Estimates Committee F - 2010
Volume of Additional Information Contents
Minutes of meetings • 9 June 2010 • 21 July 2010 • 27 July 2010
Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships • Questions on notice • Answers to questions on notice • Documents tabled at the hearing
Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport • Questions on notice • Answers to questions on notice • Documents tabled at the hearing
Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women • Questions on notice • Answers to questions on notice • Documents tabled at the hearing Minutes of meetings 9 June 2010 21 July 2010 27 July 2010 1 Minutes [®I Original Held: RD
File No: Est F 2010
Minutes of meeting of Estimates Committee F Held on Wednesday 9 June 2010 At 2.04 pm in Room 5.05 Parliamentary Annexe
Present: Ms Mary-Anne O'Neili MP, Chair Mr Jack Dempsey MP Mr Howard Hobbs MP Ms Betty Kiernan MP Mrs Rosemary Menkens MP Mrs Christine Smith MP Mr Stephen Wettenhall MP
In attendance: Mrs Helen Bogiatzis, Estimates F Research Director Mrs Marilyn Freeman, Estimates F Executive Assistant
Apologies: Nil
Election of Deputy The chair called for nominations for the position of Deputy Chair. Chair: Mr Dempsey MP nominated Mr Howard Hobbs MP, seconded by Mrs Rosemary Menkens MP. Mr Hobbs accepted the nomination.
There being no further nominations, Mr Hobbs was elected deputy chair.
Questions on notice The committee discussed the timetable to be adopted with respect to questions on prior to hearing and notice and questions taken on notice at the hearing. questions taken on notice at the On the motion of Mrs Smith, seconded by Mr Dempsey, the committee resolved hearing: that: • Members questions on notice be forwarded to the research director by 10:00 am Thursday 24 June 2010. • Minister's answers to the questions taken on notice at the hearing be returned to the research director by 10.00 am Friday 23 July 20 I O. Public Hearing on Wednesday 21 July Hearing Time Allocations 2010 timetable The committee discussed the draft timetable. On the motion of Mr Hobbs, seconded by Mrs Kiernan, the committee resolved that with respect to the committee's hearing on Wednesday 21 July, 2010 the order and time allocations as follows be adopted.
Portfolio Session Detail Session Time
Minister for Local Gov!. & Aboriginal & Torres Strait Local Government 8.30 - 10.00:am Islander Partnerships
Break 10.00 -10.20 am
Minister for Local Gov!. & Aboriginal & Torres Aboriginal & Torres Strait Strait Islander 10.20 -11.20 am Islander Partnerships Partnerships
Break 11.20-11.30am
Minister for Child Safety and Child Safety 11.30-1.00 pm Minister for Sport
Lunch 1.00 -2.00 pm
Minister for Child Safety and Child Safety 2.00 - 3.00 pm Minister for Sport
Minister for Child Safety and Sport 3.00 - 3.45 pm Minister for Sport
Break 3.45 - 4.05 pm
Minister for Community Services & Housing and Community Services 4.05 - 5.20 pm Minister for Women
Break 5.20 - 5.30 pm
Minister for Community Services & Housing and Housing & Women 5.30 - 6.30 pm Minister for Women Public Hearing on Wednesday 21 July Introductory statements, order of questioning and non-committee members 2010 cont. On the motion of Mrs Kiernan, seconded by Mr Hobbs, the committee resolved that non-committee members be given leave to ask questions during the hearing. For administration purposes committee members to advise the research director of non-committee members who will be asking questions. • Mrs Menkens advised that Ms Tracy Davis, Member for Aspley will attend the session for Community Services. • Mr Dempsey advised that Mr Andrew Powell, Member for Glass House will attend the session for Child Safety. • Mr Hobbs to advise an additional non-committee member attendance.
Broadcasting of the hearing On the motion of Mrs Kiernan, seconded by Mrs Menkens, the committee resolved that • television film coverage, photographs and sound hroadcast be allowed for the Chair's opening comments and the introductory statements of each Minister and that television, film and photographic coverage be allowed at the change of organisational units being examined. • audio and video of the hearing recorded by Parliamentary Service cameras and microphones in the Legislative Council Chamber shall be broadcast by the Parliamentary Service via the Service's website and to receivers throughout the Parliamentary Precinct.
On the motion of Mr Dempsey, seconded by Mrs Kiernan, the committee resolved that the following conditions and guidelines be adopted for radio and television broadcasting of the hearing: Conditions for radio and television broadcasting of the public hearing of Estimates Committee F The following rules shall apply in relation to radio and television broadcasting, including rebroadcasting, of the proceedings of the public hearing for Estimates Committee F on Wednesday 21 July 2010. 1. Broadcasting of the proceedings shall be for the purpose of making fair and accurate reports of those proceedings, and, in particular: a. shall not be the subject of commercial sponsorship or be used for commercial advertising; and b. shall not be used for electoral advertising. 2. Recording and broadcasting of the proceedings shall not be such as to interfere with the conduct of those proceedings. 3. The committee may report to the House any willful breach of these conditions.
Guidelines for Camera Operators The ·Parliamentary Service is responsible for video broadcasting of the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly's committees. Public Hearing on Wednesday 21 July The broadcasting of the public hearing of Estimates Committee F must support 2010 cont. a dignified, accurate and consistent image of the committee. To achieve this image, camera operators shall comply with the following guidelines: 1. Cameras will only begin to fihn when the chair declares the hearing open, and will cease filming when the chair declares the hearing closed, adjourned or suspended. 2. Generally, cameras should only focus on the committee member or minister, or to a ministerial advisor to whom a minister has referred a question to answer. Shots should be no closer than 'head and shoulders'. 3. Cameras should never focus on a committee member who is not asking a question or a minister or ministerial advisor who is not giving an answer. 4. Fine tuning or variations to depths of field at the discretion of the operator is acceptable. 5. Sparing use of wide-angle shot may be used at other times. 6. Reaction shots of a committee member, minister or ministerial advisor are not permitted. 7. If an exchange between committee members, a minister and ministerial advisors is too fast to permit normal camera switching, a wider camera shot incorporating those involved in the exchange, including the chair, is permitted. 8. In the event of unparliamentary behaviour or disturbance in the proceeding, the camera is to focus on the chair or a slightly wider angle shot ofthe hearing which does not show the offending incident. 9. No close-up shots of committee members', ministers' or advisors' papers are permitted. 10. Instructions from the chair in relation to the operation of the vision equipment shall be observed.
Ministers' use of ancillary materials The committee discussed the possibility that Ministers might wish to use ancillary materials at the hearing. On the motion of Mrs Kiernan, seconded by Mrs _Menkens, the question was put that Ministers be allowed to use ancillary materials during the hearing provided the following guidelines are complied with: • The materials should not be of a size or nature which could create safety or security issues (eg, they impede movement within the Chamber, impede access to and from the Chamber, require power cords to be run across the floor, are difficult to move into and out of the Parliamentary precinct) • If the materials contain or depict information, that information should also be presented to the committee in documentary or other acceptable form. Advance notice should be given to the research director of the nature of any ancillary materials the Minister proposes using, so that the committee can assess its compliance with the above. General business Committee agreed to advise the research director of any notice of examination in detail by no later than 10.00 am Thursday 24 June 2010. Committee agreed on the Public Hearing day that morning and afternoon tea would be provided and members would arrange their own lunch. Coffee and tea making facilities will be available throughout the day behind the Legislative Council Chamber. Committee agreed that the report adoption meeting would occur at 10.00 am Tuesday 27 July 2010 with teleconference facilities available. Members were reminded that statements of reservation or dissenting reports are to be sent to the research director 24 hours from the adoption meeting
Next meeting 8:00 am Wednesday 21 July 2010 prior to hearing, in Room A.35 Parliament House
Close 2.15 pm
Confirmed:
Mary-Anne 0' Neill Chair Minutes
Original Held: RD
File No: Est F 2010
Minutes of meeting of Estimates Committee F Held on Wednesday 21 July 2010 At 8:03 am in Room A.3S Parliamentary Annexe
Present: Ms Mary-Anne O'Neill MP, Chair Mr Howard Hobbs MP, Deputy Chair Mr Jack Dempsey MP Mrs Betty Kiernan MP Mrs Rosemary Menkens MP Mrs Christine Smith MP Mr Stephen Wettenhall MP
In attendance: Mrs Helen Bogiatzis, Estimates F Research Director Mrs Marilyn Freeman, Estimates F Executive Assistant
Apologies: Nil
Confirmation of On the motion of Mr Wettenhall, seconded by Mrs Kiernan, it was Minutes of Previous resolved that the minutes of 9 June 20 lObe confIrmed. meeting
Business arising There was no business arising from the minutes of the meeting held from the minutes 9 June 2010.
Public Hearing The committee noted the following matters: Procedures [Standing Orders 177, 178, 180 and 183] • Questions are to be directed to the Minister, not to their advisers. The Minister may refer questions to their advisers to answer. • Questions shall be no longer than 1 minute and answers no longer than 3 minutes. The member asking the question may agree to extend the time for an answer, but any extension over 2 minutes must be agreed to by the chair. • One bell will sound 15 seconds before the expiration oftime limits and a double bell will sound at the expiration of the time limit. A double bell will also sound 2 minutes after an extension of time has been given. • Questioning will be conducted in 20 minute sessions, rotating between government and non-government members. The fIrst session will be allocated to non-government members. • Members of the committee may table documents without the leave of the committee. Documents may ouly be tabled by a Minister, a wituess or non-committee member, with the leave of the committee. • Any time expended when committee deliberates in private is to be equally apportioned between government and non-government members. • The committee has given leave for non-committee members to attend and ask questions. • A Minister may make an opening statement of up to 5 minutes. • The committee agreed that departments are to provide responses to questions taken on notice at the hearing to the research director by 10.00am Friday 23 July 2010. Any questions taken on notice at the hearing are to be signed by the member asking the question on pre-printed forms.
Release of inquiry On the motion of Mrs Kiernan, seconded by Mr Hobbs, it was resolved documents that pursuant to 50(2) of the Parliament a/Queensland Act 2001 the committee authorises the publication of all remaining documents presented to itin the course of its inquiry.
Other business Use of Ancillary Material by Ministers:
The committee agreed that they had no objections to two items of ancillary material being presented during the committee's examination: r These were:
Local Government - example of micro chip for cats and dogs.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partuerships - colour slides
Close There being no further business, the committee closed at 8:15 am
Confirmed Tuesday 27 July 2010
Mary-Anne O'Neill MP Chair Minutes
Original Held: RD
File No: Est F 2010
Minutes of meeting of Estimates Committee F Held on Wednesday 27 July 2010 At 10.00 am by Teleconference
Present: Ms Mary-Anne O'Neill MP, Chair Mr Howard Hobbs MP, Deputy Chair Mrs Betty Kiernan MP Mrs Rosemary Menkens MP Mrs Christine Smith MP Mr Stephen Wettenhall MP
In attendance: Mrs Helen Bogiatzis, Estimates F Research Director Mrs Marilyn Freeman, Estimates F Executive Assistant
Apologies: Mr Jack Dempsey MP
Confirmation of On the motion of Mrs Kiernan, seconded by Mrs Menkens, it was Minutes of Previous resolved that the minutes of21 July 2010 be confIrmed. meeting
Business arising There was no business arising from the minutes of the meeting held from the minutes 21 July 2010.
Correspondence There was no correspondence.
On the motion of Mr Hobbs, and seconded by Mrs Kiernan, it was Release of answers resolved that pursuant to s49(2) and 50(2) of the Parliament of to questions on Queensland Act 2001 and Standing Order 182(3)(e), and further to the notice resolution passed at its pre-hearing meeting on 21 July 20 I 0, the committee authorises the publication of all remaining documents presented to it in the course of its inquiry.
Determination of The committee reviewed the additional information being considered additional material to for tabling with the committee's report. Discussion ensued. be tabled with report(s) and minutes The Chair put the question to the committee that the page detailing the Bluewater Trinity Park development, tabled by the Member for Burdekin during the Estimates of the Minister for Communities Services and Housing and Minister for Women, be removed from the tabled documents. The committee divided -Ms O'Neill in the chair
Ayes: 3 Noes: 1 Abstained: 1 Mrs Kiernan MrHobbs Mrs Menkens Mrs Smith Mr Wettenhall
And so the question was resolved in the affinnative.
On the motion of Mr Wettenhall, seconded by Mrs Kiernan, it was resolved that pursuant to 50(2) of the Parliament of Queensland Act 2001 the committee authorised the publication of all remaining documents presented to it in the course of its inquiry.
Consideration of The committee reviewed the Chair's draft report. On the motion of Mrs Chair's draft Report Kiernan, seconded by Mrs Smith it was agreed that the report be adopted with minor numbering issues being addressed.
Reservation or The committee noted that a reservation or dissenting report can be dissenting reports added to the committee's report after it is adopted and that dissenting reports, signed by the dissenting member/members, are required to be provided to the research director by 10:00 am Wednesday 28 July 2010.
Other business There was no other business.
Close There being no further business, the committee closed at 10:19 am
Certified correct on 28 July 2010 r
~.~cct-~s. Helen Bogiatzis Research Director Questions on Notice Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PARTNERSHIPS
QUESTIONS ON NOTICE - PRE HEARING From Government Members
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
QUESTION 1
Betty Kiernan MP
Can the Minister please outline to the Committee what funding has been provided to Queensland local governments for priority water infrastructure upgrades in the 2010/11 Budget?
QUESTION 2
Mary-Anne O'Neill MP
With reference to the Show Societies funding program, can the Minister please outline to the Committee the benefits of this program?
QUESTION 3
Stephen Wettenhall MP With reference to Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, can the Minister I please advise the Committee what funding the Bligh Government has paid to Queensland Councils over the last financial year?
QUESTION 4
Christine Smith MP
Can the Minister please advise the Committee on how Queensland councils are progressing with their Sustainability and Reporting projects?
QUESTION 5
Stephen Wettenhall MP
Can the Minister advise the Committee what support your Department is providing to Queensland local councils to assist them in the development of their local laws?
Page 10f2 MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PARTNERSHIPS
QUESTIONS ON NOTICE - PRE HEARING From Government Members
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PARTNERSHIPS
QUESTION 6
Betty Kiernan MP
Can the Minister please advise the Committee how the Bligh Government is helping to improve understanding of cultural protocols in Doomadgee?
QUESTION 7
Mary-Anne O'Neill MP
Can the Minister please give the Committee an update on the work of the Governrnent Champions Program?
QUESTION 8
Stephen Wettenhall MP
Can the Minister please advise the Committee on the good work of the Regional Operations Centre in Aurukun?
QUESTION 9
Christine Smith MP
Can the Minister please outline how your Department is supporting the Good Start Breakfast Club on Palrn Island?
QUESTION 10
Stephen Wettenhall MP
Can the Minister please provide an update on the important work of the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation?
Page 20f2 MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PARTNERSHIPS
QUESTIONS ON NOTICE - PRE HEARING From Non-Government Members
QUESTION 1
Howard Hobbs MP
With reference to all grants and subsidies (Capital and non-Capital - BP3 2010/11 page 87 & 88, SOS Page 2-73 (Dot Point 8), and SOS 3-3) administered by departments, agencies, or other portfolio entities of Local Govemment and ATSI Partnerships, can the Department provide: the budgeted and actual expenditure (reported separately) for each program administered for 2009-1 O?
QUESTION 2
Howard Hobbs MP
With reference to all grant and subsidy programs (Capital and non-Capital - BP3 2010/11 page 87 & 88, SOS Page 2-73 (Dot Point 8), and SOS 3-3 for Local Govemment and A TSIP), can the Department advise which programs have been ceased, cut back, transferred or redirected - and by how much - in Budget expenditure for 2010/11 (reported separately by program)?
QUESTION 3
Howard Hobbs MP
The Minister's Media Release of June 8, 2010 announced $1.3 billion of Local GovernmentiATSIP grants and subsidies were contained within in the 2010/11 State Budget; equating to $900 for every ratepayer in Queensland. Can the Minister provide the details of each of these grants and subsidies programs (reported separately by program and with SOS statement or Budget Paper reference) and the increases or decreases in funding to each program for 2009/10 and 2010/11 (reported separately)?
Page 10f4 MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PARTNERSHIPS
QUESTIONS ON NOTICE - PRE HEARING From Non-Government Members
QUESTION 4
Howard Hobbs MP
With reference to SDS 2-88 (Dot Point 3), can the Minister advise how many information requests have been made to each Queensland Council over the last 12 months, the nature of each request, the estimated Council time required to meet the requests, and how many formal complaints Councils received regarding the onerous nature of said requests (each reported separately on a Council-by-Council basis)?
QUESTION 5
Howard Hobbs MP
Minister, I refer to the Local Government Reform Program SDS 2-78 (Dot Point 4) and the top-up assistance provided to amalgamated Councils (this year and previously). Can the Department advise (reported separately on a Council-by-Council basis) the total amounts that all 25 Councils requested to assist with the costs of amalgamation?
QUESTION 6
Howard Hobbs MP
The Family Responsibilities Commission developed performance measures for 2008/09 "in partnership with the Australian Government...and the Cape York Institute" (2009/10 BP5 3- 87) and has discontinued two of them after only two years of reportage (2010/11 BP55-60). What justification can the Minister provide concerned parties for the Department's revocation of any measures after such a short time, other than its own expediency?
Page 20f4 MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PARTNERSHIPS
QUESTIONS ON NOTICE - PRE HEARING From Non-Government Members
QUESTION 7
Howard Hobbs MP
BP5 2009/10 (3-22) reveals that 32% of all children subject to Child Protection Orders in the year ending 30 June 2009 were ATSI children. BP5 2010/11 (3-16) shows a 4% increase (to 36%) to 30 June 2010 (Est. Actual) - notwithstanding the efforts and intent of the Family Responsibilities Commission in the 4 CYWR Communities (and others), how does the Minister justify the rise?
QUESTION 8
Howard Hobbs MP
In relation to conferences, workshops, training sessions, seminars, presentation or symposiums ('events') conducted by the department, agencies or associated portfolio entities in 2009-10 for public service employees, will the Minister provide details of: (a) the number, attendance and the purpose of each event held; (b) the venue of each event and the cost to hire the venue; (c) and the cost for each government employed attendee in total and broken down by the cost of travel, accommodation, entertainment, hospitality, meals, alcohol and catering (reported separately)?
QUESTION 9
Howard Hobbs MP
Reference is made to 'Recent Achievements' as listed in 2010111 (SDS 2-77/8 and SDS 3-8), where the Department outlines its activities during 200911 O. In relation to all advertising and promotional campaigns conducted by the Department during 200911 0, will the Minister report the: (a) name and dates ofthe campaign; (b) media publication it appears or will appear in; (c) total cost of the advertising campaign/promotion (separated into placement and production costs), and the source of the payment?
Page 3 of4 MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PARTN ERSHIPS
QUESTIONS ON NOTICE - PRE HEARING From Non-Government Members
QUESTION 10
Howard Hobbs MP
In relation to each departmental program and each Capital Works connnitment contained in the 2009- 10 year will the Minister provide the following detail: (a) What was the 2009-10 Budget allocation (non-revised) and the estimated actnal expenditure (at the time of receipt of this question)? (b) Where was the under-spend for each project and was any under-spend redirected (listed by project under-spend and projects where under-spend was redirected); (c) What new programs and new Capital Works connnitments came on-line (that were not in the 2009- 10 Budget) and from which program it was diverted in each instance?
Page 4 of4 Answers to questions on notice Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Estimates Committee F
Government Question on Notice
No 1
QUESTION
MS BETTY KIERNAN MP-Can the Minister please outline to the Committee what funding has been provided to Queensland local governments for priority water infrastructure upgrades in the 201 Oil 1 Budget?
ANSWER
I thank the Honourable Member for Mt lsa for her question.
Since 1998, the Queensland Government has allocated more than $3.8 billion to Queensland Councils for priority infrastrucrure and capital works projects.
In 2010-1 1, the State has budgeted $515.9 million in local government grants to assist Councils to support a range of community infrastructure and other key community projects. This includes $110 million for the provision of grants and subsidies to Councils for priority water and sewerage infrastructure upgrades, including: • $11.7 million anticipated to be paid from the total State Government commitment of $24 million to Gladstone Regional Council for the integrated water and sewerage project for Agnes Water and the Town of 1770 • $10.6 million anticipated to be paid from the total State Government commitment of $11. 7 million to Gympie Regional Council for the Gympie sewage treatment plant upgrade • $3.5 million anticipated to be paid from the total State Government commitment of $5 million to Isaac Regional Council for the Moranbah sewage trealment plant augmentation and eft1uent reuse scheme • $834 000 anticipated to be paid from the total State Government commitment 0[$2.1 million to Fraser Coast Regional Council for the Dreamtime Avenue Farm recycled water scheme
A further $31.3 million has been committed to Queensland local governments in the 2010-11 budget to upgrade six priority sewage treatment plants whieh impact on the Great Barrier Reef. These include: • Hinehinbrook Shirc Council for the upgrade orthc lnghanl and Dungeness/ Lucinda Sewage Treatment Plants; • Tablelands Regional Council for the Kuranda Sewage Treatment Plant upgrade; • Whitsunday Regional Council for upgrade of the Cannonvale and Proserpine Sewage Treatment Plants; and • Cassowary Coast Regional Council for the Innisfail Sewage Treatment Plant upgrade. The upgrade of this critical infrastructure will improve the quality of effluent discharge to protect sensitive coastal areas and the Great Barrier Reef.
Finally, an additional $13.7 million is committed in 2010-11 to Cassowary Coast Regional Council for priority projects, which includes the Innisfail Water Treatment Plant and the Jubilee Bridge. Estimates Committee F
Government Question on Notice
No2
QUESTION
MS MARY-Al'-.'NE O'NEILL MP-With reference to the Show Societies funding program, can the Minister please outline to the Committee the benefits ofthis program?
ANSWER
The Show Societies Grant Program of $2 million per annum is distributed across 130 show societies and one Council (Rockhampton Regional Council) to assist in the conduct their annual shows.
The funding provided under this program can be used to pay for show related purchases, operational costs, and the maintenance of existing assets essential to the operation ofthe annual show.
The Bligh Government continues to recognise the importance of providing financial support to agricultural shows, which are an integral part of the life afrural and rcgional Queensland. Annual shows create a great opportunity to bring a broad range of people together to celebrate and acknowledge the significant contribution that the agricultural sector makes to our way of life in Queensland.
These annual shows also have a positive impact in local communities through the promotion of primary production and industry, and the provision of an educational environment for local residents and visitors to the region. These shows also stimulate local economies and provide employment for a number of Queenslanders, with a particular impact on small rural communities.
This ongoing financial contribution demonstrates the Bligh Government's commitment to ensuring that towns and cities throughout the State gain from the economic, social and cultural benefits that shows bring to local communities. Estimates Committee F
Government Question on Notice
No3
QUESTION
MR STEPHEN WETrENHALL MP-With reference to Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, can the Minister please advise the Committee what funding the Bligh Government has paid to Queensland Councils over the last financial year?
ANSWER
The Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements is a joint State!Australian Government program which provides financial assistance following acti vated natural disaster events. The program is administered by the Department of Community Safety on behalf of the Bligh Government. The Department ofInfrastructure and Planning administers the component of the program that impacts on Councils for the restoration of non-insured essential public assets damaged by natural disaster events.
Funding under the program is not capped and is to repair damagcd, non-insured essential public assets to pre-disaster standard in accordance with current engineering standards and building codes.
In 2009/2010, the Department of Infrastructure and Planning paid more than $260 million to Queensland Councils to cover the cost of emergency repairs and restoration works as a result of natural disasters as outlined in Attachment 1. This is a significant increase on the 2009/10 budgeted figure of $170 million, and demonstrates the Bligh Government's commitment to assisting Councils in times of need by going over and above what was originally budgeted, and ensuring essential public assets are repaired with minimal disruption to the community.
The Queensland Monsoonal Flooding and Tropical Cyclones Olga, Neville, Ului and Paul, which impacted Queensland from January through to April 2010, affected approximately 90 per cent of Queensland Councils. The Department is expecting a large number of requests for funding assistance for this event.
To claim payment of approved funding under the program, Councils are required to certify that expenditure to date is for eligible emergency repairs or restorative works. This claim is then assessed for eligibility within the program guidelines and if eligible, subsidy is promptly paid to Council.
The Department oflnfrastmcture and Planning has budgeted a total of $188.5 million for the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements in 201011 I. Attachment I
2009-2010 Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arraugemeuts Actual Expenditure
2009/10 Local Government Actual Expenditure Aurukun Shire Council $2,207,145 Balonne Shire Council $1,213,103 Barcaldine Regional Council $4,871,757 Barcoo Shire Council $6,685,110 Blackall-Tarnbo Regional Council $1,272,943 Boulia Shire Council $10,217,702 Brisbane City Council $1,186,229 Bulloo Shire Council $505,353 Burdekin Shire Council $3,031,388 Burke Shire Council $263,098 Cairns Regional Council $7,114,371 Carpentaria Shire Council $9,709,603 Cassowary Coast Regional Council $6,563,451 Central Highlands Regional Council $4,851,897 Charters Towers Regional Council $1,748,082 Cloncurry Shire Council $3,134,715 Cook Shire Council $32,744,756 Croydon Shire Council $7,085,852 Diarnantina Shire Council $4,425,157 Doomadgec Aboriginal Shire Council $607,639 Etheridge Shire Council $8,525,617 Flinders Shire Council $1,355,311 , Fraser Coast Regional Council $307,069 Gladstone Regional Council $418,978 Gold Coast City Council $1,602,698 Hinchinbrook Shire Council $19,552,921 Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council $1,844,874 Isaac Regional Council $5,132,963 Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council $3,476,981 Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council $9,172,389 Lockyer Valley Regional Council $1,247,092 Longreach Regional Council $2,246,157 Mackay Regional Council $25,436,457 I Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council $667,916 MaranDa Regional Council $1,142,915 McKinlay Shire Council $6,491,891 Momington Shire Council $682,907 Mount Isa City Council $3,115,850 Murweh Shire Council $1,517,726 Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council $J ,878,261 Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council $1,616,165 Paroo Shire Council $369,060 2009/10 Local Government Actual Expenditure Ponnpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council $7,044,639 Quilpie Shire Council $1,313,277 Richmond Shire Council $747,375 Rockhampton Regional Council $2,235,915 Scenic Rim Regional Council $288,199 Somerset Regional Council $1,329,246 Southern Do\'ms Regional Council $4,377,182 Tablelands Regional Council $6,878,595 Toowoomba Regional Council $118,232 Torres Strait Island Regional Council $227,986 Townsville City Council $2,415,253 Western Downs Regional Council $828,650 Whitsunday Regional Council $ I 9,423,703 Winton Shire Council $4,019,336 Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council $251,231 Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council $2,129,594 Grand Total $260,869,959 Estimates Committee F
Government Question on Notice
No4
QUESTION
MS CHRISTINE SMITH MP-Can the Minister please advise the Committee on how Queensland councils are progressing with their Sustainability and Reporting projects?
ANSWER
The Bligh Government, through the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, has implemented the Sustainability and Reporting process which is a proactive response to the State's obligations to the Local Government National Frameworks for Sustainability.
I am delighted to advise that Queensland is far ahead of other State Governments in our implementation, in fact we have provided menloring assistance to the New South Wales Local Government Department and two ofIicers of the Department were flown to Perth by the Liberal Western Australian Government to brief them on amalgamation processes and the implementation of our Sustainability and Reporting process.
Of the 73 Councils in Queensland, I am pleased to advise that 58 Councils have been involved since the 2009 commencement of the evaluation process. This includes all of the mainstream Councils and the Torres Strait Island Regional Council. Thc balance oftbe Indigenous Councils has recently entered the process, commencing in July 201 0 with the asset management evaluation process.
The sustainability and reporting process has collected a broad range of data and information related to the financial sustainability of Local Governments in Queensland and this is the tirst time such information has been made available. The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) is very supportive of this process and our feedback from individual Councils bas also been very positive.
The main thrust of the process is tbe implementation of annual returns conducted for the four key financial sustainability areas of asset management, community engagement, integrated planning and governance and long term financial planning.
Tbe response rate has been very good. We have bad more than 90 per cent of Councils providing inlormation to the first 3 surveys and more than 80 per cent responded to the final survey on long term financial planning. This indicates a strong commitment oflocal governments to working towards greater long-term financial sustainability and more strategic long-term planning. As a result of thc data and information collectcd from Councils, the Department has also developed and implemented a number of supporting work programs, in areas such as community planning, community engagement, long term financial sustainability and asset management planning.
In conjunction with the LGAQ and the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia, the Department developed and implemented the Asset Management Advancement Program also known as A-MAP. A-MAP was developed to support Councils in developing asset management plans by December 2010 for key infrastructure assets.
Guidelines for Community Engagement and Community Plmming are currently being developed by the Department, for release to Councils.
Support to Councils was also provided through the release of the Financial Management Sustainability Guideline 2009. This was a practical guide to understanding the measures of sustainability which are to be used by Councils in developing their long-term sustainability strategies.
An important part of the sustainability program is the direct engagement by the Department with elected members on topics associated with financial management and sustainability, reinforcing the message of the importance of these issues.
In the financial year 200911 0 six Financial Management and Sustainability Workshops formed part of a State-wide financial management and asset management improvement strategy. The workshops address skills gaps in respect of the key themes, and include information sessions on the new Local Government Act 2009, the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and related regulations.
This year I also invited the Chief Executive Officers of Councils to participate in the workshops in recognition of the breadth of the information encompassed. 175 Mayors, Councillors and Chie[Executive Officers have attended the workshops to date and feedback has been very positive.
I attended workshops and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to discuss sustainability and funding matters with Mayors and Councillors in such a positive environment. The requests for follow-up workshops were a key factor in my decision to repeat the program in 2010 and a further four workshops are scheduled throughout the State in the next three months.
In direct response to a need highlighted in the evaluation orlhe Financial Management Sustainability Return the Department has also commenced a one-on-one program, working with the Chief Executive Officers of Councils, to support them in structuring their long-term financial models and in developing long term financial management strategies.
This past year has seen significant progress being made across Queensland to improve the financial sustainability oflocal government, with significant work programs underway in the key areas of community planning, asset management and financial sustainability. This is an ongoing journey for all local governments, and I remain committed to supporting each Council as best I can. Estimates Committee F
Government Question on Notice
NoS
QUESTION
MR STEPHEN WEITENHALL MP-Can the Minister advise the Committee what support your Department is providing to Queensland local councils to assist them in the development of their local IaViS ?
ANSWER
I thank the Honourable Member for Barron River, for his question.
I am happy to advise the Committee that the Department of Infrastructure and Planning has been working hard to support Councils with the development, review and consolidation of their local laws.
Model Local Laws
The Department of Infrastructure and Planning has developed a suite of seven model local laws, to replace the previous set of 21, to help Councils deal with issues that require regulation in their areas. The following model local laws were available for adoption by Local Governments from I July 2010.
Model local law making generally requires fewer steps to complete the process as they do not require Councils to undertake drafting and State-interest checks. The Department undertakes a rigorous consultation and screening process when developing a modcl local law and consequently councils can adopt a model local law without consulting on state interests prior to adoption. However adoption of a model local law is subject to the procedures for the review of anti-competitive provisions before being adopted.
The Model Local Law suite includes the following:
No. I (Administration) 2009 No.2 (Animal Management) 2009 NO.3 (Community and Environmental Management) 2009 NO.4 (Local Government Controlled Areas, Facilities and Roads) 2009 NO.5 (Parking) 2009 NO.6 (Bathing Reserves) 2009 NO.7 (Indigenous Community Land Management) 2009 1
These model local laws were originally notified in the Government Gazette on 2 October 2009 and released publicly for Local Governments to review and consider their suitability prior to being made available for adoption. , Model local Law NO.7 {Indigenous Community land Management} 2009 is intended for use by Indigenous local governments only. The model local laws are available on the Department's website at: www.dip.qld.gov.aullocal-20vernment.
Publications
The Department has developed several new and revised publications that provide information about local laws.
The document 'Local Government Act 2009 Local Laws' is comprised of an information paper and five fact sheets and guidelines on State-interest checks that the Department has developed for Councils and Government entities, to inform them on the detailed work of making local laws. A suggested process for local law making is included in these documents. Under the Act, each local government may decide its own process for making a local law provided specific considerations are met under the Act and the Local Government (Operations) Regulation 2010. As part of the process local governments have the discretion to determine how they \vill consult with State agencies and obtain ministerial approval to make a local law.
The publication "A guide to the Local Government Act 2009 for Mayors and Councillors" has been produced by the Department. I have taken a particular intercst in the content and development of this publication and I am happy to commend it as a relevant working tool for elected Councillors: An online version of this publication is available on the Department's website.
Training
Prior to the commencement of the Local Government Act 2009, the Department's regional staff have been working with individual Councils in their regions to ascertain their specific training needs. Training packages have heen tailored to the specific needs of Councils.
The Department has also provided an information session for all State Government Departments to ensure whole-of-Government support is provided to Councils in making local laws. The focus of this is to ensure the consultation between Councils and Government entities is consistent and effective in informing the making oflocal laws.
Five regionallraining workshops with Departmental staff have been held 10 ensure staff are skilled on local law making and they can provide high quality support to Councils on local law making. Staff are available to provide Councils with assistance in understanding the local law making requirements of the new Act. Government Question on Notice
No.6
Asked on 24 June 2010
THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PARTNERSHIPS (MS BOYLE)-
QUESTION
MS BETTY KIERNAN MP-Can the Minister please advise the Committee how the Bligh Government is helping to improve understanding of cultural protocols in Doomadgee?
ANSWER
I thank the Honourable Member for the question.
As you are aware, each of Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is culturally unique.
As Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, I asked Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services to develop community specific protocol documents to assist Queensland public servants who visit, work and live in Indigenous communities.
The protocol documents include information regarding the history of the community; who to contact when wanting to visit the community and how; alcohol restrictions; and more general information such as appropriate attire, taking of photographs and the community's expectations of a Queensland public servant.
I am pleased to say that protocols for 49 communities, including for Doomadgee, have been developed.
The 49 communities comprise the discrete communities, communities in the Torres Strait; and other centres where negotiation tables are held such as Bowen, St George, Dirranbandi and Cunnamulla.
The protocol documents were developed in liaison with key community members.
The Doomadgee community specific protocol, along with several others, is currently available on GovNet, the Queensland Government's information portal. The remainder of the documents will be loaded onto GovNet throughout the rest of the year.
Protocols outlined in these documents are considered a minimum requirement for all Queensland Government officers who work with and/or live in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Government officers are encouraged to learn more about the culture of the places they are working and living in, by actively interacting with community members.
Acknowledging the uniqueness of a community and endeavouring to understand its history and culture assists with building meaningful and respectful relationships and can only further support the Government's commitment to promoting reconciliation throughout Queensland.
Protocols relating to Welcome to Country and Acknowledgment of Traditional Owners and Elders have also been updated and are available on GovNet for all public servants.
The community specific protocols and the Welcome to Country/Acknowledgement protocols are a significant deliverable under the Queensland Reconciliation Action Plan 2009-2012. Government Question on Notice
No.7
Asked on 24 June 2010
THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PARTNERSHIPS (MS BOYLE)-
QUESTION
MS MARY-ANNE O'NEILL MP-Can the Minister please give the Committee an update on the work of the Government Champions Program?
ANSWER
I thank the Honourable Member for the question.
The Government Champions Program was initiated in 2002 and involves the most senior public servants working directly with Indigenous communities and their colleagues to ensure an effective whole-of-government response to community priorities.
An active Government Champion Program is a major aspect of the Queensland Government's strategy to close the gap in life outcomes for Indigenous Queensland.
There are 22 Government Champions working with 23 Aboriginal and mainland Torres Strait ISlander communities throughout Queensland.
Champions co-chair, with local leaders, negotiation tables and other significant engagement events. They also help facilitate local agreements and action plans relating to priority issues.
Achievements and outcomes within this program vary from community to community. For example, at Palm Island the Government Champions facilitated completion of several projects including the redevelopment of the clock tower, the building of the Krause Seniors units and the jetty redevelopment.
The Government Champions for Doomadgee supported the community aspirations for the development of the All Abilities youth and Adolescent Activity Centre in the Doomadgee Sport and Recreation Precinct. This centre provides activities and equipment designed for children of all abilities. The centre plays an important part in developing good health habits and behaviours in the community.
Last year, a Government Champion was apPOinted to Cunnamulla, the first community without a majority Indigenous population to receive a Champion. This appointment enhances the Government's commitment to Indigenous issues in south west Queensland-an area where there is significant Indigenous population. Since that appointment, several negotiation tables have occurred with priorities such as housing, health, employment and young people being discussed. Government Question on Notice
No.8
Asked on 24 June 2010
THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PARTNERSHIPS (MS BOYLE)-
QUESTION
STEPHEN WETTENHALL MP-Can the Minister please advise the Committee on the good work of the Regional Operations Centre in Aurukun?
ANSWER
I thank the Honourable Member for the question.
The new Regional Operations Centre comprises a central point in Cairns and local offices in each of the communities, and builds on the existing Cape York Welfare Reform local program offices. Like its counterpart in Mount Isa, the Regional Operations Centre is part of an innovative reform of the way all levels of government do business in and with remote Indigenous communities.
These new Centres will help to implement a new collaborative approach to ensure that Indigenous Australians living in remote communities receive and actively participate in services to Close the Gap in life outcomes.
In Aurukun, the existing Local Program Office represents the on-the-ground presence of the Cairns Regional Operations Centre.
As in all Remote Service Delivery locations, the Aurukun office is jointly staffed by Queensland and Australian government staff, reporting to one manager and working across Commonwealth Government and State Government activities, for the benefit of each identified community.
The office in Aurukun builds on the work undertaken in the past two years through the Cape York Welfare Reform trial, as well as significant past investment in the Aurukun Local Partnerships Project by this government.
In Aurukun, work is led by a Government Coordination Officer, living and working in the town, supported by a locally recruited Indigenous Engagement Officer who assists with communication between the community and government.
Recent achievements of the Aurukun Office include establishment of an Employment and Training committee linking CDEP providers, job service providers and potential employers to improve the level of service for job seekers and recent schoolleavers.
The team has conducted a comprehensive skills audit of community members seeking employment, and through this, has identified training needs. This will be linked in with training providers and employers to deliver the necessary training to community members. The Aurukun Office has also been working with community members to identify small business opportunities in the community, with two new small businesses recently starting up in the community, including a water transport business and a much needed mechanic.
Considerable investment through the Remote Indigenous Housing National Partnership Agreement will see 247 Aurukun houses being refurbished and 91 new homes constructed between now and 2018.
As one of the Cape York Welfare Reform communities, the office works closely with the Family Responsibilities Commission including coordination of service delivery and support services such as the Well Being Centre-all vital to the welfare reform trial. The office played a lead role in the recent recruitment of two new Aurukun Local Commissioners.
At the local level, the office is also a first point of contact for community initiatives and projects and recently distributed leaflets through the community advertising the Community Action Fund where money is available for short one-off community projects.
Sports and recreation programs for young people continue to be jOintly delivered by the Aurukun Local Program Office and the PCYC including a regular barbeque and blue light disco on Friday evenings (usually attended by 70 to 80 local young people) and Touch Rugby held on Sundays with local youth.
The office also held a general community barbeque in conjunction with Queensland Health initiatives to support men's health checks as part of the recent Men's Health Week. Government Question on Notice
No.9
Asked on 24 June 2010
THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PARTNERSHIPS (MS BOYLE)-
QUESTION
MRS CHRISTINE SMITH MP-Can the Minister please outline how your Department is supporting the Good Start Breakfast Club on Palm Island?
ANSWER
I thank the Honourable Member for the question.
The Australian Red Cross runs the Good Start Breakfast Club on Palm Island. The program has been running on Palm Island since 2005, however, a more formalised arrangement between the Department of Communities' Retail Stores branch and Red Cross was introduced in 2009.
The Breakfast Club operates at both the Bwgcolman Community School and St Michaels Catholic School and runs five days a week during school terms.
The nutritionist employed by the Retail Stores branch works closely with Australian Red Cross to maximise the benefits of the program by ensuring that the menu focuses on healthy foods such as wholemeal bread, low fat milk, high fibre cereal and pure fruit juice.
The Department's Palm Island Retail Store donates foodstuffs and drinks to the value of approximately $10,000 per annum.
The Breakfast Club is a strategic program as a nutritional breakfast improves children's health and the ability to concentrate, thus improving learning outcomes. The direct involvement of the Retail Stores' nutritionist in the program from January 2010 has coincided with a marked increase in school attendance. In Term 4 2009, average attendance at Bwgcolman Community School was 64.3 per cent. In Term 1 2010, the average attendance was 70.4 per cent.
The department's Palm Island Retail Store also supports nutrition programs run by each school which provides fruit daily to students. The store donates two cartons of apples and two cartons of oranges each week to Bwgcolman Community School and two cartons of oranges and one carton of apples to St Michaels Catholic School.
The store also donates healthy food to the St Michaels active after school program which operates on Mondays and Thursdays.
In the recent June/July school holidays, the Palm Island PCYC conducted 15 healthy cooking classes for teenage children. Each class accommodated 10 children. The department's Retail Stores nutritionist facilitated the classes with the assistance of PCYC volunteers and the store donated the necessary ingredients. Through the classes the children learned how easy it is to prepare tasty nutritious meals.
These initiatives are not restricted to Palm Island. The department's Retail Stores branch also provides similar support to promote good health and nutrition in the other five communities in which it operates. Government Question on Notice
No.10
Asked on 24 June 2010
THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PARTNERSHIPS (MS BOYLE)-
QUESTION
MR STEPHEN WETTENHALL MP-Can the Minister please provide an update on the important work of the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation?
ANSWER
I thank the Honourable Member for the question.
In 2009-10, the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation established the Queensland Certificate of Education Scholarship Support Program.
In 2010, this program provided 17 schools with scholarship support totalling over half a million dollars ($528,500) to enable 110 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students starting Year 11 this year to complete their secondary education. These students are from urban, regional and remote communities of Queensland.
This support enabled schools to develop proposals to support students that matched the needs of students. This support included textbooks, uniforms, vocational and leadership programs and participation in sporting teams.
Schools also identified the need for initiatives to support stUdents' enhanced understanding of their cultural heritage and further development of their identity as members of the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities.
