Statuatory Review of the Gaming Machines Act 2001
Source: NSW. Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing. Media Release
"The Gaming Machines Act 2001 requires a review of the policy objectives of the Act and the terms of the Act after five years. A report on the outcome of the review is to be tabled in Parliament prior to 19 December 2007. A discussion paper has been prepared by the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing to give interested parties the opportunity to participate in the review. The Office invites public comment on the discussion paper."

New English language requirements for employer sponsored temporary business visa (the subclass 457) programme commence on 1 July
Source: Australia. Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. Media Release
"From 1 July 2007, overseas workers must have English language skills equivalent to an average band score of 4.5 in an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, unless exempted in certain special circumstances. Applicants must have higher English language skills where this is required for licensing, registration, or membership of a professional association in their nominated occupation. "

Millions to Flow to Secure South Australia's Water Supply
Source: Australia. Minister for the Environment and Water Resources. Media Release
"Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, announced the
Australian government will provide $34.5 million from the Water Smart Australia Programme with a total value up to $119.3 million to the Waterproofing the South project to enable greater recycling and stormwater reuse in Southern Adelaide."

New Skills Assessment Service for Migrants
Source: Australia. Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. Media Release
"The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon Joe Hockey MP and the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Kevin Andrews MP, announced the successful provider of a new streamlined and robust service to assess people with trade skills wishing to migrate to Australia. During the second half of this year all prospective migrants with trade skills will be tested to agreed Australian standards before coming to Australia."

Establishment Of Independent EPA
Source: Northern Territory. Minister for the Environment. Media Release
"The NT Government is delivering an important election promise to establish an independent Environment Protection Agency, with the endorsement today of the EPA Board’s Report and recommendations. "

All School Grounds to be Smoke Free
Source: ACT. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"Minister for Education and Training, Andrew Barr, announced that all public school grounds will be smoke free from 1 January 2008. Mr Barr said that currently individual college school boards make the decision of whether to designate college grounds smoke free – but that the Government will change this policy."

Federal Labor's Plan For Climate Change Impact On Iconic Areas Including The Great Barrier Reef
Source: Australian Labor Party. Media Release
"A Rudd Labor Government will fast track a Climate Change Adaptation Plan for Australia’s World Heritage and iconic areas, including the stunning Great Barrier Reef, the Australian Alps and Kakadu National Park. Under Federal Labor’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan, coral bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef will be monitored and documented through aerial, satellite and underwater surveys."

Alkimos to become Western Australia’s first carbon-neutral development
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. Media Release
"The State Government has unveiled plans for a new regional centre, between Joondalup and Yanchep, that will set new standards in reduction of greenhouse gasses. Alkimos will become a benchmark carbon-neutral development featuring innovative design measures to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, Ms MacTiernan said. Energy-efficient building designs that maximise the use of innovative water and energy technologies will be embedded in the planning for the area."

Choice on the way for WA public sector employees
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Government Enterprises. Media Release
"Western Australian public sector employees will be able to choose their superannuation fund under legislation introduced to State Parliament this week.Government Enterprises Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich said the changes would bring the right of State Government workers to choose their superannuation fund in-line with national trends and most Australian employees."

WA wins push for folate fortification
Western Australia. Minister for Health. Media Release
"Western Australia's strong support for better infant health was backed today when the nation's Health Ministers finally endorsed mandatory fortification of bread with folic acid."

Western Australians get greater building protections
Source: Western Australia. Minister for C0nsumer Protection. Media Release
"More Western Australians building homes will be better protected against construction delays and cost increases under new reforms announced today. Consumer Protection Minister Sheila McHale said that from July 2, consumers who signed home building contracts worth up to $500,000 would be able to take contractual complaints to WA’s independent building watchdog."

Learning begins at home
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"Parents with children starting public school kindergarten next year will soon receive a booklet full of ideas to help them become involved in their child’s learning. Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said the booklet, called Learning begins at home, was an invaluable resource for parents."

