BILLS FOR INTRODUCTION IN PARLIAMENT THIS WEEK

For Parliamentary Week beginning Tuesday 7 August, 2007

Premier Peter Beattie said today that the bills to be introduced to Parliament this week include:

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM IMPLEMENTATION BILL 2007, Minister for Local Government Planning and Sport. Media contact: Chris Taylor 3227 8825

The Bill will facilitate the government’s local government reform agenda and confirm all boundary recommendations made by the Local Government Reform Commission. It will provide certainty to communities affected by the new electoral arrangements for Councils prior to the March elections next year.

MINING AND OTHER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL 2007, Minister for Mines and Energy. Media contact: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819

There are nine Acts amended by this Bill. They are largely operational and they set out to streamline provisions in all of those Acts to reflect a new, modern era of mining. Proposed changes to the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 and Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999 will help revitalise the Mines Inspectorate. Through these changes, Mines Inspectors will reap the benefits of a better career path and a multi-disciplined approach to investigations.

LAND COURT AND OTHER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL 2007, Attorney General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland. Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350

The Bill will amalgamate the Land and Resources Tribunal into the Land Court. Once implemented, a second additional position will be created on the busy District Court this financial year. In addition, the Bill will allow retired Magistrates to be appointed as Acting Magistrates.

Media contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500