The schools to which scholarships were allocated are:
• St Peters Lutheran College, Brisbane • Gilroy Santa Maria College, Ingham • Kirwan SHS, Townsville • Barcaldine SHS, Barcaldine • Toowoomba SHS, Toowoomba • Spinifex College, Mount Isa • Woodridge SHS, Brisbane • Southside Education, Brisbane • Djarragun College, Gordonvale • Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa • St Teresa's College, Abergowrie • Lourdes Hill College, Brisbane • Longreach SHS, Longreach • Flagstone State Community College, Brisbane • Tannum Sands SHS, Gladstone • Townsville SHS, Townsville • Rosewood SHS, Rosewood Estimates Committee F
Non-Government Question on Notice
No 1
QUESTION
MR HOWARD HOBBS MP-With reference to all grants and subsidies (Capital and non Capital- BP3 2010/11 page 87 & 88, SDS Page 2-73 (Dol Point 8), and SDS 3-3) administered by departments, agencies, or other portfolio entities of Local Government and ATSl Partnerships, can the Department provide: the budgeted and actual expenditure (reported separately) for each program administered for 2009-1 O?
ANSWER
For Local Government grants and subsidies administered by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, the budgeted and actual expenditure for each program for 2009-10 is presented in Attachment I.
Attachment 2 provides this information for my portfolio responsibilities pertaining to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PartnerShips. Attachment 1 Department of Infrastructure and Local Government
Published Actual Budget Expenditure Grants and Subsidies Programs ($'000) ($'000) 2009-2010 2009-2010 Amalgamation Costs 0 10,720 Animal Management 0 67 Business Water Efficiency Program - SEQ 0 -5,330 Capital Works Subsidv Scheme 1,645 2,667 Community Governance Improvement Strategy 1,214 132 Environmental Health Worker 2,322 2,495 Environmental Infrastructure Program 5,240 3,570 Environmental Infrastructure Research Program 385 574 Flinders Street Mall 18,900 3,780 Fluoridation Capital Assistance Program 9,000 4,687 Gatton Arts & Cultural Centre 0 8,000 Greening Mt Isa - Regional Centres Program 0 494 Indigenous Economic Development Grant 1,440 1,400 Indigenous Environmental Health Infrastructure 84,515 26,383 Program Jezzine Barracks 2,000 2,000 Johnstone Shire Cyclone Larry Recovery 1,700 969 Landfill Remediation Assessment Program 128 97 Mary Valley Heritage Railway 0 70 Moranbah Town Water 100 0 Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements 170,000 260,870 Oakey Borefields 0 1,365 Q 150 Legacy Infrastructure Program 20,000 27,409 Regional Centres Program 5,426 8,168 Regional Flood Mitigation Program (C/Wealtb) 0 1,663 Regional Flood Mitigation Program (State) 0 1,663 Revenue Replacement Program 4,525 3,525 Rural Living Infrastructure Program 7,057 6,355 Security Improvement Program 1,046 962 -- Shoreline Erosion Management Program 0 159 Show Society Grant 01 2,006 Skills Bank 2,000 464 _~11H1Her Communities Assistanc~_ Pr(l,gr:am______36,302 36,592 Springfield Town Centre 266 199 I State Government Financial Aid 31,250 31,233 Torres Operations & Maintenance 0 1,650 Water & Sewerage Program 142,430 224,615 TOTAL 548,891 671,672 Attachment 2 Department of Commnnities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services
2009-10 2009-10 Program Published Estimated Budget Actual ($ 000) ($000) Cape York Welfare Reform 6,623 3,269 Partnerships Queensland 13,907 7,232 Cape York Partnerships 350 0 Partnerships Queensland Enhancement Fund 200 214 Aurukun Local Partnerships Project - Capital Grant 135 0 Mona Mona - Capital Grant 37 0 National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance 72 72 Committee (NAIDOC) Ministerial Council for Aboriginal and Torres Strait 42 42 Islander Affairs (MCATSIA) Education to Employment Sponsorship 5 5 Indigenous Government Coordination - Momington 140 65 Island Proj eet Healthy Foods Initiative 0 100 Lockhart River Multi-Purpose Centre 0 60 Logan District Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander 0 20 Corporation For Elders Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council 0 1 Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council 0 5 Cooktown & District Junior Rugby League Inc 0 2 0 Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council 0 J North Stradbroke Island Aboriginal and Islander 0 0 Housing Co-Operative Society TOTAL 21,511 11,090 Estimates Committee F
Non-Government Question on Notice
No2
QUESTION
MR HOWARD HOBBS MP-With reference to all grant and subsidy programs (Capital and non-Capital- BP3 2010111 page 87 & 88, SDS Page 2-73 (Dot Point 8), and SDS 3-3 for Local Government and ATSIP), can the Department advise which programs have been ceased, cut back, transferred or redirected - and by how much - in Budget expenditure for 2010111 (reported separately by program)?
ANSWER
In relation to my Local Government Portfolio please refer to Attachment 1.
In relation to my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Portfolio, please refer to Attachment 2. Attachment I Department of Infrastructure and Planning - Local Government Budgeted Expenditure 2010-11
2010111 Program Budget Comment $'000 Cassowary Coast Regional Council Priority $13,700 Funding transferred Projects from Priority STP Upgrade Program Community Development Employment $7,581 One off Program for the Torres Strait Island Regional Council Environmental Health Worker $2,322 Onaoing Environmental Infrastructure Program $10,214 Ongoing
• Flinders Street Mall . $13,230 Ongoing Fluoridation Capital Assistance Program $19,650 Ongoing IEHIU Infrastructure Grants $9,350 Ongoing Indigenous Economic Development Grant $1,440 Ongoing Indigenous State Infrastructure Program $29,000 Ongoing JAIP Stage I - St'lte $2,000 Ongoing Jezzine Barracks $2,000 Ongoing Landfill Remediation Assessment Program $4 Ongoing
Landlill Remediation Assessment Program - $12 Ongoing Post July 06 Major Infrastructure Program - Torres Strait - $14,000 Ongoing Round 4 Moranbah Town Water $105 Ongoing Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery $188,500 I Ongoing Arrangements Northern Peninsula Area Water Service $1,432 Ongoing Provision Priority STP Upgrade PrOh'fam $31,300 $13,700 transferred to Cassowary Coast Regional Council Priority Projects - , Regional Centres Program I $1,500 Ongoing Revenue Replacement Program I $3,525 Ongoing Rural Living Infrastructure Program $4,082 Ongoing
Security Improvement Program $63 Ongoing
Show SOCiety Grant $2,000 Ongoing Smaller Communities Assistance Program $7,468 Ongoing
Springfield Town Centre $228 Ongoing State Government Financial Aid $32,330 Ongoing Subsidies Local Gov Bodies - Other $339 [ Ongoing [ 2010111 Program Budget Comment $'000 Torres Operation and Maintenance . $1,950 Ongoing WASP - Effluent Re-Usc $5,446 Ongoing
WASP - Sewerage $82,458 Ongoing
WASP- Water $21,880 Ongoing
WASP - Water Consumption/Loss Reduction $221 Ongoing Attachment 2
Department of Communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services Budgeted Expenditure 2010-11
Program 2010/11 Comment Budget $'000 Cape York Welfare Reform 12,468 Ongoing Partnershi ps Queensland 10,058 Ongoing Cape York Partnerships 350 Ongoing Partnerships Queensland Enhancement Fund 300 Ongoing Mona Mona - Capital Grant 37 Ongoing National Aboriginal and Islander Day 72 Ongoing Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Ministerial Council for Aboriginal and Torres 42 Ongoing Strait Islander Affairs (MCATSIA) I Education to Employment Sponsorship 5 Ongoing Indigenous Government Coordination - 120 Ongoing Momington Island Project Healthy Foods Initiative 400 Ongoing Lockhart River Multi-Purpose Centre 0 Ongoing Kowanyama Fuel Facility 164 Ongoing Logan District Aboriginal & Torres Strait o lone-off Islander Corporation For Elders Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council o lOne-off
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council 0 One-off Cookto\\'U & District Junior Rugby League o lOne-off Inc Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council 0 One-off North Stradbroke Island Aboriginal and o lOne-off Islander Housing Co-Operative Society Estimates Committee F
Non-Government Question on Notice
No3
QUESTION
MR HOWARD HOBBS MP-The Minister's Media Release of June 8, 20 I 0 announced $1.3 billion of Local Government!A TSIP grants and subsidies were contained within in the 201011 I State Budget; equating to $900 for every ratepayer in Queensland. Can the Minister provide the details of each of these grants and subsidies programs (reported separately by program and with SDS statement or Budget Paper reference) and the increases or decreases in funding to each program for 200911 0 and 2010/11 (reported separately)?
ANSWER
The 20 I 0-1 I State Budget paper which is referred to is Budget Strategy and Outlook-Budget Paper 2, where the Department of Infrastructure and Planning administers $915 million in total grants to Local Governments in Queensland is reported in Table 7.6 on page 143 (see Attachment 1)
The Department of Communities will provide $281 million in grants to Queensland Councils in 2010-11. Of this amount, $1.064 million will be provided to Councils under my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership portfolio (refer Attachment 2).
'Ibc Department ofInfrastructure and Planning will provide $915 million in grants to Queensland Councils in 2010-11. Of this amount, $516 million will be provided to Councils under my Local Government portfolio (refer Attachment 3).
Detailed information about Queensland Government grants to Local Governments has been published in Budget Paper 2 since 2002.
\. Attachment I
Extract from 2010-11 State Budget paper "Budget Strategy and Outlook-Budget Paper 2", page 143.
STATE-LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL RELATIONS In 20 I 0-11, a total of $1.335 billion in grants will be provided by the Queensland Government to Queensland's local governments, compared to $1.318 billion in 2009-10. This includes financial assistance grants being paid by the Australian Government through the States to local government.
Table 7.6 details Queensland Government grants to local governments.
Table 7.6 Grants to local governments in Queensland I
2009-\0 2010-11 Estimated Budget Actual Estimate million $ million Queensland Government grants Communities2 182 281 Community Safety 8 6 Education and Training 4 2 Employment, Economic Development and 14 12 Innovation Environment and Resource Management 8 14 Health 2 2 Infrastructure and Planning3 975 915 Premier and Cabinet4 20 21 Transport and Main Roads 102 78 Other 3 3 Total Government 1 Notes: I. For current and capital purposes to local government authorities and Aboriginal and Islander councils. Includes Australian Government grants paid through the State to local governments. 2. Includes grants for housing, disability services, child safety, sport and recreation. 3. Includes general purpose grants from the State and Australian Governments. 4. Includes the arts. Attachment 2 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
Program Published Published Budget ($000) Budget (SOOO) 2009-10 2010-11 Alcohol and Other Substance Demand Reduction 1,017 123 Cape York Welfare Reform , 91 0 Local Indigenous Partnership Agreement 424 941 Total 1,532 1,064 Attachment 3
Local Government
! Published Published Budget Budget Program ($'000) ($'000) 2009-2010 2010-2011 Capital Works Subsidy Scheme 1,645 339 Cassowary Coast Regional Council Priority Projects 0 13,700 Community Development Employment Programs 1,440 1,440 Community Governance Improvement Strategy 1,214 1,974 Community Development Employment for the Torres 0 7,581 Strait Island Regional Council Environmental Health Worker Program 2,322 2,322 Environmental Infrastructure Program 5,240 10,214 Environmental Infrastructure Research Program 385 0 Flinders Street Mall 18,900 13,230 Fluoridation Capital Assistance Program 9,000 19,650 Indigenous Environmental Health Infrastructure 84,515 59,294 ! Program I Jezzine Barracks 2,000 2,000 ! Landfill Remediation Assessment Program 128 16 Moranbah Town Water Supply Agreement 100 105 Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements 170,000 188,500
Priority Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrades Program 31,300 i Queensland's 150th Legacy Infrastructure Program °20,000 0 , ! Reuional Centres Procrram I 5426' 750 I Revenue Replacement Program 4,525 1 3,525 I I Rural Li ving Infrastructure Program 7,057 3,482 I Security Improvement Program 1 1,046 63 I, Showgrounds Grant 1° 2,000 I Skills Bank 1 2,000 2,500 ! Smaller Communities Assistance Program 36,302 7,468 I Special assistance Cyclone Larry 1,700 I Springfield Town Centre 266 °228 I State Government Financial Aid 1 31 ,250 32,330 I I Torres Operations and Maintenance 0 1,950 i Water and Sewerage Program 142,430 110,005 iTOTAL 548,891 515,966 Estimates Committee F
Non-Government Question on Notice
No4
QUESTION
MR HOWARD HOBBS MP- With reference to SDS 2-88 (Dot Point 3), can the Minister advise how many information requests have been made to eaeh Queensland Council over the last 12 months, the nature of each request, the estimated Council time required to meet the requests, and how many formal complaints Councils received regarding the onerous nature of said requests (each reported separately on a Council-by-Council basis)?
ANSWER
The Department of Infrastructure and Planning does not keep a record of, or report on, the number of requests made to Councils.
With regard to formal complaints received by Councils, as part of their Complaints Management Process, the Member would need to obtain this information directly from each Council.
I Estimates Committee F
Non-Government Question on Notice
NoS
QUESTION
MR HOWARD HOBBS MP-Minister, I refer to the Local Govemment Reform Program SDS 2-78 (Dot Point 4) and the top-up assistance provided to amalgamated Councils (this year and previously). Can the Department advise (reported separately on a Council-by Council basis) the total amounts that all 25 Councils requested to assist with the costs of amalgamation?
ANSWER
Excluding the Torres Strait Island Regional Council submission which was assessed separately as a general funding submission, the total combined net cost claimed by Local Governments for amalgamation cost funding was $IS4.71 million. Following the independent Queensland Treasury Corporation's assessments, this figure reduced to $47.21 million.
Including the initial amalgamation cost funding of$27.1 million, paid to Councils in 2008, the total amalgamation cost funding provided by the Bligh Government is $45.4 million.
The further funding provided is $348 524 to North Burnett Regional Council, $1 127 810 to South Burnett Regional Council, $2 791 897 to Scenic Rim Regional Council, $2 388 700 to Southern Dov,'lls Regional Council, $4 063 212 for Isaae Regional Council and $7581000 to Torres Strait Island Regional Council. This funding of $18.3 million is additional to the $27.1 million in funding previously provided by Government in 200S to support all affected Local Governments. f The attached table details how much each Council claimed in their submission and how much the Queensland Treasury Corporation assessed as claimable. I Original Assessed Local Government Claim Claim Bundaberg Regional Council $14,705,273 $1,553,372 Central Highlands Regional Council $21,533,762 $3,318,350 Charters Towers Regional Council $1,268,268 $656,552 Gladstone Regional Council $15,316,400 $3,113,985 Goondiwindi Regional Council $7,117,277 $415,473 Gympie Regional Council $2,282,366 $149,438 Isaac Regional Council $12,112,850 $4,063,212 Lockyer Valley Regional Council ~3,647,603 $1,035,672 Logan City Council $4,884,647 $4,274,076 Mackay Regional Council $7,575,854 $3,605,489 Maranoa Regional Council $2,682,547 $1,597,396 North Burnett Regional Council $7,341,912 $348,524 Rockhampton Regional Council $6,520,353 $3,223,674 Scenic Rim Regional Council $12,634,356 $2,791,897 Somerset Regional Council $2,523,929 $434,375 South Burnett Regional Council $5,286,920 $1,127,810 Southern Downs Regional Council $5,104,919 $2,388,700 Sunshine Coast Regional Council $13,720,844 $4,142,960 Tablelands Regional Council $10,751,120 $1,621,707 Toowoomba Regional Council $10,152,954 $3,663,656 Townsville City Council $3,980,997 $2,979,759 Western Downs Regional Council $8,113,510 $1,740,618 Whitsunday Regional Council $7,235,105 $1,464,352
Note: Cairns Regional Council- submission did not claim costs, but estimated cost savings 0[$1.78 million which Queensland Treasury Corporation reassessed and found to be $2.5 million. Non-Government Question on Notice
No.6
Asked on 24 June 2010
THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PARTNERSHIPS (MS BOYLEj-
QUESTION MR HOWARD HOBBS MP-The Family Responsibilities Commission developed performance measures for 2008109 "in partnership with the Australian Government...and the Cape York Institute" (2009/10 BPS 3-87) and has discontinued two of them after only two years of reportage (2010/11 BPS S-60). What justification can the Minister provide concerned parties for the Department's revocation of any measures after such a short time, other than its own expediency?
ANSWER I refer the Member for Warrego to BPS S-60 and its replicate notes and to BPS 3-S1 notes 22 and 23. These discontinued measures were initially promulgated and included as performance measures of the Family Responsibilities Commission during early discussions in 2008 with the Cape York Institute and the Commonwealth Government. The independent Commission has since determined that voluntary agreements and voluntary income management are matters of an individual nature as these clients either volunteer to attend support services or request to have their income managed. The keeping of statistical records for these clients could breach the privacy/rights of these individuals as they are not subject to the agency notification or formal conferencing processes of the Commission. In addition "Personal Responsibility Agreements" are not defined within current legislation. The use of the number of Client Service Referrals (currently included in BPS 3-S0) is considered a more valuable measure of the Commission's conferencing outcomes. This measure incorporates all service referrals resulting from conferences held with the relevant client. This measure has replaced the use of voluntary agreements and is a more accurate measure which has improved the Commission's assessment processes. The Commission continues to review and improve its service delivery standards to provide better information on the effectiveness and efficiency of its service delivery to the four Cape York Welfare Reform communities. Non-Government Question on Notice
No.7
Asked on 24 June 2010
THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PARTNERSHIPS (MS BOYLE)-
QUESTION MR HOWARD HOBBS MP-BP5 2009/10 (3-22) reveals that 32% of all children subject to Child Protection Orders in the year ending 30 June 2009 were ATSI children. BP5 2010/11 (3-16) shows a 4% increase (to 36%) to 30 June 2010 (Est. Actual) - notwithstanding the efforts and intent of the Family Responsibilities Commission in the 4 CYWR Communities (and others), how does the Minister justify the rise?
ANSWER Child protection orders fall under the portfolio responsibility of my Cabinet colleague, the Honourable Phil Reeves MP, Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport. However, child protection is everyone's responsibility and there are strong community leaders at the local level in Indigenous communities who are working hard to keep children safe. As a result of the work of the Family Responsibilities Commission, in addition to the Department of Communities, Queensland Health, Queensland Police Service and the Department of Education and Training, there is a greater awareness across these communities of protecting children and young people and, with that, a greater willingness to make notifications of suspected child abuse. I remind the Member that the Family Responsibilities Commission operates in only four Cape York communities, so its impact on the whole population of Indigenous children in Queensland is limited. The 2006 population of children aged 0-17 in Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge was estimated at 675' compared with a total estimated population of 70,2762 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children in Queensland in that year. The Family Responsibilities Commission is doing great work in the welfare reform communities, particularly in regard to children. For example, since the beginning of the Commission's operations, school attendance rates in Aurukun, at 33 per cent in 2007 has increased to 65.9 per cent in term 1 this year. The Commission, school and community should be commended for their efforts.
, Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership estimates 2008. 2 ASS 3238.0 Projected Population, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 1991-2012 ,Table 3 Projected Indigenous population, Queensland-Series S ESTIMATES COMMITTEE F
Non Government Question on Notice
NoS
QUESTION
MR HOWARD HOBBS MP-In relation to conferences, workshops, training sessions, seminars, presentation or symposiwns (,events') conducted by the department, agencies or associated portfolio entities in 2009-10 for public service employees, will the Minister provide details of: (a) the number, attendance and the purpose of each event held; (b) the venue of each event and the cost to hire the venue; (c) and the cost for each government employed attendee in total and broken down by the cost of travel, accommodation, entertainment, hospitality, meals, alcohol and catering (reported separately)?
ANSWER:
The 2009-10 professional development budget for in-house and external training/professional development by the Department ofInfrastructureand Planning was $1.58 million.
The professional development budgets of the departments and entities of the Queensland Government represent a small percentage of total' government outlays but do allow for an appropriate level of training and staff development.
The importance ofthis commitment to staff training and development is recognised in the State Government Departments Certified Agreement 2009.
Events conducted within this budget in 2009-10 by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning which includes entities such as the Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA) include:
• Leadership and management deVelopment • Ethical decision making and Code of Conduct • Project management • Legislative environment training including: - familiarisation training related to the implementation of the Local Government Act 2009 - introductory and specialised training relating to other legislation administered by the agency e.g. Sustainable Planning Act 2009, Smart eDA
The 2009--10 professional development budget for in-house training/professional development by the Department of Communities was $18.5 million. Events conducted within this budget in 2009-10 by the Department of Communities include:
• Child Safety Officer Entry Level Training • Residential Care Officer Training • Certificate IV in Youth Justice • Positive Behaviour Support Plan and Intervention training • Indigenous Cultural Capability • Community Recovery Operational Skills.
The 2009-10 professional development budget for in-house training/professional development by the Family Responsibilities Commission was $94,000.
Events conducted within this budget in 2009-10 by the Family Responsibilities Commission include: • Advocacy and Mediation Training • Indigenous Cultural Capability • Local Commissioner skill development.
The purpose of events such as these are to ensure that departmental staff obtain and maintain the appropriate skills to conduct their duties to the best of their ability in the service of the State.
In the majority of cases these events are held: on State Government premises and in the vicinity of the public servant's employment, to minimise any venue hire or travel costs.
As you would be aware, the Government has explicit directives, guidelines, policies and codes of conduct regarding travel, accommodation, entertainment, hospitality, meals, alcohol and catering that public servants must adhere to. These documents are available on either the Department ofInfrastructure and Planning's internetlintranet sites, the Department of Communities' Infonet site or the Public Service Commission's website. Estimates Committee F
Non-Government Question on Notice
N09
QUESTION
MR HOWARD HOBBS MP-Reference is made to 'Recent Achievements' as listed in 2010111 (SDS 2-77/8 and SDS 3-8), where the Department outlines its activities during 2009110. In relation to all advertising and promotional campaigns conducted by the Department during 200911 0, will the Minister report the: (a) name and dates of the campaign; (b) media publication it appears or will appear in; (c) total cost of the advertising can1paignlpromotion (separated into placement and production costs), and the source of the payment?
ANSWER:
As part of our commitment to reducing Government expenditure and the efficiency dividends announced in last year's Budget, Government reduced advertising expenditure by 25 per cent over the last 12 months.
Department oflnfrastructurc and Planning (Local Government)
Date Campaign name I Media Total cost July 2009 and the new Animal • Traditional printed $57805 June 2010 Management (Cats publications such as Quest and Dog;) Act 2008 Newspapers, major regional dailies and regional newspapers • More targeted publications such as industry I publications • Online advertising.
Department of Communities (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships)
Datc Campaign name Media Total cost June to July NAIDOC Week • Outdoor advertising 1$80845 2010 • Postcards in cafes, galleries, retail, tourism and art institutions. Estimates Committee F
Non-Government Question on Notice
No 10
QUESTION
MR HOWARD HOBBS MP-In relation to each departmental program and each capital works commitment contained in the 2009-10 year will the Minister provide the following detail:
(a) What was the 2009-10 Budget allocation (non-revised) and the estimated actual expenditure (at the time of receipt of this question)? (b) Where was the under-spend for each project and was any under-spend redirected (listed by project under-spend and projects where under-spend was redirected); (c) What new programs and new Capital Works commitments came on-line (that were not in the 2009-10 Budget) and from which program it was diverted in each instance?
ANSWER
The Honourable Member is directed to BudgetPaper No.3, Capital Statement, from 2009-10 where last year's budget allocation (non revised) is clearly listed for each capital works commitment.
If the 1I0nourabie Member had taken the time to read the 2010-11 Capital Statement, each project's expenditure to 30 June 2010 is also outlined.
The Honourable Member is welcome to compare the Capital Statements, where the answers to his questions arc publicly available. I To make it even easier for the Honourable Member, Budget Paper No.4, Budget Measures, page 69 onwards, details the relevant portfolio capital measures relating to decisions taken since the 2009-10 Budget.
As the Treasurer stated publically in advance of this year's Budget, much of the underspend from the 2009-10 capital program was associated with the fact that 87% of the State was disaster declared at various points due to cyclones, floods, storms and heavy rain events.
Construction projects in my portfolio, such as those outlined below, experienced delays due to these disasters, and the State and Local Governments had to prioritise repairs to the State's vast road network and infrastructure immediately following such events. Costs associated with natural disaster relief totalled apprOXimately $1.4 billion State-wide.
In relation to my Local Government portfolio, I can advise there has been no underspends in projects recei ving grants and subsidies resulting from the Queensland Monsoonal Flooding and Tropical Cyclones Olga, Neville, Vlui, and Paul, which impacted Queensland from January through to April 2010. However, there are 22 active infrastructure projects in the disaster affected Council areas which have been delayed and therefore granted an extension oftimc. This extension of time has carried thc completion date for many of these projects into the 2010111 financial year. Examples of these projects include:
• Western Downs Regional Council- Dalby Water Supply Redevelopment. • Carpentaria Shire Council - Karumba Sewerage Scheme • Central Highlands Regional Council- Emerald, Opal Street Water Treatment Plant upgrade.
In relation to my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships portfolio, I can advise there has been no underspend as all projects targeted for delivery in 2009-10 were acquitted accordingly. Documents tabled at the hearing Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
(V\,,us{.er -for LoccQ.. ~.st.\ 1'\'\£ I?
T abl ed By: _...:..Nl-,-,-. --'-;",MD",,' CJ.i.=::tJ:'==----p-,,--ZJ"-"-I-.1S\ e'-',~_ Time: ~- \8 DlYV'J Date: 21 July 2010 Estimates F Hearing
Signature: __~'--' -==*,,'--"""--"'::::t:.~~ __ ---~------Gidarjil Development Corporation Ltd 53 Walker St I PO Box 2773 Bundaberg QLD 4670 ABN: 69094934586
Tel 0741307700 I Fax 07 4130 7777
Email gidarjil@bigpond I ABN: 69094934586
24th June, 2010
The Han Andrew Fraser Treasurer
Minister for Employment and Economic
Development
C/- Parliament House QLD
George St, Brisbane 4000
Mr Minister, It is with a heavy burden and the greatest concern I formally write to you on behalf of all Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people in the Wide Bay/Burnett/ Bundaberg RegiollJ believe if not should be a priority area under your Governments "Skilling _:---,~':_-~:002~:~k-!B7~ ~'Ere~~la1\ders for Work" in partLc.lJlarlndigenous people to vent our disappointment for not t~t~ll'l:t~~.d~ totally stand al~ri'~';'I'hdig~'rl6ti:s'pr6ject up in this high unemployment region , documehfedhy.your,Govern~~fit~a~.iI.highprior:ity.."f--; "---2~-- -,,--_c.. ~ '-'' If I regurgii~J~~~he·;~~¥lstii~~~)o·rtl.~ in OUlRegiO~~·9r.Nationally;f" ·"tKif',filri giving information that you and~our Governm~ht~!~h§i~ld h~~E!'b~fore:you right, rp,~tr"",ri all the walls " of every elected Labor repres~~tative ~ffice§ in office.
But in case you and your peers do not have '",V'L'Y you (Also see newspaper article attached) so up from 27,100 in 2008. At the same time, JromSOt048%. The gap in unemployment rates 0' ~~\I~·E~h'Dtrrer··A\.jr:Str·ali:ahl rhclrei!!;ed to 12.6% points in the two years to 2009. The prrmll,,,rnp,W,,,,,rrfr,mrfPr!
Regional Indigenous Statisticsforthe Wide Bay/Bundaberg regia Thegener,H I:Ihe ;lndigenoti£lJnemplo¥meiitrc1,tio.i~;%'·tirme~,.liiJtQet As you can see it is stating the obvious and confirmsthattliefihtAUWi:lHaris hayeyfhe\&bf;st , . socio, econ omIc, health,une rh ployrnent, Ab()r:iginaIDea~hsin(:ustOdy ofeverystatusJrrdiciltor •... "- - -_'_'~':_-_C"";_'-C-\,.__ 7;' __ "_'-_'._-,:-;_·~,;_:_, ___ "-_'_,,,,,.-;,,~>_ .-;_._~ __ ~:~ __ . -~-,,-,__ -,_, - -'- __ >~ ---' -- ,- - '- - ",--,--, - -.~-.--, - ". across .... thec9utitry. The· Fed e raiG oVe rh rnents.uCIOslng·the.. G.ap.}o{us u .. isl'lc,t.serious •· •. if).DUf;. region the QnIY"GapUthatishappenj~gT~theuR.ich.arE!gettingricheruandourpeOple.are .. getting up()o~e(·. Qrl·ever.vIe\t.t:iL }y8uwoulifagreethequflo()kJqr~IClc~fell~j~ is k[~tt~~k~Jn .. . uhlessyouareprepared·tqWQrkwith Sl.,Icce:ssfuIAborigit')aICotpotations like GidarjiltOatleast ·getBlackfellaJsjoflreadY.forJ:he.. I~.b¢ufmar.ket, The Wide bay/Bundaberg Labour market is dead! At least we are doing something providing a training pathway with sound mentorship and cultural support for blackfella's to at least get some skills to make them job ready. The biggest problem is overcoming white Australia's racist attitudes towards blackfella's I can talk from experience as I was a member of the National Cqurrclt'fQ.r Aboriginal Reconciliation. ;;'f;Y ~0 ·c1(jve~nme~t's .. Sh~.uld~e.do.(i1gs~methihgaboutthe above the issues .a6tj.Qre~kaiiwn:lfue racistTt#~~aJi1lI;~~~itLJ:OeS;Qf~'i•• a~toprOmO!e and market blackfella's as worthy humans to employ In!il:1tor'aTI~the ~6@munity to Pl.,ltup Worthwhile and:.F.;~.~:},}·!}'Q projects then support them not fiWdirig;""ays or e*c3~~~ n~t to s£lpporcl blackfella';. The Queensland Govt has ~~r~· reso~fce~~in9IUding human Cdr~~.·t~s,:~v./areness with employers to create opportunities for blackfella's': Your equivalent Queensland Govt policy ;QueenslandE.rnlp·.IIO)lmE~~t(~ IJf(~Jg.l~n!)Usilh;iti.aJ issue of concern (High Indigenous unemplnurnPr,tl positivetoaddresstheiliSlle wedo!i't·recei.ve . ',,-,- .--' - - .:.. ,' ,'" '- ".,',,' -; '-', ,-. ,'" '--- -, -- "The people whom we concentrate on are" *the Strait Islander people * People living in the rural areal Some' from the nearest town (What a Joke). If you·.ahd .your..Governrnenfisnotseridustner1 .WhyshbUtd "Window dressing"exerdseandspendexce~~iVeh()l.IrSih wprkdose Iy with your.localeinploY:rl1entlorw¢eks even months on; end toti"CkaU'ttierrgb't'" QOXts. ;-;:~-- - - ; Our project ticked every box according to your Government's criteria (Indigenous, Created a training pathway for employment, these type of projects also supports local businesses). Your assessment committee would be aware that your Government's Indigenous Employment & Training Manager-Julie Gee supported our project but appears accounted for nothing. DOn't you think it is better tQ d().~orj1ethJ[lg f,!therthahd6!1cjttiirigi Be{ I':) Our retention rate is 98% on these type of projects over the last 10 years we have networked with our training partners TAFE in delivering quality formal training where possible. Gidarjil's record is as follows; -Sound Management -Sound Governance as an Aboriginal owned and managed business - Excellent training environment on country -Financial Accountability every grant is always acquitted to the Departments satisfactory seats. Let's be Mr MinisterI\I~chella's dbhotshitre equitable J;Str~JiCl~,s Land, Wealth, resources, political life and on ale~el plaYirigfi~ldin'thelabour m",ik,6t Kevin Rudd said sorry now he is real sorry and •. we have been sQrryfortn~ACl~'t. looks like we will be for another 222. If.yourGbverl1meptstaffcClI1r1dttreate •. blatkfeHa's then give ustheFLlNQINca SlJRRO c(j(}rdil1~t'qF·and·we.WiIL,getttie~lIt~()I1'l~st()i·rr.. rt',F€l'Ul;>'VI ; high unempJoYl11entQt~la~~tellCl'~' Gidarjil is a vehidetdhe.lp6Urpe6pl~getwhere they wantto ·"n'j'f t, '.e mpldyment; tra il1irfgandl1~~lt;i{';~si,:I.~&'j:! IQRm.¢Mf;~ , ....•.,0'2. Mr Minister if you are serious we would hope you would personally meet with us to discuss your Governments failure to address the chronic Aboriginal unemployment and issues of major concern in this priority area and hope you would revisit our project which would fit with your Governments commitment if they are really serious in addressing the disadvantage in this Region. I can be contacted at the above office number or my mobile on 0412 760501 if you would like to discuss my concerns further. Kind Regards, Mr Kerry Blackman/ Managing Director Gidarjil ll1ent Corporation and Respected, Prominent Leader and voicec,Jdr'rHycp!'!9P!e •. C.C Comml.ln)tv,lgbs PrioritY.C~'rnmlttee. " ' ", ~"'rq _,,-_~, C.C Michell~,f\'~Vies:AEting,-,, ___ w - - ;Regio~~I~'Director -'~\ w-_',",,), ,--'- '-'k C.C Rob Messenger-lndependenlM~mbef;fQr B~rl')ett C.C Jack Dempsey-Member for Bundaberg Attachment 1: Grants to local government authorities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils Refers to the Pensioner Rate Subsidy Scheme. Increases totalling $433 000 (including $126 000 to Aurukun Shire Council and $104 000 to Mornington Shire Council) were offset by decreases totalling $901 000 (including $205 000 -$468000 Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council, $157 000 to Wujul Wujul Aboriginal Shire Council and to Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council) resulting in a net decrease of $468 000. These were one-off program funds; therefore no funding is allocated for 201 0~11. Includes - public intoxication, homelessness, community suppor!. familv suppor! and senior and decrease of $576 000 relates to ceasing Recognised Entity programs of$192 000 each -$576000 Aurukun Shire Council, Kowanyama Shire Council and Napranum Shire Council. Tabled By: ~i!f;f ~(klccJ ~. . ~ a- ~ ~ \~\Cirda.r' Time: Page 1 of3 Date: 21 July 2010 Estimates F Hearing Signature: Dr· ..,--_ .• Attachment 1: Grants to local government authorities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils Increases totalling $11.464 million (including $3.194 million for the Pensioner Rate Subsidy Scheme, $3.0 million for Moranbah Community Centre, $2.6 million for Chinchilla Community centre. $955 000 to Burdekin Shire Council and $944 000 to Westem Downs Regional +$10.490m programs' were offset by decreases totalling $974 000 (including $515 000 to Banana Shire l<.;ounCIl and $244 000 for Maranoa Shire Council) resulting in a net increase of $1 0.490 Includes - Carpentaria Shire Council; Fraser Coast Regional Council; Maranoa Regional Council; Rockhampton Regional Council and Tablelands Regional Council. to the Pensioner Rate Subsidy Scheme. increase of $1.411 million for the All Abilities Playgrounds Equipment program was offset -$2.138m a decrease of $3.515 million for the Home and Community Care Program resulting in a net decrease of $2.138 million. Includes - Adult Support; Post School Services and General individuals with a and or items. increase of $81.774 million relates primarily to increases in grants of $26.215 million to Northern Area Peninsula Council, $22.736 million to Torres Strait Island Council and $10.537 +$B1.774m million to Palm Island Council. - Aurukun local Central Highlands local council; Ipswich City r~, mrH· Shire Council and Barcaldine local shire. Page 2 of3 Attachment 1: Grants to local government authorities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils decrease of $25 000 relates primarily to ceasing grants to Central Highlands Regional -$25000 lL;ouncii and Tablelands Regional Council. Includes - Cairns Regional Council; Cassowary Coast Regional Council; Gladstone Regional Council; Gold Coast City Council; Lockyer Valley Regional Council and Mackay Council. increase of $10.157 million relates primarily to increases in grants of $6.54 million for the +$10.157m IMajor Facilities Program and $2.55 million for the Sustainable Resource Communities program. - Local and Recreation Eat Well Be Active and and Recreation Active Inclusion Page 3013 Questions on Notice Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT QUESTIONS ON NOTICE - PRE HEARING From Government Members QUESTION 1 Christine Smith MP With reference to page 3-4 of the SOS, can the Minister please outline how the Helping out Families pilot will benefit Queensland families? QUESTION 2 Stephen Wettenhall MP With reference to page 3-4 of the SOS, can the Minister please provide advice around the implementation of safe houses and the benefits they deliver to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities? l QUESTION 3 Betty Kiernan MP With reference to 3-16 of the SOS, can the Minister please provide an update on the implementation of the Adoption Act 2009 and how the changes to Queensland's adoption legislation have benefited Queensland families? QUESTION 4 Mary-Anne O'Neill MP With reference to page 3-4 of the SOS, can the Minister please provide further information about the increased recurrent funding of $3million from 2010-11 to recruit additional frontline staff in high demand areas QUESTION 5 Christine Smith MP With reference to page 3-4 and 3-15 of the SOS, can the Minister outline the Queensland Government's investment into the non-Government sector and advise why it is important to support non-Government partnerships. Page 10f2 MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT QUESTIONS ON NOTICE - PRE HEARING From Government Members QUESTION 6 Stephen Wettenhall MP With reference to page 3-4 of the SOS, can the Minister please advise further on the $8.5million for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Support Services QUESTION 7 Betty Kiernan MP With reference to page 3-16 of the 80S, can the Minister please outline what the Queensland Government is doing to improve placernent options for children and young people in out of home care? QUESTION 8 Mary-Anne O'Neill MP With reference to page 3-7 of the SDS, can the Minister please outline the benefits to Queensland through the Queensland Government investment in V8 Motor Racing? QUESTION 9 Christine Smith MP With reference to page 3-23 of the SDS, can the Minister outline what programs the Department of Communities (Sport and Recreation Services) delivers and what the benefit of these programs is to Queenslanders. QUESTION 10 Stephen Wettenhall MP With reference to page 3-23 of the 808, can the Minister please outline the investment by the Queensland Government in to sport and recreation in comparison to other states and territories around Australia? Page 20f2 MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT QUESTIONS ON NOTICE - PRE HEARING From Non-Government Members QUESTION 1 Jack Dempsey MP With reference to SDS 3-13 Service Summary Child safety services- a) what is the budget allocation for central office in 2010111 (reported by area within central office) b) what was the budget and actual spend for central office in 200911 0 (reported by actual and budget and work unit)? c) What is the total FTE staffing level for Central office as at June 30 2010? QUESTION 2 Jack Dempsey MP In relation to all advertising and promotional campaigns for 2009-10 and 2010-11 will the Minister break down separately? I (a) name and dates of the campaign; (b) media publication it appears in or will appear in; (c) total cost of the advertising campaign! promotion and the budgetary line item or source of the payment; (separated into placement and production costs) QUESTION 3 Jack Dempsey MP In relation to each departmental program and each capital works commitment contained in the 2009-10 year will the Minister provide the following detail: (a) What was the 2009-10 budget allocation (non revised) and the estimated actual expenditure (at the time of receipt ofthis question) (b) What was the under spend each project and was any underspend redirected (listed by project underspend and projects where under spend was re-directed); (c) What new programs and new capital works commitments came on line (that were not in the 2009- 10 budget) and from which program was funding diverted for each these? Page 1 of3 MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT QUESTIONS ON NOTICE - PRE HEARING From Non-Government Members QUESTION 4 Jack Dempsey MP With reference to SDS 3-16 performance summary (total costs) Child Safety services a) What is the allocated budget for each child safety service centre for 2010/11 and what was it for each centre in 2009/10 (reported by year)? and b) What is the allocated overtime budget for each child safety zone in 2010/11 and what was the budget and actual spend in 2009/10 (reported by year)? QUESTION 5 Jack Dempsey MP With reference to Capital Statement page 27 Child Safety Services- a) What is the line by line breakdown of expenditure to date on the 57.985 million on the Integrated Client Information system to June 30 20 I O? b) What new search capabilities and data storage have been added to the ICMS reported by search capability?; and c) What is the line by line break down of the 11.182 million to be spent on the system this year? QUESTION 6 Jack Dempsey MP With reference to SDS 3-22 Services for young people in care a) how many children living away from home have a health passport as at June 30 201O? b) How many children living away from home have an education plan as at June 30 201O? c )How many children living away from home have exited care without a completed health passport between 2007 and June 201O? Page 20f3 MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT QUESTIONS ON NOTICE - PRE HEARING From Non-Government Members QUESTION 7 Jack Dempsey MP With reference to SDS 3-15 Performance Statements Child Safety Services (intakes) a) How many staff will be employed to assess the 101,800 initial intakes received by child safety services for the 20 I 0111 financial year? b) How many intakes were assessed by each employee designated to handle intakes in 2009/10? c) What is the total budgetary allocation for the assessment of intakes in 20 I 0111 and what was it in 2009/1O? QUESTION 8 Jack Dempsey MP In relation to conferences, workshops, training sessions, seminars, presentation or symposiums ("event") conducted by the department, agencies or associated portfolio entities in 2009-10 for public service employees, will the Minister provide details of: (a) the number, attendance and the purpose of each event held; (b) the venue of each event and the cost to hire the venue; (c) The cost for each government employed attendee in total and broken down by the cost of travel, accommodation, entertainment, hospitality, meals, alcohol and catering (reported separately)? QUESTION 9 Jack Dempsey MP Reference is made to SDS 3-14, Stadiums Queensland- Will the Minister detail a list of all corporate entertainment conducted on Stadiums Queensland premises by Queensland Government ministers (listed separately) including: (a) the date and nature of the event, a list of attendees and their organisation, (b) the minister( s) hosting, and (c) the cost of the event, broken down by venue hire, catering, alcohol or entertainment? QUESTION 10 Jack Dempsey MP Reference is made to SDS 3-27, note 92; the program review--- Will the Minister advise the terms of reference of this review, its findings or recommendations and how these recommendations have been implemented? Page 3 of3 I Answers to questions on notice Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport Government Question on Notice No.1 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION MRS CHRISTINE SMITH MP-With reference to page 3-4 of the SDS, can the Minister please outline how the Helping Out Families pilot will benefit Queensland families? ANSWER The Bligh Government is committed to supporting vulnerable families by ensuring that the right service is provided at the right time. Through the 2010-11 State Budget, the Government has allocated $55 million over the next four years to the 'Helping Out Families' initiative to provide early support services for vulnerable families. As I recently announced with my colleague the Honorable Karen Struthers MP, Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women, the 'Helping Out Families' initiative will be piloted in three south-east Queensland locations, assisting families in Logan and Beenleigh/Eagleby/Nerang from October and the Gold Coast, which includes the Burleigh Electorate, early next year. Of the initial $10 million in 2010-11, $850,000 will be allocated to establish three new Family Support Alliances across the three pilot sites to accept referrals, identify the needs of families and to link them into intensive support services. A further $4.82 million will fund intensive family support services to provide a holistic needs assessment and case management, specialist services when required and practical in-home support such as assistance with parenting, home management, budgeting and meal preparation. $1.63 million will fund enhanced and new domestic and family violence services including counseling and support for victims, men's perpetrator behaviour change programs, children's domestic and family violence counselling services and court support services. The support system will also include access to youth, mental health and drug and alcohol services. The Bligh Government believes prevention is the best cure, which is why the Government has invested heavily to ensure we have the experts in place who can help families work through the issues that are placing children at risk. $2.5 million has been allocated to Queensland Health to implement the Health Home Visiting program where parents with children 0-3 years will have six health contacts with a child health nurse or health professional in the first three years of their child's life. For families where risk issues have been identified, the family will be eligible for up to 15 contacts in the first 12 months of the child's life. The Government understands some Queensland families are doing it tough and wants to provide these families with the right support at the right time to keep their children safe. It makes good practical sense to address problems early to achieve the best possible outcomes for our children. I look forward to your support for this important initiative. Government Question on Notice No.2 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION MR STEPHEN WETTENHALL MP-With reference to page 3-4 of the SDS, can the Minister please provide advice around the implementation of Safe Houses and the benefits they deliver to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities? ANSWER The Bligh Government is committed to addressing child protection issues and to keeping children safe in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities while also keeping them connected to their culture and kin. The Safe House model is an innovative approach that provides a safe place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the statutory system to remain in their communities while their longer term needs are being assessed, and includes the provision of family support services to assist families to address child protection concerns. The Bligh Government is investing more than $45 million to establish Safe Houses services in 11 Indigenous Communities. The Department of Communities is well-advanced in establishing these Safe Houses in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure children can remain in their communities if it is not safe to stay at home. I am pleased to report that Safe House services are now operating in Napranum, Doomadgee, Pormpuraaw, Aurukun, Kowanayma and Palm Island. The services in Napranum and Doomadgee have been open for referrals for around six months now and I'm pleased to announce that the Safe House services at Pormpuraaw and Palm Island have become operational over the last few weeks, following construction of the facilities. In Aurukun and Kowanyama, family intervention services are being provided while the residential services are being established. The Yarrabah facility is complete and service providers have been approved and are working