Federal Labor Will Put Pearson Plan Into Action
Source: Australian Labor Party. Media Statement
"Federal Labor endorsed the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership’s welfare reform plan for Cape York communities. It also agreed to fund and implement the range of initiatives to make family and welfare payments and housing – conditional on school attendance and the proper care of children. Another key recommendation is to establish the first four Family Responsibilities Commissions – a local statutory body which would ensure that welfare benefits go towards the benefit of children."

Labor's National Rainwater/greywater Plan - $250 Million To Save Water In 500,000 Homes Across Australia
Source: Australian Labor Party. Media Release.
"A Rudd Labor Government will help 500,000 households across Australia install rainwater tanks or grey water pipes to help combat Australia’s urban water shortages through a National RainWater/GreyWater Plan.Federal Labor will invest $250 million over six years to offer a rebate of up to $500 for 500,000 homes to help install new piping for grey water use or rainwater tanks."

All school grounds to be smoke free
Source: ACT. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"Minister for Education and Training, Andrew Barr, announced that all public school grounds will be smoke free from 1 January 2008. Mr Barr said that currently individual college school boards make the decision of whether to designate college grounds smoke free – but that the Government will change this policy."

Desalination plant to deliver 150 billion litres of water per year
Source. Victoria. Office of the Premier. Media Release
"Australia’s largest desalination plant will be built in the Wonthaggi region to boost water supplies for Melbourne, Geelong, Westernport and South Gippsland by the end of 2011. The second phase of the Government’s water strategy, Our Water Our Future was announced by Premier Steve Bracks to deliver the single biggest boost to Victoria’s water supplies in decades. A desalination plant to provide 150 billion litres of water per year will be built in the Wonthaggi region. The plant will cost an estimated $3.1 billion and be completed by late 2011, and includes an 85 kilometre pipeline connecting it to Melbourne."

New upskirting laws introduced into Parliament
Source: Victoria. Office of the Attorney General. Media Release
"The Bracks Government has unveiled the details of its new laws to strengthen legislation banning unauthorised intimate photos.The Attorney-General, Rob Hulls, said the new laws, introduced into Parliament this week, created a specific offence for taking photographs up a woman’s skirt without her knowledge or consent."

Marine Parks Bill in Parliament
Source: South Australia. Minister for Environment and Conservation. Media Release
"The Rann Government’s commitment to ensuring greater protection for the state’s valuable marine environment takes a significant forward step with the introduction of the Marine Parks Bill 2007 into State Parliament. Environment and Conservation Minister, Gail Gago said the new legislation aimed to establish a world class system of 19 marine parks in coastal waters around the state by 2010. "

$1 million in ‘green school’ grants
Source: South Australia. Education and Children’s Services Minister. Media Release
"South Australian schools and preschools will be encouraged to save water and energy with support from a $1 million Rann Government ‘green schools’ grants fund. Education and Children’s Services Minister, Jane Lomax-Smith, announced 78 schools will receive grants, as part of South Australia’s strategic plan to improve environmental sustainability."

Around Australia in 40 Days Challenge
Source: Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing. Media Release
"The Commonwealth Government today launched the ‘Around Australia in 40 Days Challenge’, a new initiative to promote healthy and active lifestyles.The ‘Around Australia in 40 Days Challenge’ is open to teams of junior high school students in years 7, 8 and 9 and requires them to do enough steps to each day to virtually ‘walk’ around Australia in 40 days."

Government amendments to the TRADE PRACTICES ACT 1974
Source: Australia. The Treasurer. Media Release.
" following extensive consultation with small business, the Government will introduce the Trade Practices Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2007 (the Bill) to amend section 51AC and section 46 of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (the Act). The Bill will improve protection for small business from unconscionable conduct and from the misuse of market power, such as predatory pricing. The Bill substantially implements the Government’s response to the March 2004 Senate Economics References Committee (SERC) report on The effectiveness of the Trade Practices Act 1974 in protecting small business."

Sri Lanka, Australia agree on new air service
Source. Australia. Minister for Transport and Regional Services. Media Release.
"New air services arrangements with Sri Lanka would pave the way for daily services between Sri Lanka and Australia, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Mark Vaile announced."

