Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport
Phil Reeves MP
Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport
Queensland's children deserve to grow up in a healthy, safe and happy environment. I am delighted the Bligh Government will again deliver a strong Budget for my portfolio.
In 2009–10, the Government will deliver another record operating Budget of $638 million to protect our children.
This is a Budget that focuses on support and early intervention to provide support to families whose children risk being taken into care. In particular, we aim to address the rate of Indigenous children being taken into care.
This Budget provides for:
- $25.3 million to improve the diversity and stability of placements for children with complex and extreme needs, as a strategy to increase the quality of placement options
- continued career progression opportunities for front-line child safety staff as part of a four-year, $15.1 million initiative
- capital funding of $9.9 million in 2009–10 to continue the establishment of safe houses in 11 Indigenous communities
- $2 million increase to more than $15.5 million for family intervention services to provide practical advice and support to 1700 families.
In addition to the safety and wellbeing of our children, we are committed to making Queenslanders Australia's healthiest people.
This Budget will help Queenslanders to get active and address obesity levels. This year, more than $142 million has been allocated for sport and recreation infrastructure, programs, activities and services to enable Queenslanders to lead active, healthy lifestyles.
From the local sporting club, right through to supporting elite athletes, this is a Budget that will maintain Queensland's position as a leader in sport and recreation.
The Honourable Phil Reeves MP
Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport