’s proud record in Paralympic sport.”
Australian Sports Commission Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements said The Australian Institute of Sport, the National Institute Network, sports and Paralympics Australia are all aligned on the desire to get the outcomes our Paralympic team deserve as we look towards LA 2028, Brisbane 2032, and beyond.
“QAS has been a critical support in the planning and development of the Para System Uplift, and the standup of their Para Unit is a significant milestone for Queensland and our sport sector as a whole,” he said.
“The work to achieve our best-ever Paralympics in Brisbane needs to happen now, and thanks to the Australian Government’s record investment in Para-sport, we are confident we can not only make that happen but ensure sustainable sporting success that will inspire and motivate Australians to win well for generations to come.”
Paralympic bronze medallist Ella Sabljak said the new QAS Para-Sport Unit will transform how athletes develop and progress towards success at Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
"For young and emerging Para-athletes, the new Para Unit at the QAS signals that their journey is just as valued, just as supported, and just as full of opportunity as any other athletes. It’s an investment into the next generation of Paralympic champions."
The Para-Sport Unit is set to open in March. For more information contact qastalent.coaching@dtis.qld.gov.au.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered on its 100 Day Plan commitment and appointed highly respected public sector executive, Andrew Chesterman, to lead its Local Government Red Tape Reduction Taskforce.
With Mr Chesterman at the helm, the Taskforce will engage with councils across the State to find ways to streamline approvals and reduce the barriers for local governments to deliver for their communities.
The Taskforce will focus on identifying opportunities that support efficient and effective council infrastructure project delivery, save money for Queensland ratepayers and enhance long term council sustainability.
Consultation will commence from February 2025, with the Taskforce due to deliver a report on its findings to the Crisafulli Government by 30 June 2025.
The Taskforce is part of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to delivering a fresh start for Queensland.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the Taskforce was well placed to begin its work.
“We promised Queenslanders a fresh start and we continue to deliver just that,” Minister Leahy said.
“Andrew Chesterman has hit the ground running as our Taskforce lead, bringing with him over 30 years of professional and public administration experience – including Director-General and CEO roles in both state and local government.
“Working in partnership with the sector to understand where red tape can be reduced is crucial to supporting councils to efficiently and effectively deliver infrastructure and services for their communities.
“I look forward to receiving the recommendations of the Taskforce later this year.”
Taskforce lead, Andrew Chesterman, said he was eager to begin engaging with local governments and stakeholders across the state.
“Coming from a background in local government, I’m all too aware of the burden over-regulation can place on the sector,” Mr Chesterman said.
“Local councils are the experts on their communities, and I look forward to working with them as well as others within the sector to understand how regulation can better serve their needs.”
Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Alison Smith said the LGAQ welcomed today’s announcement by the State Government, establishing a Red Tape Reduction Taskforce which will be led by Andrew Chesterman.
“As a former long-term Queensland council CEO, Andrew is a well-known and respected local government leader, and the LGAQ looks forward to supporting Andrew and the Taskforce in delivering this important work,” Ms Smith said.
“Queensland councils are acutely aware of the impact on local communities of overly complex, duplicated and otherwise unnecessary regulation.
“Queensland councils have put forward resolution after resolution seeking regulatory changes that would help councils run more efficiently.
“We are looking forward to the review achieving cuts to red tape as well as empowering local councils to provide solutions that best serve their communities.”
The Crisafulli Government has announced $6 million to bolster the capacity of the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure cases backlogged by Labor’s DNA Lab Debacle can be finalised sooner.
This announcement delivers on a key commitment of the 100 Day Plan and ensures the Government will deliver faster justice for victims.
The funding will ensure Crown prosecutors have the resources to now assess and resolve specific DNA-related matters in the Magistrates Court, with the work previously undertaken by Queensland Police Service.
The transfer of callover cases from QPS to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions will allow for the earlier consideration of the necessity of DNA analysis by more experienced prosecutors, so matters can be resolved more quickly.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington said victims would always be put first under the Crisafulli Government.
“Under Labor, victims were left in limbo, and they deserve so much better. We are talking about real cases, real people – and under the Crisafulli Government, a real solution to Labor’s DNA Debacle,” the Attorney-General said.
“The former government dodged questions and delayed justice for years. Finally, today, victims can see progress is being made.
“This is what our courts have been calling for and what victims are demanding – and we are delivering this funding boost, as we promised, as a key part of our 100 Day Plan.”