Nats move to protect future of country telecommunications
Source: Australia. Minister for Transport and Regional Services. Media Release
"The Federal Coalition Government has introduced legislation to prevent Labor or any future Government from pinching millions of dollars set aside for improving telecommunications in rural and regional Australia, the Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of The Nationals Mark Vaile said. Mr Vaile said the legislation was vital to safeguard the $2 billion Communications Fund from being raided by Kevin Rudd or any future Government and to protect the interests of country Australia."

New tough penalties strengthen the integrity of the Temporary Skilled Migration Programme
Source: Australia. Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. Media Release
"The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Kevin Andrews, introduced legislation into the Australian Parliament to strengthen the obligations of sponsors who employ 457 visa workers. The legislation will impose sanctions and penalties on those employers who fail to comply with their obligations."

Exposure Draft of Access Card Bill
Source: Australia. Minister for Human Services. Media Release
"Australians will have the opportunity to participate in further consultation on the proposed access card, the Minister for Human Services, Senator Chris Ellison said. Senator Ellison released exposure drafts of legislation for the access card, including the Human Services (Enhanced Service Delivery) Bill 2007, and the Human Services (Enhanced Services Delivery) (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2007. Senator Ellison said the exposure draft provided an opportunity for Australians to see the detail of the access card in its entirety and how the Government proposed to protect their privacy and secure personal information. "

National emergency response to protect Aboriginal children in the NT
Source: Australia. Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Media Release. "In response to the national emergency confronting the welfare of Aboriginal children in the Northern Territory, the Australian Government announced immediate, broad ranging measures to stabilise and protect communities in the crisis area. The emergency measures to protect children being announced are a first step that will provide immediate mitigation and stabilising impacts in communities that will be prescribed by the Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs."

100% Broadband Guaranteed
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 launched the guidelines for the new Australian Broadband Guarantee program, a key element of the Australian Government’s recently announced Australia Connected package. Senator Coonan said that unlike the Labor Party, the Government has a complete and detailed plan to rollout affordable broadband to all Australians, regardless of where they live and the costs to consumers. Senator Coonan also announced the extension of the current Australian Broadband Guarantee (transitional period) program."

Gary Nairn launches Australian Government Architecture
Source: Australia. Special Minister of State. Media Release.
"The Special Minister of State, Gary Nairn, today launched version one of the Australian Government Architecture (AGA) with the Reference Models publication.
“Version one of the Australian Government Architecture is an important milestone in providing a framework for Government to provide better services to citizens and more effectively invest in Government information and communication technologies (ICT) capabilities,“ Mr Nairn said."

WiMAX technology supported worldwide
Source: Australia. Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. Media Release
“With the rollout of a new high speed broadband network, Australians will soon be able to access speeds and technology solutions that are quite literally, leading the world,” Senator the Hon Helen Coonan, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts said. “WiMAX is a proven technology that is already supplying high speed broadband in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Denmark, Austria, South Africa, United Kingdom and India."

Government Moves on Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
Source: Australia. Minister for Justice and Customs. Media Release.
"The Australian Government has moved to put the issue of outlaw motorcycle gangs on the national agenda, Minister for Justice and Customs, David Johnston said. The Australian Government has already begun working towards building an effective way of dealing with organised crime gangs."

Attorney-General acts on material advocating terrorism
Source: Australia. Attorney General's Department. Media Release
"Classification laws will soon be better able to deal with material that encourages people to commit terrorist acts, Australian Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said. Following public consultation through a discussion paper on material that advocates terrorist acts, Mr Ruddock has sought State and Territory Censorship Ministers’ agreement to amend the National Classification Code and guidelines."

New bail laws target serious crime
Source: Western Australia. Attorney General. Media release
"A Bill to be introduced to Parliament tomorrow will toughen up Western Australia’s bail laws for people charged with serious crimes. Attorney General Jim McGinty said the Bail Amendment Bill 2007 would require judges and magistrates to explain why bail was given to people facing serious charges. The new laws would also modernise bail applications, administration, and procedural systems to increase efficiency."

