Proceeds of crime grants
Source. Western Australia. Attorney General. Media Release.
"More than $2million in money and assets seized from criminals is set to go back to the community with the latest round of ‘Robin Hood’ grants now up for grabs. Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General John Hyde is officially calling for not-for-profit community groups and local governments to apply for the $2.2million, which will be available in the fifth round of the Criminal Property Confiscation Grants."

Launch of State-wide campaign to improve jury system
Source. Western Australia. The Attorney General. Media Release.
"A continuing drop in the number of people turning up for jury duty across Western Australia has prompted the Attorney General Jim McGinty to launch an education campaign to reverse the trend. Mr McGinty said juries represented the values of the community as a whole and were critical in ensuring the justice system operated in a fair and balanced way. The central theme of the campaign, ‘BE PART OF THE BALANCE’, reinforces the need for individuals to participate in the jury process in order for justice to operate in a fair and balanced way.The communication strategy also aims to increase knowledge of a juror’s entitlements, including reimbursement for loss of income, and educate the community on the consequences of not responding to a juror summons."

Reforms for Better Dog Control
Source. Tasmania. Minister assisting the Premier on Local Government. Media Release.
" The Tasmanian Government will strengthen dog control by legislating to impose tighter guidelines on dangerous dogs and restrict breeds such as pit bull terriers. The Minister Assisting the Premier on Local Government, Michelle O’Byrne, announced a package of reforms to improve public safety through better control and more responsible ownership of dogs."

Launch of the Power Generation Training Package
Source. Tasmania. Minister for Education. Media Release.
" Hydro Tasmania and TAFE Tasmania have joined forces in an innovative training initiative for Hydro Tasmania’s power generation workers. Launched by the Minister for Education, David Bartlett, the Electricity Supply Industry Generation Training Package (GenTech) is a centralised, structured and efficient training package for developing the skills of Hydro Tasmania workers. Mr Bartlett says the agreement is a prime example of TAFE Tasmania’s flexible approach to tailoring training to the needs of employers. "

Getting Tough on Drink Drivers
Source. Tasmania. Minister for Police and Emergency Management. Media Release.
" The State Government is getting even tougher on drivers who break the law and risk lives by drink-driving. The Minister for Police and Emergency Management, David Llewellyn, introduced the Road Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Amendment Bill 2007 to Parliament.
“The changes will create authority for police to serve an ‘excessive drink driving notice’ on drivers who commit certain offences, resulting in the driver being immediately disqualified from driving,” Mr Llewellyn said. “Drivers who commit offences not only put themselves at risk, but their passengers and every other road user. "

Government Supports Water Innovation
Source. Tasmania. The Treasurer. Media Release.
" The Treasurer, Michael Aird, re-launched the all new ‘rethinking tomorrow’ water infrastructure business of the Stornoway Group based in Relbia near Launceston.
Stornoway Water is part of the Stornoway Group and provides a range of cost effective and innovative waste-water treatment systems and water recycling stations. Mr Aird said that the development and adoption of new water related products and technology was vital to addressing the challenge of limited water resources in Tasmania, the rest of Australia and around the world."

$12 Million For Special Needs Students
Source. Tasmania. Minister for Education. Media Release.
" An additional $12 million over three years will be reallocated to special needs students in Tasmania. The Minister for Education, David Bartlett, said that a task force of principals from both special and neighbourhood schools across Tasmania had developed a plan to free up the funding. School clusters will be advised of their funding allocations this term and will determine the support allocations for all children on the Severe Disability Register. These allocations will go directly to schools, based on the advice from clusters.”

Rudd Labor Government To Retain Medicare Safety Net
Source. ALP Policy. Media Release
"A Rudd Labor Government will retain the Medicare safety net as Australian working families have come to rely on it for help with their family budgets. ...Federal Labor’s $220 million GP Super Clinics will be prioritised in locations where there is low take up of safety net benefits and under-utilisation of Medicare services driven by poor access to doctors and specialists. "

Federal Labor's Plan For Climate Change And Farming
Source. ALP Policy. Media Release
"A Rudd Labor Government will help Australia’s farming community get through the current drought and will invest $60 million – over three years – to help them respond to climate change. The $60 million for Climate Change Adaptation plan is part of Federal Labor’s Australia’s Farming Future. Federal Labor’s Climate Change Adaptation plan will help Australia’s farmers maximise climate change opportunities."

Scholarships secure 70 country teachers for 2008
Source: South Australia. Minister for Education and Children's Services. Media Release
"More than 70 new teachers, including 18 maths and science teachers, will be working in country schools next year, thanks to the Rann Government’s Country Teaching Scholarships program. Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says the graduate teachers will finish their teaching degrees this year and take up a post in a country school for 2008."

Student nurses take on part-time work in hospitals
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Health. Media Release
"A new program will boost the number of nurses in Western Australia’s health system and allow some nursing students to work part-time in hospitals while progressing toward their chosen career. Health Minister Jim McGinty said the initiative would mean that some undergraduate students training at university to become registered nurses could qualify as enrolled nurses while continuing their studies."