In a further move to fix Labor’s DNA Debacle, the Crisafulli Government has also announced the appointment of former FBI expert and renowned geneticist, Dr Bruce Budowle, to its Forensic Science Queensland review.
The Attorney-General said Dr Budowle’s appointment was in addition to the work being undertaken by esteemed forensic biologist Dr Kirsty Wright, in a review launched the first week the Crisafulli Government was sworn in.
“Dr Wright and Dr Budowle have unmatched expertise to provide recommendations that deliver Faster Justice for victims and restore public confidence in forensic testing. I know, that in undertaking this review, they will leave no stone unturned,” she said.
Dr Bruce Budowle said he was ready to begin work immediately, following his appointment.
“I have been closely following what has been happening in the forensic science area in Queensland and I would like to acknowledge the work that has already been undertaken by Dr Wright on this review,” Dr Budowle said.
“I am pleased to be asked to contribute and I look forward to sharing recommendations that not only support best practice in forensic science but also support victims.”
Both Dr Budowle and Dr Wright are expected to provide their final reports to the Government in mid-2025.
Nominations are open for the 2025 Queensland Reconciliation Awards, with businesses, schools, local sporting clubs, councils and government agencies encouraged to apply.
The awards are a chance to recognise reconciliation programs that improve social relations, enhance health outcomes and support employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Since the inception of the awards in 2003, more than 100 inspiring initiatives and partnerships that support a more inclusive Queensland have been recognised.
In addition, the Premier’s Reconciliation Award will be presented to a nominated initiative that has demonstrated innovative strategies and exceptional outcomes toward advancing reconciliation in Queensland.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the Queensland Reconciliation Awards were an important opportunity to celebrate inclusion across the State.
“We have the longest running continuous culture in the world and that is something we should continue to celebrate and be proud of,” Minister Simpson said.
“The awards showcase the great work undertaken by community groups, businesses, schools, health services, and other organisations which push the boundaries of reconciliation and improve diversity throughout Queensland.
“We’re focused on working towards Closing the Gap – prioritising health, housing and educational outcomes to provide First Nations peoples with greater opportunities and reduce disadvantage.
“Reconciliation is everyone’s business, and together we can strengthen our cultural connections and achieve more than we ever could individually.”
The Queensland Reconciliation Awards ambassador and NRL legend Johnathan Thurston AM encouraged Queenslanders to nominate.
“These awards shine a light on the incredible efforts of Queensland initiatives making a real difference in reconciliation, and I encourage you to nominate to help showcase their impact and inspire others to follow,” Mr Thurston said.
Awards ambassador and contemporary Aboriginal artist Chern’ee Sutton said the awards helped deliver a better future for First Nations communities.
“Recognising the many remarkable initiatives through these awards strengthens connections, celebrates our rich heritage and culture, and inspires ongoing positive change in local communities,” Ms Sutton said.
Nominations will close on Monday, 10 March, 2025.
The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring victim-survivors of sexual assault have access to timely and high-quality health care and has today released information about the capacity of forensic medical examination kits across Queensland.
Queensland Health now has more than six months’ supply of forensic medical examination kits across the state’s hospitals - and as at 31 December 2024 - 555 clinicians had completed the Forensic Examiner Training Program.
The Auditor-General’s Report released in September 2024, identified that the former Labor Government failed victims by refusing to address demand for forensic medical examinations across Queensland, and implement strategies to address existing gaps.
The report also identified that under Labor, staffing shortages were a key reason sexual assault victims were waiting up to three hours on average before being able to access a medical examination.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said, in addition to the availability of physical kits, it was crucial frontline clinicians were trained to provide forensic medical examinations.
“I am advised there are now a sufficient number of kits in Queensland, and each month more clinicians are completing the Forensic Examiner Training Program,” Minister Nicholls said.
“However, more work needs to be done to ensure clinicians are appropriately trained and support is available for victims of sexual assault.
“This data will allow us to better identify gaps, improve service delivery and work with frontline health workers to ensure victims receive the timely and appropriate care they deserve.”
Queensland’s ‘Satellite Hospitals’ will be renamed Satellite Health Centres, ending the dangerous confusion created by the former Labor Government.
The renaming delivers on a key commitment of the Crisafulli Government’s 100 Day Plan to consult on an appropriate name, in consultation with health experts.
As identified in the Queensland Audit Office 2024 Health Report, more than 3,500 patients with life-threatening conditions put themselves at risk by presenting to satellite hospitals last year where they could not be treated.