Practical information to prevent violence against teachers
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Education and Training. Media release.
"In an Australian first, teachers at Western Australia’s public schools will receive a training and resource package to help prevent and manage violent incidents. The Minister said schools were a reflection of the wider community and the Keeping Our Workplace Safe package reflected a proactive and supportive approach to the issue of managing, and ideally, preventing violent incidents in schools."

Minister launches forum for national mine safety blueprint
Source: Western Australia. Employment Protection. Media release.
"Employment Protection Minister Michelle Roberts, today launched a forum aimed at addressing mine safety in Australia.Mrs Roberts said forums involving industry representatives and members of the public, were being held across the country, to develop a national strategy for safe working conditions in the mining industry. The National Mine Safety Framework (NMSF) is an initiative of the national Ministerial Council on Mineral and Petroleum Resources. NSMF aims to achieve improved outcomes, best-practice regulation, and consistency across Australia in mining health and safety regulations."

Anti-nuclear legislation introduced
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Energy, Resources, Industry and Enterprise. Media Statement.
"Companies or individuals who attempt to build or operate a nuclear power plant in Western Australia will face fines of $500,000 under legislation introduced into State Parliament today. The new legislation will prohibit the construction or operation of a nuclear facility in WA, prohibit the transportation of certain material to a nuclear facility site, and prohibit connecting nuclear generation works to an electricity transmission or distribution system. Mr Logan said it would also include a referendum trigger if the Commonwealth Government ever tried to override the new State laws."

Novice driver and ‘Mike’s’ laws introduced to Parliament
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Police and Emergency Services. Media realease
"Internationally tested and proven measures to save young lives on Western Australian roads will be introduced into Parliament. The proposed legislation includes restrictions on night-time driving in the first six months of the P-plate period, and a zero blood alcohol level for all novice drivers."

Pressing Ahead with the Inland Railway
Source: Australia. Minister for Transport and Regional Services. Media Release
"The Australian Government has decided to take the next step in planning the proposed inland railway from Melbourne to Brisbane. The Government has made the broad decision that the railway will run through Parkes before heading north through western New South Wales to the Queensland border. The Government will now commission a $15 million engineering and scoping study to determine the best alignment for the railway within this broad route."

Broadband Win for Rural and Regional Australians
Source: Australia. Minister for Transport and Regional Services. Media Release
"Rural and regional Australians will have access to crucial broadband services no matter where they live under the Australia Connected funding and legislative package announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of The Nationals Mark Vaile. High-speed broadband will be available to 99 per cent of Australians under the new $1.85 billion Broadband Connect initiative with the remaining one per cent covered by the $162.5 million Australian Broadband Guarantee, Mr Vaile said."

Liberalised Trade for a More Prosperous Pacific Region
Source: Australia. Minister for Trade. Media Release
"Australia and New Zealand are seeking preliminary consultations for the negotiation of a free trade agreement with Pacific Island countries, the Australian Government Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, said."

Attorney-General Welcomes HREOC Plan to Combat Extremism
Australia. Attorney General. Media Release
"A series of important initiatives to be undertaken by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) to build social cohesion and combat extremism has been announced by Attorney-General Philip Ruddock."

$2.25m to reduce agriculture’s methane emissions
Source: Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Media Release
"A new research programme will help to cut agriculture’s carbon emissions.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, said the Government was contributing $1 million to the collaborative research programme, which would seek to lower agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by capturing and using methane for energy generation."

Federal Labor's Approach To Agriculture And Climate Change
Source: Australian Labor Party. Media Release
"A Rudd Labor Government will fast track the National Agriculture and Climate Change Action Plan. The announcement was made at a National Farmers’ Federation meeting in Canberra."

Government committed to shared services reform
Source: Western Australia. Treasurer. Media Release
"Significant changes to the shared services project have already helped to ensure the reform delivers substantial benefits for Western Australia. Treasurer Eric Ripper said the project had started to reap rewards for the State, with 15 government agencies now receiving their finance and procurement services from the Office of Shared Services (OSS) and more would follow."