Gas Is The Future - Helium Leads The Way
Source. Northern Territory. Chief Minister. Media Release.
"The Northern Territory Government has welcomed the signing of a contract to build the first helium plant in Australia. Chief Minister Clare Martin said the deal between BOC and Darwin LNG was a significant step forward for the Territory."

New mental health web site launched
Source. Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing
" The Australian Government has launched a comprehensive web site that provides up-to-date information on mental health and wellbeing, including information on the Government’s mental health programs. The new site, http://www.mentalhealth.gov.au/, is a one-stop shop of all Government programs aimed at reforming and improving our mental health care system."

Australia in the running for ambitious astronomy project
Source. Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release.
"A high level inter-governmental committee to oversee Australia’s Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project was announced. The Australian SKA Coordination Committee will manage the Australian SKA project, our contribution to an international project to develop a $2 billion next-generation radio telescope capable of exploring the origins of the universe. Scientists and research organisations from 17 countries are collaborating on this mega-science project, with Australia one of two short listed potential sites. The Australian Government is working with the West Australian Government to position Australia for selection as host country for the SKA by providing a superb site and supporting leading astronomy and technology through the new Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) radio telescope."

Robinson announces $4M for Problem Gambling Research Centre
Source. Victoria. Minister for Gambling. Media Release.
"The Brumby Government is investing $4 million to set up a new problem gambling research centre, which will make a difference in the lives of Victorians affected by problem gambling. The Problem Gambling Research and Treatment Centre – a partnership with Melbourne and Monash Universities – is a pivotal part of the Brumby Government’s Taking Action on Problem Gambling statement.The Centre will be the hub for leading experts in the field of problem gambling, who will drive cutting-edge research and the creation of new clinical practices."

‘Goodbye graffiti’ - just a phone call away
Source. Western Australia. The Premier and Police Minister. Media Release.
"The State Government has stepped up the war against graffiti vandalism with the launch of a new graffiti reporting hotline which will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 1800 GG CALL will enable quicker response times to graffiti crime, resulting in faster clean-up and removal. The Government’s Graffiti strategy, designed to achieve ‘clean streets’ in WA’s cities and towns, also includes additional use of CCTVs in high-risk areas, local grants for anti-graffiti projects, extra resources for clean-up orders that ensure offenders are made to remove graffiti and school education programs."

Government shopfronts to help distribute internet safety information
Source. Australia. The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, and the Special Minister of State. Media Release.
"[The Ministers] welcomed a partnership with the Family Assistance Office network to help Australian families make their children’s internet experience safer. Part of the Australian Government’s $189 million NetAlert—Protecting Australian Families Online programme is to inform parents and carers of children practical ways in which to protect their families, whether from online scams, cyber bullying or online stalking. Medicare, Centrelink and the Australian Taxation Office, through the Family Assistance Office shopfronts, along with the Child Support Agency shopfronts, will distribute information to parents, carers and grandparents. This initiative combines services and education, regulation and policing to ensure that Australian families can get the best of the internet, while minimising potential harm."

Australian Law Reform Commission to examine FOI laws
Source: Australia. Attorney-General. Media Release.
"Attorney-General Philip Ruddock will ask the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) to examine Freedom of Information (FOI) laws and practice across Australia. The ALRC will examine existing Commonwealth, State and Territory access laws and practices, with a view to providing advice on how to harmonise those laws and practices. The Commission will undertake widespread consultation with the public and key stakeholders. The ALRC is to complete its work by 31 December 2008. "

A Wellbeing Plan for Australian Children
Source: Australia. The Prime Minister and Cabinet. Media Release.
"The Australian Government has implemented a number of measures to help combat childhood obesity and I am pleased to endorse the first stage of another; the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation's Wellbeing Plan for Aussie Kids. The CSIRO plan will be rolled out in two stages, with the first involving a mail out to schools of 1.9 million fridge magnets for every Australian primary school child, and the second a book and other resources which will be released over the next two years. To complement the fridge magnet, a website has also been developed to provide practical advice for Australian parents. http://www.csiro.au/WellbeingPlanForKids "

National Clean Energy Target
Source: Australia. Prime Minister and Cabinet. Media Releases.
"The Australian Government will introduce a new national Clean Energy Target, requiring that 30,000 gigawatt hours each year come from low emissions sources by 2020. Introduction of the CET is intended to replace existing and proposed state and territory schemes with a single national scheme. The CET is sufficient to absorb those schemes. The new CET is an integral part of the Australian Government's comprehensive $3.5 billion climate change strategy, keeping Australia at the forefront of international efforts to address global warming."

$10.5 Million Boost for Groundwater Management
Source: Australia. Minister for Environment and Water Resources. Media Release
"Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, announced that the
Australian Government will invest $10.5 million from the Raising National Water Standards
Programme to fund five important groundwater projects."