to establish services. Last month I travelled to the Cape with local Members for Mt Isa and Cook, Betty Kiernan MP and Jason O'Brien MP, to officially open the services at Doomadgee and Pormpuraaw. I was also pleased to host the practical opening of the facilities at Aurukun and Kowanyama where I met with councils, community members and staff. I had previously opened the service at Napranum which is operating from an interim facility. A contract for the construction of the permanent facility has now been awarded and construction is expected to commence towards the end of the year. The Palm Island Safe house has been completed ahead of schedule and the service provider is beginning to accept referrals. I am also pleased to report that a site has been nominated on Mornington Island and site surveys and feasibility activities are underway. The department is also working with the community on Mornington Island to develop a capacity building strategy to ensure we can provide quality services to vulnerable children and their families. These Safe Houses deliver enormous benefits to children in the child protection system, their families and their broader communities. By establishing Safe Houses, following appropriate and respectful consultation with the community, we also increase the placement options within a child's community to keep children connected to their culture and their kin. In addition, through these Safe Houses the Bligh Government is developing locally tailored, community endorsed services, which are provided by a local Indigenous workforce. The initiative provides employment, training and development for local community members to take up positions as residential care workers and family intervention service workers. We are also increasing accessibility to locally-based services for remote community members. It is anticipated that the successful establishment of these services, in partnership with local communities, will positively impact upon child safety and wellbeing outcomes for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities. These services are being embraced and welcomed by the local communities and although much has already been achieved, I look forward to pressing ahead to continue establishment of Safe House services throughout Queensland. Government Question on Notice No.3 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION MRS BETTY KIERNAN MP-With reference to 3-16 of the SDS, can the Minister please provide an update on the implementation of the Adoption Act 2009 and how the changes to Queensland's adoption legislation have beneftted Queensland families? ANSWER I was pleased to officially celebrate the commencement of the Adoption Act 2009 on 1 February 2010, with community groups, departmental staff and individuals directly affected by adoption. The Act represents the most significant reform of Queensland's adoption laws in more than 45 years. The reforms were outlined in the Future Adoption Laws for Queensland Policy Paper, and informed by the feedback received on the Balancing Privacy and Access: Adoption Consultation Paper, which were both released on 14 July 2008. The new Act is governed by one overriding principle, that is to ensure the wellbeing and best interests of adopted people, both in childhood and throughout their lives, is promoted. Adoption reforms have also benefited Queenslanders through improved access to information, open adoption arrangements and the availability of post adoption support [ services. The new laws have balanced people's right to information with the right of others to maintain their privacy. Previously, almost 3,000 Queenslanders affected by an adoption that occurred before 1991 were prevented from obtaining identifying information about their birth parents or son or daughter who was adopted. These changes have enabled birth parents and adopted people to access identifying information about each other in a greater range of circumstances than was previously possible in Queensland. Over 460 applications for identifying adoption information have been received since 1 February 2010. Over 140 of these applications required active case work by an Adoptions Officer to progress applications where pre-existing objections restricting access to information had been in place. Queensland's new adoption laws also provide for more openness between a child's birth family and the adoptive family after a child is adopted, if all parties agree to open arrangements. This recognises positive adoption outcomes are more likely when adopted children are able to incorporate knowledge of their birth and adoption into a positive self image. Implementation of the new laws has also involved the establishment of the first ever funded post adoption support service with a Bligh Government commitment of $1.2 million over three years. Post Adoption Support Queensland is Queensland's first ever Government funded post adoption support service. Post Adoption Support Queensland was launched on 1 February 2010, but commenced providing services to the public in January 2010. Since January 2010, the service has provided counselling and support to over 92 people. Between 1 January and 30 June 2010, it responded to calls from 1433 people affected by adoption. Post Adoption Support Queensland also organise Adoption Connections Support Meetings around the State to ensure access for people in regional areas. The implementation of the Adoption Act 2009 represents significant reform to the way adoption and adoption support is managed in Queensland and demonstrates the Bligh Government's commitment to introducing fair laws in a sensitive and responsible manner. f Government Question on Notice No.4 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION MS MARY-ANNE O'NEILL MP-With reference to page 3-4 of the SDS, can the Minister please provide further information about the increased recurrent funding of $3 million from 2010-11 to recruit additional frontline staff in high demand areas? ANSWER The Bligh Government is committed to providing the best possible outcomes for children and young people who are unable to live safely in their homes due to abuse and neglect. This year the Bligh Government has delivered a child protection budget of $695.9 million and of this funding, an extra $3 million in recurrent funding from 2010-11 has been invested to recruit more frontline staff in high demand areas. The funding will ensure 35 extra frontline staff including additional Team Leaders, Child Safety Officers and Child Safety Support Officers are available for communities where abused children and young people most need help and will also provide greater support for existing frontline workers. The extra funding will improve the rate at which we develop our child protection workforce and boost their ability to respond in high demand areas across the State. In addition to the 35 extra staff announced in the 2010-11 budget, the Bligh Government appointed 10 additional Child Safety Officers to frontline service delivery during the 2009-10 financial year as a result of the Voluntary Early Retirement program. As Minister for Child Safety, I have travelled the state visiting all 50 Child Safety Service Centres, 7 Regional offices and all hub officers speaking with our valued staff about their important roles on the front line. They do an amazing job. The Bligh Government, through the Department of Communities, has implemented a number of key initiatives to ensure its attraction and retention programs provide the staff we need now and in the future. For instance, the department has reviewed and revised its recruitment methods for a number of occupation groups, including Child Safety Officers, to enable us to identify and employ the best people for the job. The department has also introduced new selection methods for Child Safety Officers and is trialling a new pathway through Diploma and Vocational Graduate Certificate qualifications to enable experienced Child Safety Support Officers to transition into the professional ranks. The attraction of suitable Child Safety Officers has been further enhanced with the broadening of the qualifications pool. In Queensland, Child Safety Services has put in place several initiatives to increase the retention of experienced staff, including: • an accelerated career progression, which has seen 383 Child Safety Officers progress to P03 level between October 2008 and April 2010; • a pilot program of Principal Child Safety Officer positions to provide support and mentoring to new staff; and • an incentives scheme to enhance rural and remote retention. I am pleased to advise, the department has achieved significant success in raising the permanency ratio. The additional $3 million investment in our child protection workforce and child protection budget demonstrates the Queensland Government's absolute and ongoing commitment to keeping children and young people safe and supporting those that do this important work. t Government Question on Notice NO.5 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION MRS CHRISTINE SMITH MP-With reference to page 3-4 and 3-15 of the SDS, can the Minister outline the Queensland Government's investment into the non-Government sector and advise why it is important to support the non-Government partnerships? ANSWER Child protection is everyone's responsibility and the Bligh Government is proud to work hand-in-hand with our non-government partners to deliver services for vulnerable children and young people. The non-government sector works closely with vulnerable families and children and is well placed to deliver a range of support services. This allows the Government to undertake the statutory child protection work. In 2010-11, the Bligh Government, through the Department of Communities, Child Safety Services has allocated $374 million, which is over 53 per cent of the total budget, to external partners to deliver quality services for vulnerable children and families. These funds are improving the range and quality of support available to families in the child protection system. This investment in the non-government sector provides a large and diverse range of services including Placement Services, Support Services, Indigenous Child Protection Services, and Partnership Services. An estimated 2,400 jobs are created in the non-government sector from this funding. These services, delivered by the non-government sector with government funding, provide a Statewide safety net for at risk children and assists the government to fulfil its commitment to ensuring the safety and well being of children and young people. The Bligh Government remains committed to delivering early intervention and prevention services. The recently announced Helping out Families initiative is yet another example of the Bligh Government working with non-Government organisations to improve outcomes for vulnerable Queenslanders. Government Question on Notice No.6 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITIEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION STEPHEN WETIENHALL MP-With reference to page 3-4 of the SDS. can the Minister please advise further on the $8.5 million for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Support Services? ANSWER The Bligh Government is committed to ensuring Queensland families receive the right support at the right time. This is why we have refocussed our investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services to increase the amount of family support delivered to Indigenous families across Queensland. The intention of the family support program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with children who come to the attention of the Department of Communities is to work with families in their local community earlier to help prevent children from entering the statutory system. $8.5 million per year is available in 11 locations across the State for Aboriginal and Torres Strait ISlander Family Support Services and I will soon announce the successful organisations that will receive funding. The principal outcome of the support program is to establish the safety of children at home with their families. The program will also assist children to either be reunited with their parent from out-of-home care or for children to maintain living at home safely with the family while the department actively monitors the ongoing needs of the children and progress of the family in making positive and lasting changes. Services will provide a range of activities including in-home family support; teaching. learning and practising practical parenting skills within safe and supportive relationships with skilled and trained support workers. The program will also assist parents to communicate with their children more effectively. Establishing routines and other practical advice on running a household. working within a financial budget. cooking and cleaning are other benefits of the program to families. Support workers will coordinate other community supports and specialised services for families where they are required in areas such as drug and alcohol issues. domestic violence. mental health and medical services. In October 2009. the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Safety Taskforce was established comprising of both government and non-governrnent stakeholders and Indigenous community members. It will advise the Department of Communities of: • the statutory role and purpose of recognised entities in making decisions about Indigenous children and families; • the requirements of a strategy to address the delivery of culturally appropriate and responsive child protection services; and • the required policy development. planning. program design and child protection service delivery across the government and the non-government sector. around addressing over-representation. Another initiative which I am proud to highlight is the South West Queensland Indigenous Family and Youth Coaching and Mentoring Services. The initiative is operating in Roma, Charleville, Cunnamulla, St George and surrounding areas and aims to prevent young people and their families from entering and progressing into the child safety and youth justice systems by providing family coaching and youth mentoring to reduce youth offending and improve family functioning. Family and Youth Coaches work intensively with young people who have offended, or who are at risk of offending to address underlying issues. The coaches link young people to education, training and employment opportunities, and where appropriate, will provide a suitable mentor for additional support and linkage into the local business community. Family and Youth Coaches also work closely with the young person's family to develop parenting and conflict management skills. The Bligh Government has made available over $2 million in funding for a period of two and half years for this initiative. More than $425,000 was available in 2009-10 with approximately $797,000 being made available in both 2010-11 and 2011-12 for the delivery of this worthwhile initiative. This is yet another example of the Bligh Government working closely with our non government partners to improve outcomes for vulnerable Queensland families. Government Question on Notice No.7 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION BETTY KIERNAN MP-With reference to page 3-16 of the SDS, can the Minister please outline what the Queensland Government is dOing to improve placement options for children and young people in out of home care? ANSWER The Bligh Government is committed to ensuring our children are safe and supported in reaching their full potential. To reflect this commitment, the Department of Communities provides grant funding to establish placement services across the State to provide accommodation, care and support to children and young people who cannot live with their family because of the abuse or neglect these children have experienced. The Bligh Government works closely with the non-Government sector to improve the diversity, stability and number of placement services for Queensland's abused children and young people. Sadly, too many Queensland children and young people cannot live at home because of abuse and neglect. The Bligh Government is committed to ensuring these children feel supported and cared for. When children can't remain living at home, it is Child Safety's responsibility to provide them with alternative placements and support. Child Safety provides a range of out-of-home care options including foster and kinship care, therapeutic residential services, small group homes, safe houses, specific response and speCialist foster care as well as supported independent accommodation. The type of placement provided to a child or young person is based on their assessed needs and ongoing levels of support. Today in Queensland, there are more placement options than ever before to support the continuously changing needs of Queensland's children and young people. The Bligh Government is committed to working with our non·Government partners to improve outcomes for children and young people in both the short and longer term. Government Question on Notice No.8 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION MS MARY-ANN O'NEILL MP-With reference to page 3-7 of the SDS, can the Minister please outline the benefits to Queensland through the Queensland Government investment in VB Motor Racing? ANSWER The Bligh Government is committed to supporting the annual motor racing event on the Gold Coast and in Townsville given the demonstrated benefits these events bring. The Bligh Government has supported an annual motor racing event on the Gold Coast since the event's inception in 1991. Since that time, there has been an estimated economic impact of over $600 million. Over the last 19 years of the event, there have been 76 event days which averaged over 63,000 people attending per day. The refreshed Armor All Gold Coast 600 will deliver a new race format with international drivers mixing it with Australia's best to compete in two 300 kilometre events. The streets of Surfers Paradise are again set to come to life from 22-24 October 2010. 2009 saw the staging of the inaugural VB Supercar event in Townsville. The Dunlop Townsville 400 VB Supercar event was a tremendous success, with an estimated economic benefit to Queensland of $19.34 million. This year, I was pleased to join the 150,000 strong crowd to cheer the roaring VB's as they put on a spectacular show in Townsville. L These events bring a positive benefit to Queensland businesses which in turn create jobs. In 2009 over BOO full time equivalent jobs were created from the staging of the two events, and the construction of the Townsville precinct and benefits such as these are undoubtedly good for Queensland. Businesses which benefit from the Government's investment in VB motor racing, include businesses involved in the track construction, restaurants or accommodation and the events provide a welcome boost to the region's economy. As well as the economic and job benefits these events bring, motor racing events also have a valuable tourism benefit. The VB Supercars series is broadcast throughout Australia and also into valuable overseas tourism markets. Showing Queensland as the host of a major event displays a confidence in the region, and the television coverage of Queensland tourism destinations is a great way to showcase what Queensland has to offer. Given these benefits and the popularity of motor sport events, the Bligh Government remains committed to supporting the staging of VB Supercar events. Finally, outside the motor racing events, the VB Supercar industry is a thriving industry, singlehandedly supporting over 600 jobs in Queensland. The Bligh Government's investment in VB motor racing in Queensland is strong, not only delivering entertainment to the Queensland public but also delivering jobs, tourism and economic return. Government Question on Notice No.9 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION MRS CHRISTINE SMITH MP-With reference to 3-23 of the SDS, can the Minister outline what programs the Department of Communities (Sport and Recreation Services) delivers and what the benefit of these programs is to Queenslanders? ANSWER Under Toward Q2: Tomorrow's Queensland, the Bligh Government is committed to helping Queenslanders become Australia's healthiest people, and regular partiCipation in sport and recreation is an ideal way to support healthy lifestyles. The Bligh Government, through the Department of Communities (Sport and Recreation Services), supports opportunities for people to lead a healthy and active lifestyle through a range of programs and initiatives, including the provision of funding of $138 million over the next three years for the development of new and improved facilities, partiCipation, and education and training initiatives that meet communities' needs. This new sport and recreation funding package comprises the: Sport and Recreation Active Inclusion Program which provides funding for activities to increase access to sport and recreation for individuals and groups facing barriers to partiCipation within the community; Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Program which provides a contribution towards the development or construction of infrastructure for participation in sport and recreation and supports the role of volunteers; I Local Sport and Recreation Jobs Plan which employs a local co-ordinator to assist with building the capacity of organisations so safe, appropriate and suitable sport and recreation activities are provided within communities; and Sport and Recreation industry development, including the State Sport and Recreation Organisation Development Program which provides funds for State sporting and industry development organisations, funding for industry peak bodies and a new advisory service to provide advice to the State bodies. We are also improving access to sport and recreation opportunities for the most vulnerable groups in our communities, including $1 million towards supporting the participation of children and young people in out of home care. Through the Young Athlete Assistance Program, we also ease the burden on junior athletes and families when they are selected for representative sport at State level or higher. Building the skills of volunteers, supporting local clubs and delivering participation opportunities are also key elements of the department's initiatives. In this regard, there are a number of community oriented programs and workshops conducted across the State which aim to promote a healthy lifestyle, increase sport and recreation participation and support industry sustainability. These include the: Get Active Queensland Schools Program which uses elite athletes from the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) and supported teams, to visit primary and secondary schools to deliver healthy lifestyle presentations and activity sessions. These are designed to improve sporting skills, agility, hand-eye coordination and teamwork. In 2009--10 the program employed 33 QAS athletes, visited 329 schools and engaged with 43,585 students; Get Active Queensland Accreditation Program, which provides opportunities for teachers, teacher aides, volunteer school sport support staff and senior high school and tertiary students to gain free access into Teacher Certificate or National Accreditation courses in coaching, officiating, recreation, sports training, disability education and first aid. In 2009-10, the department delivered 22 Get Active Queensland Accreditation Program events incorporating 212 sport courses and engaging 2,613 participants; Deadly Sports Program, which commenced in November 2008, seeks to promote the benefits of sport and recreation in Indigenous communities through coaching clinics and friendly competition facilitated by sporting ambassadors such as Brian Kerle, Steve Renouf, Darryl White, Selina Scobie, Michael De Vere and Kelly McKellar. To date, 4,400 children and young people have participated in the program, in 19 communities and 24 different sports; Moving with Young Children Workshops which are conducted for early childhood professionals, prep teachers, family day carers and parents involved in playgroups to help them introduce physical activity, especially basic motor skills, into the daily lives of children; free resources which are provided to parents, schools and child care services and can be downloaded or ordered online, providing information on safe active movement for babies of different ages and assistance to teachers to incorporate physical activity into their daily programs. In 2009-10, Sport and Recreation Services delivered 34 workshops engaging 810 participants and distributed 48,358 Children and Young People Strategy resources and 1,161 Game Smart USB devices. The Bligh Government, through the Department of Communities, also operates seven active recreation centres that provide opportunities for people of all ages to get active through participation in structured activity programs. The active recreation centres offer a range of exciting programs aimed at providing users, particularly school children, with sport and recreation activities Which help establish a lifelong interest in being physically active. The centres, located at Tallebudgera, Currimundi, Lake Tinaroo, Leslie Dam, Lake Perseverance, Yeppoon and Magnetic Island offer a different environment where a variety of activities can be undertaken, such as swimming, surfing, ropes courses, orienteering, canoeing and fencing. The programs delivered through these centres also provide an opportunity to capitalise on the substantial assets owned by the Government and provide a better product, targeting children and young people and educating them on the benefits of lifelong participation in sport and active recreation. The above suite of programs and initiatives demonstrates the Bligh Government's commitment to supporting people to participate in sport and recreation, building skills and developing the capacity of our local sport and recreation clubs to meet the needs of their communities. Government Question on Notice No. 10 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION STEPHEN WETTENHALL MP-With reference to page 3-23 of the SDS, can the Minister please outline the investment by the Queensland Government in to sport and recreation in comparison to other states and territories around Australia? ANSWER Under Toward Q2: Tomorrow's Queens/and, the Bligh Government has placed a high priority on helping Queenslanders become Australia's healthiest people and, in 2010-11, we continue to provide more funding in sport and recreation programs than any other State or ( Territory to create as many opportunities as possible to get active. As Minister for both Sport and Child Safety, enhancing the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders is one of my key priorities. The Bligh Government, through the Department of Communities (Sport and Recreation Services), contributes to achieving this goal by providing funding and delivering community programs that are designed to maximise opportunities for Queenslanders of all ages to lead healthy and active lifestyles. In 2010-11, over $159 million including revenue was allocated for our sport and recreation budget-of which more than $95 million has been committed to sporting clubs and associations, councils and schools to provide facilities, programs and services for people to participate in sport and recreation. From the local sporting club right through to supporting elite athletes, this budget allocation will maintain Queensland's position as a leader in sport and recreation. It puts us well on the way to becoming Australia's healthiest people. The table below provides a comparison of operating budgets for each StatefTerritory in 2010-11. State State Contribution Total Cost of Services (excluding revenue) ($000) Queensland $151,486 New South Wales $118,097 Victoria $84,200 ! South Australia $38,178 * , Australian Capital Territory $33,056 I Western Australia $64,280 Northern Territory $22,517 Tasmania $16,630 * Represents 2009-10 budget as 2010-11 State budget will be brought down on 16 September 2010 The Bligh Government has the enviable position of providing the highest contribution towards sport and recreation in Australia. This confirms the Bligh Government's commitment to supporting increased participation and delivering programs that are designed to maximise opportunities for Queenslanders of all ages to lead healthy and active lifestyles. Non-Government Question on Notice No.1 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION MR JACK DEMPSEY MP-With reference to SDS 3-13 Service Summary Child Safety Services- (a) What is the budget allocation for central office in 2010/11 (reported by area within central office)? (b) What was the budget and actual spend for central office in 2009/10 (reported by actual and budget and work unit)? (c) What is the total FTE staffing level for central office as at June 30 2010? ANSWER The 2010-11 budget for Child Safety Services is $695.9 million. This is an indication of the priority the Bligh Government gives to child protection. While our frontline staff are the face of child protection in Queensland, our central office is dedicated to supporting frontline service delivery to ensure the Department of Communities continues to evolve and change to suit the needs of Queensland's communities. The financial information provided for 30 June 2010 is an interim position, pending finalisation of the department's financial statements process, including cost accruals. Financial statements are expected to be finalised and signed off by the Queensland Audit Office as part of the department's consolidated financial reporting requirements. The 2010-11 budget allocation is indicative only. Budget allocations are currently being finalised. As the Member should be aware, there have been significant changes to Departmental structure in the last twelve months. Corporate areas across the Wider Department of Communities have been consolidated as part of the merger of various fonmer Departments into the all inclusive Department of Communities. (a) and (b) [ 2009-10 2009_10 Actual 2010-11 Budget Spend~to Indicative I I,Central Office 30 June 2010 Budget [ 7--- ,____ -j--- __ $ OOOs i $ 0005 ! $ 0005 IDeputy Director-General -'-c---t--"-,-, 71 "776-1,-,-,,,------=1":,5":'6,"-0 I '-=1"'C,8""2-=-9 ' [Child Safety, Youth and Families Policy and 683 7,180 r------7,911 [Performance ~ , i'Ch'ld I Sa fe t y F amiT les an did'n IVI 'd ua IS uppo rt 5131 I 4379, ; 5280 'Programs and Partnerships j Child Protection Proqrams Development 4,160 3,539 i 4,285 Adoption Services I 4,118 4,150 [ 4,239 Total I 22,868 20,808 I 23,544.J (c) The total FTE staffing level for central office as at the 30 June 2010 payroll was 182.2. Non-Government Question on Notice No.2 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION MR JACK DEMPSEY MP-In relation to all advertising and promotional campaigns for 2009-10 and 2010-11 will the Minister break down separately: (a) name and dates of the campaign; (b) media publication it appears in or will appear in; (c) total cost of the advertising campaign/promotion and the budgetary line item or source of the payment; (separated into placement and production costs)? ANSWER As part of our commitment to reducing Government expenditure and the efficiency dividends announced in last year's Budget, Government reduced advertising expenditure by 25 per cent over the last 12 months. Date Campaign Name Media Total cost July - October 2009 Find Your 30 Television, radio, $997,739 lifestyle magazines, social media The Bligh Government is committed to the Toward 02 vision of cutting obesity rates by one third by 2020 and, in the process, making Oueenslanders Australia's healthiest people. Since its inception, the Find Your 30 campaign has been providing simple messages to encourage Oueenslanders to find 30 minutes of physical activity each day, and to make healthy food choices. A healthier lifestyle means significant health benefits as well as reducing the risk of serious health-related illness. To date, the campaign has been conducted in three phases. Phases one and two focused on building community awareness of the importance and benefits of regular exercise. In addition, specific everyday incidental activities such as 'walk the kids to school', 'go for a walk at lunch', 'swim at the local pool', and 'ride your bike to the shops' were incorporated in to the campaign. In August 2009, I launched phase three of the Find Your 30 campaign. The focus of phase three was to build on the awareness already achieved from the campaign and to move towards a "call to action" by Oueenslanders. In December 2009, I was pleased to announce eight-time Olympic medallist, Susie O'Neill, as the campaign Ambassador. Printed media across the state supported an SMS marketing campaign which provided the primary messages of Find Your 30, offering healthy tools to assist Oueenslanders in getting motivated and active. As a result, the Your 30 club doubled its membership base from 10,000 to over 20,000 members. Furthermore, many Find Your 30 community events and clinics have been held around Queensland, including in the Member's own electorate of Bundaberg to which he was invited to attend, to encourage local families to get out and get active. At each of these events healthy food options and a range of fun activities are provided free of charge. From a Cairns Taipans basketball clinic in InnisfaiJ, to the Find Your 30 Queensland Government team in the Bridge to Brisbane or the Heart Foundation's walking program, Find Your 30 is being promoted widely across Queensland to help Queenslanders become Australia's healthiest people. Individual components of the Department of Communities' advertising program for 2010-11 have not yet been confirmed. As the advertising activity is yet to occur, the full schedule and final costs cannot be provided. I Non-Government Question on Notice No.3 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION MR JACK DEMPSEY MP-In relation to each departmental program and each capital works commitment contained in the 2009-10 year will the Minister provide the following detail: (a) What was the 2009-10 budget allocation (non revised) and the estimated actual expenditure (atthe time of receipt of this question) (b) What was the under spend each project and was any underspend redirected (listed by project underspend and projects where under spend was re-directed); (c) What new programs and new capital works commitments came on line (that were not in the 2009-10 budget) and from which program was funding diverted for each these? ANSWER The Honourable Member is directed to Budget Paper No.3, Capital Statement from 2009-10 where last year's budget allocation (non revised) is clearly listed for each capital works commitment. If the Honourable Member had taken the time to read the 2010-11 Capital Statement, each project's expenditure to 30 June 2010 is also outlined. The Honourable Member is welcome to compare the Capital Statements, where the answers to his questions are publicly available. To make it even easier for the Honourable Member, Budget Paper No.4, Budget Measure, page 69 onwards, details the relevant portfolio capital measures relating to decisions taken since the 2009-10 Budget. As the Treasurer stated publicly in advance of this year's Budget, much of the underspend from the 2009--10 capital program was associated with the fact that 87% of the State was disaster declared at various points due to cyclones, floods, storms and heavy rain events. The State and local governments had to prioritise repairs to the State's vast road network and infrastructure immediately following such events. Costs associated with natural disaster relief totalled approximately $1.4 billion Statewide. Non-Government Question on Notice No.4 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION MR JACK DEMPSEY MP-With reference to SDS 3-16 performance summary (total costs) Child Safety Services: (a) What is the allocated budget for each child safety service centre for 2010/11 and what was it for each centre in 2009/10 (reported by year)? and (b) What is the allocated overtime budget for each child safety zone in 2010/11 and what was the budget and actual spend in 2009/10 (reported by year)? ANSWER The Bligh Government is strongly committed to protecting Queensland's children and as such has allocated $695.9million in the 2010-11 budget to Child Safety Services. Queensland's most vulnerable children are supported by a budget more than triple and a workforce more than double that which was provided six years ago. Child safety service centre budget allocations are currently being finalised, however final allocations will be subject to the number of children who come into care over 2010-11 and their individual, unique requirements. a) For the 2009-10 budget allocation for each Child Safety Service Centre I refer the Member to non-Government Question on Notice 4 asked on 6 July 2009. For the 2010-11 budget allocation for each Child Safety Service Centre, I refer the Member to the table below. The Member is reminded that these budget allocations are indicative only and often do not represent the final actual budget expenditure. I note the Member's media release on this issue in 2009 that was designed as part of a scare mongering campaign. If the Member had bothered to read the response to the identical question he asked on this topic in 2009, he would have understood that final allocations for Child Safety Service Centres are subject to the number of children who enter care over the forthcoming year and their unique needs. Final budgets are allocated in response to demand. In fact, each of the 12 Child Safety Service Centres that the Member tried to run a scare campaign against last year received increased funding over the indicative base budget at the point of allocation during last year's estimates hearing. It is hoped that this year, the Member will note that individual service centre budgets are revised upwards based on community needs to support children and young people who enter the Child Protection system. The Bligh Government is committed to supporting the hard working child safety services staff who support our communities. 2010-11 Child Safety Service Centres Indicative Base Budget Aitkenvale esse 4,458,081 Alderley esse 3,606,368 Atherton esse 3,650,553 Beaudesert esse 5,590,791 Beenleigh esse 5,671,758 Bowen esse 1,336,121 Browns Plains esse 5,217,690 Bundaberg esse 5,763,137 eaboolture esse 5,077,525 Cairns North esse 5,117,054 Cairns South esse 3,312,133 ealoundra esse 3,054,466 Cape York Torres Strait Islands North esse 3,340,929 e~e York Torres Strait Islands South esse 5,386,830 ehermside esse 4,139,704 Emerald esse 2,297,085 Forest Lake esse 4,553,102 Fortitude Valley esse 4,190,400 Gladstone esse 5,359,767 Goodna esse 4,906,060 Gulf esse 4,268,001 GympieeSse 3,922,245 Inala esse 3,490,517 Innisfail esse 2,083,406 Ipswich North esse 7,037,118 Ipswich South esse 5,285,779 Labrador esse 4,941,460 L028n Central esse 3,958,866 Loganlea esse 4,846,771 Mackay esse 6,488,969 Maryborough esse 5,714,303 Mermaid Beach esse 5,857,531 Mt Gravatt esse 3,557,475 Mt Isa esse 4,265,044 Nerang esse 4,456,771 Pine Rivers esse 4,842,328 Redcliffe esse 4,879,258 Redlands esse 4,874,426 Rockhampton North esse 4,874,912 Rockhampton South esse 4,883,819 Roma esse 3,604,998 South Burnett esse 3,944,871 Stones Corner esse 4,341,343 Sunshine Coast North esse 4,185,773 Thuringowa esse 5,638,510 Toowoomba North esse 9,122,950 Toowoomba South esse 6,080,601 Townsville esse 5,938,848 Woodridge esse 4,270,690 Wynnum esse 3,890,428 TOTAL 228,225,355 (b) The financial information in the table below represents the actual overtime expenses incurred in each region, as recorded in the Department of Communities' financial management system for 2009-10. Those expenses were met within the available budget. Funding for staff overtime is incorporated within each child safety service centre's global budget allocation. 2009-10 Actual Region Overtime Brisbane Region $3,046 Far North Old Region $4,595 North Old Region $2,356 Central Old Region $510 North Coast Region $6,586 South East Old Region $6,388 South West Old Region $1,902 Total $25,383 ( Non-Government Question on Notice No.5 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION MR JACK DEMPSEY MP-With reference to Capital Statement page 27 Child Safety 'Services~ (a) What is the line by line breakdown of expenditure to date on the $57.985 million on the Integrated Client Information system to June 30 201 O? (b) What new search capabilities and data storage have been added to the ICMS reported by search capability? (c) What is the line by line break down of the $11.182 million to be spent on the system this year? ANSWER The first and foremost focus of the Integrated Client Management System (lCMS) is to provide a clear. real time picture of a child known to Child Safety Services and is accessible by over 2,000 staff across Queensland. Case files on ICMS capture key information to assist frontline staff in their decision-making and service delivery. Since its release in 2007, ICMS has been of enormous assistance to frontline staff. Subsequent enhancements have seen increased functionality delivered to support frontline staff in the areas of child protection intake, investigation and assessment, ongoing intervention and placement management. ICMS allows child safety officers from anywhere in the State to have instant, real time access to all client records and to ascertain whether a child or family referred has a child protection history. More than 2,000 frontline and frontline support staff across the State use ICMS. The listed expenditure to date of $57.985 million on ICMS, reflected in the Capital Statement on page 27, includes $35.353 million for Child Safety Services' initiatives and $22.632 million for Youth Justice Services' initiatives. (a) A breakdown of expenditure on ICMS for Child Safety Services is as follows: Releases 1 and 2 (November 2005 and August 2006) ($0.779 million) The Carer Directory provided a Statewide view of Carers and Care Services for the first time. Structured Decision Making (SDM) enabled the department to fully implement the SDM tools into their core system, providing staff with electronic assessment tools to complement professional judgement at key decision making points. Release 3: (August 2006 and March 2007) ($21.009 million) In August 2006, ICMS was trialled for the first time in ten lead sites In March 2007, ICMS was rolled out state-wide. ICMS Release 3 (Child Protection) included: • the full Statewide rollout of computer based Structured Decision Making (SDM) tools with automated workflow, • enhanced state-wide search capability for Child Safety Service centre (CSSC) staff, • addition of new clients and maintenance of client records at point of decision making, • maintenance of carer approvals and the recording of placement details, • access to current state-wide information as it is recorded, • a simpler process for the electronic transfer of client information between centres, • greater alignment with business processes, and matching the child safety practice manual, • the opportunity for CSSC staff to enter information in a timely manner to facilitate improved data quality, • automatic generation of letters and forms, and • "fingertip" access to numerous reports. Release 3.1 (30 July 2007) ($6.982 million) This update extended and enhanced the important changes brought about by ICMS - Child Protection and assisted in preserving the integrity of information contained in ICMS. The release also provided further reporting tools. This capability provided operational analysis reports for CSSC managers and team leaders using "live" data. Enhancements to improve information recording on client records and support for various reporting were also delivered as part of this release. Release 4 (29 September 2008) ($4.260 million) New versions of forms relating to case planning were introduced, which included ( improvements such as a range of new tabs, a new event and formatting modifications to a number of forms. This release also improved the linking of court applications and outcomes for court assessment and child protection orders. New operational reports were designed to match information and functionality provided by spreadsheets Release 5 and 5.1 (August 2009 and February 2010) ($2.323 million) Release 5 incorporated enhancements to placement management. In combination with operational reports delivered in 2009, this enabled the management of the whole process of interaction with children, their families and carers or care service providers. In February 2010, enhancements delivered the capability to integrate electronic court results from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General (delivered via the Integrated Justice Information Strategy initiative) with court results data Viewed in ICMS. Work also commenced on the Regulation of Care, which consists of a number of key components including recruitment, assessment, approval and subsequent re-approval, support, training and Carer review. This functionality will assist in matching the specific needs of the child to the carer environment, including carer competencies and conditions for placements. With the implementation of this functionality, placement options for children and young people in foster care were significantly improved. The Bligh Government remains committed to improving the diversity and stability of placement options to support Queensland's vulnerable children and young people. This is demonstrated by significant investment in and strong partnerships with our key non Government partners. (b) Since the introduction of ICMS significant improvements in search capabilities and data storage have been made. The ICMS search tool is very versatile and quite powerful, catering for phonetic variations, nicknames and the misuse of vowels. Search results are ranked in order of matching so that the best quality matches are displayed first. This assists staff by reducing the number of searches they need to conduct and by displaying records that are similar to the search criteria they have entered. In 2009-10, operational reports were implemented. At a local level, these reports have helped staff by aSSisting with workforce planning, case planning, monthly reporting, data quality management, demographic information, and professional development and training needs analysis-all of which is important information for the purpose of supporting a workforce which protects Queensland's most vulnerable children and young people. The enhancement of the reporting capability is an ongoing activity as new business needs are identified and as new system functionality is delivered. Database storage for ICMS has also been enhanced in line with operational growth over the last year. Data storage needs are continually assessed and reviewed on an ongoing basis. (c) In 2010-11, a total of $11.182 million capital budget has been allocated to ongoing ICMS initiatives, with $4.075 million allocated to Child Safety Services and $7.107 million to Youth Justice Services. The investment within Child Safety Services of $4.075 million will deliver new functionality primarily focused on the Regulation of Care. This release will reduce duplication of data entry and make these processes visible state-wide. It will also streamline the preparation of documents by pre-loading data. The release allows for reporting on key milestones which will assist with workload management as well as assessing the success of recruitment activities. ( Non-Government Question on Notice No.6 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION MR JACK DEMPSEY MP-With reference to SDS 3-22 Services for young people in care a) How many children living away from home have a health passport as at June 30 201 O? b) How many children living away from home have an education plan as at June 30 2010? c) How many children living away from home have exited care without a completed health passport between 2007 and June 201 O? ANSWER In response to part a) and c) of your question, the Member should be aware the draft National Standards for Out of Home Care, recently released as part of the National Child Protection Framework for consultation, state that children living away from home must have their health assessed. I am pleased to report the Bligh Government is already delivering on this requirement. Many children who enter out-of-home care have a range of health issues due to their history of abuse and neglect. In recognition of the critical importance of good health to a child's long-term wellbeing, the Bligh government is committed to implementing child health passports. Child health passports assist staff of the Department of Communities to identify and respond to the health needs of children in out-of-home care. Child health passports gather information about a child's health history and provide for health assessments and follow-up treatment if required. To accommodate the new reporting requirements under the National Child Protection Framework, new fields have been added to the Integrated Client management System (ICMS) to accurately capture data on health assessments. The data in these fields is subject to extensive quality assurance before any data can be released for corporate reporting purposes. This data will be available next year. The changes to reporting requirements that are currently being introduced mean that the manual spreadsheet method previously used has been discontinued. This method was a labour intensive and time consuming task that diverted key staff from supporting the Department's core business, which is front line service delivery. In response to part b) of your question, the Member should be aware from advice provided to him in response to non-Government Question on Notice 8 in 2009, the Department of Education and Training provides Child Safety Services with data on the completion of plans in August after the end of each financial year. I can advise that the latest available data in relation to Education Support Plans (ESP) is for children subject to a finalised child protection order with custody or guardianship to the chief executive who were enrolled in Queensland schools as at 14 July 2009 and had an ESP as at the end of August 2009. 