The Crisafulli Government has seized hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash as it continues its crackdown on illegal tobacco traders in a series of targeted raids.
Officers from the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) seized $468,000 in cash and other assets from illegal tobacco traders, targeting more than 20 stores across south east Queensland as part of enforcement operations.
Warrants were executed at properties in Capalaba, Deagon, West End, Ipswich, Calamvale, Helensvale and Paradise Point, with SPER officers issuing more than 1,000 enforcement orders to operators refusing to pay their fines.
During the raids, one illegal trader was caught attempting to hide cash behind a false wall at the back of their store, while another was operating a hidden tobacco shop at the rear of their retail store.
On top of the cash seized, officers also impounded a Mercedes AMG valued at almost $200,000 and a $50,000 SUV owned by company directors.
SPER officers will continue to work closely with Queensland Health and Queensland Police to plan and execute raids and seizure operations.
This latest enforcement action follows the Queensland Health-led Operation Appaloosa in March, where more than 76,000 vapes, 19 million illicit cigarettes and 3.6 tonnes of loose illicit tobacco were seized, with a combined estimated street value of $20.8 million.
Earlier this year, the Crisafulli Government introduced the nation’s toughest fines for rogue store operators caught selling illicit tobacco and vapes and will continue to target them to keep dangerous vapes out of the hands of children.
The former Labor Government’s failure to act allowed organised crime gangs to set up illegal chop shops in plain sight on street corners right across Queensland.
Treasurer David Janetzki said the Crisafulli Government made no apologies for targeting illicit tobacco operators across the State.
“The sale of illegal tobacco and vapes happened right under Labor’s nose but we’ll continue to come down hard on those breaking the law and ensure they’re held accountable,” Mr Janetzki said.
“The Crisafulli Government is determined to hit these illegal traders where it hurts, disrupt their cash flow and seize their cash and property.
“Several of these illegal operators have closed their doors for good because of these enforcement actions, so we’ll continue to support SPER and other agencies so they can use their full powers under the law to prevent chop shops from selling illegal tobacco and vapes, particularly to young Queenslanders.”
SPER Director Kim Easton said illegal traders would face further action where they chose not to pay their debts.
“Enforcement officers are carrying out seizure operations across south east Queensland against illegal tobacco operators to recover the debts they owe,” Mr Easton said.
“We’ve caught several of these operators attempting to conceal assets, hiding cash in secret rooms and behind fake walls.
“Our officers will continue to ensure these debtors face consequences by seizing their cash and other property until these debts are paid.”
The Crisafulli Government has announced two grant rounds to help First Nations groups manage key land and sea environmental projects.
Under the Looking after Country Grants program, First Nations community projects promoting the health of Country are eligible for up to $75,000 to help with the work.
Previous successful projects have ranged from teaching young people about plant identification and cultural heritage sites to training Traditional Owners in specialised fire management – restoring cultural skills, and connection to country.
Funds can be used for project related costs, including wages, training, operational equipment and administration to deliver outcomes for Country.
The new Reef Assist Traditional Owner program will provide up to $200,000 in grants to support environmental action to boost the health of the Great Barrier Reef.
After a decade of inaction by the former Labor government, which saw Closing The Gap targets worsen, the Crisafulli Government is focused on delivering practical solutions and skills for First Nations people, to improve employment opportunities and boost home ownership rates.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the goal of the grants programs was two-fold.
“We’re delivering real, on-ground results for the Reef and diverse environmental areas while strengthening the capacity of Traditional owner groups to lead future conservation efforts,” said Minister Powell.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the Crisafulli Government was especially pleased to announce this program during National Reconciliation Week.
“Involving Traditional Owners in projects to protect the Great Barrier Reef is vital because they hold deep cultural knowledge and a strong spiritual connection to sea and Country, built over thousands of years,” said Minister Simpson.
"The Crisafulli Government's Looking After Country and Reef Grants programs strengthen cultural opportunities and economic security for First Nations people across the State.
“It’s about action, empowerment and long-term impact.”
Under the Looking After Country Grants, Nyanda Life Limited recently received a grant of $73,700 for Stage Two of a project documenting traditional ecological knowledge, including the use of plants on Yagara Country.
Managing Director of Nyanda, Madonna Thomson said the project began in 2023 and is continuing to record traditional knowledge about plants significant to Yagara people for cultural uses as food, medicine or ceremony.
“We are focusing on reviving traditional ecological knowledge on Yagara Country. The project supports the development of young people's skills in plant identification,” said Ms Thomson.
“An important part of the project involves transferring knowledge to the next generation. Young people are working with Elders and a traditional ecologist to survey plants, map species, create 3D models and develop interpretive content and botanical art.
“It is our goal to then publish a book of recorded species and traditional uses for future training and learning of our native plants that their uses.”
The Crisafulli Government is taking action to drive down energy prices by attracting new investment in Queensland’s gas industry.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last announced the opening up of new tenures for gas exploration, and a review into how land is released for exploration across the resources sector.
From tomorrow, nine new areas will made available for tender across the Cooper/Eromanga and Bowen/Surat Basins. The tender areas include both conventional and unconventional gas opportunities.
Production from the tenure release would put downward pressure on energy prices, after Labor’s anti-gas policies sent investment off a cliff.
Importantly, no land release areas intersect with the Lake Eyre Basin Strategic Environmental Area – Designated Precinct.
A targeted three-month land release review will get underway today, aiming to improve the efficiency and transparency of opening areas for exploration.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the initiatives will make Queensland more attractive for gas investment.
“The best way to bring down energy prices is to have more energy in the market, and that starts with exploration,” Minister Last said.
“These steps are about unlocking new supply, securing an investment pipeline and getting the right policy settings in place so Queensland can lead the way on energy security.
“Unscientific decisions made by the southern states have left Queensland carrying the load for the east coast gas market. We need a regulatory framework that supports new development, instead of holding it back.”
The 2025 Land Release Review will ensure land is made available in a way that balances the needs of the resources sector with environmental, agricultural, and community interests.
It will consider changes to the land release expression of interest process, the land release area selection process, and the competitive tender process.
Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said the announcements demonstrated Queensland’s strong commitment to ensuring reliable and affordable energy for Queenslanders.
“We particularly welcome the announcement that tenders for nine parcels of land for gas and petroleum exploration are now open – a critical step in securing the future gas supply Australian households and industry will need,” Ms McCulloch said.
“Queensland is already doing the heavy lifting to keep the lights on and ensure reliable gas supply along the east coast of Australia.
“Queensland’s energy leadership continues to drive economic growth and underpin billions in royalties that fund essential services and commend the government’s proactive approach to unlocking the state’s natural gas potential and securing its energy future.
“The Queensland gas industry is powering the state’s economy, supporting jobs, regional communities and spending more than $80 billion with local businesses each year.”
More than 700 nominations have been received as Queenslanders rush to applaud their mates, neighbours, co-workers, volunteers and Good Samaritans as Local Legends.
The nominees have been recognised as part of the Queensland Day Local Legend awards which celebrate the quiet achievers who go above and beyond to volunteer and serve their community.
Since kicking off the search for Local Legends who embody the spirit of the State on 16 May, there’s been 720 nominations submitted.
These include surf lifesavers, Rural Fire Service volunteers, foster carers, youth workers, P&C school committee members, homeless workers, wildlife carers, charity workers and natural disaster clean-up volunteers.
Nominations are still rolling in and have been extended to close on Monday 2 June with winners announced on Queensland Day, Friday 6 June.
Local Legend Award recipients will receive a certificate presented by the Premier at the Dolphins-Dragons NRL clash at Suncorp Stadium on Queensland Day, as well as a pack of limited edition ‘Local Legend’ ginger beer made by Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.
The Queensland Day website has also seen almost 30,000 responses in the All The Best campaign with people voting across the State for their favourite beaches, pubs, events, banh mi, ice creams, cafes, attractions and many more.
Premier David Crisafulli said the strong response highlighted the quality of Queensland’s greatest.
“These are the Queenslanders who go above and beyond, often quiet achievers making their town or city a better place without asking for credit,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“From remote graziers to clubbies on the beach, and youth workers on the streets, nurses in hospitals and endangered wildlife carers, these are the people striving to make their community better, safer and more connected.”
Nominations can be made at www.qld.gov.au/qldday, and close at 11.59pm on Monday 2 June.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a major multi-million-dollar incentive program to support and strengthen general practice in Queensland throughout 2025.
The $24 million General Practice Trainee Incentive is providing eligible doctors starting their GP training in Queensland in 2025 with a substantial one-off payment of $40,000.
More than 575 doctors who have either commenced or are soon to begin their general practice training in 2025 are expected to be eligible for the one-off payment.
This financial support is in recognition of the challenges future GP’s face when they start to enter the workforce and encourages them to continue their training.
Frontline health worker attrition rates soared under the former Labor Government, with 4 per cent of doctors leaving last financial year, deepening Labor’s health crisis.
The Crisafulli Government’s Easier Access to Health Services Plan is focused on delivering more doctors, nurses and paramedics to the frontline to ensure all Queenslanders have better access to health services, no matter where in Queensland they live.
The General Practice Trainee Incentive program joins a suite of other initiatives by the Crisafulli Government that aim to support primary care, such as slashing Labor’s Patient’s Tax to reduce cost burdens of healthcare for Queenslanders.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the Crisafulli Government is pleased to provide assistance for Queensland’s future GPs.
“We are doing what we can to help doctors complete their GP training because we know how important GPs are to communities across Queensland,” Minister Nicholls said.
“We are removing barriers for the next generation of GPs to ensure Queenslanders across the State have access to quality primary healthcare no matter where they live.”
The Crisafulli Government will work with the two medical Colleges who deliver GP training - the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) - to implement this important initiative.
RACGP chair Dr Cath Hester said the Crisafulli Government's decision to fund the incentive showed a commitment to improving access to specialist general practice care across Queensland.
“Specialist GPs and our practice teams keep patients out of hospital and relieve pressure on our entire healthcare system,” Dr Hester said.
“The General Practice Trainee Incentive removes a significant barrier to junior doctors choosing to train as specialist GPs and providing care in the community.”
ACCRM President Dr Rod Martin welcomed the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to GP training, particularly for those doctors in rural and remote practices.
“ACRRM is pleased to see the focus be on attracting and retaining GP trainees across Queensland in order to improve the accessibility of primary care for Queenslanders,” Dr Martin said.
“ACRRM welcomes the support that will continue to shine a light on Rural Generalist Medicine and the valuable work our doctors provide in rural, remote and First Nations communities.”
The Crisafulli Government has established a new independent panel to advise on reforms to strengthen responses for survivors of domestic and family violence and hold perpetrators to account.
The domestic and family violence (DFV) advisory panel is comprised of professionals with extensive experience and diverse backgrounds including policing, legal, academic, and support services.
The panel will play a critical role by offering practical advice on government policy and how reform already underway will operate within the DFV system.
This announcement continues the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to reform the DFV sector, which was left in a dire state under the former Labor Government.
In the last decade under Labor, domestic and family violence incidents rose by close to 218 per cent, with Queensland Police responding to a DFV incident every three minutes.
The Crisafulli Government has already introduced legislation amendments that include the police protection directions, GPS trackers on high-risk offenders and video recorded evidence in chief for DFV survivors.
The Government is also undertaking a review of DVConnect to ensure victims are receiving the help they need, when they need it.
The first meeting of the advisory panel was held in Townsville on May 26, 2025, with the group set to meet four times a year to identify priorities.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said the Crisafulli Government was committed to holding perpetrators to account and getting better outcomes for victim survivors.
“This panel will be critical in offering practical advice backed by their extensive experience in working with victims and their dealing with perpetrators throughout their careers,” Minister Camm said.
“We have introduced the first tranche of changes to reform the domestic violence system to ensure that we are better protecting victims and holding perpetrators to account.
“These changes are just the start, as we continue to unravel the mess left following a decade of neglect under the former Labor Government.
“We need to ensure our systems are fit for purpose, so that all Queenslanders have access to services that meet their needs, no matter where they live.
“Every day, services take critical on-the-ground action to prevent and address the devastating effects of domestic and family violence, but to improve our responses we need to see greater collaboration to help keep Queenslanders safe.”
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election promise, with Queensland local governments now able to apply for new funding to enhance security and deter criminal activity on their local small and family businesses.
The Crisafulli Government’s $40 million Secure Communities Partnerships Program will help to protect small businesses from crime and economic losses, through the installation of vital safety and security infrastructure.
Councils can apply for up to two grants worth $400,000 each to fund crime prevention measures to improve the security of business strips, including CCTV, bollards, lockable fencing, and improved perimeter security.
A total of $10 million is available to councils in the first of four rounds of funding under the program, with future rounds to be delivered over three years.
The cost of crime for small and family businesses soared under Labor’s soft-on-crime approach, with insurance costs skyrocketing by 79.6 per cent under the former Labor Government, making it unaffordable for many businesses to continue operating.
The Crisafulli Government continues to strengthen Queensland’s laws with the expansion of Adult Crime Adult Time passed in Parliament last week, giving police and the courts the powers they need to fight Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis.
Premier David Crisafulli said small and family businesses have long called for tougher action on crime, and this program delivers real support.
“We will continue to strengthen the law to ensure consequences for actions, but we will also strengthen our defences against would be criminals,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“Small and family business owners deserve to feel safe from crime, without worrying about being broken into and having their shop ransacked.
“The cost of a break-in to a small business isn’t just the value of what’s been stolen, it’s also the repairs, rising insurance and lost turnover from being closed.
“This funding will protect more livelihoods and, by bolstering security measures to stop crime before it happens, we can help restore safety where you live.”
Small and Family Business Minister Steve Minnikin said creating safe communities would allow small businesses to grow and prosper.