New $52 Million Groundwater Action Plan
Source: Australia. Minister for Environment and Water Resources. Media Release
"The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, released details
of a new $52 million Australian Government Groundwater Action Plan. It is clear that if we continue to extract groundwater at ever-increasing rates, we will hurt the sustainability not just of our groundwater supply but also our rivers and groundwater-dependent ecosystems, said Mr Turnbull."

$78.2 million jobs package for communities in the Northern Territory
Source: Australia. Minister for Workforce Participation. Media Release
" An announcement of a $78.2 million jobs package confirms the Australian Government’s commitment to help Indigenous Territorians move into real jobs, Minister for Workforce Participation Dr Sharman Stone said. The Australian Government funding package announced by the Hon Mal Brough MP, Minister for Families and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Hon Tony Abbott MP, Minister for Health, will help around 1600 people delivering Australian Government services off CDEP and into real work, Dr Stone said. “We are also contributing $30 million over three years, to be matched dollar for dollar by the NT Government, to convert NT Government CDEP jobs into real jobs. "

New Projects Target Regional Skills Needs
Source: Australia. Minister for Vocational and Further Education. Media Release
"A range of key, expanding industries including manufacturing, construction, energy utilities, meat processing, energy and mining, health, technology and agricultural industries will benefit from a new Howard Government programme designed to address skills shortages in regional areas. The Federal Minister for Vocational and Further Education, the Hon Andrew Robb AO MP, announced funding of over $4 million for the Targeting Skills Needs in Regions Programme aimed at addressing skills needs across thirteen sectors from the meat industry in Victoria to the allied health industry in South Australia."

CDMA safeguard for regional Australia
Source: Australia. Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. Media Release
"I am advised that the Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has made a decision to vary conditions on Telstra’s carrier licence to protect users in the transition from CDMA to Next G,” the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator the Hon Coonan said. Under the condition made by the Attorney-General, Telstra will be required to keep the CDMA network open until the Next G network provides equivalent or better coverage and services."

Launch of Australian Forestry Standard
Source: Australia. Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation. Media Release
"Minister for Forestry and Conservation, Senator Eric Abetz, today formally launched the Australian Forestry Standard as the only forest standard in Australia to have gained accreditation under the International Standards Organisation (ISO). The Australian Forestry Standard is now without peer as the only national forestry standard that recognises the sustainable management of all forest types in Australia,”the Minister said."

Australian Hospital Nursing Schools
Source: Australia. Prime Minister. Media Release
" am pleased to announce that the Australian Government will invest about $170 million additional funds over five years to create 25 Australian Hospital Nursing Schools to deliver hospital based training within major public and private hospitals across the country for enrolled nurses. The establishment of the Australian Hospital Nursing Schools is a significant health and education reform which will reinstate the best of hospital-based training where nurses learn on the job."

Drought Assistance
Source: Australia. Prime Minister. Media Release
"I am pleased to announce an additional $430 million in drought assistance measures for Australian farming communities. The funding will extend the 38 areas of agricultural production currently receiving Exceptional Circumstances assistance until March 2008 for a further six months to September 2008. The extension will provide confidence to farmers suffering through the worst drought on record. It will allow farmers to plan through to next year's season, knowing that assistance will continue to the end of their next planting opportunity."

Seat belts on regional school buses
Source: Australia. Prime Minister. Media Release
"I am delighted to announce that the Australian Government will provide $40 million over the next four years to increase the number of school buses equipped with seat belts for students in rural and regional areas. This funding will be used to provide subsidies of up to $25,000 a bus, and will be paid directly to private rural and regional bus operators."

Life Behind The Wire
Source: Northern Territory. Minister for Justice and Attorney General. Media Release
"A DVD aimed at keeping young Indigenous Territorians out of prison has been launched in Darwin. Attorney-General Syd Stirling said Inside – the Elders Visiting Program is an important initiative that he hopes will lower the Indigenous prison population. This is a unique project with a very important message - time in prison breaks down families and communities."

Sport in School Good for Education as well as Health
Source: ACT. Minister for Education and Training and Sport and Recreation. Media Release
"Minister for Education and Training and Sport and Recreation, Andrew Barr, released a policy paper on promoting physical activity in schools and announced new initiatives aimed at increasing physical education and sport in schools. Launched as part of Health and PE Week, Get a Move on: The importance of school-based initiatives to increase children’s physical activity, outlines initiatives to increase physical activity in schools."

Victoria at Forefront for Green Government Buildings
Source: Victoria. Minister for Finance. Media Release
"Finance Minister, Tim Holding, has called for a national agreement to improve the sustainability of Government office buildings around the country. At a meeting of State and Territory Finance Ministers, Mr Holding challenged his fellow Minister’s to provide leadership in sustainability to the construction and commercial industry. Collectively, State Governments manage 4 million square metres of office space and there is an increased urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve water and energy and provide healthier buildings that impact less on the environment, Mr Holding said."

