State Of Play with Jennifer Howard

In this podcast, the Miles Government’s initiatives take center stage: a $1,000 energy rebate aims to alleviate household bill pressures, doubling last year’s relief. Transport adjustments, including adding a stop at the Ripley Satellite Hospital on Route 531, promise improved access to healthcare. Queensland public sector workers will benefit from ten days of reproductive health leave, addressing needs such as IVF and reproductive cancer screening. Ipswich’s Labour Day witnessed strong solidarity among Union Members and leaders in support of workers. Meanwhile, increased funding of $36 million for domestic, family, and sexual violence services underscores ongoing efforts to combat the crisis, despite acknowledging more work is needed. Finally, Ipswich’s disability support service, Focal, celebrated its 50th anniversary, highlighting its invaluable role in the community’s support network.

$1,000 energy rebate
The Miles Government has announced a new $1,000 rebate on your energy bill from the 1st of July! We know lots of people are feeling the pressure from rising household bills and Jennifer has really fought to make sure we are delivering cost of living relief. This is an expansion on last years $550 rebate. This year we have effectively doubled the rebate, meaning that most households won’t pay a cent on their quarterly bill after 1 July. We can only do this because we own our energy assets and make big mining companies pay coal royalties for profiting off Queensland resources.

Ripley Satellite Hospital Bus Stop
From 24 June 2024, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Translink Division will implement minor timetable adjustments for 17 urban bus routes and one alignment change for route 531. For most routes, the changes include: revised runtimes that better reflect actual travel conditions, connection prioritisation where possible with services to Brisbane and Ipswich (noting some alterations), minor changes to span of hours, introduction of measurement points, and additional or changed timing points.

The most important part about these changes is the addition of the Ripley Satellite Hospital on Route 531. This will make the Hospital open to public transport and allow greater access to the facility.

10 Days reproductive leave
The Miles Government is introducing a nation leading ten days of reproductive health leave for nurses, teachers, and all QLD public sector workers. It’ll mean our hardworking frontline will have access to dedicated leave for things like IVF, endo, vasectomies, or reproductive cancer screening.

Labour Day in Ipswich
Ipswich Labour day is one of my favourite events in the year. This year we had a great show of Union Members and leaders marching to show their support for workers. It’s such a privilege to march alongside the working people of Ipswich and engage with the roots of the great Labour Movement.

Domestic and Family Violence Month – increased funding
The Government will boost funding to the domestic, family and sexual violence sector by $36 million next financial year. This 20 per cent increase to funding, will help the sector meet an increase in demand. The ongoing funding will help fund:, Frontline domestic, family and sexual violence services, Programs to take action to address behaviours of persons using violence; and New programs that fill gaps in service delivery across the state.

While a lot has been done by our Government to help eradicate the scourge of Domestic and Family Violence, far too many women are still suffering and dying at the hands of men. We have much more to do.

Ipswich Focal 50th Birthday
One of Ipswich’s best disability support services Focal celebrated it’s 50th anniversary in the Ipswich community recently. It was a wonderful celebration and I was proud to join them.

Focal does an amazing job at supporting and mentoring people with disabilities. Thank you for all the work you do.