{"id":29953,"date":"2015-10-11T13:07:33","date_gmt":"2015-10-11T02:07:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nofibs.com.au\/?p=29953"},"modified":"2019-04-13T23:54:25","modified_gmt":"2019-04-13T13:54:25","slug":"gold-coast-light-rail-is-go-the-queensland-weekly-blogazine-qldaah-qldpol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/gold-coast-light-rail-is-go-the-queensland-weekly-blogazine-qldaah-qldpol\/","title":{"rendered":"Gold Coast light rail is go! &#8211; The Queensland Weekly Blogazine: @Qldaah #qldpol"},"content":{"rendered":"<h6>Blogging the week in Queensland politics and news. Check back for updates.<\/h6>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/GoldCoastLightRailIsGo2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-29960\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/GoldCoastLightRailIsGo2-300x150.jpg?resize=300%2C150\" alt=\"Gold Coast light rail is go! Staying true to his public transport policy, the new PM funds the Gold Coast light rail extension with $95 million.\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/GoldCoastLightRailIsGo2.jpg?resize=300%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/GoldCoastLightRailIsGo2.jpg?resize=600%2C300&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/GoldCoastLightRailIsGo2.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><a title=\"@Qldaah\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Qldaah\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignright wp-image-26586 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/JadedQldWeekly1Sm.jpg?resize=163%2C163\" alt=\"The Qld Weekly - No Fibs\" width=\"163\" height=\"163\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/JadedQldWeekly1Sm.jpg?w=163&amp;ssl=1 163w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/JadedQldWeekly1Sm.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 163px) 100vw, 163px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Table of contents<\/h3>\n<h6><a href=\"#SmokingBansWidened\">(October 17, 2015) &#8211; Smoking bans to be widened.<\/a><\/h6>\n<h6><a href=\"#CSGDroughtToughTimesForFarmers\">(October 16, 2015) &#8211; CSG, drought: tough times for farmers.<\/a><\/h6>\n<h6><a href=\"#FarNorthQldLocalCouncilAllegations\">(October 15, 2015) &#8211; Far North Qld local council allegations.<\/a><\/h6>\n<h6><a href=\"#CodingForSchools\">(October 14, 2015) &#8211; Coding and robotics for schools.<\/a><\/h6>\n<h6><a href=\"#CanDoBackInTheHouse\">(October 13, 2015) &#8211;\u00a0Can Do back in the House.<\/a><\/h6>\n<h6><a href=\"#BillyGordonBackInTheNews\">(October 12, 2015) &#8211; Billy Gordon back in the news.<\/a><\/h6>\n<h6><a href=\"#GoldCoastLightRail\">(October 11, 2015) &#8211; Gold Coast light rail.<\/a><\/h6>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">.<\/span><a name=\"SmokingBansWidened\"><\/a><\/h2>\n<h2>(October 17, 2015) &#8211; Smoking bans to be widened<\/h2>\n<h3>Speaker Peter Wellington labels The Courier Mail&#8217;s Des Houghton a liar<\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Speaker <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/pwellingtonmp\">@pwellingtonmp<\/a> calls for <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/couriermail\">@couriermail<\/a> retraction over inaccurate <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DesHoughton\">@DesHoughton<\/a> column. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/qldpol?src=hash\">#qldpol<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/yruB8N73JD\">pic.twitter.com\/yruB8N73JD<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; David Marler (@Qldaah) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Qldaah\/status\/655522419990360065\">October 17, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Smoking bans around childcare centres, bus stops<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/brisbanetimes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brisbane Times<\/a> reported, &#8220;Smokers will find it even harder to light up in Queensland under proposed new laws.\u00a0Health Minister Cameron Dick said the laws would ban smoking in and around childcare centres, children&#8217;s sporting events, bus stops and other areas.\u00a0It is already illegal to smoke inside pubs, clubs, restaurants and workplaces in Queensland.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/queensland-to-widen-smoking-bans-in-outdoor-areas-20151017-gkbntw.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Queensland to widen smoking bans in outdoor areas.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Today is a landmark day. I was proud to stand with <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/camerondickqld\">@camerondickqld<\/a> as he announced more smoke free spaces for QLD. <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/c6XaqLWVLT\">pic.twitter.com\/c6XaqLWVLT<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Katie Clift (@KatieClift) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/KatieClift\/status\/655250159379443712\">October 17, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Qld Health Minister <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/camerondickqld\">@camerondickqld<\/a> has announced $1m for <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/9telethon?src=hash\">#9telethon<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/qldpol?src=hash\">#qldpol<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/c2Ogrw9AGQ\">pic.twitter.com\/c2Ogrw9AGQ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; David Marler (@Qldaah) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Qldaah\/status\/655312763183435777\">October 17, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">.<\/span><a name=\"CSGDroughtToughTimesForFarmers\"><\/a><\/h2>\n<h2>(October 16, 2015) &#8211; CSG, drought: tough times for farmers<\/h2>\n<h3>Suicide of George Bender<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Thom_Mitchell\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Thom Mitchell<\/a> wrote, &#8220;The Prime Minister said today he will be \u201clooking into\u201d the suicide of George Bender, a Queensland cotton farmer and anti-coal seam gas protestor who took his own life yesterday after a 10-year battle with the invasive and often bullying industry.\u00a0If Malcolm Turnbull is serious, the best place for him to start would be the actions of the LNP government, and its state allies. But I doubt he will.&#8221;: <a href=\"https:\/\/newmatilda.com\/2015\/10\/16\/malcolm-turnbulls-tongue-wags-after-tragic-coal-seam-gas-suicide-but-i-doubt-hell-bark-at-industry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Malcolm\u00a0Turnbull tongue wags after tragic CSG suicide, but I doubt he\u2019ll bark at industry.<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\">Helen Walker reported, &#8220;The Bender family of Chinchilla, a rural town about 260km from Brisbane, has spoken of their pain and grief after losing a father and a husband to suicide.\u00a0George Bender passed away on Wednesday afternoon in a Brisbane hospital after being airlifted from Chinchilla.\u00a0He was a well-known campaigner for the rights of landholders in negotiations with coal seam gas (CSG) companies.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/george-bender-died-of-a-broken-heart-says-family-20151016-gkazbp.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">George Bender &#8216;died of a broken heart&#8217;, says family.<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/brisbanetimes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brisbane Times<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will look into the suicide of a Queensland farmer and anti-coal seam gas crusader, but warns the issues are almost entirely state-based.\u00a0The death of George Bender, a Chinchilla cotton farmer whose underground water bores had been impacted by CSG activities, has fuelled calls for an inquiry into the human impacts of the industry.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/prime-minister-malcolm-turnbull-to-look-into-csg-farmer-suicide-20151015-gkalm2.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to look into CSG farmer suicide.