Scholarships to Attract New Teachers to Our Kinders
Source: Victoria. Office of the Premier. Media Release
"The State Government will offer 200 new scholarships to attract more teachers to Victoria’s kindergartens, Premier John Brumby said. The aim of these new scholarships is to help address the current shortage of kindergarten teachers which is preventing some Long Day Child Care centres from offering kindergarten programs, Mr Brumby said. "

Cuts to Red Tape Save Victorian Businesses Millions
Source: Victoria. Office of the Treasurer. Media Release
"Victorian businesses are expected to save up to $30 million in the coming year through cuts to red tape implemented by the Brumby Government.Treasurer John Lenders said that the Government’s Reducing the Regulatory Burden initiative, launched 12 months ago, was on track to save business $154 million per year by July 2009 and $256 million per year by July 2011."

EPA Program Reduces Industry Emissions, Saves Money
Source: Victoria. Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Media Release
"Australia’s first industry greenhouse program has reduced greenhouse gas emissions in Victoria by 1.23 million tonnes each year while saving Victorian business $38.2 million per annum. Environment Minister Gavin Jennings said results from the EPA’s Industry Greenhouse Program showed businesses could reap both environmental and economic benefits from improving their energy efficiency. "

Greater Support for Transport Accident Victims
Source: Victoria. Minister for TAC. Media Release
"Family counselling will be tripled and a new employment safety net for people seriously injured in road accidents will be introduced in legislation in Parliament this week, the Minister for Finance, Tim Holding, said. Mr Holding said amendments to the Transport Accident Act 1986 and the Accident Compensation Act 1985 would provide greater support to injured Victorians. "

School, training, work until 17
Source: South Australia. Premier and Minister for Education and Children's Services. Media Release
"All young South Australians will need to be learning or earning until they turn 17 from 2009, under new ‘school leaving age’ legislation to be introduced into State Parliament this week. Raising the ‘leaving age’ from 16 to 17 is part of the Rann Government’s $84 million School to Work reforms to better prepare students for further education and job opportunities in South Australia."

State Government moves to ban tobacco loyalty rewards
Source: South Australia. Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Media Release
"The State Government is moving to ban the purchase of tobacco products from attracting points from customer loyalty and reward schemes, such as supermarket ‘Fly Buys’ and petrol discount vouchers. Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Minister, Gail Gago said the proposed ban would be included in the Tobacco Products Regulation (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill, which would be introduced into parliament this session."

Green = go for healthy food in school canteens
Source: South Australia. Ministers for Health and Education and Children's Services. Media Release
"An easy-to-use ‘traffic light’ guide that rates groups of foods and drinks according to their nutrient content has been adopted to help the State’s schools choose healthy foods for their canteens. Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith and Health Minister John Hill launched the new Right Bite guide ahead of a ban on “junk” foods in school canteens from the start of next year."

Youth road safety task force
Source: South Australia. Minister for Road Safety. Media Release
"Road Safety Minister Carmel Zollo says the Rann Government’s new Youth Road Safety Task Force will hold its first meeting late next month. The Rann Government is committed to improving youth road safety and ensuring the views of young people are considered in policy making is the responsible thing to do,” says Minister Zollo."

State Government moves to regulate solariums
Source: South Australia. Ministers for Health and Environment and Conservation. Media Release
"The State Government is moving to regulate the use of solariums in South Australia. Environment and Conservation Minister, Gail Gago said she was concerned about the health risks associated with excessive solarium use, the increasing number of solariums operating and the effectiveness of the current voluntary industry standards."

SA wins biggest share of regional skill funds
Source: South Australia. Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education. Media Release
"South Australia has won $1.2 million in Commonwealth funding for skills development in regional areas, the biggest share of any State or Territory from the total allocation of $4.1 million. State Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Paul Caica, says it’s the second year in a row that SA has won almost a third of the Targeting Skills Needs in the Regions Programme, which are designed to address the supply of skilled labour to industries and regions of strategic importance."

Labor Announces Its Vision For The Arts
Source: Australian Labor Party. Media Release
"Federal Labor released a comprehensive arts policy framework, New Directions for the Arts.
New Directions for the Arts represents the most detailed arts policy document released by either side of politics in the lead up to the election, and confirms Labor’s commitment to a vibrant, diverse and well-supported arts sector."