New unit to focus on struggling schools
Western Australia. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"Struggling schools that consistently underperform in literacy, numeracy and other academic areas will be targeted by a new review unit to be established by the State Government. This new team will go into the schools that are struggling and work with the principals and staff to identify the problems and develop detailed action plans to improve the way in which the schools are run,” Mr McGowan said."

Crackdown on student behaviour
Western Australia. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"Violent and disruptive high school students will be removed from regular classes and placed in specialist behaviour centres in a trial to start this year. Unveiling the plan, Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said violent, aggressive and disruptive students destroyed teacher morale and undermined the performance of other students."

Drink spiking laws a first for WA
Source: Western Australia. Attorney General. Media Release
"New laws to be introduced into State Parliament will, for the first time, make it an offence to spike another person’s drink or food. Attorney General Jim McGinty said that, under current laws, individuals who added drugs to the drinks or food of others could only be prosecuted if it could be proved they intended to commit a crime against their victim following the spiking."

$50 Million Wind Farm Approved to Provide Clean Energy
Source: NSW. Minister for Planning. Media Release
"The NSW Government has approved a new wind farm near Yass, following an extensive consultation process involving Yass Valley Council and the general public.
More than 100 conditions have been imposed on the $50 million wind farm which will provide enough energy for about 12,600 homes. "

Business on winning track for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Source: Australia. Minister for Trade. Media Release
"An Australian Government business initiative to help Australian companies develop international partnerships and global business opportunities will take place during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The Business Club Australia program will leverage the global attraction of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games by staging a series of networking events and business matching services in Beijing and Australia for Australian and international companies."

Truss announces new Trade Advisory Council
Source: Australia. Minister for Trade. Media Release
"The Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, announced the formation of the Australian Government’s Trade Advisory Council. Mr Truss said that the Trade Advisory Council will be the Trade Minister’s pre-eminent source of advice from the business sector on vital trade and investment issues. This new Council replaces three existing groups (the Trade Policy Advisory Council, the WTO Advisory Group and the FTA Export Advisory Panel).

G8 Confirms Need for New Global Climate Change Agreement
Source: Australia. Minister for the Environment and Water Resources. Media Release
"Malcolm Turnbull welcomed the communique from the G8 meeting in Germany on climate change. Key climate change policy priorities of the Australian Government have been reflected in the communique, in particular a strong emphasis on curbing deforestation, energy efficiency and promoting clean coal technology."

khhawvExpert to develop performance-based pay
Source: Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release
"The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, has announced that the Australian Government will conduct a tender process to engage an expert to develop models of performance-based pay for teachers to be trialled in Australian schools. "

Tackling Climate Change
Source: Tasmania. Labor Member for Denison. Media Release
"“The State Government is planning for the next generation by developing a coordinated response to climate change. The $3 million funding injection for a climate change office to coordinate climate change policy and implement a Tasmanian Climate Change Strategy is the latest step the Government has taken. Ms Singh said the Tasmania-specific Climate Change Strategy is in its final phase of preparation after being circulated very widely for comment in its draft form. "

Education Reforms For The Future
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Education. Media Release
" The Minister for Education, David Bartlett, released research into the planned reforms of Tasmania’s post year 10 learning. Mr Bartlett also gave more details of the changes to be in place by 2009 and outlined the scope of the extensive consultation to be undertaken. "

Tobacco Reform Continues
Source: ACT. Chief Minister. Media Release
"The ACT Government had significantly reformed the laws governing the sale and use of tobacco for the promotion of better health for people living in the ACT, the Minister for Health Ms. Katy Gallagher said. The government has more reforms currently under consideration including further restricting tobacco use in outdoor eating areas, around building entrances, and at under-age functions."

