Aussie Men Urged to Speak Up About Their Health
Source: Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing. Media Release
"Australian Government wants Aussie men to start talking – to help it develop Australia’s first ever National Men’s Health Policy.Whether young or old, single or married, in the city or the bush, the Government wants the views of Australian men to help make the policy strong, robust and effective."

Australia comes in from the cold on Women's rights
Source: Australia. Attorney-General and Minister for the Status of Women. Media Release
"Australia has today (24/11/08) formally moved to become a party to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which was opposed by the former Government.Australia has been a party to CEDAW since 1983.

The announcement comes on the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for the Status of Women Tanya Plibersek said that by becoming a party to the Optional Protocol, the Government is making a powerful statement that discrimination against women in any form is unacceptable."

Broadband for Seniors roll out
Source: Australia. Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Media Release
"The Australian Government today (27/11/08) launched a $15 million initiative to get more seniors connected to family and friends through the internet. Broadband for Seniors will establish up to 2,000 free internet kiosks over the next three years in community centres and clubs used by seniors. The kiosks will provide computers, internet connections and training. The Government wants more older Australians to use the internet to stay in touch with family and friends and to access information and services.Only one in five Australians over the age of 65 currently use the internet. Yet it is a great tool for learning more about personal interests, meeting new people, or staying in touch with friends and family."

$40 million for two new water centres of excellence
Source: Australia. Minister for Climate Change and Water. Media Release
"The Rudd Government is calling for proposals to establish two Centres of Excellence to lead the way in building the knowledge and technology required to secure Australia's water supplies.
Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said the Government would provide $40 million to establish the Centre of Excellence in Desalination in Perth and the Centre of Excellence in Water Recycling in Brisbane. "

New Pathway into Teaching
Source: Australia. Minister for Education. Media Release
"The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, has announced the Australian Government will fund a new scheme to attract Australia’s best graduates into teaching.

Under the new program, high performing graduates in areas like commerce, law and science will be able to enter teaching through a new pathway that ensures the best and brightest are attracted into the profession."

Schools thinking big about small technologies
Source: Australia. Minister for Education. Media release
"The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, will today (28/11/08) in Melbourne launch an innovative secondary school resource that will assist science teachers to teach nanotechnology in Australian schools.
AccessNano, a cutting-edge educational resource, is designed to introduce accessible and innovative science and technology into classrooms, and provide an integrated approach to teaching nanotechnolgy.
The Australian Office of Nanotechnology developed AccessNano following feedback from science teachers that children were asking to be taught about nanotechnology, but many teachers did not have the knowledge or resources to be able to teach the topic."

Caring for our Country business plan 2009-10
Source: Australian Government
"In its first five years (from July 2008 to June 2013), the Australian Government will invest $2.25 billion through Caring for our Country to secure improved strategic outcomes across six national priority areas:
the National Reserve System
biodiversity and natural icons
coastal environments and critical aquatic habitats
sustainable farm practices
natural resource management in northern and remote Australia, and
community skills, knowledge and engagement.
Caring for our Country will be delivered in partnership with regional natural resource management groups, local, state and territory governments, Indigenous groups, industry bodies, land managers, landcare groups and other community groups, and non-government organisations."

School Investment Guaranteed
Source: South Australia. Ministry of Education
"The State Government has guaranteed that its investment in school services officers, school counsellors and teacher-librarians will be maintained under a proposed new funding model. “We’ve already given a rock solid guarantee that every school will receive the same or more funding as they move to this new student-centred model. “This guarantee – to apply in 2010 and 2011 for the life of the proposed agreement – will be matched with millions of dollars in extra funds,” says Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith."

Child restraint laws toughened to protect our kids
Source: South Australia. Road Safety Minister
"The Rann Government will further strengthen its commitment to road safety by adopting new nationally approved changes for the use of child restraints in motor vehicles. Road Safety Minister, Carmel Zollo says the new laws represent a significant change that will provide greater protection for children travelling in vehicles and will go a long way towards reducing road trauma."

Turning the Public Sector Inside Out
Source: South Australia. Premier's Media Release
"South Australians will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes of almost 100 public service workplaces as part of Public Sector Week 2008, which begins today (15/11/08). Inside Out 2008 will focus on the variety of jobs done by public servants and will give the community a chance to see the diversity of the state’s largest employer. Minister Assisting the Premier in Cabinet Business and Public Sector Management Jay Weatherill said the event also aimed to attract more people to public sector careers."

South Australians Get Set to Lower Energy Bills
Source: South Australia. Energy Minister
"South Australian householders will be able to lower their energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the State Government’s Residential Energy Efficiency Scheme (REES) from 1 January 2009. The State Government has released further details of the scheme where gas and electricity providers will offer householders incentives to adopt energy saving measures."

Inquiry into barring system for problem gamblers
Source: South Australia. Gambling Minister
"The State Government today announced a public inquiry into the current gambling sector barring arrangements operating in SA. Gambling Minister, Carmel Zollo says the Independent Gambling Authority will conduct the inquiry and report back to the government by October 31 next year. “The inquiry will review the efficiency and effectiveness of the existing voluntary and non-voluntary barring provisions under South Australian law."

Whitelion Helps Young People to Break the Cycle
Source: South Australia. Government Media Release
"A new initiative to help vulnerable young people overcome learning, training and work challenges so they can live more positive lives has been announced by the State Government. The $217,000 initiative will provide employment and mentoring services to young people who are in the care and guardianship of the State, transitioning from custody, or are at risk of becoming involved in the youth justice system."

Land Rights Legislation to Reflect Modern Challenges
Source: South Australia. Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Minister
"The State Government will review Australia’s oldest land rights legislation to ensure Aboriginal Land can be used to best benefit South Australia’s Aboriginal people. Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Minister Jay Weatherill announced the review today, saying the State Government remained committed to Aboriginal land rights. South Australia’s landmark Aboriginal Lands Trust Act 1966 was established 42 years ago."

That Next Drink Could Cost You More Than You Think Source: South Australia. Consumer Affairs Minister
"People who consider themselves moderate drinkers will be targeted by a State Government safety campaign to hit the airwaves on Sunday ahead of the festive season. Consumer Affairs Minister Gail Gago said the new campaign, entitled That next drink could cost more than you think, also reminds people of the wide range of dangers alcohol can pose, not just behind the wheel of a car."

New Sex Abuse Laws: Consent Must Be Clear
Source: South Australia. Attorney-General
"Attorney-General Michael Atkinson and Minister for the Status of Women Gail Gago have announced that landmark changes to rape and sexual assault laws take effect this weekend. “These laws will better protect victims of sex crimes and ensure that offenders face the full force of the law. There’s no longer wriggle-room for perpetrators of rape and sex abuse,” Mr Atkinson said."