Skills Australia - To Fix Nation's Skills Crisis
Source: Australian Labor Party. Media Release
"A Rudd Labor Government will create Skills Australia, an independent statutory body to advise government on fixing the nation’s skills crisis – which is expected to worsen.
Australia has an almost insatiable need for skilled workers and the Federal Government’s own research shows we will need 240,000 more skilled workers by 2016 to ensure our economic future. "

Federal Labor Clear Dental Backlog By Establishing A Commonwealth Dental Health Program
Source: Australian Labor Party. Media Release
"A Rudd Labor Government will fund up to one million additional dental consultations for Australians needing dental treatment by establishing a Commonwealth Dental Health Program.
Federal Labor Leader Kevin Rudd today pledged to invest up to $290 million to a Commonwealth Dental Health Program – one of the first programs scrapped by the Howard Government in 1996. This is the first instalment of Labor’s Commonwealth Dental Health Program. "

New alcohol restrictions to take effect in NT
Source: Australia. Minister for Families, Community Services, and Indigenous Affairs. Media Release
"Alcohol bans will come into effect in the Northern Territory on Saturday, 15 September 2007 as part of the Australian Government's Emergency response to child abuse in Aboriginal communities. Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, reiterated that alcohol would be banned on Aboriginal land and community living areas, in all town camps and other areas."

Tax Break for Forests Boosts Greenhouse Savings
Source: Australia. Minister for Environment and Water Resources. Media Release
"Tax incentives introduced into Federal Parliament will provide immediate deductions for
forests planted for carbon sequestration, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources,
Malcolm Turnbull said. The Government is creating an incentive for Australian communities, business and industry to invest in forests to reduce greenhouse emissions, Mr Turnbull said."

NetAlert – Working Group convened to prevent predation through social networking sites
Source: Australia. Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. Media Release
"The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Senator Helen Coonan and the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator David Johnston, announced the membership and terms of reference for the Consultative Working Group to address the potential serious abuse of social networking sites by paedophiles and sex offenders to contact and groom children."

APEC Tackles Corruption with Code of Conduct for Business
Source: Australia. Attorney General. Media Release
"A new APEC Code of Conduct for Business, to help combat corruption in the region, was launched by Attorney-General Philip Ruddock. The Code provides descriptions of various forms of bribery and clear guidance on how to identify corrupt practices. It describes practical steps businesses should take to counter corruption. "

$6 million for Queensland fishing communities and businesses
Source: Australia. Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation. Media Release
"Queensland businesses and communities will share in up to $6.3 million in Australian Government grants as part of a structural adjustment package to secure a profitable and sustainable future for Commonwealth fisheries."

$110 million Equine Influenza Assistance
Source: Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Media Release
"The Australian Government has announced further assistance for people and businesses facing additional costs and significant financial hardship, as a direct result of the Equine Influenza quarantine measures currently in place."

Australia and Japan Climate Change and Energy
Source: Australia. Prime Minister. Media Release
"Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and I have discussed climate change and energy security. We have agreed that they are priority issues that require sustained, effective and global action. We have agreed that the development and deployment of innovative technologies will be a key element in addressing the climate change challenge. We will work together in the Asia-Pacific Partnership and other groupings to support new technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while meeting energy security and economic growth objectives. We have also agreed that reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation is a key component of global action on climate change."

Australia and Canada Climate Change and Energy
Source: Australia. Prime Minister. Media Release
"Prime Minister Harper and I have agreed to enhance our cooperation on climate change and energy. We want to contribute to effective global solutions that ensure secure, affordable supplies of energy and support economic growth. Australia and Canada will continue our cooperation on international partnerships to reduce emissions and promote energy security, particularly through the development and deployment of zero- and low-emission technologies.

New Program to Provide Better Education in the Bush
Source: Northern Territory. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"The Northern Territory Government will spend $7.5 million over the next five years as part of its ongoing work to improve education and health services in the bush, Education Minister Paul Henderson. Mr Henderson joined Federal Communications Minister Helen Coonan in announcing the roll out of a new satellite-based network, SkyConnect, which will upgrade satellite services to high-quality broadband connections. "

Labor To Improve Health Services For Rural & Regional Australia
Source: Australian Labor Party. Media Release
"Federal Labor will reform the Rural Medical Infrastructure Fund (RMIF) to improve health infrastructure in rural communities, Shadow Minister for Regional Services Simon Crean and Shadow Minister for Health Nicola Roxon announced. Many regional communities are facing critical difficulties in accessing health services. Federal Labor is committed to developing flexible, long-term solutions to providing services in all communities, and to supporting local solutions, developed by local communities. "

Affordable Housing Deal Signed
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Health and Human Services. Media Release
" The State Government announced a funding agreement had been signed with Tasmanian Affordable Housing Ltd (TAHL) that would make up to $48 million available to deliver 700 affordable housing properties. The Minister for Health and Human Services, Lara Giddings, said the agreement made provision for up to $6 million each year over the next eight years to enable TAHL to head lease new affordable housing from private investors and developers."

Victoria's First Regional Children's Koori Court Opens
Source: Victoria. Office of the Attorney General. Media Release
" Victoria’s first regional Children’s Koori Court, which aims to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous children in the criminal justice system, was opened in Mildura by Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls. The new court, a division of the Children’s Court of Victoria, follows the success of six adult Koori Courts – in Shepparton, Broadmeadows, Warrnambool, Mildura, Moe/Latrobe Valley and Bairnsdale – and a Children’s Koori Court in Melbourne. "

Government Crackdown on Body Piercing of Minors
Source: Victoria. Office of the Attorney General. Media Release
"Intimate body piercings for teenagers under the age of 18 will be banned under new laws proposed by the Brumby Government. Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said non-intimate piercings for people under the age of 16 would also require parental consent under the proposed bill."

