Director-General’s report
The Department of the Premier and Cabinet was an exciting place to be in 2015–16.
The department delivered programs that will help make Queensland a safer, fairer and more prosperous state.
The government’s first priority is to support jobs and economic growth. In doing this, we were forever mindful of social inclusion and of considering the needs of all Queenslanders, no matter where they live or what their economic circumstances may be.
Our commitment to engage early with stakeholders and to better understand their perspectives is delivering benefits as government programs and legislation reflect a more consultative approach.
Innovation, championed through a number of Advance Queensland initiatives, has been applied to everything we do.
Honouring our commitment to creating jobs and opportunities in the regions, DPC coordinated 10 Working Queensland Cabinet Committee meetings, five Community Cabinet meetings and two Biofutures Cabinet Committee meetings across the state.
The department delivered a number of key initiatives that will bring substantial long-term benefits to the people of Queensland.
In November 2015, we connected investors from 17 different countries with exciting opportunities in world-leading tropical science, agriculture, infrastructure and tourism projects at the Northern Queensland Economic Summit in Cairns.
In April 2016, we brought together the world’s best visionaries in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship to inspire and empower Queenslanders at the inaugural Advance Queensland Innovation and Investment Summit in Brisbane.
Through the Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel, we drafted 420 legislative instruments that totalled almost 8000 pages.
We continued our unwavering support of the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence as they oversaw the implementation of new laws and initiatives to protect women and children at risk.
We drove the reform of the child protection system and the response to the Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry’s final report, Taking Responsibility: A Roadmap for Queensland Child Protection.
We set up a Social Cohesion Implementation Committee to deliver a whole-of-government approach to building social cohesion and religious tolerance in schools and the community.
DPC led Queensland’s input into the development of the National Ice Action Strategy.
We also coordinated the whole-of-government $20 million 10-year biofutures industry strategy roadmap and action plan. This new industry will diversify our economy and create knowledge-based jobs for the future.
As the centenary of the First World War marched on, DPC supported memorials, events and projects across the state through the Queensland Anzac Centenary Grants Program.
Through Arts Queensland, DPC introduced a new Queensland Arts Showcase Program to restore grant funding to the small to medium sector. We also began a business case for a new performing arts venue in Brisbane to make the most of cultural tourism opportunities.
While much has been achieved, there is still much more to do as we strive together to make a real difference in the lives of Queenslanders.
I thank the department for its contribution and I look forward to continuing to work with people who are dedicated, motivated and innovative.
Dave Stewart
Director-General
Department of the Premier and Cabinet