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_30122\" style=\"width: 200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/tenplay.com.au\/news\/brisbane\/2015\/10\/16\/farmer-s-suicide-prompts-action\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30122\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30122\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/TurnbullLazarusToMeet.jpg?resize=190%2C105\" alt=\"Pippa Sheehan reported: The Prime Minister has agreed to meet with Senator Glenn Lazarus, over calls to overhaul the powers given to coal seam gas companies\" width=\"190\" height=\"105\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-30122\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pippa Sheehan reported: The Prime Minister has agreed to meet with Senator Glenn Lazarus, over calls to overhaul the powers given to coal seam gas companies<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>Four years of drought<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/pennytimms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Penny Timms<\/a> reported, &#8220;The remote Aboriginal community of Palm Island off north Queensland is at risk of running out of water and residents are concerned about the quality of the drinking water.\u00a0Mayor Alf Lacey said the island is likely to run dry early next year, if there is no significant rainfall before then.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/news\/2015-10-16\/health-fears-as-palm-island-risks-running-out-of-water\/6861988\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Health fears as Palm Island Aboriginal community about to run out of water.<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/katri_ub\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Katri Uibu<\/a> reported, &#8220;Growing numbers of farmers face homelessness and the loss of their livelihoods as parts of Queensland and New South Wales enter their fourth year of drought, financial counsellors warn.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/news\/2015-10-16\/we-are-homeless-of-outback-number-of-evicted-farmers-surges\/6843528\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Outback homelessness: Drought endgame may leave increasing numbers of farmers without homes and jobs.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Nth Qld graziers use drones<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ABCRural\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@ABCRural<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;North Queensland graziers have stepped away from traditional farm tools, such as tractors, to experience the capabilities of drones.\u00a0Charters Towers graziers spent a day at the Spyglass Beef Research Facility, watching the Star Trek-like technology take to the skies.\u00a0The eight-kilogram multi-copter drone is primarily used for video and photography.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/news\/2015-10-16\/north-queensland-graziers-test-drones\/6856284\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">North Queensland graziers test out drone capabilities.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Gladstone LNG shipment<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/the_observer_\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Gladstone Observer<\/a> reported, &#8220;Santos\u00a0has today launched the first LNG shipment from its $25 billion Curtis Island GLNG project bound for South Korea.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.gladstoneobserver.com.au\/news\/premier-visit-gladstone-marina-morning\/2809159\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Premier speaks on Gladstone&#8217;s milestone LNG shipment.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Big day for Qld economy w\/<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SantosLtd\">@SantosLtd<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DrAnthonyLynham\">@DrAnthonyLynham<\/a> &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GlennButcherMP\">@GlennButcherMP<\/a> to mark 1st LNG shipment from GLNG project. <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/lJYyzjey8X\">pic.twitter.com\/lJYyzjey8X<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; AnnastaciaPalaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AnnastaciaMP\/status\/654797174618767360\">October 15, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Domestic violence breaches up<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/@kristian_silva\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kristian Silva<\/a> reported, &#8220;More than 16,500 domestic violence orders were breached in Queensland last financial year, new statistics from the state&#8217;s police service show.\u00a0Breaches of DVOs grew by 13 per cent* between 2013-14 and 2014-15, occurring at a rate of 347 breaches per 100,000 people across the state.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/domestic-violence-breaches-up-13-per-cent-in-queensland-20151015-gk9tz0.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Domestic violence breaches up 13 per cent in Queensland.<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/@kristian_silva\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kristian Silva<\/a> reported, &#8220;Police statistics released on Thursday painted a picture of crime in Queensland during 2014-15. But they also showed who the victims are.\u00a0Only a handful of cases reported to police receive widespread media coverage, leaving most stories untold.\u00a0According to the statistics there were 25,613 victims* of crime. So, who are they?&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/who-are-queenslands-crime-victims-20151015-gkaext.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Who are Queensland&#8217;s crime victims?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/varleyrussell\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Russell Varley<\/a> and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/bernyoung\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bern Young<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;In an overnight announcement from the UK, the area from Burleigh to Snapper Rocks has been named the eighth world surfing reserve.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/news\/2015-10-16\/gold-coast-rides-wave-of-success-in-bid-for-world\/6859532\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gold Coast rides wave of success in bid for world surfing reserve status.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_30098\" style=\"width: 200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/_UjRRqnKaYA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30098\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30098\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/WorldSurfingReserveGoldCoast.jpg?resize=190%2C95\" alt=\"The push for a World Surfing Reserve on the Gold Coast took off in March 2014.\" width=\"190\" height=\"95\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-30098\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The push for a World Surfing Reserve on the Gold Coast took off in March 2014.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>Bleijie attacks Police Commissioner over VLAD<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/@kristian_silva\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kristian Silva<\/a> reported, &#8220;Queensland&#8217;s former attorney-general Jarrod Bleijie claims the state&#8217;s police commissioner has been &#8220;silenced&#8221; by the Labor Government for not talking up anti-gang laws introduced in 2013.\u00a0The Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment laws, which impose longer jail terms for organised criminals, were introduced by the former Newman Government as part of its strategy to crack down on bikies.\u00a0However the laws were put under review by Labor, and recommendations for changes are due by December 18.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/opposition-accuses-qps-commissioner-ian-stewart-of-backing-down-on-vlad-laws-20151015-gkadhd.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Opposition accuses QPS Commissioner Ian Stewart of backing down on VLAD laws.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Roy Morgan, Palaszczuk preferred premier 59.5pc, LNP 51pc 2PP<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a title=\"@AmyRemeikis\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AmyRemeikis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amy Remeikis<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;The LNP has inched ahead of Labor in the latest Morgan poll, with the Opposition gaining three points in the last month.\u00a0Mike Baird and Daniel Andrews would easily win an election in their states if one was to be held tomorrow, but the pollsters show Queensland remains too close to call.