Biodiversity Corridor to Help Tackle Climate Change
Source: South Australia. Environment and Conservation Minister
"The State Government has released the first of its plans for five large-scale conservation corridors to help South Australia’s plants, animals and ecosystems survive and adapt to climate change. Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill has launched the East meets West NatureLink Plan – a critical step in establishing the State’s first biodiversity corridor to link isolated areas of habitat in the west of the State."

GMO Ban To Stay Until 2014
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Primary Industries and Water
The Minister for Primary Industries and Water, David Llewellyn, announced today that Tasmania’s ban on the commercial release of genetically modified food crops will continue for at least another five years from the end of November 2009 to the end of November 2014.
“This will make the State’s primary produce even more desirable,” Mr Llewellyn said.
“Tasmania’s GMO-free status is a key factor in the Tasmanian brand and is therefore vital to Tasmania’s primary producers realising their full potential in international and interstate markets.”

Tasmania Officially ‘Baby Friendly’
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Health
Tasmania has become the first Australian State where all maternity facilities have earned the internationally recognised ‘Baby Friendly’ accreditation, Health Minister Lara Giddings announced today. “It means that all Tasmania’s maternity facilities - both public and private - are now fully accredited under the UNICEF/World Health Organisation ‘Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative’. “While there are more than 20,000 ‘Baby Friendly’ facilities worldwide, including 63 across Australia, very few regional areas have achieved 100% accreditation at the global standard. That means all Tasmanian babies are now born in breastfeeding-friendly facilities, giving them the very best start in life by following international best practice standards.”

Next Territory Election August 25, 2012
Source: Northern Territory. Chief Minister
New legislation to set four year Parliamentary terms in the Northern Territory will be introduced to Parliament today. Chief Minister Paul Henderson said if the legislation was passed, the changes would mean that the next Territory election would be scheduled for August 25, 2012.
The reform complements a raft of parliamentary reforms being introduced by the Henderson Government to make Government in the Territory more transparent and accountable. Mr Henderson said in addition to fixed four year terms, there would be three more sittings days per year, live streaming of Parliament, a code of conduct, a modern registry of members’ interests and whistleblowers legislation.

R&D The Key To Sustainability in Victorian Mining Industry
Source: Victoria. Minister for Innovation. Media Release
"The Brumby Government has invested $1 million into a new effort by Victoria’s minerals research and development sector to cut energy and water use in the mining and minerals industries. Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings launched the Victorian node of the Australian Mineral Science Research Institute (AMSRI) at the University of Melbourne and said it would be at the forefront of research, education and innovation in the minerals industry. “The Brumby Government is taking action to help industry to become more sustainable and protect Victoria’s environment,” Mr Jennings said. The government is investing in the mining and minerals industries’ capacity to conduct research and train the next generation of scientists in the sector."

Expo Seeks Solutions to Reduce Hazardous Waste
Source: Victoria. Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Media Release
"The Brumby Government is bringing industry organisations together to find new ways of reducing, re-using, treating and recycling hazardous waste from industrial processes and contaminated landsites. Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the HazWaste Expo would connect generators of hazardous waste with organisations that manage waste to develop innovative solutions and better environmental outcomes.“The Brumby Government is taking action to tackle hazardous waste by helping industry to protect Victoria’s environment,” Mr Jennings said. This Expo builds on previous successful Expos that have resulted in reduced waste disposal to landfill, significant cost savings and reduced greenhouse gases."

New Ecotender Launched in Port Phillip Western Port
Source: Victoria. Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Media Release
"The Brumby Government has launched a $1.5 million EcoTender demonstration in the east of the Port Phillip and Western Port catchment to improve Victoria’s landscape and biodiversity.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings made the announcement at Loch and said EcoTender allocates funds to private landholders for work that improves the environment on their property and in the surrounding area. “About sixty-five percent of Victoria’s land is in private hands, so we’re developing innovative ways to reward rural landholders for environmental work that could mean fencing or planting native vegetation or removing grazing stock from a part of the property,” Mr Jennings said. The Brumby Government is taking action to enhance Victoria’s environment through initiatives like EcoTender which strike a balance between agricultural production and protecting biodiversity."

Vision for Growth in Thoroughbred Racing Industry
Source: Victoria. Minister for Racing. Media Release
"Deputy Premier and Racing Minister Rob Hulls has called for the industry to get behind Racing Victoria Limited’s (RVL) vision for the future of thoroughbred racing. Mr Hulls said RVL’s Racing to 2020 provided a strategic direction for the racing industry and was a step towards securing the industry’s success.“Racing to 2020 provides a framework for the direction of the racing industry and it is critical that all stakeholders work with RVL to ensure their future and that of the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry,” he said. This is an opportunity for Victoria’s thoroughbred racing industry to be the master of its own destiny, bringing with it the opportunity for change, growth and innovation."

Family Violence Death Review the First in Australia
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"A systematic review of family violence deaths in Victoria will aim to identify prevention strategies and contribute to a reduction of preventable deaths, Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said. Announcing the review ahead of White Ribbon Day on Tuesday, Mr Hulls said family violence was the leading contributor to preventable death, disability and illness in women under the age of 45. “The Brumby Government is taking action now to make our communities safer and addressing family violence is one of the most important challenges facing our society,” he said. "

Victoria Leading the Way on IPV6 Conversion
Source: Victoria. Minister for Information and Communication Technology. Media Release
"A new Brumby Government initiative to promote the benefits of the next generation internet known as IPv6 is ensuring that Victoria maintains its leading edge in the technology sector. Acting Information and Communication Technology Minister Gavin Jennings said Victoria was at the forefront in the effective use of information and communication technology in Australia by promoting the next generation internet addressing system.“The Brumby Government is taking action to develop the Victorian ICT industry so we remain at the forefront of new technology,” Mr Jennings said.“We are the first state government in Australia to recognise and promote the benefits of shifting to IPv6, providing $350,000 through Building Our Industries for the Future towards a $1.2 million Industry Outreach program, including the development of a virtual testbed with the AiGroup. "

Government Closes Duty Avoidance Loophole
Source: Victoria. Treasurer. Media Release
"The Victorian Government has moved to close a loophole which allowed the use of complex long-term lease arrangements to escape stamp duty liability. The long-term lease schemes allowed a small number of parties to use and control leased land equivalent to ownership without having to pay the appropriate stamp duty. “Effectively, a purchaser can acquire rights which are equivalent to ownership but not pay duty,” Victorian Treasurer John Lenders said today.“It is not fair on the vast majority of Victorians who do the right thing if we are allowing some to slip through loopholes. It’s the ordinary Victorian taxpayer who ends up paying for those who don’t."

