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Government Priorities 2008

Queensland is a great place to live and raise a family, to work and do business and to visit and enjoy. To keep it that way, the Government sets priorities that take into account the challenges ahead and that anticipate and solve problems.

These priorities support Queensland Government’s Smart State vision – of a State where knowledge, creativity and innovation drive economic growth to improve prosperity and quality of life for all Queenslanders.

Building on Economic Success

Foster a knowledge-based economy that produces and uses knowledge and information to drive industry growth, wealth creation and employment
Work with industry to diversify and expand market access, export and trade opportunities
Maintain a competitive tax environment for business development and job growth
Deliver a fair industrial relations system and improve workforce management by putting people, safe jobs and workplaces first
Encourage and reward ideas, creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and hard work across all sectors of the Queensland community, industry and Government
Encourage full participation of the available labour supply
Drive productivity improvements in the public and private sectors

Embracing Growth in Cities and Regions

Planning for population growth across Queensland
Manage growth in congestion and demand for transport in Queensland’s cities
Connect Queensland through efficient and integrated transport options
Foster state-wide infrastructure development and regional job creation
Build on the strengths of Queensland’s regions
Extend statutory planning mechanisms to targeted growth regions
Sequence provision of infrastructure and services in line with preferred patterns of development and in anticipation of population growth
Secure water supply and quality for the long term
Improve the affordability of housing in Queensland

Fostering Healthy Individuals and Communities

Continue to improve the standard and accessibility of hospital and health services
Improve the lives of people with a disability, their families and carers, and enable their participation in the life of the community
Address crime and its social and economic causes
Improve responsiveness of the criminal justice system
Minimise the risk and impact of accidents, emergencies and disasters
Improve the safety and security of individuals, families and communities
Increase quality of life by promoting good nutrition, active lifestyles and social participation
Build positive relationships among diverse cultural and religious groups
Build on reforms to the child safety system to improve the wellbeing of Queensland children

Strengthening Educational Outcomes

Improve the availability of high-quality early education programs, particularly in the years prior to school entry
Foster smooth transitions from school to work
Match lifelong learning opportunities with workforce skills for current and future needs
Continue education and training reforms and the upgrade of education and training facilities
Encourage world-class research that builds on Queensland’s unique resources

Managing Climate Change and Protecting the Environment

Contribute to the national greenhouse gas emissions reduction target through deployment of renewable technologies and clean coal
Engage in national and international efforts to establish emissions trading
Support Queenslanders to lower their emissions and conserve water
Prepare for and mitigate the potential effects of environmental disasters
Encourage the development of environmentally sustainable industries and jobs
Protect Queensland’s unique environmental and heritage assets, including its diverse plants and animals
Promote sustainable development through responsible use of the State’s natural resources

Strengthening Indigenous Communities

Promote and recognise the strengths and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders
Create real choices and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders
Foster the uptake of cultural economic opportunities to further a culture of esteem and positive identity
Work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to:
- build pathways to education, training and employment
- address substance abuse and alcohol management
- improve the range of available housing options
- improve economic and social wellbeing through place-based initiatives
Implement Indigenous governance and land reforms
Improve the delivery of services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Modernising the Federation and Delivering Accountable Government

Promote proactive policy development, implementation and evaluation to maximise future policy opportunities and prepare for challenges
Engage communities in government decisions and processes
Ensure service provision is financially sustainable
Implement Local Government reforms to improve planning, service delivery and financial viability
Deliver an open, proactive and accountable public sector, focussed on improving government service provision
Work with other States and Territories and the Commonwealth to:
- build a modern federation that recognises States’ rights and contributions
- improve consistency and collaboration on key policy and service delivery issues
Advance Queensland’s position in bilateral negotiations with the Commonwealth and other States and Territories

Last reviewed 10 March 2008

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