95 per cent of children in care had either a completed or under development Education Support Plan, with the remaining 5 per cent of children in care yet to commence their planning. This reflects a variety of factors, such as children who have just entered care or have recently changed schools. This data demonstrates the Bligh Government's commitment to ensure that a child in care is enrolled and participating in an educational program that meets their individual learning needs, maximises their educational potential and improves their wellbeing. The ESP is the key process to plan and document the child's educational goals and outcomes and strategies to achieve identified outcomes. Non-Government Question on Notice No.7 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION MR JACK DEMPSEY MP-With reference to SDS 3-15 Performance Statements Child Safety Services (intakes) a) How many staff will be employed to assess the 101,800 initial intakes received by child safety services for the 2010/11 financial year? b) How many intakes were assessed by each employee designated to handle intakes in 2009/10? c) What is the total budgetary allocation for the assessment of intakes in 2010/11 and what was it in 2009/10? ( ANSWER In 2010-11, $3 million has been allocated for an additional 35 frontline child safety staff. Furthermore, the Bligh Government appointed 10 additional Child Safety Officers to frontline service delivery during the 2009-10 financial year as a result of the Voluntary Early Retirement program. The Bligh Government is committed to supporting our staff so they can get on with the job of ensuring Queensland's children and young people are safe and protected from harm, or risk of harm. I note the LNP's commitment to Child Safety Services in March 2009 was to cut the budget by 3 per cent. At the time, this would have meant 170 officers out of a job and an almost $20 million budget cut. In contrast, the Bligh Government has more than tripled the budget and doubled the workforce for Child Safety Services in the last 6 years. a) Intake staff receive information and decide whether the matter reaches the threshold for a tertiary response and subsequent investigation by the Investigation and Assessment teams located in each of the Child Safety Service Centres. Once the 2010-11 Budget has been finalised, allocation of Child Safety Officers and resources to frontline activities, including intake, will be completed. b) For the 12 months to 31 March 2010, it is estimated that each employee received and assessed the equivalent of 6.5 intakes each day (based on a 229 working day year). c) Budgets are allocated to Child Safety Service Centres and the intake function is included within this overall budget. Non-Government Question on Notice No.8 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)~ QUESTION MR JACK DEMPSEY MP-In relation to conferences, workshops, training sessions, seminars, presentation or symposiums ("event") conducted by the department, agencies or associated portfolio entities in 2009-10 for public service employees, will the Minister provide details of: (a) the number, attendance and the purpose of each event held; (b) the venue of each event and the cost to hire the venue; ( c) the cost for each government employed attendee in total and broken down by the cost ( of travel, accommodation, entertainment, hospitality, meals, alcohol and catering (reported separately)? ANSWER The 2009-10 professional development budget for in-house training/professional development by the whole of the Department of Communities was $18.5 million. The total 2009-10 professional development expenditure for in-house training/professional development for public servants by Stadiums Queensland was $42,794. The professional development budgets of the departments of the Queensland Government represent a small percentage of total government outlays but do allow for an appropriate level of training and staff development. The importance of this commitment to staff training and development is recognised in the State Government Departments Certified Agreement 2009. Events conducted within this budget in 2009-10 by the Department of Communities include: • Child Safety Officer Entry Level Training • Residential Care Officer Training • Certificate IV in Youth Justice • Assessment & Analysis of Severe & Challenging Behaviour • Indigenous Cultural Capability • Community Recovery Operational Skills The purpose of events such as these is to ensure that departmental staff obtain and maintain the appropriate skills to conduct their duties to the best of their ability in the service of the State. Training of child safety staff is conducted in partnership with registered training organisations to provide a mix of practical on-the-job knowledge and accredited learning. Entry level Child Safety Officers receive a Vocational Graduate Certificate (Statutory Child Protection) at the successful completion of their training. This training ensures that the department has a skilled child protection workforce that meets legislative and policy requirements and provides culturally appropriate practice. In the majority of cases these events are held on State Government premises and in the vicinity of the public servant's employment, to minimise any venue hire or travel costs. As you would be aware, the Government has explicit directives, guidelines, policies and codes of conduct regarding travel, accommodation, entertainment, hospitality, meals, alcohol and catering that public servants must adhere to. These documents are available on the department's Infonet and on the website of the Public Service Commission. Non-Government Question on Notice NO.9 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION MR JACK DEMPSEY MP-Reference is made to SDS 3-14, Stadiums Queens/and- Will the Minister detail a list of all corporate entertainment conducted on Stadiums Queensland premises by Queensland Government ministers (listed separately) including: (a) the date and nature of the event, a list of attendees and their organisation, (b) the minister(s) hosting, and (c) the cost of the event, broken down by venue hire, catering, alcohol or entertainment? ANSWER Queensland has a well earned reputation as a premier destination for major events and entertainment. In the past 12 months Queensland has hosted major sporting events such as State of Origin, rugby union Tests, cricket internationals, as well as many NRL, AFL, A-League and Super 14 matches. Queensland has also hosted three major stadium concerts at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre in addition to regular concerts and events at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Independent research shows Stadiums Queensland's venues inject more than $308 million per annum into the Queensland economy and provide employment for more than 2,050 Queenslanders. This return is four times what the Government invests in these facilities. The Bligh Government is proud of its record and role in investing in the facilities that help attract major events which reap significant economic and social benefits for Queensland. Our stadiums deliver thousands of direct jobs for Queenslanders and provide an economic boost through associated tourism and hospitality spending. For example, at an average Broncos home game at Suncorp Stadium that attracts a crowd of 35,000 there are 1,200 people employed at the stadium alone while the upcoming Ashes Test at the Gabba will pump around $72 million into the Queensland economy. This is big business and, through the facilities owned by Stadiums Queensland, the Bligh Government is able to continue to attract events that deliver jobs and economic benefits for Queensland. The Bligh Government has access to corporate facilities at Sun corp Stadium, the Gabba, Skilled Park and Queensland Sport and Athletic Centre and utilises these facilities on occasions when events are taking place at these venues. These occasions provide a special opportunity to engage with representatives from all sectors of the Queensland community on ideas and possibilities for advancing the economic and social development of the State. They also help to promote Queensland to national and international visitors as a place to do business. In this regard, I and other Ministers have hosted delegates from foreign governments, trade delegations, as well as representatives from business, tertiary institutions, charities, state and local governments, media organisations and a range of peak bodies. The average cost for each guest is $87.65. This is an appropriate and justified form of hospitality that has ongoing benefits for the Queensland economy. Attached are lists of invitees for each of the functions hosted by Government Ministers for 2009-10 and the total cost of each function. -, Stadiums Queensland, suite utilisation 2009/10 Date Venue Event Number of Host (Minister) Total Cost guests $ 3/7109 Suncorp Stadium Broncos v Warriors 35 Hinchliffe 2783 8/7/09 Skilled Park Gold Coast United v Fulham 14 Lawlor 1263 12/709 Suncorp Stadium Brisbane Roar v Celtic 62 Bligh 3620 12/7/09 Suncorp Stadium Brisbane Roar v Celtic 35 Reeves I Palaszczuk 2507 13/7/09 Skilled Park Titans v Eels 14 Reeves 963 15/7/09 Suncorp Stadium State of Origin 3 42 Bligh 3100 17/7/09 Suncorp Stadium NRL Double Header 42 Lucas 3949 . 24/7/09 Skilled Park Titans v Broncos 11 Reeves 1099 8/8/09 Suncorp Stadium Roar v Gold Coast United 42 Robertson 3472 15/8/09 The Gabba Lions v Bulldogs 18 Lucas 1863 22/8/09 The Gabba Lions v Port Adelaide 18 Jones 2167 5/9/09 Suncorp Stadium Wallabies v Springboks 42 Lucas 3706 5/9/09 The Gabba Lions v Carlton 18 BIiQh 1890 6/9/09 Suncorp Stadium Broncos v Raiders 34 Palaszczuk 3267 12/9/09 Skilled Park Titans v Broncos semi final 20 Bligh 1636 19/9/09 Suncorp Stadium Broncos v St George 23 Fraser 2279 27/9/09 Suncorp Stadium Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC 26 Robertson 1277 11/10/09 Suncorp Stadium Roar v Gold Coast United 36 Robertson 1928 21/11/09 Suncorp Stadium Roar v Melbourne Victory 32 Robertson 2407 22/11/09 The Gabba All Stars Twenty20 18 Reeves 1600 26/11/09 The Gabba Test Match Day 1 v WI 18 Boyle 1761 28/11/09 The Gabba Test Match Dav 3 x WI 18 Lawlor 2626 16/12/09 Suncorp Stadium Roar v North Qld Furv 30 Robertson 2174 22/1/10 The Gabba ODI Australia v Pakistan 18 Reeves 3093 30/1/10 Sunco~ Stadium Roar v Sydney FC 35 Palaszczuk 1941 7/2/10 Skilled Park GC United v WellinQton 16 Hinchliffe 1832 13/2/10 Skilled Park All Stars v Indigenous 12 Reeves 1702 13/2/10 Skilled Park All Stars v Indigenous 18 Boyle 1840 ------1,...... -·' Date Venue Event Number of Host (Minister) Total Cost guests $ 13/2/10 Suncorp Stadium Qld Reds v NSW Waratahs 42 Lucas 3631 14/2/10 The Gabba ODI Australia v West Indies 18 Bligh/Lucas 3679 19/2/10 Skilled Park GC United v Newcastle 14 Robertson 1356 19/2/10 Suncorp Stadium Qld Reds v Crusaders 42 Reeves 3007 27/02/10 QSAC ACIDC 9 Fraser 945 12/3/10 Suncorp Stadium Broncos v Cowboys 35 Lucas 1 Fraser 2955 14/3/10 Suncorp Stadium Qld Reds v Western Force 40 Lucas 1484 28/3/10 Suncorp Stadium Broncos v NZ Warriors 36 Reeves 2486 1/4/10 The Gabba Brisbane Lions v Carlton 18 Jones 961 16/4/10 Skilled Park Titans v St George 16 Reeves 1781 17/4/10 Suncorp Stadium Qld Reds v Bulls 25 Jones 1702 17/4/10 The Gabba Lions v Western Bulldo~s 18 Palaszczuk 2601 7/5/10 Qld Tennis Centre Davis Cup Day 1 . 12 Reeves 1544 8/5/10 The Gabba Lions v Fremantle 18 Bligh 1 Wilson 1894 14/5/10 Suncorp Stadium Broncos v Titans 36 Fraser 2679 15/5/10 The Gabba Lions v Geelong 12 Reeves 1548 15/5/10 Suncorp Stadium Qld Reds v Hiqhlanders 23 Lawlor 2038 29/5/10 The Gabba Lions v Collin~wood 14 Hinchliffe 2039 11/6/10 Skilled Park Titans v Manly 18 Lawlor 1741 13/6/10 Suncorp Stadium Broncos v Rabbitohs 27 Hinchliffe 2115 16/6/10 Suncorp Stadium State of Origin 2 42 Bligh 1 Lucas 3973 18/6/10 Suncorp Stadium NRL Double Header 37 Mulherin 3433 19/6/10 The Gabba Lions v Richmond 18 Lucas 2116 26/6/10 Suncorp Stadium Wallabies v Ireland 42 Bligh 1 Lucas 3635 27/6/10 Skilled Park Titans v Kl1ights -- - L. 18 - Lucas - -- - 1613 --,'-,----- EVENT: Brisbane Broncos v New Zealand Warriors Host: Venue: Date: Total Cost: Hon Stirling Suncorp 3 July 2009 $2783 Hinchliffe Stadium Name Position Organisation Ms Genevieve Newton Office of the Minister Mr Michael Misiewicz Commander USS Mustin - US Navy and Mrs Marcie Misiewicz Mr William Wagner Captain Commander of Seven Fleet Joint Taskforce Lieutenant Seven Fleet Joint Taskforce Commander Pete King Mr Michael Keniger Board member Urban Land Development Authoritv Mr Michael Kerry Board member Urban Land Development Authority Mr Andrew Chapman President Engineers Australia - Queensland & Mrs Debbie Division Chapman Cr Pam Parker and Mr Mayor Logan City Council George Parker Mr CraiQ Barke CEO Scenic Rim Regional Council Mr John Knaggs and CEO Sunshine Coast Regional Council Mrs Susan Knaggs Cr John Brent and Ms Mayor Scenic Rim Regional Council Ceri Taylor Mr Kevin McCullough SEQ Infrastructure Industry Australian Asphalt Pavement and Mrs Jeanette Taskforce Association Representative McCullough Cr Paul Pisasale & Mayor I pswich City Council guest Mr Warwick Temby & Executive Director Housing Industry Association Mrs June Temby Mr Robert Row CEO Civil Contractors Federation Mr Chris Rose CEO Logan City Council Cr Steve Jones and Mayor Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mrs Ann Jones Mr Ben Coxon and SEQ Infrastructure Industry Association of Consulting Engineers Mrs Kathryn Coxon Taskforce representative Cr Melva Hobson and Mayor Redland City Council Mr John Hoibson Mr Gary Stevenson CEO Redland City Council Mr Ken Gouldthorp CEO Toowoomba Reqional Council Mr Paul EaQles CEO Urban Land Development Authoritv Mr Bill Grant Chair Urban Land Development Authority Board Ms Renaye Peters Board Member Urban Land Development Authority *. Invitation list EVENT: Gold Coast United v Fulham Host: Venue: Date: Total Cost: Hon Peter Lawlor Skilled Park 8 July 2009 $1263 Name Position Organisation Hon Phil Reeves MP Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport Mr Marcus Taylor Senior Media Advisor Office of the Minister Ms Denise Deveney Director Gold Coast & Hinterland Mr Lindsav Wallace Executive Director - Marketinq Gold Coast Tourism Mr Shane O'Reilly Managing Director O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat Ms Narelle Eichorn Sales & Marketing Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Mr Ken Minnikin . Stella Hospitality Group Mr Jonathon Fischer CEO Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Mr Peter Doqqett CEO In 2 Tourism Mr Mark Sanders Southport Yacht Club Mr Pauyl Donovan CEO Gold Coast Airport Ply Ltd Dr Alan Edwards Griffith University Mr Thomas Gribbin All Trades Queensland I ** Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Roar v Celtic Host: Venue: Date: Total Cost: Hon Anna Bligh Suncorp 12 July 2009 $3620 Stadium Name Organisation Ms Lidija Ivanovski Mr Paul Dickie and Mr Simon Dickie Queensland Parents & Friends Association Ms Kate Eltham Queensland Writers Centre Mr Michael Bowers and quest Brisbane Lions Mr Andrew Hogg Qantas Ms Jenny Tribilcock and Mr Rusty Emirates Clark Ms Sue Willis and Ms Samantha Zinc96.1 ( Gregory Mr Ben McCarthy Ekko Point Mr Greg Sullivan and Mr Rob Triple M Sinnamon Ms Brooke Powell and Mr Gavin Allen Triple M Ms Fanita Clark and Mr Peter Clark White Wreath Association Mr Robert Spurway and Mrs Kylie Mrs Crockets Kitchen ~urway Mr Mark Henley and Ms Lynne Henley Spinal Iniuries Association Ms Julieanne Alro and Mr Tim Rothwell Brisbane Airport Corporation Mr John Bennett Venue Management Association Ms Chantelle Dummett and Mr Graham Women in Tourism McDougall Ms Kay Evans and Val McDougall Women in Tourism Mr Philip Johnson and Mr Samuel E'cco Bistro Brading Mr John Bartlett and Ms Karen Bartlett Fresh Hope Association Mr Michael Conrad and Mr Bruce Restaurant Two McKenna Mayor Paul Pisasale and Janet Ipswich City Council Pisasale Mr Peter Rohweder and Alex Radio4EB FM Rohweder Ms Gail Arnold and Glynn Donnaley Noosa News Mr John Minz and Lisa Minz Heritage Building Society Ltd Mr Geoff Hogg Conrad Treasury Ms Halina Baczkowski and guest Nova FM Mr Leigh Stalker and Michelle Page QBE Insurance Ms Kylie Langand Elio Marzullo Brisbane News Mr Luke Royes and Rowena Smith City News Mr Ken Meissner and Marilyn Meissner Mental Illness Fellowship Mr Brian Hurst and Simon Hurst Bayside Bulletin Mr Grant Stockwell and Emma Croston Northern Times Mr Peter Lawwell and guest Celtic FC ** Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Roar v Celtic Host: Venue: Date: Total Cost: Hon Phil Reeves and Suncorp 12 July 2009 $2507 Hon Annastacia Stadium Palaszczuk Name Position Organisation Mr Mark Bellaver Assist Policy Advisor Officer of the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Hon Stephen Minister for Natural Robertson Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade Hon Stirling Hinchliffe Minister for Infrastructure and ( Planninq Mrs Julie Attwood . Parliamentary Secretary Minister for Multicultural Affairs MPO Mr Michael Choi MP Parliamentary Secretary Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade Ms Linda Apelt Director-General Department of Communities Mr Garry Page Executive Director Multicultural Affairs Queensland Commissioner Susan Anti-Discrimination Booth Commissioner Mr Mike Hayes and CEO Gorilla Sports Ms Thea Carroll Mr Stefan Armbruster SBS Radio Brisbane MrGuy Healy The Australian - Brisbane Bureau Sergeant Jim Bellos Suncorp Queenslander of the Year Mr Chiu-Hing Chan 2009 Young Queenslander of the Year Ms Homa Forotan 2008 Young Queenslander of the Year Mr Nick Earls Multicultural Champion and Author Ms Kerrin Benson CEO Multicultural Development Association Ms Claire Schneider Tutoring and Community St Vincent de Paul Society Support Program Prof Sarva-Daman Honorary Consul of India Singh Ms Agnes Whiten Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland Mr Nick Xynias Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland Mr Umesh Chandra Brisbane Indian Times Ms Irina Bruk Russian Honorary Consul Mr David Lutteral Radio Nova 106.9 Hon Tim Mulherin Minister for Primary Industries Mr Peter Cummiskey Executive Director Q-Sport & partner Mr Jeff Foster & CEO Football Queensland part~Ejlh";'~li~ lid Mr Peter Selwood and Executive Director Centacare Partner EVENT: Gold Coast Titans v Parramatta Eels Host: Venue: Date: Total Cost: Hon Phil Reeves Skilled Park 13 July 2009 $963 and guest Name Position Organisation Mrs Christine Smith Member for Burleigh MP and partner Mr Steve Hamilton Junior Football Coach and partner Mr David Hudson and Mansfield Skips Ply Ltd partner Mr Kevin Byrne and Burleigh Bears Junior Rugby League partner Football Club Ms Carol Dimond and Runaway Bay Junior Rugby League partner Football Club Inc Mr Brian Ragh and Principal Labrador State School partner L ** Invitation list EVENT: State of Origin III Host: Venue: Date: Total Cost: Hon Anna Bligh and Suncorp 15 July 2009 $3100 Mr Greg Withers Stadium Name Organisation Mr Lidiia Ivanovski Office of the Premier Hon Paul Lucas and Ms Alison Smith Mr Ash Bradnam and Jodie Bradnam Nova FM Mr Ian Skippen and Mrs Helen Triple M Skippen Ms Emily Jade and Gerard Triple M Mr Ross Dagan and guest Channel Ten Ms Camilla Severi and Mr Glen B105 Krohn Mr Damian Foley and Mr David The Smith Family Edwards Mr Alistair Lindsay and Ms Pauline Singapore Airlines Lindsay Mr Doug Formby and Ms Bev RSL Formby Cr Pam Parker and Cr Russell Lutton Loqan City Council Ms Maree Adshead and Mr Mats Mobile IP Dahlstedt Ms Robin Bailey and Mr Tony Smart 97.3FM Mr Dean Gould and guest Gold Coast Bulletin Mr Mark Jamieson and Ms Lorrell APN Aust Publishing Jamieson Cr Allan Sutherland and Ms Gayle Moreton Bay Regional Council Sutherland Cr Shayne Sutton and Ms Lisa Brisbane City Council Clifford Mr Spencer Jolly Channel 9 Ms Liz Deegan and guest The Sunday Mail Ms Jess van Vonderen and quest ABC Mr Jamie Walker The Australian ** Invitation list EVENT: NRL Double Header Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Hon Paul Lucas & Suncorp 1? July 2009 $3949 Ms Alison Smith Stadium Name Position Organisation Hon Anna Bligh and Premier Mr GreQ Withers Mr Gary Ryan and President AWU quest Mr Robert Bird and Chairman Robert Bird Group Mrs Janelle Bird Mr Don O'Rourke Manaqinq Director Consolidated Properties Mr Lachlan Grantley Consolidated Properties Prof David Colquhoun Medical Director Centre Research Group and Mrs Georgina Colquhoun Dr Keith McNeil and CEO RBWH ~JUest Dr Bill Glasson and Chair Clinical Senate Mrs Claire Glasson Dr Jim Finn and Guest President RDAQ Mr Peter Gregg and Director QR & Stanwell Corp Mr Chris Gregg Mr Jim Tolhurst and Chairman Qld Airports Ltd Mrs Carolyn Tolhurst Mr Dennis Chant and Managing Director Queensland Airports Mrs Jan Chant Dr Mary Cohn and Chair Medical Board of Queensland Ben Cohn Ms Anne Copeland Chair Queensland Nursing Council and Mr Don Baines Prof Paul Greenfield Vice Chancellor University of Queensland and Mrs Louise Greenfield Dr Jeanette Young Chief Health Officer and Mr Graeme Nimmo Mr Steve Renouf and Ambassador Indigenous Sport, Sport and Recreation Mrs Elissa Renouf Services Mr Colin Salemter and Managing Director Myuma Aboriginal Corporation Quest Ms Adrienne Ward Director Fresco Consulting and Tonv Ward Mr Patrick Condron Political Correspondent Channel? and Margaret Condron Archbishop John Bathersby ** Invitation list EVENT: Gold Coast Titans v Brisbane Broncos Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Han Phil Reeves Skilled Park 24 July 2009 $1099 Name Position O ..ganisation Mr Damien Stannard Journalist The Sunday Mail Mr Denis Loaney and Abused Child Trust Mr Paul Wyatt Mr Jack CunninQham Team Malaysia A1GP Mr Paul Cherry General Manager A1GP Mr Greg Hooten General Manager Motor Events Company, Gold Coast Hon Terry Mackenroth Chairman Gold Coast Events Company and guest Mr Mick Veivers & Former International Rugby partner LeaQue player Mr Mick Ryan Senior Media Advisor Office of the Minister ** Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Roar v Gold Coast United Host: Venue: Date: Total Cost: Hon Stephen Suncorp 8 August 2009 $3472 Robertson and Ms Stadium Caz Osborne Name Position Organisation Mr Lance McCallum Policy Advisor DNRMET Mr Rob Whiddon General Manager Trade Queensland Mr Steve and Mrs The Post Lounge Karen Cooper Mr Daniel and Mrs Director Invest Queensland Natalie Havas ( Mr Zimi and Mrs Edie Managing Director Ausenco Meka Mr Neil O'Sullivan Managing Director NOJA Power Switchgear Ply Ltd Mr Tony Stacey Sales Manager NOJA Mr Scott Sheppard Deputy Vice-Chancellor QUT and Mr Dylan Sheppard Mr David and Mrs QGC (formerly BG Australia) Anne Maxwell Mr Andrew and Mrs State Manager Gleeds International Management Yanina Lowther Mr Noel Robinson CEO/Managing Director Noel Robinson Architects Mr Philip Collins Snr Associate Noel Robinson Architects Mr James and Mrs Emery Industries Simone Emery Ms Michele Fleming Assoc Principal Populous Ms Bindi Perkins Marketing Manager Populous Mr Paul Bredereck CEO Aviation Australia and Mr David Bentley Mr Gry and Mrs Kim CEO MakMax (Taiyo Membrane Corp) Turner Dr Bill and Mrs MD Allmedic Skin Alert Shannon Anseline Mr Mark Nizeti CEO Partner Active Buildinq Systems Mr Reno Boscaino CEO Partner Active Building Systems Mr Takashi Maeno Managing Director JFE Steel Australia Resources Pty Ltd and Mr Matsuo ** Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Han Paul Lucas & The Gabba 15 August 2009 $1863 partner Name Position Organisation Prof Mark Von Itzstein Institute for Glycomics. Griffith & ~uest University Prof Alan Mackey-sim Centre for Adult Stem Cell. Griffith University Mr Jeff Cheverton and Queensland Alliance Mr Noel Muller Mr Glenn Poole and Auditor-General Mrs Poole Dr Aaron Groves and Chief Health Officer Department of Health Mrs Groves Prof James Dale and Director. Research & QUT ~uest Innovation Prof Ken Bowman and Deputy Vice Chancellor QUT partner I Prof Deborah Henly Dean. School of Pharmacy Griffith University r and Derwin Williams ** Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Lions v Port Adelaide Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Hon Kate Jones MP The Gabba 22 August 2009 $2167 and Mr Paul Cronin Name Position Organisation Mr Darren Sibson Office of the Minister for Climate Change & Sustainability Mr Rick Humphries Greeninq Australia Mr Andrew Aitken Green Building Council Australia Ms Genevieve Smith Technology One Mr Troy Uren Waste Management Association Qld Branch Mr Oliver Furber Packaging Stewardship Forum Mr Andrew Dash Chief Operating Officer Carbon Energy Mr Michael Leong President QldEnvironment Law Association Mr David Conry Executive Director Youngcare Mr Daniel Gschwind QTIC Mr Mark Williamson Australian Recycling Manager Transpacific Industries Group Prof Hugh Director The Ecology Centre, UQ Possinqham Fr Peter Brannelly Jubilee Catholic Priest Mrs Ann Hall Principal St Finbarrs Mr Peter Delaney Principal Mater Die Mr Anthony Lucey Principal Our Lady of Dolours ** Invitation list EVENT: Wallabies v Springboks Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Hon Paul Lucas Suncorp 5 September 2009 $3706 and Alison Smith Stadium Name Position Organisation Dr Margaret Little and Paediatric Oncologist Patrick Condren Mr Nick Hurley New Zealand Consul-General Mr Paul Kennedy Principal Planning Growth Value Consulting Mr Rob and Mrs Head of Post British Consul-General Emma Zacharin Dr Steve and Mrs Vice President AMA Deborah Hambleton Mr Colin and Mrs Chair Optometrists Board Heather Waldron Dr John and Mrs Kate Former Capital Queensland Reds Roe Dr Russell and Mrs Chair Committee of Presidents of Medical Anne Stitz Colleges Prof Bill Coman and Chair Otoiaryngology University of Queensland guest Dr Peter Steer and District CEO Children's Hospital Guest Dr Adrian Nowitzke CEO Gold Coast Hospital and !=luest Dr Chris and Mrs Director Emergency Dept Clinical Network Linda May Mr Mick Reid and Director General Queensland Health Guest Minister Susan Department of Minerals and South African Government Shabangu Energy Mr Mabuza Deputy Director General South African Dept of Mineral Resources Mr Mhambiso National Empowerment Fund, SA Govt His Excellency Mr South African High Lenin Magigwane Commissioner Shope Dr Cameron Bennett Executive Director Internal Medicine Services and Tom Bennett Mr Andrew Baturo and Libertine Restaurant quest Mr Tony O'Connell CEO Centre for Healthcare Improvement Prof Ross Pinkerton President Royal Children's Hospital and Prof Hardy Dr Mason Stevenson President Elect AMAQ Mr Gerard Wyvill and General Manager Wesley Private Hospital guest ** Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Lions v Carlton Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Hon Anna Bligh The Gabba 5 September 2009 $1890 and Mr Greg Withers Name Position Organisation Hon Geoff Wilson and Minister guest Ms Alissa Phillips and s.p.a.c.e. guest Mr Peter Selwood and Centrecare guest Mr Chris O'Brien and President of the Gallery ABC guest Mr Brian Hurst and Bayside Bulletin guest Ms Cath Tanna and QGC guest Mr Peter Westerhuis Ensham Resources and guesdt Mr Jim Georgiou and Greek Orthodox Community quest ** Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Broncos v Canberra Raiders Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Hon Annastacia Suncorp 6 September 2009 $3267 Palaszczuk Stadium Name Position Organisation Ms Bronwyn Smith Principal Advisor Office of the Minister Mrs Julie Attwood and Parliamentary Secretary Disability Services and Multicultural guest Affairs Mr Michael Hogan and Deputy Director-General DSQ, MAQ, Mental Health guest Mr Genevieve Youngcare Atkinson and guest Ms Susan Black and Social Ventures Australia Quest Ms Val mae Rose and State Manager National Disability Services Quest Mr Jeff Cheverton and Chief Executive Queensland Alliance guest Ms Alyssa Phillips and Space guest Ms Leanne Walsh and Butterfly Kids guest Mr Peter Forday and Chief Executive Multilink guest Mr Jim Horsfall Vice-President South West Progress Association Mr Joe Barret Scouts Mr Peter Mewett and Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland Cluest Cr Milton Dick and Cr for Richlands Ward guest Ms Margaret Deane Chief Executive Qld Aged and Disability Advocacy and guest Mr Mark Henley and Chief Executive Spinak Injuries Association Inc guest Kelly Daniels and Editor Satellite Newspaper guest ** Invitation list EVENT: NRL Semi Final: Gold Coast Titans v Brisbane Broncos Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Han Anna Bligh Skilled Park 12 September 2009 $1636 and Mr Greg Withers Name Position Organisation Christine Smith and Member for Burleig h guest Jeneva O'Brien and Institute of Business Leaders guest Bruce Nicholls and Tall Ships guest Geoff Gale and guest Calypso Bay Marina Jeffery Leigh-Smith Gold Coast City Marina and guest John Witheriff and Minter Ellison guest Garry Klein and guest Cafe on C Paul Donovan and Gold Coast Airport quest Ms Vinie House Policy Advisor Office of the Minister Security officer Office of the Minister ** Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Broncos v 5t George lIIawarra Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Hon Andrew Fraser Suncorp 19 September 2009 $2279 and Therese Stadium O'Reilly Name Position Organisation Mr Chris O'Brien and Journalist ABC Junette O'Brien Ms Sharon Principal Policy Advisor Treasurer's office Humphreys and Mr Bob Atkinson Mr David Maxwell Senior Vice President BG Group Mr Lane Calcutt Journalist Channel Nine Mr Mark Ludlow and Journalist Australian Financial Review Ms Amanda Ludlow Ms Christine Cameron Marketing Director/Company Rockcote Enterprises and Mr Bob Cameron Secretary Ms Jenny Thomas and Assistant Branch Secretary Australian Services Union (Qld branch) Mr Matthew Thomas Cr Col Meng Mayor Mackay City Council Mr Gerry Moley and Director Foxmo Constructions Ms aria Fox Mr Daniel Gschwind CEO Queensland Tourism Council Mr Stuart Moore Managing Director EC3 Global Mr Brett Schimming CEO Construction Skills Qld and Ms Sharon Schimming Mr Jim Walker and Ms CEO QM1 Solutions Deanne Lynagh •• Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Roar v Sydney Fe Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Hon Stephen Suncorp 27 September 2009 $1277 Robertson and Ms Stadium Caz Osborne Name Position Organisation Mr Lance McCallum Advisor NRMET Mr Rob Whiddon General Manager Trade Queensland Mr Makato Hinei and Consul-General of Japan Mrs Anna Hinei Mr Hiroyuki Kano and Partner Clayton Utz Mrs Masaki Kano Mr Yasushi Yoshida General Manager (Brisbane) JFE Shoji Trade Australia Pty Ltd and Mr Scott Ada Mr Takashi Maeno Manaqinq Director JFE Steel Australia Resources Pty Ltd Mr Kei Tsuji and Mrs Managing Director Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty Ltd Noriko Tsuji Mr Takeshi Yokoyama General Manaqer (Brisbane) Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Mr KenKurihara and Manager (Coal Division) Itochu Minerals & Energy Australia Pty Mrs Yumiko Kirihara Ltd Mr Kousuke Managing Director Idemitsu Australia Resources Pty Ltd Yamamoto Mr Toshiro Shibahara Deputy Managing Director Idemitsu Australia Resources Ply Ltd Mr Nobby Fukui Director Marubeni Coal Pty Ltd Mr Ned Oishi Vice President Marubeni Coal Ptv Ltd . Mr Matsuo Kazuki Director JFE Steel Australia Resources Ply Ltd Mr Masato Furumi and Managing Director Century Yuasa Batteries Ply Ltd Mrs Mikako Furumi Mr Klenji Ishikura and Director Waterfront Group Holdings r Mr Yuki Ishikura ** Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Roar v Gold Coast United Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Hon Stephen Suncorp 11 October 2009 $1928 Robertson and Ms Stadium Caz Osborne Name Position Organisation Ms Catherine Goldie Advisor Natural Resources, Mines, Energy & Trade Mr Dan Hunt and Mrs Associate Director-General Natural Resources, Mines, Energy & Bernadette Hunt Trade Mr Bill Champion Managing Director Rio Tinto Coal Australia Mr Christopher Chief Executive Citigold Corp Ltd Towseyand Mrs Helen Towsey Mr Keith Barker and Managing Director Northern Energy Corporation Ltd Mrs Rhonda Barker Mr Marcelo Bastos Chief Executive BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance and Mrs Cira Bastos Mr Michael Roache Chief Executive Queensland Resource Council and Ms Jenny McDonald Mr Paul Zealand and Executive General Manager Upstream Oil and Gas, Origin Energy Mrs Jane Zealand Mr Richard Barber and Consultant SantoslTOGA Pty Ltd Mrs Carol Barber Mr Ross Williams and Vice President External Affairs BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance Mrs Mary Williams Mr Seamus French Regional Head of Projects & Anglo Coal Aust Ply Ltd Engineer Mr Brent Waldron Regional Head of Business Anglo Coal Aust Ply Ltd Performance and Commercial Mr Trevor Davies and Chief Executive Golding Contractors Mrs Cathie Davies Mr Greg Lane and Mrs Deputy Chief Executive QRC Birgitt Lane Mr Dave Smith and Commerce Manager Line Energy Mrs Melita Smith Ms Catherine Tanna Managing Director BGC and Mr David Condon Mr Darian Hielscher Chief Executive Syntech Resources and Mrs Maria Hielscher Mr Rob Millhouse General Manager Govt Affairs QGC Ltd . Mr Paul Woodland Strategic Advisor QGC Ltd Mr Peter Lynch and Ch ief Executive Waratah Coal Mrs Laura Lynch ** Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory Host Venue: Date: Total cost: Hon Stephen Suncorp 21 November 2009 $2407 Robertson & Ms Stadium Caz Osborne Name Position Organisation Mr Michael and Mrs Parliamentary Secretary Minister for Natural Resources, Mines Doris Choi Energy and Trade Mr David Wildermuth Senior Policy Advisor Office of the Minister Mr Rob Whiddon General Manager Trade Queensland Mr Zhang Sheng and General Manager of Australia China Corporation of Coal Mrs Liqun Wang Geology Engineering Pty Ltd Company Secretary Mr George Jiang and Mine Study Manager CHALCO Australia Pty Ltd Mrs Weiwei Gao Mr Wuhong Chen and Division Manager CHALCO Australia Pty Ltd Ms Rita Peng Mr Xiaojing Liu and Chief Representation China Huaneng Group Australian Mrs Linfei Zhou Representative Office Ms Shirley Zhang Deputy Director China International Intellectech Corporation (CIC) Mr Zue Zheng Wang Consul of the Consulate- and Mr Shenghao Wu General of People's Republic of China in Brisbane Mr Xuniei Yang Consul of the Consulate- General 0 People's Republic of China in Brisbane Mr Simon Fang and Marketing Information Guangong YUDEAN Group, Upper t Ms BiDan He Manaqer Horn Investments Pty Ltd Mr Henry Cao and Mrs General Manager Technical InterGen (Australia) Pty Ltd Chen Qun Mr KenXiao General Manaqer Xinfa Group (Australia) Pty Ltd Mr Gongping Ren Consul General Consul of the Consulate-General of PeOQle's Republic of China in Brisbane ** I nvitation list EVENT: All Stars Twenty20 Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Hon Phil Reeves & The Gabba 22 November 2009 $1600 guest Name Position Organisation Mr S Renouf & guest Ambassador for Indigenous Sport Mr B Smith Executive Director Foster Care Queensland Ms L Spaven AlState Coordinator Create Ms L Smith AlService Manager Pathways SE & Brisbane West Fostering Services Ms S Owen Life Without Barriers Mr D Frame Silky Oaks Children's Haven Mr G Upkett Manager Indigenous Family & Child Support Service Ms L Hillan AlState Manaqer Save the Children Australia Mr T Jordan Jigsaw Ms M Meredith CEO Inala Community House Mr G Featherstone CEO Kummara Association Mr D OToole CEO Kyabra CommunityAssociation ** I nvitation list EVENT: Test Match Day 1 Aust v West Indies Host: Venue: Date: Total cost Hon Desley Boyle The Gabba 26 November 2009 $1761 Name Position Organisation Mr Lian Ferney Media Advisor Office of the Minister Mr Michael Mainhardt Coach Australian Indiqenous Cricket team Mr Larry Budd Chairperson Indigenous Cricket Advisory Committee Queensland Mr Chris Swain Australian Indiqenous Cricket Team Mr Cameron Trask Australian Indigenous Cricket Team Mr Preston White Australian Indigenous Cricket Team Mr Worrin Williams Australian Indigenous Cricket Team Aunty Valda Coolwell President Brisbane Council of Elders Aunty Carroll Currie Vice President Brisbane Council of Elders Mr Kevin O'Brien Council Member Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council Mr James William Council Member Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council Uncle Albert Holt Elder Uncle Bob Anderson Elder Aunty Ruth Hegarty Elder Mr Jake Coolwell Ms Trish Kessler Mr Jake Boyle ** Invitation list EVENT: Test Match Day 3 Australia v West Indies Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Hon Peter Lawlor & The Gabba 28 November 2009 $2626 guest Name Position Organisation Mr Marcus Taylor Senior Media Advisor Tourism & Fair Tradin~ Mr Tom McGuire President OHA Mr Paul Tully Partner Mcinnes Wilson Lawyers Ms Julieanne Alree CEO Brisbane Airport Corporation Mr Daniel Gschwind CEO OTIC and partner Ms Marina Vit and CEO Youngcare partner Mr David Conry Chairman Youngcare Mr Bernard Fanning Ambassador Youngcare Mr John Sharpe and Riverlife partner I ** Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Roar v North Queensland Fury Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Hon Stephen Suncorp 16 December 2009 $2174 Robertson and Ms Stadium Caz Osborne Name Position Organisation Mr Lance McCallum Policy Advisor Office of the Minister Mr Dan and Mrs Associate Director-General DEEDI Bernie Hunt Mr Barry and Mrs Energy Ombudsman Anne Adams Ms Jennifer Gates and AlCustomer Advocate Ergon Energy & Advisory Council Mr Tony Murray Member Ms Linda Parmenter Manager, Policy and Queensland Council of Social Justice & and Ms Nadine Communications Advisory Council Member Eckhart Ms Nadia Dimmock General Manager, Compliance Jackgreen (international) Pty Ltd Mr Greg_ Martin Chairman Jackgreen (International) PtyLtd Mr Robert and Mrs Chair Social Justice Committee, St Vincent de Trish Leach Paul & Advisory Council Member Ms Margaret and Mr Executive Committee Queensland Retail Traders and Graham Campbell- Shopkeepers Association & Advisory Ryder Council Member Mr Michael Swanston Group Manager, Customer Energex & Advisory Council Member Advocacy Ms Caroline Lovett Customer Services Project Energex Officer Mr Terry and Mrs CEO Energex Joanne Effeney Mr Graeme Finlayson Actinq CEO Ergon Mr Justin Fitzgerald Stakeholder Engagement Ergon Manager Mr Gordon and Mrs CEO Powerlink Rita Jardine Mr Scott Zackersen Political Director LHMU and Ms Christine Henry ** Invitation list EVENT: One Day International Australia v Pakistan Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Hon Phil Reeves The Gabba 22 January 2010 $3093 and Mrs Megan Reeves Name Position Organisation Mr J O'Harra and Sunny Queen Eggs guest Mr P Garske and Queensland Trucking Association guest Mr A Graham and General Manager Suncorp Stadium Quest Mr A Hogg and guest General Manager Queensland Qantas Mr A Fraser and guest Head of A-League Football Federation Australia Mr G Neisler and Billiard Shop guest Mr B King and guest Executive Director Queensland Academy of Sport Mr B Cullen and quest Chief Executive Brisbane Broncos ** Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Roar v Sydney Fe Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Hon Annastacia Suncorp 30 January 2010 $1941 Palaszczuk Stadium Name Position Organisation Ms Bronwyn Smith Principal Advisor DSMA Hon Stephen Robertson and Mrs Robertson Ms Grace Grace and Member for Brisbane Central Mr Michael Grace Ms Jeannie Mok MCMAC Mr Jeff Cheverton and CEO Queensland Alliance guest Mr Rodney Goodbun Surendra Prasad OAM President Federation of Indian Communities and guest Council Umesh Chandra Publisher Brisbane Indian Times Mr Peter Selwood Executive Director Centacare Ms Joanne Jessop CEO Multicap Mr Joe Martins and President The Brisbane Portuguese Family Mrs Maria Martins Centre Sports & Recreation Association Ms Agnes Whiten Chair ECCQ OAM Mr Nick Xynias AO Honorary President ECCQ and Mrs Cleopatra r Xynias Ms Linda Apelt and Mr Director-General Department of Communities Ron Apelt Mr Kevin Cocks and Director Queensland Advocacy Incorporated guest Mr Andrew McCormac Mr Martin Civik Member Queensland Education Inter-cultural Group Mr Kenan Boz Member Queensland Education Inter-cultural Group ** Invitation list EVENT: Gold Coast United v Wellington Phoenix Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Hon Stirling Skilled Park 7 February 2010 $1832 Hinchliffe Name Position Organisation Mr Stuart Fyfe Principal Advisor Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Mr Tom and Mrs Ruth Gold Coast Regional Chair Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tate Qld Mr Con Nikiforides CEO Niecon Developments Mr Jason McGrath Director Urban Planning Services Mrs Christine Smith State Member for Burleigh MP and Mr Robert Smith Mr Ray Stevens MP State Member for Mermaid and Mrs Ruth Stevens Beach Mr Dale Dickson and CEO Gold Coast City Council Mrs Kerrie Dickson Cr Peter Young and City Planning Chair for Gold Coast City Council Mrs Karen Young Strategic Planninq Mr David Heck and Ms Managing Director Rocky Point Sugar Mill and Distillery Kaz Munro ** Invitation list EVENT: NRL All Stars v Indigenous All Stars Host: Venue: Date: 13 February Total cost: Hon Phil Reeves Skilled Park 2010 $1702 Name Position Organisation Mrs Linda Apelt Director-General Department of Communities Mr Stephen Gay Senior Policy Advisor Office of the Minister Mr Steve Renouf and Ambassador for Indigenous Mrs Renouf Sport Mr G Coakely and First Contact Indigenous Co guest Ms T rish Williams Cr Paul Pisasale and Major Ipswich City Council guest Mt T Byers and guest Legends of Leag ue Mr Peter Rookas Mrs Di Harvey and QATSICPP guest Mr Dwayne Knox ** Invitation list EVENT: NRL Indigenous v NRL All Stars Host: Venue: Date: Total cost: Hon Desley Boyle Skilled Park 13 February 2010 $1840 Name Position Organisation Meq Frisby Principal Advisor Office of the Minister Abigail Escott Grade 9 Mornington Island Boarder from Clayfield College Louis Escott Grade 12 Mornington Island Boarder from ClaYtield College Janaya Toby Grade 10 Mornington Island Boarder from ClaYtield Colleqe Tiga Bayles President Murri School Victor Hart Vice President Murri School Latrisha Johnson Year 11 Student Murri School Joshua Roma Year 10 Student Murri School Victoria Aubrey Year 11 Student Murri School Eli Powell Year 5 Student Murri School Morris Waria Year 8 Student Murri School Kaylah Tyson Diploma Student Penny Mullen Artistic Director Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts Nathan Jarro Member Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council Shane Duffy CEO Aboriginal Legal Service Jack Bulman Mibbibah Men's Indigenous Health Organisation Charlie Fay Mibbibah Men's Indigenous Health Orqanisation ** Invitation list EVENT: Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs Host: Venue: Date: 13 February Total cost: Hon Paul Lucas Suncorp 2010 $3631 and Alison Smith Stadium Name Position Organisation Mr Mick Reid and Mrs Director-General Queensland Health Judy Reid Dr Tony O'Connell CEO Centre for Healthcare Improvement and guest Dr Russell Stitz and Chair Committee of Presidents of Medical Mrs Ann Stitz ColleQes Prof Ian Gough and Dr Chair Royal Australian College of Surgeons Ruth GOUQh Dr Ian Dickinson and RACS Qld State Committee Mrs Margaret Dickinson Dr Rob Franz & guest QH Area Surgical Network Surgical Advisory Committee Chair Dr Barry O'Loughlin Director of Surgery RBWH and Mrs Anna Moynihan Dr Stephen Lynch and Chair of Surgery PAH ~uest Mr Michael Steyn and Statewide Anaesthesia and New Nomination to the QH Surgical Mrs Jacki Steyn Perioperative Car Clinical Advisory Committee Network Chair Dr Pieter Prinsloo Director of Surgery Cairns Hospital Dr Neil Scholes and Director of Surgery Rockhampton Hospital ~uest Dr Chris Perry and RACS Queensland State Committee Mrs Kathryn Perry Dr Chris May and Mrs Director of Emergency Bayside Health Service Linda May services Mr Craig Spencer Managing Director Carter and Spencer Group Mr David Usasz Chairman Carter and Spencer Advisory Board Cr Robert Loughnan Mayor Roma Regional Council and guest Cr Rob Chandler and Mayor Barcaldine Regional Council guest Mr Gary Sansom Queensland farmers Federation Mr Steve Hambleton Vice President AMA and Mrs Deborah Hambleton Mr Brett Robinson and CEO Mondial Assistance Australia Will Robinson Mr David Barbagallo CEO Endeavour Foundation and Guest Mr Cameron Thiele Branch Secretary CEPU and guest ** I nvitation list EVENT: One Day International, Australia v West Indies Host: Venue: Date: 14 February Total cost: Hon Anna Bligh The Gabba 2010 $3679 and Hon Paul Lucas Name Position Organisation Mr Hubie van Dalsen BHP Billiton & guest Ms Cath Tanna & Qld Gas Company Quest Dr Leigh Atkinson & Pain Specialist/Neurosurgeon Quest Mr Michael Back and Freehills guest Mr Bill Hauritz & Quest Woodford Folk Festival Mr Maha Sinnathamby Springfield Land Corporation & Quest Mr GreQ Withers . Mr Alison Smith Ms Vinje House Policy Advisor Office of the Premier ** I nvitation list EVENT: Queensland Reds v Canterbury Crusaders Host: Venue: Date: 19 February Total cost: Hon Phil Reeves Suncorp 2010 $3007 and Mrs Reeves Stadium Name Position Organisation MCWhite and guest Managing Director International Quarterback Mr G Williams & Guest Creative Storm Mr C Mohr & Guest Mohr Lawvers Mr P Cummiskey & QSport Guest Mr G Allen-Atkins and Guide Dogs guest Mr G Goebel and I Red Cross Goebel Nr N Douglas and Aquatic Achievers guest Mr P Bell and Richard Local Govt Assn Qld Alcorn Mr M Ryan MP and Member for Morayfield Grant Higgins Mr C Walsh and guest Souths Rugby Union Mr D Stannard and Sunday Mail guest Mr J Cherry and J SEQ Council of Mayors Brent Ray and Des Lang O'Rourke O'Rourke Mr D Hanna and quest Director Stadiums Queensland ** Invitation list EVENT: Gold Coast United v Newcastle Host: Venue: Date: 22 February Total cost: Hon Stephen Skilled Park 2010 $1356 Robertson and partner Name Position Organisation Mr Peter Bolger and Managing Director Pivotel guest Mr Alan Mitchell and CEO Xtra Health guest Mr Gary Baildon and Quest Mr Dick Lucas and Managing Director Spantech Pty Ltd Jluest Mr Lance McCallum Advisor DERM Mr Rob Whiddon Trade Queensland ** Invitation list EVENT: AC/DC Concert Host: Venue: Date: Total Cost: Hon Andrew Fraser QSAC 27 February 2010 $945 and Therese O'Reilly Name Position Organisation Ms Judy Spence MP Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Member for Sunnybank Ms Sue Blackburn and Owner First Choice Business Support Mr Sean Blackburn Mr Brett Fraser and General Manager Australia Trade Coast Ms Gemma Dadswell Mr David Maguire and Associate Director ANZ Corporate Bank Mrs S~e Maguire ** I nvitation list EVENT: Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys Host: Venue: Date: 12 March 2010 Total cost: Hon Paul Lucas Suncorp $2955 and Hon Andrew Stadium Fraser Name Position Organisation Alison Smith Tim Linley Advisor Office of the Treasurer Mark O'Brien and Mayor Murweh Shire Council partner Kim Kajewskhi Mr Lance Hockridge Chief Executive Queensland Rail and Mrs Susanne Hockridge Mr Robert Fuller and State Director CEDA Mrs Narelle Fuller Mr Spencer Jolly and Joumalist Channel 9 daughter Priya Mr Ben Swan Assistant National Secretary Aust Workers Union Dr John Mulcahy and Member Future Fund Board of Guardians Mrs Ann Mulcahy Mr Peter Owen and Group Executive Editor APN son Sam Mr Michael Klug and Partner in Charge Clayton Utz Dr Jane Klug Mr Greg Vickery and Partner Norton Rose Dr Sally VickEll}' Mr Shaun Scott and Chief Executive Arrow Energy Mrs Sarah Scott Mr Don Jones General Manager Marine Qld and Member of the Qld Industry Advisory Group r Ms Lyn McLaughlin Mayor Burdekin Shire Council and son Adam Mr Gerard Bradley Under Treasurer Queensland Treasury and Mrs Imelda Bradley Mr Frank Chapman Chief Executive BG Group, QGC Mr Rob Millhouse General Manager Public BG Group, QGC Affairs & Communication Ms Catherine Tanna Managing Director BG Group, QGC and partner Mr David Condon Ms Danni Shanahan Lead Organiser NWU and partner Mr Jonathan Rillfl ** Invitation list EVENT: Queensland Reds v Western Force Host: Venue: Date: 14 March 2010 Total cost: Hon Paul Lucas Suncorp $1484 and Ms Alison Stadium Smith Name Position Organisation Mr Mick and Mrs Judy Director-General Queensland Health Reid Dr David and Mrs College of Dermatologists Linda Francis Dr Anton Loewenthal Qld Chairperson Aust and NZ College of Anaesthetists AlProf Jane Smith Chair Qld Faculty of the Royal Aust College of General Practitioners Dr Andrew Johnson State Chair Royal Aust College of Medical and Dr Donna Administrators O'Sullivan Dr Richard Qld Chairperson . Royal Aust College of Surgeons Lewandowski and Andrew Lewandowski Dr Bradley Horsburgh Qld Chairperson Royal Aust & NZ College of Ophthalmologists Dr Daniel Vargese and Acting Chair Royal Aust & NZ College of Dr Dan Siskind Psychiatrists Dr Greg Siader and Dr Royal Aust & NZ College of Yunus Solwa RadioloQists Dr Rob Boots and College of Intensive Care Medicine daughter Mr Ken Vernon and Gold Coast Bulletin Mrs Danielle Vernon Mr Lawrie Foster and Qld Manager Lang O'Rourke Mrs Pauline Foster Mr Tony Orazio and Qld Manager Bovis Lend Lease Ms Katie Bickford MrTim Treby and Qld Manager Abigroup guest Ms Susan Dio and Managing Director BP husband Mr Paul Greenfield Vice Chancellor UQ Prof Gordon Dunlop Business Development VC's office, UQ Advisor Mr Steven Green and Qld Manager Baulderstone Mrs Deborah Green Mr John and Mrs Liz Chairman Wagners Global Services Wagner MrTor McCaul Managing Director Comet Ridge Mr James McK •• Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Broncos v New Zealand Warriors Host: Venue: Date: 28 March 2010 Total cost: Han Phil Reeves Suncorp $2486 Stadium Name Position Organisation Ms Hayley Cattell Personal Assistant Office of the Minister Mrs Sharon and Mr Foster Care Queensland Barry Winslade Mrs Saskia and Mr Foster Care Queensland Kelvin Smith Mrs Cheryl and Mr Foster Care Queensland Allan Gill Mrs Melanie and Mr Foster Care Queensland Chris Quigley Mrs Penny and Mr Ian Foster Care Queensland Wilde Mrs Shellie and Mr Foster Care Queensland John Campbell Mr Jason and Mrs Foster Care Queensland Diane Carr Mr Darren Frame and Silky Oaks Children's Haven ~uest Mr Dennis Loaney and ACT for Kids Karen Lambert Ms Donna Little and Qld Outdoor Recreation Federation Chris Schmidt Mr Steven King and Executive Director Mercy Family Services Don Hubbard Mr Paul Nicholls and Girl Guides Cathy Crittenden Mrs Bronwyn and Ms Chief Executive Officer Pyjama Foundation Tanya Busoli ** I nvitation list EVENT: Brisbane Lions v Carlton Host: Venue: Date: 1 April 2010 Total cost: Hon Kate Jones The Gabba $961 and Mr