Land Rent Scheme Helps More Canberrans Buy Homes
Source: Australian Capital Territory. Media release
Legislation for the ACT Government’s Land Rent Scheme, a new initiative designed to reduce entry costs and mortgage payments for Canberra homeowners, will be debated in the Assembly today, signalling another positive step taken as part of the ACT Government’s Affordable Housing Action Plan, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said.
The Land Rent Scheme will allow eligible households to pay rent on land, rather than purchase it. The scheme will help a number of households who might otherwise not be able to buy their own home to have access to the housing market.

ACT signS UP to UN Responsible Investment Principles
Source: Australian Capital Territory. Media release
"The ACT Government will become a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment next week, Chief Minister and Treasurer Jon Stanhope announced today.
In October last year Mr Stanhope announced that the ACT Government had agreed with all of the recommendations of the report tabled in the Legislative Assembly from the Finance and Investment Advisory Board, on the extent to which the Territory’s investment operations should incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles."

A just transition
Source: Australian Policy Online
"Tackling climate change means our dependency on coal as an export earner and as a domestic fuel must be phased out over the next decades, rather than ramped up, rather than ramped up, according to this paper. This will mean a huge change in the national economy, and for coal-affected regions such as the Hunter and Latrobe Valleys. The challenges associated with this change are significant, but not insurmountable. Indeed, a transition to clean, renewable energy promises to revitalise Australian manufacturing and create thousands of new jobs in many rural, regional and urban communities."

Considering 'elder abuse' and sexual assault
Source: Australian Policy Online
This article considers the research on the nature and impact of sexual assault against older women, and suggests implications of this for responding to older women as victim and survivors of sexual assault.

Australia’s Exports of Education Services
Source: Reserve Bank of Australia. Reserve Bank Bulletin
Australia’s education services exports have continued to grow in importance this decade. Since 1982, education services exports have grown at an average annual rate of around 14 per cent in volume terms, with their share in the value of total exports increasing from less than 1 per cent to almost 6 per cent in 2007. They have now displaced leisure travel services as Australia’s largest service export. Indeed, education exports are now Australia’s third largest export, behind only coal and iron ore.

Innovative Technology To Play A Role
Source: Tasmanai. Minister for Infrastructure.Media release
"The State Government is continuing its use of innovative technology to help reduce the road toll. The Minister for Infrastructure, Graeme Sturges, told a Budget Estimates Committee today that the next initiative from the Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy 2007-2016 would be a six to nine month trial of alcohol interlocks.
“An alcohol interlock is a device that is fitted to a vehicle’s ignition and measures the driver’s breath for alcohol. The interlock requires the driver to provide a breath sample every time an attempt is made to start the vehicle,” Mr Sturges said. "

Better Protection for Small Businesses
Source: Tasmania. Treasurer. Media release
The Treasurer, Michael Aird, today welcomed the introduction into the Federal Parliament of the Trade Practices Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 by the Rudd Government.
“This legislation will improve the effectiveness of the Trade Practices Act in protecting small business,” Mr Aird said
“It will make it easier to prosecute businesses engaging in anti-competitive behaviour, such as predatory pricing, give small business permanent representation on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and provide access to cheaper and more efficient judicial processes.”

Improving Tasmania’s Nursing Workforce
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Health and Human Services. Media release
"The Minister for Health and Human Services, Lara Giddings, today said reforming and expanding Tasmania’s nursing workforce was critical to the future of the State’s health services.
Ms Giddings said the recruitment of an additional 75 nurses was close to completion, while a range of workforce reform initiatives were already underway.
“Nurses and midwives make up more than one third of the DHHS workforce and are the largest professional group in the State,” Ms Giddings said."

Parks Joint Management Takes a Big Step Forward, With Thanks to Senator Scullion
Source: Northern Territory. Minister for Parks and Wildlife. Media release
Parks and Wildlife Minister, Mr Len Kiely, today welcomed the passage of the Indigenous Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill 2008, which represents a crucial step towards fully recognising the opportunities presented by the joint management of Territory parks

Indigenous Tourism Hubs Planned For Darwin and Alice Springs
Source: Northern Territory. Minister for Tourism. Media release
Emerging Indigenous tourism operators in Darwin and Alice Springs will be able to receive new support in running their operations as part of a new Territory Government initiative announced today.
Minister for Tourism, Kon Vatskalis, said the Government has successfully secured a Federal Government commitment of up to $1.2 million towards establishing two Indigenous Tourism Hubs in Alice Springs and Darwin.

Community Transport Service Type Review
Source: NSW. Minister for Transport. Media Release.
"The Ministry of Transport has engaged Urbis Pty Ltd to conduct the Community Transport Service Type Review. The programs subject to the Review process are the HACC Community Transport Program, the NSW government funded Community Transport Program and the transport pick up projects under the Area Assistance Scheme. The Review is limited to organisations providing community transport service under these programs. "

Landmark Planning Reforms Pass NSW Upper House
Source: NSW. Minister for Planning. Media Release.
"The State’s Upper House has approved landmark reforms overnight which will deliver a more efficient and transparent planning system for NSW.
Planning Minister Frank Sartor said the changes would cut red tape for ordinary homeowners and small businesses and introduce independent decision-making into the system.
“This Upper House vote is the culmination of more than a year spent studying national and international trends, holding forums and seeking public feedback,” Mr Sartor said."

Western Lands Act Review Benefits Far West Communities
Source: NSW. Minister for Lands. Media Release.

"Western Lands Act Review Benefits Far West Communities
A report on finetuning the Western Lands Act so it works better for leaseholders and their communities has been released.
The report of the statutory five-year review of the Western Lands Act has been tabled in parliament. Download Report (PDF 220 kb)
Work will now begin on the preparations of draft legislation and this consultation will involve further talks with the Western Lands Advisory Council and other relevant stakeholders.
The review found the Western Lands Act is generally working well, but recommends changing the law in several other ways including:
- strengthening of boundary fencing provisions with regard to maintenance and upgrading within the western division to ensure all stock are contained within a property to enable the creation of an easement up to 100 metres wide along the 600 kilometre long dog proof fence for access and maintenance works to the fence
- to facilitate the creation of the legal road network across all types of land in the western division - changes to the term of appointments to the Western Lands Advisory Council to bring about a degree of flexibility in the appointment of council members, with the provision for a nominee of the Minister for Mineral Resources to be appointed to the council
- clarify that the objects of the Act include reference to both indigenous and non-indigenous cultural heritage
- improving planning and development controls in the Unincorporated Area to bring those controls into line with other parts of the state.
The western division covered some 32.5 million hectares - or more than 40 per cent of the state.
Some 9.4 million hectares of that – 11 per cent of the state - is ‘unincorporated’, that is, it has no direct local government. Most of the land in the western division is Crown land administered under the Western Lands Act. It generally is west of a line from the Queensland border at Mungindi to Balranald near the Victorian border."

Moving Forward Together to Boost Indigenous Jobs
Source: Victoria. Acting Premier. Media Release
"The Brumby Government is injecting $130,000 into a new program to boost employment, education and training for young Indigenous people in the Swan Hill area. In Swan Hill, Acting Premier and Industrial Relations Minister Rob Hulls launched a local Connectus project, an initiative to place 25 young Indigenous people into sustainable employment, education or training in the region. “The Brumby Government is taking action to provide opportunities for all Victorians and this program will significantly improve the employment and training opportunities for young Indigenous people living in and around Swan Hill,” Mr Hulls said. “Connectus is about getting young Indigenous people on the right path at school, giving them opportunities to train and to move into the workforce in areas that directly address Victoria’s skills shortages. It is the first step in range of measures we are developing to support the local Indigenous community in Swan Hill.”