“We are delivering on our Small Business First promise to create safer communities, and this initiative is a key step in fostering safer and more vibrant business areas,” Minister Minnikin said.
“By working with local councils to deliver these vital safety projects, we’re not just protecting small businesses, we’re strengthening entire communities. When small businesses feel safe, they can invest, expand, and innovate”.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said this program was an example of the Crisafulli LNP Government’s commitment to drive down crime levels Labor left behind.
“There’s no denying the impact crime levels are having on Queensland small business owners,” Minister Purdie said.
“Infrastructure safety upgrades, like CCTV or bollards, can act as vital deterrents for would-be thieves with zero regard for the hard work of Queensland business owners.”
Round 1 is now open for applications at: www.business.qld.gov.au/securegrant
The Secure Communities Partnership Program is a key priority under the Queensland Government’s Small and Family Business First Action Statement.
Domestic violence perpetrators in Queensland who repeatedly use violence or abuse to control others in relationships can now be charged with the new offence of coercive control.
The new criminal offence applies to acts of violence or abuse forming a course of conduct committed from today (26 May) and carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment.
It is part of a range of domestic violence legal reforms that will come into effect today, after Queenslanders saw domestic violence skyrocket under Labor.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said it was timely that committing coercive control became a crime in Queensland during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
“The credit for these reforms is owed to the courageous families of domestic violence victims, who spoke out and called for change, despite their personal pain,” the Attorney-General said.
“Under Labor, we watched domestic violence rates soar and I want Queenslanders to know the Crisafulli Government is committed to taking real action to protect victim survivors.
“The coercive control laws commencing today were legislated with bipartisan support and will help us bring perpetrators to account.
“We are determined to improve the lives of Queensland women and children who, all too frequently and tragically, experience harm at the hands of others.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said the new coercive control laws would see a shift in focus from responding to single incidents of violence to the patterns of abusive behaviours that occur over time.
“Coercive control is almost always an underpinning dynamic of domestic and family violence,” Minister Camm said.
“It can include physical and non-physical forms of abuse and creates a climate of fear, humiliation, isolation, that over time, erodes the victim’s sense of identity, freedom and independence.
“Hannah Clarke’s parents Sue and Lloyd were standing beside me only a month ago as I reaffirmed this Government’s commitment to major domestic and family violence reforms so we can protect victims sooner.
“Coercive control and domestic and family violence have no place in our society and too many have already lost their lives as a result.”
Coercive control is when someone deliberately uses abusive behaviours against another person to control or dominate them – including physical or non-physical abuse used to hurt, humiliate, isolate, frighten or threaten another person.
The offence applies to an adult in a domestic relationship who engages in a course of domestic violence conduct against the other person in the relationship more than once, and intends that conduct to coerce or control the other person.
The conduct must be reasonably likely to cause the other person harm.
To address the significant impact of domestic violence on children, courts must also now consider additional aggravating factors, including whether a child was the victim or was exposed to the DV act.
In addition, limits on publication of information about sexual offence complainants will change, allowing for victim-survivors of sexual violence to identify themselves.
The Crisafulli Government has revamped the TAFE Queensland Board to deliver on plans to solve the State’s skills shortage left by the former Labor Government.
Mr Vivian Grayson has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board, and brings extensive commercial, governance, finance and management expertise to his role in leading the nine-member Board.
Mr Grayson is the former Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary of Devine Limited and previously served as Chair of the SSKB Advisory Board, one of Australia’s largest body corporate management firms.
The Crisafulli Government has appointed an additional six new members to the Board, who bring together industry knowledge across health, education, Vocational Educational Training, property, construction and trades.
Continuing members Prof Jody Currie and Ms Nicole Brigg will provide continuity and support for the Board’s refreshed vision.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the Board changes were a significant moment for the future of TAFE Queensland.
“This move sets the bedrock for TAFE Queensland to be a secure and well-performing entity,” said Minister Bates.
“The pipeline providing skilled workers in Queensland has been choked for too long by Labor’s lack of respect for the value of skills training and lack of respect for taxpayers’ money.”
The Crisafulli Government is also undertaking a $2 million recruitment drive to employ the next generation of TAFE teachers.
The support for TAFE forms part of the Government’s $201.1 million plan for three new TAFE Centre of Excellence sites across Queensland, to help secure a pipeline of skilled workers for Queensland’s future.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering the 2025 Teach Rural Career Fair to connect aspiring and experienced teachers with exciting career opportunities in regional, rural and remote Queensland.
Held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre this Saturday, the annual event encourages attendees to explore the benefits of working in the regions, with tips on hand to assist with applications and transfer processes.
Information on the financial incentives, benefits, and support is available for teachers who choose to work outside the South East.
The Fair follows the Crisafulli Government’s actions to cut red tape for teachers by 25 percent, with six early actions announced including a Small Schools Support Plan to provide regional career pathways for aspiring principals.
Increased support for teachers is critical after a decade of neglect under the former Labor Government left teachers drowning in paperwork and students falling behind.
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said teaching in rural towns was personally and professionally rewarding.
“Teaching should be a career of choice and that’s why it’s important to highlight the incredible opportunities on offer,” Minister Langbroek said.
“This week’s Fair helps to match our talented and hardworking teachers with new and exciting opportunities, while ensuring our regional and rural children receive a world-class education.
“Teachers were shackled to their desks under Labor, but the Crisafulli Government is making teaching an attractive choice by reducing red tape by 25 percent.
“We’re removing the tiresome and repetitive administration that weighs teachers down, giving them more support and more time to teach.”
Winton State School Principal Meggin Bahr said while the move out west involved a Principal job, she was driven by the lifestyle change for her family.
“I attended the Department of Education’s Aspiring Principals Program and met lots of people from rural and remote areas,” Mrs Bahr said.
“My husband and I then decided we would pack up and do something different, initially just for 12 months. Now we’re staying another year.”
“We don't have a commute. It's given us quality family time back that we never had before. It's been one of the best things we've done for our family - especially for myself as a mum – I can be a mum and be a principal, and neither have to sacrifice.”
Parkhurst State School Principal Dan Evans said he moved to Central Queensland for three years of rural service and continues to call it home 13 years later.
“In smaller schools there are plenty of ways to step up and take on additional roles. If you’re that way inclined, the opportunities out here are endless,” Mr Evans said.
“Being exposed to leadership early in my career led me down the small school principal pathway and I progressed from there.
“Teaching in rural and remote areas of Central Queensland offers a kind of connection you’ve likely never felt before – you become so much more than just a teacher in those communities.”
Retired Federal Court Judge, and former Supreme Court Justice, the Honourable David Thomas has been appointed to undertake the well overdue review of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 is required to be reviewed every five years, with the previous review finalised back in 2018.
The second review, previously announced to be completed in early 2024, remains outstanding on account of the Labor Government’s failure to release a Departmental consultation paper and engage with stakeholders.
Mr Thomas is a former QCAT President, former President of the then Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal, a retired Judge of the Federal Court and former Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland.
QCAT hears and settles a vast range of complex civil, administrative, and disciplinary subject matters.
The independent tribunal provides mediation, dispute resolutions, decision-making and review services for Queenslanders, businesses, and Government.
The QCAT Act Review will identify ways to alleviate the operational issues experienced by the tribunal and how these pressures can be eased in an efficient and timely manner.
This is an important step towards ensuring the QCAT Act continues to meet objectives.
Mr Thomas will consider how the system can operate better for everyone and address the operational issues and roadblocks currently in place.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the Crisafulli Government was bringing a fresh approach to the overdue review of the QCAT Act to ensure that services meet the needs of Queenslanders.
“We want to ensure that QCAT is appropriately designed to meet its objectives by focusing on the structure of the tribunal, legislation that confers jurisdiction and matters to the tribunal, and procedural and operational efficiencies,” the Attorney-General said.
“Following the growing increase of hearing delays and backlogs, ways to alleviate rising pressures of the tribunal will be identified.
“Mr Thomas brings extensive experience and reliable insight into QCAT’s position in Queensland’s broader court and tribunal system.
“He will consult broadly with the legal community, QCAT customers, and the small business community, following the new Terms of Reference.”
The review is due to be completed by 30 April 2026, with the final report to be tabled in the Legislative assembly.
More information can be found at:
The Crisafulli Government has re-appointed Bruce Barbour as Chairperson and Jen O’Farrell as CEO of the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC).
Mr Barbour’s re-appointment until 1 July 2028 follows a recent successful three-year tenure, as the Chair of CCC.
Prior to his elevation in 2022, Mr Barbour served as an Ordinary Commissioner of the CCC from May 2021 to January 2022 and as Acting Chair of the CCC from January 2022 to July 2022.
Among his many roles before joining the CCC, he served as the NSW Ombudsman for 15 years and was a member of the NSW Casino Control Authority.
Jen O’Farrell has been re-appointed for a further three-years as CEO of the CCC, a role she has held since August 2018. This appointment is until 23 August 2028.
Before joining the CCC in 2015, Ms O’Farrell served as Executive Director in the Queensland Greyhound Racing Industry Commission of Inquiry, General Manager and Director of Legal Services at the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and as a solicitor.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington congratulated Mr Barbour and Ms O’Farrell on their well-deserved re-appointments to the CCC.
“I am pleased to provide this key integrity agency with continued stability through these reappointments,” the Attorney-General said.
“Mr Barbour has served with distinction, has been apolitical and has displayed a highly independent approach to the valued position.
“Queensland’s peak anti-corruption agency is of the utmost importance to everyone, something for our State to be proud of.
“Allegations of corruption must be thoroughly investigated by an independent authority and both Mr Barbour and Ms O’Farrell will continue to provide stable stewardship to the CCC.
“Our new laws have strengthened the vital work of the CCC to uphold integrity, transparency and accountability across government.”
Both re-appointments are made with the bipartisan support of the Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee.
The Crisafulli Government has announced a $50 million outsourcing program, in the next major step to eliminate Labor’s DNA backlog.
Under the new outsourcing strategy, DNA samples for rape kits, most major crime cases, and unidentified human remains will be sent overseas for testing.
It is currently taking 63 weeks – or 445 days – to process major crime samples and get results back to Police.
Thousands of samples are currently backlogged, including:
The Department of Justice will oversee a new outsourcing taskforce, with the involvement of Forensic Science Queensland and the Queensland Police Service.
The two-year program will allow Forensic Science Queensland to focus on clearing Labor’s historical case backlog, with more than 2300 cases currently identified as requiring scientific review.
It will also enable Forensic Science Queensland to put increased focus on implementing all Commission of Inquiry recommendations along with any forthcoming DNA Review recommendations.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said outsourcing was the next necessary step to clean up Labor’s DNA debacle.
“Labor presided over one of the greatest failures of a justice system anywhere in the world,” the Attorney-General said.
“These aren’t just statistics, they are people who have faced some of the worst crimes imaginable and we owe it to each of them, and their families, to get the answers they deserve.
“The backlogs at Forensic Science Queensland mean a rapist could be walking free on the street or a child could be left living in the same home as their offender – and that is unacceptable.
“The Crisafulli Government has been steadfast in its commitment to put victims first and this outsourcing program will deliver faster access to justice.
“It will also provide an opportunity for Forensic Science Queensland to be reshaped into the world-class laboratory that it should be.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said victims of crime deserved justice sooner.
“We went to the election promising we would deliver change and put victims at the centre of everything we do,” Minister Purdie said.
“The outsourcing of DNA is a critical step towards justice for tens of thousands of Queenslanders who were let down by the former Labor government.
“Justice delayed is justice denied – Queenslanders deserve better.”
The outsourcing strategy comes ahead of results of the Crisafulli Government’s review of DNA testing operations, which is due to report in the coming months.
Today marks a Fresh Start for Queensland, as the second tranche of Adult Crime, Adult Time laws have passed Queensland Parliament overnight, with 33 youth crime offences now captured under the tough new laws.
The Making Queensland Safer (Adult Crime, Adult Time) Amendment Bill 2025 adds 20 additional offences to Adult Crime, Adult Time, reaffirming the Crisafulli Government’s election commitment to continue strengthening the Making Queensland Safer Laws to turn the tide on Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis.
The 20 additional offences for Adult Crime Adult Time include:
This milestone delivers on the Crisafulli Government’s promise to expand Adult Crime, Adult Time, to include more complex and serious offences.
The Bill also includes measures to ensure the rights of victims are prioritised. The new laws will allow a victim on the ‘eligible persons register’ to nominate another person to receive information on their behalf, to limit further harm caused by receiving potentially triggering information.
Since Adult Crime Adult Time became law in December, early police data has revealed green shoots in the reduction of key offences including stolen cars, break-ins and robberies.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Government was taking another critical step towards restoring safety in our communities.
“We promised Queenslanders that we would continue to strengthen the laws and that’s exactly what we are doing,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“The expansion of Adult Crime Adult Time puts victims’ rights ahead of the rights of offenders and restores consequences for actions.
“Labor opened the door to youth criminals through a decade of weak laws and inaction, but with Adult Crime Adult Time, we are taking steps to make our community safer.”
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the Bill delivered on the Crisafulli Government’s promise to continue strengthening the Making Queensland Safer Laws to arrest Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis.
“The 20 new offences have been deemed harmful and serious enough by the Expert Legal Panel to warrant inclusion in Adult Crime, Adult Time and we are acting, like we said we would,” Minister Gerber said.
“The Expert Legal Panel’s work is ongoing, because we will not stop strengthening our laws until Queenslanders feels safe in their homes once again.
“Labor’s weak laws created a generation of hardcore repeat youth offenders who have been terrorising communities for a decade.
“Now, we are finally on the path to breaking the cycle of crime in this State and youth offenders are not only facing serious consequences for their actions but, they will also receive effective early intervention and intensive rehabilitation.”
