“National Volunteer Week is the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia,” Mr Pitt said.

“The week provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our communities and to say thank you to the more than six million Australians who volunteer.

“Volunteers are essential to our community, and many charities would struggle to survive without the support of their volunteers.

”In the sport and recreation sector alone there’s a virtual army of volunteers who generously give of their time and their work can often go unrecognised.

“They are the coaches, board members, time keepers, officials and first aid officers. Others work behind the scenes to prepare playing surfaces, run canteens, coordinate working bees and raise funds for the clubs they love.

“Australian volunteers contribute more than 700 million hours of community service to so many areas of society, including community health care, heritage and arts, environment conservation, emergency services, education, social justice and sport.

“These people are an inspiration to all of us and highlight the great work being achieved behind the scenes, and for this they should be congratulated.”

Mr Pitt said National Volunteer Week was a chance to thank those who generously donate their time to help others.

“The theme for National Volunteer Week 2012 is ‘Volunteers – Every One Counts’ as every volunteer does make an important contribution to the local community,” Mr Pitt said.

“I know that every community organisation I speak to is always looking for more volunteers, so I urge anyone interested in helping the community to get involved.”

For more information visit www.govolunteer.com.au

Only last week the Newman Government’s Disabilities Minister Tracy Davis said support for the NDIS’s no-fault insurance scheme (the National Injury Insurance Scheme or NIIS) for people with a disability resulting from incidents such as traffic crashes was “not one of my priorities”.

Now that the Federal Government has outlined its funding commitment, it is now time that the Newman Government made Queenslanders with a disability and support for the NDIS a priority. If Mr Newman doesn’t step up the trial scheme will proceed and benefit up to 10,000 Australians by 2013-14 and 20,000 Australians by 2014-15, but not one of them will be a Queenslander.

This initiative can truly be described as a ‘historic’ opportunity to assist Queenslanders with a disability, their families and carers, yet so far Premier Newman has given every indication he does not want them to benefit.

This is a disappointing and cold-hearted approach that must change. He must be part of the negotiations that decide the share of the $1 billion that should come to Queensland and what contribution his government can make.

The Opposition welcomes Federal Budget initiatives that invested in services to help Queensland families, such as education, aged care, health and dental care.

There is also a range of initiatives to support small business, rural and regional communities and we look forward to seeing further details of what they mean for Queensland.

With increased federal investment in these services the Newman Government needs to guarantee it will not reduce its own spending in these key areas.

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said each year a designated local youth charity is supported by the event. This year Innisfail Youth And Family Care (IYFC) was the recipient of a cheque for $725 at the end of the day.

“In addition, the Innisfail Bowls Club donated $240 raised in player fees for the day to IYFC, much to the delight of coordinator Anita Laksa,” Mr Pitt said.

“This generous donation will enable Innisfail Youth and Family Care to continue to provide facilities and support for vulnerable young people in the Innisfail area.

“I want to congratulate Diana O’Brien on her tireless work organising the event hosted by the Innisfail Bowls Club, and thank all participants for their support.”

Mr Pitt said 48 bowlers in colourful outfits took to the green in glorious sunshine and for the first time, the event was held on Sunday instead of the usual Monday.

Organisations represented included Gordonvale ALP, Innisfail PCYC, Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU), IYFC, Innisfail Hardware, Innisfail Bowls Club, Innisfail ALP, Department of Child Safety, the Office of Curtis Pitt MP, Edmonton ALP, PCYC Stronger Healthy Active Bodies were all represented.

A shiny new Trophy, the Combined Unions Perpetual Trophy for the most successful team on the day, was won by Innisfail Bowls Club, with Innisfail Hardware a close second.

The Department of Child Safety Pirates won the prize for the best-dressed team.

AWU Organiser Peter Gunsberger gave the Labour Day address, with supporting comments by Mr Pitt.

Brett McElhinney won the donated raffle for two nights accommodation for four people at Costa Royale, Trinity Beach.

Councillor Mark Nolan donated and presented a new ‘Rising Star award’ for a non-bowler in recognition of talent exhibited on the day. The inaugural winner was Peter Birchley who received a $40 Coffee Club Voucher.

The latest CommSec State of the States report, released today, highlighted the strength of Queensland’s economy overall. In the wake of Queensland’s worst ever natural disasters last year, the previous government invested in rebuilding infrastructure and the enormous recovery effort.

That commitment is now paying dividends, with the Queensland economy strong overall, however more work can be done, particularly for the housing sector.

