I rise this afternoon to speak to the report on Estimates Committee D. It was again an interesting day as I had the opportunity to listen carefully to both the Minister for Main Roads, Craig Wallace, and the Minister for Disability Services, Annastacia Palaszczuk. It should be noted that these two portfolios provide vital services and infrastructure across Queensland and particularly in my electorate of Pine Rivers.

The Minister for Main Roads quite rightly pointed out that we have 2,000 people moving to Queensland each week, so new infrastructure in the form of new bridges and roads needs to be provided and we need to maintain and upgrade our existing road infrastructure. As a northside member, it was interesting to hear that the Gateway duplication project has generated almost 6,000 jobs for workers during construction. The Gateway corridor is a $2.5 billion investment which has demonstrably tackled congestion, reduced travel times for my constituents and has meant jobs for people in my area.

I also had the opportunity to find out about our very important roadworker safety program, which is raising awareness of safety issues around roadworks for both workers and motorists, the CCTV camera system TrailerCam, the reversing camera system that delivers better rear vision for workers and thermal imaging, the Safety Leadership Program and the new Traffic Management Registration Scheme. Other issues that I received information on included tackling congestion through additional roadworks, roadside traffic cameras, traffic webcams and free-flow tolling on the Gateway Motorway. There was also discussion about improved and additional heavy vehicle rest stops, road safety initiatives, the renaming of the old Gateway Motorway and the issue of cleaning motorways. The Minister for Main Roads was very forthcoming with information and I thank him for his cooperation and courtesy.

Likewise, the Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs was very informative and showed her passion and enthusiasm for her portfolio. Minister Palaszczuk outlined that the 2010-11 state budget is set to deliver a record $1.61 billion to improve and expand disability and community care services across Queensland which, it should be noted, is an increase of 15.2 per cent on last year’s budget. Once again, the Bligh Labor government is delivering a record investment in this important area which will deliver even better services for Queenslanders.

The Minister informed the committee that she is focusing on home and community care and community mental health services and improving services generally across-the-board. She outlined the new action plan for children with a disability aged zero to eight. This will provide support for families, provide early intervention and ensure that these children receive the support and services they need.

I was impressed to hear about the plan to support ageing parent carers and to provide more supported accommodation for people with a disability. The Bligh Labor government will also provide additional fully adaptable social housing units for people with a disability right across the state. Importantly, almost half of the public social housing now being delivered in Queensland is specially adapted for people with a disability.

I had the opportunity to ask the minister about support from Disability Services that is available for people who need aids and equipment, increased respite services and assistance to the deaf and hearing impaired community. The minister spoke about the $28.3 million for mental health services and how we are involving consumers in the model of service delivery.

I was also pleased to hear about the development of a new multicultural policy following on from last year’s discussion paper A multicultural future … for all of us. This landmark document invited the public to have its say on the future direction of multicultural policy in Queensland.

The Minister advised that Queensland is home to more than 200 cultures, 220 languages and 100 religious beliefs and in the past 12 months more than 50 per cent of our population growth came from net overseas migration, which is why it is vital that we get it right for our diverse community. The minister is certainly delivering in this area.

Further information was provided on water and surf safety training for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. This is very important. I am a big supporter of the surf-lifesaving movement-being one of their bronze supporters-even though I represent a landlocked electorate. It is very important not just for people who speak English but for all visitors and people who live here who have English as a second language that they have that safety message delivered to them so they can be safe not just around the surf but around all forms of water. We also received further information on interpreter services and training in cultural diversity and linguistic competencies. I thank the minister and her staff for their forthright and informative contribution.

Can I use my last few seconds to congratulate the Chair of Estimates Committee D, the member for Brisbane Central, Grace Grace, on her careful and considerate chairing of the proceedings. Can I also congratulate and thank the secretariat staff who have provided expert advice and information to me and my fellow committee members and the staff of Parliament House for ensuring the day ran smoothly. I commend the report of Estimates Committee D to the House.