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the Crisafulli Government’s expanded Adult Crime, Adult Time laws would give courts the additional tools they needed, to ensure sentences reflected community expectations.
“It is a monumental task to turn the tide on Labor’s decade of destruction with their weakened youth crime laws,” the Attorney-General said.
“But with every step we take, we are determined to put victims first and hold juvenile offenders to account - and that is exactly what these expanded laws are focused on.
“Adult Crime, Adult Time ensures there are tough consequences for actions and victims can feel confident that justice has been served,” the Attorney-General said.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said not only would police have the tougher powers to arrest Labor’s generation of serious repeat offenders, the new laws were designed to protect the frontline as well.
“No longer will a juvenile get away with a slap on the wrist for endangering the lives of our frontline officers or ramming an emergency service vehicle,” Minister Purdie said.
“Coupled with more boots on the ground, we will continue to drive down the unacceptably high crime rates ignored by the previous government.”
The Crisafulli Government has today announced a strengthening and enhancement to the way Queensland Police will tackle the Youth Crime Crisis in Queensland.
The Queensland Police Service's Youth Crime Taskforce - renamed to the Youth Crime Group - will now work under the Crime and Intelligence Command alongside the same teams fighting organised crime, child sexual abuse, drugs and serious crime and the State Flying Squad.
This change follows the ground-breaking announcement by the Crisafulli Government in January this year of a $15.4 million commitment over the next four years to make the team of 16 permanent.
The Youth Crime Group work to target high-harm, serious repeat young offenders in crime hotspots across Queensland.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the former Government failed to fund the Youth Crime Group beyond this financial year.
“For Labor, the Youth Crime Taskforce was only ever a headline designed to distract from a problem they didn’t believe existed,” Minister Purdie said.
“These improvements have been initiated by the Police Commissioner and I have every confidence his decisions and new direction of his staff will only continue to drive down crime levels in our State.”
Minister Purdie recommitted the Government’s support of the Queensland Police Service in its fight against youth crime.
“We will always back our police and give them the laws and resources they need to do their jobs like our Making Queensland Safer laws due to be passed in Parliament this week.”
Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy said the decision to transition from a temporary taskforce to a permanent Youth Crime Group ensures the QPS has the leadership, resources and coordination required to enhance the response to youth crime in a sustainable, intelligence-led way.
“This is about embedding youth crime as a core policing priority, not a temporary initiative,” Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.
“The Youth Crime Group will sit within the Crime and Intelligence Command, ensuring stronger coordination and alignment with other specialist capabilities.”
“This structure gives us the consistency, capability and leadership needed to deliver a unified response to crime and to keep our communities safe.”
The Crisafulli Government has introduced major changes to Queensland’s sentencing laws, as it continues to deliver on its commitment to prioritise victims of crime.
The reforms respond to several recommendations made by the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council in its final report on sentencing for sexual assault and rape offences.
Under the reforms, the use of ‘good character’ evidence will be restricted for sexual offences, and recognition of the harm caused to a victim will become an express purpose of sentencing.
The Penalties and Sentences (Sexual Offences) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 will introduce a new aggravating statutory factor to require the courts to treat sexual assault and rape offences committed against children as being more serious.
The Bill also ensures that no negative inference can be drawn if a victim chooses not to provide a victim impact statement, responding to the findings of the Council that some victims are concerned not providing a statement will result in a less significant sentence.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the amendments marked a significant shift in sentencing sexual offences in the State.
“These changes send a clear message that under the Crisafulli Government, victims are being put first,” the Attorney-General said.
“No one wants to hear that a rapist is all-round great person, a trustworthy mate, or that they’re respected in the community – especially not their victim, bravely sitting in court.
“The amendments I have introduced today will mean an offender’s ‘good character’ can only be treated as a mitigating factor in circumstances where it is relevant to the offender’s prospects of rehabilitation or likelihood of reoffending.
“It is a major change from where we are now, but I believe a very necessary one, to give victims the respect they deserve.
“Labor might want to pretend they care about victims of crime, but they had a decade in government to prioritise those Queenslanders, and all we saw was them pushing paper around and making excuses.”
The Attorney-General said other important amendments were aimed at recognising the harm done to victims, and ensuring offences committed against vulnerable children are treated more seriously by the sentencing court.
“When the victim of sexual violence is a child, we know that Queenslanders expect to see the gravity of that crime reflected in the sentence handed down,” the Attorney-General said.
“Under these amendments, sexual assault and rape offences against children aged 16 or 17 can now be treated as aggravated, to reinforce not only the higher level of harm experienced by young victims, but also the higher culpability of the perpetrator.
“Victims and community safety are an absolute priority for the Crisafulli Government, and I want to thank the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council and the Secretariat for their work.”
Today marks the start of Law Week, with Queensland celebrating the important role the justice system plays in strengthening communities across the State.
Law Week (19-25 May) is marked nationally each year, to raise awareness of the many ways the law touches people’s lives.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington said the focus on strengthening communities was particularly important in Queensland, which has the most decentralised population of any mainland state.
“Queensland’s justice system provides essential frontline services from 119 locations and 87 courthouses across the length and breadth of the State, which is just extraordinary,” the Attorney-General said.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland, with new laws to make our communities safer, and ensuring there is faster access to justice through courthouse upgrades, with victims’ cases able to be heard sooner.
“But central to all of this are the dedicated court staff, legal professionals and volunteers - from Thursday Island in the north, Birdsville in the west, Coolangatta in the south, and right down the East Coast.
“Together they provide the community with access to services that allow our society to function, whether it’s a court hearing, getting documents signed by a justice of the peace, support for victims of crime, or even potentially life-saving referrals to domestic and family violence services.
“I want to thank everyone who contributes to strengthening Queensland communities through the role they play in our justice system.”
Queensland Legal Walk events to mark Law Week are being held in Brisbane, Cairns, Toowoomba, Townsville, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Mt Tamborine tomorrow (20 May) in support of LawRight.
The Crisafulli Government has announced the historic Commission of Inquiry into Child Safety will investigate how the State’s broken out-of-home care system, like residential care, has facilitated the growth of serious repeat of offenders in Queensland.
More than 100 of the State’s most serious young criminals - along with other young offenders on strict supervised youth justice orders - are living in Queensland’s out-of-home care system.
The Crisafulli Government announced on Sunday a Commission of Inquiry into the Queensland Child Safety System, with the Commission’s scope also to consider the connection between young criminals and their life in care.
The Commission, under the terms of the inquiry, will:
The data from September 2024 details the SROs in out-of-home cares’ current living arrangements:
The connection between SROs and other vulnerable children in out-of-home care fall into the scope of the Commission, with 55 per cent of all youth crime in Queensland committed by serious repeat youth offenders.
There are also 222 children under strict supervised youth justice orders living in the out-of-home care system.
There is currently very limited data collated on the number of children in care who have come into contact with the youth justice system, outside of those on supervised youth justice orders.
The Commission has also been tasked to investigate transparent reporting and information sharing within the context of children in the Child Safety system in Queensland.
According to the 2024 Census on children in out-of-home care on supervised youth justice orders:
The Commission of Inquiry will look at whether the current system is fully equipped to properly deal with high-risk children and how their time in care has played a part in their criminality.
The commitments the Crisafulli Government took to the election will still be progressed, including the trialing of a SecureCare facility for high-risk young people who are danger to themselves or the community.
The Crisafulli Government is committed to keeping our communities safe and gathering information on these young offenders will be crucial in our attempt to stop the cycle of offending generationally.
Minister for Child Safety Amanda Camm said it was important to understand the connection and correlation between children in out-of-home care and their interaction with youth justice.
“We often hear of the crime vortex caused by young offenders living in residential care, where they cause others they live with to follow them into criminal behaviours and it is important to investigate and further understand how the system has played a part in that,” Minister Camm said.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to keeping the community safe and this is a crucial moment in time to make serious generational changes to a system that has been left to languish under Labor.
“In the past decade thousands of children have been let down by the former government who did not care enough to investigate how children in care were becoming entrenched in the youth justice system.
“The former Labor Government let communities down by allowing a system that was failing to hold anyone accountable to continue on without any real want for change, other than a roadmap for residential care that was on a road to nowhere.
“I am committed to enacting impactful change and reforming a system that is broken, otherwise we will lose another generation in a cycle of crime and despair.”
The Crisafulli Government has today announced a Commission of Inquiry into the Child Safety System.
The historic Commission of Inquiry will expose failures of the system and the damage it has caused, with the recommendations to reshape and repair a system that was left broken by the former Labor Government.
The decision comes following the uncovering of long-term systemic failures that have led the Government to decide an independent investigation was a critical step in the reform process.
The Commission of Inquiry will be led by Paul Anastassiou KC, with its broad terms of reference:
Stark findings of a 2024 Census of more than 3,000 children in care is sobering in its severity and significance and shows the generational trauma of some of the State’s most vulnerable young people living in out-of-home care.
The 2024 Census found that children who were entering the out-of-home care system had suffered significant trauma:
Children who enter care after their 10th birthday are more likely to have mental health issues and self-harm, whereas children who enter care younger are more likely to have a disability and higher rates of limited intellectual functioning/development delay.
The children who live in residential care have significantly higher needs than those in foster or kinship care:
Almost a third of children in care have unmet support needs in relation to their mental health and two in ten have unmet needs in relation to their disability.
There were 650 children living in residential care in December 2015, that number has grown to 2,212 in December 2024, including 116 children aged five and under living in these homes.
Of the children in residential care, with all their needs and traumatic histories, 73 per cent will be placed in four or more homes during their time in care and more than half of children living in residential care will spend more than five years living in these homes.
As of December 2024, 12,497 children are living in out-of-home care in Queensland, 818 more than December 2023:
While traumatised children languished in residential care, the former Labor Government created a billion-dollar industry.
In the 2014/15 budget residential care services cost $200 million, in this financial year it will $1.12 billion.
Taxpayers are paying hundreds of thousands of dollars per child, per year to live in residential care across the State.
The billion-dollar industry created by the former Labor Government has blown out to such an extreme state that one teen’s care expenses have grown to $2.6 million, another teen costs $2.3 million per year.
Under the watch of the former Labor Government, the Department of Child Safety became a price taker, instead of a price setter, with an increasing reliance on Individual Placement Support (IPS), which is intended to be a short-term bridging response until a more stable Outsourced Service Delivery (OSD) placement is available.
In recent years, IPS placements have vastly increased in number and in placement length, creating a hugely inflated cost for Government and a higher risk for the child.
In the 2014/15 budget the spend on IPS was $82 million, this financial year it will cost taxpayers $766 million.
In the same period OSD grew from $118 million to $354 million.
The Crisafulli Government has ordered a full forensic audit into one for-profit residential care provider after it was uncovered that dividends had been paid to their three shareholders totalling $5.25 million last financial year.
This same organisation receives tens of millions of dollars from the State Government to run residential care services, with financial statements also revealing they increased their management fees by 1000 per cent.
Vulnerable children have also been put at risk by a former Labor Government who did not hire enough child safety officers to investigate claims of children at risk.
The timeframes set out by the Department to start an investigation are 24 hours for children in immediate risk and then 5 days and 10 days.
At December 2024 the proportion of investigations commenced for 5 and 10 days were extremely low:
The number of cases child safety officers were tasked to investigate over the past decade continued to grow, but the former Labor Government neglected to increase staff numbers at the level needed, putting vulnerable children at risk.
The Commission will be tasked with investigating the case work and case loads of child safety officers to determine if frontline staff are resourced and supported to do their work, while outlining deficiencies.
The 2024 Census can be accessed here.
QUOTES ON THE COMMISSION
Premier David Crisafulli said the historic Commission of Inquiry was needed to uncover the system’s failures.
“This is the Commission of Inquiry the State must have if we are serious about the safety of Queensland children and our communities,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“Reforming the State’s broken Child Safety System is critical, and we will take the steps others have been afraid to take because it is the right thing to do.”
Minister for Child Safety Amanda Camm said what the Crisafulli Government had uncovered in the past six months needed to be investigated and this extraordinary step of calling a Commission of Inquiry was necessary to unpack the mess left by the former Labor Government.
“There are some incredibly hardworking, loving, and caring people who work in this industry, or are foster and kinship carers who have been let down by the system that was created by the former Labor government,” Minister Camm said.
“We owe it to them and to these vulnerable children to reform the system.
“We have only scratched the surface of neglect, disarray, and morally questionable actions of some of the people and organisations that operate in the out-of-home care system.
“The former Labor Government created this billion-dollar residential care industry that has traumatised children and devastated communities in its wake. Their egregious lack of oversight allowed this to happen.
“The Commission will also take a wider look at the department to understand case management practices and case work oversight to ensure vulnerable children are receiving appropriate care.
“It is clear the former Labor Government did not care about vulnerable children and had no regard for whether child safety investigations timeframes were met. The former government failed in their duty to staff frontline officers appropriately and in doing so have put countless vulnerable children at risk over the past decade.
“The Commission of Inquiry will also delve into how the foster care and kinship carer system has operated over the past decade, while also looking closely at adoption policies and practices in Queensland.
“We had to call this Commission of Inquiry to unpack the full picture of how we got here and most importantly to find the best outcomes for children.
“The Crisafulli Government committed to a number of election promises in Child Safety and we will continue to enact that plan while this commission is ongoing, because the system as it currently stands cannot continue down the path it is on.”
QUOTES ON THE CENSUS
Minister for Child Safety Amanda Camm said the outcomes for children in residential care must be addressed.
“I challenge anyone who can read the 2024 Census report and not think that a Commission of Inquiry is necessary to prevent another generation of children being traumatised.
“The Census shows we have young people with incredibly traumatic and complex backgrounds and needs that are not being met under current care arrangements.