Government Reforms Gaming Machine Limits and Community Benefit Statements with New Laws
Source: Victoria. Minister for Gaming. Media Release
"The Gambling Regulation Amendment Bill 2007 will introduce significant reforms to gaming machine operations, the Minister for Gaming, Daniel Andrews, said. Mr Andrews said the Bill would reform community benefit statements and implement commitments made under Taking action on problem gambling, the Bracks Government’s five-year, $132.3 million strategy to combat problem gambling."

$6.5M Sexual Health Package to Fight HIV and STIS
Source: Victoria. Minister for Health Media Release
"A $6.5 million sexual health package aimed at helping to reduce rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Victoria will help arrest rising rates of infection, the Minister for Health, Bronwyn Pike, said. Ms Pike launched the two-pronged campaign, saying it would include targeted advertising campaigns and the new HIV/STI Prevention Taskforce, to spearhead the Bracks Government’s annual $38 million program to treat and prevent HIV and STIs."

Move it! grants to get people more active
Source: South Australia. Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Media Release
"The State Government has opened applications for a $500,000 grants program that encourages more South Australians to Move It!. Move It! aims to increase participation in sport, active recreation and physical activity by addressing the barriers to being active for specific population groups."

More solar funding for more schools
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Energy, Resources, Industry and Enterprise. Media Release
"Another twenty schools across Western Australia – including six in regional areas - will receive State Government funding to install their own solar panels. The Carpenter Government has committed an extra $4.1million to the program over the next four years, so that more than 350 of the State’s schools will use renewable energy by 2010.”

New plan to tackle training drop-outs
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"The State Government has moved to tackle drop-out rates as high as 61 per cent among apprentices and trainees in key trades. The drop-out rate is hampering the supply of workers to meet the skills shortage."

Teacher taskforce takes it to the people
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"The high level taskforce established to advise Government on the long-term issues affecting the teaching workforce, is asking for public submissions in response to a discussion paper recently released. It is important that there is a long-term, strategic approach to dealing with teacher attraction and retention,” he said."

Federal Labor's Solar, Green Energy And Water Renovations Plan For Australian Households
Source: Australian Labor Party. Media Release
"A Federal Labor Government will offer Australian households low interest rate loans of up to $10,000 to help make existing homes greener and more energy and water efficient. "

Minimising Aviation Greenhouse Emissions Without a Ticket Tax
Source: Australia. Minister for Transport and Regional Services. Media Release
"Australia had already demonstrated the aviation industry could minimise greenhouse emissions in practical ways without a ticket tax, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Mark Vaile, said on World Environment Day. In fact, the aviation industry has been working on minimising aircraft emissions for some time, internationally, through the International Civil Aviation Organization and regionally, with the APEC economies," Mr Vaile said."

Establishment of the COAG Reform Council
Source: Australia. Prime Minister. Media Release
"I am pleased to announce, in my capacity as chairman of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), that the COAG Reform Council (CRC) has commenced operations. The establishment of the CRC is an important step in the continuing COAG National Reform Agenda (NRA), which encompasses human capital, competition and regulatory reforms, and will help underpin Australia's future prosperity through increasing Australia's productivity and workforce participation."

Biotechnology Strategy A Boost For Tasmanian Innovation
Source: Tasmania. Premier. Media Release
"Premier Paul Lennon launched the State’s Biotechnology Strategy, with a target of trebling turnover from the sector in Tasmania by 2015. "

New Regulation for Legal Profession
Source: Tasmania. Attorney General. Media Release
" A Bill establishing a new regime regulating Tasmania’s legal profession has been introduced into State Parliament, Attorney-General Steven Kons said. Mr Kons said the Legal Profession Bill 2007 was the result of significant negotiations with the state’s legal profession and other stakeholders during the past two years. This Bill will see Tasmania adopt the principles of the National Legal Profession Model Laws project, subject to appropriate local variations."