Free Kindergarten for Refugee Children
Source: Victoria. Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development. Media Release
"A Brumby Government funding boost will give children from refugee and asylum seeking families in Victoria access to at least 10 hours a week of free kindergarten. Speaking during Refugee Week (June 15-21) Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Maxine Morand said the current kindergarten fee subsidy of $730 will be extended to include children from refugee and asylum seeking families, making kindergarten free. Ms Morand said the initiative extends to special humanitarian entrants. These are refugees who have suffered human rights violation in their home countries but have support from an Australian citizen, resident or community group.“Accessing a good quality kindergarten program is a vital part of a child’s learning with research indicating long term benefits for children who attend kindergarten,’’ Ms Morand said. The Brumby Government wants to ensure that disadvantage is not a barrier to participating and to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate in an early learning program before school."

$4.5 Million For New Victorian Children's Centres
Source: Victoria. Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development. Media Release
"Victorian families will have access to a range of children’s services in nine convenient locations thanks to a $4.5 million in Brumby Government grants to help establish children’s centres across the state. Children and Early Childhood Minister Maxine Morand announced the locations for nine new children’s centres to be built at St Kilda Child Care Centre. Ms Morand said the nine children’s centres will provide a range of services including long day care, kindergarten, occasional care, allied health services, maternal and child health, early childhood intervention services, playgroups, toy libraries, playgroups, parent education and family support services. “Integrated facilities provide a diverse range of services that are very important in supporting the healthy development of children and making access to those services more convenient for families,’’ she said."

Loopholes closed for disqualified drivers
Source: South Australia. Minister for Road Safety. Media Release
"Drivers who try to avoid a licence sanction, or a condition placed on their licence, will be the target of tougher laws. The Motor Vehicles (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2007, which aims to improve the operation and administration of the Motor Vehicles Act 1959, was passed in State Parliament last November. “It further bolsters the Rann Government’s commitment to road safety by closing a number of legislative loopholes.” Mrs Zollo says. It includes the Proof of Service initiative, which will essentially stop disqualified drivers from defending charges by claiming they never received a disqualification notice."

Recycled Water Strategy released to secure WA’s water future
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Water Resources. Media Release
"The State Government has released a bold new plan for using recycled water as an alternative water source to secure Western Australia’s supply into the future. Water Resources Minister John Kobelke launched the $3million State Water Recycling Strategy, which examines how recycled water can be more efficiently utilised in a period of declining rainfall and a drying climate. “This State Water Recycling Strategy is the first step towards the co-ordinated, safe and efficient use of recycled water in WA,” Mr Kobelke said. The strategy outlines initiatives to achieve the State’s target of recycling 30 per cent of wastewater by 2030, in a manner that is sustainable and supported by the community."

Driving partnerships to improve indigenous employment
Source: Western Australia. Premier and the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. Media Release
"Premier Alan Carpenter welcomed a partnership between the State Government and the mining sector to create jobs for indigenous people through improving their driving skills. Mr Carpenter announced the first stage of the partnership agreement at Parliament House when Ljiljanna Ravlich, the Minister responsible for driver licensing, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fortescue Metals Group CEO Andrew Forrest. This partnership will see the Licensing Business Unit (LBU) support the company to enable its indigenous trainees to get a driver’s licence ‘in-house’,” the Premier said. The LBU will train and accredit FMG’s staff to provide all aspects of driver training and assessment.”

Review of native vegetation clearing legislation
Source: Western Australia. Minister for the Environment. Media Release
"Environment Minister David Templeman announced a review of the State’s native vegetation clearing legislation to vastly improve processes and environmental outcomes. The review will examine the Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004, and those parts of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 that were introduced in 2004 and which make it an offence to clear native vegetation unless a permit is granted or an exemption applies. “Our population growth and past agricultural expansion has put enormous pressure on our environment, causing increased salinity and the loss of plants and animals through habitat destruction,” Mr Templeman said. We now have more than 600 species threatened with extinction, including nearly 400 native plants, and it’s vital that we act now."

Draft planning guidelines to help communities control prostitution
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. Media Release
"New draft planning guidelines will, for the first time, enable local governments and communities to control the location of brothels. These guidelines set the way forward for local government, following the passage of the Prostitution Amendment Act 2008. Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the new guidelines would be worked through with local governments before they were finalised. “The starting point is that in order to establish any business that provides sexual services, planning approval from the relevant local government will be required,” Ms MacTiernan said. "

State Government rolls out another initiative to crack down on bad behaviour
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"The State Government is again putting its foot down on bad behaviour, by setting up after-school counselling sessions as an alternative to suspension for public school students who break the rules. Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said it was important that unruly students felt the pain of their actions by sacrificing their personal time and not valuable school time. “Counselling will not only teach the child a valuable lesson about taking responsibility but it will also create an opportunity for the child to work through their issues,” Mr McGowan said.
The 13-week trial will look at after-school hours counselling as a viable and effective alternative to suspension."

Criminals pay $100,000 for new drug and alcohol service for mums
Source: Western Australia. Attorney General. Media Release
"A new drug and alcohol outreach service for northern suburban mothers and funded through the State Government’s Criminal Property Confiscation Grants Program was launched by Attorney General Jim McGinty. Mr McGinty said the Women’s Healthworks Village Project received a $100,000 grant to provide locally-based support for mums battling drug or alcohol dependencies who had children under the age of 18 years. Through intervention and support these women have the opportunity to tackle their addictions and make a better life for themselves and their families,” he said."

LAUNCH OF NEW AVIATION TRAINING STANDARDS
Source: Australia. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government . Media Release
"Today (17/6/08) I launched the new Aviation Training Package which delivers for the first time Australia-wide standards and qualifications for pilots and other aviation workers. The development of this Package is particularly timely given that commercial plane and helicopter pilots were recently added to the Government's official national skills shortage list. Industry predicts a pilot shortage of up to 1,800 over the next two to three years. Already regional services are being reduced or cancelled due to a lack of pilots.
There are three special features to the Package:
It cuts through a myriad of state qualifications and provides nationally consistent qualifications, making it easier for people considering a career in the aviation industry;
For the first time the two regulators of Australia's aviation industry - the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Defence Department - have agreed on standards and requirements for pilot qualifications. This means aviation workers will be able to move more freely between civilian and defence workforces;
It will make it easier for overseas students to train in Australia, enhancing our reputation as a world leader when it comes to aviation training.
The Aviation Training Package is now the official guide for training pilots and other aviation workers."

Long term protection for the Great Barrier Reef
Source: Australia. Minister for theEnvironment. Media Release
"The long term protection of the Great Barrier Reef will be significantly strengthened under
legislative changes introduced into Federal Parliament by the Minister for the
Environment Peter Garrett.
“The Great Barrier Reef is one of our most significant environmental assets. The amendments to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 I am announcing today will support the protection and ecologically sustainable use of the marine park,” Mr Garrett said. “The marine park established under the Act is one of the largest and best protected marine areas in the world and now covers an area of 344, 400 square kilometres. It is widely recognised as a model for marine management and conservation. “These legislative changes don’t change the marine park’s zoning, but they do ensure it delivers a high level of protection for the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.
Mr Garrett said the new legislation would do this through:
· recognising the World Heritage status of the Great Barrier Reef
· applying a new streamlined environmental impact assessment process
· an improved enforcement and compliance regime providing a wider range of
enforcement options tailored to the circumstances"

