James Cook University (JCU) researchers are calling for urgent government support to protect the spectacled flying-fox from extinction as new and escalating threats push the species closer to the brink. Despite their reputation as noisy and messy neighbours, spectacled flying-foxes play a vital role in the survival of Australia’s rainforests, travelling vast distances to pollinate flowers and spread seeds at levels unmatched by any other species. JCU adjunct associate professor Noel Preece sai
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National Police Remembrance Day Today, the community of Ingham came together to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the Queensland Police Service who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The National Police Remembrance Day Service, held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, offered a solemn and poignant moment for reflection, remembrance, and respect. Since 1861, 151 Queensland Police officers have lost their lives while protecting and serving communities across the state.
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Each year, a team of Hinchinbrook Emergency Services Cadets travels to Brisbane to attend the prestigious ESCAPE Week, a program that brings together cadets from across Queensland to experience life at multiple emergency services. This year, three Hinchinbrook cadets participated: two senior cadets attending as leaders and one as a program participant, accompanied by Cadet Coordinator Mark Regazzoli. The week kicked off at Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), Bribie Island, where cadets underwent an
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The Hurley Bus Since launching in December last year, the Hurley Bus has already completed more than 400 bookings, providing free transport for elderly, frail, and palliative community members. The service, run entirely by volunteers through the Ingham Palliative Carers Committee, offers a safe, reliable, and compassionate way for people to stay connected and attend important appointments. The eight-seat bus is wheelchair accessible and travels throughout Ingham, the surrounding districts, Card
Read the full storyDuring last week’s parliamentary sitting, a public briefing was held on the Domestic and Family Violence Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. This Bill aims to enhance police efficiency and provide immediate protection to victims of domestic and family violence (DFV) through the introduction of Police Protection Directions (PPDs). PPDs are intended to offer victims immediate protection for 12 months and do not require a court hearing.
DFV is a serious issue that affects too many Queenslanders. At present, there are 2,481 full time police officers that are dedicated to DFV. Without any changes, Queensland Police Services predict that by 2032, 5,747 full time officers will be required to maintain the current level of service delivery for DFV. Consequently, the government is looking to make changes that will improve police efficiency but still protect individuals against DFV.
While the intent of the Bill is to improve victim safety and streamline police responses, it raises some concerns about potential unintended consequences, particularly for individuals who may be wrongly accused. During the public briefing, I inquired whether a PPD would affect someone's Blue Card or Firearms Licence. The Department confirmed that a PPD could impact Blue Card holders and would also result in the revocation of a Firearms Licence. This is particularly concerning in cases of misidentification, where individuals could face personal and financial hardship if these cards or licences were wrongfully revoked.
While these reforms may reduce some of the workload for police when it comes to DFV, they shouldn’t offend the rules of natural justice or impede on the procedural fairness when it comes to legal matters. Whilst I would love nothing more than to see the workload of our police streamlined so that their time on the beat is better spent, perhaps alternative measures and options could have been explored prior to this bill being introduced.
I look forward to the ongoing examination of the bill. Submissions can be made through the committee website until 5pm, Friday 30 May 2025. There are also public hearings scheduled to take place in early June in Mackay, Cairns, and Brisbane.
Contributed with thanks to Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto.
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