Australia's Review on Economics of Climate Change Begins in Victoria
Source: Victoria. Office of the Premier. Media Release
"Australia’s first comprehensive study into the national economic impacts of climate change has begun in Victoria, following a meeting between Premier Steve Bracks and Professor Ross Garnaut. The Garnaut Climate Change Review – Australia’s equivalent to the UK Stern Review – will examine the impacts on climate change on Australian jobs and the economy, and recommend mid-term to long-term policies to achieve sustainable prosperity. "

International Business Network Reforms to Boost Victorian Economy
Source: Victoria. Office of the Premier. Media Release
"Premier Steve Bracks outlined the next stage of reforms for the Victorian Government’s overseas offices which will boost Victoria’s economic performance and standing in the global economy. Mr Bracks said the Government would establish an International Coordination Office (ICO), a new central coordination point in government for all of the Victorian Government’s overseas activities."

Big Step Taken Towards National Emissions Trading
Source: Victoria. Minister for the Environment. Media Release
"Australia has taken a big step towards setting up a greenhouse emissions trading scheme after state and territory environment ministers today agreed to a Victorian proposal for mandatory reporting by companies emitting more than 25,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year."

$8 Million Program Opens Dood for Mental Health and Drug Treatment
Source: Victoria. Minister for Mental Health. Media Release
"Victoria is leading the way in the new $8 million dual diagnosis program for treating people with both mental health and drug and alcohol problems, Minister for Mental Health Lisa Neville said. Ms Neville said the leading-edge dual diagnosis treatment helped to stop people with both mental health and drug problems falling between the cracks."

Sustainable Transport Commitment Signed
Source: Victoria. Minister for Public Transport. Media Release
"The Victorian Government has re-affirmed its commitment to developing a sustainable public transport network, signing on to the International Association of Public Transport’s (UITP) Charter on Sustainable Development."

SA push for national plastic bag ban
Source: South Australia. Minister for Environment and Conservation. Media Release
"South Australia continues to lead the push for a national ban on single-use lighweight plastic shopping bags by the end of 2008. Speaking after the Environment Protection and Heritage Council meeting in Cairns, Environment and Conservation Minister, Gail Gago said all states had agreed to work towards a national regulatory approach on plastic bags and report back by the next meeting in November this year."

Government acts to change road rule for mobile phone use
Source: South Australia. Premier and Minister for Road Safety. Media Release
"The State Government has moved to immediately amend a National Road Rule that relates to the use of mobile phones by road users. Rule 300 will be amended to exclude the words “hand held”, thereby making it possible for people to drive legally with a hand held mobile, so long as it used in a hands-free device."

Schools invited to trial new SACE programs
Source: South Australia. Minister for Education and Children's Services. Media Release
"The State’s high schools will help pioneer a new South Australian Certificate of Education for senior students by becoming part of a $3.5 million SACE Pilot Program over the next 18 months.
Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith is inviting Government, Catholic and Independent schools to apply to become one of 42 initial schools chosen to pilot key elements of the new SACE. Principals, staff, students and local communities from the selected schools will be the first to test the new Personal Learning Plan and approaches to improving students’ literacy and numeracy skills."

WA to remain nuclear free: Premier
Source: Western Australia. Premier. Media Release
"Nuclear power stations will be banned in Western Australia under new legislation to be introduced by the Carpenter Government. Premier Alan Carpenter said the anti-nuclear legislation, to be introduced when Parliament resumes in June, would:
prohibit the construction or operation of a nuclear facility in WA;
prohibit the transportation of certain material to a nuclear facility site; and
prohibit the connecting of nuclear generation works to an electricity transmission or distribution system. "

Workforce skills boost for Western Australians
Source: Western Australia. Premier. Media Release
"Thousands of Western Australian workers and employers are set to benefit from a $2million expansion of the State’s skills recognition program. Premier Alan Carpenter said experienced workers would benefit and skill shortages would be eased by streamlining and improving the recognition process."

Western Australians urged to Act Now for the Future
Source: Western Australia. Minister for the Environment and Climate Change. Media Release
"The State Government has unveiled a virtual one-stop shop for Western Australians wanting to cash in on more than $10million in power and water-saving rebates and learn more about how they can act now for their future. Environment and Climate Change Minister David Templeman said the Act Now for the Future website was a portal for sustainable living that featured comprehensive information and advice for people who wanted to embrace the climate change challenge."