“The Crisafulli Government will not stand idly by as vulnerable children are churned out through a system that cannot meet their needs.
“It appears either the former Labor Minister’s knew about the issues in the system and did nothing, or they opted to remain ignorant to the misery surrounding those in their care, either of which are unacceptable.
“The former government completed a Census in 2023, with the results much the same and they sat on their hands.
“It is unacceptable to me as the Minister for Child Safety that this has been allowed to go on for so long, we must find better outcomes for these children, otherwise we will have another generation lost in an abuse cycle.
“The Commission of Inquiry will look at whether we have the right infrastructure and supports in place for children with disabilities and mental health issues.
“We have to do better to create generational change for vulnerable children and that starts with reforming a broken system.”
QUOTES ON THE FINANCIALS
Minister for Child Safety Amanda Camm said this all happened under the watch of the former Labor Government.
“The former Labor Government created a billion-dollar industry on the back of the state’s most vulnerable children, where for-profit organisations wield all the power and dictate the market,” Ms Camm said.
“It has become abundantly clear to me in my first six months as Child Safety
Minister that this needs to be addressed and it needs to be done now.
“How this was allowed to happen will be subject to the Commission of Inquiry.
“It is nothing short of diabolical what the Labor party have done by not only overseeing this mess but allowing unscrupulous people to line their pockets as children in care languish.
“We must not only get better outcomes for these vulnerable children, but better outcomes for taxpayer’s dollars.”
Queensland’s most inspiring volunteers and volunteer programs will be recognised tonight at the Queensland Volunteering Awards Ceremony, proudly sponsored by the Crisafulli Government.
The awards acknowledge the tireless work of the thousands of volunteers who commit themselves to causes in their community, selflessly donating their time and sharing their knowledge and resources.
Now in their tenth year, the awards honour the people and businesses that have made meaningful contributions to their local communities throughout Queensland.
The Queensland Volunteering Awards has become a cornerstone event for the sector, honouring the powerful impact volunteers make on individuals and communities.
Under the former Labor Government, volunteers were forgotten and unappreciated, despite them being the heart and soul of many communities.
The Crisafulli Government is taking proactive steps to encourage Queenslanders to volunteer and has established a parliamentary inquiry into volunteering to strengthen community participation.
Minister for Volunteers Ann Leahy said the awards were more valuable than ever before, as the Crisafulli Government worked to reverse a decline in volunteering numbers under Labor.
“The Crisafulli Government understand just how important you are to our state and we want to ensure volunteers have the resources you need to keep doing what they do best,” Minister Leahy said.
“From disaster recovery volunteers to youth mentors, wildlife carers to community organisers, this year’s Queensland Volunteering Awards finalists reflect the diverse and inspiring nature of volunteering across the state.
“Their selfless contributions ensure our community organisations can continue to operate and provide valuable services and benefits to a range of groups.
“I’m so proud to be the Minister for Volunteers and I tip my hat to everyone who gives of their time and their knowledge so selflessly.”
Volunteering Queensland CEO Jane Hedger said the awards were an opportunity for those who give to take a bow and be on the receiving end of the state’s gratitude.
“These awards are not just a celebration of individual and collective achievements – they’re a chance for all of us to say “thank you”,” Ms Hedger said.
“Every nominee represents thousands more who give their time, their passion, and their energy to help others. This year’s finalists are truly remarkable.”
More than 200 guests will come together at Brisbane City Hall to celebrate 26 finalists across eight categories, shining a spotlight on the outstanding contributions of volunteers across the state.
Previous Volunteer of the Year recipients include Liz Downes, a wildlife conservationist who has worked for 40 years to save the Torres Strait pigeon from extinction; Melinda Jackson, who has been volunteering at Surf Lifesaving Queensland since she joined in 1980; and Brad Wearne, a volunteer who has transformed the lives of dementia sufferers with his outdoor workshops that provide participants with a sense of purpose, socialisation and greater self-esteem.
Corporations that have been recognised for their valuable impact on their communities include RACQ and Domino’s Pizza.
Queenslanders are being called to shine a light on the unsung heroes of their community who embody the spirit of our State, as the Crisafulli Government launches its Local Legend Award ahead of Queensland Day.
The Local Legend Awards celebrate the quiet achievers who volunteer, serve their community, and show kindness to others – whether that’s patrolling our beaches, mowing our sporting fields, or providing food and a friendly chat to the vulnerable.
Queensland's Local Legends will be announced on 6 June for Queensland Day and will receive a certificate presented by the Premier at the Dolphins v St George Illawarra Dragons NRL game at Suncorp Stadium.
The Local Legends will also receive a pack of limited-edition Bundaberg Brewed Drinks ‘Local Legend’ ginger beer.
The Local Legend Awards follow the Crisafulli Government launching the ‘All the Best’ campaign earlier this week, which encourages Queenslanders to celebrate their favourite produce and places across 15 categories including meat pie, beach and pub.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Queensland Day Local Legends Awards recognised the quiet Queenslanders who always go above and beyond.
“The Local Legends are the ones who don’t ask for credit – they just get in and get the job done - and embody the Queensland spirit,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“Every Queensland town or city has someone who makes that community a better place, and this is about giving those people the recognition they deserve.”
Nominations can be made at www.qld.gov.au/qldday, and close at 11.59 pm on Sunday 1 June.
The Crisafulli Government is urging Queenslanders to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated against influenza, with winter approaching and flu cases on the rise.
To date this year, more than one million Queenslanders (1,029,000) have taken the step to protect themselves against serious illness from the flu.
This includes more than 472,000 Queenslanders aged over 65 and more than 20,000 children under five years – the most at risk cohorts.
Despite the strong start, the uptake of the Crisafulli Government’s free flu vaccination has slowed in recent weeks, and are approximately 8 per cent lower than this time last year.
Queensland has recorded more than 17,400 cases of influenza up to 13 May with more than 1,800 people hospitalised this year, and 37 flu-related deaths.
The free-flu vaccination program is part of the Crisafulli Government’s Easier Access to Health Services Plan, which will deliver timely and accessible healthcare closer to home for all Queenslanders regardless of where they live.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the Crisafulli Government’s free flu vaccination program aims to protect people from the flu and ease pressure on the State’s health system and staff.
“That’s why the Queensland Government is investing $25 million this year to offer free flu vaccinations to all eligible Queenslanders from the age of six months,” Minister Nicholls said.
“Last year, more than 7,000 people were hospitalised due to the flu and sadly 201 people died. More than 40 of those deaths occurred in Queenslanders under 65.
“The former Labor government did not allocate any funding for the free-flu program for 2025 - zero dollars.
“The Crisafulli Government’s investment helps to make sure cost is not a barrier to people rolling up their sleeves, which is why Queenslanders can visit their GP or local pharmacy and receive the vaccination for free.”
Minister Nicholls was with Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr to receive his flu vaccination in Townsville and encouraged North Queenslanders to choose to get vaccinated against the flu.
“Worryingly, here in Townsville there have been 935 flu cases, 92 hospitalisations, and two deaths this year up to 4 May,” Ms Marr said.
All Queenslanders from the age of six months are eligible for the free influenza vaccination program which is available from thousands of GPs, pharmacies, and community vaccination providers across the state.
The Crisafulli Government is seeking feedback from Queensland social enterprises, investors, philanthropists, churches and community groups to further strengthen the social impact sector.
The Strengthening Social Impact in Queensland issues paper will help drive the development of Queensland’s Roadmap for Social Enterprise and Impact Investment.
Treasurer David Janetzki said more than 2,000 social enterprises already played a significant role in achieving inclusive employment, community benefits and sustainable outcomes across Queensland.
“The work of social enterprises delivers life-changing outcomes for vulnerable, disadvantaged and forgotten Queenslanders,” Treasurer Janetzki said.
“We’ve established Queensland’s first ever Office of Social Impact, which will help grow the State’s social impact sector, driving stronger education, health and employment outcomes.
“The release of the issues paper is an important step in the Government’s collaboration with the for-purpose sector and social enterprises across the State.”
Treasurer Janetzki said the feedback will help drive the Government’s roadmap for social enterprise and define the role of the landmark $80 million Social Entrepreneurs Fund to deliver profound outcomes for Queenslanders in need.
“We want to hear from investors, community and faith groups, philanthropic organisations, the private sector, and social entrepreneurs,” he said.
“Feedback to the issues paper will build on the engagement we commenced earlier this year through the Social Impact Advisory Roundtable and Philanthropic Roundtable.
“Those conversations provided clear insight into the experiences, challenges and innovative solutions already happening across the sector.”
The Strengthening Social Impact in Queensland issues paper is available on the Queensland Treasury website.
The Crisafulli Government has today convened the first meeting of Queensland’s inaugural Homelessness Ministerial Advisory Council (HMAC) a landmark step toward tackling Labor's Housing Crisis.
The Council will regularly bring together frontline service providers, community housing leaders, and State Government agencies to provide coordinated, evidence-based advice on reducing homelessness to the Minister.
It will give a real-time picture of homelessness challenges and responses across the State providing a regular direct line of communication to senior government leaders including in health and housing.
The formation of the Council reflects the Crisafulli Government’s belief that real change happens when solutions are informed by those working directly with vulnerable Queenslanders.
Under the former Labor government, vulnerable Queenslanders were left to fend for themselves as social housing supply plateaued.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a place for more Queenslanders to call home, with the meeting following a series of the Crisafulli Government’s recent housing reforms and investments, including:
Minister for Housing Sam O’Connor said the Council would strengthen government decision-making, guide policy development, and improve coordination between services and agencies.
“Under Labor’s housing crisis, the social housing waitlist soared to almost 50,000 people and we have almost 5,000 Queenslanders currently stuck in temporary and emergency accommodation. That is a shameful legacy — and we can only fix it with long term housing supply – not stop gap solutions," said Minister O’Connor.
“While Labor delivered an average of just 500 social homes per year over the past decade, the Crisafulli Government is reforming our delivery model to ramp up to building over 2,000 social and affordable homes per year.
“We have 5,000 new social and affordable homes under contract or under construction right now.
“But we know homelessness is a far more complex issue than just providing a safe place to stay. That’s why we’ve created the Homelessness Ministerial Advisory Council—to look at short, medium, and long-term solutions right across Queensland.
“Every Queenslander deserves a safe, secure place to call home, and that’s what we are determined to deliver.”
Christopher John, CEO of YFS Ltd based in Logan acknowledged HMAC marks an important first step toward elevating perspectives in the State’s homelessness response.
“We’re seeing too many young people, families, and older individuals falling through the cracks.” said Mr John.
“HMAC gives YFS and others a seat at the table to shape solutions that understand the lived experience of those facing housing insecurity and homelessness.
“This Ministerial Council ensures that on-the-ground service providers, who work every day with people experiencing homelessness, can provide valuable perspectives – and if we’re serious about change these views are exactly what needs to be heard.”
QShelter CEO Fiona Caniglia notes HMAC’s potential to drive collaboration across sectors and strengthen statewide responses.
“We welcome this strategic forum for collaboration that brings all of the necessary parts of the system together,” said Ms Caniglia.
“The housing crisis requires all parts of the system working together. HMAC is a critical opportunity to ensure that the policies developed translate into effective and sustainable solutions, now and in the future.”
CHIA CEO Julie Saunders emphasised the value of closer engagement between the Government and the community housing sector to accelerate housing outcomes.
“Community housing providers are ready to deliver,” said Ms Saunders.
“Cutting red tape and involving the sector early will help us fast-track housing where it’s needed most—and that’s what the Council can enable.”
The Crisafulli Government is encouraging Queensland families to walk to school tomorrow (May 16) for National Walk Safely to School Day.
The initiative is part of National Road Safety Week (11-18 May), aimed to highlight the importance of safe road practices and honours the memories of those who have lost their lives in road crashes.
National Walk Safely to School Day - led by the Pedestrian Council of Australia - aims to reinforce safe pedestrian behaviour, and help promote physical, mental, and social health benefits.
The Crisafulli Government is committed to improving road safety for children traveling to and from school with several other initiatives, including the Flashing School Zone Signs Program (FSZS), School Crossing Supervisors Scheme and Community Road Safety Grants.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said FSZS were a proven and cost-effective measure to remind motorists to slow down and be on the lookout for students and their families.
“Three quarters of Queensland parents want their kids to be more active, but safety concerns are one of the biggest barriers to more kids travelling to school actively,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“We’re getting on with the job and investing in new and improved paths and crossings for walking and riding to make it easier and safer for kids to safely travel to school on foot or by bike.
“National Walk Safely to School Day doesn’t only help educate children about road safety, but it’s a great way to help kids be more active and confident.
“It also helps reduce car congestion and emissions around schools and creates a safer and healthier school community.
“I am encouraging all parents and carers to join in and walk their children to school on 16 May and beyond.”
The Crisafulli Government is working with the Toowoomba Regional Council to deliver the public transport services and infrastructure needed to cater for the region’s growing population.
The Government is seeking community input to best deliver the transport needed for Toowoomba, which will provide better access to healthcare, jobs and education for residents following a decade of inaction by the former Labor Government.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering real cost of living relief through the LNP’s Permanent 50 Cent Fares after transport costs increased 29.5 per cent under the former Labor Government.
Since the introduction of the LNP’s Permanent 50 Cent Fares, public transport has seen an increase in patronage, including a 27.6 per cent increase on urban bus networks in regional Queensland.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said it was time the Toowoomba region got the attention it deserved following years of neglect by Labor.
“The Crisafulli Government’s priority is to deliver and invest in the right services, at the right time and in the right location to increase access to health, jobs and education,” Mr Mickelberg said.
“We are getting on with the job, working with the Toowoomba Regional Council to plan and deliver public transport improvements that meet the needs of the community.
Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts said this was great news for the region and many investment opportunities were on the table, from infrastructure to more services.
“From Highfields and Wilsonton to the new Toowoomba Hospital – we will target improvements that deliver the greatest benefit to the region balanced with value for money,” Mr Watts said.
“This is a great example of the Crisafulli Government working in partnership with local councils to deliver better services and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together."
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Geoff McDonald said better, more accessible public transport would help make Toowoomba an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
“It’s exciting to start work with the Queensland Government to plan the improvements needed for our region’s public transport network,” Mr McDonald said.
“Improvements will support our Toowoomba Region Sustainable Transport Strategy, which is all about making sure our region is an attractive, healthy and affordable place to live.
“Creating better access to public transport means residents can leave the car at home, which will help shape sustainable travel choices into the future."
The Crisafulli Government’s strong support of Queensland Police by delivering the tough laws and resources needed to do their jobs has resulted in more officers wanting to stay to fight Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis.
The latest Queensland Police data reveals in the first 200 days of the Crisafulli Government, the net head count for police increased by 240 officers as of April 25, on top of the October 2024 headcount of 12,303.
It comes as the Queensland Police Service recorded their lowest unplanned attrition rates in two and a half years, at less than three per cent.
Under Labor, the overall headcount only increased by 174 police officers across four financial years.
Frontline police were leaving in droves under the former government, due to officers feeling unsupported and overworked trying to fight Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis without backup.
The Crisafulli Government is backing our police service and recently delivered the largest police graduation in 33 years, with hundreds more recruits currently training at Queensland academies, and thousands more applicants in the recruiting pipeline.
Since being elected, the Crisafulli Government has already delivered additional funding for high-visibility police operations targeting crime hotspots, ongoing funding to make Youth Crime Taskforce permanent, tripling the size of the State Flying Squad and bolstering police mental health framework.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the Crisafulli Government was delivering the tools police need to keep our communites safe.
“Our zero-tolerance on crime and swift action to bring in tough laws like our Adult Crime, Adult Time, Making Jack’s Law Permanent and DV reform, is having an impact,” Minister Purdie said.
“Increasing the headcount by 240 officers in just 200 days is far more than what Labor was able to achieve in an entire term in government. We are delivering on our promises and giving the support our police have been crying out for.”
Minister Purdie also reaffirmed his commitment to help return the core responsibilities of police back to the roles they signed up for.
“With the QPS 100-day review, coupled with our strong legislative agenda to hold offenders to account, we will help to turn the tide on a decade of Labor inaction and make policing an attractive long-term career,” Minister Purdie said.
“There are six former frontline police officer currently in the Crisafulli Government – myself included. Collectively, we have more than 168 years of policing experience which gives us the unique understanding of what police want and need to do their jobs and keep Queensland safe.”
The Crisafulli Government has released new data showcasing the impact the Queensland Police Service’s Polair division is having fighting Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis.
The latest figures reveal the aerial police team has assisted in the arrest 785 offenders across the South East, including 165 juveniles this financial year, playing a critical role in cracking down on vehicle thefts and armed robberies.
With 31 Tactical Flight Officers operating advanced aerial surveillance systems, officers on the ground are provided with the intelligence and situational awareness needed to safely intercept offenders and prevent further harm.
Since July 1 2024, the Polair team responded to more than 1,500 priority incidents, including nearly 500 high priority Code 1 and Code 2 jobs within just 12 minutes of dispatch. The helicopters were also the first police asset on scene in more than half of all callouts.
Beyond its crime response, Polair has supported 131 missing person operations, including searches for vulnerable children, elderly Queenslanders and those with medical conditions.
The Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie commended the Polair team for its precision and effectiveness in tracking suspects and supporting frontline police.
“The Crisafulli Government takes a zero-tolerance to crime as we tackle the Labor Government’s Youth Crime Crisis. If you’re breaking the law, our police will find you and you will face our tough Adult Time, Adult Crime laws,” Minister Purdie said.
“These results show how our aerial police give our officers the edge they need to stay one step ahead of offenders. These young offenders need to understand: there are no easy getaways.”
Minister Purdie experienced first-hand the capability of Polair, becoming involved in a police pursuit of a stolen vehicle through the streets of Logan on 23 April during an operational flight.
“Despite being airborne, it was a very grounding experience to sit alongside the crew as they helped track another stolen car last month,” he said.
The Minister criticised the former Labor Government’s short-term approach to public safety, pointing to its funding black holes which has left the Polair division possibly short-changed.
“Labor left regional Queenslanders behind, funding Polair operations in Cairns and the Sunshine Coast for just 12 months, without any plan for long-term capability,” he said.
“This is just another example of how Labor was using bandaids solutions to fix the Youth Crime Crisis.
“From the skies above our neighbourhoods to the streets below, we’re giving police the tools and resources Labor never did and delivering real results.”
The Crisafulli Government has launched a new crackdown on illegal dumping across Queensland, and are calling on residents to use the new Litter and Illegal Dumping Online Reporting System (LIDORS) to report concerning activity.
The LIDORS has been upgraded to feature a user-friendly and modern interface and follows a 26 per cent increase in reports of illegal dumping across Queensland in the last half of 2024.
The new online reporting system forms part of a range of new initiatives to drive positive change in littering and illegal dumping behaviours, while cleaning up Labor’s legacy of shambolic waste management.
Waste sent to landfill increased under the former Labor Government - growing from 1.7 million tonnes in 2015 to nearly 2 million tonnes today – while recycling rates have gone backwards.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan to see less waste going to landfill, with public consultation on the new Queensland Waste Strategy – Less Landfill, More Recycling – recently opened.
The strategy will focus on new recycling and manufacturing opportunities to reduce landfill and drive down costs for Queenslanders.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said that Labor’s waste failure is not only sending more waste to landfill than ever before but has now caused a 26 per cent spike in illegal dumping reports.
“Our Government is focused on giving Queenslanders a better lifestyle and we know how harmful litter is to the natural environment,” Minister Powell said.
“We’re seeing literal mountains of rubbish being dumped in nature reserves and roadsides, it’s simply not good enough.
“We want to make it easier to report illegal dumping so we can clean this up as soon as practicably possible.
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said dumping is not just environmentally harmful, it is also illegal.
“Fines for littering start at around $322 and can be more than $12,000 if you’re caught dumping large amounts of waste,” Mr Baillie said.
“If your matter ends up in court, expect to pay much more than that.
“It’s important we make it as easy as possible for people to report illegal dumping, because the sooner we know about it, the faster we can respond and limit the impact on the environment.”
Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole said it’s time to clean up Queensland’s act.
“We are dedicated to protecting and preserving the environment by reducing waste to landfill and boosting recycling efforts,” Ms Poole said.
“Public consultation for our new Queensland Waste Strategy – Less Landfill, More Recycling – is currently open to have your say on the future of the Queensland waste industry.”
Members of the public are encouraged to report littering and illegal dumping to their local councils or via the online reporting tool: Report it | Environment, land and water | Queensland Government
To have your say on the new Queensland Waste Strategy, follow the link and make a submission by 26 June.
The Crisafulli Government is pledging Queensland’s support as the State unites with the rest of the country this National Road Safety Week (NRSW) to emphasise the importance of driving safely on our roads.
302 people died because of crashes on Queensland roads last year, the highest number of lives lost since 2009. Across Australia, 1300 people lost their lives on Australian roads, with around 40,000 people seriously injured.
The statistics aren’t just numbers, they are loved ones, colleagues, friends and neighbours, whose journeys ended tragically on our roads.
The Crisafulli Government is committed to improving safety on Queensland roads. Earlier this year it secured a $9 billion package, funded 80:20 with the Federal Government, for safety upgrades to the Bruce Highway.
This week will see events hosted across the State and landmarks lit up in yellow to remember those lives lost and as a reminder for everyone to look out for others on the road and make it home safely.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said road safety measures are about keeping Queenslanders safe on our roads, no matter their mode of transport.
“National Road Safety Week is a reminder for us all to reflect on our driving habits and the importance of driving safely on the road. It is a chance for us all to ensure each journey is a safe one, and we make it home,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“The Crisafulli Government has a clear focus to improve the safety of our road network, including a $9 billion safety upgrade package under an 80:20 deal for the Bruce Highway.
“Every single life lost on our roads has an impact across Queensland communities and leaves lifelong devastation.
“We need all drivers to take accountability and make safe decisions on our roads. This National Road Safety Week, let’s work together to make our roads a safer place for everyone.”
President of Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group Peter Frazer said National Road Safety Week is a reminder to Australians to actively look after those on the road ahead by choosing to ‘Drive So Others Survive.’
“National Road Safety Week is a reminder for us all to reflect on our driving habits and the importance of driving safely on the road. It is a chance for us all to ensure each journey is a safe one, and we make it home,” Mr Frazer said.
"Each year, too many families are affected by deaths or serious injuries on our roads, with the vast majority of those crashes happening in completely avoidable circumstances.
"Community involvement is essential. We call upon schools, businesses, unions, local government and Non-Government Organisations to promote awareness, to participate in events and share educational resources on road safety."
Individuals can take the pledge at www.roadsafetyweek.com.au/
The Crisafulli Government has launched the exciting new “All the Best” campaign, celebrating the State’s favourite produce and places, ahead of Queensland Day on June 6.
From the best pie to the best pint, Queenslanders across the State are being encouraged to put their town on the map and vote for their local ‘bests’ across 15 categories, including:
The Crisafulli Government launched the ‘All the Best’ campaign in the Wide Bay to kickstart Queensland Day celebrations, with Bundaberg Brewed Drinks revealing a specially designed Ginger Beer to mark Queensland’s 166th birthday.
The limited-edition drink will be exclusively available as part of the ‘Queensland Day Kombi’ road trip across the State to spread Queensland spirit and encourage Queenslanders to vote for the ‘bests’ of their region.
Premier David Crisafulli said this Queensland Day is an opportunity to celebrate everything great about the state.
“We live in the best place in the world, and there is so much to be proud of and celebrate this Queensland Day,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“Queenslanders know what makes our State so special, from the best spot for a Parmi to their favourite beach. I want them to share what they love about where they live.”
Queensland Day Ambassador and one of Australia’s most inspirational rugby league stars, Townsville-born Gorden Tallis, said he was honoured to be a part of the celebrations for Queensland Day this year.
“I’ve worn the Queensland jersey with pride and I know firsthand the passion Queenslanders bring to everything we do,” Mr Tallis said.
“I’ll be casting my vote for the best beer and pie in town – but whatever it is for you, now’s the time to show some love for your patch of Queensland and vote for what you think is best.”
Founder and Master Brewer of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Cliff Fleming AM said he was proud to host the launch of Queensland Day and the “All the Bests” campaign.
“We are a fourth-generation family business and proud born and bred Queenslanders. We have been making our iconic brews in this great state for over 55 years. The limited-edition Queensland Day labelled Ginger Beer will celebrate Queensland’s 166th birthday,” Mr Fleming said.
Visit www.qld.gov.au/qldday to vote for “All the Bests” or check out where you can find the Queensland Day Kombi.
The Queensland Bests will be announced this Queensland Day, 6 June.
The Crisafulli Government has announced the appointment of three new Magistrates to fill positions in some of Queensland’s busiest courthouses to deliver faster justice for victims of crime.
Deborah Mitchell, Adam Johnson, and Jessica Keir will serve as Magistrates in Southport, Ipswich, Caboolture and Cairns.
The Crisafulli Government is ensuring crime victims’ cases are heard sooner by boosting the capacity of Queensland justice services - and putting the rights of victims before the rights of offenders - after the number of victims of crime skyrocketed by 193 per cent under the former Labor Government.
This strong plan for Queensland has also seen the Government appoint an additional North Queensland District Court Judge and deliver two additional courtrooms in Townsville.
Deborah Mitchell brings more than two decades of legal experience to the bench, having excelled in previous roles across the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and the Mental Health Review Tribunal.
She has also facilitated countless equitable resolutions across a range of legal disputes as an accredited mediator.
Ms Mitchell has been a legal practitioner for the past two decades, having completed a Master of Laws from the Australian National University and degrees in Law and Commerce from Griffith University.
Her extensive career experience serving in legal roles at various government agencies such as the Australian Taxation Office, Medicare, Therapeutic Goods Administration, and other Departments will be of great value.
Adam Johnson‘s career brings to the Magistrates Court an extensive legal background that spans multiple jurisdictions and areas of expertise.
With qualifications in law, mediation, and professional accounting from QUT, Harvard University, and Bond University, Mr Johnson has demonstrated unwavering commitment to legal excellence.
His career has included key roles within the Australian Defence Force, the Administrative Review Tribunal, and the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, alongside senior positions in private and public legal practice.
Mr Johnson brings distinguished legal experience including as Director of Litigation at the Crime and Corruption Commission, overseeing regulatory and investigative matters.
Mr Johnson has also acted as Counsel Assisting in multiple Defence inquiries, addressing systemic issues and high-profile cases relating to military personnel.
His expertise also extends to coronial proceedings, workplace health and safety investigations, family law, and criminal litigation, reinforcing his ability to hear matters with diligence and integrity.
Jessica Keir’s appointment follows an extensive legal career spanning 16 years.
Ms Keir has practised in diverse areas including commercial litigation, employment law, guardianship, and insolvency.
Ms Keir's professional achievements include senior positions at Keir Steele Waldron and Legal Aid Queensland, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to upholding the rights of vulnerable individuals.
Her contributions to the legal profession have been further enriched by her work as Acting Managing Solicitor for the Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House, where she managed civil law services across North Queensland.
In addition to her career in the law, Ms Keir has actively contributed to the community through her roles on the boards of local organisations, including St Patrick's College Townsville and the Townsville Major Events Advisory Panel.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington commended the new magistrates on their well-deserved appointments.