Better child care outcomes for student parents
Source: Australia. Minister for Education and Minister for Human Services. Joint media release
" The Rudd Government is honouring its election commitments, delivering $23.9 million over four years to increase child care assistance to parents who are studying at university or TAFE.
The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, and the Minister for Human Services, Joe Ludwig, today announced the extension of Jobs Education and Training (JET) Child Care Fee Assistance from one to two years.
JET Child Care Fee Assistance provides parents with flexible and low cost child care support while they undertake approved study, training or job search activities.
From 1 July, this assistance will be extended to two years for full-time study, or longer if studying part-time, regardless of the length of the course.
Eligible parents will only pay 10 cents an hour for approved child care, with the Government covering the remainder of fees charged by the provider. "

New National Employment Standards Released
Source: Australia. Prime Minister and Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. Joint media release
"The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Julia Gillard, today (16/6/08) released the new National Employment Standards (NES).
The NES are a key element of the Rudd Government’s new modern workplace relations system and will come into effect on 1 January 2010.
The NES will ensure that all employees are protected by a strong safety net of fair minimum conditions that can’t be stripped away.
The NES will apply to all employees in the Federal system regardless of industry, occupation or income. "

Details of national review of drought policy released
Source: Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Media Release
"The Rudd Government today (19/6/08)released the terms of reference for the three separate investigations which form the national review of drought policy.
The three parts of the review are:
An economic assessment by the Productivity Commission;
An assessment of the social impacts of drought by an expert panel; and
A climatic assessment by the Bureau of Meteorology and the CSIRO.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, said he expected to receive the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO report in the next month and the two other reports later in the year."

Information Technology Transformation Project
Source: Tasmania. Premier. Media release
"A new Information Technology Project aims to improve the way the Government delivers its services.
The Premier, David Bartlett, said $500,000 had been allocated to the IT Transformation Project.
“In the 21st century, it is important that the Government is connected to its community,” he said.
“This is about being at the cutting edge of technology and the Government delivering the best services possible to Tasmanians. "

Big Commitment To Heritage And Urban Renewal
Source: Tasmania. Premier. Media release
"Tasmania’s built heritage and the challenges of urban renewal get major attention in today’s State Budget with the establishment of a $25 million Heritage and Urban Renewal fund and the appointment of a State Architect.
The Premier, David Bartlett, said today that Tasmania faces unique development challenges as it seeks to marry the richness of its built heritage with the demands of development. "

Sustainable Water Supplies
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Primary Industries and Water.Media release
"Tasmania’s primary industries sector will benefit from the State Government providing more than $80 million to fund projects to increase and secure water availability for farmers.
The Minister for Primary Industries and Water, David Llewellyn, said the budget allocation highlighted the Government’s commitment to ensuring that not only did farmers have increased access to water resources but also provided them with water security.
“Funding of $80 million will be provided from the Water Infrastructure Fund to enable major investment in Tasmania’s water infrastructure,” Mr Llewellyn said."

New Directions for Child Protection in Tasmania
Source: Tasmania. Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Human Services. Media release
"The State Government’s reform of child protection and family support services in Tasmania would deliver targeted support to more than 10,000 families over the next three years, Health and Human Services Minister Lara Giddings said today.
Ms Giddings said a total of $41.5 million in funding allocated in yesterday’s State Budget would deliver the most fundamental overhaul of child protection and family support services ever undertaken in Tasmania."

More Nurses for Operating Theatres
Source: Tasmania. Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Human Services.Media release
"A program to boost the number of nurses qualified to assist in operating theatres across Tasmania begins in Launceston tomorrow.
The Minister for Health and Human Services, Lara Giddings, said the Enrolled Nurse Peri-operative Practice Program will qualify Enrolled Nurses to join operating theatre teams as circulating and instrument nurses. "

Protection for Food donors and Good Samaritans
Source: Tasmania. Premier. Media release
"Premier David Bartlett today announced amendments to the Civil Liability Act to provide a new level of protection to businesses that donate food to the needy, and to safeguard Good Samaritans who volunteer to help others in an emergency.
“I have said since I became Premier that I want to build a kinder Tasmania.
“This is what today’s announcement is all about, supporting those in our community who reach out in kindness to help someone else,” Mr Bartlett said.
The new food donor provisions in the Civil Liability Amendment Bill 2008 will mean businesses that donate left over food will not be liable for harm caused by inappropriate handling of food after it has left their premises."

New Laws Target Rock Throwers
Source: Northern Territory. Attorney General. Media release
"A comprehensive package of laws has been introduced to Territory Parliament to tackle rock throwers, people who shine laser pointers at drivers, and hit-and-run drivers.
The Attorney-General Chris Burns said the tough crackdown will protect people who use our roads."

Brumby Government Invests $5 Million to Encourage Walking and Cycling
Source: Victoria. Minister for Roads and Ports. Media Release
"Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas invited local councils and other organisations to apply for a share of $5 million in Brumby Government grants for projects that encourage people to choose sustainable transport options. Mr Pallas said that the funding is part of the third round of the Brumby Government’s TravelSmart and Local Area Access Grants program.“The Brumby Government is taking action to deal with congestion and this program was established to encourage people to people to walk, cycle and use public transport to get around,” Mr Pallas said. “TravelSmart and Local Area Access Grants assist councils and other organisations to deliver projects that improve access and liveability. Ultimately, it’s about changing people’s behaviour by reducing our dependence on cars."

HIV Action Plan Building on Strong Partnerships
Source: Victoria. Minister for Health. Media Release
"Victoria’s bid to reduce the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmissible infections has received a $16.6 million Brumby Government boost. Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the funding boost came on top of $6.5 million provided last year to create the HIV Prevention Taskforce and work on a new five-point Action Plan.“The Brumby Government is taking action to deliver quality health services for all Victorians,” Mr Andrews said.“The Victorian Government is concerned about rises in notifications of HIV and other STIs, and is committed to ongoing investment in this area."

New environmentally-friendly solution to major cotton pests
New South Wales. Department of Primary Industries.Media release
Those little suckers who feed on cotton plants and cause economic damage to crops could soon be managed with a new environmentally-friendly pest control.
NSW Department of Primary Industries researcher and director of the Australian Cotton Research Institute (ACRI), Robert Mensah, said sucking pests, which have recently emerged as a major pest of cotton, could be managed with a natural fungus.

Sustainable Sydney 2030
City of Sydney
"The plan responds to the challenges of global warming, rising oil prices, declining housing affordability and growth suggesting five Big Moves to make Sydney more sustainable, vibrant and successful.
Alongside the five Big Moves are ten strategic directions and many hundreds of small steps, that, delivered through partnerships, will transform Sydney to the green, global, connected city of the 2030 vision."

$16m boost to schools, more power to Principals
South Australia. Premier. Media release
State schools will share $16 million in funds, the equivalent of 165 extra teachers, from 2010 if a Rann Government proposal to reform the way schools are resourced is introduced.
Industrial Relations Minister Michael Wright and Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith have today proposed a new student-centred system of funding schools to employ staff in schools.

SA home to more than half of nation's wind power
South Australia. Premier. Media release
Premier Mike Rann says from today, South Australia is home to 53 per cent of the nation’s total installed wind power capacity, with the official opening of the State’s newest wind farm at Brown Hill.
AGL’s Hallett Stage 1 wind farm, one of the largest in Australia, is the first of a series of wind farms to be completed in the mid-north region by the energy company.
The $250 million Hallett Stage 1 project includes 45 turbines, with a capacity of 95 M

SA leads with major kitchen waste recycling pilot
South Australia. Minister for Environment and Conservation. Media release
Sixteen thousand South Australians are set to participate in the most comprehensive pilot of household kitchen waste recycling yet to be undertaken in Australia.
Minister for Environment and Conservation Gail Gago today announced 10 councils will be involved in a six-month pilot to introduce the combined kerbside collection of food waste with garden organics.