Premier Campbell Newman and Treasurer Tim Nicholls have delayed the State Budget until September, so there will be no new initiatives to help the housing sector for six months. That’s why the $10,000 Building Boost, due to expire next Monday (April 30), should be extended until the 30th of June at least.

The housing sector cannot afford for the Premier and Treasurer to sit on their hands for six months while the sector struggles. Extending the Building Boost will help keep thousands of tradies in work at a time when conditions in the housing sector are still weak.

Funding of $140 million was allocated in the 2011-12 State Budget for the Building Boost and the best way the government can help the housing sector is to ensure these funds are fully spent.

The Queensland Building Boost is a $140 million initiative to provide a $10,000 grant for all Queenslanders building or purchasing a new home up to the value of $600,000.

The State of the States report indicated that Queensland’s economy was benefitting from the reconstruction activities being undertaken in response to last year’s natural disasters. But the housing sector, which is weak across Australia, still needs support and extending the Boost will guarantee that support.

The Housing Industry Association has recognised the positive effects that Labor’s $10,000 Building Boost has had on the sector since it was introduced last year.

The Opposition will provide the government with bipartisan support to extend the Building Boost.

This follows the previous announcement of Mr Pitt being named as Leader of Opposition Business.

Mr Pitt said he was honoured to accept the shadow portfolios of Treasury and Trade; Energy and Water Supply; Main Roads; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Sport and Recreation.

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the full Shadow Cabinet today.

“I’m very enthusiastic about serving the Opposition in Shadow Cabinet and I am passionate about the portfolio responsibilities I have been given,” Mr Pitt said.

“I’m very eager to get on with the job of Opposition and hold the Newman Government accountable.

“I will continue to be a strong voice in Parliament for Far North Queensland,” he said.

Ms Palaszczuk said the Opposition team was under no illusions about the tough task ahead of it, given the Government’s unprecedented parliamentary majority.

“We have an enthusiastic team ready to get on with the important job of Opposition,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“I believe we have a good mix of experience across the portfolio areas and spanning the state of Queensland.

“Premier Campbell Newman made a lot of extravagant promises during the recent election campaign and we will be ensuring he is held to account.

“We know we have a lot of work to do but the people of Queensland can be reassured that we will work as hard as possible to get the job done.”

Other Shadow Cabinet responsibilities include:

Annastacia Palaszczuk – Leader of the Opposition; Justice Attorney-General and Industrial Relations; Education, Training and Employment; Tourism, Small Business, Major Events and Commonwealth Games; the Arts.

Tim Mulherin – Deputy Opposition Leader; State Development, Infrastructure, Planning and Racing; Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Local Government; Science, IT and Innovation.

Jo-Ann Miller – Opposition Whip; Health; Natural Resources and Mines; Housing.

Desley Scott – Deputy Opposition Whip; Disability Services; Community Services, Child Safety, Multicultural Affairs and Women; Mental Health; Transport

Bill Byrne – Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services; Construction and Public Works; National Parks, Environment and Heritage Protection.

Some positions may be revised depending on the outcome of the South Brisbane by-election.

Mr Pitt said Brad Carron-Arthur commenced his run on January 1 and arrived in Cairns today.

“He set a target of $20,000 and so far has raised over $12,000 with proceeds going to the Australian Foundation for Mental Health Research (AFFIRM),” Mr Pitt said.

“What makes this run quite amazing is that he is doing it completely unassisted with no support vehicle.”

As the former Minister for Mental Health in Queensland, Mr Pitt said he is deeply aware of issues facing people experiencing mental ill-health.

“You only have to look at the statistics: One in five Queenslanders will experience mental health issues every year. Over a lifetime, it’s nearly one in every two people. That’s your friends, your family, your workmates. It touches nearly every person in our community,” Mr Pitt said.

“I was honoured to be the inaugural Minister for Mental Health in Queensland and proud of Labor’s achievements in this area, including the blueprint for a Mental Health Commission, the ‘ChangeOurMinds’ anti-stigma campaign, the $11 million partnership with the federal government to support people in areas affected by natural disasters, and the first comprehensive community mental health plan ‘Supporting Recovery’ in Australia.

“My aim continues to be a person-centred and recovery oriented mental health system that reduces the need for people to end up in a clinical setting and allow them stay in the community where they’re most comfortable.”

Mr Carron-Arthur said that with a degree in psychology he is very aware of the reality of mental health issues in Australia.

“This reality is that one in five Australians suffers a mental illness in any given year,” Mr Carron-Arthur said.

“This is alarming and what is more so is the fact that around 60% suffer in silence, never seeking help.

“There is a stigma associated with mental illness which discourages people from seeking help from the community and those immediately around them.

