Government’s objectives for the community
Through whole-of-government collaboration with agencies and stakeholders, DPC delivered 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 played a lead role in strengthening Queensland’s position within the global marketplace to enable Queensland industry, business and regions to thrive and prosper. We fostered regional solutions to create job opportunities and economic development through innovation, investment and infrastructure development.
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
- establish a dedicated Advancing North Queensland website to keep stakeholders and communities informed and engaged on progress with the Advancing North Queensland priority areas
- develop a strategic blueprint to support a strong and prosperous future for the North West Minerals Province, by facilitating continued resources sector development, diversifying the regional economy, and working through partnerships to deliver integrated and appropriate services.
Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund
DPC chaired the Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund (AQIAF) Panel. AQIAF was established to attract businesses to Queensland, either by relocating or establishing new projects. By chairing the AQIAF Panel, DPC ensured a robust whole-of-government approach to attracting innovative, job-creating industries to Queensland. This ensured that successful projects represented maximum value for money, and aligned with the government’s priorities for job creation and economic growth.
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 continued to strengthen our workforce, governance and systems to lead and implement government priorities, cross-portfolio projects and initiatives, for better outcomes for Queenslanders. In this way we continued to build confidence in government and effectively led the Queensland public service to support the delivery of quality frontline services.
Community Cabinet and Governing from the Regions
In 2016–17, the Governing from the Regions program was implemented to provide an opportunity for regional communities to talk with the Premier, Ministers and Directors-General over a week-long period. Governing from the Regions replaced the previous Community Cabinet two-day program to provide longer and more meaningful engagement with the government on regional issues.
In October 2016, a pilot of the new program was held in Townsville, before the final Community Cabinet meeting was held in the Whitsundays. Governing from the Regions was formally launched in 2017 with programs in Rockhampton and Cairns. The Governing from the Gold Coast program was postponed in March 2017 due to Cyclone Debbie, and was rescheduled to commence on 31 July.
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
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 collaborated with agencies and the Australian Government to develop innovative solutions to counteract the effects of climate change.
Responding to firefighting foam chemical contamination
The recent emergence of contamination from chemicals that may be contained in firefighting foams created new challenges for the Queensland agencies dealing with environment, health and rural sector matters. Given this, DPC took a lead role in coordinating Queensland’s response to contamination at defence and airport facilities—where the historic use of these foams has been significant.
Climate change and the reef
DPC continues to support 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.
Building safe, caring and connected communities
DPC plays a lead role in building safe, caring and connected communities by working with local governments, communities and other organisations to improve social cohesion and reduce the risk of anti‑social behaviours that may lead to violent extremism. DPC continued to support the Queensland Social Cohesion Implementation Committee, which developed an action plan for Queensland and implemented initiatives to enhance social cohesion and counter violent extremism.
Queensland Disaster Management Committee
DPC supported the Premier, as Chair of the Queensland Disaster Management Committee, and departmental representatives on the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism and Emergency Management Committees. In this role, DPC worked towards a safer, more resilient Queensland, better able to respond to and recover from disasters, and in particular, the most recent Cyclone Debbie and extensive flooding throughout Queensland. This also ensures the Queensland Government is well placed to manage other critical incidents that may arise.
Aurukun four-point plan
DPC supported the Aurukun Directors-General group to drive implementation of the four-point plan to achieve sustained calm in Aurukun. The Directors-General met regularly to drive a range of initiatives to strengthen community safety, provide access to education, strengthen the Aurukun community and its governance, and harness jobs and economic opportunities.
Reduce youth crime in Townsville
DPC supported the Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland to drive implementation of the government’s five-point plan to reduce youth crime in Townsville. DPC supported a Directors-General group and worked with the Townsville Stronger Communities Executive Committee that oversees the Townsville Stronger Communities Action Group.
Domestic and Family Violence prevention
DPC encouraged 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.
During 2016–17, DPC led and coordinated a whole‑of‑government approach for domestic and family violence reforms and significant progress was achieved across government with implementation of the recommendations of the Not Now, Not Ever report. The government has committed $323.1 million over six years as part of a long-term strategy to prevent domestic and family violence.
DPC provides secretariat support to the Domestic and Family Violence Implementation Council, which is responsible for overseeing and advocating for implementation of the Not Now, Not Ever report recommendations and the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy by the government and across the broader community.
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 2016–17, DPC’s Anzac Centenary Coordination Unit continued to lead and collaborate with stakeholders and partners to deliver a number of key commemoration activities.
In 2016–2017 almost $1 million was allocated to 50 grantees, bringing the total of community projects supported since 2014 to 234, with a value of more than $5.1 million.
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 Cairns, Townsville and Mackay from July to September 2016.
During 2016–17 the Anzac Centenary program collaborated with community-focused partners to support a number of commemorative initiatives, including:
- a commemorative service and awareness campaign for the 100-year anniversary of the Battles of Fromelles and Pozières
- a twelve-month sponsorship of the Salute to the Light Horse performances through the Australian Outback Spectacular
- sponsorship of an education resource on the 2014 production of Black Diggers through the Queensland Theatre Company
- funding to support veteran participation in the historic 75-year anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
The Anzac Centenary was also marked by a number of activities developed by the arts community. Backbone Youth Arts created a site-specific performance in Brisbane’s historic Toowong Cemetery to commemorate Anzac Day 2017, while Topology’s long experience in fostering creative music making with communities and young people from around the state will result in a new composition Anzac up close: Chronicles of a legend that shaped a nation. This completed work that draws on Anzac themes and sentiments will be staged and toured in 2018.
Working in partnerships to deliver arts to the regions
DPC continued to support and partner with local government and arts organisations to ensure Queenslanders receive quality arts and cultural experiences.
During 2016–17 DPC developed a business case and secured government funding of $6.5 million over the next four years for a new statewide arts service delivery model that supports regional arts development.