Public consultation begins on EP draft water plan
South Australia. Minister for Water Security. Media release
"Minister Maywald presented the draft plan for future supply of water through the SA Water network, titled ‘Meeting Future Demand’, to the Eyre Peninsula Water Security Reference Group in Port Lincoln.
The development of Eyre Peninsula’s plan for water security is the first in a series designed to ‘water proof’ South Australia."

SA's recycling leadership
Source: South Australia. Minister for Environment and Conservation. Media release
"Recycling rates in SA continue to grow, putting South Australians among the best recyclers in the nation having recycled more than 1500 kilograms of waste per person in 2006-07.
South Australia can be proud of its effort recycling 68 per cent of all waste generated, meaning 2.43 million tonnes of material has been diverted from landfill in 2006-07 – a 1.6 per cent increase on the previous year,” says Minister Gago."

State Government provides medical benefits for former police
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Police and Emergency Services. Media Release
"Western Australia Police officers will be able to access medical benefits for ongoing work-related conditions after leaving the police service, under new laws that have been finalised. Police and Emergency Services Minister John Kobelke said the legislation, which was being introduced in the next few weeks as a priority, would remove the anomaly of police officers leaving WA Police with work-related injuries and illnesses without any recognition to meet the costs of their ongoing medical treatment. Currently police are not entitled to recover these or other related expenses."

Prisoner issues receive State/Territory endorsement
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Corrective Services. Media Release
"Western Australia is setting the agenda in determining guidelines and standards for the safe and humane transportation of prisoners, Corrective Services Minister Margaret Quirk has announced. At the Corrective Services Minister’s Conference in Sydney, Ms Quirk gained vigorous endorsement from all her State and Territory counterparts, as well as New Zealand Minister Phil Goff. “WA will host a national conference in August, where a range of issues will be discussed with the aim of improving the efficiency and safety of prisoner transportation,” Ms Quirk said."

New alternative quick-build home options revealed to homebuyer market
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. Media Release
"An innovative new home was built within 14 days, as part of an exciting State Government demonstration housing development which is rapidly taking shape near Armadale. Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the quick-build steel panel home was built by 2020 Construction Systems, on Revolution Road at Seville Grove. Ms MacTiernan said the State Government was taking creative action to address housing supply and access to the new homes market and Revolution Road would showcase the possibilities for new home buyers. “This range of new building options is good news for buyers wanting to break into the new homes market,” she said. Markedly reduced construction times will cut home building costs significantly, as owners will need to hold on to a second property, or pay rent, for a much shorter period. "

Tough new restrictions for novice drivers
Source: Western Australia. Premier and the Minister for Community Safety. Media Release
"Provisional drivers will be banned from driving between midnight and 5am during the first six months of getting their licence, under tough new restrictions from June 30. Premier Alan Carpenter and Community Safety Minister John Kobelke outlined new changes to road rules for novice Western Australian drivers. Mr Carpenter said the changes, which included zero Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and night-time driving restrictions for P-plate drivers, were designed to protect young drivers from death or serious injury on State roads. These changes put Western Australia at the forefront of driver safety and will help prepare young drivers for a lifetime of safe driving,” the Premier said."

FEDERAL FUNDING FOR QUEENSLAND TOURISM SOLUTION
Source: Australia. Minister for Tourism. Media Release
"The Minister for Tourism, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, has announced $4 million in Federal Government funding for projects to assist the Queensland tourism industry following Qantas’s decision to reduce airline capacity to the state.
Minister Ferguson said: “This package will be welcomed by the industry and it will go a long way toward helping the industry find long-term solutions to the challenges confronting it presently.
“Australian tourism operators are doing it tough, the industry’s concerns are very valid, and the problems faced by tourism nationally have been building for some time."

SMART METERS GET NOD FROM ENERGY MINISTERS
Source: Australia. Minister for Resources and Energy. Media Release
"Smart Meters will be rolled out under a national framework following agreement from the Australian, State and Territory Government Energy Ministers at the 15th Meeting of the Ministerial Council on Energy.
Smart meters are electricity meters which measure energy consumption in half-hour intervals, enabling time-of-day pricing, and providing two-way communication, allowing energy providers to read and control features of the meter remotely. They will also allow communication between the meter and devices in the home, such as air-conditioners, hot-water systems and in-home displays to monitor energy use."

NEW CLIMATE CHANGE REPORTS ON MURRAY DARLING CATCHMENTS
Source: Australia. Minister for Climate Change and Water. Media Release
"Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, today (10/6/08) welcomed the release of two reports on the effects of climate change on water availability in the Murray Darling Basin.
CSIRO released the reports on the Condamine-Balonne and Moonie regions in the north of the
Murray Darling Basin as part of the Murray Darling Basin Sustainable Yields project being
undertaken on behalf of the Australian Government and the Murray Darling Basin states.
The project looks at the impacts of climate change and land use change across the Basin’s 18
regions."

New national protocol: plan to look after elderly Australians living alone
Source: Australia. Minister for Ageing . Media Release
"A new national protocol for community care service providers has been proposed aimed at reducing the number of frail older Australians dying alone at home and reducing delays until deaths are discovered. The protocol was put forward today (13/6/08) by Federal Minister for Ageing Mrs Justine Elliot at the inaugural meeting of the Ministerial Conference on Ageing held on the NSW North Coast, bringing together the nation’s ministers for ageing."

Older people benefit from local abuse prevention campaign
Source: Australia. Minister for Ageing . Media Release
"Older people in the Northern Rivers region of NSW will benefit from a locally developed Elder Abuse Prevention Campaign.Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today (12/6/08) officially launched the $149,041 project funded by the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department. "

$50 million to strengthen mental health
Source: Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing . Media Release
"The Rudd Government will invest almost $50 million in strengthening mental health services, including $20 million to help prevent suicide.In any year, nearly 1 in 5 Australians will experience some form of mental illness. These measures will help ensure that people coping with mental illness can get the care they need.The Government is also establishing the National Advisory Council on Mental Health, to provide the Government with independent, expert and balanced advice to help drive national mental health reform."

National Primary Health Care Strategy
Source: Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing . Media Release
"The Rudd Government will develop a National Primary Health Care Strategy to better tackle the health challenges of the 21st century, and make sure that families can get the health care they need.The strategy will look at how to deliver better frontline care to families across Australia, with priorities including:
Better rewarding prevention.
Promoting evidence-based management of chronic disease.
Supporting patients with chronic disease to manage their condition.
Supporting the role GPs play in the health care team.
Addressing the growing need for access to other health professionals, including practice nurses and allied health professionals like physiotherapists and dieticians.
Encouraging a greater focus on multidisciplinary team-based care. "

First Ever National Men’s Health Policy
Source: Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing . Media Release
"The Rudd Government will develop Australia’s first ever National Men’s Health Policy – in recognition of the fact that men often have poorer health than women, are likely to die earlier, and are at greater risk of suicide.To mark the start of International Men’s Health Week, Minister for Health Nicola Roxon is launching the paper Setting the scene: developing a men’s health policy for Australia."
A copy of the paper on the development of a National Men’s Health Policy can be found at www.health.gov.au/menshealthpolicy

Low-income households a priority for Coburg Solar City
Source: Australia. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts. Media Release
"A community program exploring how low-income households can become more sustainable will be a highlight of Australia’s latest Solar Cities project.
Environment Minister Peter Garrett today (10/6/08) announced $4.9 million in Australian Government funding for the Coburg Solar City, the 6th in the Solar Cities program.
"I am particularly pleased that a key feature of the Coburg Solar City will be the development of an ‘Energy Hub’, a community enterprise providing energy retrofit services for low income and public housing tenants," Mr Garrett said. "

Review to look at future of higher education in Australia
Source: Minister for Education. Media Release
"Minister for Education, Julia Gillard is urging all interested parties to be part of setting the future direction of higher education in Australia.
The Rudd Government today (10/6/08) welcomed the release of the discussion paper for the Review of Australian Higher Education by Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley AC, Chair of the expert panel leading the review."
Further information and the discussion paper is available a www.dest.gov.au\HEreview

Adult language literacy and numeracy skills discussion paper released today
Source: Australia. Minister for Education. Media Release
"A new discussion paper is calling for comment on the future direction of the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program.
Minister for Education, Julia Gillard released the discussion paper today (13/6/08), and invited all interested parties to comment on the make up of the services in the next contract period of service delivery. "
The discussion paper is available, after 4.00pm, at www.llnp.deewr.gov.au

Experts tackle emerging e-security threats
Source: Australia. Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. Media Release
"Experts from government, industry and community organisations today (13/6/08) met in Sydney to discuss emerging e-security challenges and how to prepare for the future.
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy and the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland MP, said discussions at the Over the Horizon forum will inform the Government's future e-security policy deliberations."