Paul Cronin Name Position Organisation Mr Oliver Furbur & Packaging Stewardship Forum ~uest Olivia Robertson Prof Hugh Professor of Mathematics and University of Queensland Possingham and Ecology guest Karen Possingham Mr Sam Shepherd and Managing Director Buildmore Group guest Peter Hinton Mr Rick Ralph and Executive Director Waste Contractors and Recyclers guest Association of Qld MrTroy Uren Waste Management Association Qld Branch Mr Euan Morton and Synergies Economic Consulting ~uest Mr John Cotter President A~Force Mr Jim McKnoulty Chairman Conics Ltd ** Invitation list EVENT: Gold Coast Titans v St George Dragons Host Venue: Date: 16 April 2010 Total cost: Han Phil Reeves Skilled Park $1781 Name Position Organisation Ms Christine Smith Member for Burleigh and Mr Robert Smith Mr J Kelly and quest Cowboys Leaques Club Mr M Hennelly and Brothers Leagues Club Ipswich quest Mr Mal Cochrane and Victoria Point Sharks Sporting Club Michelle Cochrane Mr Mike McMahon Hervey Bay RSL Services Memorial Club Mr Will Schroeder and Yaralla Sports Club Colin Connors Mr Russell Stockham Southern Suburbs Football Club and guest Mackay Mr Brad Oats Ayr Anzac Memorial Club r ** Invitation list EVENT: Queensland Reds v Bulls Host: Venue: Date: 17 April 2010 Total cost Hon Kate Jones Suncorp $1702 and guest Stadium Name Position Organisation Mr Joshua Cooney Senior Media Advisor Office of the Minister and guest Lou Cooney Mr Brian Williams and Journalist Courier Mail Ms Bernadette Williams Mr Steven Greenwood Executive Director Property Council of Australia and Mr Wayne Rex Mr Bill Hauritz and Woodford Folk Festival guest Ms Samantha Cook ( Mr Jon Hanger and Director, Research Ecological Australia Zoo ~uest Ms Jo Loader Services Mr Don Henry and Mr Australian Conservation Foundation Paul Henry Ms Genevieve Graves RACQ and Save our Waterways Now and Ms Leona Reif Mr Des Boyland and Chairman Wildlife Land Fund Ltd Ms Judy Boyland Mr Paul Bell and Ms President LGAQ Ruth Bell Mr Chris Cosgrove Executive Officer Partner for Liveable Communities and Ms Jenny Cosgrove Mr Geoff Newton and Principal Hillbrook Anglican College Ms Jacky Newton Mr Peter Tinley MLA Willagee (Western Australia) ** I nvitation list EVENT: Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs Host: Venue: Date: 17 April 2010 Total cost: Han Annastacia The Gabba $2601 Palaszczuk and guest Name Position Organisation Dr A James P Morton President AEIOU and guest Mr Simon Finn MP Member for Yeerongpilly and guest Ms Margie Ireland and Director Carroll Consulting Group guest Mr Mark Bucknall and Solicitor Bucknall Family Lawyers ~lUest Mr Colin Forrest and Barrister _guest Uncle Albert Holt and Local Indigenous Elder guest Mr Joe Brennan and President AFL Sunshine Coast Juniors guest ** I nvitation list EVENT: Davis Cup Day 1 Host: Venue: Date: 7 May 2010 Total cost: Hon Phil Reeves Queensland $1544 and guest Tennis Centre Name Position Organisation Mr Simon Finn and Member for Yeerongpilly Dale Finn Ms Annastacia Minister for Disability Services Palaszczuk and Multicultural Affairs MrBen Swan Australian Workers Union Mr Richard Griffiths Chief Executive AFL Queensland and Majella Wirth Mr David Keating and President ACHPER Hilary Langford Ms Emma Gibbs Media Advisor Office of the Minister ** I nvitation list EVENT: Brisbane Lions v Fremantle Host: Venue: Date: 8 May 2010 Total cost: Hon Anna Bligh The Gabba $1894 and Hon Geoff Wilson Name Position Organisation Mr Greg Withers Executive Director Office of Climate Change Ms Julie Grantham Director General Department of Education and Training Dr Chris Sarra Director Smarter Stronper Institute Mr Norm Fuller President Secondary Schools Principal's Association Ms Hilary Backus Principal Indooroopilly State School. Acting President Queensland Association of State School Principals Mr Michael Zueschner Principal Bulimba State School and Year of Sustainabilitv Principal Champion Mr Dale Murray Edmund Rice Centre Mr Garry Molloy Principal Woodridge State School Mr Peter Kelly Teacher and learning auditor Caloundra State High School Mr Tony Maksoud Principal Berrinba East State School Mrs Beth Peterson Principal Durack State School Mrs Christine Wood Principal Junction Park State School Mr Daniel O'Sullivan Principal Richlands East State School Mr Don Wilson Senior Policy Advisor Office of the Premier Mr Murray Daniel Principal Advisor Office of the Minister for Education and Traininp ** Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans Host: Venue: Date: 14 May 2010 Total cost: Hon Andrew Fraser Suncorp $2679 and Therese Stadium O'Rielly Name Position Organisation Mr Brendan Connell Principal Media Advisor Office of the Treasurer Mr Nicholas Schofield General Manager Corporate Allianz Australia Insurance Limited and Mr Tony Mobbs Affairs Mr James Purtill and Manager Community8 and GLNG Operations Pty Ltd Ann-Maree Willett Environment Mr Peter English and General Manager Planning Qld Airports Limited Gold Coast Ms Karen En9lish and Projects Mr Roger McComiskie Partner PricewaterhouseCoopers and Catherine McComiskie Mr Peter Allen and Ms Chairman BioPharmaceuticals Australia Anne Allen Mr John Hogan and Super Jetties Mr Paul Vincent Mr Tony Russ and Mr Tony Rudd Real Estate Paul Lulham Mr John Story Chairman Suncorp Mr Patrick Snowball Chief Executive Suncorp Mr Steve Johnston Executive General Manager, Suncorp Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations Mr Rick Wilkinson and President GLNG & Queensland, Santos Ms Carolle Wilkinson Mr Nigel Harris and Branch Manager Suncorp Ms Christine Charles Mr Peter Eardley and President Queensland Law Society Ms Gwen Eardley Ms Cherie Dalley and President Queensland Consumers Association Mr Stuart Dalley Mr Max Howard and Secretary Queensland Consumers Association Ms Maria Mercedes Ms Mary Mourgelas Director, Gold Coast & Tourism Queensland and Mr Kane Bennett Hinterland Mr Chris Simpson and Australian Workers Union Mr James Simpson Mr Steven Gray Journalist AAP ** Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Lions v Geelong Host: Venue: Date: 15 May 2010 Total cost: Han Phil Reeves The Gabba $1548 and Mrs Reeves Name Position Organisation Mr Peter and Mrs Executive Director Q-Sport Jane Cummiskey Mr Mike and Mrs Nols Chairman Stadiums Queensland Pelly Mr Tony and Mrs Thea Sports and Entertainment Ltd Cochrane Mr Darryl and Mrs Chairman AFL Queensland Janice Bray Ms Robin Bailey and 97.3 Tony Smart ( ** I nvitation list EVENT: Queensland Reds v Highlanders Host: Venue: Date: 15 May 2010 Total cost: Hon Peter Lawlor Suncorp $2038 Stadium Name Position Organisation Ms Linda Whatman Advisor Office of the Minister Mr Paul Tully and Practice Chairman Mcinnes Wilson Lawyers guest Mr John Hamilton and Pirncipal Mcinnes Wilson Lawyers guest Mr Sarosh Mehta Caxton St Development Association Mr Nick Xynias AO Chair, Responsible Gambling Ethnic Communities Council Qld BEM Advisor Committee Mr Tony Benson Government Liaison Officer Caravan Parks Association Queensland Mr Brett Dale Man<)ging Director Motor Trades Association of Qld Mr ron Chapman Chief Executive Caravan Trade & Industry Association Mr Dan Molloy Chief Executive Officer Real Estate Institute of Qld Mr Viane Watson and Executive Officer Community Titles Institute of Qld ~uest Mr Andrew Millward Executive Manager RACQ Mr Malcolm Snow Chief Executive South bank Corporation Mr Shaun Gilchrist Urban Adventures Mr Brendan McKenna Base Backpackers Mr Andrew Mouritz Ipswich WorkshQlls Rail Museum Mr John Aitken Chief Executive Brisbane Marketing Mr John Kotzas Queensland Performing Arts Centre l ** Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Lions v Collingwood Host: Venue: Date: 29 May 2010 Total cost: Hon Stirling The Gabba $2039 Hinchliffe Name Position Organisation Mr Stuart Fyfe Principal Advisor Office of the Minister Mr Chris Buckley Member Queensland Heritage Council Ms Wendy McMillan Manager, Strategic John Holland Group Pty Ltd Development Mr Ben Wilson Manager Bicycle Queensland Mr Peter Butler Secretary Wilston grange AFl Club Mr Brett Gillett President Wilston grange AFl Club Mr Bob Minnikin Chief Operating Officer INCOll Mr Brett O'Donovan CEO Planet Metals Ltd Mr Russell Berlee Senior Development Manager Mirvac Queensland Mr John Byrne Adjunct Professor in Urban QUT Design Ms Susan De Vries Regional Branch Manager UDIA Gold Coast Mr David Frost Managing Director (Brisbane) Thomson Adsett Mr Garry Braithwaite Principal Evens & Peck Ply Ltd ** Invitation list EVENT: Gold Coast Titans v Manly Sea Eagles Host: Venue: Date: 11 June 2010 Total cost: Hon Peter Lawlor Skilled Park $1741 Name Position Organisation Ms Linda Whatman Senior policy Advisor Office of the Minister Mr Richard Holiday Santos/RJH Consulting and partner Mr Dean Carthledge SolarTherm Mr Ian Riley Beyond Building Energy Mr Aaron Davidson Tidal EnergyPtyLtd Mr Greq Stolz Courier Mail Mr Sean Flannaqan Hot Tomato Ms Lauren Richardson Hot Tomato Mr Justin Williams Hot Tomato Mr Craiq Hill Tidal Enerqy Pty Ltd Dr Bevan Geissman Halycon Mr Paul Melville Halycon Ms Lucy Ardern and Gold Coast Bulletin Mr Malcolm Frick , Mr Nino Miano and Ms Restaurant & Caterers Assn Jane Holliday •• I nvitation list EVENT: Brisbane Broncos v South Sydney Rabbitohs Host: Venue: Date: 13 June 2010 Total cost: Hon Stirling Suncorp $2115 Hinchliffe Stadium Name Position Organisation Ms Katie Hume Policy Advisor Office of the Minister Mr David Hanna Assistant State Secretary Builders Labourers Federation Mr Andy Burke Manaqer Burke Industries Inc Mr Michael Raybar State Secreta ry Construction Forestry Mining & Energy Union Mr Brett Schimminq Chief Executive Officer Constructions Skills Queensland Ms Renaye Peters Reqional Manaqer Vision stream Pty Ltd Ms Noela L'estrange Chief Executive Officer Queensland Law Society Mr Kyle Wolff Operations Manager H2o Industries Pty Ltd Mr Warwick Temby Executive Director Queensland Housing Industry Association I Mr Kelvin Cuskelly Assistant Director - Technical Housing Industry Association Services Mr Paul Bell AM President Local Government Association of Queensland Mr Allan Hazell Manager - Plumbing Services Local Government Association of Queensland Mr Bryan Cooke Managinq Director Ashdale Inteqrity Solutions Mr Gavin Christison Director of Traininq Ashdale Inteqrity Solutions Mr Brian Davies Fire Maintenance Asset Fire and Security Mr Andrew Dettmer Queensland Secretary Australia Manufacturing Workers Union Mr Troy Spence District Secretary, Metals and Australian Workers Union I Construction Division Mr Robert Brouwers (PIC Member) Backflow Plumbing Services Mr Adrian Hart Executive Director Master Plumbers Association of Qld Mr Mike Musil Senior Associate PDT Architects Ms Janet Conrad Consumer Representative Plumbinq Industry Council Mr Dennis Cairns Senior Hydraulic Engineer and H2o Industries Government Authoritv Liaison Mr David Close Secretary/CEO Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Queensland ** Invitation list EVENT: State of Origin 2 Host: Venue: Date: 16 June 2010 Total cost: Hon Anna Bligh & Suncorp $3973 Hon Paul Lucas Stadium Name Organisation Mr Greg Withers Mr Mark Symons Office of the Premier Ms Lexy Hamilton-Smith Channel 10 Mr Chris O'Brien ABC Radio Ms Talitha Cummins Channel 7 Mr Shane Thompson BVN Architecture Ms Heather Brodie Biofuels Association of Australia Mr Dominic Nolan Australian Suqar Millinq Council Mr Steve Greenwood Property Council of Australia Mr Simon Warner SEQ Catchments Mr Scott Thompson Sunday Mail Mr Michael Rayner Cox Rayner Architects Ms Dyan Currie Planninq Institute of Australia Ms Raynuha Sinnathamby Sprinqfield Land Corporation Mr Michael Best Channel 7 Prof Brendan Gleeson Griffith University Mr Garv Shipway South-East Advertiser Cr Pam Parker and Mr George Logan City Council Parker Mr Jim Walker QMI Solutions Mr Paul Eagles Urban Land Development Authority Mr Damian Cavalucci CavCorp Qld Mr Rob Hunter Australian Aerospace Limited Mr John Cherry SEQ Council of Mayors Mr Tim Forrestor ARIA Property International Mr Adam Beck Green Building Council of Australia Ms Summer Burke Channel 10 Mr Ian Ballantyne Caneqrowers { Mr Andrew Hogg Qantas Mr Rick Wilkinson Santos Mr Steve Abson Queensland Major Contractors Association Cr Paul Bell Local Govt Assn of Queensland Mr Darrell Giles Sunday Mail Prof Peter Skinner Royal Australian Institute of Architects Mr Warren Harris Urban Development Institute of Australia Mr Peter Riddles ViciBio Ltd Mr Andrew Trewin Channel 9 Mr Norm Thompson Air New Zealand Mr Arthur Burke OAM Anzac Day Commemoration Committee ** Invitation list EVENT: NRL Double Header Host: Venue: Date: 18 June 2010 Total cost: Hon Tim Mulherin Sun corp $3433 and Mrs Mulherin Stadium Name Position Organisation Mr Brian Timms Assistant Policy Advisor Office of the Minister Mr Lachie and Ms Managing Director Stockyard Sarah Hart Mr Terry and Ms Jane Director Nolan Meats Nolan Mr Steve and Ms President Qld Chicken Growers Association Coleen Teitzel Ms Joanne and Ms Chair Cotton Australia John Grainqer Mr Richard Haire CEO Queensland Cotton Mr Ian and Mrs Director-General DEED I Elizabeth Fletcher Loda Pameijer President Flower Association of Queensland Mr Gary and Ms Julie President Queensland Farmers Federation Sansom Mr Paul Bell President Local Govt Assn of Queensland Mr Graham Davies Chairperson QRM and Ms Barbara Ollete Mr Colin and Ms CEO QRM Michelle Holden Mr John and Ms Ellen President Agforce Cotter Mr David Heck and Ms Managing Director Rocky Point Sugar Mill Kaz Munro Mr Mike Barry and Ms CEO Maryborough Sugar Factory Katherine Barry Mr Don Scotts and Chair Australian Centre Lifestyle Horticulture Roslyn Mr Trevor Dunmall Industry Development Australian Mango Industry Association Manager Mr Mark and Ms Julie CEO Queensland Landscape Industry Sorby Mr Bill Watson and Ms President Nursery and Garden Industry Qld Marie Watson ** Invitation list EVENT: Brisbane Lions v Richmond Host: Venue: Date: 19 June 2010 Total cost: Hon Paul Lucas The Gabba $2116 and Ms Alison Smith Name Position Organisation Mr Martin Barrett and Managing Director Qld & Auto St George guest Finance Ms Loretta Young and Presenter 4BH Ms Jillian Whiting Mr Richard Fidler and Presenter 612ABC Mrs Khym Fidler Dr Noel Hayman and Clinical Director Inala Indigenous Health Service guest Ms Anne Maree Liddy CEO General Practice Qld and Dr John Kastrissios Mr Brian Riggall and CEO Seymour Whyte Mrs Jane Riggall Mr Adrian Carson and AlCEO QAIHC guest Ms Elizabeth Adams Chairperson QAIHC and quest ** Invitation list EVENT: Wallabies v Ireland Host: Venue: Date: 26 June 2010 Total cost: Hon Anna Bligh Suncorp $3635 and Hon Paul Stadium Lucas EV Name Position Organisation Mr Greg Withers Premier's office staff (2) Mr Quentin Kennedy Kialia Pure Foods and partner MayorAlIan Mayor Moreton Bay Regional Council Sutherland and Mrs Gayle Sutherland Ms Fran Cleary Rivercitv Motorways Mr Michael Murphy DiQicel Mayor Peter Taylor Mayor Toowoomba Regional Council and Mrs Rosemary Taylor Ms aria Tunney Embassy of Ireland Mr Patrick Dempsey Australian Aaricultural Company Mr Ewen McKenzie Coach Queensland Reds Mr Andy Olden AECOM Mr Terry Nolan Nolan Meats Ms Julie-Anne Schafer Destination Sunshine Coast Tourism Board Mayor Paul Pisasale Mayor Ipswich City Council and guest Mr Dennis Lin BDO Kendalis Mr Gerry Heuston BP Australia Mr Mike Wright Telstra Wireless Mr Mike Mason RPS Ms Pauline Donegan Qld Irish Association Maj Gen Peter Amison Chancelior Queensland University of Technology and Mrs Barbara Amison Mr Don Morris Tourism Queensland Mr Michael James Strategic Aviation Group Mr Chris Isles Place Design Environment Dr Chris May and Mrs Emergency Network Linda May Mr David Langsford Southern Cross Media and partner Mr Patrick Condron Channel? Mr Ashley Ruffin Lambert and Rehbein Consulting Engineers Mayor Ron Dyne and Mayor Gympie Regional Council Mrs Dulcie Dyne Mr Spencer Jolly Channel 9 Mr Chris Marwick and Zupps Cars Queensland partner ENT: Gold Coast Titans v Knights ** I nvitation list Host: Venue: Date: 27 June 2010 Total cost Hon Paul Lucas Skilled Park $1613 and MsAlison Smith Name Position Organisation Mr Adrian Nowitzke CEO GCHSD Mr Alan Smith CEO AEIOU Foundation Mr Mick Palmer Inspector Transport Security Mr Dennis Chant CEO Old Airports Mr Peter Ward (Tony Bovis Lend Lease Orazio) Mr Ken Brown Chair Gold Coast Health Community Mr Gary Baildon Chair Gold Coast Hospital Foundation Dr Brent Richards Chair Statewide Clinical Network Gold Coast Bulletin ( Mr Dean Gould Editor Mr Ian O'Connor Vice Chancellor Griffith University Mr Chris Crawford CEO North Coast Area Health Service, NSW - Health Reform Mr Stephen Green General Manaqer Old Baulderstone Hornibrook Mr Warren Rowe Director of Planning, Gold Coast City Council Environment and Transport ** Invitation list Non-Government Question on Notice No. 10 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR CHILD SAFETY AND MINISTER FOR SPORT (MR REEVES)- QUESTION MR JACK DEMPSEY MP-Reference is made to SDS 3-27, note 92; the program review Will the Minister advise the terms of reference of this review, its findings or recommendations and how these recommendations have been implemented? ANSWER The Bligh Government has a proud record of allocating more funding to sport and recreation than any other State or Territory in Australia. To ensure we are directing support where it is needed most, last year I initiated a review of the sport and recreation funding programs. The objectives of the review were to: facilitate the achievement of the Government's Toward Q2: Tomorrow's Queensland ambitions to make Queenslanders Australia's healthiest people; enable stronger needs based assessment and allocation to foster community participation and inclusion; better target children, youth and families at risk of entering the child protection and criminal justice systems; build the capacity of the sport and recreation industry. l The Terms of Reference for the review were to: examine the impact, relevance and value of current programs to achieving the Government's Towards Q2: Tomorrow's Queensland ambitions and consistency with the Interim Strategic Framework for the Department of Communities; examine sport and recreation program design and delivery nationally and internationally and identify strategic priorities for a sport and recreation program mix for Queensland which reflects best practice and supports the review objectives; examine and make recommendations on measures that better target program assistance and incorporate needs based planning; and identify potential measures that would form the basis for public reporting of the impact of the future program mix. The review was conducted by an external Review Committee, chaired by Mr Ken Rogers, and included extensive consultation with indiViduals and community groups. Feedback was also received through submissions and an on-line survey to ensure the sport and recreation needs of communities across the State could be identified. Additionally, the sport and recreation industry peak bodies of QSport and the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation were involved throughout the process both as members of the Review Committee as well as making a submission on the future direction of the industry. The key findings from the review include: that the new funding program mix be streamlined into the themes of "spaces and places" and "people"; that eligibility for the programs is expanded to allow better access by disadvantaged groups throughout the State; that submissions for funding or other support demonstrate the potential for improved organisational capacity and that funding criteria encourage quality opportunities on a sustainable basis; and that a State Sport and Recreation Facilities Plan be developed to allow better decision making for the future allocation of capital works funding. In direct response to these findings, I announced the release of a suite of new funding programs which have been designed to create jobs, help build infrastructure and deliver initiatives to encourage Queenslanders to participate in sport and recreation. The new programs, which provide $138 million over three years, focus on: increasing participation in sport and recreation; increasing the number of volunteers involved in sport and recreation; support capacity building in the sport and recreation industry; and increasing opportunities to groups with inequitable access to sport and recreation activities and infrastructure. The new programs are the: Sport and Recreation Active Inclusion Program which provides funding for activities to increase access to sport and recreation for individuals and groups facing barriers to participation within the community; Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Program which provides a contribution towards the development or construction of infrastructure for participation in sport and recreation and supports the role of volunteers; Local Sport and Recreation Jobs Plan which employs a Local Co-ordinator to assist with building the capacity of organisations so safe, appropriate and suitable sport and recreation activities are provided within communities; and Sport and Recreation Industry Development inciuding the State Sport and Recreation Organisation Development Program which provides funds for State sporting and industry development organisations, funding for industry peak bodies and a new advisory service to provide advice to the State bodies. Following the introduction of the new suite of sport and recreation funding programs, 49 forums were held throughout Queensland to ensure advice about available funding was relayed to sport and recreation groups. 2,161 people attended these forums and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. I was recently pleased to announce the successful applicants under both the Sport and Recreation Active Inclusion and Infrastructure Programs. This review has better positioned sport and recreation to foster greater participation, support volunteers and assist those in our community who need it most. Additionally, these funding programs will help build the capacity of Queensland's vibrant sport and recreation industry. Under Toward Q2: Tomorrow's Queensland, the Bligh Government is committed to helping Queenslanders become Australia's healthiest people. Through this investment in and support of sport and recreation clubs across Queensland we are helping to achieve this goal. L Documents tabled at the hearing Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport Ghild safety research register Tabled By: '~r8C) r J?V1nu(n,hos of2 Time: ~ ~ Home> About us > Research> Research register Signature: ~~bI~ Research register This register lists the active research projects that are supported by the department. It is available to child protection workers, researchers, academics and members of the public. The research register is an avenue for those interested in research on issues of child protection to liaise directly with researchers to seek information and exchange ideas. Current research projects [+] Adopting an older child from overseas: what supports make it easier? Animal assisted therapy (AAT): improving the lives of traumatised children Assessment issues faced by child protection officers working with families from culturally and linguisically diverse (CALD) communities: an exploratory study [+] Behaviour management training for foster carers dealing with challenging behaviour Building knowledge for policy and practice in out-of-home-care Childhood intervention: exploring the middle ground between victims and offenders [+] Establishing and sustaining a novice graduates professional practice in the field of child protection I [+] Families on the fringe: promoting the social inclusion of young families who have relocated to non-metropolitan areas : [+] Footprints in time: a longitudinal study of Indigenous children , [-] Genetic testing and child protection: an exploration of the use of DNA paternity testing in the i context of child protection practice ¥ To examine the application of DNA paternity testing in the context of Chil.d protection practice and the implications that -(1 this genetic information has for child protection practice in working with children and their families. Principal researcher: Jo Yellowlees Position: Student PhD ~/~ Organisation: University of Queensland ,S [+] Implementing 'Structured Decision Making (SDM), in child protection practice: the perspectives of child safety officers in Queensland Investing in foster children's futures: examining alternative careprovider's knowledge of caring for abused and neglected children Journey of the excluded: schooling and crime in the exclusive society [+] Paediatric burns and child abuse: a five year review htlp:llwww.childsafety.qld.gDv.aulresearchiregisterl 2110712010 I2hild safety research register Page 2 of2 [+] Participatory decision making and policy production in child welfare [+] Permanency planning decision making [+] Perspectives of young people in state care on the school to work transition ,,""""""""'~,~ '''~'''~~,~~~~,,~~,~~,~~~~~~~,~~~~~~-,,~,~"~~~~' ~~,,~,,~~~~,"~~,,~,,~~"~~~'''~,~,~~,,~"' ;"~~~"'"""'""~"'" ,~"~" "~""""~" -""~, ""~,'"' ""~""""~~~'~~"'"-~"'~'--~~--~"-"~"'""~'~ ~~",,-" ~'""~,-,~~--~,--, [+] Prospective study investigating the factors related to foster placement stability and the developmental outcomes of foster children [+J Senior practitioners: practice learning and communities of practice in child protection [+] Understanding the emergence, diffusion and continuance of intercountry adoption from South Korea [+] Using attitudes towards emotional expression, peer social supports, trauma exposure and post traumatic symptomology as predictors of psychological strain in child protection workers Further information Further information or enquiries about the research projects may be directed to Strategic Policy and Research Branch. Related links Last updated 30 May 2007 Child safety research strategy © The State of Queensland (Department of Communities) 2010. http://www.childsafety.qld.goy.au/research/register/ 2 1I07/20 10 Tabled By: The Department Time: ! continued Date: 21 July 2010 Estimates F Hearing Signature: ~\ ~-:s. REGIONAL PROFILES CONTINUED North Queensland The region has by far the highest proportion of the Indigenous population. At the 1996 Census The North Queensland the Indigenous population within the region was Region stretches from the 44,248 or more than 46 per cent of the N orthem Territory border in Queensland total. The region has been divided the west to Bowen Shire in into four smaller regions for the Aboriginal and the south and all areas north Torres Strait Islander program. These are Cape to Thursday Island. The York, Torres Strait, North Queensland and region covers the largest area, 680,379 square West Queensland. lan, but has the smallest population with an estimated resident population of 439,022 at Services to clients are provided from offices at 30 June 1996. The major population growth Bowen, Townsville, Thuringowa, Innisfail, areas within the region since 1991 are the urban Atherton, Cairns, Mt Isa and Thursday Island. portions ofThuringowa City, Cairns City and Regional operations are coordinated from the Douglas Shire. regional management centre at Townsville. i While the region contains more than 13 per cent Program highlights for the region are detailed I , I of the total population, only 10.5 per cent of throughout this report. I I Queenslanders aged 60 years or more live in the I North Queensland region. This, combined with ,. I, the fact that the region has a slightly higher I I proportion of children aged under 18 years of II age, indicates that the region has a younger age "I!i " profile than Queensland as a whole. lH III lillI IJJ a: 1:1 l\i\~ 1\ 0 illt " it > illi' ... In REGIONAL PROFilE - North Queensland Number Proportion of State iIi_ Z Llt Area km' 680,379 39.3 ~- :> :0, Estimated resident population at 30 June 1996 439,022 13.1 :0 0 Children under 18 years of age at 30 June 1996 123,011 14.0 0 Population aged 60 years and over at 30 June 1996 52,036 10.5 0 z Indigenous population at 1996 Census 44,248 46.4 17.6 ":x: Children under protective orders at 30 June 1997 541 ... Young people on juvenile justice orders at 30 June 1997 409 23.3 . :> 0 Young people appearing in court for offences 1996-97 884 > . Departmental area/local offices 15 II) w Disability Program direct service clients 30 June 1997 194 .... Funded services (excluding statewide services) 883 :0 "... Central Queensland The Indigenous population in Central Queensland Region in 1996 was 14,913, or The Central Queensland 15.6 per cent of the total Indigenous population Region, covering 600,429 in Queensland, the second highest of the regions. square kilometres is the second largest region and Services to clients are provided from area offices one of the most along the coastal strip as well as the inland decentralised. It stretches centres of Emerald and Longreach. Regional from Whitsunday Shire in the north to operations are coordinated from the regional Maryborough, in the south and west to the management centre at Rockharnpton. Northern Territory border. The region had an estimated resident population at 30 June 1996 of Program highlights for the region are detailed 471,467 or just over 14 per cent of the total throughout this report. population for Queensland. Population growth since 199 I has been the most pronounced in the urban fringe areas of Rockharnpton and Gladstone and in Emerald Shire. r REGIONAL PROFILE - Central Queensland Number Proportion of State Area km' 600,429 34.7 Estimated resident population at 30 June 1996 471,467 14.1 I> Children under 18 years of age at 30 June 1996 133,797 15.2 z z Population aged 60 years and over at 30 June 1996 68,273 13.8 c I> Indigenous population at 1996 Census 14,913 15.6 r Children under protective orders at 30 June 1997 483 15.8 '"m Young people on juvenile justice orders at 30 June 1997 235 13.4 ... 0 Young people appearing in court for offences 1996-97 630 15.8 -I Departmental area offices 15 '" Disability Program direct service clients 30 June 1997 292 14.0 - 1.1 The Department continued REGIONAL PROFILES CONTINUED South West Queensland Regional clients range from those in densely populated urban areas to those in some of the The South West remotest parts of the State. Services to clients are Queensland Region extends provided through area offices and other facilities from the western suburbs of located at Boonah, Charleville, Cherbourg, Brisbane city in the east to Goodna, Inala, Ipswich, Mt Gravatt, Murgon and Murgon and Taroom in the Toowoomba. Regional operations are north and south and west to coordinated from the regional management the New South Wales and South Australian centre at Ipswich. Plans are currently under way borders. The region covers an area of 433,810 to integrate the regional office operations and to square kilometres which is one quarter of the relocate to a new regional management centre in area of Queensland. The estimated resident early 1998. population at 30 June 1996 was 546,600. Population growth within the Region since 1991 Program highlights for the region are detailed has been greatest within the urban fringe areas of throughout this report. Brisbane. The suburb of Doolandella-Forest Lake was the second fastest growing statistical local area in Australia from 1991 to 1996. The region accounts for nearly 18 per cent of the State's population under 18 years of age, compared with just over 16 per cent of the State's total population. w II: 0'" >- ... REGIONAL PROFILE - South West Queensland Number Proportion of State 2 ::I Area km' 433,810 25.1 :Ii :;; Estimated resident population at 30 June 1996 546,600 16.4 0 Children under 18 years of age at SO June 1996 155,710 17.7 0 Population aged 60 years and over at 30 June 1996 77,965 15.8 Q 2 Indigenous population at 1996 Census 14,376 15.1 22.0 r'" Children under protective orders at 30 June 1997 675 ... Young people on juvenile justice orders at 30 June 1997 381 21.7 ::I 0 Young people appearing in court for offences 1996-97 801 20.1 >- Departmental area offices 15 II> ... Disability Program direct service clients 30 June 1997' 655 31.S .... Funded services (excluding statewide services) 706 16.2 :;; ...'" Excludes clients at Basil Stafford and Challinor Centres The Department REGIONAL PROFILES Animportant cOn1pone~toftheDepar=ent's Brisbane North strategic response todeinographic trends and ed identified service priorities is the plarffi The Brisbane North Region ...... ffice at establishrn.ent of a new integrated area 0 1 covers an area of 10,124 Cabooltur . In aCCO!IlIllodatirtg components of all e square kilometres. The the Department's direct service delivery within estimated resident one location and operating within an integrated population at 30 June 1996 management model, the Caboolture area office was 889,287. The region will provide opportunities to enhance service contains almost 27 per cent ofthe total response through a coordinated program approach. population, and almost 30 per cent of Queens1anders aged 60 years or more. Another priority of the region for 1997-98 is the relocation of the Brisbane North Regional Office The region's population is distributed over an from Lutwyche to Caboolture. area north of the Brisbane River to Gympie and west to Kilcoy. Local govermnent areas within Program highlights for the region are detailed the region with the highest proportion of the throughout this report. region's population are Brisbane City (44 per cent), Pine Rivers and Maroochy Shires (12 per cent) and Caboo1ture (11 per cent). Caboo1ture Shire and the Sunshine Coast local govermnent areas (Maroochy, Ca10undra and Noosa) have all experienced significant population growth with an average annual growth rate in excess of 4 per cent in the period 1991 to 1996. This growth is expected to continue over the next five to ten years. w a: « proportion of State o Number 0.6 > ... REGIONAL PROFILE - Brisbane North 10,124 26.6 z 889,287 25.0 ::> Area km' , Estimated resident population at 30 June 1996 220,343 29.7 Children under 18 years of age at 30 June 1996 147,191 10.4 population aged 60 years and over at 30 June 1996 9,972 19.0 IndigenouS population at 1996 Census 582 19.2 Children under protective orders at 30 June 1997 337 Young people on juvenile justice orders at 30 June 1997 759 Young people appearing in court for offences 1996-97 13 Departmental area offices 481 ' Disability Program direct service clients 30 June 1997 952 Funded services (excluding statewide services) Excludes clients at Basil Stafford and Challinor centres ;i \II Brisbane South In order to provide effective, efficient services in an increasingly complex environment, the region is The Brisbane South Region inlplementing the Department's WOrking Together stretches from south of the Better strategy. Although services are provided Brisbane River to the New through four operational areas, a new integrated South Wales border. It takes approach to service delivery is being promoted. in the islands of Moreton Bay to the east and is Currently the regional office is located at Mt ;kC;S;;;::.'~PtlJlde~d on the west by the suburbs of Gravatt, but within the next twelve months the ;?;{)\i;clieJrfie:ld and Greenbank and includes office will move to a more central location '13(~aude1;ert Shire. It is the smallest region in at Beenleigh. 'terms of area, 5,524 square kilometres, but the " ....',' 'hiostpopulous of the five regions in the State. The South Queensland regional office of Aboriginal 'The estimated resident population at 30 June and Torres Strait Islander Affairs is part of the 1996 was 992,733, almost 30 per cent of the Brisbane South region and has primary , State's population. responsibility for the area covered by the Brisbane North, Brisbane South and South West Queensland Brisbane South contains three of the 20 local regions. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander government areas throughout Australia that have population of the region is 36,265 people, or 38 per had the largest increase in population from 1991 cent of the State's Indigenous population. to 1996. These areas - Logan City, Gold Coast City, Redland Shire and Beaudesert - are Program highlights for the region are detailed l expected to continue to experience rapid throughout this report. popUlation growth over the next five to ten years. This growth, changing family structures and socia-economic issues, are having a heavy impact on the demand on the Department's services in the area. REGIONAL PROFILE, Brisbane South Number Proportion of Stale Area km' 5,524 0.3 Estimated resident population at 30 June 1996 992,733 29.7 :- Children under 18 years of age al30 June 1996 . z 248,748 28.2 z Population aged 60 years and over al30 June 1996 149,353 30.2 c: Indigenous population at 1996 Census :- 11,884 12.5 I'" Children under protective orders al 30 June 1997 782 25.5 '"m Young people on juvenile justice orders at 30 June 1997 391 ." 22.3 0 Young people appearing in court for offences 1996-97 890 22.4 ....'" Departmental area offices 13 Disability Program direcl service clients 30 June 1997 - ' 471 22.5 "' Funded services (excluding statewide services) 897 20.6 -'" ExclUdes Clients at Basil Stafford and Chailinor Centres ..."' I I I Questions on Notice Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN QUESTIONS ON NOTICE - PRE HEARING From Government Members QUESTION 1 Mary-Anne O'Neill MP Seniors - I refer to page 3-17 of the SOS and ask how the Bligh Government's Office for Seniors is improving the lives of seniors, grandparents and Elders across Queensland? QUESTION 2 Betty Kiernan MP Women - I refer to page 3-11 of the SOS regarding the work of the Office for Women and ask how its activities contribute to increasing the economic prosperity of women? QUESTION 3 Christine Smith MP Housing - The large investment in social housing under the Nation Building and Jobs Plan and the Queensland Futures Fund (SOS 3-6; 3-10) has attracted some objections from people opposed to social housing in their communities. What benefits is this investment t bringing in employment and access to low cost housing? I QUESTION 4 Stephen Wettenhall MP Housing - With reference to SOS 3-22, can the Minister explain the carryover of funding for Housing and Homelessness Services from 2009/10 and how the record spend of $1.2 billion in 2010/11 will benefit disadvantaged communities across the state? QUESTION 5 Mary-Anne O'Neill MP Housing - The huge investment in social housing (SOS 3-6; 3-10) is one measure to meet the demand for low cost housing and the needs of low income residents. Can the Minister advise what other Bligh Government programs are available for people in housing stress? Page 10f2 MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN QUESTIONS ON NOTICE - PRE HEARING From Government Members QUESTION 6 Stephen Wettenhall MP Homelessness - In 2005-2009 the Queensland Government committed $235m to the Responding to Homelessness initiative. Further, in July 2009 the Queensland Government approved the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness. I refer to page 3 - 6 of the SOS and ask what has been achieved to provide homeless people with a roof over their head? QUESTION 7 Christine Smith MP Vounteering - With reference to pages 3-2 and 3-5 of the SOS, what is the government doing to reach its target to increase by 50% the proportion of Queenslanders involved in their communities as volunteers? QUESTION 8 Betty Kiernan MP Youth - With reference to page 3-16 of the SOS would the Minister please explain how the Government's extensive range of youth programs are supporting youth at risk of offending and/or harm? QUESTION 9 Mary-Anne O'Neill MP Youth - with reference to page 3-16 of the SOS would the Minister provide information on the action the Bligh Government is taking to provide a safe environment for youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness? QUESTION 10 Christine Smith MP Cost of living - I refer to page 3-9 of the SOS, what help is being provided by the Bligh Government to Queenslanders to ease the cost of living pressure? Page 20f2 MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN QUESTIONS ON NOTICE - PRE HEARING - REVISED From Non-Government Members QUESTION 1 Rosemary Menkens MP As per p 5-56 ofthe Service Delivery Statement, will the Minister provide a breakdown for fignres over the last year of (i) how many people were new additions to the Housing Register, (ii) how many people in total have been on the Register in the last 12 months, (including those who have been on the Register for all of the last 12 months), and (iii) how many people were removed from the waiting list because they were successfully placed (and have not since returned to the list)? QUESTION 2 Rosemary Menkens MP In elaboration of details on P3-7 of the Service Delivery Statement, can the Minister provide a breakdown of all accommodation that is unavailable for tenancy because of maintenance and repair needs, including the reason for repair, location of the accommodation, expected time frame of the works, accommodation style, and building age? QUESTION 3 I Rosemary Menkens MP Can the Minister provide a detailed breakdown of expenditure on housing and homelessness as detailed on page 3-13 of the Service Delivery Statement, including a breakdown of the amount of revenue from each source (including fuuding program names and charges), and the amount spent on each output (including administration, staffing, tenancy management, construction, advertising and publications, consultancies, legal fees, and supplies and services)? QUESTION 4 Rosemary Menkens MP Under the Nation Building Stimulus spending program, as on p 3-6/7 and 3-10/11 of the Service Delivery Statement, can the Minister state (a) the number of completions, commencements and occupied properties, (b) the original time frames for commencements, completions and occupations, and (c) the average cost per occupant and per accommodation unit of all projects? Page 10f3 MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN QUESTIONS ON NOTICE - PRE HEARING - REVISED From Non-Government Members QUESTION 5 Rosemary Menkens MP In relation to conferences, workshops, training sessions, seminars, presentation or symposiums ("event") conducted by the department, agencies or associated portfolio entities in 2009-10 for public service employees, will the Minister provide details of: (a) the number and the purpose and the attendance of each event held; (b) the venue of each event and the cost to hire the venue; (c) The cost for each government employed attendee in total and broken down by the cost of travel, accommodation, entertainment, hospitality, meals, alcohol and catering (reported separately)? QUESTION 6 Rosemary Menkens MP In regards to the Office for Women as on page 3-11, can the Minister provide the following details for the "range of events, seminars and workshops" provided (listed separately and by event name): (a) number of attendees at each event; (b) a cost breakdown of each event (for example, hire costs, travel, catering, advertising, printing and publications); and (c) number of departmental employees, Ministers and other Government representatives attending each event? I QUESTION 7 Rosemary Menkens MP With reference to the income statement for the Commission for Children, Young People and Child Guardian as on p 3-43 of the service delivery statement, can the Minister provide a breakdown of the increase in "other revenue" between the 2009-10 estimated actual and 2008-09 estimated actual, and the 2009-10 actual and the 2010-11 Budget estimate, and can the Minister also provide the number of blue cards processed or estimated to be processed for each of those years? Page 20f3 MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN QUESTIONS ON NOTICE - PRE HEARING - REVISED From Non-Government Members QUESTION 8 Rosemary Menkens MP With reference to SDS 3- 16/17 Connnunity and Youth Justice Services; (a) How many young people in youth detention at any time in 200911 0 had been in detention at least one time previous to their most recent detention? and (b) How many young people in youth detention at any time in 200911 0 had been under the supervision ofConnnunities at least one time previous to their detention? QUESTION 9 - Replaced Rosemary Menkens MP In relation to all advertising and promotional campaigns for 2009-10 and 20 I 0-11 will the Minister break down separately? (a) name and dates ofthe campaign; (b) media publication it appears in or will appear in; (c) total cost of the advertising campaign! promotion and the budgetary line item or source of the payment; (separated into placement and production costs) QUESTION 10 Rosemary Menkens MP In relation to each departmental program and each capital works connnitment contained in the 2009-10 year will the Minister provide the following detail: (a) What was the 2009-10 budget allocation (non revised) and the estimated actual expenditure (at the time of receipt of this question) (b) What was the under spend each project and was any underspend redirected (listed by project underspend and projects where under spend was re-directed); (c) What new programs and new capital works commitments came on line (that were not in the 2009- 10 budget) and from which program was funding diverted for each these? Page 3 of3 Answers to Questions on Notice Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women I Government Question on Notice No.1 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS)- QUESTION MS MARY-ANNE O'NEILL MP-I refer to page 3-17 of the SDS and ask how the Bligh Government's Office for Seniors is improving the lives of seniors, grandparents and Elders across Queensland? ANSWER The Department of Communities through the Office for Seniors works in partnership with other government departments, seniors' organisations, service providers and experts, to respond to the needs of seniors. In May this year we launched the Positively Ageless Seniors Strategy which is a 10-year vision to 2020, with rolling two-year action plans. The Department of Communities provides funding to support seniors through three key programs: Home and Community Care, the Concessions program, the Seniors PartiCipation and Support funding program and social housing specifically for seniors. In 2009-10 the Bligh Government provided over 1 million concession services totalling over $150 million to eligible pensioners, seniors and veterans throughout Queensland. At the end of March, there were over five hundred and fifty thousand Seniors Card holders and almost eighty thousand Seniors Business Discount Card holders. This scheme recognises the needs of older residents on a fixed retirement income regardless of whether it is derived from a pension, superannuation or dividends from investments. It also acknowledges the contribution made by seniors to the community. These cards through partnerships with business and government service providers give seniors discounts on goods and services across Queensland. In addition, the National Seniors Transport Reciprocity Agreement enables all Queensland Seniors Card holders to access concession fares on public transport throughout Australia. Government Question on Notice No.2 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS)- QUESTION MRS BETTY KIERNAN MP-I refer to page 3-11 of the SDS regarding the work of the Office for Women and ask how its activities contribute to increasing the economic prosperity of women? ANSWER A key focus of the Bligh Government is to build a stronger Queensland and this commitment includes increasing the economic prosperity of women. In 2009-10 the key focus of the Office for Women was to increase the economic prosperity of women; provide pathways to employment opportunities; increase access to education and training; improve conditions in the workforce and support and promote participation in community life. The Office for Women has also established strong links with stakeholder organisations such as the Queensland Resources Council and the National Association of Women in construction to help identify employment and training opportunities for women. In 2009--10 the Office for Women delivered a number of programs and initiatives to increase the economic prosperity of women including; Community Leadership Seminars - the seminars are delivered across Queensland and promote, develop and celebrate Indigenous women's leadership. Four hundred and seven women attended the seminars in 2009-10. Women in Hard Hats program - aims to increase the number of women employed and taking up traineeships and scholarships in mining, construction, science, engineering and technology industries. Introduction of a Office for Women's web portal to provide students, women, employers, parents and teachers with career information for the mining, construction, science, engineering and technology sectors. Our Women Our State Awards - these awards recognise the achievements of Queensland women and girls in building career futures for other women in Queensland's science, engineering and technology industries. International Women's Day forum - held in Emerald the forum explored women's leadership and encouraged women to continue to support each other in leadership roles. Government Question on Notice No.3 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERSj- QUESTION MRS CHRISTINE SMITH MP-The large investment in social housing under the Nation Building and Jobs Plan and the Queensland Futures Fund (SDS 3-6; 3-10) has attracted some objections from people opposed to social housing in their communities. What benefits is this investment bringing in employment and access to low cost housing? ANSWER The Nation Building and Jobs Plan (NBJP), Social Housing initiative is forecast to construct approximately 4,000 dwellings with Commonwealth funding of $1.085 billion. The program will support over 6,000 jobs in the construction industry. In 2009-10, over 1,600 jobs were supported, either directly or indirectly through the construction commencement of 3,025 new dwellings and the completion of 349 new dwellings, at a cost of $355.734 million. In 2010-11, the department will deliver a total of 2,714 dwellings by the end of December 2010 and 3,199 by June 2011, at a cost of $587.775 million. This will support over 3,800 jobs, either directly or indirectly. The State Government's $500 million Queensland Future Growth Fund for social housing will result in approximately 1,600 new dwellings. The Fund allocation is a component of the Housing and Homelessness Services total capital budget, used to fund dwelling constructions, the purchase of existing dwellings, land purchases for future construction across the State. The units of low cost accommodation being added through NBJP is the largest injection of funds and properties to Queensland's social housing system in nearly 20 years. The benefits of this investment include: • responding to housing stress at time of economic and social uncertainty • contributing to better housing outcomes through improved stock utilisation • responding better to people with access and design requirements, and • helping to keep people connected to their families and communities. The stock provides an opportunity to provide good quality housing to people experiencing housing stress across Queensland at a time when many families and communities are dealing with the effects of the Global Financial Crisis. The new stock also enables the department and community housing providers to better manage how they use their portfolios to respond to housing need. For example, the new stock is primarily 1 and 2 bedroom units and this enables people who continue to need assistance and who are under-occupying existing housing to shift into accommodation more appropriate to their needs. As a result, 3 and 4 bedroom accommodation is freed up to provide much needed family accommodation. Much of the new accommodation is also being built with access and design features that are suitable for people with disabilities and older people with restricted mobility. Stock is going into some new suburban developments including on the Gold Coast, which is where some of the community concerns are being generated. This is unfortunate because placing stock in new and emerging residential areas helps to avoid over concentration of social housing in older neighbourhoods and ensures that people in housing need can stay connected to their families and communities and do not have to move away to access low cost housing. Government Question on Notice No.4 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS)- QUESTION MR STEPHEN WETTENHALL MP-With reference to SOS 3-22, can the Minister explain the carryover of funding for Housing and Homelessness Services from 2009/10 and how the record spend of $1.2 billion in 2010/11 will benefit disadvantaged communities across the state? ANSWER The carryover of funds for Housing and Homelessness has been required primarily due to the large number of projects initiated under the Nation Building and Job Plan (NBJP). Funding for the NBJP was originally averaged across the expected life of the program up to June 2012. However, the lead time for planning, design and development of construction projects, as well as lengthy negotiations for Indigenous housing programs has meant that funds allocated for 2009-10 have been deferred. Many capital grant projects with the not-for-profit sector are still under construction and final payments are yet to be made for these projects. The allocated budget is now fully committed, with over 3,000 new dwellings expected to be completed this financial year. The funds deferred from 2009-10 will be paid out as each project is completed. The allocation of funds for 2010-11 includes a substantial increase for grants and subsidies as this rollout of new housing is completed. Communities across the State will benefit from a massive injection of new housing stock, much of it managed by not-for-profit housing organisations. It also means substantial funding for homelessness programs and services, social housing programs and private market assistance programs. Government Question on Notice No.5 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS)- QUESTION MS MARY-ANNE O'NEILL MP-The huge investment in social housing (SDS 3-6; 3-10) is one measure to meet the demand for low cost housing and the needs of low income residents. Can the Minister advise what other Bligh Government programs are available for people in housing stress? ANSWER The Department of Communities offers a range of programs and products that assist people in need who may not be eligible for or able to access social housing. These programs and products assist people seeking to obtain a private rental tenancy, wishing to purchase a home or wishing to maintain themselves in their homes, and help ensure the State's social housing dwellings are available for those who need it most. Bond Loans - an interest-free loan that assists people who cannot afford to pay a full bond, to move into private rental accommodation. RentConnect Advisory Service - provides assistance to find and secure a private rental property for those clients who would face barriers to entry into private rental because of a limited rental history or poor application skills. Rental Grants - a once-only grant providing two weeks rent to people experiencing a housing crisis. It helps meet the costs associated with moving into private rental accommodation. National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) - an Australian Government initiative, financially supported by the Australian and Queensland Governments to help increase the supply of affordable rental dwellings across Australia. Under the scheme, investors build new affordable housing and rents are set at least 20% below the market rent for the properties. Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service - provides funding to non-profit community organisations and local councils to provide information and advice to residential tenants who need access to safe, secure and affordable housing. Home and Community Care (HACC) Home Modification Service - provides home modifications to frail aged people and people with moderate or severe disability so they can maintain a good quality of life in their own homes. Home Assist Secure - assists people 60 years and over and people of any age with a disability who wish to remain living in their home. Provides information, referrals and subsidised assistance with minor home maintenance, repairs or modifications. Mortgage Relief - interest-free loan up to $12,000 to provide short term assistance to eligible home purchasers who have suffered an unexpected change in circumstances and are having difficulty meeting their mortgage repayments. Pathways Shared Equity Loan - provides assistance to eligible social housing tenants to purchase at least a 60% share in the property they are renting from the department. Queensland State Housing Loan - loan with a five-year capped interest rate with repayments commencing at 26% of household monthly income. Assists tenants and applicants on the housing register to buy a departmental property that has been made available for sale. Government Question on Notice No.6 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS)- QUESTION MR STEPHEN WETTENHALL MP-In 2005-2009 the Queensland Government committed $235m to the Responding to Homelessness initiative. Further, in July 2009 the Queensland Government approved the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness. I refer to page 3 - 6 of the SDS and ask what has been achieved to provide homeless people with a roof over their head? ANSWER The Queensland Government's four year $235 million commitment achieved much in helping to support people who were homeless or were at risk of homelessness. The Bligh Government's 2009 commitment of an additional $102 million over four years to the Homelessness National Partnership Agreement (NPA) is building on the successes we achieved. In partnership with the Australian Government we have committed over $200 million to tackle homelessness. $1.2 billion committed as part of the Social Housing NPA to build over 4,000 dwellings across the State to help us meet our commitment to halve homelessness by 2020. Over the past 12 months we have implemented street-to-home initiatives across the State providing outreach to the chronically homeless. We have implemented support services to assist homeless people with substance abuse or with a mental health issue to secure or maintain stable accommodation. We are providing people at risk of homelessness support through the HomeStay program to help them stay in their home. We are providing support to women and children experiencing domestic and family violence so they can stay in their home. We are helping young people exiting care or detention to find a home. The Queensland and Australian Government remains determined to meet our target to halve homelessness by 2020. The Leader of the Federal Opposition on the other hand said in February this year "we just can't stop people from being homeless if that's their choice or if their situation is such that it is just impossible to look after them under certain circumstances". Our commitment remains despite a belief by the opposition that homelessness is a choice. Government Question on Notice No.7 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS)- QUESTION MRS CHRISTINE SMITH MP-With reference to pages 3-2 and 3-5 of the SDS, what is the government doing to reach its target to increase by 50% the proportion of Queenslanders involved in their communities as volunteers? ANSWER The Bligh Government develops yearly Volunteering Target Delivery Plans to outline the approach to achieving the volunteering target, including new initiatives. The Department of Communities is the lead agency through the Office for Volunteering for achieving the target. The Office for Volunteering works across government and the community to develop coordinated strategies to increase volunteering and build on the work already being implemented under the current Valuing Volunteers policy. Work toward the target this year includes initiatives such as Volunteering in the 21" Century forums in regional areas. In the coming months we will give recognition to the tireless efforts of our volunteers and their generous contribution to the wellbeing and prosperity of Queensland's communities with the 25'h Premier's Awards for Queensland Seniors and the Queensland Young Volunteer Awards 2010. Government Question on Notice NO.8 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERSj- QUESTION MRS BETTY KIERNAN MP-With reference to page 3-16 of the SDS would the Minister please explain how the Government's extensive range of youth programs are supporting youth at risk of offending and/or harm? ANSWER The Bligh Government funds a range of initiatives to divert young people from the youth justice system. Initiatives include the implementation of State-wide, evidenced-based programs to assist young people with significant anger problems (Aggression Replacement Training) and those at risk of re-offending (Changing Habits and Reaching Targets). Funding for community-based initiatives to prevent crime has been established under the Safe Youth Safe Communities project in the communities of Woorabinda and the East Ipswich/lnala/Logan corridor. Programs and initiatives to divert young people away from the youth justice system and expand community based rehabilitation options include: L the expansion of the Youth Justice Conferencing Program; Bail Support Programs to address the lack of stable housing options for young people which contributes to the number of young people remanded into custody (including Indigenous-specific bail support services); the establishment of the Youth Housing and Reintegration Service, including a Supervised Community Accommodation service, which will target young people who are at risk of homelessness who are transitioning from a period of sentence or remand in Youth Detention Centres; and the youth Enterprises Partnership which improves the economic and social outcomes for young people who have recently entered the youth justice system, are at risk of offending or are homeless/at risk of homelessness. A range of initiatives have also been implemented under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Justice Strategy to address the over-representation of Indigenous young people in the youth justice system. These initiatives include: the Young Offender Community Response Service, also known as the youth Opportunity Program, in Far North Queensland (delivered by ACT for Kids); Indigenous conferencing support positions to increase participation in and completion of youth justice conferencing by Indigenous young people; Indigenous positions to support culturally appropriate services to young people on supervised orders; and funds to support participation of Indigenous Elders in youth justice conferencing. The initiatives for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth will continue to provide opportunities to address risk factors linked to potential offending, enhance youth justice interventions to prevent re-offending, improve diversionary options to divert young people from further progression into the youth justice system; and assist the rehabilitation and integration of young people back into their community following a period of intervention. Government Question on Notice No.9 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS)- QUESTION MS MARY-ANNE O'NEILL MP-With reference to page 3-16 of the SDS would the Minister provide information on the action the Bligh Government is taking to provide a safe environment for youth who are homeless or at risk of homeless ness? ANSWER A number of issues and circumstances contribute to young people becoming or remaining homeless, including the breakdown of family and living arrangements, mental and physical health conditions, drug and alcohol dependency, or limited educational, vocational and employment opportunities. The Bligh Government provides an extensive range of support services to young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. EXisting specialist homeless ness services receive over $22 million to provide this support across Queensland. Services provided include: emergency and crisis accommodation, counselling, early intervention, supported accommodation, transitional houses, case management, health [ services, legal assistance, advocacy, and outreach. r In 2009-10, 70 services were funded to provide support and accommodation to vulnerable young people experiencing homeless ness. The Logan Youth Foyer initiative was funded with $500,000 to support young people engaged in education or training and experiencing homelessness. Three youth Housing and Reintegration Services including After Care Services (Townsville, Toowoomba, Rockhampton) commenced as part of the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness to focus on young people exiting or transitioning from statutory care, transitioning from a period of sentence or remand in a Youth Detention Centre or those sleeping rough. In 2010-11, three further Youth Housing and Reintegration services (Ina la, Mount Isa, Hervey Bay) will commence. Independent Living Units and Youth Studios will be incorporated into each Youth Housing and Integration Service-Townsville, Rockhampton, Inala, Toowoomba, Mount Isa, Hervey Bay. Government Question on Notice No. 10 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS)- QUESTION MRS CHRISTINE SMITH MP-I refer to page 3-9 of the SDS, what help is being provided by the Bligh Government to Queenslanders to ease the cost of living pressure? ANSWER In 2009-10 the Bligh Government provided over $180 million in concessions, subsidies and rebates to eligible pensioners, seniors and veterans throughout Queensland. Possession of an income and assets means tested Pensioner Concession Card or a Repatriation Health Card ensures concessions are targeted towards people most in need. New concessions in the 2010-11 budget include $216 a year to help with electricity cost for people who have Multiple Sclerosis, or other chronic medical conditions and are significantly affected by changes in temperature. The budget also provided increases of up to $50 for other electricity concessions and rebates to further reduce living costs-particularly for people requiring life support aids like oxygen contractors and kidney dialysis machines. A range of other programs across government help lower living costs for people without concession cards including the Queensland Government's ClimateSmart Home Service-for $50 everyone can potentially save over $300 a year by finding out how much power they're wasting and by installing power saving devices like the 15 light saving globes supplied as part of the ClimateSmart service. Non-Government Question on Notice No.1 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS)- QUESTION MRS ROSEMARY MENKENS MP-As per p 5-56 of the Service Delivery Statement, will the Minister provide a breakdown for figures over the last year of (i) how many people were new additions to the Housing Register, (ii) how many people in total have been on the Register in the last 12 months, (including those who have been on the Register for all of the last 12 months), and (iii) how many people were removed from the waiting list because they were successfully placed (and have not since returned to the list)? ANSWER (i) How many people were new additions to the Housing Register? There were 6,816 new approved applications added to the Housing Register that were eligible for long-term social housing during the 12 months from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010. (ii) How many people in total have been on the Register in the last 12 months, (including those who have been on the Register for all of the last 12 months)? As at 30 June 2010, there were 27,570 applications registered for long-term social housing. 14,446 applications have been on the Housing Register for long-term social housing for all of the 12 months to 30 June 2010. This figure includes applicants who have been assessed as having low to moderate needs. (iii) How many people were removed from the waiting list because they were successfully placed (and have not since returned to the list)? I am advised that 6,466 new households were allocated to social rental housing from the Housing Register in 2009-10. In addition 18,198 new households were assisted with bond loans, 1,521 new households were assisted with Rental Grants, 1,177 used the RentConnect Advisory Service, 272 obtained tenancies through the National Rental Affordability Scheme, and 89 were assisted with housing loans and mortgage relief. Non-Government Question on Notice No.2 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS)- QUESTION MRS ROSEMARY MEN KENS MP-In elaboration of details on P3-7 of the Service Delivery Statement, can the Minister provide a breakdown of all accommodation that is unavailable for tenancy because of maintenance and repair needs, including the reason for the repair, location of the accommodation, expected timeframe of the works, accommodation style, and building age? ANSWER As at 31 May 2010,304 social housing dwellings owned and managed by the Department of Communities across the State were vacant due to maintenance and repair needs. This is 0.6 per cent of all dwellings owned and managed by the department. This accommodation includes apartments, houses, townhouses, duplexes and seniors units in various bedroom configurations ranging from one to five bedroom properties. The department must comply with the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2009 when managing its tenancies. Accordingly, when a dwelling is vacated it must be inspected for health and safety. and I vacant maintenance works carried out before the next tenant can occupy the dwelling. In some instances, disability modifications may also need to be carried out before a dwelling is suitable for the next tenant. The Vacant Reletting Policy seeks to ensure that properties are available to tenants as quickly as possible, whilst ensuring that properties are safe, secure, in a reasonably clean condition and in good repair. Dwellings must be fully compliant with this policy before the premises can be offered for reletting. Vacant maintenance includes safety checks (gas, electrical and smoke alarms), security (screens and locks). fixtures and fittings (clothes line, letter box, and antennas). serviceability (mechanisms to operate effectively), plumbing and pest control, a commercial clean and rubbish removal. In some instances, a property may require additional work such as internal and external repaint and the replacement of floor coverings. Water efficient devices will be installed if they are not already provided. Of the 304 vacant properties as at 31 May 2010,189 (62%) are now tenanted while a further 29 (9%) are in the process of being allocated. The balance includes properties that require additional maintenance work due to poor condition or disability modification requirements. Others are subject to demolition or they remain unoccupied as they are located in areas with limited social housing demand. Some of these properties are presently under review in accordance with the department's strategic asset management review process. Non-Government Question on Notice No.3 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS}- QUESTION MRS ROSEMARY MEN KENS MP-Can the Minister provide a detailed breakdown of expenditure on housing and homelessness as detailed on page 3-13 of the Service Delivery Statement, including a breakdown of the amount of revenue from each source (including funding program names and charges), and the amount spent on each output (including administration, staffing, tenancy management, construction, advertising and publications, consultancies, legal fees, and supplies and services)? ANSWER In 2010-11 in partnership with the Australian Government we allocated over $1.203 billion to support the homeless into safe and secure accommodation, to provide government and community managed housing, to build new houses and upgrade housing in our 34 Indigenous communities, to repair and maintain our social housing and to help Queenslanders access the private rental market. This is the biggest ever joint government investment in housing and homelessness. 2009-10 Est. 2010-11 Actual Target/Est. $'000 $'000 Housing and Homelessness Services expenditure' Employee Expenses 112,426 121,497 Supplies and Services 56,092 58,827 Maintenance 154,107 188,523 Rates 98,457 110,226 Grants and Subsidies 349,795 557,297 Depreciation & Amortisation 118,495 127,852 Finance/Borrowing Costs 18,446 18,838 Other Expenses 12,484 20,920 Total 920,302 1,203,980 * Table 3-13 relates to operating expenditure only and therefore does not include capital works · 2010-11 2009-10 Est. Target/Est. Actual $'000 $'000 Housing & Homelessness Revenue Sources # State Contribution 190,904 263,059 User Charges 316,500 332,680 Commonwealth Revenue 392,999 537,222 Other Revenue 21,708 34,081 Total 922,111 1,167,042 # Table 3-13 relates to operating revenue only and does not include equity funding for capital works ( I Non-Government Question on Notice No.4 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS}-- QUESTION MRS ROSEMARY MEN KENS MP-Under the Nation Building Stimulus spending program, as on p 3-6/7 and 3-10/11 of the Service Delivery Statement, can the Minister state (a) the number of completions, commencements and occupied properties, (b) the original time frames for commencements, completions and occupations, and (c) the average cost per occupant and per accommodation unit of all projects? ANSWER (a) The number of completions, commencements and occupied properties Under the Nation Building Jobs Plan-Social Housing Initiative, 349 dwellings were completed during 2009-10. The majority of these projects achieved practical completion in late June and are being handed over to the Housing Service Centres to be tenanted. A total of 66 dwellings have been tenanted at 30 June 2010 with the remaining properties to be tenanted shortly. 3,075 dwellings have now commenced under this program, with 3,025 dwellings commencing during 2009-10. (b) The original time frames for commencements, completions and occupations The Commonwealth Government provided targets for commencements and completions r for 30 June 2010, being 2,869 dwelling commencements and 317 dwelling completions. There is also a target of 2,714 dwelling completions by 31 December 2010. The whole program is to be completed by 30 June 2012. Queensland exceeded both the completion milestone and the commencement target for 30 June 2010 by achieving 349 completed dwelling units and commencing 3,075 dwelling units. (c) The average cost per occupant and per accommodation unit of all projects As at 30 June 2010, Queensland's average cost per completed dwelling unit, charged to the Nation Building Jobs Plan, is $268,545, which is within the Commonwealth Government's guidelines. Non-Government Question on Notice NO.5 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS)-- QUESTION MRS ROSEMARY MEN KENS MP-In relation to conferences, workshops, training sessions, seminars, presentation or symposiums ("event") conducted by the department, agencies or associated portfolio entities in 2009-10 for public service employees, will the Minister provide details of: (a) the number and the purpose and the attendance of each event held; (b) the venue of each event and the cost to hire the venue; (c) The cost for each government employed attendee in total and broken down by the cost of travel, accommodation, entertainment, hospitality, meals, alcohol and catering (reported separately)? I ANSWER The 2009-10 professional development budget for in-house training/professional development by the Department of Communities was $18.5 million. The total 2009-10 professional development expenditure for in-house training/professional development for public servants by the Residential Tenancy Authority was $23,226. The total 2009-10 professional development expenditure for in-house training/professional development for public servants by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian was $41,168. I The professional development budgets of the departments and entities of the Queensland Government represent a small percentage of total government outlays but do allow for an appropriate level of training and staff development. The importance of this commitment to staff training and development is recognised in the State Government Departments Certified Agreement 2009. Events conducted within these budgets in 2009-10: • Child Safety Officer Entry Level Training • Residential Care Officer Training • Certificate IV in Youth Justice • Assessment & Analysis of Severe & Challenging Behaviour • Indigenous Cultural Capability • Community Recovery Operational Skills • Working Smart with Microsoft Outlook • Utilise Legislation training • Cross Cultural Awareness training • Child Guardian case management training The purpose of events such as these is to ensure that staff obtain and maintain the appropriate skills to conduct their duties to the best of their ability in the service of the State. In the majority of cases these events are held on State Government premises and in the vicinity of the public servant's employment, to minimise any venue hire or travel costs. As you would be aware, the Government has explicit directives, guidelines, policies and codes of conduct regarding travel, accommodation, entertainment, hospitality, meals, alcohol and catering that public servants must adhere to. These documents are available on the website of the Public Service Commission. Non-Government Question on Notice NO.6 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERSj- QUESTION MRS ROSEMARY MEN KENS MP-In regards to the Office for Women as on page 3-11, can the Minister provide the following details for the "range of events, seminars and workshops" provided (listed separately and by event name): (a) number of attendees at each event; (b) a cost breakdown of each event (for example, hire costs, travel, catering, advertising, printing and publications); and (c) number of departmental employees, Ministers and other Government representatives attending each event? ANSWER In 2009-10 the Office for Women delivered 18 events, seminars and workshops across Queensland engaging approximately 900 women. Through these events women were able to access leadership opportunities, provide input into government strategies such as the Seniors Strategy and access career pathway information and training. The total expenditure for event, seminars and workshops for 2009-10 financial year was $206,176. Event, seminar, workshop Number of Expenditure attendees 2009-10 Community Leadership Seminars 407 $67,380 Doomadgee, Weipa, Gold Coast, Beaudesert, Bundaberg, Blackwater, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Bowen, Woorabinda r Ipswich Mentoring Training and Graduation 18 $7,347 Our Women - Our State Awards 200 $46,906 Older Women's Forum 50 $7,651 Smart Women Smart State Taskforce initiatives launch 50 $3,128 inciuding Women in Hard Hats Web Site and publication series International Women's Day Forum 40 $18,057 Emerald Queensland Indigenous Women's Gathering 37 $36,754 Boonah Women in Hard Hats DVD launch 90 $2,770 The Ebenezer Mine Readiness Program 20 $16,183 Non-Government Question on Notice NO.7 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS)- QUESTION MRS ROSEMARY MENKENS MP-With reference to the income statement for the Commission for Children, Young People and Child Guardian as on p 3-43 of the service delivery statement, can the Minister provide a breakdown of the increase in "other revenue" between the 2009-10 estimated actual and 2008-09 estimated actual, and the 2009-10 actual and the 2010-11 Budget estimate, and can the Minister also provide the number of blue cards processed or estimated to be processed for each of those years? ANSWER The 'Other revenue' noted in the SDS comprises bank interest and revenue from blue cards. The increase in "other revenue" between the 2009-10 and 2008-09 estimated actuals is due to standard fee increases in line with the CPI of 3.1 % in July 2009. This meant an increase from $60 to $61.85 for paid blue cards. The increase between the 2009-10 estimated actual and the 2010-11 Budget estimate is based on a combination of factors including CPI, the anticipated effects of recent legislative changes, expected number of card applications/authorisations with consideration to population trends; and change in card renewal processes (ie. from every 2 years to every 3 years). f Blue cards processed, as measured in Service Delivery Statements. includes applications and authorisations. In 2008-09 the Commission processed close to two hundred and eighty five thousand (284,398) blue card applications and authorisations. In 2009-10 the Commission processed close to two hundred and eighty thousand (279,781) blue card applications and authorisations and it will process approximately three hundred and four thousand (304,284) in 2010-11. Non-Government Question on Notice No.8 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS}- QUESTION MRS ROSEMARY MENKENS MP-With reference to SDS 3- 16/17 Community and Youth Justice Services; a) How many young people in youth detention at any time in 2009/10 had been in detention at least one time previous to their most recent detention? and b) How many young people in youth detention at any time in 2009/10 had been under the supervision of Communities at least one time previous to their detention? ANSWER a) Of the 763 young people who were placed in youth detention at any time between 1 July 2009 to 30 April 2010, 420 young people had been in detention at least once prior to this period. b) Of the 763 young people who were placed in youth detention at any time between 1 July 2009 to 30 April 2010, 626 young people had been under the supervision of the Department of Communities at least once prior to this period. Supervision includes any stay in detention (including remand in custody) prior to the period (1 July 2009 to 30 April 2010) and/or any probation, community service, intensive supervision, conditional release, detention or supervised release orders prior to the young person's detention during the period. It is important, however, to put this figure in perspective. Specifically, the 626 young people compares to 7,082 finalised court appearances for young people that occurred in 2008-09, and an additional 15,828 offences that resulted in a police caution or police-referred youth justice conference. Data for 2008-09 shows that 95% of community service orders for young people were successfully completed. For Indigenous young people the figure was 91%. In March 2010, data published by Griffith University through 'Justice Modelling @ Griffith' indicates 64% of young offenders had only one contact with the juvenile justice system, and the remaining 36% accounted for 70% of all contacts. The evidence shows the importance of early intervention and diversion from the criminal justice system, in preventing re-offending. Non-Government Question on Notice No.9 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS}- QUESTION MRS MENKENS-In relation to all advertising and promotional campaigns for 2009-10 and 2010-11 will the Minister break down separately? (a) name and dates of the campaign; (b) media publication it appears in or will appear in; (c) total cost of the advertising campaign! promotion and the budgetary line item or source of the payment; (separated into placement and production costs) ANSWER As part of our commitment to reducing Government expenditure and the efficiency dividends announced in last year's Budget, Government reduced advertising expenditure by 25 per cent over the last 12 months. In 2009-10 advertising and promotional campaigns inciuded: Date Campaign name Media Total cost Ongoing Duke of Edinburgh's Brochures and resource $5192 throughout the Awards 2010 and Bridge material year Award Program July 2009 Electricity Rebate Queensland press $110214 . Scheme July - September National Rental Queensland press, radio, $29239 2009 Affordability Scheme online August 2009 Seniors Week Queensland press $42000 October 2009 Premier's Awards for Queensland press, $55000 Queensland Seniors Indigenous radio March - April Youth Week Queensland press, social $86890 2010 media, Avant cards April 2010 Indigenous Youth Queensland press, radio, $11 312 Leadership Proqram online May 2010 National Volunteer Week Fact sheets and promotional $12500 material May 2010 Act as One campaign Online, radio, outdoor $190000 (domestic and family advertising and animation at violence prevention i Suncorp Stadium May - June 2010 Younq Volunteer Awards Letters, brochures $16000 June - July 2010 Elder Abuse campaign Outdoor and convenience $85000 advertisinq Individual components of the Department of Communities' advertising program for 2010-11 have not yet been confirmed. As the advertising activity is yet to occur, the full schedule and final costs cannot be provided. The following gives a broad outline of campaigns from 2009-10 that could reasonably be expected to occur again 2010-11. Date Campaign Media Ongoing National Rental Affordability Scheme Queensland press, radio, online August 2010 Seniors Week and Premier's Awards for Queensland press Queensland Seniors 2010 . April 2011 Youth Week Queensland press, online April 2011 Indigenous Youth Leadership Program Queensland press and radio May 2011 Act as One campaign (domestic and Online, radio, outdoor family violence prevention) June 2011 Elder Abuse campaign (extension of Act Outdoor as One campaiqn) Non-Government Question on Notice No. 10 Asked on 24 June 2010 THE ESTIMATES COMMITTEE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HOUSING AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN (MS STRUTHERS)- QUESTION MRS ROSEMARY MENKENS MP-In relation to each departmental program and each capital works commitment contained in the 2009-10 year will the Minister provide the following detail: (a) What was the 2009-10 budget allocation (non revised) and the estimated actual expenditure (at the time of receipt of this question) (b) What was the under spend each project and was any underspend redirected (listed by project underspend and projects where under spend was re-directed); (c) What new programs and new capital works commitments came on line (that were not in the 2009-10 budget) and from which program was funding diverted for each these? ANSWER Budget Paper No.3, Capital Statement from 2009-10 shows last year's budget allocation (non revised) clearly listed for each capital works commitment. The 2010-11 Capital Statement outlines each project's expenditure to 30 June 2010. Budget Paper No.4, Budget Measure, page 69 onwards, details the relevant portfolio capital measures relating to decisions taken since the 2009-10 Budget. As the Treasurer stated publicly in advance of this year's Budget, much of the underspend from the 2009-10 capital program was associated with the fact that 87% of the State was disaster declared at various points due to cyclones, floods, storms and heavy rain events. The state and local governments had to prioritise repairs to the State's vast road network and infrastructure immediately following such events. Costs associated with natural disaster relief totalled approximately $1.4 billion state wide. Lengthy negotiations over the 40 year leases required in remote Indigenous communities led to delays in the rollout of new housing. ~ I Documents tabled at the hearing Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women Photos: Daniel Nancarrow BRISBANE TIMES 14 July 2010 (f) 0 =i ~ cO· 0,) 0,) :::J ~ :3 0- CD CD 0,) CD .,c~ n. CD OJ ~ I\.) ~ ~ c s (A ~ ;: ~ \ 0 ~ U\J 0 W t m (f) L ...-+- ~r 0,) ~ CD (J) "TJ J I c;L CD 0,) ~ :::::::!. :::J ~ co C Photos: Daniel Nancarrow BRISBANE TIMES 14 July 2010 Photos: Daniel Nancarrow BRISBANE TIMES 14 July 2010 ( 18/10 Harpa Street Palm Cove QLD 4879 from www.homehound.com.au from www.palmcove.net . Office for ffJJwtiJo "WOMEN Time: Date: 21 July 2010 Estimates F Hearing Carolyn Mason Fiona Guthrie' Signature: S ~~~ Walter Robb .: .1_ ._" .. " "'_/ jf .h IX!/! 0/ l!i(! , I' , /t] I (///1 j N/,/, l}(X ! I f/rl/lti DECEMBER 2008 r Office or "WOMEN Carolyn Mason Fiona Guthrie Walter Robb Partnering Works Tel: 07 3366 2435 Mob:0412117382 PO Box 2166 Ashgrove West Brisbane OLD 4060 Australia Email: [email protected] CONTENTS SUMMARY IV ACKNOWLEDGMENTS VI 1 INTROOUCTION 1 1.1 About this Document 1 1.2 Terms of Reference 1 1.3 Methodology 1 1.4 The Evidence Base 2 1.5 Structure of this Document 2 2 WHY AN OFFICE FOR WOMEN? 3 2.1 The Question 3 2.2 Persisting Inequality 4 2.3 But What About Men? 7 2.4 How does OFW Link with Government? 7 2.5 Conclusion 8 3 ABOUT THE OFFICE FOR WOMEN 9 3.1 At a Glance 9 3.2 The Current Mandate and Broad Workplan 10 3.3 Timeline 11 11 3.4 Main Activities and Outputs r 4 WHAT DID STAKEHOLDERS SAY? 14 4.1 Invitation from Minister 14 4.2 About the Submissions and Interviews 14 4.3 Successes and Future Directions 15 4.4 Summary and Conclusions 19 5 TOR1-ASSESSMENT OF ACTIVITIES 20 5.1 Assessment of Current Activities 20 5.2 The Directions Statement 28 5.3 Machinery of Government 28 5.4 Summary and Conclusions 29 6 TOR2-BENCHMARKING 31 6.1 Introduction 31 6.2 Themes from Benchmarking Other Jurisdictions 31 6.3 Summary 36 7 TOR3-FUTURE DIRECTIONS 37 7.1 Drawing the Review Together: Summary of our Thinking 37 7.2 Future Directions 38 7.3 Recommendations 42 7.4 Implementation 42 LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 44 OFFICE FOR WOMENI·REVIEW III SUMMARY Background • This is a review of the Queensland Office for Women (OFW). It was commissioned by the Minster for Women, the Honourable Margaret Keech. • The impetus for the review was the imminent completion of the five year term of the current strategic ff plan for OFW" "Women in the Smart State: Directions Statement 2003-08 , • The Directions Statement was a whole of government approach describing specific initiatives to advance the interests of women. • OFW had responsibility for implementing a number of these initiatives, including those aimed at increasing the participation of women in the fields of science, engineering and technology and the number of women on government boards. What is the role for an Office for Women? • A threshold question for this review was whether there was still a need for an Office for Women. The answer to this question is "yes". There are still persisting inequalities affecting women. Examples include gender differences in pay equity, economic equality, time spent on household work, personal safety and representation in decision-making. • This is wh:r an Office for Women remains a core function within government. The role of an Office for Women in contemporary society is to apply a gender analysis to legislation, policies and programs across government. Gender analysis considers the differing impacts of current or proposed initiatives on women and men. In the absence of gender analysis, these impacts can be missed. As well, gender analysis can identify what is the best way to deliver programs as women and men have different life course experiences. • In particular, this role will give OFW an opportunity to engage and influence other government agencies when policy is being developed, rather than at the stage of going to Cabinet. Mandate and Strategic Priorities • OFW's mandate for a gender analysis role must come from Cabinet. • The priorities for OFW, in applying gender analysis, would flow from the Queensland Government's recently released strategic plan, Toward Q2: Tomorrow's Queensland (Q2). OFW's initial priorities could focus on the "smart" and "fair" targets in Q2, as both have implications for women. • Within this overall direction, there needs to be a specific focus on disadvantaged women. It is these women, such as Indigenous women or female heads of single parent households, who continue to suffer entrenched disadvantage. • OFW will operate under a business plan, rather than a separate Directions Statement. IV OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW Functions • OFW's functions will be: • policy development and analysis; • research to support the policy function; • engagement with the women's sector; • information and referral services; and • awareness raising through activities such as International Women's Day (IWD). • Both sector engagement and research are new functions. What OFW will do differently • Consistent with the Directions Statement, OFWhas put considerable effort into direct service delivery in the past, for example in running seminars or workshops. As a small agency however, there were question marks about whether these events have a wide spread impact. • Under OFW's new role, only limited direct service delivery is envisaged. These exceptions include specific events such as IWD or those targeting discrete groups of disadvantaged women. • The focus on women in science, engineering and technology (from the Directions Statement) and women in mining and construction (a 2006 election commitment) will alter. However, both will still be the subject of policy development. • The Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Action Plan is due for completion in March 2009. The SET Taskforce will be asked to suggest arrangements for transitioning relevant aspects to other parts of government and/or industry. The Smart Women, Smart State awards, a component of the SET strategy, could continue in 2009, possibly under the banner of the Q150 celebrations (Queensland's 150th birthday). • The grants function (currently $200,000) will be discontinued. This is a relatively small program and its impact is not large. Some of this funding can be re-directed to the research function. • The policy development function will be grounded in gender analysis. OFW needs to liaise with the Office of Economic and Statistical Research to develop a suite of gender-specific statistics, using time series and benchmarking formats. I Organisational Matters • As the portfolio responSibilities of the Minister for Women have changed, so has the location of OFW within government. In a number of other states in Australia, the function is located in a different department to that for which the Minister for Women has ministerial accountability. The next machinery of government change is an opportunity for this to occur in Queensland to give some stability to OFW. • As noted above, OFW will benefit from engaging with the women's sector. We suggest that a separate piece of work take place to look at this issue broadly. This would also consider the role and functions of the part-time Regional Coordinators within the Office for Women, given the new role recommended for OFW. • Some internal changes to the structure and resource allocation of OFW will be needed based on this .review. OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW V ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We aCknowledge and appreciate the openness and cooperation we have received from the staff at the Office for Women during the review. The documentation they provided to us enabled a review of this size to be completed in the negotiated time frame. We also acknowledge and appreciate the access we have had to the Minister for Women. Thank you also to the Steering Committee for their gUidance. VI OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW INTRODUCTION 1.1 About this Document In early October 2008, the Minister for Women announced a full review of the Office for Women (OFW). The review was "designed to provide a blueprint for the future of women's policy in Queensland" . Partnering Works was commissioned to undertake this review. This report sets out our findings. The impetus for the review was the imminent completion of the five year term of the current strategic plan for OFW, "Women in the Smart State: Directions Statement 2003-08". 1.2 Terms of Reference The review was required to address three terms of reference: • Assessment of the activities of the existing Office for Women to determine the most successful initiatives for continuation. • Assessment of the structure and work programs of women's policy offices in other key jurisdictions (both national and international), in order to develop a "best practice" structure and policy directions for the Queensland Office for Women. • Provision of recommendations on a future directions statement for and operations of the Office for Women, given the completion of the Women in the Smart State: Directions Statement 2003-2008 and the Office for Women's location within the lead agency. Sections 4, 5 and 6 address each of these separately. 1.3 Methodology The announcement of the review by the Minister for Women was accompanied by letters from her to government and non government stakeholders inviting their input. In all, 85 letters were sent. 33 submissions were received in response to either this letter or the press release and four submissions were received from other sources. These submissions formed a vital part of the review and the themes are discussed in section 3. Details of the organisations/ individuals who made either written or oral submissions are included in Attachment 1. The other components of the methodology included: • Interviews with the Minister for Women and the Director-Generals of three Government Departments and with women's and community sector groups for oral submissions (see Attachment 1); OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 1 • A half-day workshop with OFW staff to get their views about current performance and ~ture directions; • Benchmarking of how similar offices operate in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. One of the review team also visited the Offices for Women in Victoria and New South Wales; • Statistical analysis-- this was part of the evidence base for the review. The analysis was also used to illustrate the type of statistical information that is needed to inform policy development; • Analysis of information about the activities undertaken by OFW. The review was guided by a Steering Committee, comprising the Director-General of the Department of Child Safety (the department), other representatives from that department and a representative from the Department of Premier and Cabinet. The Steering Committee met three times. 1.4 The Evidence Base Much of the evidence on which the recommendations in this report are based are contained in the attachments provided at the end of the report. The body of the report draws on this evidence where needed. 1.5 Structure of this Document This section includes the background to the review. Section 2 following, answers the threshold question: why do we need an Office for Women? Sections 3 "About the Office for Women" briefly describes its history and current workplan. Section 4 summarises the views of stakeholders about OFW's performance and future directions. Sections 5, 6 and 7 address each of the Terms of Reference in order: an assessment of OFW's current activities (section 5); how other jurisdictions operate (section 6) and the future directions for OFW (section 7). 2 OFFICE FOR WOMENl REVIEW WHY AN OFFICE FOR WOMEN? 2.1 The Question Women have made enormous gains since the first Office for Women was established in 1973 by the Federal Government and an equivalent body, the Women's Policy Unit, was established in Queensland in 1990. The box below describes some of these gains over the past 20 years for Queensland women. There have also clearly been a number of changes in society's attitudes towomen.1 PROGRESS FOR QUEENSLAND WOMEN Reformslntroduced by the Queensland Government In the almost 20yearsslnce the establishment of the first Office for Women In 1990, have been significant. These gains are across a range of areas, Including: Legislative Rights: -- .. Antl-DIscrlmlnationAct 1991 (Qld) Equal Opportunity in Public Emp loyment Act 1992 (Qld) domestic violence legislation has been progressively strengthened since 1993 stalking became a cdmlrial offence In 1993 Specific Women's Programs and Services: Women's health centres • Women's sexual assault services Women's shelters . Gender equityprograms in education and training Programs for women and girls· in the criminal justice system • Programs for- women_in business Women inDecision Making:2 In 1993,13% of Senior Executive SeNiceposltlons in the Queensland Government were held by women. This had risen to 23.3% In 2007. • In 1993, 15.5% of pOSitions on Government Boards were held by women. This had risen to nearly 34% In 2007: • In 1993, less than 3% of magistrates were women. This had risen to 32% in 2007. • In 1993, 14% of Queensland parliamentarians Were women. This had risen to nearly 35% by 2006. Queensland's first female Premier took office In 2007. , Although manywQutd argue there is much further to go. 2 Women's Budget Statement 1993-94, Women's Policy Unit, Office of the Cabinet, Queensland and Office for Women Statistical Snapshot, Queensland Government 2008. OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 3 It is not surprising therefore that many people question whether there is still a need for an Office for Women. If the position of women has improved so dramatically, what role is there for a focus on women's issues within government? "Why an office for women?" is therefore a threshold question for the review. We came to the conclusion that there is still a need for an Office for Women. Despite the significant gains made for women in recent years, persistent inequalities still exist. State Governments can usefuliy playa role in addreSSing this disadvantage. 