“Their expertise in handling sensitive matters and delivering fair outcomes with integrity will serve the Courts and the community well in the years ahead,” the Attorney-General said.
“I am confident that Ms Mitchell, Mr Johnson, and Ms Keir will make significant contributions to the fair and efficient administration of justice in Queensland.
“Their diverse career experiences will be invaluable to the judiciary in upholding justice and meeting the expectations of the communities they serve.
"I am delighted to welcome these distinguished individuals to the Magistrates Court bench and extend my congratulations to each of them,”
Ms Mitchell and Mr Johnson will commence on 12 May 2025, with Ms Keir commencing on 30 May 2025.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for teachers, today announcing three new initiatives to reduce education red tape and free up teachers to spend more time teaching and less time on admin.
Extensive statewide consultation has informed the three new measures, with more than 15,000 submissions received through online surveys, face-to-face workshops, interviews, and written submissions.
The Crisafulli Government is committed to reducing red tape for teachers by 25%, to free up teachers to spend more time in the classroom and less time on admin, after 40% of Queensland students were failing to meet national maths and literacy standards under the former Labor Government.
The three additional actions to cut red tape for teachers and school staff include:
The new measures follow early actions already announced at the start of the school year to simplify student support plans, streamline school purchasing policies, and improve the efficiency of staff recruitment.
The new red tape measures follow a decade of inaction under the former Labor Government, which allowed bullying, behavioural issues and classroom assaults to skyrocket.
In addition to reducing red tape for teachers, the Crisafulli Government has announced a $44 million Behavioural Boost to better support teachers in the classroom and a $33 million nation-leading plan to tackle bullying in schools.
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the Working Group will now prepare a Red Tape Action Plan to provide clear steps forward to reduce teacher workloads.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to reduce the administrative burden for teachers and we’re tackling this from all angles,” Minister Langbroek said.
“The measures announced today will help to draw a clear line between teaching time and administration.
“We know the former Labor Government left teachers drowning in paperwork while students fell further behind, but we’re turning the tables after a decade of neglect.
“Our upcoming Action Plan will make it easier for teachers to teach, principals to lead, and ultimately it will be easier for students to learn.”
President of the Queensland Secondary Principals Association Mark Breckenridge said schools were seeking better ways to partner with parents.
“These communication protocols and clearer expectations are only going to strengthen the existing partnerships between schools and parents,” Mr Breckenridge.
Mr Breckenridge also said that the department’s support for senior staff to spend more time in schools is welcome.
“Principals will appreciate greater involvement of senior departmental leaders in our schools, which will ensure they understand the impact of their decisions at a school level,” he said.
Mr Jorgen Neilson, one of the state school principals on the Red Tape Reduction Working Group, said small schools and their communities would benefit greatly from the small school support plan.
“Supporting and developing aspiring school leaders into small school principalship will improve the quality of leadership and reduce the red tape associated with constantly running separate recruitment processes,” Mr Neilson said.
The Queensland Premier has officially launched the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge, with a fresh approach being introduced in schools to help lift literacy results.
The annual initiative encourages all state, private, and home-educated students from Prep to Year 9 to rediscover their love of books by reading 15 to 20 titles before the challenge ends on Friday 22 August.
This year marks a fresh start for the program, with 2025 labelled the Year of Reading, which will see teachers better supported with a fresh suite of resources, training, and targeted masterclasses to put a renewed focus on teacher reading.
The Crisafulli Government is determined to unleash Queensland kids’ full potential in the classroom by reducing red tape for teachers to allow them to spend more time boosting maths and English standards.
The Government is also delivering safer classrooms by cracking-down on bad behaviour, with the $44 million Behavioural Boost and a nation-leading $33 million plan to stamp out bullying.
The former Labor Government failed teachers and students, with 40 per cent of students failing national standards in maths and literacy and thousands of teachers leaving the job under the former Government due to a lack of support.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Reading Challenge reflected the Government’s commitment to strengthening Queensland schools.
“We are getting back to basics to deliver a world class education – more reading, more writing and allowing teachers to spend more time in classrooms,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“We are backing Queensland schools and teachers to give our kids the best possible education to set them up for the future.
“I encourage all students to get involved in the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge to boost literacy skills and improve their education.”
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the challenge provided a fun way for students to grow their skills.
“I want all children to receive a world-class education and it’s clear we need a fresh chapter after a decade of neglect under the former Labor Government,” Minister Langbroek said.
“Whether you’re new to the challenge or a long-time participant, I encourage schools to engage in some healthy competition and enter the challenge.
“Schools with 100 percent participation rates go into the lucky draw to win some great prizes.”
Carbrook State School Principal Mark Winrow said his school was proud to participate in the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge.
“2025 is the year of reading for our school. We have many events planned and we have developed specialised learning programs to support our students to be successful readers,” Mr Winrow said.
“We are delighted to warmly welcome the Premier and the Minister to showcase our wonderful school and hope they both leave with a lasting fondness for our students, staff and community.”
The Premier’s Reading Challenge is supported by Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
For more information on the Premier’s Reading Challenge visit https://readingchallenge.education.qld.gov.au/
Respected barrister Wayne Pennell will become Queensland’s Mining and Resources Coroner, a major step towards giving families closure and answers.
The new role delivers on the Crisafulli Government’s key election commitment to restore a vital justice service for Queensland’s resources sector, ensuring inquests are completed in a timely manner.
Labor put the safety of workers on the line when it axed and disbanded the former Mining Warden’s Court in 2001.
The Crisafulli Government is making safety a priority and re-establishing a specialist Mining and Resources Coroner with powers to investigate fatalities and make recommendations to enhance safety for every worker.
Mr Pennell will be based in Mackay after spending the first 12 months of his tenure in Brisbane.
Amendments to the Coroners Act 2003 are being prepared to establish the Mining and Resources Coroner role.
The Coroner will conduct all coronial investigations into fatalities on the State’s mine, quarry, petroleum and gas sites.
Mr Pennell will conduct general coronial duties prior to legislation being introduced.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington said the Mining and Resources Coroner would not only investigate fatalities but also conduct inquests and make recommendations with the full authority and power of a Coroners Court.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its promise to put victims first and the Mining Coroner will ensure, if there is a tragic accident, that families can get the answers they deserve about what went wrong,” the Attorney-General said.
“Labor might say they stand up for workers, but their actions towards the hard-working men and women in the mining resources sector shows us the disregard they had for preventing incidents on site.
“This will be an expansive role and Mr Pennell, who has experience in policing, law and as a member of various tribunals, is very well qualified to assume this important position.
“It is also another vital boost to our courts as we deliver on our promise of faster access to justice for victims.
“When not acting in the capacity of Mining Coroner, Mr Pennell will be available to undertake other coronial duties, which will help to ease pressure on the justice system.”
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said establishing the Mining and Resources Coroner position sent a clear message about accountability for safety.
“This is about restoring a vital layer of accountability that Labor walked away from. The reintroduction of the Mining and Resources Coroner sends a clear message that worker safety comes first in Queensland,” Minister Last said.
“Queenslanders rely on a strong and safe resource sector, but safety continues to be one of the top issues raised with me as I travel around the State.
“The Coroner will be empowered to conduct full and fair investigations with the goal of delivering genuine findings and recommendations that boost safety for every resource worker in Queensland.
“The Crisafulli Government is restoring trust in the system that was trashed by the former Labor Government, which left the critical position of Resources Safety and Health Commissioner vacant for nearly a year.
“Queensland’s resources sector has no future without its workforce, and we owe it to mining families that the system doesn’t look away when things go wrong.”
The Crisafulli Government has announced the successful recipients of just over $16 million in grants as part of a record-setting round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF).
Across Queensland, almost 630 community groups have been awarded grants of up to $35,000, to support a wide range of projects and initiatives.
The latest round delivers a welcome boost to Queensland non-for-profit organisations and clubs, with funding helping strengthen local facilities, support grassroots sport, and upgrade life-saving services.
More than 2000 applications were received across the State, which was the largest number in the program’s 31-year history.
Recipients from Round 122 include:
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the record-breaking interest in the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund demonstrated its importance in local communities.
“These grants are a huge benefit across Queensland’s towns, rural centres and cities, and they can be a lifeline for organisations that are doing it tough,” the Attorney-General said.
“You only need to look at the list of recipients in Round 122 to see the difference these grants make to the people and places that make our State strong.
“Whether it’s a shade sail over a kitchen garden, installing a solar power system, upgrading a building or providing equipment that will help save lives, I am very proud to be sharing the good news with successful applicants across Queensland and I congratulate each of them on their success.”
An independent panel of experts reviews all GCBF applications to ensure funding goes to projects that will have the greatest positive impact to Queensland communities.
A new round of the GCBF will open shortly.
Following the impacts of recent natural disasters, the upcoming GCBF Super Round (Round 124) has been rescheduled to ensure impacted organisations have the time and capacity to apply for funding.
Round 124 of the GCBF, offering grants of up to $100,000, will now open 9 June and close 18 July 2025.
For more details and a full list of recipients from Round 122 of the GCBF, visit: www.justice.qld.gov.au/grants
The Crisafulli Government is delivering new and improved train services across South East Queensland with customers on multiple lines to benefit from mid-May.
The Crisafulli Government’s South East Queensland rail timetable refresh will deliver 111 additional weekly train services and improve access with a change in stopping patterns on two lines.
The 111 additional services are more than all the new services combined delivered by Labor since 2016, with the former government not adding a single new service since 2020.
From Monday, May 19, changes will be implemented to deliver more than 45 contra-peak services per week (travelling outbound from the CBD in the morning and inbound in the afternoon) on the Cleveland line as well as delivering more than 40 weekly contra-peak services on the Ferny Grove line.
Doomben line customers will be able to catch a train on Sundays and public holidays for the first time from Sunday, June 1 when hourly services will begin.
Customers are encouraged to visit Translink’s journey planner in advance if they are travelling on the Cleveland, Doomben or Ferny Grove line once the changes take effect.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said this was another example of the Crisafulli Government delivering more affordable and frequent public transport.
“This year we delivered on a key election commitment to make 50 cent fares permanent. Now we are delivering more services for South East Queensland to get you home sooner,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“The fact that Labor had not added a single new service since 2020 says all you need to know about the former government and its lack of commitment to meeting the needs of commuters.
"The Crisafulli Government is delivering a win for train users on the Cleveland, Doomben and Ferny Grove lines with more weekly services, improved access to services thanks to new stopping patterns, and improved reliability.
“We’re always looking to make it easier and more accessible to catch public transport and we’re pleased to be delivering these improvements for customers.”
Queensland has stepped up the war against illicit tobacco and dangerous vapes, with the nation’s largest ever haul of illegal products by a health authority, in an effort to keep them out of the hands of kids.
More than 76,000 vapes, 19 million illicit cigarettes and 3.6 tonnes of loose illicit tobacco – with a combined estimated street value of $20.8 million - were seized during the record-breaking Operation Appaloosa in March.
Queensland Health raided more than 30 locations across Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Metro North, Metro South, and West Moreton, supported by the Queensland Police Service and the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
This crackdown came ahead of the 3 April 2025 commencement of the nation’s toughest on-the-spot fines for the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes, which means individuals can be fined $32,260 and businesses up to $161,300 if caught selling illicit tobacco and vapes.
In just the very first week of these new fines, illegal traders were hit with fines totalling $5,094,560. To put that into perspective, Labor averaged less than $250,000 in fines per week in their final months in office.
Minister for Health Tim Nicholls said the Crisafulli Government was determined to keep dangerous vapes out of the hands of children by stamping out illegal chop shops.
“Labor allowed organised crime gangs to set up illegal chop shops in plain sight across the State, putting our kids at great risk,” Minister Nicholls said.
"We need to do everything possible to keep dangerous illegal vapes away from Queensland’s young people, which is why we’ve boosted enforcement and introduced serious new fines.
“We’re hitting these illegal traders where it hurts most, by seizing their illicit goods to deprive them of generating a profit and hitting them with the nation’s toughest fines.
“The is the latest in our crackdown on illegal chop shops and we’ll continue to target this organised crime and keep dangerous vapes out of the hands of kids.”
Illicit tobacco or vape sales can be reported via the Queensland Health website or calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
The Crisafulli Government has appointed three new members to the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council, with each bringing extensive experience and knowledge in criminal law to the Council.
The new appointees are highly respected among Queensland’s legal fraternity and have backgrounds in both prosecution and defence.
The three new members are:
Nathan Crane – a Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions heavily involved in regional chambers such as Townsville and Cairns. Mr Crane has worked for the Crown for more than a decade where his work has included many notable prosecutions.
Kristy Bell – a long-serving member of the QLS Criminal Law Committee, Ms Bell is the director of Bell Criminal Lawyers and brings more than a decade of experience in criminal law, both in prosecution and defence.
Douglas Wilson – called to the Bar in 2007, Mr Wilson has appeared in a range of significant trials, sentences and appeals in Queensland’s District and Supreme Courts. Before obtaining his legal degree in 2006, he served as a police officer and was stationed in multiple areas across the State, including Caloundra, Mitchell and Doomadgee.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the new members would strengthen QSAC and provide valuable input on sentencing issues.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to Making Queensland Safer with tough new laws, including Adult Crime, Adult Time, and putting the rights of victims ahead of the rights of offenders,” the Attorney-General said.
“QSAC provides advice to the Government and information to the community on sentencing, and the new members will bring a wealth of legal knowledge and courtroom experience to the Council as it undertakes that work.
“With their decades of collective expertise, I know they will contribute important insights and advice, as we continue to bolster our laws to ensure sentencing reflects community expectations in Queensland.