“Indeed 21 percent of Australian adults are unwilling to work closely with an individual with depression, 30 percent of Australians would not vote for a Politician with depression, and 25 percent believe one can ‘snap out of’ depression.

“In reality, in order to overcome mental illness, like any other illness, these people need the acceptance and support of their family, friends and the community at large.
“I am hoping to raise awareness of these issues and also to raise funds for AFFIRM to support mental health research.”

To follow progress of the run go to www.bradrunsnorth.com

To make a donation visit www.everydayhero.com.au/bradrunsnorth

Mr Pitt said Labor had consistently and clearly committed to an independent review of the funding situation and that if the experts recommended Tier 1 status, then that’s what would happen.

In today’s The Cairns Post, new Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said he was committed to fulfilling pre-election promises, but needed to make sure a Tier 1 status would “fit the need” before he would go “rushing in”.

“Locals should rightly feel cheated by this. Only a week and a half since the election and the Newman Government is backtracking,” Mr Pitt said.

“The LNP was prepared to put people’s expectations sky-high in order to get a vote but now they’ve retreated to the Labor position which they lambasted during the campaign.

“Former LNP health spokesperson Mark McArdle, as well as Mr King and other LNP candidates made an irresponsible promise to deliver Tier 1. Has Mr McArdle been demoted because he over-reached and promised something he wasn’t supposed to?

“I may be a bit old fashioned, but I’ve always been of the view that you should under promise and over deliver.

“People are quite simply looking for straight-talk on this important issue. The LNP is on the record as promising Tier 1.

“If the LNP’s $15 million over four years is meant to put CBH ‘on the pathway’ to Tier 1, how long will it take to actually become a Tier 1 hospital?”

Mr Pitt said he continues to support a population and demographically-based funding model but cautioned that while changing tiers may mean more funding on some activites, it could mean less money for those specialist services Cairns is currently trying to build up.

“Labor took the decision to await the expert funding review before making promises around Tier 1 funding. Politicians shouldn’t choose winners and losers in health funding,” Mr Pitt said.

“Under an LNP Government the expert review may still recommend Tier 1 funding for Cairns – as it may have under Labor – but the critical issue here is how can people in the Far North trust anything their local Liberal National MPs have to say after this?”

Cairns and Hinterland Health CEO Julie Hartley-Jones has previously said: “It is not correct to assume that all activities we perform are better funded in Tier 1 than Tier 2. In fact, all of the most common procedures performed at the Cairns Base Hospital are better funded if Cairns stays in our current tier.”

“A lot of the new specialist services which currently receive extra start-up funding under the present arrangements, are also at risk of losing funding under a different tier,” Mr Pitt said.

“In some cases, that change might make the services unviable and obviously nobody wants that to happen.”

The land, adjacent to Petersen Park on Farmer Street, was originally to be the site of a future school but through the lobbying of Mr Pitt and the Southern Corridor Sport and Recreation Taskforce (SCSRT) will now provide a permanent home for the senior rugby league club at Edmonton.

Mr Pitt, who is also the Patron of Edmonton Storm Junior Rugby League, said the Petersen Park expansion would result in the largest junior and senior rugby league club on the southside of Cairns securing long term playing facilities.

“I’m really pleased with this outcome. One of my main aims, when I established the taskforce was to put the case to the government to consider this parcel of land for sport and recreation purposes. I know it will relieve the pressure being faced in the southern corridor enormously,” Mr Pitt said.

“Edmonton Storm Senior Rugby League play their home games at Barlow Park and have had several different training venues.

“The junior feed-in club is bursting at the seams already and with the expected growth in the area, another rectangular field option could also support the needs of the Southern Crusaders Rugby Union Club and junior soccer in the area.

“A number of options were on the table regarding the future use of the lot. I’m delighted that common sense has won the day.

“This land was originally acquired for a future school but development is anticipated to the south of Edmonton and DET is now keen to acquire land in the Mount Peter development area instead.

“Under these arrangements, DET would get land for a future school in the Mount Peter growth corridor and the Council and community would get more land to expand sporting facilities at Petersen Park. That’s a win-win in anyone’s language.”

Mr Pitt said the handover of the land would be conditional on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) being signed between the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council.

“The Department has agreed to negotiate with the Cairns Regional Council to facilitate a massive expansion of sporting facilities at Edmonton and deliver land suitable for future education requirements in the Mount Peter area,” Mr Pitt said.

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Val Schier has given her commitment that if re-elected, she will sign an MoU with DET and that Council will work with the state government to acquire future land for education requirements in the Mount Peter development area.

