Queensland's current government policies, including defunding Indigenous programs and contesting native title claims, are drawing comparisons to the repressive Joh Bjelke-Petersen era. Indigenous leaders and civil libertarians express concern over moves described as "project invisibility" and restrictions on protest and expression.
Queensland's LNP government budget includes an extra $50 for primary school students' back-to-school payments, raising it to $150. Despite charting a return to surplus by 2029-30, total debt is projected to exceed $200 billion over the next four years, with annual interest payments nearing $11 billion. The budget also caps senior executive roles to save tens of millions.
Queensland's government plans a $545 million investment in water security, including topping up two south-east dams. Treasurer David Janetzki confirmed the funding for North Pine and Lake Macdonald Dams, aiming to boost water availability for households and agriculture. The budget also allocates funds for new dam site scouting and rebuilding Paradise Dam.
Queensland's government will allocate $545 million to water security, including topping up North Pine and Lake Macdonald Dams. Treasurer David Janetzki confirmed no public service cuts but no return to surplus in four years. The budget also includes funds for new dam site scouting and rebuilding Paradise Dam.
The Queensland government has announced its Gold Coast Transport Plan, proposing metro-style buses as a replacement for the axed light rail stage 4. The "Gold Coast Surfer" aims to connect Coolangatta to Burleigh Heads and west to Robina, with services running every 10 minutes and a completion target of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Costs and exact routes are still to be determined.
The Queensland government has announced its Gold Coast Transport Plan, proposing metro-style buses to connect southern suburbs from Coolangatta to Robina. This plan replaces the axed stage-four light rail and aims for completion before the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, with services running every 10 minutes.
Queensland's budget will increase the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme fuel payment by 11 cents/km to 45 cents and add $17 million. Advocates call it "a drop in the ocean," wanting 86 cents/km. Accommodation subsidies remain unchanged. A two-year freeze on bulk water prices in southeast Queensland is also included.
The Queensland government is accused of breaching its own laws by failing to appoint Indigenous leaders to health and hospital boards, part of a campaign called "Project Invisibility." Critics say this removal of Indigenous voices undermines efforts to improve health outcomes and cultural representation.
Queensland's government is launching a new waste strategy with a 65% statewide recycling target by 2035 and a 65% reduction in waste to landfill. The plan includes $488 million for councils to offset levy costs and targets specific reductions for south-east Queensland and major regional hubs.
The Sycamore School, a specialist facility for autistic students in Alexandra Hills, has secured a 25-year lease extension from the Queensland government, ensuring its future after a period of uncertainty. The move is seen as a lifeline for students and families, allowing the school to apply for vital capital grants.
Queensland government invests $250 million to create the Queensland Protection Commission, a new agency to protect children from sexual abuse. This follows a review highlighting missed opportunities to stop notorious paedophile Ashley Paul Griffith.
Queensland's government is selling state-owned land for housing, with three developers set to build 450 homes, an aged care facility, and affordable housing on a six-hectare Brisbane site. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie highlighted the program's speed and focus on supply to address the housing crisis.
Amateur fishermen in Queensland are split on whether to relax laws that limit the size and number of bull sharks they can catch. While some want easier access to larger sharks, others, including experts, are concerned about the ecological impact of removing apex predators and potential health risks from consuming larger fish.
Brisbane's $3.6B Olympic stadium project in Victoria Park faces opposition from Indigenous protesters and residents, citing cultural heritage and environmental concerns, as the state government prepares to begin site work despite pending federal heritage protection decision.
The Queensland government has given $25 million to Ampol so it can produce renewable diesel in a bid to boost domestic fuel supplies.
