AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2011
QLD:Qld parliament to reflect on disaster loss
BRISBANE, Feb 14 AAP - The return of Queensland parliament for 2011 will be dedicated
to the victims of the state's flooding and cyclone disasters.
Premier Anna Bligh said on Monday that Tuesday's sitting day would be one of reflection
on the devastation and heartbreak brought by both natural disasters.
Normal procedures like Question Time will be suspended to allow all MPs to debate a
condolence motion led by the premier and describe the impact on their own electorates.
"We all agree that what has happened has changed Queensland forever," Ms Bligh said
in a statement.
"We will acknowledge that many Queenslanders have made many sacrifices and some have
sacrificed their lives.
"We will recognise those Queenslanders who risked their lives to rescue and protect others.
"And we will acknowledge the thousands who pitched in to help their fellow Queenslanders
during the massive clean-up."
Meanwhile, legislation to establish the state's reconstruction authority will be introduced
and passed this week.
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority Bill 2011 will establish the group, which will
coordinate the rebuilding program in communities affected by the floods and cyclone.
Major General Slater will chair a board of five and Co-ordinator General Graham Newton
will be chief executive.
Chief Superintendent Mike Keating will head up an Innisfail office to lead the cyclone recovery.
The legislation will also delay enforcement of new pool safety laws for six months
and postpone statutory land valuations for three months.
Ms Bligh said the pool law delay would allow for homes to be rented out without a valid
pool safety certificate to ensure rental shortcomings for disaster victims were not further
compounded.
The land valuation delay will allow the effects of the disasters to be fully assessed, she said.
AAP jmm/crh/vg
KEYWORD: PARLY QLD
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