\u00a0The SMS poll of 773 Queensland voters over the last week had the LNP ahead of Labor 51 per cent to 49 per cent, a three point increase for the Opposition since last month.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/lawrence-springborgled-lnp-ahead-of-labor-in-latest-poll-20151016-gkb71x.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lawrence Springborg-led LNP ahead of Labor in latest poll.<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/roymorganonline\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gary Morgan<\/a>\u00a0writes, &#8220;\u201cIn Queensland the L-NP Opposition has regained the advantage with the L-NP 51% (up 3% since late August) now ahead of the ALP 49% (down 3%) although Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is still preferred as \u2018Better Premier\u2019 despite a drop in support for Australia\u2019s only female Premier: Ms. Palaszczuk 59.5% (down 3%) cf. Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg 40.5% (up 3%).&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.roymorgan.com\/findings\/6498-morgan-poll-state-voting-intention-october-2015-201510160412\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Election would be too close to call.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>No daylight saving for Queensland<\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">&#39;I&#39;m trying to unite Qld not divide it&#39; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AnnastaciaMP\">@AnnastaciaMP<\/a> once again rules out Daylight Saving <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/9News?src=hash\">#9News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/qldpol?src=hash\">#qldpol<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/yS2hvHKYKy\">pic.twitter.com\/yS2hvHKYKy<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Shane Doherty (@ShaneDoherty9) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ShaneDoherty9\/status\/654832912198594560\">October 16, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">while <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/daylightsaving?src=hash\">#daylightsaving<\/a> might suit some latte sippers in SEQ it is impractical for the vast majority of Qlders in regional areas.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Patrick Condren (@PatrickCondren) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PatrickCondren\/status\/654893904345432065\">October 16, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Radioactive waste dump for Mt Isa<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/zaramargolis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zara Margolis<\/a> reported, &#8220;The Mount Isa City Council is considering applying to the Federal Government to develop a radioactive waste management facility in the region.\u00a0Earlier this year, the Department of Science and Industry invited states and territories to nominate land for a facility to safely store Australia&#8217;s radioactive waste.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/news\/2015-10-16\/mount-isa-considers-bid-for-radioactive-waste-dump\/6859612\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mount Isa council considers late bid for north-west Queensland to host radioactive waste dump.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">.<\/span><a name=\"FarNorthQldLocalCouncilAllegations\"><\/a><\/h2>\n<h2>(October 15, 2015) &#8211; Far North Qld local council allegations<\/h2>\n<h3>Unethical behaviour, bullying and breaches of the Local Government Act<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"heading\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BatemanDan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Daniel Bateman<\/a> reported, &#8220;Deputy Premier Jackie Trad has referred Cairns MP Rob Pyne\u2019s allegations of illegal activities within three Far North Queensland councils to investigators.\u00a0But Cairns Mayor Bob Manning has come out swinging against the Member for Cairns, denying any wrongdoing.\u00a0Mr Pyne yesterday tabled \u201cexplosive\u201d evidence in State Parliament alleging unethical behaviour, bullying and breaches of the Local Government Act occurring within Cairns Regional Council, Tablelands Regional Council and Mareeba Shire Council.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cairnspost.com.au\/news\/cairns\/cairns-mps-allegations-against-fnq-councils-referred-to-state-government-investigators\/story-fnjpusyw-1227569440954\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cairns MP\u2019s allegations against FNQ councils referred to State Government investigators.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Adani Carmichael coal mine given Federal approval<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/nicole_hasham\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nicole Hasham<\/a> reported, &#8220;The nation&#8217;s largest coal mine will proceed after Environment Minister Greg Hunt MP approved it with &#8220;the strictest conditions in Australian history&#8221;.\u00a0Mr Hunt on Thursday said the Carmichael coal mine proposed by Indian mining giant Adani has been given the green light &#8220;in accordance with national environment law&#8221; after the Federal Court overturned the previous approval in August.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/federal-politics\/political-news\/adani-carmichael-australias-largest-coal-mine-to-proceed-after-greg-hunt-gives-approval-20151015-gk9wof.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adani Carmichael: Australia&#8217;s largest coal mine to proceed after Greg Hunt gives approval.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Cotton farmer George Bender commits suicide<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ABCNews24\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@ABCNews24<\/a> reported, &#8220;A farmer&#8217;s suicide in his home state has prompted Queensland senator Glenn Lazarus to demand a halt to coal seam gas (CSG) mining projects until the human impacts can be established.\u00a0Western Downs landholder George Bender took his life on Wednesday.\u00a0He was involved in a long-running dispute with resources companies, one of which reportedly wanted to put 18 wells on his farm near Chinchilla.\u00a0In an interview on Macquarie Radio, independent senator Lazarus said he had known Mr Bender for some time and was &#8220;gutted&#8221; by his death.&#8221;: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/news\/2015-10-15\/farmers-death-prompts-senator-glenn-lazarus-to-call-for-csg-halt\/6857070\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Farmer&#8217;s death prompts senator Glenn Lazarus to renew call for CSG mining halt.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_30105\" style=\"width: 200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/uc54M9xQDRw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30105\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30105\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/GlennLazarusOnDeathOfGeorgeBender.jpg?resize=190%2C106\" alt=\"&quot;People don't have anywhere to go&quot;: Senator Glenn Lazarus on the suicide of George Bender\" width=\"190\" height=\"106\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-30105\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">&#8220;People don&#8217;t have anywhere to go&#8221;: Senator Glenn Lazarus on the suicide of George Bender<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_30076\" style=\"width: 200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/MsLzYGZBubQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30076\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30076\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/GeorgeBenderDeath1.jpg?resize=190%2C96\" alt=\"Voices from the Gaslands - George Bender's story\" width=\"190\" height=\"96\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-30076\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Voices from the Gaslands &#8211; George Bender&#8217;s story<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>Ian Rickuss, a dinosaur lumbering around\u00a0the parliament<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"ProfileHeaderCard-name\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/davidFalexander\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">David Alexander<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;Lockyer state Coalition MP Ian Rickuss has been criticised for calling a government MP and others &#8220;drag queens&#8221; during debate over a bill in Queensland Parliament on Wednesday.