The entire Palaszczuk Cabinet will visit the Torres Strait this week to engage with community members as part of a programme of events including a Community Cabinet meeting.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Cabinet would meet on Thursday Island tomorrow (Tuesday) but has tasked her Ministers to get out and about as much as possible across the region throughout the week including community deputations on Monday.
“This is about engaging directly with the Torres Strait community and listening to locals about the matters that matter to them,” the Premier said.
“Listening to all Queenslanders is important to me. That’s why we will hold deputations for the community to discuss any issues they would like to raise directly with Ministers and me.
“I’ll be meeting with mayors and other key stakeholders as will my Ministers.
“Cynthia Lui advocated very hard for us to get up to the Torres Strait and meet with locals.
“We are looking forward to being there.
“It is very important to engage across Queensland and deliver even better services right across Queensland.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said it was important for government to listen.
“I wanted the Premier and Ministers to come here and listen directly to locals,” Ms Lui said.
“It’s a beautiful part of the world but areas like health, housing and education are always areas that will need attention.
“And we need the frontline workers to deliver those services.”
As part of the programme, the Premier is expected to visit Tagai State College and observe Youfor2032 training – the first time it’s been held in the Torres Strait, inspect the redevelopment of Thursday Island Hospital which with the primary health care centre is more than $50 million investment from her government and attend a significant land handback to the Gudang/ Yadhaykenu, Atambaya and Angkamithi people on the Cape.
“Our Path to Treaty is about a truthful shared history,” the Premier said.
“The land handback we’re expecting to make is an important part of that journey.”
