New Protection for independent contractors and workers
Source: Australia. Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. Media Release
" People who work as independent contractors will soon have greater flexibility in how they run their business under new laws which will take affect from next month. Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon Joe Hockey MP, announced that the Independent Contractors Act 2006 and the Independent Contractors Regulations 2007 will commence on 1 March 2007. "

Farm worker's helped to stay on the land
Source: Australia. Minister for Workforce Participation. Media Release
"Over 170 people who lost their jobs as a consequence of the big dry are now back working on drought-affected farms, as part of the Australian Government’s Drought Force strategy, Minister for Workforce Participation Dr Sharman Stone said."

World first! Australia slashes greenhouse gases from inefficient lighting
Source: Australia. Minister for Environment and Water Resources. Media Release
"In a world first move, the Australian Government is taking action to phase out inefficient light
bulbs. The step, announced by Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, MalcolmTurnbull MP, should reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 4 million tonnes by 2012."

Medical indemnity: more affordable, more secure
Source: Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing. Media Release
"Medical indemnity insurance has become more affordable according to a review of medical indemnity released by the Commonwealth Government. The review found the Government’s package of medical indemnity measures has helped curb the sharp rises in premiums doctors were experiencing before the package was introduced. At the same time, the package has been a key factor in stabilising the medical indemnity marketplace."

Consultation with the Franchising Industry Underway
Source: Australia. Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources. Media Release
"Consultation with the franchising industry is underway on the implementation of the Australian Government’s response to a review of the disclosure provisions of the Franchising Code of Conduct, with changes likely to be made law after the Budget."

Hardcore re-offenders in Government sights
Source: South Australia. Attorney General. Media Release
"Attorney-General Michael Atkinson says he is examining plans to send hardcore offenders who are alleged to have committed another serious offence while out on parole straight back to jail with no opportunity for bail."

A New Way Forward to National Water Plan
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"Victorian Premier Steve Bracks released a comprehensive national water reform plan, confirming Victoria could not sign up to the Commonwealth’s plan at Friday’s Canberra summit."

Premier's Pre-Emptive Strike in War on Ice
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"Premier Steve Bracks announced the Victorian Government would launch a pre-emptive strike on the highly addictive drug ice to prevent it gaining a foothold in Victoria."

New Program Connects Regional Students With the Arts
Source: Victoria. Minister for the Arts. Media Release
"Minister for the Arts Lynne Kosky joined students from Mornington Secondary College to launch ArtsConnect9, a program to give regional students better access to Melbourne-based arts experiences. "

Hulls Welcomes Sentence Indication and Discounts Paper
Source: Victoria. Office of the Attorney General. Media Release
"Attorney-General Rob Hulls welcomed a Sentencing Advisory Council discussion paper on the feasibility of introducing a sentence indication scheme in Victoria. The paper Sentence Indication and Specified Sentence Discounts explores the potential impact of introducing a sentence indication scheme and specified sentencing discounts on victims of crime, the courts and the Victorian community."

Bracks Unveils Reforms to Boost Victorian Exports
Source: Victoria. Office of the Premier. Media Release
"The Premier Steve Bracks announced he would give Victorian business leaders a seat at the table in determining Victoria’s export strategy – a key driver for the state’s strong economy. Mr Bracks delivered his blueprint to reform Victoria’s export strategy in a keynote speech to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia’s Economic and Political Overview 2007, saying export reform was crucial to achieving the Government’s export target of $35 billion by 2015."

$892M Plan to Boost Maths, Reading and Writing Skills
Source: Victoria. Officer of the Premier. Media Release
"Boosting teacher quality and targeting students who need help most were part of an ambitious $892 million plan to lift Victoria’s literacy and numeracy skills announced by Premier Steve Bracks. Mr Bracks said the State Government’s proposed 10-year reform of Victoria’s education system supported practical initiatives to raise reading, writing and maths skills."

Smokers Facing Tough New Butt Laws
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Tourism, Arts and Environment. Media Release
" The problem of cigarette butt litter will be addressed under tougher litter laws to be introduced in Tasmania this year. The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, said that under the new legislation littering a cigarette butt will carry a fine of $100. "

Northern Territory Government To Reform Motor Accident Compensation Scheme
Source: Northern Territory. Treasurer. Media Release
"Changes to the Motor Accidents Compensation Scheme will improve the benefits received by Territorians who are badly injured in motor accidents, said Treasurer, Syd Stirling. Mr Stirling says the reforms will also see pressure on premium prices reduced with the removal of access to the common law for people from outside of the Territory."