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.starobserver.com.au\/news\/local-news\/queensland-news\/queensland-lnp-mp-ian-rickuss-slammed-for-seemingly-anti-gay-slur\/141649\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Queensland LNP MP Ian Rickuss Slammed for seemingly anti-gay slur.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">LNP MP for Lockyer Ian Rickuss refers to MPs as &quot;drunks&quot; and &quot;drag queens&quot;. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/qldpol?src=hash\">#qldpol<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/wxkSu32f35\">pic.twitter.com\/wxkSu32f35<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; David Marler (@Qldaah) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Qldaah\/status\/654902419306876928\">October 16, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Bundaberg Community Cabinet<\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Premier <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AnnastaciaMP\">@AnnastaciaMP<\/a> will be in Bundaberg with <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/bundyleanne\">@bundyleanne<\/a> this Sunday &amp; Monday for community cabinet. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/qldpol?src=hash\">#qldpol<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/BNoE1ABbUN\">pic.twitter.com\/BNoE1ABbUN<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; David Marler (@Qldaah) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Qldaah\/status\/654584467542011904\">October 15, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Barrett inquiry<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/kathymcleish1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kathy McLeish<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;The parents of three teenagers who took their own lives after a youth mental health centre was closed in Brisbane have asked an inquiry to allow their evidence to be made public.&#8221;: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/news\/2015-10-15\/barrett-inquiry-parents-of-three-teens-want-evidence-made-public\/6856244\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Barrett inquiry: Parents of teens who died after youth mental health centre closure want public hearing.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Tweet deleted: LNP MP for Southport&#8217;s &#8216;German or Japanese invasion&#8217;<\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Here ya go <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MartySilkHack\">@MartySilkHack<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/WaKb4YsXRH\">pic.twitter.com\/WaKb4YsXRH<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Patrick Condren (@PatrickCondren) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PatrickCondren\/status\/654453193074589696\">October 15, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Four year terms proposal for Qld<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a title=\"@AmyRemeikis\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AmyRemeikis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amy Remeikis<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;In an attempt to gauge public reaction to increasing Queensland&#8217;s parliamentary terms from three years to four, and making them fixed to a certain date, the review committee has urged all those with something to say to let them know in four clicks or less.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/parliamentary-terms-have-a-say-online-20151014-gk9btn.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Parliamentary terms: have a say online.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Qld Governor at the House<\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Out comes the Executive Council bag for today&#39;s meeting over which the Governor presided <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/qldpol?src=hash\">#qldpol<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/NMvi0mlW8G\">pic.twitter.com\/NMvi0mlW8G<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Queensland Governor  (@QldGovernor) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/QldGovernor\/status\/654500489208315904\">October 15, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Restoring civil unions a step closer<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a title=\"@AmyRemeikis\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AmyRemeikis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amy Remeikis<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;It was one of the hot button issues of the first year of the LNP government, a debate so emotional it sparked protests and fed the wave of unpopularity which was beginning to swamp the fledging Newman government.\u00a0But Labor&#8217;s proposal to return registered partnerships back to civil unions has been greeted with barely a peep from the community.\u00a0The committee reviewing the government amendments, which if passed would reinstate state-sanctioned ceremonies for same-sex unions, has received just five submissions &#8211; four in favour and one from the Society of Notaries of Queensland &#8220;earnestly&#8221; asking for another name to be found for those called upon to perform civil ceremonies.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/queensland-civil-unions-move-quietly-closer-20151014-gk9evw.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Queensland civil unions move quietly closer.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Against domestic violence<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a title=\"@AmyRemeikis\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AmyRemeikis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amy Remeikis<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;Leanne Linard was just nine years old when she learnt one of her school friends had been brutally murdered by her dad.\u00a0The Nudgee MP was just one of many Queensland parliamentarians who recounted harrowing tales of violence and death, as they spoke in support of strengthening the State&#8217;s domestic violence laws.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/mps-share-emotional-tales-as-domestic-violence-laws-strengthened-20151015-gkae6a.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MPs share emotional tales as domestic violence laws strengthened.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_30081\" style=\"width: 200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/JMm6Lm5xdsU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30081\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30081\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/PalaszczukDVRally.jpg?resize=190%2C101\" alt=\"Alex Bernhardt reported: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has passed new DV laws &amp; led a rally out of the Qld Parliament\" width=\"190\" height=\"101\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-30081\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alex Bernhardt reported: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has passed new DV laws &amp; led a rally out of the Qld Parliament<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_30124\" style=\"width: 200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/tenplay.com.au\/news\/brisbane\/2015\/10\/16\/quot-enough-is-enough-quot-rally\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30124\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30124\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/DVPalaszczukLeadsParliament.jpg?resize=190%2C133\" alt=\"Ten News Qld reported: Politicans from both sides have come together to address domestic violence\" width=\"190\" height=\"133\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-30124\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ten News Qld reported: Politicans from both sides have come together to address domestic violence<\/p><\/div>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Marching against domestic violence <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/enoughisenough?src=hash\">#enoughisenough<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/qldpol?src=hash\">#qldpol<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/YXJpCby94M\">pic.twitter.com\/YXJpCby94M<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Yvette D&#39;Ath (@YvetteDAth) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/YvetteDAth\/status\/654561425969418240\">October 15, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Qld MPs leaving parliament to attend an anti-domestic violence rally ?