Labor
Q1. Prayers: No comment. The removal of prayers from the Order of Business would require an amendment to sessional orders and is a matter for the Speaker, as Chair of the Committee of the Legislative Assembly, to consider in the first instance, rather than the Government.
Q2. Freedom: Definitely. There has been no change and will be no change to religious instruction policy in Queensland.
The suggestion that there is any kind of policy position banning this sort of discussion is simply untrue. The Minister for Education Kate Jones has repeatedly responded to this claim, stating:
“The policy in place in Queensland state schools today is exactly the same as the policy in place under
the former Newman Government and has been the same for more than 20 years. Our government
made it very clear last year that we support religious instruction in schools where the parents and
school community decide they want that for their children.”
We are an inclusive education system that has a responsibility to provide a quality education for all children of all faiths. The Palaszczuk government will always ensure children can freely talk about their faith in the playground.
Q3. Abortion: The Palaszczuk Government referred the question of abortion to the Queensland law Reform Commission (QLRC). The QLRC is required to report back to the Attorney-general by 30 June 2018. The Premier has made a commitment that in the next term of Government, Labor will bring forward a Bill to Parliament based on the recommendations of the QLRC Report. Labor caucus members will be entitled to exercise a conscience vote, as per party policy.
Q4. Euthanasia: The issue of voluntary euthanasia or assisted dying is a very serious and emotive issue and, understandably, generates significant debate within the community, with strong views being held on both sides.
The Palaszczuk Government respects the notion of supporting people and improving the lives of all Queenslanders and also understands that people deserve the best quality of life throughout their lives.
The Palaszczuk Government has no current plans to introduce legislation to allow for voluntary euthanasia and will continue to closely monitor developments in other jurisdictions.
A conscience vote also applies to this issue for Labor members.
Q5. Rel Freedom: The Palaszczuk government has no plans to change the Anti-discrimination legislation to remove vilification offences based on religion, sexuality and gender identity.
Q6. Prostitution: No. The Palaszczuk Government does not propose to change the current prostitution licensing framework in Queensland during the next term of Government.
Q7. Upper House: No. Integrity and accountability and proper consultation were key principles that the Premier took to the 2015 election through, and the Premier has been delivering on these principles during this parliamentary term.
For instance, the Premier’s commitment to the Member for Nicklin, the Honourable Peter Wellington MP, to not bypass proper consideration of Bills by the Parliament’s committee system, was one reason why Mr Wellington chose to support her in forming a government.
Queensland’s parliamentary committee system makes an important contribution to enhancing parliamentary and legislative processes, and the Premier’s commitment to not use urgency motions to bypass or truncate the committee system shows her commitment to proper parliamentary and consultation processes.
There is no evidence to suggest the Queensland public want more politicians.
Q8. Adoption: No. The Palaszczuk Government has legislated to remove discrimination which prevented same-sex couples and de facto couples from applying to adopt children in Queensland. These reforms bring Queensland into line with New South Wales, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania. There is no plan to make any changes to adoption eligibility in the next term of government.
Q9. Education: Definitely. The Department of Education does not mandate or endorse individual programs or initiatives. Principals, in consultation with parents and the school community, are in the best position to make decision about the most appropriate programs to meet the needs of their students.
Safe Schools is not taught – and has never been taught – in any Queensland schools.
Queensland schools used the program funded by the Federal Government to provide professional development to principals and teachers.
Our schools are inclusive places for all students. Labor will always support our principals and teachers to look after all students, including LGBTI students.
A respectful relationships program across schools was recommended in the Not Now Not Ever report and is aimed at teaching children to give and expect respect in their lives and relationships. It is not in any way related to Safe Schools.
Q10. Human rights: No. The Palaszczuk Government has committed to the introduction of a Bill of Rights based on the Victorian model, which will be developed in consultation with the community.