2.2 Persisting Inequality There are still persistent inequalities between women and men. These go to the core of equal participation for women in SOciety. The points below are indicative of some of these inequalities, but the list is not exhaustive. • Pay equity - In Queensland the gender pay gap between men and women is 17.5% for total earnings and 13.7% for ordinary time earnings. The pay equity gap in the Queensland public sector is 13% when people on salaries of less than $50,000 are considered as an example. As shown in Figure 1 below, this gap shows no signs of narrowing. 60% II1II- 50% 40% ... 30% i,--Male --Female 20% 10% 0% 2004 2005 2006 2007 Figure 1 Pay Equity Gap in the Queensland Public Sector • Decision making and leadership positions - The percentage of women on boards in the private sector has remained static. In 2003, 8.4% of board positions on ASX200 companies were held by women; this was 8.3% in 2008. Over the same time period, there have only been slight gains in the number of women in senior executive roles in these same companies: there were 8.8% in 2003 and there are now 10.7% in 2008; • Economic equality - Women's share of all superannuation funds has increased from an estimated 23% in 1994 to 30% in 2003-04 and 34.2% in 2005-063 Whilst average account balances have increased by 30.3% for men and 48.7% for women since 2004, the balances of women decrease with age as a percentage of men's balances, from 71% for 25-34 year aids to 46% for 60-64 year aids.' This is shown graphically in Figure 2 below. 3 Ross Clare, Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) Research and Resource Centre, February 2008, Retirement Savings Update, Sydney. 4 Ross Clare, Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) Research and Resource Centre, February 2008, Retirement Savings Update, Sydney. 4 OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 80% 70% 60% All ages 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-59 60-64 Figure 2 Ratio of Women's to Men~ Average Superannuation Balances by Age Group, Austra fia, 2005-06. • Poverty - The ferrtinisation of poverty is one of the most significant issues for women in both Australia and Queensland. Nationally, some 12.2% of women live in poverty compared with 10.2% of men.S The majority of clients of the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program are women (53.7%). 6 Women are the sale head of households in 72% of applications for public housing; women are the parents of 86.0% of one-parent families with children.' • Safety - Intimate partner violence remains the most significant contributor to death, disability and illness for women in the 15-44 year age group. This poses more of a disease burden than other factors such as high blood pressure, smoking or obesity.8 The 2005 Australian Bureau of Statistics Personal Safety survey shows Queensland has the highest percentage of women of any state, reporting they experienced violence during the previous 12 months. Family responsibilities - women still have the primary role for raising children'and spend 9 more time on this than men. Women are IImore time constrained by their child care duties than are fathers".10 Without access to paid parental leave, this may lead to interrupted career paths and consequently lower superannuation balances and more tenuous economic security. Women still undertake the majority of housework, with the birth of a child leading to a significant increase in that task. There is no change for men in time spent on housework after the birth of a child." 5 NATSEM, Personal communication to the Office for Women, 19 March 2008. 6 Office for Women Statistical Snapshot, Queensland Government, 20OS. 7 ASS (2006), Brisbane A Social Atlas, Cat 2030.3 8 The health costs of violence: Measuring the burden of disease caused by intimate partner violence released by VicHealth in June 2004. The study claims to be the first in the world to estimate the health consequences of intimate partner violence using the 'burden of disease'methodology developed by the World Health Organization. http://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/assetsJcon te.ntFiles/ipv.pdf 9 Craig, L Does father care mean fathers share? Acomparison of how mothers and fathers in intact families spend time with children, Papers from the Time Use and Gender Seminar, 14th June 2006, UNSW, available from the Social Policy Research Centre, http://www.sprc.unsw.edu.aulTime_Use_and_GendecSeminar.htm. p275. 10 ibid, p275. 11 Baxter, J. Patterns of time use over the lifecourse: what we know and what we need to know, Papers from the Time Use and Gender Seminar, 14th June 2006, UNSW, avaitable from the Social Policy Research Centre, http://www.sprc.unsw.edu.au/ Time_Use_and_Gender_Seminar.htm OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 5 o Socioeconomic disadvantage - The ABS Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage identifies a large number of Indigenous communities as having the greatest levels of disadvantage. The workforce participation rate for Queensland Indigenous women increased from 49.8% in 2001 to 55.0% in 2006, an increase of 5.2 percentage points. It remains Significantly below that of non-Indigenous women (70.5%) in 2006, and there is a vast difference in comparison with non-Indigenous men. 12 90 85 non-lndiQenous ~es -- e- ~ 80 ------75 no~~ndiaenous Ferrales 70 % - - lndiQenous f.lales 65 60 55 IndiQenous Females 50 ... 45 40 2001 2006 Figure 3 Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Workforce Participation Rates by Sex, Queensland 2001 and 2006 Women themselves confirm that these areas remain of concern to them. In the first six months of 2008, the new Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner conducted a Listening Tour across Australia." The resulting report identifies three consistent themes from that tour: I 1. economic independence for women; 2. balancing work and family; and 3. freedom from discrimination, harassment and violence. The report states: "While there have been many improvements in Australia since the appointment of the first Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner in 1984, the stories from the Listening Tour show that Australia still has much to do in orderto truly achieve equity for all ... (the Tour) support[edl the need for a national gender equality agenda ... " 12 Office of Economic and Statistical Research, Census 2006 Bulletin 4,Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderQueenslanders, Table 10: labour force status by Indigenous status(a), persons aged 15-64 years, Queensland, 2001 and 2006. Avaitable at http:// www.oesr.qld.gov.au/queensland-by-theme/demography/indigenous-people/bulletins/census-2006/atsi-qld-c06/atsi-qld c06.pdf 13 Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, Genderequality: What matters to Australian women and men, 2008. 6 OFFICE FOR WOMEN] REVIEW 2.3 But What About Men? A corollary to the question "why an office for women", is "why not an office for men?" One submission to this review for example, argued there should instead be an office for gender equality. This may well be a goal if it is undertaken with all the force of the legislative, policy and program power of a national government. The United Kingdom did something similar in 2007 by establishing its Government Equalities Office - Putting equality at the heart of government. This Office has a wider role than just focusing on women or men, but addresses equality across the board. We agree that issues impacting on men also deserve attention and should not be overlooked in policy development or program implementation. One of the recommendations in this report (see section 7) addresses this by recommending the use of gender-analysis as a critical policy tool. This approach will undoubtedly highlight issues impacting on men also. However as discussed above, there are persisting inequalities affecting women. These realities need to be taken into account by governments and other decision-makers. 2.4 How does OFW Link with Government? The Office for Women, as a part of the machinery of government, must operate within, and contnbute to, the overall priorities of the Queensland Government. These include: • the current Queensland Public Private Partnerships Policy and Value for Money Framework as a public infrastructure and service delivery option;14 • the Queensland Government Framework for Investment in Human Services effective from November 2007 to ensure the investment in human services is delivered in the way that best meets government priorities and the needs of Queensland communities;15 • government agencies securing pUblic support for their services by articulating the "public value" so that citizens who do not directly benefit from the service will endorse public funding;!6 • strengthening performance frameworks across government for accountability reasons;17 • articulating the interaction framework between departments and NGO providers to facilitate a coordinated approach to funding and accountability requirements across departments;18 • introducing a focus on prevention and early intervention programs formally in the 2008- 09 budget;!9 • the State Strategic Plan Towards Q2: Tomorrow's Queensland (Q2) which was launched in 2008.20 14 http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/processes-frameworks/public-private-partnerships-and-value-for-money-framework.html 15 http://communitydoor.qld.gov.au/news/2008/05/26/qld-gov-framework-for-investment-in-human-servicesl 16 The notion of public value is a concept coined by Professor Mark H. Moore, in his 1995 book, Creating Public Value: Strategic Management in Government and the subject, Delivering Public Value is a core subject in the Australia and New Zealand School of Government's (ANZSOG) Executive Masters in public administration, http://www.apsc.gov.au/anzsoglindex.html 17 http://www.sdpc.qld.gov.au/sdpc/library/pdf/SPM_Report.pdf 18 Auditor-General of Queensland Report to Parliament No 2 for 2007. Results of Performance Management Systems Audit of Management of Funding to Non-Government Organisations. May 2007 Report 19 The Queensland Government will provide $1 0 million in 2008-09 and $20 million a year from 2009-10 to establish a preven tion and early intervention incentives pool to fund innovative, new or untested pilot projects, prinCipally in the human services and justice areas. 20 http://www.towardq2.qldgov.au/ OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 7 In this context, the model for a contemporary Office for Women requires: • a role that contributes to the achievement of efficient and effective allocation of government resources in service delivery systems, where women are clients; • a mandate around performance and achievement in outcomes for women; • engagement with the Q2 agenda in the interests of women. This report aims to provide role clarity, a clear mandate and linkages to Q2. 2.5 Conclusion We concluded there is still a need for an Office for Women. Despite the significant gains made for women in recent years, persistent inequalities still exist. State Governments can usefully playa role in protecting existing gains and addressing this disadvantage. 8 OFFICE FOR WOMEN] REVIEW ABOUT THE OFFICE FOR WOMEN This ch~pter briefly describes the Office for Women: what it does, its current workplan and its recent history. The assessment of specific activities is the subject of the first Term of Reference for the review. This is the addressed in section 5. 3.1 At a Glance Established? The first Women's Policy Unit was established under the Goss Government in 1990 in the Premier's Department and was then part of the Office of the Cabinet in 1992. Staffing? 27.7 Full Time EqUivalent staff. The Director is an S01 appointment. Structure? Policy staff and program staff. Program staff include nine Regional Coordinators who work part-time and are located across Queensland in the regions. Resources? Annual budget of $4.7 million r Location in Department of Child Safety. Government? . Since 2003, when the Directions Statement was launched, the Office has been attached to five different departments." What is OFW's role? The Office for Women provides "ongoing policy advice, coordination and implementation across a range of issues affecting women':" or "Through our policy work and program delivery, we aim to promote and encourage the rights of all Queensland women -across cultures, socio-economic backgrounds and age groups". 23 Table 1 ')It a Glance" overview of the Office for Women 21 Department of Premier and Cabinet (until Mar 04), Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation (Mar 04 - Sept 06), Department of Justice and Attorney-General (Oct 06- Nov 06), Department afTourism, FairTrading and Wine Industry Development (Nov 06 - Sept 07), Department of Child Safety (since Oct 07). 22 2008-09 Queensland State Budget Service Delivery Statement - Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Women, p '-224 23 Current brochure for the Office for Women OFFICE FOR WOMEN I REVIEW 9 3.2 The Current Mandate and Broad Workplan The current work program of OFW is the result of a range of decisions by government. These are described below. • The Directions Statement "Women in the Smart State: Directions Statement 2003-08" was endorsed by Cabinet and released by the then Premier in 2002. This document has been one of the main drivers of the work program for OFW. The Directions Statement sets out five priorities across government to improve the lives of Queensland women: health and wellbeing; balancing work, family and lifestyle; economic security; safety; and leadership / deciSion-making. The document was developed after extensive state-wide consultation. A summary of the Directions Statement is included at the end of section 5. • Smart Women, Smart State Strategy In 2005, Cabinet endorsed the Smart Women, Smart State strategy. This flowed also from the Directions Statement (under the goal of economic security). The aim of the strategy was to increase the number of women participating in the fields of science, engineering and technology (SET). A taskforce, made up of government, industry and community representatives, was set up to oversee the strategy and developed a SET action plan. The taskforce/ action plan is due for completion in March 2009. The most well-known public initiative under this strategy is the annual Smart Women, Smart State awards, recognising women who are achieving in these fields. • Women in Hard Hats This was a 2006 election commitment and involved an investment by government of $1.4 million. In some respects Women in Hard Hats is similar to the Smart Women, Smart State strategy, except that the focus is on the mining and construction industries. Strategies were to include: a social marketing campaign, career showcasing events, a web-based resource centre and promoting good employment practices. • Women's InfoLink, Regional Coordinators For a number of years, OFW operated three shop-front services: in Nambour, Townsville and Brisbane. These services prOVided information to women. A review in 2005 concluded this was not the optimum service delivery mechanism - there were obvious geographic limitations for a start. As a result two things happened. First, these shop front services were closed. Instead, OFW broadened its geographic reach, by establishing Regional Coordinators across Queensland, as part of a state-wide engagement strategy. There are nine Regional Coordinators at present. All of the positions are part-time. We describe the role of the Regional Coordinators in more detail in section 5. 10 OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW Second, a state-wide information strategy was implemented, involving the Women's Infolink 1800 number, OFW's website and a "Find a Service" database. Women's Infolink is probably the best known component of this strategy. It is an information and referral service~ operated by Smart Service Queensland (the Queensland Government's corporate services agency). • Women on Boards Cabinet endorsed "Women on Boards" in July 2006, with the target of ensurin& that where possible, 50% of new appointments to government boards, councils and committees should be women. OFW monitors the target identifies interested women and maintains a register for potential nominees. 3.3 Timeline It is helpful to understanding OFW today to look at how its work program has unfolded over time. The timeline below shows this visually and includes all the major events described above, together with the machinery of government changes. Event 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Directions Statement SET Action Plan Women in Hard Hats Shop front services , Regional Coordinators , Women on Boards Machinery of Government : Premier and Cabinet '_ , Local Govt, Planning, Sport & Recreation Justice & Attorney-General • , Toursim, FairTrading &Wine Industry , Development , Child Safety 3.4 Main Activities and Outputs Table 2 On the next page shows the major work activities! outputs for the Office. These activities overlap in places, but no categorisation will be perfect. The "balded" text in the table indicates initiatives that are linked to the Directions Statement As noted in the introduction to this section, an assessment of these activities is in section 5. OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW" Activities Description " Oeveloping Policy State governrnent policy processes - eg domestic violence Policy development eg mapping women's health issues, women's safety issues across government Support for the Ministerial Council on Wornen and associated processes Cabinet processes SET issues, gender analysis toolkit, other issues papers Women in Non Smart Women, Smart State strategy & Taskforce (Science, Traditional Industries Engineering, Technology) - run awards, promote SETto industry and women Women in Hard Hats (promoting participation by women in mining and construction) Providing information Wornen's Infolink (1800 inforrnation and referral service) Fact sheets etc Website "Get Involved" initiatives Identifies interested wornen Maintains register Monitors the 50% target for Cabinet Runl;1ing.seminars, Leadership seminars for Indigenous women workshops Economy Wise, Budget Smart seminars Various other seminars, workshops Consultations for Government for example, arising frorn Blueprint for the Bush Grants program Linked to the "non-traditional industries" policy direction $100,000 Women in Trade Grants $50,000 Indigenous Working Women's Fund (for sustainable employrnent in non-traditional roles). Sector and regional . Regional engagernent engagement 9 regional coordinators Role - to know what women's groups operate in their area, link thern to government or each other, help government consult with women . Sector engagement This has not been a focus for OFW. International Women's· . Annual event, with activities and theme varying from year to year. Day activities Table 2 Overview ofActivities and Outputs The landscape table on the next page (table 3), shows the range of events, seminars, workshops with which OFW has been involved. Those events linked to the Directions Statement are shaded. The table does not include all of the special events run by various Regional Coordinators in 2008. 12 OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 : Com.~unity ....d .... hlp : nfa n/a : 4 locations/ 330 women' Involved !nfa , 4 seminars, 220 women Involved Workplace Negotiation Skills :' n/a n/a '1 locations, 250 participants n/a 16 seminars, 220 participants (with Queensland Worklng,Women's Centre)" ; Eco~o~YWi,. 8~dg~S~~~:S.~ln.r. . 6 seminars, 81 participants 4 locations, , 70 participa'~ts n/a 6 seminars-to be run In 08/09 (Delivered' by p~lvate c SmartWom.n - Smart Stat•. Awa~1 -- , 76 ~;~i~ations, 275 guests 56 nominations, 1,14 guests " 88 nomi~~~i~ns, 230 guests , 86 nominations, 290 guests 169 nominations, 300 guests -~, " Bright Future, Shining Stan (with the Smart : n/a n/a , , event, 130 stud~nts n/a , Women, Smart State ,awards for Year 10 ~_ 12 girls) F.... ~D~mDcrac)' training" , n/a 4iocatlons, 314 participants n/a n/a n/a Rural Women's Symposium . n/a n/a n/a n/a Roma (2 more planned), 80 (with Office of Regional and Rural Co~munjties) participants o . AUractlng and Retaining Women in the ' n/a n/a , n/a n/a 1 location ~ : Workforce ~ , . ,... ' "",' ,.., Business networking and Information .v.nt ~ n/a n/a n/a 1 seminar, 60 participants n/a m ~ for multicultural wom.n (With BCC) ~ o Wom.n Work IT Statewide video conference for : n/a n/a n/a n/a '" : women considering a career In IT o , Get S.t - More SmartWamen In the Smart I event, 100 students InvolveCi nJa n/a n/a n/a '";: State (encouraging high school girls to ,cons,lder m careers in non 8 traditional.areas) Z ,Wo_men'.WorkforcePartldpatianThlnkTank 'nla 4 events, exploring Issues Including WorkChoices, child care, workforce n/a n/a m participation <'" m : Ministerial Breakfast Me.tlngs/Events 3 events coinciding with Community Cabinet 1 event 3 events Wom.n In Construction Week n/a n/a n/a n/a 1 (with Construction Skills Old), 350 '"w young women WHAT DID STAKEHOLDERS SAY? This section describes the views of stakeholders, drawing out relevant themes from the submissions. These views informed the review overall and are presented here separately because of their importance. This section does not attempt to assess how the issues raised by stakeholders are to be addressed. These are more properly considered in subsequent sections relating to the Terms of Reference, where a range of evidence is analysed. 4.1 Invitation from Minister The Minister for Women, the Han Margaret Keech, invited a wide range of stakeholders to provide submissions to the review. She asked stakeholders for their views in four areas: 1. How successful the Office for Women has been in fulfilling its purpose and responsibilities; 2. What the outcomes and benefits have been from working with other agencies and organizations; 3. What the existing, new and emerging priorities and issues are for women; 4. What issues or priorities should be considered when formulating a future directions statement. Attachment 2 analyses each of the submissions using this framework 24 The Minister's letter also made specific reference to the Queensland Government's recently released blueprint for the future, Q2 and its themes and targets for a stronger, greener, smarter, healthier and fairer Queensland. 4.2 About the Submissions and Interviews In totat 37 submissions were received. Of these, 33 were in direct response to the Minister's letter or in response to the Minister's press release about the review. The remaining submissions were from organisations contacted directly or documents from other sources. There were six oral submissions obtained through interviews. The Minister for Women and the Director Generals of three government departments and a staff group from another department were also interviewed. Attachment 1 indudes a list of submissions received and interviews conducted. 24 Although not everyone who responded addressed each question. 14 OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW Submissions came from a wide range of organisations and individuals: • 9 from women involved in the fields of science, engineering technology (SET) or trades; • 7 from State Government Departments/Commissions; • 7 from women organisations and a women's rural symposium; • 7 from community / professional organisationsi • 3 from individuals; • 2 from Local Government; and • 2 from State Members of Parliament. 4.3 Successes and Future Directions Table 4 below summarises the themes from the submissions, based on what stakeholders saw as successful and initiatives they identified as important for the future. Theme and Frequency of Reference Successes Future Directions c . ,- - _ _ Smart Women Smart Staie Task Force ,/,/,/,/ and SET industries Action Plan· 5martWomen Smart Staie Awards ,/,/,/,/,/,/ ,/,/,/,/,/ Engineering Workshops ,/,/,/,/,/ ,/ Women in Hard Hats ,/,/,/,/,/,/ ,/,/,/,/,/ WomenbriBoards/ leadership ,/,/,/,/,/,/,/,/ ,/,/ Women's Policy Role ,/,/,/,/,/,/,/,/ ,/,/,/,//,/,/,/,/,/,/ ,/,/,/,/,/,/ Gender Analysis ,/,/,/,/,/,/,/,/,/ Research, Statistics ,/,/,/,/,/ Engagement Strategies ,/ ,/ ,/,/ ,/ ,/ ,/.,/ ,/ / ,/,/,/ Regional Coordination ,/,/,/ ,/,/,/,/,/,/ International Women's Day ,/,/,/,/,/ ,/ Performance outcomes, 02 targets ,/,/,/,/,/,/ Machinery of Government ,/,/,/,/,/,/,/,/ Other '" (no longer needed) ,/ ,/ ,/ (quality standards 2, technology network) Table 4 Submission Themes While the data is not completely consistent (for example, the Women on Boards initiatives was seen as successful, butsubmilters did not necessarily specifically mention it as an area for continuation), there are still some clear themes. The strongest point to emerge is the endorsement of a role for OFW in policy development. This area is also seen as a current success. Stakeholders also say they want OFW to take a stronger role in engaging with them. OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 15 The work of OFW in increasing the number of women involved in non-traditional industries was also singled out as a current success (the Smart Women, Smart State Taskforce and awards, Women in Hard Hats and so on). We discuss some of these issues in more depth in the following section. 4.4 Themes from the Submissions Below we describe the qualitative themes from the submissions. Direct quotes from either written submissions or the interviews illustrate these. • Role for the Office "What the value add an Office can bring to its role is the question now. We are all busy in line agencies with our heads down delivering new and existing programs so a disciplined analysis of gender in our programs could add value to their effectiveness. " Director-General "The Office needs permission to put gender back into policy development as against a problem based approach." NGO respondent "Women ill the country are so far away from decisioll making and feel at a big disadvantage and not listened to ... so their issues are not comillg to the table when decisions are being made." Women's Organisation "Big organisations are busy with their own agendas so one area of government is needed to counter any ullintended cOllsequeuces of women dropping off the agenda and so do need both a policy and research function to provide analysis." Government Department respondent "The Office cannot be all things to all people, it needs to find a focus and its own place within the working of government ... so it could re-engineer a role around the Q2 targets [from] a gender perspective." Director-General A consistent theme from the interviews with all government departments was the need to find a role for OFW that complements and adds value to their own work. OFW then needs a mandate for that role. OFW was seen as having a role in policy development and analYSiS, but providing statistics or information on its own, without analysis of them in a way relevant to a line agency was not acceptable. OFW was seen as having specific expertise in issues reiating to gender. Evidenced-based research highlighting issues of gender and how to address them would be helpful. This analysis should be linked to the Q2 targets. However, the clear message was not to impose a reporting burden for no perceived value. Non-govemmentstakeholders also saw OFW as playing a useful role in policy development. Areas that were specifically highiighted as needing analysiS, included socia-economic disadvantage, indigenous women and rural and regional women. 16 OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW • Placement in Government LWitlz business associates and women's organizations ... there is mass confusion about the Office Jor Women ... caused by the contimUlI changing of tlteir reporting structure. Even today Ch,ld Safety to the man/womm in the street does not iustantly resonate as having tlte Office for WOItICll sitting in its agC1lClj ... it would give stability and recoguition to tlte Office if it were to stay within a department that reflects the programs and activities so valnable to women." SET industry business woman Both government and non-government stakeholders raised the issue of the location of the Office for Women within Government. As the quote above shows, the negative impact of constant moves by OFW with machinery of government (MOG) changes affects the non government stakeholders Government stakeholders identified the importance of a strong and relevant role and mandate, wherever the MOG placement. • Working in the ~egions "TIle Office for Women could in fact be 0 vital support for women faciug the challmges of living ill TIIral and remote areas [but] this will never be achieved until adeqlUlte staffing and Junding is allocated to regt'onal areas. U Local government respondent "TIle number of regional coordinotars and tlte hours that tl/cy are available to support local women's organizations is critical and needs urgmt review to increase the Juuding levels to support their work 011 the ground. # Women's Organisation "Womm are the major strategic decision makers in nITal businesses but flleTe is not wide-spread awarmess of this because of the ClIlture of policy makers in some areas ... and they don't gather the data 011 womC1l in business." Rural Women's Organisation Regional coordinators and regional coordination is an issue for many women's organisations and for local government. Respondents approached the role of regional coordinators in different ways. Views about the role ranged from: • the development of an evidence base for policy development to inform Brisbane-based policy makers; • delivering programs and information services in regional and rural areas; • an engagement strategy to support women's organisations in their own communities; • some or all of the above. However many respondents had little or no knowledge of the existence of these roles. The closure of shop front services resulted in the current regional coordination model (see section 3) and there is still some residual frustration about this process. • . How the Office Engages Inside and Outside Government "l/it affects a woman it affects the whole community, thetj [policy makers in Brisbane] forget that" Rural Women's Organisation "TIle difficulty that has been encoulltered Inj the [SET] TaskForce [is] in liaising effectively with other highly relevallt Govemmellt Deparhnents and agencies ... [when] issues being worked 011 by the Task Farce clearly impact upon mallY areas." SET Industry Business Woman OFFICE FOR WOMENt REVIEW 17 "There is certainly scope to improve the level of illteraction between women's organizations ... and the Office for Women and to become more actively involved in supporting the governmmt initiatives that will enable more warnell to Izave the opportunity to 'shape, transform, access and realize the benefits of living in the Smart State'IQ2]." Women's Organisation "The Office jor Women's policy [must] be driven by robust community needs analysis, including direct engagement with women from across Queensland." State MP HI can't remember tIle last time a Director-General came to see me about a wome1Z's issue. H Director General A number of stakeholders said there was a lack of systematic engagement with their organisations and the community, outside of the women in non-traditional industries work program. However, there were varying views about how sector engagement would work. These were similar to the views expressed in relation to getting regional input. A closer relationship with the sector was seen as helpful in policy development, program delivery and supporting women's organisations. . No one specific model was proposed. One submission raised the issue of setting up a women's consultative body. Another submission suggested an expanded and continuing role for the current Science, Engineering and Technology (Sm Taskforce. Within government, one agency suggested OFW should form a network to provide policy leadership. This would need to go hand in hand with a clear mandate and priorities. At present, OFW is not seen as intimately engaged with other government agencies. This was reinforced by the quote above concerning the difficulties the SET Taskforce has experienced. • Women in Non-Traditional Industries "There is no dOllbt that tlze Queensland Government awards programs increase the recognition and visability ofwomen ill saence, mgineering and IT careers ... I hope tlzat tlze Quemsland Government and the Office for Womm will recognise the vallie ofthe work ... with strategies to encourage the partiapatio" in the SET industries." Women in SET respondent "If you wallt to make any difference to tile nllmbers of women that take lip nOll traditional roles, you need a long term strategy ... a five year program" Women in Trades respondent The focus of OFW on women in non-traditional industries is seen as a success by many stakeholders. Stakeholders accept that the SET Taskforce and Action Plan will be finalised in March 2009. • Women on Boards "TIle government is to be commended for its proactive stand on ensuring greater representation of women on boards ... there is research to support the COIlCept that companies perform better when they have women Oil their boards. H Woman from industrYr also a board member The Women on Boards strategy was mentioned by most government agencies as a success for OFW. Although it was not specifically mentioned in the future priorities, the submission analYSis shows that this is because stakeholders see it as a given, or core business. 18 OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW • Programs and Grants "It is aboltt the S1Jstemic issues rather than being caught up in the funding issues around implementation." NGO respondent "The Office should concentrate on those activities that directly affect the lives of women ... while a distinctly separate ann would act as a broker to allocate ftmdingforprograms delivered by industry ... so industry could playa more integral and strategic role in tlze deve/opmeut and delivery ofprogrmns that encourage women to enter lLOn-traditional roles or re-wter the workforce." Industry Representative Program and grant recipients mentioned this area of activity favourably. As the comments above show however, there are different views about this area of work. Some stakeholders argued that funding to support a policy priority is an appropriate use of resources. 4.4 Summary and Conclusions In summary, stakeholders said: • OFW can add value for both government and non-government organisations, through high quality policy development and analysis. There was support for using the lens of gender analysis. • For government and some community stakeholders, there needs to be a clear linkage between OFW's focus and Q2; • The constant shifting of OFW between government departments impacts on its performance and how it is perceived externally. Stakeholders see stability and an appropriate location, as highly desirable; • There is a role for OFW to be engaged with both the regions and the sector. Many respondents did not know of the existence of Regional Coordinators and we concluded this role was not well known. There were a range of views as to their role; • OFW would benefit from more strategic and comprehensive engagement across government and at an earlier stage in the development of initiatives; • It was broadly, although not universally, accepted that the focus on women in non-traditional industries would lessen in the future. • The Women on Boards strategy was seen as successful and there was implicit support for its continuation. • There were mixed views about the programs and grants functions of OFW. Our synthesis of the submissions is that many stakeholders are not clear about what OFW has been doing. The exception are those stakeholders involved in the fields of science, engineering and technology who are well aware of OFW's activity in this specific area. There was also a sense that OFW was stronger in the past than it is nowr with few successes in recent years. Stakeholders are looking for OFW to have a clearer and more visible role in the future, including using gender analysis and engaging with the women's sector. OFFICE FOR WOMEN] REVIEW 19 TOR1-ASSESSMENT OF ACTIVITIES This section addresses the first Term of Reference for the review, viz: "assessment of the activities of the eXisting Office for Women to detennine the most successful initiatives for continuation ". Section 5.1 is an assessment of current activities. The Directions Statement itself, as the major driver for OFW in the past, is considered separately in section 5.2. Section 5.3 sets out our observations about how the machinery of government changes have affected OFW's work program. 5.1 Assessment of Current Activities Section 3 included a table describing the main activities of OFW (see section 3.4). This section follows the same structure. • Developing Policy Comments OFW's policy function is similar in many ways to that of any policy unit in government. The function responds to Cabinet submissions for example. It also supports the various activities associated with the relevant Ministerial Council (the Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand Ministers' Conference on the Status of Women, known as MINCO). Unlike most other agencies however, OFW clearly needs to influence the development of policy across government. They have found this difficult at times, having not always been "given a seat at the table". Other agencies do not necessarily see them as integral to their own policy development processes. One example of this has been OFW's involvement in the discussion paper recently released by the Queensland Government on domestic and family violence.25 As we note in section 6 following, in a number of states, the equivalent bodies to OFW have primary carriage for domestic violence. This is not the case in Queensland wh~re domestic violence is wrapped up in broader policy development and service delivery responses. Policy development has focused to a large extent on the issue of women's participation in . non-traditional industries. This was consistent with the focus of the Directions Statement. The Directions Statement also provided broad parameters for a series of issues papers. Nearly 10 have been produced covering topics including superannuation, ageing, leadership and local government. 25 Queensland Government, A Queens/and Government strategy to target domestic and family violence 2009-13, Consultation Paper, October 2008. 20 OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW OFW has also recently prepared a Statistical Snapshot, setting out a number of statistics about women's health, economic security, work-life balance, safety and leadership. The Snapshot was released by the Minister for Women in October 2008. Other policy projects have been largely self-driven. For example, OFW is currently developing papers on "Environmental Mapping of Women's Health Issues" and "Environmental Mapping of Women's Safety Issues", both of which are audits of current government activity and gaps in these areas. The workplan includes work on three new issues papers (for example, work/life balance), a Workforce Participation Policy Position Statement, a literature review on emerging issues, the scoping of a "lunch box" session for government policy officers and mapping the policy priorities of eqUivalent state and international bodies. OFW is also in the process of developing a Gender Analysis Toolkit that explains how to conduct a gender analysis. It is targeted at policy makers within government. The difficulty with all of this work is knowing how exactly it may be used and whether it will be welcomed by other parts of government. Conclusion In section 2, we discussed "why an office for women", concluding that the rationale is the continuation of persistent inequalityr often a result of differing lifetime experiences between the sexes. It is the role of an Office for Women to understand what these inequalities and differences may be, consider how they can be addressed and draw these findings to the attention of decision-makers. There is no doubt therefore that policy development and analysis must be at the heart of an Office for Women. This was also reinforced by stakeholders (see section 4). This function must clearly continue. We think however thatOFW could benefit from some changes to the way it undertakes its policy function. We discuss these further in section 7 "Future Directions", but briefly they are: • policy development and analysis must be undertaken with a clear purpose and on the basis of a mandate; • linking policy development to the targets set out in Q2, particularly "smart" and "fair"; • using gender analysis as one of the key policy development tools; • collecting and analysing a wider range of statistics about the position of women in society to really understand areas of inequality. In particular, data needs to be presented in time series format to clarify trends. This will require close liaison with the Office of Economic and Statistical Research; • having a specific mandate to undertake research itself or commission it from others (see related comments re the grant function); and • within the policy framework from Q2, focusing particularly on groups of disadvantaged women. OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 21 • Women in Non-Traditional Industries Comments There have been two complementary programs addressing the participation of women in non-traditional industries: the long-term focus on science, engineering and technology (via the Smart Women, Smart State strategy and the SET taskforce) and the more recent 2006 election commitment, Women in Hard Hats, focusing on the mining and construction industries. We note that the SET Action Plan is finishing in March 2009, so is naturally drawing to a close. Outputs in both areas have included various workshops and seminars targeting groups of women (high school students, university students or women generally) marketing these areas as career options. There has also been some policy development, the preparation of information (for example targeting employers) and liaison with other government agencies seeking to involve them in also promoting these industries as career options for women. By all accounts, the workshops have been successful and participants have enjoyed them (see section 4). The most well known event however is probably the annual Smart Women, Smart State awards. These awards have grown steadily since they first began in 2004. There are now more awards, more nominations and more sponsors than ever. One of the successes has been the sponsorship of specific awards by agencies outside of the government and OFW has worked hard to make this happen. Conclusions The focus on SET and Women in Hard Hats was appropriate given both flowed from clear government priOrities. OFW has rightly put a lot of time, energy and effort into them. As a result, they have built a strong reputation amongst relevant stakeholder groups. There are useful partnerships in place, particularly in the SET area, with industry and universities. However, given the suggested future focus of OFW on policy development and disadvantaged women (see section 7), the emphasis on women in non-traditional industries will not be as strong. Initiatives which have had some success and support could transition to other government departments, non-government institutions or industry bodies that were involved with them. The Smart Women,. Smart State awards raise awareness amongst women about opportunities in non-traditional industries. Although only a yearly event, they generate significant publicity and goodwill from stakeholder groups. We understand for example that women in various academic institutions are already preparing applications for the 2009 awards." This indicates how the awards have grown over time and awareness has increased. Other aspects of the SET strategy and Women in Hard Hats are being addressed by other departments or could potentially be addressed. OFW's role here is to provide the gender analysis that will underpin program delivery or policy development. A recent example comes from the Department of Education and Training, which is involved in programs to increase the number of female apprentices in non-traditional industries.27 Universities and/ or industry may be able to continue seminars for students showcasing the career opportunities available in SET, mining or construction. OFW will of course maintain its strong policy interest in the area of SET, building on its existing body of knowledge and sharing this across government. 26 Advice from Office for Women, who have been contacted by women in universities and schools already regarding the 2009 awards. 27 See for example the media release from the Ministerfor Education and Training, "New plumbing course taps into the female market~ 29/10/08. This media release congratulates 13 women who have enrolled in a plumbing course. Another program had seen 13 students employed as apprentice electricians. 22 OFFICEFOR WOMENI REVIEW • Providing Information Comments OFW has an extensive information function. This "includes: • publishing a range of high quality written information about issues affecting women. Examples include infosheets on body image~ sexual violence and negotiation skins in the workplace. Publications are available on the website and many are in hard copy; • overseeing Women's infolink, the 1800 telephone information and referral service." This service receives over 600 calls per month on average. Callers request information on a wide range of topics. By way of example, the top six issue~ for a recent month were: general counselling, health, emergency hOUSing, family / couple relationships counselling, women solicitors and domestic violence services. OFW trains the staff rurming Women~s Infolink, writes and updates the scripts used and monitors performance and trends; • the "Find a Service" database on the website (www.women.qld.gov.au) with links to the very many organisations that may help women and girls; • manages the OFW website, www.women.qld.gov.au.This is a comprehensive and up to date website with a wide range of information. The site reflects OFW's current strategic priorities, with a lot of information on various aspects of the employment of women in non-traditional industries. Queensland has been happy to share information with other states, with a recent example of Victoria requesting information about the budget seminars OFW has been facilitating. However, service delivery has been hampered during machinery of government changes. in the most recent change, OFW was unable to update its website for a period of time as it was still on the server in the previous department. As well, the access database of contacts, developed when OFW produced a regular newspaper was not able to transition. This held 19,000 addresses. Conclusions The information function is extensive and effective. It is a core function for an Office for Women. People will not access OFW~ s various information sources, unless they remain up to date, I interesting and informative. For this reason, adequate resources should continue to be devoted to this area. There may be opportunities for example to make the website more interactive or to use mobile technology as a delivery charmel.29 OFW needs to continue to collaborate with its counterparts in other states, to share information. The issue of replacing the database needs to be considered in relation to the type of engagement that best suits OFW in its new role (see later in this section). 28 The function is actually delivered by Smart Services Queensland, the whole of government call centre. 29 We recognise that not everyone has access to these technologies, but at the same time, large numbers of people do. OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 23 • More Women on Boards Comments This has been a core function for OFW since inception, but now has a Cabinet endorsed mandated target - that 50% of new appointments to government boards should be women. OFW manages a register of potential nominees and conducts various events to promote this. Examples include events at which the Minister speaks and has an opportunity to meet women who may be potential candidates. Stakeholders strongly see a role for OFW in this area (see section 4). OFWhas a strategy to support the 50% target. This includes the active and targeted recruitment of women to the register and marketing of the register within government. There is also information available for women about boards, including case studies, fact sheets and ongoing promotion in targeted media.