<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/tennewsqld\">@tennewsqld<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/7QFqcl3agn\">pic.twitter.com\/7QFqcl3agn<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Tegan George (@tegangeorge) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/tegangeorge\/status\/654561007084285953\">October 15, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Police Min <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/JoAnnMillerMP\">@JoAnnMillerMP<\/a> says 13% increase in breach of Domestic Violence Protection Orders in past year <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/tennewsqld\">@tennewsqld<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/qldpol?src=hash\">#qldpol<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Tegan George (@tegangeorge) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/tegangeorge\/status\/654444335438524416\">October 14, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">.<\/span><a name=\"CodingForSchools\"><\/a><\/h2>\n<h2>(October 14, 2015) &#8211; Coding and robotics for schools<\/h2>\n<h3>Premier launches Coding Counts program<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a title=\"@AmyRemeikis\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AmyRemeikis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amy Remeikis<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;Education Minister Kate Jones has insisted a move to allow Queensland Teachers&#8217; Union members the opportunity to block becoming an Independent Public School was about giving teachers a say, not rewarding union supporters.\u00a0During its term in government, the LNP introduced Independent Public Schools, which gave principals more autonomy in making decisions regarding the school.\u00a0Under the LNP, teachers could vote against the move, but their objections could be overruled by the principal.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/more-power-to-qtu-teachers-not-about-rewarding-union-says-kate-jones-20151014-gk8qh7.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">More power to QTU teachers not about rewarding union, says Kate Jones.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Learning all about coding from year 4 mentors on the interactive whiteboard at Bulimba SS. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/codingcounts?src=hash\">#codingcounts<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/qldpol?src=hash\">#qldpol<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/HtZFCj6wCX\">pic.twitter.com\/HtZFCj6wCX<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; AnnastaciaPalaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AnnastaciaMP\/status\/654084189503885314\">October 13, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Queensland primary students to start learning coding and robotics next year: <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/z9VfnqTgg4\">http:\/\/t.co\/z9VfnqTgg4<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/qldpol?src=hash\">#qldpol<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/9News?src=hash\">#9News<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/ZXxWo9HRnX\">pic.twitter.com\/ZXxWo9HRnX<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Nine News Brisbane (@9NewsBrisbane) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/9NewsBrisbane\/status\/654100871702290436\">October 14, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Springborg claims secret plot to means-test education<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a title=\"@AmyRemeikis\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AmyRemeikis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amy Remeikis<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;A single line in a leaked document was all it took to spark one of the biggest debates seen in the Queensland Parliament since Labor took power.\u00a0Education Minister Kate Jones was ambushed by Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg just before question time with a page from a Cabinet-in-Confidence document which was prepared by the Premier&#8217;s\u00a0Economic Policy Group in June 2015.\u00a0That document mentioned funding allocation systems, including &#8220;co-payments for high income families&#8221; as a potential area of investigation to help improve Queensland&#8217;s high school completion rates.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/kate-jones-public-education-means-testing-was-abbotts-idea-20151014-gk9bkv.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kate Jones: Public education means testing was Abbott&#8217;s idea.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_30066\" style=\"width: 200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/qGqQxYSM3_Q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30066\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30066\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/MeansTestingEducation.jpg?resize=190%2C104\" alt=\"Shane Doherty reported: Abbott Govt discussion paper leads Lawrence Springborg to claim secret plan to means-test education.\" width=\"190\" height=\"104\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-30066\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shane Doherty reported: Abbott Govt discussion paper leads Lawrence Springborg to claim secret plan to means-test education.<\/p><\/div>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Blatant scaremongering on education from LNP opposition today. I will always fight for education for all! <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/yaRagS6Bi6\">pic.twitter.com\/yaRagS6Bi6<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Kate Jones (@katejonesqld) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/katejonesqld\/status\/654203442437619712\">October 14, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Verity Barton in the news again<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\">Jeremy Pierce reported, &#8220;Trouble-prone Gold Coast MP Verity Barton is facing a new battle as a senior staffer on stress leave considers legal action.\u00a0The key staffer from Ms Barton\u2019s Broadwater electorate office has been on leave on full pay since winning a bullying complaint through WorkCover Queensland in April.\u00a0However, she has now engaged high-profile law firm Maurice Blackburn and is weighing up a civil law suit.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au\/news\/gold-coast\/staffer-of-gold-coast-queensland-mp-verity-barton-considers-legal-action-against-lnp-member\/story-fnj94idh-1227568303780\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Staffer of Gold Coast Queensland MP Verity Barton considers legal action against LNP member.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Can Do features in question time again<\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/qldpol?src=hash\">#qldpol<\/a> Means-testing education Q from <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TimNichollsMP\">@TimNichollsMP<\/a> gives Premier <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AnnastaciaMP\">@AnnastaciaMP<\/a> a chance to bring out &#39;Can do&#39;. <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/oKWRSbTVmk\">pic.twitter.com\/oKWRSbTVmk<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; David Marler (@Qldaah) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Qldaah\/status\/654226065104072704\">October 14, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>NDIS update for North Queensland<\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/qldpol?src=hash\">#qldpol<\/a> Qld Minister for Disability Services, <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CoraleeORourke\">@CoraleeORourke<\/a> has updated the house on the Qld <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/NDIS?src=hash\">#NDIS<\/a> launch. <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/rLFzT4qGGI\">pic.twitter.com\/rLFzT4qGGI<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; David Marler (@Qldaah) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Qldaah\/status\/654218517110132736\">October 14, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Taxi drivers rally at the gates<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a title=\"@AmyRemeikis\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AmyRemeikis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amy Remeikis<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;Queensland&#8217;s Deputy Premier has been heckled by taxi drivers at an anti-Uber rally, as tensions between the two groups continue to worsen.