Planning Reform Passes the Lower House
Source: New South Wales Government. Department of Planning. Media release
"Planning Minister, Frank Sartor said that after months of consultation, reforms to create an efficient and transparent planning system have been passed by the NSW Legislative Assembly.
Speaking at the Annual Shires Association of NSW Conference today, Mr Sartor said the need for planning reform was unanimously recognised and the package would address these problems in a balanced and workable way."

NSW Parliament passes landmark legislation to protect patients
Source: New South Wales Government. Department of Health. Media release
New South Wales now has the strongest legislation in the country to protect patients against misconduct by doctors, after the Medical Practice Amendment Bill 2008 passed through the NSW Parliament last night.
Minister for Health Reba Meagher said the Bill provides a number of important changes, including the introduction of mandatory reporting by medical practitioners of their colleagues in instances of serious misconduct."

High Food Prices - Causes, implications and solutions
Source: Australian Government. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
The rapid rise in food prices has caught the world’s attention. It has been labelled a ‘silent tsunami’ by The Economist magazine (2008) because of the series of sharp rises in the nominal price of the world’s most consumed food commodities. In the past 18 months, the world price of rice has tripled, maize increased by two-thirds and wheat has doubled. Grain is a major input into meat and diary production and these prices have also risen significantly. ....
In this paper the underlying causes of these trends are analysed by examining the changes in demand and supply in agricultural markets. The implications of these changes are assessed, and policy solutions to ensure that food supplies are adequate, produced at least cost and reliable, are discussed."

New Licensing Regulations Make Learning to Ride Safer
Source: Victoria. Minister for Roads and Ports. Media Release
"New regulations for Learner and Probationary motorcyclists are to come into effect on 1 July under the Brumby Government’s new Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS). Parliamentary Secretary for Roads and Ports, Martin Pakula said the introduction of LAMS in Victoria will contribute to a more consistent approach to vehicle restrictions for learner and newly licensed riders. “Under LAMS, learner and novice riders will have access to a range of motorcycles and scooters suitable for their level of experience,” Mr Pakula said. “Novice riders will only be permitted to ride motorcycles on the approved LAMS list which includes bikes with power-to-weight ratios not exceeding 150 kilowatts per tonne and engine capacities not exceeding 660cc. The scheme will also restrict learners from using high powered, race replica 250cc bikes that are known to be dangerous for inexperienced riders.”

Discussion Paper on Community Health Centres Released
Source: Victoria. Minister for Health. Media Release
"A discussion paper looking at options for the governance and accountability of stand alone community health centres in Victoria has been released for comment. Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the discussion paper is being released as part of the Brumby Government’s review of governance and accountability arrangements for these centres that deliver such important services to Victorian families.This review is occurring as a consequence of the Australian Tax Office advice that the precedent established by the Federal Court, as applied to the stand alone agencies, meant that they were too tightly regulated to be regarded as public benevolent institutions. As a result, they would lose Fringe Benefits Tax and other charitable concessions. Victoria has 100 community health centres operating from 400 sites. Around 60 per cent of them operate in association with, or as part of, hospitals and health services."

Australian's First Hybrid Car to be Built in Victoria
Source: Victoria. Office of the Premier. Media Release
"The first hybrid car to be manufactured in Australia will be built at Toyota’s Altona plant securing jobs for Victorian car workers and offering Australians the choice of a locally built green car, Premier John Brumby announced. Mr Brumby said Toyota’s Altona plant would become the regional base for the hybrid Camry with 10,000 cars to be manufactured each year taking the plant’s total production of cars beyond 150,000 annually.“During my recent trip to Japan I met with the President of Toyota, Katsuaki Watanabe, to discuss the prospect of Victoria becoming home to a locally built hybrid car and I am pleased that Toyota has made this decision,” Mr Brumby said.“With car manufacturers moving on a global scale to produce green fuel efficient cars it is crucial that the Victorian auto industry secures a slice of this investment which will add $150 million annually to our economy."

Brumby Government Acts to Strengthen Local Democracy
Source: Victoria. Minister for Local Government. Media Release
"New legislation to strengthen local democracy will include measures to eliminate dummy candidates, prevent sacked councillors from re-nominating within four years and close the loophole which allows some owners of car park spaces and boat moorings in the city from casting votes. Local Government Minister Richard Wynne said the Local Government Amendment (Elections) Bill 2008 will reform electoral processes ahead of elections to be held for all 79 local councils in Victoria on November 29 this year.“The Brumby Government is taking action to strengthen local democracy through this legislation, which will ensure that electoral processes are up to date, and that councils have clarification on a number of key issues,” Mr Wynne said."

$9 Million Boost to Make New Communities More Affordable and Liveable
Source: Victoria. Minister for Planning. Media Release
"A $9 million boost to smooth the introduction of a new Urban Growth Zone (UGZ) across Melbourne’s outer suburbs was announced in the next step of a planning overhaul to improve the quality and supply of new housing. Unveiling a map of the new Urban Growth Zone to fast-track 37 new Melbourne communities, Planning Minister Justin Madden said the planning reforms would significantly simplify and speed-up the supply of new homes and improve the quality of lifestyle in growth areas. “The Brumby Government is taking action to improve planning for our newest suburbs, so they are well serviced by schools, shops and provided with jobs closer to where people live,” Mr Madden said.“This single zone will be used for future growth area developments in conjunction with a single plan for new communities – the Precinct Structure Plan.” As announced by the Premier in March, the UGZ will strip time out of the planning system in new urban developments, saving more than a year in approval times and up to $10,000 for home-buyers on the price of a new house block. "

Comment Invited on the New Gambling Industry Structure
Source: Victoria. Minister for Gaming. Media Release
"The Government is seeking public comment on the competitive bidding phase of the Gambling Licences Review, with the release of three Discussion Papers. Gaming Minister Tony Robinson said the release of the wagering, keno and gaming machines Discussion Papers demonstrated the Brumby Government’s commitment to consultation as part of the review process on the implementation of the new structure for the post-2012 gambling industry.“We want to give the community, stakeholders and those with knowledge of the industry an opportunity to share their views on the next phase of the review,” Mr Robinson said. The release of the Discussion Papers follows the Brumby Government’s decision to reshape Victoria’s gambling industry."

Bongs banned
Source: South Australia. Premier. Media release
The Attorney-General Michael Atkinson has told drug-culture stores they’ll have to shut-up shop or find new lines of business from Sunday.
New laws come into force this weekend banning the sale of equipment used to consume illegal drugs, such as bongs, ice pipes and cocaine kits.
The change reflects concern that the tools of illicit drug use have been freely available from dedicated drug-device shops, tobacconists and some franchise outlets."

