Government’s objectives for the community
Through whole-of-government collaboration with agencies and stakeholders, DPC delivers key policies, programs and services to support the Queensland Government’s objectives for the community.
These objectives are:
- creating jobs and a diverse economy
- delivering quality frontline services
- protecting the environment
- building safe, caring and connected communities.
Creating jobs and a diverse economy
DPC plays a lead role in strengthening Queensland’s position within the global marketplace to enable Queensland industry, business and regions to thrive and prosper. We foster regional solutions to create job opportunities and economic development through innovation, investment and infrastructure development.
In partnership with the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation, DPC leads the delivery of the government’s Advance Queensland initiative. This four-year initiative is designed to build a diversified and knowledge-based economy that will create and support jobs of the future.
The department hosted the Advance Queensland Innovation and Investment Summit on 27–29 April 2016. The summit shone a spotlight on Queensland’s innovation and investment opportunities, and brought together the world’s best visionaries in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, to inspire and empower Queenslanders.
DPC also led a community conversation through Advance Queensland to recognise the importance of an innovation‑focused and entrepreneurial culture. Industry, universities, entrepreneurs and government will continue to work together to turn new ideas into world-leading products and services.
The department hosted the Northern Queensland Economic Summit on 4–6 November 2015 in Cairns to harness trade and investment opportunities with our world-leading knowledge in tropical science, agriculture, infrastructure and tourism, and to capitalise on opportunities for Queensland within markets across the globe.
To support regional development, the department provided whole-of-government coordination and support to:
- the Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland
- the Working Queensland Interdepartmental Committee
- a series of business roundtables between June and December 2015 in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Mount Isa, which engaged more than 130 business leaders and stakeholders. This consultation and engagement directly informed development of the Advancing North Queensland—Investing in the future of the north plan.
Delivering quality frontline services
Empowered communities expect responsive and integrated government services that are focused on enhancing all aspects of their lives. Collaboration and engagement with stakeholders to drive place-based, demand-led and customer-focused solutions are a key feature of how the government does business.
We continue to strengthen our workforce, governance and systems to lead and implement government priorities, cross‑portfolio projects and initiatives, for better outcomes for Queenslanders.
Community Cabinet
Throughout the year, Community Cabinet meetings provided an opportunity for the local community to talk face-to-face with the Premier, Ministers, Assistant Ministers and senior departmental officials on issues that matter at a local and regional level.
Members of the community had the opportunity to participate in a question and answer style public forum or by attending formal or informal deputations. This open format has improved community engagement.
In 2015–16, five Community Cabinet meetings were held in Brisbane, Bundaberg, Gladstone, the Moreton Bay Region and the Gold Coast. Further information on the location of future meetings and how to get involved in these events is available on the Premier’s website at www.thepremier.qld.gov.au.
Cabinet Committees
Cabinet Committee meetings have played an important role in providing a forum for local council leaders, businesses and stakeholders to talk directly to the Premier and Ministers on the issues that matter to them.
In addition to the Community Cabinet program, the government held two Biofutures Cabinet Committee meetings, and 10 Working Queensland Cabinet Committee meetings throughout the state in 2015–16.
The Biofutures Cabinet Committee meetings held in Mackay and Sarina provided a forum for the Premier and Ministers to talk with local government and businesses on opportunities for a potential biofuels industry in the region.
As part of the formulation of the State Budget, the Working Queensland Cabinet Committee meetings provided a forum for local people to talk with the committee members about job creation and economic opportunities. In addition to two meetings held in Brisbane, the Cabinet Committee held meetings in Townsville, Mackay, Mount Isa, Rockhampton, Charters Towers, Maryborough, Cairns and Toowoomba, which enabled more than 30 representations from mayors, local MPs, business groups and associations.
Arts and culture
Through its investments, Arts Queensland contributes to the government’s Advance Queensland agenda, driving cultural and creative industries, new employment opportunities, and ensuring quality arts infrastructure that enhances the state’s cultural profile and reputation.
In 2015–16, Arts Queensland:
- reviewed the Organisations Fund for small to medium organisations, extending three-year funding to a four-year funding model. This offers greater certainty and a more secure base for organisations to realise strategic plans, and grow and attract additional income
- launched the Queensland Arts Showcase Program, which focused on creating employment and training opportunities for Queensland-based artists and arts workers, while supporting collaborations to provide quality arts and cultural experiences across the state
- held seven workshops for the Arts Acumen initiative and funding presentations with more than 370 participants across Queensland—including Cairns, Toowoomba, Noosa and Mackay.
Arts Queensland also increased its focus on the provision of timely and accessible information with the recent redesign of its website, an increased focus on social media channels and development of an e-news publication that provides sector information.