Melbourne Targets 155 Litres Per Day
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"Melburnians are being asked to get behind a new water saving campaign to reduce the city’s average residential consumption to less than 155 litres per person per day. Stage 3a water restrictions will also remain in place to support the voluntary Target 155 campaign.
Premier John Brumby said the Target 155 campaign was a balanced way to ensure Melbourne has enough water until the major water projects come online from mid-2009. “Unprecedented drought, climate change and population growth mean Melbourne is facing severe water shortages,” Mr Brumby said. "

Water Smart Parks will be efficient
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Water. Media Release
"Water Minister Dr Graham Jacobs today jointly threw the switch to launch the City of Stirling’s ‘Water Smart Parks’ initiative, promoting efficient watering of parks and reserves. Launching ‘Water Smart Parks’ with Stirling Mayor David Boothman, Dr Jacobs said the State Government was encouraging all local governments to make big water savings without compromising leisure, recreation and active sport activities. “Water Smart Parks is a component of the Department of Water’s Waterwise Council program,” the Minister said. It involves the introduction of hydrozones and ecozones in all parks and reserves."

Water saving goes interactive
Source: South Australia Water. Media Release.
"Householders can calculate their weekly water use and access easy ways to save water around the home through a new interactive website launched this morning by Minister for Water Security Karlene Maywald.
Minister Maywald and SA Water Chief Executive Anne Howe unveiled the new SA Water Interactive House and Garden program at the Glen Osmond Primary School.
“The Interactive House and Garden has more than 35 helpful hints and tips for saving water in and around the home, including how to care for our wastewater network,” Minister Maywald said."

Rann Government moves to protect SA racing industry
Source: South Australia State Government. Media Release.
"The Rann Government introduced amending legislation in State Parliament today to ensure South Australia’s three racing codes are not financially disadvantaged because of moves interstate to charge wagering operators a fee for accepting bets on their racing events.
Wagering operators include all TABs, on course totalisators, bookmakers and betting exchanges.
Gambling Minister, Carmel Zollo says the amending legislation to the Authorised Betting Operations Act 2000 will enable South Australia’s three racing codes to ensure a financial contribution is received from wagering operators that take or facilitate bets placed on South Australian races."

Increased safety plans for open water gains buoyancy
Source: South Australia Government. Media Release.
"Reducing the risk of water-related injuries and drowning deaths through ongoing education programs, safety and prevention initiatives will be the focus of the State’s 2008-2010 Water Safety Plan. It provides a framework for a co-ordinated approach to water safety on the beach, lakes, rivers etc between relevant organisations in South Australia."

Statewide education campaign to kick off bag ban
Source: South Australia Government. Media Release.
"The State Government will launch an education campaign for shoppers, retail workers and businesses to ensure that the plastic bag ban – which has passed State Parliament - has a smooth transition. Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill said the passage of the legislation through the Upper House was another historic moment in the State’s leadership on environmental issues. From January 1 2009, single-use plastic bags can still be provided, but retailers must provide alternatives so that shoppers have a choice and shops will have to display signs informing customers of the changes. After everyone has had a chance to adjust, from 4 May 2009 shops will no longer be allowed to supply light-weight single-use polyethylene carry bags."

Mental Health Bill reintroduced
Source: South Australia. Department of Health. Media Release.
"The State Government’s proposed overhaul of the State’s mental health legislation will continue, with a reform Bill reintroduced into State Parliament this week. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says the new legislation aims to transform the requirements around treating people with serious mental illness."

Rees Delivers on Workers Compensation Death Benefits
Source: NSW Government. Media Release.
"Premier Nathan Rees today announced that the NSW Government will deliver on its commitment to increase workers’ compensation death benefits. Mr Rees said that these important changes would proceed despite global financial uncertainty. "We will introduce legislation in the Parliament next week to ensure that the families of people who die as a result of a workplace injury or illness are provided with greater certainty and financial security," Mr Rees said."

Free eye-screening for all 4 year olds in NSW
Source: NSW. Department of Health. Media Release.
"Premier Nathan Rees today launched a state-wide eyesight screening program for every preschooler in NSW. Mr Rees said the State-wide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) program will offer every four year old child in NSW free eye screening at their local preschool, day care centre or Child and Family Health Centre."

Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program Guidelines
Source: Australia. Dept of Infrastructure, Transport,Regional Development and Local Government
"On 18 November 2008, the Australian Government announced that it is making available $300 million to local government to stimulate growth and economic activity across Australia and support national productivity and community well-being.
One-off funding of $250 million in 2008-09 is being provided to local councils under the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.
Additionally, under the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program - Strategic Projects, up to $50 million will be available to local government in 2008-09. Councils and shires will be required to meet guidelines in order to receive their share of the $250 million component.
Councils and shires will need to meet guidelines and go through a competitive process in order to have projects selected for funding under the $50 million component."

Young Drinkers Targeted In Ad Campaign
Source: Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing. Media Release
"The Australian Government today (21/11/08) launched a series of “in your face” advertisements aimed at tackling the binge-drinking epidemic among young Australians.As schoolies kicks off on the Gold Coast this weekend, this campaign is a wake-up call to young Australians about the dangers of binge-drinking. The theme of the campaign is “Don’t turn a night out into a nightmare”, and demonstrates the violence, injury and humiliation that can result from binge-drinking. "

Encouraging Indigenous home ownership and better infrastructure management
Source: Australia. Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Media Release
"A $6 million partnership between the Australian Government and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council will give Aboriginal Australians living on 63 former reserves across NSW the potential to buy their own homes. The funding will cover the costs of surveying the land and conveyancing.Currently, most homes are on communal title and the land has to be subdivided before they can be purchased.Subdividing the land on these reserves is also a vital step towards achieving proper management and funding of infrastructure such as electricity and water. The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin said Walgett, in the State's north-west, would be given priority as one of the first beneficiaries of the joint initiative."

$6.15M to kick-start non-lethal whale research
Source: Australia. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts. Media Release
"The Rudd Labor Government will invest more than $6 million in 2008-09 in non-lethal whale research and other critical, conservation programs as part of its ongoing strategy to end so-called 'scientific' whaling, Environment Minister Peter Garrett announced today (17/11/08).
Mr Garrett said the new funding, including $4 million for whale research and scientific partnerships with other countries, was an unprecedented commitment to the anti-whaling cause."

Government and Industry Partnerships to Train Workers
Source: Australia. Minister for Education. Media Release
"The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, today (15/11/08) announced a new partnership between the Rudd Government and industry to pilot training for the existing workforce through a series of National Enterprise Productivity Places Program trials.
The trials will begin over the next six months and will be a joint venture between the national Industry Skills Council network and large national enterprises to offer more than 1250 training places to increase the skills of existing workers."

Tasmanian Waste and Resource Management Strategy
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts
The draft strategy contains objectives including: improving partnerships, coordination and planning for waste management; encouraging waste avoidance and sustainable consumption; encouraging waste minimisation and resource recovery; improving the regulation and management of residual wastes; improving data collection systems; and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is expected that local governments, as well as the Tasmanian Government, will develop action plans to achieve the objectives for waste and resource management contained in the final version of the strategy.