New World-Class Cancer Precinct a Step Closer
Source: Victoria. Office of the Premier. Media Release
"Victoria’s new world-class cancer precinct is a step closer with the announcement of $5 million for detailed planning works to start. Premier John Brumby said planning for a Comprehensive Cancer Centre would investigate bringing together parts of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and health research facilities from the University of Melbourne."

Funding for Innovative Water Projects
Source: Victoria. Minister for Water. Media Release
"The Brumby Government is providing $5 million to encourage smarter ways to save water in our cities and regional towns, Water Minister Tim Holding, announced. The Smart Water Fund provides seed funding for water conservation, water recycling, research and development projects and bio-solids management projects."

New Agreement to Drive Down Crime
Source: Victoria. Office of the Premier. Media Release
"The Premier, John Brumby praised a commitment by Victoria Police and the Police Association to reduce crime by 10 percent per 100,000 over the next four years as part of the new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. The new agreement delivers a salary increase of 13.25 percent for all police over four years consistent with the Government’s fair, and financially responsible, wages policy."

Cutting the red tape for charities and non-profit organisations
Source: West Australia. Minister for Communities. Media Release
"The State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the red tape confronting charitable and non-profit service agencies in Western Australia.

Desalination to provide great opportunity for renewable energy industry
Source: West Australia. Premier. Media Release
"The Southern Seawater Desalination Plant planned for Binningup is another step closer with renewable energy tenders to be called tomorrow. And in a unique move designed to encourage tenders from less established renewable energy technology providers, the Water Corporation will also ask for expressions of interest for up to 40GWh per year to be provided by technology not yet commercially proven on such a large scale, such as wave power and geothermal energy."

Business Reporting Burden to be Slashed
Source: Australia. Treasurer. Media Release
"The Treasurer launched a long-term initiative to cut the red tape confronting business when reporting to government. The Australian Government’s Standard Business Reporting (SBR) programme will save businesses time, money and frustration. Financial reporting is the first set of forms to be targeted, since these affect the broadest section of the business community. This will include forms such as Business Activity Statements, Company Income Tax Returns, TFN Declarations and the Quarterly Business Indicators Survey.

When SBR financial reporting is fully implemented, businesses will be able to use their accounting/record keeping software to automatically pre-fill government reports such as BAS statements. Businesses will no longer have to spend hours working out how to translate their own records into government reports.

Gold Coast Residents to Win From Pacific Motorway Funds
Source: Australia. Minister for Transport and Regional Services. Media Release
"The Howard/Vaile Government will invest almost half a billion dollars to kickstart the further upgrade of the Pacific Motorway, The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Mark Vaile, announced at Merrimac. This commitment builds on the $120 million the Australian Government is providing toward the Tugun Bypass upgrade and the $163 million provided for the original upgrade of the Pacific Motorway. The $455 million committed today is provided on a matching basis with the Queensland Government."

Fashion Rules
Source: Australia. Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources. Media Release
"Bob Baldwin, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, has launched Fashion Rules, a guide to intellectual property (IP) for Australia's clothing and fashion design industry. Investment in intellectual property protection in the fashion industry is just as important as investing time, effort and money in developing new designs, Mr Baldwin said."

Start Ups, Research Spin Offs to Benefit as Commercial Ready Plus Opens
Source: Australia. Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources. Media Release
"Business start-ups and commercial spin-offs from public research are set to benefit when the new Commercial Ready Plus program opens for business this week, Australian Industry Minister, Ian Macfarlane, said. The 10-year $90.3 million program, announced as part of the Australian Government's Industry Statement, will be open from Monday for funding applications to help turn Australian innovations into successful commercial products."

Important Changes to General Skilled Migration Commence Today
Source: Australia. Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. Media Release
"Changes to Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme commence today. Students wishing to apply for a GSM visa will now be required to have a stronger understanding of the English language and undertake relevant work experience,’ Mr Andrews said."

Australia and India Agree to Joint Study on a Bilateral FTA
Source: Australia. Minister for Trade. Media Release
"The Australian Government Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, announced that Australia and India have agreed to undertake a joint feasibility study into the merits of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries. Mr Truss said the study will provide an opportunity to consider the potential for benefits which might flow to Australia and India from an FTA."

Historic agreement for 99 year lease in NT
Source: Australia. Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Media Release
"The signing today of an agreement to lease the Tiwi Islands township of Nguiu will pave the way for a new era of opportunity for the local community," Minister for Families, Community services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, said. Mr Bough welcomed the signing, which follows an in-principle agreement in May, and takes effect as of today. This is the first 99 year lease agreement and I'm sure it will pave the way for similar agreements across the Northern Territory where communities want to take control of their own future."