- Conclusions This is a core function for OFW and needs to continue. The strategy has been successful and as we noted earlier, the percentage of women on government boards has been increasing. This contrasts markedly with the private sector, where women's participation is stagnating, if not going backwards. • Running Seminars, Workshops Comments Obviously a specific seminar or event is conducted for a particular purpose. In this sense, highlighting this as an area of activity in its own right, is unusual. However, on the other hand, OFW has clearly invested a lot of time and effort into running seminars, workshops or events in the past five years. It is worth examining this as a separate area of activity for this reason. The landscape table in section 3 listed the various events. Our analysis of these is as follows: o a number of the events were part of strategies to increase the number of women participating in non-traditional industries. Many of these were linked to the SET Taskforce, and through it, to the Directions Statement; o there are a number of one-off events, that are not repeated. An example was the seminar "Explore the challenges and rewards of running a home based business". Five seminars, attracting 212 participants were run in 2005. It is not always clear where the impetus came to run some of the seminars; o we assume that organising workshops and seminars is a significant use of time and resources within OFW; o in terms of impact, it is hard to see that even a series of workshops will make a difference for Queensland women, simply because OFW will never have enough resources to really reach large numbers of participants. For example, four "Economy Wise Budget Smart" seminars were run over 2005-06, attracting 170 women (this was an initiative from the Directions Statement); and 24 OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW o some of the Regional Coordinators have also been running one-off events, on topics such as work/life balance or on a topic related to the SET focus. This takes up a significant amount of their time. By all accounts these workshops / events are well received, but again, the question is whether this the most sensible use of resources. One event per region, per year may only reach a small number of women. Conclusions OFW has placed a lot of emphasis on running seminars and workshops. This has generally been because of the strategic direction set for them. OFW is a small agency. In our view, it is difficult for a small agency to deliver programs in the community that will have a wide spread impact. With the exception of very targeted interventions (see section 7 for discussion), we do not think OFW should be involved in service delivery. • Grants Program Comments The grants are currently directed toward women in trades, consistent with supporting the current strategic direction of OFW. There are two separate programs, both with grant pools of $100,000. These are the Women in Trade Grants (grants up to $10,000 per single grant) and the Indigenous Working Women's Fund (up to $50,000 per single grant) for sustainable employment of Indigenous women in non-traditional roles. The grants program has never been given "core" funding by government and is approved on a year by year basis. In the most recent Women in Trade Grants round (July 2008), ten separate grants were awarded. Grant recipients were from across Queensland, with grants being used to fund forums and marketing campaigns amongst other things. No grants have been announced for the Indigenous Working Women's Fund. Conclusions Grants are obviously welcomed by successful applicants. It is worth noting however that small grants create administrative burdens for recipients, and this may deter some from applying in the first place." There are similar administrative burdens within government. The main issue is whether a small grants program can have much impact. We think this is questionable. A related issue is the current focus of the grants program on women in trades. While this links with the present strategic direction, if the recommendations in this report are accepted, the emphasis on this area will change. We concluded that a grant function is not core business for an Office for Women. It may be "nice to have", but the impact of a small number of small grants, is not strong. 30 The Queensland Compact, an agreement between die non-government sector and government, may help address this issue, amongst others in the longer term. The compact commits both parties to work together more cooperatively and reducing red tape is one area to be targeted. OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 25 A better use of these funds would be to put them toward either dedicated research or as leverage with other government agencies to fund targeted activities for disadvantaged women. In this way, OFW would know exactly what it was getting for its investment. Research could include projects that OFW commissions itself, or it could partner with a community agency, a government agency or industry. The research would support OFW's policy development. • Sector and Regional Engagement Comments There have been nine Regional Coordinators since 2006 (see section 3 for a discussion of the history of these positions). All of the positions are part-time. Given the size of some of the regions, it is hard for some of the Regional Coordinators to even get to some areas within them. We heard comments along the lines of "by the time I get somewhere, because I work part-time, I have to tum around and come back". Other parts of government and the community are either unaware, or unclear, about what the Regional Coordinators actually do and what is being achieved. Their role statements are broad: IIreg-ional coordinators travel throughout their regions partnering with other organisations and helping them to develop services that meet women's needs". In practice, much of the time of Regional Coordinators is spent meeting other government and community groups and organising events (such as the recent consultations around Blueprint for the Bush or a regional event promoting Women on Boards for the Minister). OFW does not engage in any coordinated way with the women's sector, although the Regional Coordinators appear to have a good understanding of, and links with, relevant groups in their own areas. The Directions Statement included some initiatives in the early years that involved interacting with women and the sect?r - for example, a Women's Summit - but this did not go ahead. OFW was involved in the recent Rural Women's Symposium. OFW no longer has a database of individuals and organisations interested in issues affecting women. A previous database did not transition between computer servers during a machinery of government change. Conclusions There is no doubt that, in a state as large as Queensland, an Office for Women needs to understand the issues affecting rural and regio~l women. For example, as noted in section 4, a theme from the submissions from women living in rural and regional Queensland is that they are a long way from the decision-making. To some extent the Regional Coordinators are a conduit for information between rural and regional areas and OFW staff. It is harder to see how this information may have influenced the rest of government however. The Regional Coordinators have also been integral to facilitating the leadership seminars for Indigenous women. It would have been difficult for OFW to have run these without some "on the ground" presence. The question is whether a regional coordinator structure is the best way to link OFW with the regions and if that should be the core role. There are a range of other options, including holding regular rural symposiums. There are also other parts of government such as the Office of Rural and Regional Communities, that also work closely with these communities .. 26 OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW A broader and more strategic issue is the role of Regional Coordinators in the future, given the proposed change in direction of the Office for Women toward gender-focused policy analysis. OFW also needs to engage with the sector in the future. This is a very strong theme from the submissions to the review. We recognise the lack of engagement has to some extent been outside of the control of OFW, given the content of the Directions Statement and how it was implemented. However engagement with the sector in the future will bring a number of benefits. These include better policy development, based on a dialogue where ideas are shared and tested and better understanding by stakeholders of government decision-making. However, the issue of how this engagement should occur needs further analysis and thought. This is best done as a separate piece of work and needs to be within the context of the revised role for OFW outlined in section 7 of this report. The analysis would consider the broad issue of how bestto engage with the sector and the related, but more specific issue, of how to engage with rural and regional Queensland. The role of Regional Coordinators would logically be part of this review. OFW may also need to replace its database, but again, this is logically part of this piece of work since it is part of an engagement strategy. • International Women's Day Activities Comments International Women's Day is celebrated yearly on March 8th. The Minister for Women decides the theme and OFW develops resources around this, such as posters, balloons or bookmarks. In years gone by, there were some small grants given out to enable community groups to run events to mark the day. These were for as little as $300 and funded events such as morning teas. In another year, OFW organised a press conference at Parliament House. International Women's Day is also marked by other women's organisations. In Brisbane for example, there is usually one large breakfast event (organised by Unifem) and a number of r luncheon events. Conclusions This celebration is an iconic event and should clearly continue. Future themes could usefully link with Q2 and OFW's policy /influencing agenda. Marking International Women's Day in some way is an ideal way for OFW to gain some profile and create awareness about issues affecting women. It may be a good idea to release some particular piece of policy or research on that day for this reason. Finally, apart from International Women's Day, there are other occasions to celebrate the achievements of women. Q150, celebrating Queensland's 150th birthday, is one such event. It is appropriate for OFW to be involved in developing information about women in Queensland over this time. We understand various projects, including a pictorial history, are underway. OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 27 5.2 The Directions Statement The Directions Statement covered the period 2003-08. As noted previously, its imminent expiry was the impetus for this review. The landscape table on the page at the end of this section summarises the Directions Statement (Table 5). Our observations are that: • as a whole-of-government strategy~ many of the initiatives were delivered by other government departments. The majority of these have been completed; many of them within the first few years of the operation of the Directions Statement; • OFW was responsible for a defined number of initiatives (shown in bold in the table). Again, the majority of these have now been completed. There are some, such as the Register of Women,31 that are ongoing. There are also some projects that have not been completed or are only partially complete. In our view, none of these are significant omissions; • the major focus of activity for OFW under the Directions Statement was in three areas - the Smart Women, Smart State suite of initiatives (the science, engineering, technology focus), women in deciSion-making (Women on Boards and so on) and information provision. There were a number of positive aspects to the Directions Statement, but there have also been some downsides. On the positive side, it was clear in setting out what was to be done and had a whole-of-government approach. However, its focus on specific projects and relatively long time frame meant OFW was less able to respond to emerging issues. There was also no "ownershipu from various Ministers for Women who, upon taking over the portfolio, understandably wished to shape what OFW was doing more directly. Given that the bulk of the Directions Statement has been finalised, the main issue is how any of the overarching goals or remaining projects should be transitioned. We discuss this in section 7 Future Directions. 5.3 Machinery of Government The various machinery of government changes wrought on OFW have impacted on its performance in a number of ways: • administrative changes are unsettling for staff and may impact on morale. Work programs are also inevitably interrupted; • as OFW has moved between departments, it has attempted to nuance its own work program to refled the priorities of the current host. For example, when OFW was part of the Department of Local Government and Planning, Sport and Recreation it conducted a series of workshops titled "Women into Local Government". Arguably this may not have been a priority had it been in a different department; • stakeholders, as described in section 4~ are confused about the location of OFWi • OFW's importance to government is questioned when it seems to be shifted so often Some Regional Coordinators also raised concerns with us about their location in Department of Child Safety offices. This can expose them to some quite harrowing experiences, given the difficult work of staff in this department. 31 In relation to appointments to government bodies. 28 OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 5.4 Summary and Conclusions • The Directions Statement has quite appropriately driven much of the work of OFW over the past five years. The majority of initiatives in this Statement have now been completed. • A strong focus for OFW, following from the Directions Statement, has been on increasing the number of women involved in non-traditonal industries, such as science, engineering, technology, mining and construction. Again, much of the activity in this area has also been completed in line with various action plans. • In this section we assessed the current activities of OFW. A core role is policy development and this should continue. We make a number of suggestions as to how this function could become more effective, induding linking with Q2, the use of gender analysis, a focus on disadvantaged women and having a research budget. • Other initiatives we suggest continue include: the information and referral services, Women on Boards and activities associated with International Women's Day. The Smart Women, Smart State awards have been valuable and could be considered as part of the forthcoming Q150 celebrations in 2009. • Some activities need to change or cease. OFW should do little if any direct service delivery, in the sense of running seminars or workshops (other than those associated with say Women on Boards or International Women's Day). The exception should be events thattarget discrete groups of disadvantaged women, where OFW is more likely to have a greater impact. This should be done in collaboration with the responsible line agency. • Funding set aside for the current grants program would be better used if put toward a research budget or for leverage with other agencies conducting activities targeting disadvantaged women. • OFW needs to engage both with the women's sector and women living in rural and regional Queensland to help inform its policy development. There are a range of possible options for improving engagement - exactly how this could occur is best addressed as a separate piece of work. • The role of Regional Coordinators would logically be considered as part of this further work. I In any event these roles will need to change if OFW moves away from service delivery to take a stronger policy role, using gender analysis. • Machinery of Government changes have impacted negatively on OFW. We discuss this further in section 7 HFuture Directions". In summary, OFW has been active and busy, implementing the Directions Statement as required. They have been innovative in many of their approaches and remain passionate about their work. They have not always been able to influence other parts of government as much as they would like. The completion of the Directions Statement is an opportunity to change the focus of OFW. In section 7 we describe how this could occur, including transitioning the Directions Statement in this new environment. OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 29 w ro -j 0 Improved women's health and Opportunities to help Improved women's capacity to achieve Enhanced women's safety Increased women's participation In leadership, declsion- =t> ::T rJ ~ ro O wellbeing women balance their work, economic security making and community building ~ C- ~ 0'0 iii" ~ family and lifestyle ~ c ~ ro U1 n ::T ro m ro :::J 0 ~ '"''''- ~ 0 Improving health services to Promoting the benefits of, Providing women with more flexible Addressing women's undeNepresentatlon in leadership 3 §; ru 0. ;:; ~. '" women In areas of high risk and providing Information and accessible education, training and and decision-making roles G'l :;: 0 and need about, balanced work, employment pathways agaInst women Providing more information and opportunities to ~ ~ 0 " ~ ro -., ·Promoting positive images of family and lifestyle Supporting women's participation in Helping women feel safe Increase women's leadership and community building ro m 3 S- women and lifestyle choices Increasing support and emerging industries and supported In their skills ru '"Z :::J 3 that enhance their wellblng services to Queensland Providing women with better homes and communities o.ro '"<:J m families information and training about Improving transport ;§" <'" 3 " Valuing the role of carers achieving financial security services to women ~ ~. m ~ - '"g. in Queensland Supporting women who are in n :0 '"ru_::T~ ruro '" business or wanting to start up a '" business rom '"i;' :::J 0 <0'0 ;;r [)l'O :3 -. 0 :::J ;:; :0 '"~ ru c Smart Women-Smart State Strategy Safe and Active Women Smart Women on the Move: ro 2. lifestyles including Taskforce Strategy Register of Women and Register of Indigenous Women ~ g. Putting Families First Smart Women-Smart State Awards Community Leadership Training Package and ::TO''" ~ Cancer Control Reforms , Safe and Strong Families- Smart Women Issues Papers Violence Against Women Community Leadership Workshops ro ~ young Women and anti- Qld Aboriginal and Torres Smart Women Issues Seminars Public Education Get Involved: Queensland Women: ro ~ ~ smoking strategies Strait Islander Family Smart Women's Hall of Fame Campaign Women's Summit 0 3 Statewide Action Plan: VIolence Agreement Publication Domestic and Family International Women's Day 2004 3 ro ro :::J Falls prevention for Older Carer recognition polley Smart Women's Hall of Fame Website Violence Protection Act Get Involved: Queensland Women kit =.0~ ~ Queenslanders Future Direction for Smart Women-Smart Girls Program 1989 1DOth anniversary of women's suffrage =~ ro ::T o Young Women and Alcohol Disability Services Economy Wise - Budget Smart Meeting Challenges, Demographic Profile of Queensland Women x ru '0 '0 Campaig More support for foster Making Choices Gender Analysis Toolkit rQ £D Smart Eating for a Healthier carers Smart Women-Smart State: Girls and Social Isolation of Older Engaging with Queensland Women: Information and ~. ~ State ICTs Framework for Actions Women access toolkit n :::J <1> ~ Sport and Physical Activity Women and disadvantage research Safe Mobility for All, Get involved: Women from Culturally diverse <0 0' Mental Health Service Reform project for Ufe communities: roru 3 Health Contact Centre Public Housing Strategy 2003~2008 City train After Dark Get involved: Rural and remote womenl ro~ ru ~ n Models for rural Queenslanders Education and Training Reforms for Security Initiative ~ n Queensland Women On~Line Workshops ro Support for pregnant and the future c ~ Get involved: Women's Electronic Gateway (including :::J ~ parenting women o.ru Breaking the Unemployment cycle Business Gateway) ro :::J Strategy to reduce teenage Women's buslness:Women's Coaching Get involved: Women from Culturally Divers 0. iii iii pregnancy rates Pilot Communities - Multicultural Advisory Committee '0" ru Women's reproductive and Women's Business: Women's Business Smart Women on the move: Supporting Indigenous iii ~ "'.ro gynaecological health Gateway Women ro :::J ~ ::T Education strategies to Improve Indigenous Women's Business (from Women's Representation in Sports Management and Ol ro women's sexual health goal 5) ~, cr Coaching Roles o <1> Cultural Inclusion Strategy for Youth Organisations :::J 'i' TOR2-BENCHMARKING This section addresses the second Term of Reference for the review, viz: "assessment 0/ the structure and work programs a/women's policy offices in other ketj jurisdictions (both national and international), in order to develop a "best practice" strnc/nre and policy directions for the Queensland Office for Women ". 6.1 Introduction This section compares the operation of a number of women's policy offices. The jurisdictions assessed include the Australian Government, all other Australian States and the two Territories. The international jurisdictions assessed are Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The analysiS is based on the following attributes: • machinery of government; • roles; • priorities and plans; • programs and grants; • information services; and • engagement strategies. A more detailed analysis of each jurisdiction is in Attachment 3. 6.2 Themes from Benchmarking Other Jurisdictions • Machinery of Government . All government jurisdictions in Australia have an Office for Women (albeit with slightly different names - we use this term generically in the following discussion). The diagram below shows the various structural and reporting relationships in place across Australia. There are both similarities and differences between the jurisdictions, as well as some common themes: • the Offices for Women are all part of a division of a department reporting to a divisional head or an assistant or deputy-director general; • in other jurisdictions, Offices for Women are generally located within the Department of Premier / Chief Minister (three jurisdictions) or within a department with primary OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 31 responsibility for community services (four jurisdictions). One office is within Attorney Generals; • the relevant Ministers for Women do not always have responsibility for the department in which the office for women is actually located. As the diagram shows, this is the case for five jurisdictions, including two of the largest (Victoria and New South Wales); • Ministers for Women have a range of other responsibilities. They include education (two ministers, children (two ministers) and consumer affairs, training and tourism. Queensland is the only jurisdiction where the Office for Women is not part of a division within a department. The Canadian provinces and territories do not demonstrate any consistent pattern and have a combination of either a women's office as a function in the government, or as a consultative council outside government, with a few having both structures. There is an even wider range of departmental location for the offices, including immigration and employment. Diagram: Structural Relationships !§ MINISTERIAlACCOUNTABILfTY t ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTING MINISTER AND DEPARTMENT MINISTER AND DEPARTMENT MINISTER AND DEPARTMENT COINCIDE DIFFER COINCIDE PART OF A DIVISION SEPARATE OFFICE SEPARATE OFFICE DEPARTMENT + DEPARTMENT MINISTER DEPARTMENT + MINISTER ( ) MINISTER , t t I' ( DIVISION ) DIVISION , I' t I' FEDERALOFW .• NSW (DPC: Education and Training) QLD ACT (Premiers) · NT (DCM: Children, Families, Child Safety +) TASMANIA (DPC) · SA (AG: Consumer Affairs, Govt Enterprises) Victoria (Planning & Community · Development: Children & Early Childhood) ....r(This Jist shows the departmen WA (Communities: Education, Tourism) nrst and then the Ministers' area sor · responsibility. • Roles All jurisdictions have a commonality of roles focused on: • policy advice to the minister and government on the status of women; • policy and program development oversight and influence from a gender perspective across government; 32 OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW • a consultative role to provide linkages between key stakeholders and the government; • the provision of a range of grants and programs; • an informa tion and awareness function Variations are around reference to, or strength of reference to: • provision of a shop-front service; • secretariat services to a consultative coundl; • the existence of specific targets, such as under a State Plan; • methodologies to use for policy work, such as research and gender-based analysis. Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom all have different approaches. Canada has a very clear role that focuses on how the agency works with and influences government - this is through the use of a gender-based analysis, coupled with a monitoring and performance mechanism developed with agencies. The Canadian office also provides financial support to the women's sector. The New Zealand office has two main roles: advice on policy solutions and increasing women's representation on boards. In the United Kingdom, the approach is totally different with women being an integrated but focal part of a Government Equalities Office established in 2007, to put equality at the heart of government. • Priorities and Plans In the Australian jurisdictions, three themes run through the priorities and plans for Offices for Women. The first theme is women's representation and decision making. All jurisdictions have a target of 50% representation for women on government boards, mandated through Cabinet. In South Australia this goal is part of the State Plan. The second theme is the prevention of violence against women, particularly domestic and family violence. In four jurisdictions, the office has a strong Cabinet mandate to be the lead agency for the implementation of the whole-of-government policy framework. These jurisdictions are the Federal Government, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. In New South Wales, this focus is included in the goals and targets in the State Plan. The third theme focuses on economic equality for women. There are a range of different elements under this area, and a range of mandates. While New Zealand and the United Kingdom share these priorities, the exception is Canada where the priorities are gender analysis as a process and accountability. Developing processes for assessing gender equality are priorities for both South Australia and Western Australia. They are trialing a gender analysistool based On the Canadian model. These priorities are part of the planning documents under which offices for women operate in the jurisdictions. However, as table 6 on the next page shows, there is no consistency in the form this document takes. OFFICE FOR WOMEN I REVIEW 33 Jurisdiction " Document~'" Priorily Areas ',: >,' ,," , i Australian i· Strategic Plan under development !. economic security and independence , I 1 Government , . Women's Budget Statement as safety accountability mechanism for , • health and wellbeing I I ! Government !' influence in decision-making !______i' international engagement. : i ACT -_ ... _- ~--F-ACTw;;~'~/~-"-Pl~-~--- fi~eye;r-P1~'~'r:- rep;~~~t~~~~~d rec~g'~'iti~~-'---'------i : launched in 2004 ! • good health and well being I. responsive housing i· saFe, inclusive communities ! 'I! i' economic security and opportunities ! __, ___ ,___ L" ______"" ___ ,,_,,, ______,..J..:..," fiexible education and tr~nin9...... ", __, ____"i i NSW !. State Plan: Target area on Rights, 'I" prevention of domestic and family violence 11 I Respect and Responsibility , • women on boards I, I I· Our Commitment to Women currently _--t1_-:u,nder review to focus on policy i ____, ______, _____ ,__ '__ -1 Northern I. Building on our Strengths: A Framework I' Health and Wellbeing Territory I for Action for Women in the Northern I. Safety Territory 2008- 20 12 II' Economic Security (through education and I employment) j. Participation and Leadership I I I. Life Balance i South [" State Plan: Objective 5: Building l- women's representation targets in Stai;P-la-n-'- Australia Communities - Women's Leadership I women's safety as lead agency for government gender analysis as method I "--'------"-'--"---"--'---"T-'------"------"------'-----,, I· I Tasmania i· Office's Strategic Plan i' family and community safety ' 'I' leadership and participation I" . women in work and education Victoria 1· "Leading with Victoria's Women 2004:-""t.' representation and eq~';litY------.... --"'-~ I 2007 currently under review for next II' education, work and economic independence IF statement • health, wellbeing and community strengthening L______;I I' justice and safety 1 .~.~-----~------.---~------_r------'---.--,---~----.-, Western I· Office's Strategic Plan !. economic independence I Australia i [. safety and justice I ! :. leadership and governance ! I- I' gender equa~IL _____,_. ____, ___ i Queensland [. Women in the Smart State Directions i· health and well being [. 1 Statement 2003-20OS, under review !. work, family and lifestyle balance [! ' " economic security ) j I. women's safety i _____1___ ..:.... ___, !. leadership and decision-making---;_-:-c:-- I Canada I· Business Report on Plans and Priorities: I· building strategic partnerships and assisting I (national) i Budget Estimates document I agencies and departments in applying a gender 1 ii,perspective to policy and program development " funding specific women's projects 1 I· mechanisms to monitor and measure progress i' organisatfonal accountabilities in line with overall , 1 ---!i-! " ...., __ Government acco_until~iIit;,,~_,," _____._. _ __1 I New Zealand '. Action Plan for New Zealand Women !. Economic sustainability i I "I 2004 five year, under review !. Work-Life Balance ' 1 Wellbeing (includes prevention of violence) :-:::--,---;- r---'------"-----"-'-'--I· I United i" Government Equalities Office Annual 1" women and work ! Kingdom Business Plan !" minority ethnic women :" women in public life _' ______._. ____: ___ .___ ..... ~._. ___ .. _. ______.-,,_. __ ... _. __ ._ .. ______~ __ .~~I.~nce ag9ins_t .. ~?~.~n_ Table 6 Jurisdictional Comparison of Plans and Priorities 34 OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW In summary: o five jurisdictions have no specific women's plan or equivalent document. These are WA, Tasmania, South Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom; o four jurisdictions have their frameworks under review. These are Queensland, NSW, Victoria and the Australian Government; o two jurisdictions have their plans coming to an end. These are the ACT and New Zealand. Future directions remain under review; o in one jurisdiction (the Northern Territory) , there is a current whole-of-government framework for action on women's issues. • Programs and Grants There is a wide variety of activity across jurisdictions in this area. The most common role for a grants programs is to support policy priorities. Community education programs such as seminars and workshops also address varying topics. Both programs and grants tend to have some focus on disadvantaged groups of women. There are some funding programs for women's organisations, most notably at the national level in Australia and Canada. • Information Services Information services considered in the Australian jurisdiction show a variety of models. Three states operate a shop front information service: the ACT, SA and Tasmania. The lalter two states operate their service within a network or hub organisation, with rooms in community based facilities. Victoria provides funding to an information service in the community sector. This was established 25 years ago. Western Australia has a service operated by volunteers. New South Wales, like Queensland, has a telephone service component operated by the government's caB centre, badged as a Women's Information Service. • Engagement Strategies All jurisdictiOns provide resources for engagement strategies in a range of different ways. There are Women's advisory councils in the ACT, NSW, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia. There are various Ministerial Councils at the Australian Government level, where they also fund four secretariats in the community. Summits are hosted by the Minister and/ or the Premier in the ACT, NSW and Victoria. Community forums are also held on specific topics from time to time. In the Northern Territory these coincide with community cabinet meetings. Queensland has regional ~oordinators as a community engagement strategy. OFFICE FOR WOMENl REVIEW 35 6.3 Summary In summary: • separation between the minister with responsibility for women and the administrative placement of the Office for Women is a common practice in Australian jurisdictions; • Offices for Women in other jurisdictions have a permanent home therefore machinery of government change is not required when the Minister for Women changes; • a policy agenda around women on boards and representation, economic equality and the prevention of violence against women are core areas of work for many Offices for Women; • the mandate for these agendas are either from Cabinet or a specific State Plan. They are then reflected in business plans; • a number of jurisdictions are either using or trialling gender-based analysis as a primary mechanism in policy development; • the equivalent of Queensland's Directions Statement is found in some offices, but not all. Some Offices for Women, in some of the larger jurisdictions, operate under their own business/ strategic plan; • shop-front services for women are not common, but exist in some states; • engaging with the sector is a core component for all Offices for Women. This engagement feeds into policy development; and • there are some specific targets in place for performance mOnitoring, particularly the Women on Boards target of 50%. 36 OFFlCE FOR WOMEN] REVIEW TOR3-FUTURE DIRECTIONS This section addresses the third and final Term of Reference for the review, viz: "provision of recommendations on a future directions statement for and operations of the Office for Women, given the completion of the Women in the Smart State: Directions Statement 2003-2008 and the Office for Women's location witllin tile lead agency". 7.1 Drawing the Review Together: Summary of ourThinking It is fair to say that the Office for Women has struggled for relevance in recent years. They are not alone here and a number of other jurisdictions are also reviewing the roles and functions of their equivalent bodies (see section 6). One of the reasons for this perceived loss of focus has been the number of gains made by women in recent years. To a great extent, women's issues are also now embedded firm] y within government. But as we outlined in section 2, persisting inequalities remain. For this reason" there is still a need for an Office for Women - a need for a function that identifies where these persisting inequalities lie and works to address them. The key question then is "how"? The Directions Statement took one approach. Based on an analysis of barriers facing women in Queensland, the Statement set out a range of cross government initiatives to help women and girls. We are recommending a different approach for the future that builds on the changing dynamics in government and society today. Our analysis of the outputs of OFW certainly confinmed a busy work agenda. There are many successes to point to, such as the Women on Boards strategy and information provision. On the other hand, there are some question marks as to whether some _of their other activities are having any lasting impact As we outlined in section 4 for example, we concluded it is difficult for a small agency to try and engender attitude change through small scale service delivery such as seminars or grants. OFW has also struggled to influence policy development across government. Rather than OFW continuing in this same vein, we concluded a better approach was one that would give OFW real influence across government. Service delivery should be left to the various government agencies for which it is core business. It is also important to recognise that many parts of the Queensland Government already run programs that are targeted toward helping women {or men}. What OFW can usefully do is provide a "gender lens" that looks at policies and service delivery and asks: what are the impacts of this approach on women {and men}; and what are the implications? In this way, areas of existing inequality will be highlighted and new initiatives will be rigorously tested, based on their gender impact. OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 37 From this it flows that OFW's core role is to apply a gender analysis to the development and delivery of legislation, policies and programs within government. OFW's mandate to do this needs to come from Cabinet and link with overall government priorities. These priorities are currently set out in Q2. A separate Directions Statement is therefore not needed. OFW's specific work agenda will be developed through an annual business/ operational plan, linked to Q2. However, within this overall direction, a specific focus is needed on disadvantaged women. It is still the case that certain groups of women, or women at certain points in the life cycle, face specific problems related to their gender. OFW needs to identify these and suggest appropriate responses. Given this new role, a number of other decisions follow. These are described fully below. 7.2 Future Directions We have only made formal recommendations in relation to OFW's role and strategic direction, rather than for each separate element of the overall approach. The issue of role is of such importance that absolute clarity is required. We did this as we wanted to avoid a long and unwieldy set of recommendations. What we are suggesting is a "package of reforms" that need to work as a whole. We have divided them below into three separate frames: the strategic frame, a gender equality frame and an organisation frame. The formal recommendations are in section 7.3. They are a higher level summary of some of the discussion under the "strategic frame" below. • Strategic Frame Role Statement The recommendation at the end of this section sets out a suggested role statement for OFW. This draws on the role statements of other jUrisdictions. The role reflects the raison d' eire for I an Office for Women, that is, to identify areas where women are still disadvantaged. Gender analysiS is the key to doing this. Gender analysis considers the differing impacts of current or proposed initiatives on women and men. In the absence of gender analYSiS, these impacts can be missed. As well, gender analysis can identify what is the best way to deliver programs as women and men have different life course experiences. This role will give OFW a unique place in government, as the experts in the use of gender analysis. Functions: What OFW Does OFW functions should include: • Policy development and analysis, using a gender equality lens (see gender equality following); 38 OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW • Research. This needs to support the policy function and be conducted in partnership with agencies in the sector~ in academia or elsewhere in government. Although the amount of funding directed toward research will be relatively moderate - we suggest re-directing some of the funding currently allocated to the grants function - if targeted sensibly, it will leverage OFW's policy development. • Engagement with the sector. This engagement will inform the policy and research functions, not provide sector support. The exact format of an engagement strategy needs further work (see "organisation frame" below); • Information and referral services to women and girls; and • Awareness raising through iconic events such as International Women's Day (IWD). Iconic events such as IWD or the forthcoming celebrations for Queensland's 150th birthday are an ideal platform for OFW to release a piece of policy or research. What OFW Does Differently Seminars, workshops OFWhas no role in service delivery, such as organising seminars or workshops, unless tied to specific events such as International Women's Day or where the event targets relatively small groups of disadvantaged women (such as Indigenous women). We discuss this further under the "gender equality" heading follOWing. Transitioning the Directions Statement The Directions Statement concludes at the end of 2008. The majority of initiatives are now completed. However, where there are outstanding projects, arrangements should be made to transition them to the relevant agency. Attachment 4 includes a suggested approach. The SET Taskforce could be asked to suggest transition arrangements for any relevant aspects of its action plan. OFW will continue however to undertake policy development in this area. Given the success of the Smart Women, Smart State awards these could continue for the time being and be considered in 2009 as part of the Q150 c€\ebrations. The grants program should be disbanded and some of the funding instead redirected toward research (see role above). Strategic Priorities and Business Plan OFW's policy will largely be driven by Q2 - a separate Directions Statement is not needed. OFW would operate under a business plan that links to Q2. There is an urgency to be engaged in Q2 because of the timetable for collaborative agreements. These were being developed at the Same time as this review was being finalised. The initial priority for OFW could be the application of a gender analysis to the "fair" and "smart" targets, as both have implications for women. Work on other targets could take place in due course. As a demonstration of the contribution a gender analysis can make, Atiachments 5 and 6 consider some aspects of a gender analysis applied to both of these targets. Within this overall framework, OFW's emphasis should be on those women who are most disadvantaged. One of the reasons people question "why an office for women" is that many of the gains of recent years have benefited middle class women. There are still groups of women, such as Indigenous women, who suffer significant disadvantage. OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 39 Evidence Based Policy Development, Gender Analysis OFW's policy function needs to focus on applying an evidence-based, gender analysis to current legislation, policy and programs within government. This function needs to occur during the development and consultation stages - it is too late to have real influence at the Cabinet submission briefing stage. To support this gender analysis, the policy function needs to use some new approaches in its work, including: • obtaining better statistical information and using it in a more strategic' way. During this review we were surprised to find there was relatively limited in-depth analysis of some of the key statistics about the position of women in Queensland. For example, there was no easily accessible time series data on the pay equity gap between women and men for the Queensland public sector. A lot can therefore be gained from OFW working more closely with the Office of Economic and Statistical Research to develop a suite of gender-specific statistics, using time series and benchmarking formats. Attachment 7 is an example of how this broader approach to statistical information adds value - the example addresses pay equity. • accessing the latest research and opinion on what works in advancing the status and wellbeing of women. There are also international developments in the dissemination of authoritative research such as the recently released OECD WikiGender.32 These would provide an opportunity for international benchmarking. As outlined above, we suggest OFW also have access to a modest amount of funding to put toward research. Collaborative research partnerships could be sought with outside think tanks in academia for example; • continuing to work with other similar agencies across Australia. In a practical sense, this means actually using research or work that has already been done and not re-doing it here in Queensland; • identifying points of vulnerability in the life path of women that may result in entrenched disadvantage and researching interventions to address them. A "pathways analysis" approach is one mechanism for doing this. Attachment 8 is an example. It can also contribute to more efficient use of government resources through early intervention initiatives. • Gender Equality Frame Protecting the Gains The Women on Boards strategy is clearly successful and needs to continue into the future. Annual activities around International Women's Day raise awareness about the status of women and also need to continue. On a case by case basis, it may be appropriate to run some events to celebrate the day. International Women's Day would be an ideal occasion on which to release any research or policy analysis undertaken by OFW. Addressing Disadvantage As noted under the heading "strategic frame", policy development addressing groups of disadvantaged women should be a focus. Indigenous women are a case in point. 32 http://www.wikigender.org!wikilindex.php?title=Main_Page 40 OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW Limited service delivery, that targets closely defined groups of disadvantaged women may therefore be appropriate on a case by case basis. However, before OFW embarks on any service delivery for disadvantaged groups, a specific analysis needs to occur that assesses: • whether any government or other body is already running similar events;33 • if no other government agency or other body is already running similar events, whether they may still be better placed to do so and if OFW could suggest this and collaborate with them; and • the extent of any impact the event will have. • Organisational Frame Machinery of Government The Office for Women would benefit from having some stability within government, rather than migrating between departments when the portfolio responsibility for the Minister for Women changes. The next machinery of government change is an opportunity therefore to de-couple the administrative reporting for the Office for Women, from ministerial accountability. This is the structure in place in a number of other Australian jurisdictions (see section 6). An appropriate administrative location for OFW, based on other Australian jurisdictions, would be within the Department of Premier and Cabinet or a department with a focus on justice or community services. Engagement with the Sector, Regional Coordinators Some further work is needed to specify the best way for OFW to engage with the sector as a whole. Engagement with rural and regional communities and, specifically, the role of the Regional Coordinators would also be considered in this piece of work. A number of other parts of government also engage with people living in rural and regional I Queensland and deliver services in these areas. The extent to which the existing OFW regional coordination function complements, duplicates or fills any gaps needs to be considered within this context. Structure The structure of OFW must obviously support the proposed strategic direction of OFW. Some internal reorganisation will be required, based on this review. Current staff may benefit from specific skill development to support the new strategy. Resources The proposed approach has implications for the budget of OFW. We expect any reallocation of the functions internally within OFW will certainly be budget-neutral. The bulk of financial resources applied to existing program activity and grants can be re-allocated to leverage a research program with agencies in specific policy priority areas. 33 For example, a couple of the major banks fun excellent financial literacy programs that often target Indigenous women. OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 41 7.3 Recommendations RECOMMENDATIONS Role That the core role of OFW be as follows: Influence government decision-making processes through gender-based analysis in the development and delivery of legislation, policies and programs; Provide high level advice to the Minister for Women on issues affecting women; Work with government departments and agencies to integrate gender considerations into existing accountability mechanisms. Functions That OFW's fundions are: policy development and analysis, using tools such as gender analysis; research, linked to the poli<:yagenda; engagement with the women's sector; information and referral services; • awareness raising, through a limited number of defined events, such as International Women's Day. Changes in CurrentActivities That the current grants program should be disbanded. Some of this funding could be redirected to collaborative research adivities, in partnership with agencies in the sector, academia or government. Strategic Direction and Business Plan ThatOFW take its strategic direction from Toward Q2: Tomorrow's Queensland (02) The initial priority for OFW will be the application of a gender analYSis to the "fair" and "smart"targets, as both have implications for women. OFW are part of the collaborative agreements for implementing 02. OFWwill operate under a business plan, that links to 02. 7.4 Implementation The steps necessary to implement this new approach are outlined below. Although set out sequentially, there will be some overlap between them. • Cabinet Mandate - the recommendations arising from this review and overall approach are taken to Cabinet for endorsement (Minister for Women). • Linking to Q2 - OFW is included in the Q2 collaborative timetable (Minister for Women, Director-General of the Department of Child Safety). • Transitioning the Directions Statement - departments that were involved in the Directions Statement are formally contacted now that it is drawing to a close. The new approach for OFW needs to be outlined and suggestions made for any transitioning of initiatives (Minister for Women). • OFW Engagement - a separate piece of work commences to consider the best way for OFW to engage with the sector and rural and regional communities. This review will also encompass the roles of Regional Coordinators (Department of Child Safety). 42 OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW • Structure - Based on the above piece of work OFW's structure is finalised . • Release of Repor!- a summary of this report is released. Some changes will be needed as this version has been written for an internal government audience. The Minister for Women may wish to make a statement to Parliament at this point. Finally, it would be helpful to brief staff in OFW about the outcome of this review. We would be happy to do this, in consultation with the department. This would be helpful for staff who understandably are keen to know what the review has suggested. OFFICE FOR WOMENI REVIEW 43 reJletIJrj Office for "WOMEN Attachment 1 List ofSubmissions and Interviews Attachment 2 Submissions Summary Attachment 3 Benchmarking: A Jurisdictional Comparison Attachment 4 Transitioning the Directions Statement Attachment 5 Understanding the '~mart" Target in 02 from a Gender Perspective Attachment 6 Understanding the "fair" Target in 02 from a Gender Perspective Attachment 7 Statistical Analysis Approach to Gender Analysis -Pay Equity Attachment 8 Pathways to Disadvantage: A Case Study 44 OFFICE FOR WOMENj REVIEW