Victorian Small Businesses to Tackle Climate Change
Source: Victoria. Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Media Release
"Victoria’s small to medium enterprises are being encouraged to join a new program that aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings joined the Victorian Chamber and Commerce and Industry and Sustainability Victoria at the official launch of the Carbon Down initiative.“The Brumby Government is taking action to help Victorian business and the wider community to play their part in cutting greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Jennings said.“We are committed to supporting industry in adapting to the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change. The business sectors involved in the Carbon Down initiative will include manufacturing, transport and logistics, property management, tourism, and energy."

Australia's First County Koori Court Opened in Morwell
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls launched Australia’s first standalone County Koori Court in Gippsland. Mr Hulls said the pilot program, based at the Latrobe Valley Court complex in Morwell, would build on the success of Victoria’s seven Koori Courts and two Children’s Koori Courts. The County Koori Court’s jurisdiction will be the same as the County Court, however sexual and family violence offences will be exempt.“Victoria’s Koori Courts, and the County Koori Court, do not create a separate justice system – the sentencing options are the same as in the mainstream courts and the judge retains authority,” Mr Hulls said.The County Koori Court will operate in an informal atmosphere which allows for greater participation by the Koori community in the court process through the involvement of Aboriginal Elders and Respected Persons who help identify the cause of the criminal behaviour.”

$245 Million Strategy Boosts Victorian ICT Industry
Source: Victoria. Minister for Iformation and Communication Technology. Media Release
"Victoria’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector was given a major boost as part of the Brumby Government’s $245 million industry strategy unveiled in Melbourne.

Acting Information and Communication Technology Minister Gavin Jennings said Building Our Industries for the Future, launched by Premier John Brumby, would boost the ICT sector by enhancing skills and capabilities for the businesses of the future.“The Brumby Government is taking action to develop the Victorian ICT industry so we remain at the forefront of new technology,” Mr Jennings said.“Building Our Industries for the Future includes $1.84 million towards a comprehensive ICT skills package, geared at boosting the number of skilled workers in Victoria. We have more ICT students than any other state and many successful programs attracting young people to ICT careers – and we want to extend that lead.”

Confectionary Off the Menu in Victorian Schools in 2009
Source: Victoria. Minister for Education. Media Release
"Chocolates, lollies and other sugar-rich foods will be off the menu next year in Victorian government schools under sweeping new changes to be introduced by the Brumby Government. Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said from the start of 2009 chocolates and lollies such as chocolate bars, marshmallows, jellybeans and sherbet will be banned from government school canteens and vending machines.“Research shows that around 37 per cent of a child’s total energy intake is consumed at school so it’s vital that we have a range of healthy options available to help students make valuable food choices,” Ms Pike said."

Increased Government Accountability with More Parliamentary Sittings
Source: Tasmania. The Premier
The Premier, David Bartlett, will propose measures for the 2009 Parliamentary Year that will provide more scrutiny of Government Ministers, more opportunity for scrutiny of Government policy by opposition parties and more private members time for Opposition parties.
“I am determined to modernise the workings of the Parliament so that the Government is properly accountable to the Parliament. This is part of my ongoing push for greater scrutiny and accountability of Government,” Mr Bartlett said.

Brumby Government Delivering Record Assistance for First Homes in Regional Victoria
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"The Brumby Government has injected $384 million to help more than 35,000 people buy their first home in regional Victoria, the Premier John Brumby, announced. In Ballarat, Mr Brumby said the Victorian Government was delivering the most generous grants package of any state or territory in Australia, with up to $15,000 available for people who buy a new home in regional Victoria in addition to assistance available from the Commonwealth Government. “Our Government is taking action to make regional Victoria the best place to live, work and raise a family and with record assistance of up to $29,000 for people who buy a newly constructed home in a regional area, there has never been a more attractive reason to live in the country,” Mr Brumby said. "

Fixed term elections legislation
Source: Tasmania. The Premier
Premier David Bartlett today reaffirmed his commitment to fixed term elections.
“March the 20th 2010 will be the date of the next state election. The legislation to introduce fixed terms will be tabled at the earliest opportunity next year after proper consultation with stakeholders, including Opposition parties. I expect the Greens and Liberals to fully support my commitment to consultation before introducing legislation on such an important change to our political system. "

Regional Industry Boost With $245 Million Strategy
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"Existing and emerging industries in regional Victoria will be given the tools they need to prepare for the future and create new jobs and more exports as part of a $245 million strategy unveiled by Premier John Brumby. Launching Building Our Industries for the Future in Melbourne with Acting Industry and Trade Minister John Lenders, Mr Brumby said the strategy would strengthen industries vital to Victoria’s economic prosperity, creating new business opportunities in regional and rural areas."

Schools lead the way in battery recycling
Source: Western Australia. Minister for the Environment. Media Release
"Environment Minister Donna Faragher visited Bayswater Primary School to congratulate students involved in the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) battery recycling program and celebrate Western Australia’s landmark shipment of batteries to New South Wales for recycling."

New industry working group will advise on mining approvals process
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Mines and Petroleum. Media Release
"Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore told a lunch of 150 representatives from the resources sector last Friday that he had set up an industry working group to advise on ways to improve the State’s exploration and development approvals process. Mr Moore said his priority on taking on the Mines and Petroleum portfolio after the recent State election was to dramatically overhaul the current unwieldy approvals process and provide greater certainty and confidence in the mining and resources sector.

“This new working group consists of a number of prominent Western Australians with a broad knowledge of the minerals and petroleum industry and of industry concerns about WA as a place to do business,” he said. I have established the group to provide strategic advice about the best way for the State Government to make WA’s approvals processes more efficient and more welcoming for exploration and development activity.”

Superannuation Clearing House and the Lost Members Framework
Source: Australia. Treasury. Discussion paper
"On 14 November 2008 the Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, announced the release of a two-part discussion paper on the implementation of the Government's superannuation clearing house measure and possible initiatives to reduce the number of lost super accounts.
The purpose of this discussion paper is to invite feedback on:
the issues associated with the implementation of the Government's 2008-09 Budget measure to establish an optional superannuation clearing house facility (discussed in Part A of the paper); and
possible initiatives aimed at improving the lost members framework (discussed in Part B of the paper). "

A NEW CAR PLAN FOR A GREENER FUTURE
Source: Australia. Dept of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
"Prime Minister Kevin Rudd today (10/11/08) announced a $6.2 billion plan to make the automotive industry more economically and environmentally sustainable by 2020.
The Green Car Plan will feature an expanded $1.3 billion Green Car Innovation Fund which will provide Australian car companies with the opportunity to receive Government funding to design and sell environmentally friendly cars. "

Visa Subclass 457 Integrity Review Report
Source: Australia. Barbara Deegan for Dept of Immigration and Citizenship
"The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today (14/11/08) released the report of the Visa Subclass 457 Integrity Review conducted by industrial relations expert Barbara Deegan.
Ms Deegan was appointed in April to conduct a broad review into the integrity of the temporary skilled migration program (subclass 457 visa). The program is an uncapped scheme driven by labour market demand which enables employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill nominated skilled positions in Australia for up to four years.
The report has been referred to the Skilled Migration Consultative Panel, which comprises representatives from business and industry groups, state governments and unions.
The panel will provide feedback and advice to Government on the report, which includes recommendations to:
abolish the minimum salary level in favour of market rates of pay for all temporary visa holders on salaries less than $100 000
develop an accreditation system or risk matrix to ensure rapid processing of low-risk visa applications so employers can meet skills needs quickly
develop new lists setting out the skilled occupations for which temporary work visas can be granted
limit visa holders to a stay of no longer than eight years in Australia (i.e. two 4-year visas or four 2-year visas) while providing a pathway to permanent residency for those who have the required language skills. "

All research great and small
Source: Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing. Media Release
"Many of Australia’s leading health and medical researchers have reason to celebrate today (10/11/08) at the announcement of $132 million in National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Program Grants and Fellowships, as well as the NHMRC European Union Collaborative Health Research Grants. From teaching hospitals to universities and specialist institutions, essential medical research happens in a variety of environments in Australia. Today’s grants and fellowships encourage the progress of medical research on a large and small scale, wherever it is carried out. Eight new Program Grants, totalling $73 million, will allow outstanding researchers to lead large teams at universities or institutes to focus on broad research areas, such as mental health, diabetes or cardiovascular disease. "

New Home Buyers Grant to boost the NSW housing sector
Source: New South Wales. Premier . Media Release.
"The NSW Government will boost the grant for families building their first home or buying a newly-constructed home to $24,000. Premier Nathan Rees said a family buying a newly-constructed home worth $500,000 will now be $41,990 better off. "The November 11 mini-Budget will see a $3000 boost to existing $7,000 grant, taking the total grant to $10,000.
"The means people building a new home or buying a newly-constructed home will receive a total of $24,000 in grants to help establish their new lives and to help boost the NSW housing sector."
A family buying a newly-constructed home worth, for example $500,000, will be $41,990 better off under the following schemes:
$7000 - NSW First Home Owners Grant $3000 - NSW grant in mini-budget $17,990 - NSW Stamp duty exemption for all first homes up to $500,000$14,000 - Commonwealth First Home Owners Boost"

Students to learn life, work skills
Source: South Australia. Education Minister. Media Release.
"The State’s Year 10 students will learn life, personal and work skills in a new compulsory subject to be introduced next year as part of the new South Australian Certificate of Education.
The Personal Learning Plan – the first subject to be taught under the new SACE – has been given the all-clear to be introduced in all schools from the start of 2009.
Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith today announced that about 20,000 Year 10 students in Government, Catholic and Independent schools would undertake the new subject next year.
“This compulsory new subject for Year 10 students will help young people to map out their futures prior to beginning their formal Year 11 and Year 12 studies,” Dr Lomax-Smith says. "

Government crackdown on waste going to landfill
Source: South Australia. Environment and Conservation Minister. Media Release.
"The State Government will crack down on the amount of waste going to landfill and creating harmful greenhouse gases by moving to ban certain types of waste from being dumped.
Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill today will release the State Government’s draft Waste to Resources policy ahead of a meeting of the nation’s environment ministers in Adelaide.
Under the policy, products such as light globes, computer monitors, television screens and whitegoods would be banned from going to landfill and diverted to a system of recovery, reuse and recycling of materials and energy.
Mr Weatherill said the policy could be the first step in establishing “product stewardship” schemes for some of these types of wastes – where manufacturers and the community take responsibility for the recycling and proper disposal of their products.
“Our strong preference is for a national approach to product stewardship – and that’s what I’ll be pushing for at the ministers’ meeting today,” Mr Weatherill said."

Clean slates for good behaviour
Source: South Australia. Attorney-General. Media Release.
"Attorney-General Michael Atkinson says he’ll speak with groups representing victims and offenders about a proposal to introduce uniform national laws governing spent convictions. Spending a conviction means wiping it from a person’s criminal record once that person has been of good behaviour for a long period of time. Some other States already have similar legislation but laws vary from State to State. On the suggestion of Mr Atkinson, the Commonwealth and State Attorneys-General have agreed to release a model Bill and discussion paper detailing options for laws to spend minor criminal convictions.
‘This is a positive step forward and paves the way for public discussion of this sometimes controversial area of law,” Mr Atkinson said.
“At this stage no State or Territory has committed to this legislation, but there is strong interest in investigating the merits of uniform spent conviction laws,” Mr Atkinson said."

Grants reward schools and groups caring for the environment
Source: South Australia. Environment and Conservation Minister. MediaRealease.
"Schools and community groups doing the right thing for the environment by recycling and cutting waste are to be rewarded by the State Government. Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill has announced $155,000 in funding for 32 school and community group projects across the State at the start of National Recycling Week. The funding will help groups with things like compost bins, recycling sheds, garden mulchers and worm farms. “These grants are aimed at kick-starting small community projects that can make a really big difference to school communities and regional areas,” Mr Weatherill said. One of the largest schools grants, $20,394, will be presented to McLaren Vale Primary School, so students can create potting mix from green waste, to grow plants to give to older members of the local community."

Mandatory scheme to lock out repeat drink drivers
Source: South Australia. Road Safety Minister. Media Release.
"The Rann Government is introducing legislation in Parliament this week aimed at taking some of the most irresponsible and potentially deadly drivers off our roads. Road Safety Minister, Carmel Zollo says the legislation will require drink drivers, who have lost their licences, to fit alcohol interlocks to their vehicles for a period of time equal to their disqualification. “The statistics speak for themselves,” Minister Zollo said. “The percentage of South Australian drivers killed while driving with a blood alcohol level over 0.05 has increased significantly over the last decade from a low of 22% in 1998 to an average of 33% in the five year period (2003-2007). “On average, over the same five year period (2003-2007), 64% of all driver and rider fatalities with a blood alcohol reading above 0.05 were in fact over 0.15. “Despite all the warnings, some South Australians continue to risk their own lives and those of innocent members of the community by drink driving."

Let’s talk - helping doctors and teens communicate
Source: South Australia. Health Minister. Media Release.
"Health Minister John Hill has launched the start of a new training program to assist GPs in keeping young people healthy. The Youth-Friendly Doctors program is funded by the State Government, which has committed almost $210,000 over two years, through SA Health. It will be run by the SA branch of the Australian Medical Association (AMA). Welcoming the launch of the training scheme, Minister Hill said “Teenagers often face issues they’re embarrassed about and feel awkward discussing with their GP”.“We want young people to feel comfortable about getting help, and having doctors who are trained to provide accessible and appropriate services to young people will support this."

