Schools in the West Start Upward Spiral of Success
Source: Victoria. Minister for Education. Media Release
"Schools in Melbourne’s western suburbs will be targeted by a $3 million Brumby Government education injection to tackle disadvantage and bridge the education gap. Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said the western suburbs were leading the way in turning struggling schools around and the Brumby Government would build on that work with a suite of new interventions to take off in the west and then expand throughout the state.“The Brumby Government is driving reforms in the education system to lift all schools to a higher standard because we want to give every child every opportunity to shine regardless of their postcode or socio-economic circumstances,” Ms Pike said. Education remains the Brumby Government’s number one priority and this investment in the west builds on our Education Blueprint reforms already underway to address disadvantage and reform school improvement across Victoria."

Green Bonanza Beckons for Victoria
Source: Victoria. Minister for Trade and Industry. Media Release
"Victorian industry has the potential to benefit from up to $25 billion of greenhouse opportunities identified in a report released by the Minister for Industry and Trade, Martin Pakula. Mr Pakula said the first phase of the Allen Consulting Group’s report Victoria’s Greenhouse Opportunity Set: New Growth Prospects in a Carbon Constrained World identified economic potential over the next two decades including:
$4.6 billion in water infrastructure and technology;
$2.25 billion in green building and construction services; and
$3.3 billion in energy storage and technology.
“The Brumby Government is committed to taking action now to protect the job of every Victorian,” he said. We commissioned this report to assess future commercial opportunities arising from climate change and the ability of Victorian industry to capitalise on them."

Public sector cadetships give youth employment a Jump Start
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Public Sector Reform and Special Minister of State. Media Release.
"More than 70 cadetships for people under 21 years of age are being advertised from today under the State Government’s Jump Start youth employment and training program.
Minister for Public Sector Reform and Special Minister of State John Robertson said this was the first step toward training and employment for 6000 young people in the NSW Public Sector over the next four years."

New Interactive Online Tool Helps Designers Go Green
Source: Victoria. Minister for Environment and Sustainability. Media Release
"Sustainable design should be a feature of all industrial, graphic, fashion and textile designs thanks to an Australian-first interactive online tool, Environment and Sustainability Minister Gavin Jennings said. Accessible on the Design Victoria website, the “What is Eco-Design” tool is an on-line resource that provides sector-specific guides to help designers focus on the environmental impacts in a products’ lifecycle across materials, manufacture, use and end of life.“The Brumby Government is committed to supporting Victorian businesses and manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact and develop innovative solutions to climate change,” said Mr Jennings.“This tool provides designers with quick, easy to understand information which will assist them in integrating eco-design strategies into the lifecycle of the product at the design stage. It will also contribute to the ongoing pursuit of excellence and innovation in the Victorian design industry. Incorporating eco-principles into design means products can be made with a reduced environmental footprint without compromising on quality or functionality, aesthetics or costs."

NSW thinks outside the box to target international youth travel market
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Tourism. Media Release.
"NSW will be promoted to young Kiwis as an irresistible destination for a short break or
long holiday as a part of an innovative youth campaign from the NSW Government in
conjunction with MTV New Zealand and airline, Pacific Blue.
Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay said the campaign will use the popularity of social
networking site Facebook to run a youth-oriented promotion and competition."

Aboriginal language grant applications open
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Media Release.
"The NSW Government is leading the way in protecting and revitalising Aboriginal languages, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Paul Lynch said today. Mr Lynch said expressions of interest are being sought by the NSW Government to protect and teach Aboriginal languages.
"Aboriginal languages are part of Australia's history and national identity," he said. "Languages improve people's self-esteem and can deliver practical benefits like encouraging more children to stay at school," Mr Lynch said."

YOUTH WORKERS GET TRAINING TO HELP TEENAGE CANNABIS USERS
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Community Services. Media Release.
"Minister for Community Services Linda Burney said tackling teenage drug use must
start by supporting those working at the frontline with vulnerable young people.
“Thirty youth workers and counsellors involved in the NSW Government funded drug
and alcohol program, the Getting it Together Scheme (GITS) are attending a training
workshop today. “The workshop has been designed for psychologists, counsellors and youth workers to show them how they can help young cannabis users to change their thinking and from this, change their behaviour.”

GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS SCRUTINY OF CHILD DEATHS
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Community Services. Media Release.
"The NSW Government today welcomed the NSW Ombudsman’s Reviewable Child Deaths Report for 2007 as an important contribution to strengthening the NSW child protection system. On 15 October last year Community Services Minister Linda Burney told a Parliamentary Estimates Committee that the increase in the number of reviewable child deaths in 2007, outlined in today’s report, was disturbing and that her concern was shared by the whole community. "Let’s not forget that behind each cold statistic is a human life and a grieving family," she said."

REES GOVERNMENT FUNDS FASHION DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING BUSINESS CLUSTER
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Small Business. Media Release.
"The NSW Minister for Small Business Steve Whan today announced a $10,000 grant to set
up a NSW fashion design and manufacturing business cluster. “The NSW Fashion Design and Manufacturing Business Cluster has so far recruited 21 companies which employ nearly 60 people,” Mr Whan said “The cluster, which is managed by the Australian Fashion Exchange, supplies fashion design, material manufacturing and other services to the State’s fashion industry."

Review to Provide Better Services to Farmers
Source: Victoria. Minister for Agriculture. Media Release
"The Brumby Government has committed $8 million over four years from its Future Farming Strategy to review and implement improvements to agricultural services to assist farmers make more informed decisions in a changing global environment. Visiting Bendigo as part of the Brumby Government’s Eaglehawk and Redesdale Bushfire Recovery Community Cabinet, Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said the entire farm sector was facing new pressures and some emerging opportunities.“The Brumby Government recognises today’s farming environment is very different to the one that existed even five years ago, therefore we are taking action to ensure our services best suit current needs,” Mr Helper said. “To meet future challenges, we need to ensure our agricultural services are better targeted, more accessible and relevant. Our aim is to see the farm sector grow to become more productive, competitive and sustainable."

Legislation fast tracked to protect vital power cables
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development. Media Release.
"The NSW Government is fast tracking new legislation to prevent unnecessary power outages across NSW, Energy Minister Ian Macdonald said today. "Just over a week ago I announced a five point plan to protect vital energy infrastructure - this will be given the highest priority," Mr Macdonald said. "We are implementing stronger laws to provide greater protection to important our electrical supply cables, not just in Sydney but across the State."

Massive pine planting program underway across NSW
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development. Media Release.
"The NSW Government is preparing for a massive planting program in June that will see about 12 million pine seedlings established across NSW, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today. "The planting program across the State will involve 200 contract staff as well as Forests NSW employees," Minister Macdonald said.
"This is an investment in our future and will ensure an ongoing timber supply for our customers and a bright future for the people whose communities depend upon the timber industry."

Victorians Tune in to Save 750 Black Balloons a Year
Source: Victoria. Minister for Energy and Resources. Media Release
"New national energy standards for digital set-top boxes and external power supplies used to power products such as mobile phones and laptops are set to further cut the electricity use and power bills of Victorian households, Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor announced.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to help Victorians reduce their environmental impact and these national measures complement our initiatives to help individuals cut their energy use,” Mr Batchelor said.“The new measures, which came into force in Victoria this week, mean all new set-top boxes and external power supplies will now have to comply with minimum energy performance standards. Very few set-top boxes have an off switch and a significant amount of energy is wasted when these devices are put on standby mode.“A set-top box that complies with the new minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) will save about 38 kilograms of greenhouse gas a year, or 750 black balloons, compared to the average unit sold before the introduction of the new requirements."

CROSS BORDER TRANSPORT TASKFORCE REPORT RELEASED
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Transport. Media Release.
"Minister for Transport David Campbell today released the final report of the Cross Border Transport Taskforce which examined links between NSW and Queensland.
Mr Campbell said the report had also been endorsed by the Queensland Transport Minister and was now available on the NSW Ministry of Transport website.