The Renaming Satellite Hospitals survey received submissions from 2,780 people – including frontline clinicians and primary care providers – who had their say on a more appropriate name for the facilities.
The results of the survey strongly recommended calling the facilities Satellite Health Centres, which was recently supported by the clinical advisory group established to consider the survey results.
The clinical advisory group was made up of representatives from the seven facilities at Caboolture, Redlands, Ripley, Tugun, Kallangur, Eight Miles Plains and Bribie Island.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said patients’ lives had been left at risk under Labor’s misleading name for the health facilities.
“The Crisafulli Government has delivered on a key commitment and is ending the confusion, with Satellite Health Centres to be named exactly what they are,” Minister Nicholls said.
“These facilities were designed to provide their communities with same day walk-in, walk-out services for minor injuries and outpatient care like dialysis.
“We have listened to the expert and will adopt the recommended name of Satellite Health Centres, and I want to thank the clinical advisory group for its expertise and advice.
“I want to assure the community these centres will continue to deliver excellent minor injury and illness care and outpatient services from our dedicated nurses, medical officers, and allied health professionals.
"Along with our announcement this week about Real Time Health Data, today’s announcement continues our work to heal Labor’s Health Crisis.
“This process was about continuing to deliver vital healthcare services while ensuring the community’s and clinicians’ voices were heard and health facilities were appropriately named.”
A critical assessment into regional maternity services commissioned under the Crisafulli Government’s 100 Day Plan, has exposed the true horror of Labor’s birthing crisis.
A decade of Labor neglect, resulted in workforce shortages rising to between 11.5% and 17.91% for key maternity professions across regional Queensland.
Profession-wide, there are staffing vacancies of up to 14.2% in obstetrics, 17.9% in anaesthetics, and 11.5% in midwifery, with some facilities experiencing vacancy rates far above this.
The lack of skilled maternity staff led to rural hospitals sending birthing mothers to larger facilities, often hundreds of kilometres away.
Between 1 July 2023 and 8 January 2025, eight facilities in regional and rural Queensland experienced periods of birthing bypass, including Beaudesert Hospital, Ingham Health Service and Mareeba Hospital.
Unlike the former government’s band-aid solutions, the Crisafulli Government’s Easier Access to Health Services plan is already starting to diagnose and treat pressures within our health system.
The launch of real-time health data is already providing critical information to Queenslanders, and the renaming of Satellite Hospitals will end confusion as to what medical care these facilities provide.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said a decade of Labor had left significant staffing gaps and the repeated and prolonged closure of regional Queensland birthing services in its wake.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to delivering quality health services closer to home for regional Queenslanders, including birthing services,” Minister Nicholls said.
“Without our hardworking health professionals across obstetrics, anaesthetics and midwifery, we cannot deliver and maintain birthing services in regional facilities.
“The assessment has highlighted the significant gaps in staffing levels across these professions; the data demonstrates the impacts of workforce shortages and maldistribution affect regional Queenslanders far more than their metropolitan counterparts.
“Across the state, Labor has left a shortfall of over 150 clinical positions across crucial maternity professions, affecting the access of Queenslanders to birthing services.
“The Crisafulli Government will reinstate the maternity services at Biloela and Cooktown hospitals which have been closed since 2022.
“The resumption of planned birthing services at Biloela and Cooktown is contingent on adequate staffing being available.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring the sustainable delivery of rural birthing services and is working to develop a home-grown health workforce strategy to train and hire the clinicians needed for the next decade.”
The Crisafulli Government has established a working group with victims of domestic, family and sexual violence to identify gaps in the system left by the former Government, which have put the safety of victims at risk.
The working group consists of individuals with lived experience from diverse backgrounds and is part of the Crisafulli Government’s 100 Day Plan, as it takes critical action to address the skyrocketing rate of domestic and family violence.
Unlike Labor which ignored victims and failed to implement recommendations into domestic and family violence, the Crisafulli Government is committed to hearing victims’ stories to gain an insight into their experience and work towards better prevention and intervention strategies.
The working group will be led by a professional facilitator, will meet three times from March to December 2025 and inform priority areas for government to address and invest.
As part of its Safer Families, Safer Communities policy, the Crisafulli Government will hold the most serious domestic violence offenders to account through the roll-out of 500 GPS trackers.
The first 150 GPS trackers for high-risk perpetrators will be issued later this year and will be monitored 24/7 to protect victims and deter offenders.