Australian-first Interest Free Loans for Art Lovers
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts
In an Australian first, potential art buyers will be able to acquire original Tasmanian pieces using interest free loans under the Collect Art Purchase Scheme. The Minister for Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts, Michelle O’Byrne, today launched the scheme, which will see eleven commercial galleries across the State offering the 12 month interest free loans. “I am thrilled that we are leading the country with this opportunity to encourage and enable people to buy Tasmanian artworks,” Ms O’Byrne said. “We have such a wealth of highly creative and successful artists in this state. It is important that their work is seen not just locally, but nationally as well.”

Hunt begins for top public servants
Source: ACT. Chief Minister
Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said the Government was seeking a suitably qualified individual to head up the brand-new Department of Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Water, which would draw together climate change policy, energy policy, sustainability policy, water policy, and water and energy efficiency programs.
"The ACT is embarking on an exciting period, as we implement the national capital's nation-leading feed-in tariff, pursue market interest in the construction of a solar power plant, deliver on the waste reduction policies we took to the recent election and invest to secure and diversify our water supply," Mr Stanhope said today.

Hulls Calls for Public Discussion on Spent Convictions
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"Victorian Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls is calling for community input into a national proposal that would allow certain criminal convictions to be disregarded in some situations after a period of good behaviour. Mr Hulls said the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General was working on a uniform spent convictions scheme, which provides that certain convictions do not generally need to be disclosed after the offender completes a qualifying period of crime-free behaviour.“Spent conviction schemes aim to assist offenders to rehabilitate and reintegrate into the community by limiting the stigma of old criminal convictions for less serious offences,” Mr Hulls said."

Taxi Audit - Every Victorian Cab to be Checked
Source: Victoria. Minister for Public Transport. Media Release
"Every taxi operating in Victoria is to undergo a 10-point safety check and have its registration and vehicle numbers audited in a Brumby Government plan to crack down on rogue taxi operators and ensure safety of drivers and their passengers. Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the clean up cab action plan was aimed to improve the perception of Victoria’s taxi industry and improve standards for safety, internal cleanliness and roadworthiness.“We want to make sure that all cabs on Victorian roads are up to scratch. The Brumby Government is taking action to improve the taxi industry and this audit will ensure both drivers and their passengers are travelling in safe vehicles,” Ms Kosky said."

WA unlikely to hand its industrial relations powers to Canberra
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Commerce. Media Release
"Commerce Minister Troy Buswell has announced he will be recommending Western Australia does not join a national industrial relations system. He has also foreshadowed a review of WA workplace laws and an overhaul of the unnecessarily large bureaucracy administering them."

Boosting Australia’s Vital GP Workforce
Source: Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing. Media Release
"The Rudd Government will invest $148 million to immediately establish new GP training places, allowing 175 additional new doctors to begin training to become GPs over the next two years. This will help tackle the nationwide GP shortage, which currently affects six in 10 Australians – delivering more GPs, and helping more families to access basic health services."

Funding to help building codes take climate change into account
Source: Australia. Minister for Climate Change and Water. Media Release
"The Australian Government is providing $161,000 to the Australian Building Codes Board to help ensure building codes take potential future effects of climate change into account.
Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, announced the funding today (6/11/08) at the launch of an Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) study: Assessment of Impacts of Climate Change on Australia's Physical Infrastructure."

EPBC Act under independent review
Source: Australia. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts. Media Release
"Environment Minister, Peter Garrett tonight used a speech to the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand Annual Conference to announce that the national environment legislation – the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act – would undergo independent review.
Mr Garrett said the review was the first since the Act commenced operation almost a decade ago and comes at a critical time for the nation as the threat of climate change and environmental degradation put some of our most important natural assets at risk."

Victoria Pioneers Technology for Monitoring Access to Road Network
Source: Victoria. Minister for Roads and Ports. Media Release
"Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas announced the introduction of the Intelligent Access Program (IAP), an innovative technology that will be used in Victoria to monitor the movements of heavy cranes and concrete pump trucks.

Mr Pallas said Victoria was taking the lead in introducing IAP, which uses leading edge innovation and technology to deliver productivity gains for the construction industry. “This technology will help ensure heavy mobile cranes and pump trucks are using the approved routes on the road network,” Mr Pallas said. “IAP uses Global Positioning System (GPS) units to track these vehicles to make sure they are in the right places at the right times. The technology will allow us to provide increased access to vehicles on the approved routes and to identify when these vehicles are off the approved routes.”

Community Consultation Review Highlights Victoria's Transport Needs
Source: Victoria. Minister for Roads and Ports. Media Release
"The Victorian Transport Plan should allow for investment in public transport and roads, support growth in freight, combine transport and land-use planning and consider the environment, according to a consultation report now released. Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said the report marked the culmination of an extensive consultation process to understand what Victorians want from the Victorian Transport Plan. “The Brumby Government undertook an extensive consultation process to ensure as many Victorians as possible had their say on transport before the Victorian Transport Plan is released later this year,” Mr Pallas said."

Victoria Attracts Cutting Edge Biotech Research Hub
Source: Victoria. Minister for Innovation. Media Release
"Victoria will lead the way in a promising new field of research opened up by the human genome project following the launch of the Victorian node of Metabolomics Australia based at the University of Melbourne. Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said the Brumby Government is taking action to support Victoria’s biotechnology sector by contributing $2.65 million towards the establishment of the $9.5 million facility.“This facility will be an important resource for Victorian universities as well as industry, hospitals, research institutes, and government departments,” Mr Jennings said. I’m pleased that Victoria will take national leadership in this emerging and fast-developing field.”

Public Comment Sought on Climate Change Study for Fisheries and Aquaculture
Source: Victoria. Minister for Agriculture. Media Release
"The Brumby Government is calling for public comment on a draft climate change strategy for fisheries and aquaculture industries in Victoria. Minister Responsible for Fisheries Joe Helper said the initiative was part of a commitment from the Brumby Government’s $205 million Future Farming strategy to assess the impact of climate change on fisheries and help fisheries businesses and fisheries management adapt to the challenges ahead. “Understanding the impact of climate change and helping fisheries businesses adapt to that change is a priority for the Brumby Government,” Mr Helper said. It is vital that we prepare for these changes to ensure fisheries are sustainably managed in the long term. "

Aquatic Research Alliance Leads the Nation
Source: Victoria. Minister for Agriculture. Media Release
"For the first time in Australia, two states will consolidate their aquatic science research opportunities and capabilities thanks to a new Brumby Government alliance with the South Australian Government. Speaking at the signing of the alliance agreement in Adelaide today, Minister Responsible for Fisheries Joe Helper said the project would facilitate more effective and efficient aquatic science research.“As part of the agreement, the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and South Australian Research Development Institute (SARDI) will collaborate to develop joint projects and share research and development resources to deliver better outcomes for Victorian and South Australian industries and communities,” Mr Helper said. The alliance is consistent with the national policy commitment under the guidance of the Primary Industries Ministerial Council to consolidate research and development across state borders."