\u00a0Ms Trad faced the group of about 250 taxi drivers and their supporters outside the Queensland Parliament to explain while she understood the industry&#8217;s concerns, the review she had ordered was necessary to ensure any new legislation laid out a level playing field.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/taxi-drivers-heckle-deputy-premier-jackie-trad-at-antiuber-rally-20151014-gk8uzt.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Taxi drivers heckle Deputy Premier Jackie Trad at anti-Uber rally.<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a title=\"@AmyRemeikis\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AmyRemeikis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amy Remeikis<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;Uber has been blocking the phones of known transport department inspectors in an effort to dodge fines from the Queensland Government, a parliamentary committee has heard.\u00a0The Katter&#8217;s Australian Party MPs have introduced a bill which, if it won the support of a major party and the cross bench, could see ride-sharing drivers who are caught three times working for a service such as Uber, lose their licence.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/uber-rules-block-inspectors-from-booking-drivers-to-issue-fines-20151014-gk8viw.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Uber rules block inspectors from booking drivers to issue fines.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Taxi drivers protest against Uber. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/jackietrad\">@jackietrad<\/a> heckled while speaking to them. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/abcnews\">@abcnews<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/qldpol?src=hash\">#qldpol<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/0cnYiZdOKK\">pic.twitter.com\/0cnYiZdOKK<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Chris O&#39;Brien (@COBrienBris) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/COBrienBris\/status\/654122435667619840\">October 14, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">.<\/span><a name=\"CanDoBackInTheHouse\"><\/a><\/h2>\n<h2>(October 13, 2015) &#8211;\u00a0Can Do back in the House<\/h2>\n<h3>Premier lampoons Campbell Newman&#8217;s book<\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Premier <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AnnastaciaMP\">@AnnastaciaMP<\/a> wonders if &#39;Can Do&#39; will make next year&#39;s Literary Awards. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/qldpol?src=hash\">#qldpol<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/uUwqd3F3w3\">pic.twitter.com\/uUwqd3F3w3<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; David Marler (@Qldaah) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Qldaah\/status\/653798445178744832\">October 13, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Queensland Labour May Day returned to May<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a title=\"@AmyRemeikis\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AmyRemeikis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amy Remeikis<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;In a battle of the ideologies, Labor won its fight to reverse the LNP&#8217;s decision to move May Day to October, in what was in itself a reversal of the Bligh Labor Government&#8217;s intention to move the June Queen&#8217;s Birthday holiday to the second half of the year. &#8220;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/queensland-labour-day-moved-to-may-queens-birthday-to-october-20151013-gk8biu.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Queensland Labour Day moved to May, Queen&#8217;s Birthday to October.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">A win for workers, a win for Queensland. <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/9WIVDR5JRJ\">pic.twitter.com\/9WIVDR5JRJ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Peter Russo (@PeterRussoMP) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PeterRussoMP\/status\/653824322071490560\">October 13, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Fraud and bullying in local government<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a title=\"@AmyRemeikis\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AmyRemeikis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amy Remeikis<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;Labor MP Rob Pyne will demand an inquiry into local government in Queensland, alleging fraud, bullying, nepotism and toxic environments are running rife.\u00a0Mr Pyne, a former Cairns Councillor, will use parliamentary privilege to table &#8220;explosive allegations&#8221; against the Tablelands Regional Council, where residents are to face a 30 per cent rate rise in the 2017\/18 year, which Mr Pyne said had been brought to him residents.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/north-queensland-mp-rob-pyne-to-allege-fraud-bullying-in-local-government-20151013-gk8920.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">North Queensland MP Rob Pyne to allege fraud, bullying in local government.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Crime and Corruption Commission watching Qld Police Service<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><a title=\"@AmyRemeikis\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AmyRemeikis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amy Remeikis<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;The State&#8217;s corruption watchdog has the Queensland Police Service in its sights, particularly how it deals with allegations involving excessive use of force, with claims some officers have escaped prosecution because of delays in dealing with complaints.\u00a0New Crime and Corruption Commission head Alan MacSporran used his first appearance in front of the CCC&#8217;s parliamentary oversight committee to highlight the need for reform within the police disciplinary system as a whole.&#8221;: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/corruption-watchdog-has-thin-blue-line-in-its-sights-20151012-gk7d43.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Corruption watchdog has thin blue line in its sights.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Human Rights Act for Queensland<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/McVeighAimee\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Aimee McVeigh<\/a>\u00a0wrote, &#8220;If a government is required to consider human rights while making decisions, a transparent dialogue with the people is created \u2013 the people can see their government cares about their rights.\u00a0When MP Peter Wellington supported the Labor Party to form government in February, they agreed to look at the issue of a Human Rights Act for Queensland.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/human-rights-act-for-queensland-would-show-people-their-government-cares-20151013-gk7ma2.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Human Rights Act for Queensland would show people their government cares.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Premier&#8217;s Literary Awards<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/fiddyr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Fidelis Rego<\/a> and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BelindaRadio\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Belinda Sanders<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;A Toowoomba academic has taken out the Premier&#8217;s Prize at this year&#8217;s Queensland Literary Awards.\u00a0Libby Connors was awarded the $25,000 prize for her book Warrior, about the life of Aboriginal man Dundalli in the early days of white settlement in south-east Queensland.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/news\/2015-10-13\/libby-connors-wins-qld-literary-awards-prize-for-book-warrior\/6849276\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Toowoomba academic Libby Connors wins Queensland Literary Awards prize for book Warrior.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>A fourth woman accuses Bill Gordon<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Updates on Billy Gordon at our <em>NoFibs<\/em> blog <a href=\"http:\/\/nofibs.com.au\/2015\/04\/04\/get-your-house-in-order-the-media-trial-of-billy-gordon-qldpol-mediawatch-qldaah\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Media Trial of Billy Gordon.