Queensland Government information
Local government reform information from Queensland Government agencies.
Department of Justice and Attorney-General
Department of Main Roads
Department of Natural Resources and Water
Disaster Management Groups - Important Information
Please note there is an error in the explanatory notes for the Local Government Reform Implementation Regulation 2008, Section 89 relating to Local Disaster Managements Groups. The explanatory notes advise that "a new or adjusted local government must appoint a chairperson for each existing local disaster management group within its local government area..." This is incorrect. As correctly outlined within the regulation itself, the existing groups are taken together to be the local group for the new or adjusted local government area. Section 89(3) requires the appointment of one chairperson for the newly combined local group.
Click here to see the regulation.
Federal Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Free interpreting services for local councils - changes to client codes
Many local government councils in Queensland are currently registered for free interpreting services provided by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to assist with communicating with non-English speaking Australian citizens and permanent residents. These interpreting services are facilitated by the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National).
Local government authorities are encouraged to access free interpreting services through TIS when they need to communicate with non-English speaking residents on issues such as rates, garbage collection and urban services.
To access free interpreting services, each local council is allocated a TIS Client Code (an account number) which staff are required to quote when arranging an interpreter.
Councils which are being renamed or amalgamated are kindly requested to contact TIS National to receive a new Client Code prior to the 15 March 2008. Councils which are retaining their name will not need to apply for a new Client Code.
Effective from 15 March 2008, all Client Codes which are currently linked to councils which have been re-named or amalgamated will be deactivated.
If you have any questions about how the transition will affect your council’s ability to access TIS Interpreting services, please call the TIS National Client Liaison and Promotions team on 1300 655 820.
Councils which are not currently registered for free interpreting services are encouraged to register. Further information about TIS services can be found at www.immi.gov.au/tis