Protecting the environment
One of DPC’s key priorities is to strengthen environmental protection and management by ensuring effective development, coordination and implementation of policy. We recognise there is an important balance between development and the environment in creating a thriving economy and a vibrant community. As part of this balance we collaborate with agencies and the Australian Government to develop innovative solutions to counteract the effects of climate change.
Climate change
DPC supported the development of a coordinated government response to the challenge of climate change including co-chairing a Climate Change Interdepartmental Committee with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, and ongoing involvement in initiatives to protect and manage the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
Biofutures
DPC coordinated the development of a whole-of-government 10-year biofutures industry strategy roadmap and action plan, which included the Biofutures Industry Development Fund, the Biofutures Acceleration Program, the Biofutures Commercialisation Program and the establishment of Biofutures Queensland.
Panama disease
On 3 March 2015, Panama disease Tropical Race 4 (TR4) was detected on a commercial banana farm in Tully. TR4 is recognised as the most serious biosecurity threat to Australia’s banana industry and has had a devastating impact on banana production worldwide.
A Panama Disease TR4 Response and Resilience Taskforce was formed to coordinate the long-term response to the disease. The Taskforce is chaired by Dave Stewart, Director‑General, DPC and includes representatives from key Queensland Government agencies, local government, Australian Government, peak industry bodies and community support groups.
The government has committed $9.8 million for the implementation of a longer-term Panama disease program. The program’s focus is on controlling and containing the disease while research and development is undertaken to support the future productivity of the banana industry.
Building safe, caring and connected communities
DPC plays a lead role in building safe, caring and connected communities through strengthening policy development to build social cohesion and partnerships.
Domestic and family violence prevention
DPC encourages safe and inclusive communities by leading domestic and family violence reforms in response to the Not Now, Not Ever: Putting an End to Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland (the Not Now, Not Ever) report.
DPC led and coordinated a whole-of-government approach for domestic and family violence reforms, identifying initiatives from seven agencies to respond to the recommendations of the landmark Not Now, Not Ever report.
This collaborative approach to address funding was vital in creating a platform for agencies to work together, which helped give a clear picture of the proposed work program. Ultimately this approach helped provide a strong rationale for investment to inform budget deliberations.
The government announced an additional $198 million over five years to respond to the Not Now, Not Ever report including $970,000 over two years to establish the Domestic and Family Violence Implementation Council.
Anzac Centenary commemorations
Between 2014 and 2018 Australia commemorates the Anzac Centenary, with a five‑year program marking 100 years since the country’s involvement in the First World War. In 2015–16, DPC’s Anzac Centenary Coordination Unit continued to lead and collaborate with stakeholders and partners to deliver a number of key commemoration activities.
In 2015–16 the Queensland Anzac Centenary grants program supported 186 community projects to a value of more than $4.1 million. The grants program has enabled communities to develop exhibitions, publications, theatre productions, restore cenotaphs and honour boards, digitise records and deliver community events commemorating key military anniversaries.
The Anzac Centenary program has also enhanced Queensland representation and participation in the Australian Government’s Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience travelling exhibition, which visited both Toowoomba and Brisbane in 2015–16.
The restoration and enhancement of the state’s war memorial in Anzac Square, in partnership with the Brisbane City Council, has delivered important works since the project commenced in 2014. In April 2016, the undercroft areas were re-opened to the public, providing an enhanced visitor experience with improved accessibility, curation of plaques and memorials and the uncovering of a 19th century heritage wall.
The Anzac Centenary program also collaborated with community‑focused partners to support a number of commemorative event initiatives. Significant events included the Queensland Music Festival’s 101 years’ performances in Brisbane and Townsville, the March of the Dungarees commemorative activities (including a re-enactment march from Warwick to Brisbane) and hosting the national premiere of The Gallipoli Symphony at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex.
Collaboration to take action on social challenges
In August 2015, Queensland Government Directors-General joined Police Commissioner Ian Stewart, Indigenous leaders and members of the community at a high-level roundtable meeting to address localised social challenges in Mount Isa.
All roundtable leaders agreed to finalise an action plan and progress immediate outcomes-focused strategies and medium to longer-term actions around areas of community service delivery, community safety, social housing, education and training, and health.
In delivering the plan, government agencies, non-government organisations and the community worked together through a targeted and integrated case management approach.
Working in partnerships to deliver arts to the regions
Arts Queensland continues to support and partner with local government and arts organisations to ensure Queenslanders receive quality arts and cultural experiences.
In 2015–16, Arts Queensland partnered with 59 councils, through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), and $2 million was allocated to local government RADF programs.
Arts Queensland also supported performances, exhibitions and community engagement activities in regional communities across Queensland through the Playing Queensland Fund. The fund supports the touring of performing and visual arts projects with a strong community demand.