Body Piercing Legislation Introduced into Parliament
Source: Victoria. Office of the Attorney General. Media Release
"Intimate body piercing in Victoria will be banned for people under the age of 18 and parental consent required for non-intimate piercing for people under the age of 16 in legislation to be introduced into Parliament. Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said the new legislation was designed to involve parents and guardians in decision making with young people about body piercing.“The Brumby Government has an obligation to protect community welfare and this Bill balances the concerns of parents and guardians with young people’s freedom of expression,” Mr Hulls said."

Planning reforms to boost SA's economy
Source: South Australia. Premier. Media release
"Premier Mike Rann has this morning foreshadowed far reaching changes to South Australia’s planning and development system, to be announced by the Minister for Planning, the Hon Paul Holloway, later today.
Mr Rann says the changes will give South Australia the most efficient planning system anywhere in Australia."

Training the Key to Growing Victoria's Textiles and Fibre Industry
Source: Victoria. Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation. Media Release
"Skills and Workforce Participation Minister Jacinta Allan unveiled a new funding plan for training to boost Victoria’s textiles and fibre industry. Ms Allan said investing in skills development and training was essential to the future of the industry, which contributes $1.2 billion annually to the Victorian economy.“This Brumby Government is taking action to help Victoria’s key industries become more globally competitive,” Ms Allan said.“Under this announcement, it will be easier for companies to access the $8 million the Brumby Government has provided for training programs.” The funding is distributed through the Geelong-based International Fibre Centre (IFC), the only organisation in Australia that provides funding for skills development for the textile industry."

WA gears up for mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse
Source: Western Australia. Department of Child Protection. Media Release
"The State Government’s $68million investment in tough new child protection legislation making it compulsory for doctors, nurses, midwives, police officers and teachers to report suspected cases of child sexual abuse is now set to take effect. Child Protection Minister Sue Ellery said the legislation, which passed through the Upper House of Parliament, made it compulsory for those professions to report, if they believed on reasonable grounds that a child had been sexually abused. “The Government is well-resourced and prepared to handle the expected increase in the number of reports,” Ms Ellery said. “We have committed $68million for implementation of the legislation in the 2008-09 Budget, including $43.9million for a special unit at the Department for Child Protection to deal with reports of child sexual abuse and extra case workers to conduct assessment and investigations."

Launch of $75million affordable housing program
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Housing and Works. Media Release
"Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts launched the $75million community housing construction program for 2008-09. Mrs Roberts said the State Government has embarked on an significant building program to deliver more affordable housing for Western Australians through the community housing sector. “The construction of more than 1,000 social housing units are expected to start this year, with at least 340 to be delivered through community housing partnerships,” she said. The Minister said the State Government is investing $210million in the State Community Housing Investment Program (SCHIP) and $60million of that funding would be spent in 2008-09. “The State Government expects the program will generate private equity contributions to the value of $15million in 2008-09,” she said."

WA Government leads the way in tackling climate change
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Forestry. Media Release
"Forestry Minister Kim Chance said a joint project between the State Government and the BP Kwinana Refinery had been enormously successful in tackling the impacts of climate change. Mr Chance said BP became the first energy company in Australia to engage in carbon emissions trading by joining forces with Western Australia’s Forest Products Commission 10 years ago.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary of the agreement, the Minister said almost four million trees had been planted in the Katanning area to offset greenhouse gas emissions while at the same time addressing land degradation. BP Kwinana Refinery’s managing director Thys Heyns said these trees had stored 187,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, which was the equivalent of taking 43,000 cars off the road for a year."

New laws increase the opportunity to be an organ donor
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Health. Media Release
"An extra 15 dangerously ill Western Australians could receive lifesaving transplants each year under new laws expected to pass State Parliament this week that will bring WA into line with other Australian States and Territories. Health Minister Jim McGinty said the ‘Living Wills’ legislation would remove legal uncertainties in obtaining consent from patients and their families for organ donation to occur after the heart had stopped. “The laws will give Western Australian doctors the same legal protection that their colleagues in other parts of Australia have, enabling them to raise the matter of organ donation when it has become clear that a patient is no longer benefitting from medical care and is about to die,” Mr McGinty said."

New campaign to keep ‘Graffidiots’ away from public transport
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Premier. Media Release
"Graffiti vandalism on public transport will be targeted with a new campaign aimed at ‘Graffidiots’. Premier Alan Carpenter launched the campaign emphasising the anti-social aspects and serious consequences of graffiti vandalism - and the penalties which could include jail. Mr Carpenter said the campaign, which used posters and decals on board buses and trains, encouraged people to report graffiti vandalism to the 1800 442 255 graffiti hotline when they saw it happening. In addition, Transit officers and the Police Rail Unit would start targeted blitzes at key hotspots on the public transport network."

Cycling: Getting Australia moving
Source: Australian Policy Online
"This report has been developed to assist practitioners, policy makers and planners to increase adult physical activity levels through bicycle riding. It does this by first setting the scene on Australian cycling and then outlines current barriers and facilitators to greater participation. "

Sustainable options for Australia's new national Indigenous representative body
Source: Australian Policy Online
"This paper argues that a national Indigenous representative body has to be a fundamental component of the Indigenous policy landscape if we are to make lasting progress in improving the conditions of Indigenous people and our communities."

Not seeing justice done: Suppression orders in Australian law and practice
Source: Australian Policy Online
"There are varied Australian approaches to suppression orders under common law and statute. This article outlines notable aspects of the law and examines concerns that have been raised by commentators about practices in Australia. "

Review of Australian Higher Education, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
Source: Australian Policy online
"The federal government's review of Australia’s higher education system will examine and report on the future direction of the higher education sector, its fitness for purpose in meeting the needs of the Australian community and economy and the options for ongoing reform. This paper has been released to outline issues and invite input on the key issues identified in the review's terms of reference. "

Rigour and relevance: Extending the role of the social sciences and humanities in public policy research
Source: Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. CHASS occasional paper, 4
"Australia needs to encourage a new form of research that contributes directly to the formulation of policy in government. Such research is initiated by the end user rather than the researcher. It is characterised by being strategically driven, problem oriented and cross-disciplinary.
It is becoming increasingly necessary to draw on knowledge from many disciplines in meeting the challenges and opportunities of the modern economy and society. Scientific or technological research, in particular, benefits from the inclusion of complementary work in the social sciences and humanities. We need to think about ways the practice of interdisciplinary research can be encouraged and facilitated."

More money for care
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Health and Welfare. Media release
" Federal Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot and Tasmanian Deputy Premier, Ms Lara Giddings today announced an extra $4 million next year for improved care for the elderly, younger people with a disability, and their carers – in Tasmania.
Ms Giddings said that last year more than 29,000 Tasmanians benefited from the Home and Community Care program.
Among the services the Program provides are: Meals on Wheels, transport assistance, help at home and respite for carers.
"This is about helping people to remain independent in their own homes. "

New Property Management Systems Framework for Tasmania
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Primary Industries and Water.Media release
" The Minister for Primary Industries and Water, David Llewellyn; the President of the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, Roger Swain; and Andrew Colvin from NRM North, jointly announced today the development of a Property Management Systems Framework for Tasmania.
In a sign of collaboration and cooperation, the Tasmanian Government, the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association and the three Tasmanian Regional Natural Resource Management bodies joined forces to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to develop and implement the new Framework."

Funding Boost for People Living with Disabilities
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Health and Human Services
"People with disabilities living on the North West Coast received a major boost today with Health and Human Services Minister Lara Giddings committing an extra $825,000 a year for accommodation in the region.
Ms Giddings said the recurrent funding was part of the North West Accommodation initiative and would provide residential support for an additional 12 people.
Ms Giddings was in Burnie to officially open Multicap Tasmania’s Panorama Project, an innovative new concept in family-based supported accommodation."

