Giving Queenslanders a fair start, a fair chance, a fair deal and a fair say

A new strategy released today shows major achievements have been made in the Bligh Government's efforts to build a fairer Queensland. Community Services Minister Karen Struthers today launched A Fair Queensland, highlighting the progress made towards the government's 2020 vision.

"A Fair Queensland sets out three key initiatives, including ensuring all Queenslanders share in the wealth of the mining boom through the Mines to Minds education trust and Work for Queensland job program," Ms Struthers said. "We also want to make sure people have greater access to support through local community services plans and by ensuring new schools also work as community hubs."

Ms Struthers said A Fair Queensland provides a positive way forward for Queensland and a clear picture of what has been achieved. "Our unemployment rate remains at low levels, fewer children are living in households without a working parent and more Queenslanders are choosing to volunteer.

"Our streets are safer with overall crime rates continuing to fall, while more Queenslanders are expanding their education and training pathways gaining post-school qualifications." Ms Struthers said A Fair Queensland shows these changes did not happen by chance, but are the result of clear policy direction and significant investment from Government.

"For example, we've increased funding to the community services sector over the past six year by 160 per cent to a total of $1.647 billion," Ms Struthers said. "We've also built strong partnerships with hard-working community organisations and businesses, working together towards a common goal."

QCOSS President Karyn Walsh said she welcomed the focus on planning for A Fair Queensland, as well as Government investment into the community services sector. "A strong and viable community sector is essential to local commun ities - ensuring people can access services, creating jobs and reducing the impacts on disadvantaged Queenslanders," Ms Walsh said. "QCOSS values opportunities for working with Government to achieve our shared vision of a fair Queensland."

Ms Struthers congratulated the non-government sector and acknowledged the financial challenges faced by many community organisations, announcing a $650,000 program to ease the pressure. "The Community Sector Business Development program will help 200 organisations maintain their sustainability by providing: face-to-face, online and phone support advice and business tools to help services assess the best way forward," Ms Struthers said.

"A Fair Queensland in 2020 is a place where we can all reach our full potential regardless of who we are, where we live and the hurdles we face." For more information regarding A Fair Queensland, go to

Giving Queenslanders a fair start, a fair chance, a fair deal and a fair say
Community Services, Housing and Women
The Honourable Karen Struthers
06/02/2012

Permanent Link: Giving Queenslanders a fair start, a fair chance, a fair deal and a fair say
Publish Date: 07 Feb 12

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