Historic Carbon Capture and Storage Bill Passes Through Parliament
Source: Victoria. Minister for Energy and Resources. Media Release
"Victoria has become the first Australian state to pass stand alone legislation enabling the onshore injection and permanent storage of carbon dioxide and other greenhouses gases, Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor said. Mr Batchelor said the Brumby Government was leading the nation in the effort to explore emerging clean coal technologies in the face of climate change.“The Brumby Government is taking action now to meet the climate change challenge and create a clean energy future for Victoria,” Mr Batchelor said.“The new Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Bill will provide the legal and regulatory certainty required to encourage investment in these and other clean energy technologies."

$86 Million Boost and Tax Cuts to Secure Racing Industry
Victoria. Minister for Racing. Media Release
"The Brumby Government announced an $86 million infrastructure package and a 60 per cent drop in wagering taxes post 2012 to secure the long-term future of Victoria’s racing industry. Deputy Premier and Racing Minister Rob Hulls said the funding boost was the biggest State Government investment in rural and regional racing venues in Victoria’s history. Mr Hulls said the Brumby Government would provide $45 million to the three racing codes – Racing Victoria Limited, Greyhound Racing Victoria and Harness Racing Victoria – for the redevelopment of their venues. The three codes would also contribute $41 million to the infrastructure package.“This funding package represents a huge investment in rural and regional communities,” Mr Hulls said. "

Better Advice and Costs Under New Legal Services Panel
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"Changes to the Government Legal Services Panel will achieve a better balance between large and smaller firms while continuing to provide the Brumby Government with access to high quality legal advice and representation at cost competitive rates. Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said the number of firms in the new panel structure would be reduced from 35 to between 20 and 25.“The new structure is simpler and more focussed and implements key recommendations from an independent review of the panel arrangements,” Mr Hulls said.The Government created the panel arrangements in 2002 to secure high-quality legal services at competitive rates and achieve social policy objectives through the purchasing of legal services."

Comment Sought on Reform to Finance Legislation
Source: Victoria. Minister for Finance. Media Release
"The Brumby Government has released a discussion paper to review the public finance legislation framework in Victoria. Finance Minister Tim Holding said the review would ensure best practice public financial management continues in Victoria. “Victoria has an outstanding reputation for financial reporting and has an A+ rating for financial transparency from Access Economics making. This is the highest rating of any Australian State or Territory,” Mr Holding said. This review of our public finance legislation and practices represents an important opportunity for Victoria to continue to lead in this area and introduce a more cohesive legislative framework for public finance.”

Community Health Centres to be Strengthened
Source: Victoria. Minister for Health. Media Release
"Legislation introduced into State Parliament by Health Minister Daniel Andrews will strengthen community health centres with the aim of maintaining their Fringe Benefits Tax and other charitable concessions. “Victoria’s 39 independent community health centres are a key component of our health system,” Mr Andrews said.“The Brumby Government invests more than $250 million annually in community health centres - they are Victoria’s main provider of state-funded primary medical, dental, allied health, and nursing services, and there are nearly a million visits a year for these services.” Mr Andrews said the proposed legislation followed a review earlier this year of governance and accountability arrangements for Victoria’s independent community health centres."

First Home Buyers Boost Implemented
Source: Victoria. Office of the Treasurer. Media Release
"The Brumby Government has implemented the new First Home Owners Boost by introducing the State Taxation Acts Further Amendment Bill 2008 into Parliament this week, Treasurer John Lenders said. Mr Lenders said the Government had moved the legislation through rapidly to ensure that applicants would receive their money as soon as possible.Victorians may now be eligible for up to $29,000 towards their first home – more than the residents of any other state. "This is the most generous grants package available to first home buyers of newly constructed homes in any Australian State or Territory,” Mr Lenders said."

Brumby Government Cuts Red Tape for Business
Source: Victoria. Treasurer. Media Release
"Victorian businesses are expected to save over $160 million annually through cuts to red tape being implemented by the Brumby Government. Treasurer John Lenders said the Victorian Government’s Reducing the Regulatory Burden initiative, now in its third year, was making progress towards saving businesses $256 million per year by July 2011.

Mr Lenders said that examples of initiatives that had already reduced red tape included:• Removing the requirement for motor car traders to keep a paper copy of their electronic dealings book with estimated savings of $7.5 million per annum;• Amending the regulations that prescribe the licensing of premises saving $2.9 million per annum; and• Payroll tax harmonisation with New South Wales saving approximately $1 million in red tape as well as the implementation of a payroll tax e-business system now used by 96 per cent of businesses saving up to $10 million per annum in administrative costs."

Victorian Schools Get High-Speed Broadband Boost
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"All Victorian Government schools will undergo a major broadband upgrade to increase their high-speed broadband capacity from four to 10 megabits-per-second, putting Victorian schools at the leading edge of the nation’s digital education revolution, Premier John Brumby said. Mr Brumby, Telstra CEO Sol Trujillo and Education Minister Bronwyn Pike announced the upgrade at Richmond Primary School during an interactive blogging lesson with students at Hawkesdale P-12 College more than 280 kilometres away. Mr Brumby said almost 1600 Victorian Government schools are already reaping the educational benefits of 4 Mbps high-speed broadband. This upgrade to 10 Mbps, funded through the Government’s $89.3 million VicSmart initiative, will begin this month and is expected to be completed in June 2009."

Agreement reached over teachers’ pay
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Education. Media Release
"The Western Australian Government and the executive of the State School Teachers’ Union have reached a new agreement on a salaries and conditions package for more than 21,000 Government school teachers and administrators. The agreement, which is subject to acceptance by union members, includes the Liberal Party’s pre-election commitment to spend an extra $120million on teacher salaries.

Premier Colin Barnett said the agreement was reached following the Government’s endorsement of further salary increases, in addition to the six per cent increase paid last month. The additional salary increases in the $1.067billion package include:

· a five per cent pay increase for all teachers and school administrators in October 2009
· salary and structural adjustments for all, ranging up to five per cent in February 2010 and
· a four per cent salary increase in October 2010."

Government moves to protect racing product
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Racing and Gaming. Media Release
"The Liberal-National Government will introduce priority legislation to ensure that the Western Australian racing industry is not disadvantaged by moves across Australia to charge product fees for race field information. Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron said that a product fee regime was necessary to ensure wagering operators across Australia contributed to the various State racing industries that provided the product on which they based their betting businesses.