“Each of these appointees are highly regarded among their peers and I congratulate them on their new positions with the Council,” the Attorney-General said.
Each of the new QSAC members has been appointed for a three-year term, which has now commenced.
The Crisafulli Government has unveiled its Small and Family Business First Action Statement, which will help small and family businesses across Queensland achieve their full potential.
The Statement – which is underpinned by more than $100 million in new investment – will improve the operating business environment, provide targeted financial support, and aim to create more than 120,000 new Queensland businesses over the next seven years.
Key outcomes of the Action Statement include:
Under the former Labor Government, Queensland experienced the highest failure rate of businesses of anywhere in the nation.
The Action Statement outlines the Crisafulli Government’s immediate priorities to deliver its small and family business first commitments made to Queenslanders ahead of last year’s State election.
The Statement also outlines the objectives of not only growing the number of new small and family businesses across the State but creating the right conditions for existing business to grow and expand.
Small and Family Business Minister Steve Minnikin said the Action Statement - announced during Small Business Month - provided practical support and assistance to small and family businesses across Queensland.
“Queensland is home to more than 495,000 small businesses, contributing $131 billion to our economy and employing over 1 million people, and the Action Statement forecasts the potential of more than 120,000 new Small and Family Businesses by 2032,” Minister Minnikin said.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to supporting small and family business rather than the previous Labor Government which saw too many small and family businesses working to support government.
“I’m proud our Government is stepping up with new funding of over $100 million to assist small and family businesses grow and succeed."
The Crisafulli Government is continuing its efforts to restore safety to Queensland, with more than 20 deployments of the State Flying Squad into crime hotspots in the first three months of the year.
A quarterly snapshot of police efforts to turn the tide on youth crime reveals Police made more than 4,235 arrests of youth in the first three months of the year, laying 18,028 charges.
112 deadly weapons were seized as part of Jack’s Law in January to March, through 12,378 wandings.
Police statistics also reveal during the first quarter of 2025, break-ins were down 12% on the previous year and stolen cars down 9% on the previous year.
The Crisafulli Government introduced significant amendments in Parliament last month to make Jack’s Law permanent and expand police wanding powers.
The Crisafulli LNP Government committed $32.4 million in funding over five years to the new State Flying Squad – making it the largest rapid response unit in Queensland Police history.
Since being established by the Crisafulli Government, the State Flying Squad has deployed to Ipswich, Gladstone, Townsville, Acacia Ridge, Murgon, Redcliffe, Boondall, Maryborough, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Saint George, Dutton Park, Goondiwindi, Logan, Mount Isa and Cairns, in both overt and covert operations to tackle crime.
Premier David Crisafulli said Queenslanders had been crying out for a police crackdown, and the Government was delivering.
“It will take time to reverse Labor’s decade of despair from weak crime laws and a generation of youth criminals, but finally the tide is slowly turning,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“Stronger laws, more police, early intervention and rehabilitation are all part of the fresh start for a safer Queensland.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the Crisafulli Government was delivering on its commitment to restore safety where you live.
“Queenslanders deserve safety and police deserve support, and we are delivering on both to turn the tide on Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis,” Minister Purdie said.
“Labor’s weak laws and failure to support frontline officers allowed crime to soar, but the Crisafulli Government is turning that around by backing our police.
“Armed with our Making Queensland Safer Laws, police have removed thousands of criminals from our streets in the first quarter of this year alone, and we are just getting started.”
The Crisafulli Government is supporting cutting-edge Queensland businesses to showcase new technologies to the NRL and rugby league fans during Magic Round.
Eight local startups were selected to promote their innovations to the NRL and NRL clubs, as well as key partners and sponsors at the NRL Magic Round Tech Showcase.
The showcase is the culmination of the NRL Tech Sprint – a 10-week program for selected Queensland businesses that had direct access to NRL experts, to help refine and adapt their technologies to meet the needs of the sporting body.
The event features emerging innovations such as immersive technology, artificial intelligence, micro-wearable sensors and 3D scanning, which can be used in the sports sector to boost fan engagement, athlete performance and wellness, and overall accessibility of the NRL.
Two companies – Imagine Realities and Crowd Canvas, will have their products in use at Suncorp Stadium during Magic Round from May 1 to 4.
Imagine Realities gives fans the chance to become NRL players as an avatar through their Tackle and Learn immersive experience held outside the stadium, with participants able to dodge tackles and score tries with motion sensors picking up their movements.
During matches at Suncorp Stadium, fans can be active participants in the interactive light show using their mobile phones to activate colours and torches in synchronisation with music – thanks to Crowd Canvas’ fan platform.
Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the showcase was an opportunity to leverage the exceptional major event, which brought tens of thousands of fans from around the country to Brisbane.
“Not only is Magic Round one of our State’s biggest events bringing in millions to our visitor economy, but we’re ensuring we get every inch of value from it by showcasing our tech abilities,” Minister Powell said.
“These emerging technologies will help to address real-world industry challenges, while enhancing the fan experience, athlete performance and event operations of the NRL.
“We are putting these Queensland businesses on the national stage – and in front of decision-makers from the NRL, NRL clubs and sponsors – with opportunities to secure commercial contracts.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said rugby league and innovation went hand in hand.
“As proof of that, look no further than Magic Round,” Mr Abdo said.
“The Tech Showcase is another exciting opportunity for the NRL, the Queensland Government and Queensland’s best and brightest to work together to create the next wave of cutting-edge ideas in the world of sport.”
The Crisafulli Government is working with primary producers across the State to design a plan to deliver a prosperous future for the sector.
Consultation throughout regional Queensland has started on the 25-year blueprint, “Primary Industries Prosper 2050”, which is the largest strategic collaboration between the Government and industry in at least a decade.
Following the forum in Brisbane on 26 February, the draft blueprint is now touring the State and available online.
Farmers, graziers, fishers, forestry workers, truck drivers and anyone connected to primary industries can contribute to the plan at a series of consultation events held across Queensland or online.
For a decade under Labor, Queensland’s primary industries sector was left to wither on the vine through the failure to invest and adapt to changing technologies.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering A Fresh Start for Queensland’s primary industries and is committed to boosting the State’s agricultural output to $30 billion by 2030.
Speaking at the Gympie information session, the Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the blueprint will drive future investment, create jobs, and unlock opportunities for agribusiness.
“This blueprint is our map to a better future for Queensland’s primary industries,” Minister Perrett said.
“I’m calling on all representatives from across our industry sectors, including research, community, investors and government, to make sure their voices are heard so we can co-deliver a future where our primary industries thrive and prosper.
“We want every industry to have their say and I can’t think of a better place to launch the consultation than the Gympie region which supports one of the most diverse primary industries offering in the State encompassing livestock, horticulture, fisheries and forestry.
“We need to work with the industry to return the sector to full profitability after decades of neglect under various Labor governments that took advantage of our food, fibre and foliage industries.”
Help shape the future of Queensland’s primary industries by joining the conversation on a draft blueprint at https://dpi.engagementhub.com.au/primary-industries-blueprint.
The public consultation closes on 9 June, 2025.
The Crisafulli Government has today passed a new, modernised Trusts Bill to repeal and replace Queensland’s outdated legislation.
The Trusts Bill 2025 will replace the current, half-century-old Trusts Act 1973, with simplified legislation that removes obsolete provisions to better reflect community standards.
The legislation reflects the recommendations that were made by the Queensland Law Reform Commission nearly a decade ago, but never enacted under Labor. It also reflects outcomes of more recent consultation with key government, non-government, and legal stakeholders.
The Bill provides trustees with broad powers to deal with trust property, as well as imposing new minimum statutory requirements on trustees to exercise care, diligence and skill when managing trust property.
It also deals with a range of important matters, including restrictions on the appointment, discharge, and removal of trustees.
The new laws will also simplify the process for trustees of smaller charitable trusts to vary the purposes of the trust in circumstances where its original purposes cannot be fulfilled.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said trusts played an important role in the lives of many Queenslanders and that the new Bill will bring this fundamental area of law into the 21st century.
“While many Queenslanders may be involved with a trust through a small business or family structure, there are so many more examples where they might interact with a trust in their everyday lives without realising it, including giving to charitable causes,” the Attorney-General said.
“It is critical we have legislation that reflects current community standards with common-sense provisions.
“Labor sat on their hands for the past decade, even though the existing Trusts Act had not been significantly updated since it was introduced in the 1970s and some of the provisions were relatively unchanged from their origins in various English Acts in the 1800s.
“The new legislation has been carefully crafted to give effect to recommendations made by the Queensland Law Reform Commission and I thank key legal, charity and trusts stakeholders who have contributed to its development.”
The Act will commence on a day yet to be proclaimed, allowing for sufficient lead in time before the new provisions take effect.
The Crisafulli Government’s Queensland Academy of Sport Bill 2025 has passed Queensland Parliament, marking a major milestone for high-performance sport in Queensland.
The passing of the legislation means the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) is officially off the blocks and set to become a Statutory Body on 1 July 2025.
This decision will provide the QAS with the autonomy and the agility needed to take operations to the next level and continue to develop a strong pipeline of Queensland athletes.
The QAS has established itself as the leading sport institute in the country and currently supports more than 530 athletes across 21 sport programs.
Work will now be undertaken to appoint an advisory board.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the move empowered the QAS to act with greater agility, efficiency, and flexibility.
“This is another important step forward in our plans to ensure Queensland remains a dominating force in world sport and is recognised as the undeniable home of sport in Australia,” Minister Mander said.
“The vote today will ensure the QAS transition is delivered 12 months earlier than the former Labor government’s original plan and will provide certainty for our athletes and the high-performance sector.
“We want Brisbane 2032 to be our most successful Olympic and Paralympic Games ever and this is an important step to make sure that happens.
“It’s time to unleash the Queensland Academy of Sport and allow it to operate with autonomy, strengthening support for athletes and enhancing their performance capabilities.
“I’d like to thank QAS staff for their support throughout the transition process and for their unwavering commitment to ensuring our Queensland athletes reach their full potential.”
The Crisafulli Government will deliver a world-leading legacy from the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with new laws to ensure Games venues, villages and transport infrastructure is completed on time and on budget.
The Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements (BOPGA) Act 2021 is being strengthened to streamline planning approval processes and clearly define responsibilities for a successful Games.
Following completion of the 100 Day Review and the release of the 2032 Delivery Plan, the Crisafulli Government’s focus is firmly on delivery, putting the Games back on track after Labor’s three years of chaos and crisis.
Under landmark planning changes, Games venues, village developments and transport infrastructure will be lawful despite other relevant acts, including the Queensland Heritage Act, the Planning Act, and the Local Government Act.
This will ensure GIICA and the State can successfully deliver the generational infrastructure for Queenslanders, on time and on budget.
As identified in the 2032 Delivery Plan, the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games will prepare the Games Coordination Plan while the Department of Transport and Main Roads will prepare the Transport and Mobility Strategy.
The total number of directors on the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee Board will be reduced, in line with recommendations from the independent 100 Day Review, to improve decision-making efficiency in the lead up to the Games.
A Games Leadership Group will also be established to provide oversight and coordination of Games entities.
Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said the amendments would ensure legislation was fit for purpose with a clear line of sight for project accountability.
“The 2032 Delivery Plan set a course of action, now we’re getting on with the job of delivering it,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“These changes will streamline the approvals process and provide clear roles to forge ahead and deliver generational infrastructure for the State on time and on budget after more than 1,200 wasted days of Labor chaos.
“We have time to deliver the Games, but we have to get on with it.
“Queenslanders voted for a fresh start to get the Games back on track and that’s what we are delivering.
“Our focus on maximising the legacy benefits and delivering generational infrastructure across all of Queensland is underpinned by a strong partnership with local governments and rural and regional communities.
“With the largest infrastructure investment in Queensland’s history, it’s important our legislation ensures clear pathways to delivery with the appropriate oversight."
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said changes to the Act would create greater efficiency and agility for the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee to deliver an exceptional Games.
“We are committed to staging a Games that all Queenslanders will be proud of,” Minister Mander said.
“Stakeholders and partners made it clear through the 100 Day Review that the current governance arrangements had added an additional level of complexity to the delivery and coordination of the Games.
“Amendments to the Act will see the total number of directors on the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee Board reduce from 24 to 15 in line with the recommendations from the review.
“This will reduce bureaucracy and streamline processes allowing experts, like Andrew Liveris AO, President of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, and his team to get on with the job of delivering the best Games yet.”
The Crisafulli Government has introduced nation-leading laws into Parliament today to deliver on its commitment to empower regional communities on renewable energy projects, and ensure long-lasting legacy benefits are locked in.
Under the changes, major solar farms will be impact assessable and subject to public notification, with the same rigorous approval processes as other major developments.
A new planning pathway will require major renewable programs to build social licence by demonstrating how projects will deliver long-term benefits for affected communities.
Proponents will be required to conduct a social impact assessment and enter into a binding community benefit agreement with the local government before lodging a development application.
Further, the changes will make the Queensland Government the Statewide assessment manager for solar farms, like the current arrangement for wind farms.
The changes build on reforms made earlier this year that made wind farms impact assessable and are part of delivering a fresh start for Queensland.
The reform ensures the Crisafulli Government delivers a voice for regional communities, after Labor shut them out of the consultation process on major renewable projects for a decade.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the reform would address the social impact of these large-scale developments and put communities first.
“We are restoring a voice for regional communities and putting them back in the driver’s seat for projects in their backyard, just as we promised,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“For too long, Labor's rush to renewables meant local communities and councils were shut out of the approvals process.
“These changes to the Planning Act mean renewable energy projects will have to engage early and authentically with communities and local governments and contribute a long-lasting legacy for their regions.