New Software to Cut Government’s Carbon Footprint
Source: Tasmania. Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier.Media release
"New software to be used by the Tasmanian Government will improve the efficiency of current IT infrastructure, reduce operating costs and use less energy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, Lisa Singh said today.
The special virtualisation technology will be supplied by VMWare, a global leader in the technology, and its Hobart-based company AlphaWest, under a $1.2 million contract.
“This is a clever investment as it will result in a huge improvement in the efficiency of the Government’s IT infrastructure,” Ms Singh said."

Connecting With All Tasmanians
Source: Tasmania. Premier.Media release
"Premier David Bartlett today announced a plan for the State Government to establish better connections with Tasmanians from all walks of life.
Mr Bartlett said the Government would initiate a series of community forums, giving people direct access to ministers and heads of government departments to raise their ideas and concerns."

Access To Early Childhood Education For Tasmania
Source: Tasmania. Premier. Media release
"The Parliamentary Secretary for Early Childhood Education and Child Care, Maxine McKew, and the Tasmanian Premier and Minister for Education and Skills David Bartlett today announced a partnership to make early childhood education more accessible for families in Tasmania.
The Rudd Government will increase Tasmania’s substantial investment in early childhood education by $400 000 over the next year. "

Tackling Climate Change Together
Source: Northern Territory. Minister for Information, Communications, and Technology Policy. Media release
"Chief Minister and Minister for Climate Change Paul Henderson said the unique conditions and challenges faced in the Northern Territory will be key considerations in developing the Northern Territory’s first Climate Change Policy.
Launching the Government’s discussion paper on NT Climate Change Issues on World Environment Day 2008, Mr Henderson said the paper and community feedback would help shape the Territory’s first Climate Change policy. "

Hundreds of Jobs at New Resort
Source: Northern Territory. Chief Minister. Media release
"A Darwin-first tropical beachside resort and park reserve will create hundreds of jobs for Territorians and a new recreation area for families, Chief Minister Paul Henderson said today.
Mr Henderson has joined SKYCITY to sign an agreement finalising the sale of the area known as Little Mindil that will allow the development of a new $50 million beachside resort on the SKYCITY lawns."

Increased Penalties for Remote Drug Trafficking
Source: Northern Territory. Attorney General. Media release
"The Northern Territory Parliament has passed tougher drug laws aimed at making the Territory’s remote communities safer.
The Attorney-General Chris Burns said under the new legislation it is now an aggravated trafficking offence to take cannabis into remote communities.
The Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill increases the penalty for trafficking drugs into remote communities from five years to a maximum nine years imprisonment."

Minister Launches Financial Literacy Package for Teachers
Source: Australia. Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law. Media Release
"Senator the Hon Nick Sherry, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law and Mr Paul Clitheroe, Chairman of the Financial Literacy Advisory Board, have launched a package of support materials and resources to help teachers deliver consumer and financial literacy education in schools.
Over 2008, consumer and financial literacy will be incorporated into core subjects, including English and maths, and across all years from Kindergarten to Year 10. Topics for study include basic budgeting, banking, credit cards and mobile phone plans."

New Service Helps People with Dementia, Carers and Families
Source: Australia. Minister for Ageing. Media Release
"The Australian Government has provided funding of $2.6 million over two years for the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service in Queensland. This is part of $22 million committed for dementia behaviour advisory services across Australia."

Garrett backs national cycling program
Source: Australia. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts. Media Release
"On the eve of World Environment Day, Environment Minister Peter Garrett today (4/6/08) announced a $45,000 grant for the development of a national cycling training scheme, to encourage more people to choose two wheeled transportation over four."

INDIGENOUS PROTECTION OF CAPE YORK
Source: Australia. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts. Media Release
"Almost 2,000 square kilometres of lush tropical habitat on Cape York will be protected from today (4/6/08) in Australia’s 25th Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) – the Kaanju Ngaachi Wenlock and Pascoe Rivers IPA."

New measures tackle spiralling energy consumption in homes
Source: Australia. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts. Media Release
"Celebrating World Environment Day, Environment Minister Peter Garrett today (5/6/06) announced three new initiatives to help householders save energy and money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Today we are announcing three new measures:
· a new television labelling scheme to enable consumers to identify the most energy efficient
sets at point of sale;
· a new guide to help householders and in particular renovators identify ways to incorporate
energy saving measures into their homes; and
· the accelerated phase-out of traditional incandescent light bulbs"

Teaching for the Digital Age
Source: Australia. Minister for Education. Media Release
"The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard today (3/6/06) announced new opportunities for Australian teachers to develop their proficiency in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning.
Today the Minister for Education committed $650,000 to initiate and fund professional development activities over the next 12 months."

State of Public Health Report 2008
Source: Tasmania. Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Human Services. Media release
The Minister for Health and Human Services, Lara Giddings, today tabled in State Parliament the State of Public Health 2008 report by the Director of Public Health, and the accompanying document Health Indicators Tasmania 2008.

Work Starts on Launceston Airport’s $20 Million Upgrade
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts. Media release
"The Minister for Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts, Michelle O’Byrne, today officially marked the beginning of work on a $20 million upgrade of Launceston Airport that will introduce checked baggage x-ray systems, more retail space and a new-look terminal building. "

Tasmania On Show For US Film Industry
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Economic Development and Tourism. Media release
"Representative of Los Angeles-based Ausfilm are visiting the State exploring further opportunities for Tasmania as a filming destination for the American film industry.
The Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Paula Wriedt, said the visit was an important part of growing our screen industry and broadening the state’s skills base.
“Screen Tasmania has built a screen industry in our state which is currently worth around $18 million a year,” said Ms Wriedt."

Groundbreaking Climate Change Bill Released
Source: Tasmania. Premier. Media release
"Premier David Bartlett has asked Tasmanians to prepare for life in a low-carbon world with groundbreaking climate change legislation released today.
“Climate change is the challenge of our generation, and dealing with it will require significant changes to the way we live and work,” Mr Bartlett said.
“We are climate change opportunists in the Government I lead and I want us to be at the forefront of meeting this challenge."

Water Resources the Key to Future Growth
Source: Tasmania. Member for Braddon. Media release
"Member for Braddon Bryan Green said today the development of major water infrastructure for irrigation was vital for Tasmania’s primary industries.
Mr Green who played a leading role in the establishment of the Meander Dam said future growth of the agricultural sector would be underpinned by the State’s water resources.
Mr Green said a $220 million irrigation program jointly funded by State and Federal Governments aimed to provide additional water equivalent to that from 10 Meander dams. "

Recycled water now flowing from Alice Springs Water Reclamation Plant
Source: Northern Territory. Minister for Essential Services. Media release
"The new $10.4 million Alice Springs Water Re-Use Project officially began operating this morning, with up to 600 megalitres of recycled water now flowing to the Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) every year."

Extra Teachers Closing the Gap
Source: Northern Territory. Minister for Employment, Education and Training.Media release
"Education Minister Marion Scrymgour announced today that the first 19 of an additional 200 Australian Government funded teachers for the Northern Territory had been employed.
Ms Scrymgour said the ten male and nine female teachers would start work in classrooms in remote communities at the start of Semester 2.
“Before starting work the teachers will be undergoing nine-weeks of orientation and professional learning to develop their Cross-Cultural, English as a Second Language, and Accelerated Literacy skills,” Ms Scrymgour said.
“Under Closing The Gap we are upgrading and supplying new facilities in remote communities and we’re also employing extra teachers to improve educational outcomes."