$1.35 Million to Improve River Management
Source: Australia. Minister for Environment and Water Resources. Media Release
"Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull announced that the
Australian Government will provide $1.35 million in funding from its Raising National Water
Standards programme to assist water dependent ecosystems in Queensland and New South Wales."

Working Group to Develop National Code for Location of Wind Farms
Source: Australia. Minister for Environment and Water Resources. Media Release
"Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull announced details of
a working group to drive development of a national code for wind farms. Mr Turnbull said that the national code will provide a consistent and transparent framework for community consultation about the siting and development of wind farms in Australia."

Boost to training for Indigenous women
Source: Australia. Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. Media Release
"Indigenous women in Tasmania will receive new training and skills to help prepare them to enter the workforce. The Return to Work program will ensure that Indigenous women who have never been employed or are re-entering the workforce will gain the required skills and confidence to undertake paid employment," Minister Scullion said."

Thousands of Apprentices Gain New Benefits
Source: Australia. Minister for Vocational Education and Training. Media Release
"Thousands more Australians have become eligible for a wide range of incentives to encourage the take up of apprenticeships in areas of skills shortages. Backdated to 1 July 2007, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Binders and Finishers, Butchers, Flat Glass Trades, Furniture Finishers, Locksmiths, Optical Mechanics, Painters and Decorators, Picture Framers, Printing Machinists, Screen Printers, Shearers, Signwriters, Tree Surgeons, Vehicle Trimmers and Wood Machinists, will now join 38 trades previously eligible to access a range of Australian Government apprenticeship incentives."

68 million to help our universities become more efficient
Source: Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release
"The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, announced $68 million in funding to assist universities achieve greater productivity and operational efficiencies."

New Broadband Development Network for regional areas
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 Broadband Development Network to help regional, rural and remote communities across Australia to enhance their understanding, access and use of broadband. Within this network, Broadband Project Managers (BPMs) will work at a state and territory level on strategic broadband development priorities for that region and will be complemented by Broadband Project Officers (BPOs) working on implementing regional priority broadband projects."

New Measures to Control Plastic Explosives
Source: Australia. Attorney General. Media Release
"Attorney-General Philip Ruddock was pleased to announce today the introduction of new measures to regulate plastic explosives in Australia.
The measures are a result of Australia’s accession to the United Nations Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection (Marplex Convention). It is now an offence to manufacture, possess, import and export plastic explosives which are not marked with a prescribed chemical detection agent,” Mr Ruddock said. "

Million dollar recreational fishing boost for Queensland
Source: Australia. Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation. Media Release
"Recreational fishing in Queensland will be boosted through more than $1 million in Australian Government grants for 24 projects across the state. "

$70.7 Million for International Climate Change Initiatives
Source: Australia. Prime Minister. Media Release
"I am pleased to announce new funding for three measures to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions through international cooperation. "

Taking Responsibility - Federal Labor's $2 Billion National Health And Hospitals Reform Plan
Source: Australian Labor Party. Policy Statement
"A Rudd Labor Government will undertake one of the most significant reforms of Australia’s health and hospital system since Federation.
Federal Labor will establish a $2 billion National Health Reform Plan over four years to improve the health system and ensure better health services for patients in hospitals. "

Compact blocks to deliver more affordable housing
Source: ACT. Minister for Planning. Media Release
"The Minister for Planning, Andrew Barr, released a new policy aimed at delivering more affordable housing options for the ACT. “The Compact Block Housing for New Estates - Interim Territory Plan Guideline will provide new housing choices and entry prices to meet the diverse needs of the Canberra community,” Mr Barr said."

Stronger Tasmanian Communities
Source: Minister for Community Development. Media Release
" The Minister for Community Development, Michelle O’Byrne, announced the establishment of the Stronger Communities Taskforce which will work toward building vibrant and inclusive Tasmanian communities.
Ms O’Byrne said the Stronger Communities Taskforce would bring together all sectors of the community to work together in partnership to investigate and provide advice on:
· The state of our communities.
· Strategies to make Tasmania more inclusive.
· Promotion of community development goals. "

$1 Million Initiative To Improve Literacy For All
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Education. Media Release
" A new $1 million initiative was launched to help improve literacy outcomes for all Tasmanians – from birth to adulthood. Announcing READ FOR LIFE at Glenorchy Library, the Minister for Education, David Bartlett, said the exciting, three-component initiative would address a range of literacy issues. “Every Tasmanian child will be given books and introduced to reading,” Mr Bartlett said."

New Laws to Tackle Nightclub Assaults
Source: Victoria. Office of the Premier. Media Release
"The Premier, John Brumby, announced new legislation would be introduced this year to address a rise in assaults in and around licensed venues. The legislation will give police the power to shut down nightclubs immediately for 24 hours if violence is occurring or public safety is threatened and ban troublemakers from entertainment precincts for 24 hours. Courts would also have the ability to issue exclusion orders for up to 12 months for repeat offenders."

