With this my last column for 2024, I thought some updates from the new 58th Parliament and ‘hot topics’ here at home appropriate before heading into Christmas ‘mode’ and a brand new, exciting year!
The opening of the new Parliament was a festive affair complete with cannon fire, and thoroughly enjoyed after the preparations for a new term including writing to all new Ministers and many meetings. This as it is vital all become familiar as quickly as possible regarding our advocacies and progress with the previous government on the needs of the Noosa community. In amongst was to follow up on election commitments made to our community by both parties which included $8m in fast-track design funding for stages 2 and 3 of the Tewantin Bypass and $30m towards the build. Given that detailed designs would still be at least a year off, one would not expect this construction funding until the 2026/27 Budget.
It has been extremely positive to see one commitment already delivered from the new government regarding State Facilitated Developments (SFDs), with legislation now providing powers to the Minister for Planning to amend or revoke a SFD declaration.
It was also a positive to be appointed to the Health, Environment and Innovation Committee, which also covers Tourism and Science. However, after seeing the scheduler for next year and how busy we will be, am not sure whether I should be celebrating? And yes, there is an ‘lol’ after that sentence!
Now, on the ‘not so positive’ front have been the ‘loopholes’ that have seen changes made to legislation with little or no scrutiny, nor ability for meaningful consideration of evidence or the lack of, or even for Queenslanders to provide feedback on proposed changes. To repeal Acts made with support from both sides of the Chamber only a year ago, make major amendments to youth crime laws and even gag future Parliamentary discussion or bills proposing changes to termination of pregnancy laws, whether for or against, has been described as making a mockery of our democratic processes, and setting a concerning precedence. Scrutiny, credible evidence, facts and full community consultation are all essential to bring differing aspects and opinions to a debate which are all essential components to good decision making. These differences are part of a healthy democracy and should not be feared or gagged as everyone’s voice should be heard.
The Making Queensland Safer Bill was an example of political agendas being prioritised over evidence-based decision making, appropriate scrutiny or community consultation. With child offenders possibly facing sentences longer than their age, in a non-rehabilitative system as seen by the current 90 per cent recidivist rate, concerns came from all sectors including Voices for Victims. During the Youth Justice inquiry, Queenslanders were clear in their expectations. They wanted serious repeat offenders (currently around 400) to be removed from their communities to a secure setting for a period of time that provided the best chance to rehabilitate, learn and work to reduce the possibility of reoffending. The amendments to both length of sentencing and removal of detention as a last resort do not address this, with the current detention system proving ineffective, and longer sentences not a deterrent to offending. Despite some positives in the Bill, including those identified in the Youth Justice Select Committee Inquiry, ultimately, an election slogan has become policy.
Repealing the Path to Treaty Act thereby halting the Truth Telling & Healing Inquiry in just one day under an ‘urgency’ motion left many understandably angry and confused. Given in April 2023 it originally went through a full Parliamentary Committee Inquiry with stakeholder engagement, public hearings and submissions, and voted in with bipartisan support, repealing it without any further scrutiny or opportunity for Queenslanders to provide their views goes against the intent of the systems in place for decision making. To clarify for anyone who is confusing this state legislation with the ‘Voice’ referendum, truth-telling is the recording of stories as part of healing for all, and nothing to do with a ‘seat at the table’ in the Federal realm. We have posted more on this to Noosa 360 as part of the knowledge share, which is vital in an era of misinformation and misunderstandings.
The new government has also brought in changes to the Parliamentary Sessional Orders, essentially the rulebook for how Parliamentary Sittings run. As we saw there were both positives and negatives, with sessions running until the midnight hour where the bleary eyes of MP’s reflected my need to increase the font size in my speeches. May these changes result in increased debate time, and not to increase the sales of reading glasses!
Having previously highlighted flaws within our systems, including our Parliamentary Committees, we must continue fighting for improvements. As commentators have said, if there aren’t improvements, the calls for a reinstatement of the Upper House will get louder, which is much more expensive to taxpayers than fixing what we have.
The challenge moving forward for both our new Government and Opposition, will be to adapt to their new roles with actions and communications to reflect these accordingly as it has certainly been an interesting start for both!
On the home front, it has been encouraging to see further educational and compliance operations such as Operation Zappo Stoppie (Yes, I also want to know how these names are relegated!) in relation to electric bikes and scooters, with our police and Tewantin Noosa Lions Club working in tandem to organise local information days. As they say, ‘It takes a village’, and never more so than when it comes to the safety of all in our community, including what we learnt around lithium batteries whether in relation to electric bikes, laptops or our phones. As a result, I have definitely amended my charging habits, so please read this information at www.fire.qld.gov.au/safety-education/battery-and-charging-safety/lithium-ion-battery-safety.
Whilst Noosa Council’s enforcement notice on the unapproved screening plant at the Kin Kin Quarry was upheld in Court, it was deeply disappointing for our communities’ experiencing trauma and impacts from heavy haulage, that the separate long-standing case saw the Court dismiss some major contentions. However, when it comes to matters of safety and well-being of our residents, we will never give up.
Early site establishment works have commenced for the Lake Macdonald Dam upgrade project. This includes construction of office buildings and other necessary facilities, as well an aquatic fauna survey and habitat assessment in the lake. A Community Reference Group has been established to ensure community needs and expectations are represented during the works. Further information is available both in Noosa 360 on our website and also at www.seqwater.com.au
For those new to Noosa or unaware, our office provides updates and information on many local matters on our website at www.sandybolton.com/noosa360 as there is never enough space in these columns to update on everything. Just use the handy search bar to find your topic of interest.
Thank you to everyone who has already had their say on Noosa priorities for 2025 via our annual survey. For those yet to do so please visit www.sandybolton.com/your-say-annual-survey as it is open until 31st January, and whilst there subscribe to our newsletter to ensure you are always in the ‘loop’ and sent Noosa specific surveys as they are released at www.sandybolton.com/newsletters/
After what has been an extremely huge year, my staff are looking forward to a well-deserved Christmas break, with our office closing 1.30pm on 20 December, reopening 9am on 6 January. Important contact numbers during that time are available at www.sandybolton.com/keycontacts/ and please call 000 if an emergency.
Emails sent to noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au will be responded to as quickly as possible on their return.
Gratitude to all who make our community so incredible, from our not for profits, volunteers and frontliners, to every resident who takes a moment to ‘do’ for others, and who spread kindness and caring. Not everyone has loved ones nearby over the holidays, so please add to your early New Years resolutions to bring some joy to a neighbour or stranger by checking in on them, sharing a smile or a piece of Christmas cake. This makes a real difference as we see at our Christmas Day Community Lunch, and I am looking forward to catching up with the many ‘elves’ who make this possible, and to all in attendance.
From my family to yours, including our 4-legged ones, I wish you and yours all the love and happiness over the break with many virtual hugs.
Happy New Year Noosa, thank you so much for everything, and see you in 2025!