<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Indigenous asked to help with water management<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AshOMoore\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ash Moore<\/a> reported, &#8220;The State Government is consulting Aboriginal people in south-west Queensland this week for their take on water usage in the region.\u00a0Locals in towns like Cunnamulla and Eulo will be able to share their knowledge on how water can be used in the Warrego, Paroo and Bulloo catchments.\u00a0Natural Resources Minister Anthony Lynham said it was about giving Aboriginal people the opportunity to contribute to water management.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/news\/2015-10-13\/south-west-qld-indigenous-residents-asked-to-share\/6849344\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">South-west Qld Indigenous residents asked to share water knowledge with Qld Government.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Funding restored to health community groups, gag orders removed<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\">Minister for Health <a href=\"http:\/\/@camerondickqld\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cameron Dick<\/a> stated, &#8220;20 community groups which had their funding stripped by the Liberal National Party when in government have had their funding restored by the Palaszczuk Government.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/statements.qld.gov.au\/Statement\/2015\/10\/13\/funding-restored-for-community-groups\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Funding restored for community groups.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/qldpol?src=hash\">#qldpol<\/a> Undo CanDo: <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/camerondickqld\">@camerondickqld<\/a> has restored funding to health community groups &amp; removed <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SpringborgMP\">@SpringborgMP<\/a>&#39;s gags. <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/ibGV9pqvrJ\">pic.twitter.com\/ibGV9pqvrJ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; David Marler (@Qldaah) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Qldaah\/status\/653795495811289088\">October 13, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Snake wrangling at parliament<\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Snake handling Exec Building security staff. As you do. <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/cyW2aaTInV\">pic.twitter.com\/cyW2aaTInV<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Chris O&#39;Brien (@COBrienBris) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/COBrienBris\/status\/653700638547701760\">October 12, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">.<\/span><a name=\"BillyGordonBackInTheNews\"><\/a><\/h2>\n<h2>(October 12, 2015) &#8211; Billy Gordon back in the news<\/h2>\n<h3>Three\u00a0women claim Gordon sent them explicit photos<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Just days after being cleared of domestic violence allegations, independent MP for Cook Billy Gordon is once again making news. Two unnamed women claim he sent them explicit photos via social media. A third has been charged with extorting Billy Gordon over a photo she alleges he sent her. For the full story see our <em>NoFibs<\/em> blog <a href=\"http:\/\/nofibs.com.au\/2015\/04\/04\/get-your-house-in-order-the-media-trial-of-billy-gordon-qldpol-mediawatch-qldaah\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Media Trial of Billy Gordon.<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\">Crime and Corruption Commission powers reduced under Newman<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/nick__w\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nick Wiggins<\/a> reported, &#8220;Queensland&#8217;s corruption watchdog wants to wind back Newman government changes to its operations that it says &#8220;undermined&#8221; its independence and effectiveness.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/news\/2015-10-12\/corruption-watchdog-concerned-newman-era-reforms-reduced-power\/6848386\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Queensland&#8217;s corruption watchdog voices concern Newman-era reforms reduced its power.<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a title=\"@AmyRemeikis\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AmyRemeikis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amy Remeikis<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;Queensland&#8217;s corruption watchdog has called for a reversal of many of the changes the LNP made to it, claiming some are a threat to its independence, while others impede its ability to do its job.\u00a0Under the changes pushed through by the LNP, the Crime and Corruption Commission had to ask for approval to undertake research, its corruption prevention activities were curtailed in an attempt to make\u00a0it more reactive and its focus centred on criminal motorcycle gangs.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/queensland-corruption-watchdog-calls-to-reverse-lnp-restrictions-20151012-gk7677.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Queensland corruption watchdog calls to reverse LNP restrictions.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">.<\/span><a name=\"GoldCoastLightRail\"><\/a><\/h2>\n<h2>(October 11, 2015) &#8211; Gold Coast light rail<\/h2>\n<h3>Prime Minister commits $95m in funding<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">In perhaps a sign that combative politics is at an end, the long awaited decision on stage two of the Gold Coast light rail has been made with a $95 million commitment from Prime Minister <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TurnbullMalcolm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Malcolm Turnbull<\/a>\u00a0to Queensland Premier <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AnnastaciaMP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Annastacia Palaszczuk<\/a> and Gold Coast Mayor <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MayorTomTate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tom Tate<\/a>. Former Prime Minister <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TonyAbbottMHR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tony Abbott<\/a> had refused to fund the project unless Queensland sold some of its assets in return for federal funding. Politically in the lead up to the next federal election, the policy that would have proven problematic in the state for the Liberal National Party after two state elections which saw the public reject the asset sales policies of both Labor and the LNP.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_29968\" style=\"width: 200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/au.news.yahoo.com\/qld\/video\/watch\/28752856\/plan-to-extend-gold-coast-light-rail-stalled\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29968\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-29968 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/NoGCoastLightRailSaysAbbott.jpg?resize=190%2C105\" alt=\"On July 10, 2015: &quot;We are not in the business of funding urban public transport,&quot; declared Former PM Tony Abbott about the Gold Coast light rail extension.\" width=\"190\" height=\"105\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-29968\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">On July 10, 2015: &#8220;We are not in the business of funding urban public transport,&#8221; declared Former PM Tony Abbott about the Gold Coast light rail extension.<\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">This week&#8217;s decision will see the project completed in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games to be held on the Gold Coast.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/kimstephens_bt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kim Stephens<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;In his first visit to Queensland since his ascension to the Australian prime ministership nearly a month ago, Malcolm Turnbull came bearing promises of $95 million for Gold Coast public transport.\u00a0It was a telling move in the early days of his reign, after the man he ousted for the top job, Tony Abbott, had, just two months ago, flatly refused to chip in the required federal cash that would facilitate the project with funding from three tiers of government.