Premier's journal - July 2009
Fitzgerald 20 years on - We've come a long way but there's more to do
Photo supplied by Brett Stephens, Six-sixty productions
In Brisbane yesterday, I gave an address to the Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference which coincided with the 20th anniversary year of the Fitzgerald report being handed down.
This report was a major turning point in our history - it brought Queensland in to the 21st Century and changed our State for the better.
Much progress has been made over the past two decades. The work of the Crime and Misconduct Commission, the electoral reforms of the previous Goss and Beattie Governments, and my Government's introduction of the most transparent Right to Information laws in the country, as well as a lobbyists register, are just a few examples.
But I know there is always more work to be done.
Which is why, today, I made two announcements - the next step forward.
A Green Paper will seek public submissions on key issues on a range of integrity and accountability issues.
And, in an Australian first, we will legislate to ban the payment of success fees to lobbyists who achieve favourable outcomes from Government for their clients.
Reform is an ongoing process. And, as we mark this important milestone, I want to assure all Queenslanders that I will continue to drive the effort for the most open and accountable Government.
Record contribution to help crack new scientific frontiers
On Monday, I was at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) with Treasurer Wayne Swan for a some great news which will really help cement Queensland's international research reputation.
The Atlantic Philanthropies – one of the world's biggest philanthropic organisations, founded by Chuck Feeney – will give a record $102 million to be spread across three pioneering projects which are leading charge against a range of diseases.
This is the biggest ever philanthropic donation in the country's history. There is no one more dedicated to this work than Chuck Feeney, and it was terrific to see him there on Sunday.
Mr Feeney's contribution will be met with a significant investment of State and Commonwealth funds.
This donation is a real vote of confidence in the work being done here. We are punching well and truly above our weight when it comes to health and medical research.
A sneak peak of the new Northern Busway
This morning, I had a sneak peak of the new Northern Busway which will be the next link in chain in Brisbane's busy busway network.
Stage One of the busway - a $198 million project - has been completed on budget and ahead of schedule.
It looks fantastic. And it's great news for Brisbane commuters because, along with the Inner Northern Busway, it will slash travel times between the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital precinct and the city.
…then some pedal to the metal on to the Gold Coast
Then it was off to the Gold Coast for the official launch of the Nitro SuperGP - Australia's #1 motorsport event.
The event was kicked off in spectacular style with a 24-strong parachute drop over Main Beach.
This will be the 19th year in a row the world motorsport spotlight will shine on the Gold Coast - making it one of the most successful of its kind.
With 300,000 people expected to attend the October event, it will also be a great boost for the local tourism industry so I am behind this all the way!
Moreton Bay clean up: Swire must pay
This morning, I met with representatives from Swire Shipping Corporation about paying for the clean-up effort following February's devastating oil spill in Moreton Bay.
The meeting was a constructive start. But, frankly, anything short of paying for the entire cost of the clean up – about $31 million – is not good enough.
They have made an initial offer, but I am not going to accept second best.
You can't just turn up on a beach here, dump a whole lot of oil and expect taxpayers to clean up after you. It's just not on.
I am determined to keep pursuing this, and all the options that are available to us.
Alcohol-fuelled violence: enough is enough
This week, I announced our plan to crackdown on the use of glass in high-risk venues across Qld.
To be frank, enough is enough. The latest statistics show an alarming rate of glassing incidents with 45 recorded cases of glassings in licensed premises since July 1 last year.
We will be working with the liquor industry and Qld Police Service to identify high-risk venues with the aim of replacing glass with plastic, or something similar, by the end of the year.
A parliamentary inquiry will also look more broadly at issues like community safety, the safety of our frontline emergency service workers, and other ways to curb alcohol-related violence.
Of course there is no magic silver bullet. But it's time to have another look at the culture of drinking. A good night out should not involve binge drinking and violence. It's time to restore some respect.
Maroons jersey bound for walls of NSW Premier's office
On the eve of the third game for the 2009 State of Origin series, it gave me great pleasure to sign a Maroons jersey and bundle it up in a envelope to send to Premier Nathan Rees.
Our jersey will hang in Premier Rees' office for the next 12 months as a reminder of the thrashing we gave the Blues.
Tonight's result won't change the fact we have brought the series home yet again – although I am predicting our boys will get up 22-12!
And as the winner of the Premiers' Origin bet, I have chosen Normanton Stingers Rugby League Football Club as the Queensland club that will receive the two, one-off 2009 signed State of Origin jerseys.
This inspirational club has done a lot of great work in its community to reduce domestic violence, and were the recipients of a National Crime-Prevention Award last year.
Coach Paul Stephens and the team are great role models for the juniors in the club and I congratulate them on the great work they're doing.
I hope the proceeds from auctioning the jerseys will help towards their fundraising for a new club house.
GO QUEENSLAND!
Surf Lifesavers join 'Orange Angels' to help out beyond the beach
Today was a great day in the Q2 story. I launched the first Toward Q2 Partner Projects, aimed at making Queensland a better place for everyone.
When I launched Q2 last September, I knew we had set a big challenge to achieve our ambitions of a strong, green, smart, healthy and fair Queensland. And I knew that Government couldn't achieve it alone.
Among the flagship projects are surf lifesavers saving lives beyond the beach, job protection training for business leaders and councils creating healthy environments - and I want to congratulate the business and community organisations that have put their hands up to do their bit.
Each of the 11 foundations partners are delivering projects that directly contributed to at least one of the ten Q2 targets.
For example, Surf Life Saving Queensland has signed an agreement with the Queensland Government to provide additional support and facilities during emergency response situations.
That means we'll be tapping into the world famous expertise of this iconic organisation to save lives beyond our beaches for the first time.
This is a union between our surf heroes and our orange angels that could benefit all Queenslanders. This is the essence of what Q2 is all about.
Last updated Wednesday, August 26, 2009
^ to top
