Towards a world-leading skills passport for Australian students
Source: Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release
"The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, has announced a consortium of universities to develop a single agreed template for an Australian Diploma Supplement. The successful consortium represents 14 universities led by the University of New England and includes the Australian National University and the University of Melbourne. "

$54 million to boost Australia’s high level engineering skills
Source: Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release
"The Australian Government will invest $54 million under the Incentives for Higher Technical Skills initiative so that almost 25,000 people over five years can gain high level engineering skills."

Voucher System to Strengthen Australia’s skills base
Source: Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release
"The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop said that thousands of Australians will now have the opportunity to expand their skills base and job opportunities through the Australian Skills Vouchers programme which is now open for business. The vouchers are part of the $837 million Skills for the Future package announced by Prime Minister John Howard in October 2006."

National Tourism Investment Strategy
Source: Australia. Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources
"The Australian Government has accepted 34 recommendations of the National Tourism Investment Strategy: Investing for our Future (NTIS) aimed at boosting investment in our $75 billion tourism industry. Australian Government initiatives addressing the recommendations include efforts to enhance natural experiences in national parks, the Skills for the Future initiative, extending the working holiday visa scheme, research into innovation, making tourism statistics available online - a better informed industry is crucial for future planning and investment."

Government Steps up Greenhouse Response
Source: Victoria. Acting Premier. Media Release
"Acting Premier and Minister for Climate Change John Thwaites announced two initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change in Victoria. "

Extra Comment Sought on Tough Proposed Graffiti Laws
Source: Victoria. Minister for Police and Emergency Services. Media Release
"Police & Emergency Services Minister, Bob Cameron, said the Government had extended the period for public comment on the Graffiti Prevention Exposure Draft Bill, which will increase penalties for offenders and create new, stand-alone graffiti offences."

Victoria and New South Wales Finalise Water Trading
Source: Victoria. Minister for Water. Media Release
"Water Minister John Thwaites and New South Wales Minister Ian MacDonald announced that permanent interstate water trade between Victoria and New South Wales will commence on 1 January 2007."

New Alcohol Interlock Laws for Young Drivers
Source: Victoria. Minister for Roads and Ports. Media Release
"Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas urged young drivers to make safe driving their top New Years resolution and reminded young drivers of the new alcohol interlock measures that come into effect from 1 January 2007. Mr Pallas said the introduction of alcohol interlocks for first time drink driving offenders on their probationary license or aged under 26 was the first phase of the new Graduated Licensing System that was announced earlier this year."