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/gold-coast-light-rail-pm-arrives-by-train-with-95m-promise-on-board-20151011-gk68rt.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gold Coast light rail: PM arrives by train with $95m promise on board.<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GCS_Pottsy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andrew Potts<\/a>\u00a0and <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Kathleenskene\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kathleen Skene<\/a>\u00a0wrote, &#8220;Federal and State MPs jostled for position and took selfies with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as he announced a $95m Federal contribution to the second stage of the light rail.\u00a0Mr Turnbull arrived by tram with Mayor Tom Tate before facing a large media pack, where he said it was hard to imagine a better project to commence his commitment to funding public infrastructure based on merit instead of ideology.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au\/prime-minister-malcolm-turnbull-will-today-announce-federal-funding-for-light-rail-stage-2\/story-fnj94hf2-1227564947983\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will today announce federal funding for light rail stage 2.<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/kimstephens_bt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kim Stephens<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;The long-awaited second stage of the Gold Coast light rail project will be completed in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull set to commit $95 million in federal cash on Sunday.\u00a0In his first visit to Queensland since he toppled Tony Abbott as Australian prime minister, Mr Turnbull, an avid public transport user, will announce the funding for the second stage of the project, which will enable Games visitors and support staff to travel by rail from Brisbane to the main stadium.\u00a0The 7.3 kilometre route will link Helensvale train station with the northern terminus of the project&#8217;s first stage at Gold Coast University Hospital in Southport.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brisbanetimes.com.au\/queensland\/malcolm-turnbull-to-commit-95-million-to-gold-coast-light-rail-20151010-gk61su.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Malcolm Turnbull to commit $95 million to Gold Coast light rail.\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Thanks to <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TurnbullMalcolm\">@TurnbullMalcolm<\/a> for coming to Queensland and announcing $95m for <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/GoldCoastLightRail?src=hash\">#GoldCoastLightRail<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/9mS26eaAHI\">pic.twitter.com\/9mS26eaAHI<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; AnnastaciaPalaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AnnastaciaMP\/status\/653000671860510720\">October 11, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_29970\" style=\"width: 200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/au.news.yahoo.com\/video\/watch\/29780882\/green-light-for-g-link-project\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29970\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-29970\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/HelensvaleNextStop.jpg?resize=190%2C106\" alt=\"Lauren De Joux reported: Helensvale the next stop for the Gold Coast light rail as PM Turnbull pledges $95m in federal funding.\" width=\"190\" height=\"106\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-29970\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lauren De Joux reported: Helensvale the next stop for the Gold Coast light rail as PM Turnbull pledges $95m in federal funding.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\">Politicians unite against domestic violence<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LexyHS1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lexy Hamilton-Smith<\/a>\u00a0reported, &#8220;More than 100 people, many themselves victims of domestic violence, have marched through Brisbane in a show of solidarity.\u00a0The numbers might have been down for the Brisbane rally on Sunday morning, but the message was still a powerful one; that family violence of any kind would not be tolerated.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/news\/2015-10-11\/domestic-violence-rally-brisbane\/6844908\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Family violence: Rallies held across 30 council regions in Queensland.<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\">Amy Mitchell-Whittington reported, &#8220;Women, men and children joined local council and community leaders in solidarity today in Brisbane to rally against domestic violence, but for some the crowd numbers were just not enough.\u00a0&#8220;In some ways I must say I am a little disappointed with the crowd,&#8221; Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart, who took part in the march, said.&#8221;:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/whittington_amy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Domestic Violence rally in Brisbane &#8216;disappointing&#8217;: Qld Police Commissioner.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LNPQLD\">@LNPQLD<\/a> team is committed to working with all levels of Govt to stamp out domestic violence <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/saferfamilies?src=hash\">#saferfamilies<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/DSVtT1z7wj\">pic.twitter.com\/DSVtT1z7wj<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Lawrence Springborg (@SpringborgMP) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SpringborgMP\/status\/653011701604872192\">October 11, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\">Taking away the votes<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>A Tweet from\u00a0<a class=\"ProfileHeaderCard-screennameLink u-linkComplex js-nav\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CartwheelPrint\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@<span class=\"u-linkComplex-target\">CartwheelPrint<\/span><\/a>\u00a0on the Premier&#8217;s Literary Awards and <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CampbellNewman\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Campbell Newman&#8217;s<\/a> book, &#8220;Can Do&#8221;.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" width=\"500\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">What can you say&#8230;<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/qldpol?src=hash\">#qldpol<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/auspol?src=hash\">#auspol<\/a> Great <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SatPaper\">@SatPaper<\/a> read this week if you are bored ;) <a href=\"http:\/\/t.co\/XfyUpPB5mZ\">pic.twitter.com\/XfyUpPB5mZ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Lady Melanie (@CartwheelPrint) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CartwheelPrint\/status\/653011554871304192\">October 11, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">\u00a0-Ends<\/p>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Blogging the week in Queensland politics and news. Check back for updates. Table of contents (October 17, 2015) &#8211; Smoking bans to be widened. (October 16, 2015) &#8211; CSG, drought: tough times for farmers. (October 15, 2015) &#8211; Far North Qld local council allegations. (October 14, 2015) &#8211; Coding and robotics for schools. (October 13, [&hellip;]<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":29960,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[3434,1998,2263,7,62,63,64,1469,66,585,72,757,75,1532,395,1026,1042],"tags":[1741,2397,1378,2233,1185,2331,1720,304,2194,2195,2604,2527,396,2192,2193,470],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/GoldCoastLightRailIsGo2.jpg?fit=800%2C400&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p3t0mw-7N7","jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29953"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29953"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29953\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29960"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29953"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29953"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.nofibs.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29953"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}