The Crisafulli Government has also allocated a further $24 million for the roll-out of Domestic and Family Violence support workers in police stations across Queensland, while expanding Beyond DV Hope Hub recovery centres with three additional sites.
The landmark domestic and family violence reform package will also see an interim report into DVConnect delivered in March with a final report due in June.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said the working group was established because raising the voices of victims is crucial when it comes to understanding how we as a community can respond to Domestic and Family Violence.
“If victims are falling through gaps we need to know about it, if there were opportunities to intervene early in a domestic and family violence situation and they were missed because of service failures, we should be acting to plug those holes,” Minister Camm said.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to delivering a comprehensive domestic and family violence reform package over the next four years.
“Everyone has a role in raising awareness for domestic and family violence in our community and we have an incredible opportunity to better understand demand and ensure the systems we design are responsive and meeting the needs of victims.
“We have committed to ensuring victims get the help they need, when they need it and by reviewing DVConnect as well as increasing their workforce, victims will have access to timely assistance.
“We will provide more help for victims, while providing the courts and police with the tools they need to keep Queenslanders safe.”
More than 1,800 new graduate nurses and over 180 new midwifery graduates will join Queensland Health in a significant boost to the ranks of the State’s healthcare frontline.
More than 60% of the recruits will be moving to rural, regional and remote areas, while 630 junior nurses and more than 50 graduate midwives will bolster the Metro North Health and Metro South Health, the State’s two busiest hospital and health services.
The recruits will receive clinical experience in areas including paediatric units to palliative care units, aged care, mental health and rehabilitation environments, intensive care and emergency departments.
The new nurses and midwives will start their careers between January and March, and follows the intake of more than 880 new junior doctors joining Queensland Health this year.
Attracting and retaining healthcare workers, while providing them with the support and resources they need is a priority for the Crisafulli Government as it works to treat, diagnose and cure Labor's Health Crisis.
The intakes will support the Crisafulli Government’s Easier Access to Health Services plan to grow and develop Queensland Health’s frontline workforce.
Yesterday the Crisafulli Government launched real-time health data, providing transparency for the first time to Queenslanders in need of medical care. Access to the Open Hospitals website can be found here: https://openhospitals.health.qld.gov.au/
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the new intakes were part of the Queensland Government’s push to invest in more frontline health services and staff.
“From working within our busiest metropolitan hospitals or rural, regional and remote communities, our nurse and midwives are critical to ensuring Queenslanders can receive the care they need, when they need it," Minister Nicholls said.
“Our newest nurses and midwives will receive vital on-the-job training and instruction to ensure Queenslanders continue to receive an excellent level of care.
“This is the first intake of nursing and midwifery graduates for the year, with hundreds more graduates set to join Queensland’s hospital ranks later in the year.
“It means more than 600 new graduate nurses and more than 60 new graduate midwives will be working between central and far northern areas of Queensland in a major win for these communities.
“These intakes will support a key plank of our $590 million Easier Access to Health Services Plan to hire more frontline staff and improve access to regional health services to address growing demands on the health system.
“There is no single or quick fix, so our comprehensive plan is covering breadth of the health system, including introducing real-time data, improving emergency department performance and access to health services, and delivering more hospital beds.”
Queensland Health’s Acting Chief Nursing Officer Nathan Dart said graduate nurses were provided with a range of formal and informal learning opportunities throughout their graduate year to gain the skills and confidence they need to care for Queenslanders at any stage of life.
“This is such an exciting time for our graduate nurses because it is the beginning of lifelong opportunities to work in the clinical specialities and hospitals that interest them,” Mr Dart said.
“It is undoubtedly an exciting time as they embark on building meaningful careers caring for Queenslanders.”
Queensland Health’s Chief Midwife Officer Liz Wilkes said she was excited to see the new graduate midwives commencing their positions.
“Our newest midwives will be putting learnings into action in birth suites, wards and community settings across Queensland,” Ms Wilkes said.
“As midwives, they will be providing care to families across the state, from the first days of pregnancy until six weeks post birth."
The Honourable Robert Gotterson AO KC and the Honourable Philip Morrison KC, who have both previously served on the bench, were appointed on the recommendation of the Attorney-General, following consultation with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Justice Gotterson AO KC will fill the role until 27 December 2027 while Justice Philip Morrison KC has been appointed for five years.
The appointments may also lead to additional service on the Court of Appeal and the Mental Health Court.
