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Home > The department > Publications > Community connect > Community connect issue four > Message from the Ministers

Message from the Ministers

As newly appointed ministers we are excited about making a real difference in the lives of Queenslanders.

We have each hit the ground running by getting out and meeting many people, seeing the great work underway in the community and hearing first-hand about what needs to be done to ensure our state is fair, safe, caring, healthy and free from disadvantage.

Already we are making inroads into improving the lives of people with a disability. The Queensland Government held the Shared Visions disability conference in early April and was one of the first to officially sign the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The government is also working with the Federal Government to develop a national agenda for the disability sector and we are progressing state policy reform that addresses the needs of young children with a disability, ageing carers, and young people with a disability who are in nursing homes.

Examples of reform already in place include the Companion Card and Carer Business Discount Card, which are featured in this edition of community connect.

This edition highlights the importance of family and reinforces that domestic and family violence will not be tolerated. That's why the government continues to fund domestic violence support services and raise awareness through powerful marketing campaigns and the annual domestic and family violence prevention awards which were held recently to recognise those in the community who are working hard to reduce this crime.

The link between family violence and child safety cannot be ignored and the government is doing everything possible to protect children. By bringing together the state's child safety and domestic and family violence prevention services, we are continuing to improve the government's response to child protection.

We are, again, working alongside our federal counterparts to deliver the Rudd Government's commitment of almost $30 million for a national telephone and online crisis service and public campaign to change attitudes and behaviours that contribute to violence. We will ensure these support and prevention measures are delivered to Queenslanders as soon as possible.

We are absolutely committed to closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Queenslanders and working hard, with early childhood support programs, sport and recreation activities, promoting healthy lifestyles, alcohol reforms and improving the economic, cultural and educational welfare of Indigenous communities.

There's no denying that the global economic downturn is placing pressure on everyone — particularly when it comes to housing. The government is building 4000 new social housing units across the state to help ease the pressure for some of our vulnerable families.

Despite these tough times, Queenslanders are active volunteers. We recognise the important role volunteers play in building strong, healthy and inclusive communities and want to see current volunteering rates increase by 50 per cent by 2020. community connect is about connecting you with the many programs and services available to help build a better future for all Queenslanders. We look forward to keeping you informed.