“New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria already have similar legislation in place and South Australia and Queensland have indicated their intention to follow suit,” Mr Waldron said.
“Without this legislation, the WA racing industry faces a product fee bill of at least $17million per year for bets made by WA punters on interstate races. "

Country sport under the microscope
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Sport and Recreation. Media Release
"Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron opened the administration centre for the South West Academy of Sport in Bunbury and released the review of sport and recreation in regional Western Australia. The report, authored by Albany MLA Peter Watson, identified opportunities for improving the delivery of sport and recreation in country WA. One of its findings was the need for more regionally-based talent identification and development programs. Mr Waldron said the opening of the South West Academy of Sport office was an important first step towards addressing this need - ensuring scholarship holders received the most professional level of preparation without having to leave the South-West."

$85m package to kick-start country NSW
Source: New South Wales. Premier. Media release.
"Premier Nathan Rees today unveiled a package of new funding programs to stimulate, strengthen and sustain country communities.
Mr Rees said $85 million would be spent through seven programs over the next five years to stabilise rural communities and promote economic and job growth, starting January 1 next year.
"This is money for small projects to kick-start the bush and improve services for our rural families," Mr Rees said. "Many country towns are doing it tough. This is a package of new programs aimed squarely at giving bush communities a hand. "Country towns need real projects, real money that makes a difference now."

New measures to get tough with alcohol-related violence
Source: New South Wales. Premier. Media Release.
"Premier Nathan Rees today unveiled a package of new measures to crack down on anti-social drinking and alcohol-related violence.
Mr Rees said the Government would target known alcohol violence hotspots, introduce a freeze on new twenty-four hour licenses and force anti-social drinkers to take responsibility for their behaviour.
"Alcohol related assaults are one of the few categories of crime on the increase and we know that historically, these incidents tend to increase over the summer," Mr Rees said."

Getting in early on Climate Change
Source: New South Wales. Premier. Media Release.
NSW Premier Nathan Rees today released new climate change information that has found Sydney will need to prepare for hotter day time temperatures, changes in rainfall and increased risk of flooding.
"Climate change is real and we need to prepare communities now for the changes that lie ahead," Mr Rees said.
"The NSW Government has been at the forefront of the climate change agenda and today's forum is a continuation of our leadership on the issue.
"We've been holding forums like this one all across the state to share information with communities and hear from them on the challenges as they see them.
"These results will then develop our state-wide Climate Change Action Plan."

Rees delivers to secure the State's energy supply
Source: New South Wales. Premier. Media Release.
"Premier Nathan Rees today unveiled a new reform package to secure the State's future energy supplies. Mr Rees said that the package keeps existing generation assets in Government hands, encourages private sector investment in new generation and removes financial risk for the people of NSW. "This problem has gone unsolved for too long," Mr Rees said.
"The people of NSW simply can not afford to wait any longer for the Government to secure their future electricity supplies."This package delivers the best result for the community, the sector and the Government."

Green schools helping the environment
Source: South Australia. Education Minister. Media release.
"Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith today told State Parliament that schools are using the solar systems for much more than supplementing their energy needs.
“Each unit can save up to 3000kWh of power per year,” Dr Lomax-Smith says.
“Across 250 schools, that equates to about 750 mega-watt hours of electricity, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 720 tonnes every years.
“That is the equivalent of removing 240 large six-cylinder cars travelling 13,000km each year.
“In addition, any surplus energy generated after hours or on weekends is returned to the grid, with schools receiving a credit for any energy they produce."

New era of victims' rights
Source: South Australia. Attorney-General and Premier. Media Release.
"Premier Mike Rann and Attorney-General Michael Atkinson have announced a new era of rights for victims of crime.
“Securing and enhancing victims’ rights has been a priority of this Government since it’s election in 2002. This Bill is the third phase of law reform and the most dramatic to date,” Premier Rann said.
“This Bill delivers fresh ideas to ensure justice for victims and includes proposals from the Victims’ Rights Commissioner, the Director of Public Prosecutions and judicial officers,” Mr Rann said.
“This legislation is unparalleled in the rest of Australia and the world. The groundbreaking laws, coupled with previous reforms, will change the face of justice for victims in S.A.,” Mr Atkinson said."

Cloning amendments debated in State Parliament
Source: South Australia. Health Minister. Media Release.
"State Parliament is due today to begin debating proposed changes to state laws regulating the use of embryos for research purposes. Health Minister John Hill has previously introduced the Bill to State Parliament, and today it will be debated, with all MPs given a conscience vote on the issue. The Statutes Amendment (Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction and Regulation of Research Involving Human Embryos) Bill 2007 mirrors changes that have been made to Commonwealth legislation. In late 2006 the Commonwealth amended national legislation in regulation of human cloning and embryo research, following the findings of the Lockhart Review, which then required states and territories to amend their legislation."

Teachers bound for country schools
Source: South Australia. Education Minister. Media Release.
"Nearly 50 graduates of State Government scholarship schemes are bound for country schools in 2009, helping to fill jobs in specialty subjects such as science and mathematics.
Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says the appointments are giving country schools certainty well ahead of the new school year.
“Country schools are situated in some of the most interesting and beautiful areas of the State but can find it difficult to recruit teachers because of their distance from Adelaide.
“The Rann Government has introduced scholarship schemes that financially assist people to train as teachers, with a guaranteed job in a country school at the end of their studies.
“Appointing graduates early gives them time to familiarise themselves with their new schools and communities before school returns in January 2009.”

SA’s Infrastructure Australia priorities
Source: South Australia. Infrastructure Minister. Media Release.
"Premier Mike Rann and Infrastructure Minister Patrick Conlon have today announced the key projects contained in South Australia’s submission to Infrastructure Australia for Building Australia Fund funding.
Mr Rann said the top priority transport and water infrastructure projects are critical to the State’s economic, social and environmental future."

Long service leave loophole closed
Source: South Australia. Industrial Relations Minister. Media Release.
"Long Service Leave entitlements for South Australian workers are now clearer after Parliament voted last night to remove an ambiguity that potentially affected how such entitlements are calculated.
The Long Service Leave (Unpaid Leave) Amendment Bill 2008 was introduced by the Government to ensure that workers who wish to take long service leave immediately or soon after a period of unpaid leave, are not disadvantaged."

Video perverts penalised
Source: South Australia. Attorney-General. Media Release.
"Attorney-General Michael Atkinson says modern-day peeping toms now face jail for preying on members of the public using new technology such as web cams and mobile phones.
“A new type of techno-savvy pervert has emerged with rapid advances in modern technology. These people prey on unsuspecting members of the public in circumstances where the victim would expect privacy,” Mr Atkinson said.
“The law has been tightened to make sure these offenders are deterred from this despicable violation of privacy and, if they do offend, can now be properly dealt with in our courts,” he said."