“I’m delighted to see such strong progress on an issue that has been unresolved for nearly a decade,” said Cr Schier.

“I couldn’t think of a better example of state and local government working together – that was the whole point of the Taskforce set up by Curtis.

“The Queensland Government has previously transferred part of its Petersen Park holding to Council for use by local sporting clubs, including the Edmonton Storm, as playing fields.”

Mr Pitt said this was not the first time the work of his specially set up Sports Taskforce had paid dividends for the local community.

“In June last year, we successfully negotiated the handover of land worth more than $2.1 million to Council to complete their vision for the Alley Park Sporting Precinct at Gordonvale, allowing Council to put its funds towards other sport and recreation projects,” said Mr Pitt.

“The SCSRT will continue to progress work on other projects including improved facilities for Pyramid Power Junior AFL at Gordonvale and the formation of a new rugby league club in the White Rock area.”

He said the more than 30 year old library had been extensively damaged by repeated weather events including impacts from Cyclone Larry and Cyclone Yasi and it was time to expand and rebuild the current facility.

“This is an important community space for the more than 3,500 residents of the Yarrabah community,” Mr Pitt said.

“I recently visited the temporary library facilities at the museum and I know there’s been some concern about what the future would hold for the library service at Yarrabah.

“Locals all know that the current library has undergone several repairs over the years, but it’s very small and it makes perfect sense to rebuild the library and rebuild it bigger and better than before.

“Construction work will get underway later this year with an aim to open the new library in early 2013.

“It will be situated in the current service hub of Yarrabah and will be available for use by community groups and a place to host meetings with dedicated multi-purpose spaces.

“The new library facility will provide additional book storage, multiple internet facilities, a service desk and office facilities.

“A modern and attractive facility will provide educational material as well as internet services which are essential tools particularly for young people to learn and get ahead.

“This project will also provide vitally needed multi-purpose areas for local residents and service providers, including visiting government officers and other service providers.

“I am really pleased that the Council identified in their submission that they will make linkages will the local Job Seeker Agencies to facilitate training and employment opportunities for local residents to be employed during the construction of this project.

“Beyond construction, the library also represents an employment and training opportunity for local staff.

Minister for Local Government Paul Lucas said the $1.9 million in funding would come from the State Government’s $45 million Local Grants and Subsidies Program.

“The State realises the importance of the project, that’s why we’ve agreed to provide 100% of the funding,” Mr Lucas said. 

“This is a way of making sure councils who need a helping hand to fund important projects which will benefit the local community can get them off the ground,” he said.

“It’s a $45 million investment in local communities’ right across Queensland and I’m pleased Yarrabah is benefitting from this funding.”

Disability Services Minister Curtis Pitt said there is little new in Newman’s copy-cat promises which are already being funded by Labor’s record $1.7 billion disability services budget.

“The LNP is at it again, making announcements that copy initiatives that this Labor Government has already put in place,” Mr Pitt said.

“Today Campbell Newman added another $38.7m on top of more than $8.3 billion in un-costed election promises – and the meter is still running with a week to go.

“Labor has already announced an extra $9.5 million for more speech pathologists as part of its Students with Disabilities policy.

“The Attorney-General has confirmed that a re-elected Labor Government that will keep the independent Office of the Public Advocate.

“Currently, Labor invests almost $80 million a year in respite services across Queensland – and a further $62 million a year for centre-based day care.

“We’ve specifically committed $18.3 million over three years to create at least 60 more accommodation places for people with ageing parent carers.

“In addition to this, our $47.8 million Younger People in Residential Aged Care initiative is helping more young people to live young lives.

“So far this initiative has diverted or prevented more than 120 young people with disabilities from prematurely entering aged care in Queensland.

“In addition to this, the Premier has already announced a $1 million grant to Youngcare to establish a transition accommodation centre for young people in Mackay.

“The Bligh Labor Government is also delivering improved services for children with disabilities through Queensland.

“Our $4.8 million Autism Early Intervention initiative supports around 470 Queensland children in education centres throughout the State.”

Mr Pitt said Labor’s achievements were in stark contrast to the LNP’s shambolic record on disability services.

“The conservatives’ record on disabilities is one of chronic under-investment and inadequate services,” Mr Pitt said.

“Labor is tackling the consequences of the LNP’s shameful neglect with a record investment in disability, community care and community mental health services.

“Labor State Governments have increased funding in these areas by 495 per cent since the Liberals and Nationals were last in power.

“Campbell Newman can’t be trusted on disabilities, given the conservatives’ atrocious record.

“And Newman, Nicholls, Seeney and Springborg still can’t be trusted to tell us where the money is coming from.”