Drought assistance hits all-time high
Source: Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Media Release
"More than $2 million a day is being provided by the Federal Government in drought assistance payments – doubling the amount that was being spent just six months ago. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, said the significant increase in Exceptional Circumstances (EC) payments followed the Government’s announcement in October 2006 extending assistance to all eligible farmers in EC areas, regardless of what they produce."

A bushfire management strategy for the 21st century
Source: Australia. Minister for fisheries, Forestry and Conservation. Media Release
"State based land management agencies need to adopt a new land management approach if we are to avoid increasing numbers of ‘mega fires’ over coming bushfire seasons."

Increased Coronial Co-operation in Australia
Source: Australia. Attorney General. Media Release
"Formal arrangements for coroners across Australia to work together are a step closer after the States and Territories reached agreement at a meeting of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General in Canberra. The Australian Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, described the new model provision as a positive step in handling the aftermath of disaster events."

Clever Networks - smart broadband solutions for rural and regional Australia
Source: Australia. Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. Media Release
"The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan, announced that sixteen projects have been successful under the first round of funding for the $113 million Clever Networks program. “The 16 successful Clever Networks projects will use the latest in broadband technology to improve service delivery in the areas of health, education, government and emergency services for communities throughout rural and regional Australia,” Senator Coonan said."

Research Quality Framework Panel Chairs Announced
Source: Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release
"The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, announced the Assessment Panel Chairs for the Research Quality Framework (RQF) – the Australian Government’s innovative model for assessing and funding research. The Minister announced the Australian Government’s decision to implement the RQF in November last year in a move that will restructure the current quantitative-based research funding scheme to a process of expert review which relies on assessors of international standing and representatives of the end-users of that research."

Students moving interstate will no longer face discrimination
Source: Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release
"Australian Education Ministers agreed today that no child moving interstate would be disadvantaged in their progress through the school system as a result of entering another State’s education system.'

A victory for commonsense as States finally agree to a nationally consistent school curriculum
Source: Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release
"“State and Territory Governments have agreed to the Federal Government’s request for greater national consistency in school curriculum, testing and reporting,” Minister Bishop said."

Smart Meters to Cut Bills and Help the Environment
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"Smart metering of gas, electricity and water in Victorian households could help in the fight against climate change, save water and cut down on household bills, Premier Steve Bracks announced. Mr Bracks said an Australian first trial had commenced with 50 Melbourne households testing smart water, gas and electricity meters."