Justice Morrison retired as a Judge of Appeal in June 2024.
His Honour was appointed a judge of the Queensland Court of Appeal in August 2013 and was appointed an acting judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland (July 2024 - August 2024) and an acting member of the Mental Health Court (July 2024 - August 2024).
Justice Gotterson was appointed a judge of the Queensland Court of Appeal in April 2012 and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2014. This was in recognition of his distinguished service to the judiciary, to legal education, administration and professional standards through a range of senior roles and to the community of Queensland.
His Honour retired as a permanent judge in December 2019.
Attorney-General and Minster for Justice Deb Frecklington said the reserve judge roles were significant appointments and would ease the workload of sitting judges.
“Both appointees are highly regarded former judges of the Supreme Court who are eminently qualified and well suited to these roles,” Ms Frecklington said.
“The ability to call on them as reserve judges to address the fluctuating needs of the court will help manage the growing workload of the court.
“We are fortunate to have the benefit of their vast knowledge and experience on a needs basis and for that we are very grateful for their time and service on the bench.”
The Crisafulli Government is embarking on a bold 25-year plan to future-proof Queensland’s primary industries.
The plan will ensure the sector remains the backbone of the Queensland economy and drives growth ensuring the Crisafulli Government reaches its bold commitment of boosting Queensland’s agricultural output to $30 billion by 2030.
The Crisafulli Government will work closely with farmers, industry leaders and regional communities to set the strategic vision which will be complimented by 5-year operational plans tailored to meet regional and sector needs.
Critical considerations will include the impact of global megatrends, technological advancements including agtech and diversification, advanced manufacturing, and new international trade opportunities as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations.
For a decade, Queensland’s farmers have been left to fend for themselves due to Labor’s lack of support and ability to invest in the modernisation of the industry.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Crisafulli Government was delivering a fresh start for Queensland’s primary industries, after a decade of Labor neglect.
“The landscape of Queensland’s primary industries is changing rapidly, and we must act to ensure our industries and communities remain competitive, productive and resilient into the future,” Minister Perrett said.
“By working together, we can co-design solutions that reflect local priorities and help Queensland meet its ambitious economic goals to ultimately grow the sector.
"The Premier and I took to the election a commitment to return the department to being a trusted advisor to industry, not an inhibitor.
“This process, vision and plans will play a role in returning to a culture where the department and industry collaborate, to meet challenges and grow the sector, a culture which Labor has eroded from agriculture in Queensland, during their successive terms in office.
“This is a 25-year blueprint for a stronger future, and it’s all about unleashing new and exciting opportunities for Queensland producers in the years to come.”
A four-month consultation process will start with a full-day forum on the 26th of February in Brisbane, with the blueprint released next financial year.
For updates on the 25-year blueprint visit Department of Primary Industries or call 13 25 23.
The new planning pathway for regulating wind farms is the first step to requiring all renewable projects be impact assessable and subject to the same rigorous approval process as other major development projects.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said from Monday all wind farm developers would be mandated to consult with local councils, communities and other stakeholders for new projects.
“These changes are the first step to fixing Labor’s failed laws which treated regional communities like second class citizens,” Mr Bleijie said.
“For nearly a decade, the previous Labor Government failed to consult with Queenslanders on major renewable projects and that’s why the LNP Government was determined to deliver a voice for local communities.
“From Monday all proposed wind farm developments will be required to undertake compulsory public consultation and respond to stakeholder appeals.
“Queenslanders voted for a Fresh Start and as part of that we’re delivering a voice for every local council, community and impacted stakeholder on new wind farm developments in their communities.
“It’s only fair that communities are properly consulted with for any new renewable energy developments in their own backyard, like many suburban communities are afforded when it comes to high rise residential development in their neighbourhood.
“Introducing an impact assessable planning framework underpinned by a new development code for wind farms will provide certainty for investors, communities and councils.
“We said we’d make the approvals process a level playing field with the same rigorous requirements, including community consultation, regardless of the project.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to openness and transparency, and we will continue to listen to Queenslanders and engage with key stakeholders in the renewable energy sector as further approval process enhancements are made.”
Ongoing consultation with local government, industry and other stakeholders will continue as the next stage of the Crisafulli Government’s election commitment is implemented.
This next phase will focus on making other renewable energy projects impact assessable, such as large-scale solar farm developments, as well as introducing a community benefit framework for renewable energy developments that is similar to the requirements that other major development projects deliver in regional communities.