“Unlike Labor, we’re introducing more transparency and clarity for solar and wind farms, so that their developers are subject to the same rigorous processes as other major projects, including community consultation.”
Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Alison Smith thanked the State Government for delivering on an annual conference resolution from the state’s councils.
“No one knows their communities like local councils do, and they are best placed to ensure planned developments will take into consideration community needs and help enhance community liveability,” Ms Smith said.
“Since 2018, multiple resolutions have been passed by local government calling for reforms to improve renewable energy development outcomes, in recognition of the economic, social and environmental impact these developments have on local communities.”
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a strong future for the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA), with a refreshed Board bringing deep experience in agriculture, business and regional development to the organisation.
Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last today announced four new appointments to the QRIDA Board, including the organisation’s first female Chairperson, Caitlin McConnel.
Ms McConnel, a sixth-generation farmer and senior lawyer, joins new Directors Bruce Vandersee, Danica Olsen and Ari McCamley, each bringing valuable private sector and agricultural expertise to the Board.
Mr Vandersee, Ms Olsen and Ms McConnel have been appointed for three-year terms, while Mr McCamley’s initial term will run for approximately 16 months to ensure Board continuity.
Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last said the appointments positioned QRIDA to deliver stronger results for Queensland’s rural and regional sectors.
“Strong leadership at QRIDA is vital to support our long-term disaster recovery efforts, particularly after the recent flooding in Western Queensland and in North Queensland,” Minister Last said.
“These Board appointments will bring new perspectives and help the organisation explore new opportunities in developing Queensland’s rural and industry sectors.
“The new Directors bring a wealth of private sector and agriculture experience from Mr Vandersee’s leadership in agricultural machinery supply to Ms Olsen’s background in business banking for rural industries.
“QRIDA plays a critical role assisting farmers, businesses, and non-profits, particularly through financial support during times of hardship.
“With this refreshed Board, QRIDA is in a strong position to deliver for rural Queenslanders in the long-term recovery from this year’s natural disasters.
“I sincerely thank outgoing Chair John Corbett and Directors Belinda Turner and Dr Beth Woods for their commitment to QRIDA and to rural Queensland.”
The Crisafulli Government will hold a Parliamentary Inquiry into the use of personal e-mobility devices (PMD), such as e-scooters and e-bikes, to improve safety and address community concerns across Queensland.
These devices are replacing vehicles and being used more and more as a means of getting to work, education or to link with public transport.
This increased use has raised issues around public safety and most concerningly, incidents of injuries and fatalities are on the rise.
There was a 112% rise from 2021 to 2024 in injuries to PMD riders, passengers, and pedestrians. Tragically, eight PMD users died last year.
Labor failed to meet community expectations with inadequate laws and ignored the availability and use of illegal e-scooter and e-bikes, some with high-powered motors and throttle-control.
The Crisafulli Government is committed to restoring safety on our roads and footpaths across all Queensland communities.
The Parliamentary Inquiry will be established by the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee and will focus on the:
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said he was committed to improving safety for all road users and pedestrians.
“The increase in injuries and deaths we are seeing because of unsafe and unlawful riding cannot be ignored and I share the community’s concern,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“Labor failed to tackle dangerous and illegal e-scooter and e-bike use and left our police service woefully understaffed to enforce the regulations.
“The Crisafulli Government will hold a Parliamentary Inquiry to ensure we are doing everything we can to boost safety for both pedestrians and riders.
“We want to hear from community members, road use groups, disability advocates, health and trauma experts, academia, the E-mobility industry, and all levels of government.
“It’s important we consider all research and opinions, to ensure a safe and reliable future for e-scooters and e-bikes, especially as we welcome visitors from all over the world for the 2032 Games.”
The Crisafulli Government is backing Queensland small and family businesses by providing grants for 48 local groups and councils to promote opportunities to Recharge, Renew and Rebuild during Queensland Small Business Month.
The Better Local Business Grants have been awarded to Chambers of Commerce, industry groups, and regional councils across the State to host events throughout May.
It’s part of a bumper Queensland Small Business Month, with more than 140 events held across all parts of the State.
The Crisafulli Government is also hosting a series of events including What is my bottom line telling me, Business Recovery Clinics in Disaster affected areas, Big Partners for Small Business and Business Concierge Presents. These events are specifically designed to give Small Business the tools they need to thrive.
Under Labor, Queensland experienced the highest failure rate of businesses of anywhere in the nation, with 30 percent of new small businesses failing within the first five years.
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the Crisafulli Government would always back small and family businesses, and this calendar of events would spark meaningful conversations and actions.
“Through a series of events across the State we want to provide small and family businesses support to grow and thrive – whatever the task may be,” Minister Minnikin said.
“Small and family businesses are often the mainstay of our communities. Strengthening their connections fosters a sense of belonging and helps tackle local challenges head-on.
“This funding is all about getting behind our small and family businesses across all of Queensland and supporting them to have impactful discussions that deepen community ties.”
The funding boost will allow Food and Agribusiness Network to host a Meet the Female Makers event at the Sunshine Coast on 13 May, highlighting women-led food and agribusinesses.
CEO of Food and Agribusiness Network Nicole McNaughton said they are expecting up to 120 guests to attend including local business owners, industry stakeholders and community leaders.
“We applied for the Better Local Business Grant to shine a light on the incredible female makers in our region and create an event that not only celebrates their achievements, but connects them with wider business networks,” Ms McNaughton said.
“Meet the Female Makers is all about showcasing the passion, creativity and grit of local women-led businesses.
“It's an opportunity to highlight their stories and products while fostering real connections across industries. This event is important because it recognises the contribution of women in the business and food sectors – building visibility, creating opportunities and inspiring others in our community.”
Malanda Chamber of Commerce will host its A Place to Belong forum on 22 May to bring together the community to discuss cost of living and housing issues impacting the region.
“Our Chamber of Commerce is very active in Malanda, with over 70 members and apart from promoting business and commerce, we have a strong focus on whole of community and liveability,” Secretary of Malanda Chamber of Commerce John de Rooy said.
“Queensland Small Business Month in May is great timing for this community in North Queensland as we come out of the wet season and utilise the support from the Better Local Business Grant to create a meaningful networking event, focusing on an important issue in our community.”
To get involved, register an event or find out more about what's on this Queensland Small Business Month, head to business.qld.gov.au/qsbm.
The Crisafulli Government has today launched a new strategy to reduce rubbish and boost recycling, to deliver a better environment for Queensland.
Waste sent to landfill increased under the former Labor Government, growing from 1.7 million tonnes in 2015 to nearly 2 million tonnes today – while recycling rates have gone backwards.
The skyrocketing landfill rates are putting more pressure on local governments and, if they continue to grow at the current rate, will begin to encroach on potential greenfield housing development sites in some of the State’s fastest growing regions.
The Crisafulli Government’s new Waste Strategy focuses on reducing waste sent to landfill by identifying recycling and manufacturing opportunities to drive down costs for Queenslanders.
The plan also includes a new $130 million Resource Recovery Boost fund to support Councils develop initiatives and infrastructure to divert waste from household red bins to green and yellow bins.
The fund will deliver grants to assist councils to build critical waste infrastructure, divert waste from landfill and increase recycling.
The Government will also review the current waste levy arrangements, considering the potential impacts from NSW levy rates and cross-border waste movements, the influence of payments to local governments on achieving waste targets and look at excluded, exempt and discounted waste types.
Increases or decreases to the Containers for Change 10-cent refund have been ruled out, with the Government instead focusing on ways to divert more landfill into recycling.
Minister for the Environment Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was cleaning up a decade of Labor’s mess on waste.
“We are delivering a plan that will see less waste going to landfill, more recycling and a better environment for Queensland,” Minister Powell said.
“We have watched as Labor has allowed landfill rates to skyrocket, recycling to go backwards and Queenslanders to pay more.
“As we review the Waste Strategy, we will also review the waste levy because we know levy funds have not been invested where they need to be, and we will get to the bottom of it during this process.
“The Government will continue to listen and consult with local councils to ensure we can all achieve less landfill and more recycling across our communities.
“The new Waste Strategy will focus on creating new industries that will boost the number of jobs in the waste sector in Queensland.”
Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia CEO Gayle Sloan welcomed the plan for a new Queensland Waste Strategy.
“Queensland needs to divert two million tonnes of material from landfill over the next five years, which creates huge investment and job creation opportunities throughout all of Queensland, if we get the policy and economic settings right,” Ms Sloan said.
“The waste and resource recovery industry looks forward to working with the Government on getting these settings right, to enable investment in resource recovery, create end markets and keep Queensland’s valuable resources in circulation longer, reducing reliance on new materials and mitigating carbon impacts.”
CEO of the Waste and Recycling Industry of Queensland, Alison Price, said it was a great time to reset Queensland’s waste recycling targets.
“The waste industry is up to the task to recycle more materials in Queensland,” said Ms Price.
“We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the Queensland Government to co-design what the future of waste management looks like in this state.
“We are a thriving sector with endless opportunities for Queensland and with the Government finally open to working with us I am confident we can make Queensland one of the best performing states in the country.”
Public consultation has opened for eight weeks to feed into a new Queensland Waste Strategy.
The schedule of annual payments to Local Governments will continue in line with the Waste and Recycling Act.
To participate in public consultation on the draft new Queensland Waste Strategy visit this link: www.detsi.qld.gov.au/draft-waste-strategy
The Crisafulli Government has welcomed the first game of the Women’s State of Origin and the NRL Magic Round back to Brisbane for another year.
Game one of the Women’s State of Origin Series kicks off a massive four days of rugby league in Brisbane with NRL Magic Round set to see all eight games played on the hallowed turf of Suncorp Stadium.
The footy feast is set to attract 50,000 visitors to Brisbane, who still stay an average of five nights each, and spend an estimated $50 million.
Around 150,000 tickets to the Magic Round games are expected to be sold, in addition to the Women’s State of Origin game which drew more than 25,000 fans last year.
Suncorp Stadium will not only come alive during Magic Round but is set to host a series of major events in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where it will continue to shine on the world stage.
Minister for Sport Tim Mander said NRL Magic Round shows why Queensland is the home of major sporting events.
“Brisbane has proved time and again that it is the best place in the country to host NRL Magic Round and it is fitting that the city has secured the event until 2027,” said Minister Mander.
“NRL Magic Round is a highlight of the Queensland sporting calendar and has only been strengthened by the addition of the Women’s State of Origin to the exciting long weekend of sport.
“It showcases exactly why Queensland is becoming the undeniable home of Australian sport and will increasingly become the centre of the sporting world as we draw closer to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said 40 per cent of ticket holders come from outside of Queensland.
“Queensland is the home of the holiday, and our Government is excited to welcome thousands of visitors from interstate and New Zealand this weekend,” said Minister Powell.
“Magic Round is a key event on the rugby league calendar that extends to millions of people on TV who see the buzz that is created in the river city and I want to invite all footy fans to consider coming to Queensland for your next holiday."
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said Magic Round is the best sporting festival in the country.
“Nothing compares to the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of Magic Round,” said Mr Abdo.
“The Suncorp Stadium precinct and Caxton Street will be buzzing all week, starting with Women’s State of Origin on Thursday night and of course eight Premiership games in the one venue from Friday to Sunday.
“Magic Round is on track to break even more records with more fans than ever before set to converge on Brisbane.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the city was ready to host a blockbuster weekend of sport.
“Brisbane is buzzing with energy and excitement with fans taking over the city and our vibrant precincts,” Cr Schrinner said.
“From Howard Smith Wharves and South Bank to Queen’s Wharf and Caxton Street, NRL Magic Round turns Brisbane into one giant festival of footy, delivering a major economic boost for our city.
“With over 50,000 visitors in town, Brisbane is ready to deliver a blockbuster weekend, showcasing the magic of Brisbane that keeps fans coming back year after year.”
For more information or tickets, please visit www.nrl.com.
The Crisafulli Government has ushered in a new era of openness and accountability with its landmark Crime and Corruption (Restoring Reporting Powers) Amendment Bill 2025 passing parliament tonight.
The Bill delivers on the Government’s election commitment for a fresh start for Queensland, with bolstered powers for the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) allowing it to report on corruption risks in Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government changes will empower the CCC to publish reports and make public statements at any time about investigations and corruption complaints.
The CCC has been powerless to publicly report on corruption matters since the High Court found it lacked the authority to do so under existing legislation in 2023 – with Labor failing to act to amend Queensland laws.
The new laws will not only empower the CCC to publish future reports, it will retrospectively validate the preparation and publication of all past public reports and statements, including investigation reports, that had to be removed from the CCC’s website under Labor.
To provide further transparency and accountability for decisions under the new reporting framework, the amendments also include additional safeguards and expanded procedural fairness requirements.
When releasing information publicly, the CCC will be required to consider specific criteria, including the need for accountability and transparency in government and the seriousness of the matter.
The former Labor Government also kept Queenslanders in the dark by refusing to make key reports prepared by the CCC relating to Jackie Trad and Peter Carne public.
Importantly, the CCC must now table reports directly through the Speaker and continue to provide copies to the Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee and the Attorney-General.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the reforms would unshackle the State’s corruption watchdog.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment for a stronger corruption watchdog by restoring powers for the CCC,” The Attorney-General said.
“The CCC will have powers to release information publicly about corruption investigations, including its handling of individual corruption complaints, just as we promised.
“Queenslanders have a right to know that corruption engaged in by public sector and elected officials has been dealt with appropriately, transparently, and in accordance with the law.
“Under the Miles-Palaszczuk Government, Queenslanders were kept in the dark and denied the transparency they deserve, but the days of Labor’s political protection racket are over,” the Attorney-General said.
“By restoring the CCC’s powers to make public statements and reports, we are taking a critical step to restore public trust in our institutions and system of government.”