New Eating Disorders Program Spreads its Wings
Source: Victoria. Minister for Mental Health. Media Release
"An innovative pilot day program for young people with eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia, will help families in the southern and bayside suburbs, Minister for Mental Health Lisa Neville said. The aim of the Butterfly House day program is to help young people with an eating disorder who don’t need to be in hospital, but do need more intensive help than specialised mental health outpatient services can provide,” Ms Neville said."

Innovative Water Recycling Project to Benefit Geelong Textile Firms
Source: Victoria. Minister for Regional and Rural Development. Media Release
"Two Geelong textile firms will work together towards an innovative solution to recycle and treat waste water under a new Brumby Government program that encourages innovation among regional businesses, the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, announced today. Ms Allan said the Government was providing $50,000 under its new Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) Regional Specialisation Program to the City of Greater Geelong for the ‘Recycling of dye-house waters’ project involving Geelong-based textile companies Melba Industries and Brintons Carpets."

New Cancer Biobank Strengthens Victoria's Position as Global Leader in Cancer Research
Source: Victoria. Minister for Innovation. Media Release
" A vital new link in Victoria’s chain of world-class cancer research and treatment facilities was created with the launch of the Victorian Cancer Biobank. Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said the $16 million Victorian Cancer Biobank would hold a collection of blood and tissue samples taken from healthy individuals as well as patients diagnosed with cancer. "

A new era in child protection to begin
Source: South Australia. Minister for Education and Children's Services. Media Release
"The issue of child abusers using the Internet and mobile phones to prey on children is highlighted in a new Keeping Safe child protection program to begin in the State’s schools next year. Students will learn how to recognise and protect themselves from cyber predators who can use chat rooms and text messaging, and the danger of giving personal information over the Internet."

Stronger regional focus following bushfire review
Source: South Australia. Minister for Emergency Services. Media Release
"Emergency Services Minister, Carmel Zollo, says South Australia’s bushfire management procedures will be strengthened, following the first review of bushfire management since the 1980’s. The Minister says changes that will be implemented following the Bushfire Prevention and Mitigation Review will simplify a number of processes and place a greater focus on planning and prevention."

Fruit and Veg month kicks off
Source: South Australia. Deputy Premier. Media Release
"Deputy Premier Kevin Foley has teamed up with Adelaide Produce Market Ltd. and the Port Adelaide Football Club to launch Fruit and Veg month for South Australia. September marks a national celebration promoting fruit and vegetables for good health and wellbeing. The state government has provided $20,000 to help Adelaide Produce Market Ltd. (APML) join forces with the Power to encourage young South Australians to lift their fruit and veg consumption, vegetables in particular."

Mothers encouraged to breastfeed for longer
Source: South Australia. Acting Minister for Health. Media Release
"The benefits of breastfeeding for longer are being highlighted in a campaign being launched by the State Government. Acting Health Minister, Jay Weatherill says that breastfeeding holds many long term health benefits for both mother and baby and that families should be encouraged to breastfeed for as long as possible to reap these benefits. "

New laws to deal with the world’s oldest profession
Source: Western Australia. Attorney General. Media Release
"Laws introduced into State Parliament will regulate Western Australia’s sex industry for the first time. Attorney General and Health Minister Jim McGinty said the laws would decriminalise and regulate brothels and escort agencies in order to protect the health and safety of sex workers, shield children from the industry and protect police from allegations of corruption."

New funding to reduce mining backlog
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Resources. Media Release
"The State Government has committed $3.5million to reduce the backlog of mining tenement applications in Western Australia. The $3million over the next three years, plus $500,000 in ongoing funding, will allow the Department of Industry and Resources to employ people on a contract basis to process these applications and reduce the backlog."

Premier announces major initiatives to create jobs for indigenous West Australians
Source: Western Australia. Premier. Media Release
"A major forum to tackle indigenous unemployment in Western Australia has been announced by Premier Alan Carpenter. The Premier also announced a major restructure of the Department of Indigenous Affairs and nearly $4million towards training and community programs, all designed to increase employment opportunities for indigenous West Australians. The forum, to be held in Perth on November 30, will bring together the leading figures in business and industry, indigenous stakeholders, training providers and Government, to discuss and develop new initiatives to promote Aboriginal job creation and economic development in WA."

Looking to the future for public housing solutions
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Housing and Works. Media Release
"Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts has launched an innovative pre-fabricated house that could help address some of the major issues currently confronting the housing construction industry. The houses, known as Perrinepods, are a modular, concrete housing ‘pod’ system that can be used as single storey or multi-storey housing."

Alliance to attack regional skills shortage
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"Key regional stakeholders in the Goldfields-Esperance region have formed an alliance with the aim of tackling the region’s critical workforce and skill shortage. Mr McGowan said a priority action of the GEWDA was the formation of a partnership between the Department of Education and Training and the State Training Board to develop a 10-year Regional Workforce Plan."