Feds Must Copy Qld's Office Of Rural Communities

Primary Industries and Rural Communities Minister Henry Palaszczuk today reaffirmed his call for the Federal Government to copy Queensland and establish its own Office of Rural Communities.

Mr Palaszczuk said Prime Minister John Howard's belated pledge this week to end the withdrawal of Commonwealth services in the bush highlighted the need for an Office of Rural Communities within the Federal arena.

"In Queensland, we are providing greater access to government services in rural and remote areas through our Office of Rural Communities," said Mr Palaszczuk, who added Rural Communities to his existing ministerial responsibilities of Primary Industries late last year.

"The Prime Minister has made no commitment to replenish services only to stop their withdrawal, which we can all be very sceptical about."

"When I called for the Federal Government to consider establishing an Office of Rural Communities late last year, the National Party rejected it."

"It's now time for the proposal to be seriously revisited by Canberra."

"The Queensland Government established its Office of Rural Communities in 1992. Its work has been critical in delivering greater access to government services in rural and remote areas."

"The State Government is committed to overcoming the tyranny of distance and breaking down the barriers of remoteness and isolation."

"Through the expanding Queensland Government Agent Program (QGAP), not only are services and information from all Queensland Government departments offered in rural and remote communities, but services from some Commonwealth departments."

"QGAP offices are one-stop shops for a vast range of government services and information under one roof."

"The QGAP network is embracing new technologies to further improve services to rural and remote communities, but importantly it also preserves face-to-face contact and over-the-counter personal services in these communities."

"About 400 services are available from QGAP offices. These services include vehicle registrations and renewals, ambulance subscriptions, taking will instructions, estate matters, birth, death and marriage certificates, business name registration and applications for public housing."

Mr Palaszczuk said QGAP offices were already established in 50 centres across the State with offices to be established in an additional 11 by June 30.

The Office of Rural Communities comprises two divisions CountryNet and the Rural Communities Development Division. CountryNet operates the QGAP network and the Queensland Government Departments Information Access Link (QDIAL).

QDIAL helps people to easily access State Government departments and information, including the toll free 1800 803788 telephone service to obtain information and referral to a complete range of Government services.

Mr Palaszczuk said there has been support for a Federal Office of Rural Communities by Government MPs in Canberra including Queensland Liberal Ian Macfarlane.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson (0407)692798