Ms DAVIS (Aspley—LNP) (4.20 pm):

I rise to add to the debate on the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill. The bill seeks to increase flexibility for the management of offenders under the act and to enhance the ability of the court to make indefinite sentence orders under part 10 of the Penalties and Sentences Act.

The community supports any measures that ensure dangerous sexual offenders are monitored so as not to place further risk to society. Indeed, if they are a risk to the community, then their release back into the community should not occur. Put simply, they should remain locked up.

Given the subject matter of this bill, I spent some time speaking with professionals who have experience with these sorts of matters and who have dealt with these types of offenders.

Ms DAVIS (Aspley—LNP) (7.51 pm):

I rise to speak in support of the Criminal Code (Serious Assaults on Police and Particular Other Persons) Amendment Bill. At the outset, I would like to record my appreciation and admiration for our police and emergency services personnel. The bravery and dedication shown by our police, ambulance and fire officers is a great asset to our state and a reassurance to all Queenslanders.

This bill was introduced into the House with the aim of offering our police, our ambos and our firies more than just thanks; it was a way of ensuring their greater safety while they are at work. These people are already working in conditions that are often dangerous, stressful and urgent. They do not need thrown into the equation needless and damaging interference by people who find it amusing or brave to assault them. This interference is also certainly not welcome by the people who need help in an emergency.

Ms DAVIS (Aspley—LNP) (12.13 pm):

Today I rise to speak to the Child Protection and Other Acts Amendment Bill. As the shadow minister has indicated, the LNP will not be supporting this bill, which in itself is a snapshot of Labor’s failure over the last 12 years to effectively manage child safety.

The wellbeing of children is a paramount concern for our community. Children who are left in exposed, risky and dangerous situations which can cause emotional, psychological and physical trauma need to be able to depend on our community through our government to help them.

There is no process for children to resolve the problems and it needs the careful, considered and compassionate intervention of Child Safety to ensure their best possible wellbeing, both in the short term and long term.

Ms DAVIS (Aspley—LNP) (4.59 pm):

Small business is central to so many aspects of our state. It is the engine of employment, with more than half of Queensland’s private sector workers employed in small business. Small business is the heart of our suburbs and towns, providing a cohesive social and economic power that keeps communities running.

The passion of small businesses is what makes them the cornerstone of our economy and community. From the local corner store to the specialty shop, the service provider to the hardware store, every business has a valued place in the make-up of our community and contributes to our way of life.