Free flu jab extended to protect more Queenslanders
In a push to protect more Queenslanders, the State Government’s free flu vaccination campaign will be extended for just over two weeks until 17 July 2022.
Since the program’s commencement on 24 May 2022, held in partnership with GPs and Pharmacies, around 650,000 people have received their influenza vaccine.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the extension will allow families over school holidays to take advantage of the program.
“We know that parents may not have had the opportunity to take the family in for their free flu shot, that’s why the next two weeks will be critical,” The Premier said.
“This campaign has already been incredibility successful, and a further two weeks will increase Queensland’s coverage as we hit the peak of winter.
“If you haven’t yet had your vaccination, I urge you to take up our offer of a free shot.”
Additional disaster relief funding for infrastructure
The Australian and Queensland Governments are providing $170 million in Betterment funding to build essential public infrastructure damaged in the 2021-22 disaster season to a more resilient standard.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt said the funding was made available through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and that councils from all over Queensland would benefit from stronger infrastructure.
“This $170 million available in Betterment funding is the largest ever made available in a single disaster season in Queensland with $150 million directly targeting local government areas seeking to build back better following the extraordinary flooding events of 2021-22,” Minister Watt said.
Funding to boost NDIS access in Queensland
The State Government is investing $5.7 million in 2022-23 to help young people with disability get life-changing support as part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Disability Services Minister Craig Crawford said the Queensland-run Assessment and Referral Team (ART) will be available for a further 12 months, providing one-on-one assistance to at-risk children and young people aged 7-25 years.
“ART has helped to transform the lives of almost 3,000 Queenslanders over the last three years by helping them access the NDIS,’’ Mr Crawford said.
“Today 2,700 of these people have NDIS plans in place valued at almost $307 million.
“The NDIS can provide life-changing supports for people with disability, but the application process can be complex and difficult to navigate without assistance.
