Hon Annastacia P alaszczuk P remier and Minister for the Olympic and  Paralympic Games Tougher hate crime and serious vilification laws for Queensland New laws have been introduced to Parliament to increase penalties for offences that are motivated by hatred or serious contempt The reforms amend the Criminal Code to ban the display of hate symbols Criminals who commit crimes motivated by serious hate and prejudice against specified groups will face tougher penalties. New legislation has been introduced to ban the display of hate symbols, such as those representative of Nazi ideology, and increase penalties for offences that are motivated by hatred or serious contempt and the existing offence of serious vilification. The Criminal Code (Serious Vilification and Hate Crimes) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023  gives effect to four key recommendations made by the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee in January 2022 to strengthen Queensland’s hate crime laws. A new ‘Prohibited...

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk Photo YouTube Palaszczuk: It’s not something I generally promote or practice, but, buried in my distant past, I am, in fact, a lawyer. And buried in Australia’s past are some very troubling matters in law. Especially when it comes to Treaty. I first read the historian Henry Reynolds’ books while studying documents relating to our colonial history in the British Library in London. I was reading court documents I had not read or even heard of at school in Australia. I have never forgotten what I discovered. Deep in these documents were directions from the British Colonial Office to “make Treaties.” Reynolds points out the contradiction of the British treatment of indigenous peoples in Canada, Northern America and New Zealand with what happened in Australia. In those countries, the possession of lands by First Nations peoples was recognised and was negotiated. There were Treaties between the Crown and the peoples of those nations. Some were better than others...

Indigenous arts  Image by  Tim Lin  from  Pixabay   Seven First Nations artists and organisations will share in almost $400,000 of funding in the latest round of the Palaszczuk Government’s First Nations Commissioning Fund. Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the First Nations Commissioning Fund has supported the development of exciting new works that celebrate the stories of two of the longest continuous living cultures in the world, through authentic Indigenous arts and cultural experiences. “This fund further develops connections for future generations, creates employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts workers, and enables Queenslanders to experience and engage in diverse works by First Nations artists,” Minister Enoch said.  “The funding is investing in new works and experiences across theatre, dance, fashion, visual arts, community cultural arts, and also an innovative app by Gabba Musik who will partner w...

The Palaszczuk Government has today announced new response measures to COVID cases, commencing on 1 January 2022. Minister for Health Yvette D’Ath said that these measures are consistent with Australia’s national plan for reopening. “Queensland’s management of COVID-19 so far has meant we’ve experienced significantly less cases than other jurisdictions, and after hitting that 80 per cent vaccination target, our borders are re-opening,” Minister D’Ath said. “To continue moving forward, we also need to acknowledge that the coming months will inevitably bring a rise in cases and increased community transmission. “For every COVID positive person, there will also be close and casual contacts. Managing the testing, tracing and quarantine of these people – along with bolstering surge capacity in our hospitals – will be key in keeping businesses and borders open. “As with the restrictions that are set to start on 17 December, what you have to do if you are a close contact will be all about you...

Roma Hospital Video FINAL WATPAC Photo Watpac YouTube Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has officially opened a new and improved hospital in southwest Queensland delivered as part of the government’s record $21.8 billion investment in public health. Tens of thousands of west Queenslanders will now have access to world-class health facilities under the one roof thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s investment in the new Roma Hospital. The Premier today toured the new $116.6 million hospital which now caters to increased outpatient capacity and houses 22 beds, two birthing suites, two operating theatres and is capable of accommodating families and people travelling long distances for day surgery. “Roma Hospital is everything a state-of-the-art hospital should be to support people in the south west and to look after their families and loved ones,” the Premier said. “We’re investing more in health than any government in our state’s history because we know how important it is for people in ...

Palaszczuk at Townsville Stadium Photo YouTube Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has welcomed the decision to host the State of Origin in Townsville Stadium. The game on June 9, will be the first Origin ever held in a regional city. The Premier said delivering the game to Townsville is part of Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan. “Our prayers have been answered,” the Premier said. Video starts at 2 Min 30sec  “To bring the game we love to the fans who love it most in their own stadium is truly special.  “If the ‘Queenslander’ chant puts the frighteners into the Blues, just wait till they hear it from North Queensland.” Operation Origin began last week when a COVID outbreak cast doubt on Melbourne being able to host Game One.  Negotiations with the NRL began and the Premier said she is delighted they have come to fruition. “We saw what Magic Round did for Brisbane,” the Premier said. “Hotels, pubs and restaurants were filled and cabbies reported their busiest weekend since COV...

The Premier: A bill to establish Voluntary Assisted Dying laws will be introduced to parliament next week. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the bill’s introduction fulfilled a commitment she made to the people of Queensland prior to the state election in October. “For many, this will be the most important work this parliament will do,” the Premier said. “We’re committed to delivering a $171 million investment in palliative care options but many people who have watched a loved one suffer feel passionately that there must be a dignified alternative. “Equally there are those whose opposition is as deeply and sincerely felt. “That is why, when the time comes, Government MPs will vote according to their conscience. “This must be beyond politics. “I urge all Queenslanders to follow the debate and participate in it with the utmost respect for other people and other points of view.” The Premier said the community could now read the Queensland Law Reform Commission’s report on a legal framewo...

Cavill Mall Surfers Paradise Photo Blow the Truth The Greater Brisbane lockdown lifts at 12 noon today and a number of temporary safety measures will remain in place for all of Queensland. The following restrictions will be in place for two weeks until 12 noon on Thursday 15 April 2021: • You must continue to carry a mask with you whenever you leave home, and wear it in indoor venues • Hospitality venues can open for seated eating and drinking only, and no dancing is allowed • Private gatherings are restricted to 30 people • Businesses can re-open with one person per 2m² • Outdoor events can go ahead with a COVID-safe plan, but masks must be worn if social distancing isn’t possible • Church services will be allowed 100% occupancy with ticketed or allocated seating or adhering to the one per 2m² rule • Restrictions on aged care, hospitals, disability care and correctional facilities will apply with no personal visitors allowed during this period. Thanks to the hard work of Queenslanders...

Annastacia Palaszczuk Photo facebook The Greater Brisbane region has now entered a three-day lockdown and increased restrictions are in place across Queensland as evidence of community transmission of the UK strain of COVID-19 continues to emerge. The Greater Brisbane region includes:  Brisbane City Council;  Logan City Council;  Moreton Bay Regional Council;  Ipswich City Council; and  Redland City Council. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the three-day lockdown would be reviewed on Wednesday and allow Queensland Health to carry out vital contact tracing. “This is the UK strain. It is highly infectious. We need to do this now to avoid a longer lockdown,” the Premier said. “Just like the lockdown in January, this is designed to be a circuit breaker to limit community spread as much as possible.” Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the three day lockdown would limit community spread of COVID-19. “With significant community transmission and m...