Chief Minister Continues Fight for Inpex Project
Source: Northern Territory. Chief Minister. Media release
"Chief Minister Paul Henderson leaves Darwin later today for Europe, where he’ll continue his fight to secure the $12 billion Inpex gas project for the Northern Territory.
Mr Henderson said he would be meeting in Paris with senior executives from Total, Inpex’s joint venture partners and developers of the Ichthys gas field.
“I have made Inpex aware of the advantages Darwin has as a location for the project, this trip will allow me to put our case directly to Total as well,” Mr Henderson said.
“As a joint venture partner and developer of the Ichthys gas field with Inpex – Total will play an important role in deciding whether the project is located in Darwin or Western Australia.

Work on $41 Million Helium Plant Begins
Source: Northern Territory. Ministser for Infrastructre and Transport. Media release
"The Northern Territory Government today welcomed the start of construction of the new $41 million helium plant at Wickham Point.
Infrastructure Minister Delia Lawrie, said the plant will create jobs and boost the economy, and show more companies that the Territory has the capacity for major gas development."

Common User Area Open for Business
Source: Northern Territory. Minister for Business and Economic Development. Media release
"A new multi-user, multi-purpose assembly yard and lay down area has opened for business at East Arm to help ensure that Darwin continues to benefit from the growing Timor Sea oil and gas industry, mining and export industries.
Minister for Business, Economic and Regional Development, Kon Vatskalis, declared the new Darwin Common User Area facility open this afternoon before operators located within the Land Development Corporation."

Education in country and city New South Wales
Source: Parliament of New South Wales. Briefing paper, no. 4
"Evidence exists of differences in levels of achievement between country and city students in New South Wales, and governments have attempted to respond by instituting programs to enhance achievement. Retaining students, to year 12, appears to be a particular issue in providing education to students in rural areas. This paper surveys and evaluates government initiatives."

$38.7million arts initiatives launched
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Culture and the Arts. Media Release
"More than $38.7million of initiatives to build and sustain Western Australia’s exciting arts and culture sector were launched. Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale said the seven initiatives, part of the $73million Ignite package, were designed to transform arts and culture activities in WA, and build a foundation for future growth. “Investment in the arts by Government and business is very important if we are to continue to transform this State into a culturally-rich and vibrant place,” Ms McHale said. The package includes two initiatives that are the first of their kind in Australia and will promote major productions and philanthropy."

$77million worth of training funds now available to the private sector
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"The Carpenter Government will open up the market for apprenticeship funding to the private sector - paving the way for a more competitive, flexible and responsive training system. Announcing the reforms, Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said the change was part of an ongoing reform agenda to modernise Western Australia’s training system. Mr McGowan said the current system, where the majority of Government funding available for apprenticeship delivery was quarantined for the TAFE sector, would be opened up completely to deliver a more responsive and flexible training system."

$68 Million to Continue Driving Regional Growth
Source: Victoria. Office of the Premier. Media Release
"Initiatives to drive growth, expand industry, build on skills and respond to the challenges ahead are the focus of a $68 million Brumby Government package to keep provincial Victoria moving forward. In Ballarat, Premier John Brumby unveiled Moving Forward: Update – The Next Two Years 2008 to 2010, setting out a series of Victorian Government actions in regional and rural Victoria from now until 2010. "

Future Farming Advisory Panel Announced
Source: Victoria. Minister for Agriculture. Media Release
"A broad cross-section of respected industry professionals will help drive Victoria’s $205 million Future Farming Strategy. In Birchip, Agriculture Minister Joe Helper today announced the make-up of the Future Farming Advisory Panel. Mr Helper said the seven-member panel comprised of plant nursery owner Lyn Coulston, stonefruit farmer Gaethan Cutri, wool producer Christine Forster, Birchip Cropping Group chairman Ian McClelland, Goulburn-Murray Water chairman and dairy farmer Stephen Mills, primary producer Jenny O’Sullivan and Victorian Farmers Federation president Simon Ramsay. “Input from farmers, farming communities and their representative bodies will be vital in the delivery of the key new measures outlined in the $205 million Future Farming Strategy,” Mr Helper said."

New chair and website for Ministerial Advisory Committee on Ageing
Source: New South Wales. Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care
"Pino Migliorino will chair the NSW Ministerial Advisory Committee on Ageing (MACA) – the expert panel which advises the Iemma Government on ageing and policy issues.
NSW Minister for Ageing, Kristina Keneally, today announced that the MACA is coming to Newcastle today to officially launch their new website and to host a forum about the opportunities and benefits associated with volunteering.
"The MACA’s new look website will help in expanding on the priorities outlined in the NSW Government’s recently announced plan for our ageing population, Towards 2030," Ms Keneally said.

Fitness challenge for schools
Source: New South Wales. Public Schools. Media release
"The promotion of student participation in sport and physical activity will take centre stage in NSW public schools in a State Government initiative to combat childhood obesity.
The Premier’s Sporting Challenge aims to encourage students to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Students who reach predetermined exercise levels will receive Premier’s awards, with the “gold award” of 60 minutes of physical activity a day – the recommended national guideline – the program’s target."

$2.45m for further research into schizophrenia
Source: New South Wales Health. Media release
"The Iemma Government will provide $2.45 million over the next five years for research into the causes of schizophrenia.
Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health) Paul Lynch said research into schizophrenia was a vital investment into an illness linked to youth suicide."

Helping state's students to plan their careers
Source: South Australia. Minister for Education and Children's Services. Media release
"South Australia’s senior school students will get better help to plan their careers after a conference of more than 160 teachers and career coaches being held over the next two days.
Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says the training session is part of the Rann Government’s $84m School to Work reforms, being rolled out from this year"

State Government gets tougher on drugged up drivers
Source: South Australia. Minister for Road Safety. Media release
"Road Safety Minister Carmel Zollo says motorists caught driving with a prescribed drug in their system will face tougher penalties from next month.
From July 1, the offence of driving with a prescribed drug in oral fluid or blood will attract an expiation fee of $420 and 4 demerit points – compared with the current penalty of $313 and 3 demerit points"

'Value of Parks' benefit environment, tourism & health
Source: South Australia. Minister for Environment and Conservation. Media release
"South Australia’s unique network of parks are contributing to enhanced physical and mental wellbeing, economic growth, employment prospects, massive tourism opportunities and of course immeasurable environmental benefits.
It’s all identified in a new Australian and New Zealand ‘Value of Parks’ booklet collated for the first time and launched in South Australia today "

Controlled Operations to Become More Accountable
Source: Victoria. Office of the Attorney General. Media Release
"Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls introduced in Parliament an amendment enabling the Crimes (Controlled Operations) Act to start, which will ensure greater accountability for covert police operations.“This legislation will allow us to start a comprehensive scheme governing controlled operations in Victoria that will largely replace the existing patchwork of legislative provisions,” Mr Hulls said.“While organised criminal networks such as drug cartels are able to operate across the nation, police have often been hampered in investigating cross border crime because the laws on police investigations vary across Australia.”The legislation amends the Crimes (Controlled Operations) Act 2004, which was developed as part of a national initiative to tackle cross-border criminal activity. However, this 2004 legislation has not come into force because of constitutional concerns that it imposed obligations on a Commonwealth agency, the Australian Crime Commission."

Extended Supervision Scheme to Apply to More Sex Offenders
Source: Victoria. Minister for Corrections. Media Release
"Sex offenders who have committed crimes against adults and who have served their sentences will be subject to stricter monitoring after legislation passed through Parliament. Corrections Minister Bob Cameron said the extended supervision scheme previously only applied to sex offenders with child victims but now those with adult victims would also be included.“The Brumby Government is taking action to make our streets safer with some of the toughest sex offender laws in the country including the Serious Sex Offenders Monitoring Act 2005, the sex offender registration scheme and working with children checks,” Mr Cameron said."