Reform Empowers Industry to Create 250,000 'Green" Jobs
Source: Victoria. Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation. Media Release
"Victorian industry, community and environmental groups are being encouraged to take the lead in driving the creation of 250,000 new green jobs nationally. Addressing a Green Jobs Summit hosted by the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Skills and Workforce Participation Minister Jacinta Allan highlighted Victoria’s potential to reap massive jobs growth in environmental products and services.“The Brumby Government is taking action to deliver jobs now by supporting industry and investing in infrastructure,” Ms Allan said.“CSIRO modelling estimates that given the right policy settings, changing to a ‘green economy’ will create at least 33,000 new jobs in manufacturing, 77,000 jobs in transport, and 145,000 jobs in construction nationally over 10 years. Our $316 million skills reform package Securing Jobs for Your Future will boost Victoria’s vocational education and training system and produce highly skilled workers who can adapt to new industries. "

NSW to ask Feds to go after bikie companies
Source: New South Wales.Attorney General. Media Release.
"The Rees Government will this week ask the Commonwealth to consider amending its laws to disqualify bikies from being directors of companies, said Attorney General John Hatzistergos.At a meeting of Attorneys General in Canberra on Thursday and Friday, NSW will ask the Federal Government to consider amending the Corporations Act 2001 to automatically disqualify bikies who have committed criminal association and gang participation offences.Mr Hatzistergos said it was important to inhibit the ability of outlaw motorcycle gangs to form companies and function as legitimate businesses."

Agreement on fines for lawyers who overcharge
Source: New South Wales.Attorney General. Media Release.
"The Standing Committee of Attorneys General (SCAG) today agreed to examine a list of proposals which would take action against law firms that overcharge and exploit their clients.The proposals, which were put to the committee by NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos, included one to impose financial penalties.“Attorneys General have expressed their support for these proposals, which seek to better regulate the legal profession,” said Mr Hatzistergos."

$2.9 Million to Help Support Victorians in Global Financial Crisis
Source: Victoria. Minister for Consumer Affairs. Media Release
"A $2.9 million Brumby Government funding boost would give Victorians experiencing economic hardship as a result of the global financial crisis even better access to financial counselling services, Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson announced. “The Brumby Government understands the pressure on Victorian families. That’s why this funding is being rolled out so quickly,” he said. As times get harder, the Brumby Government is taking action and doing more to support Victorians.“Access to financial counselling is particularly important right now when Victorians may be facing job loss and debt.”

Swine Flu update - planned changes to NSW Public Health Act
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Health. Media Release.
"NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, today moved to include 'Swine Influenza in humans' to the schedule of diseases listed in the schedule of the Public Health Act. Mr Della Bosca said the change to regulation was in line with the Commonwealth moves overnight to amend the Quarantine Act, in the event the situation changes and stronger action is needed. “It would also increase the powers of the Chief Health Officer, who would have the ability to detain an infected person if they are putting others at risk."

Hybrids Put Taxi Industry on Course for a Greener Drive
Source: Victoria. Minister for Public Transport. Media Release
"The Victorian taxi fleet will soon be even greener following the latest offer of 100 ‘green top’ taxi licences, half of which are for hybrid vehicles. Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said that the new release is a testament to the Brumby Government’s commitment to create a more environmentally friendly taxi fleet. “We’ve had an overwhelming response for the recent round of peak service licences, with the Victorian Taxi Directorate receiving more than 600 expressions of interest from career taxi drivers,” Ms Kosky said. Particularly encouraging is that there was equal demand for hybrid and conventional vehicles, which shows the taxi industry is embracing the shift towards becoming more environmentally friendly.”

New program to retain water industry workers
Source: South Australia. Minister for Training and Further Education. Media Release.
"Training and Further Education Minister, Michael O’Brien today announced a new program aimed at keeping 40 mature age workers in the state’s water industry. “The $198,800 South Australia Works Water Industry Partnership Program is a joint State Government and industry initiative, which will help to retain and re-skill these workers as qualified trainers, mentors and workplace assessors,” Mr O’Brien said. “A national survey by the Water Services Association of Australia identified a shortfall of about 8,700 workers in the industry by 2017 if attraction, retention and measures to increase skills are not put in place,” Mr O’Brien said."

New laws to combat illegal gang activities
Source: South Australia. Attorney-General. Media Release.
"Attorney-General Michael Atkinson will soon seek Cabinet approval to draft amendments to the Serious and Organised Crime (Control Act) 2008 to tighten the web on serious organised crime gangs by creating specific organised-crime offences and higher penalties for those committing offences for criminal organisations. “South Australia has led the way when it comes to stopping serious organised-crime gangs and their illegal operations,” Mr Atkinson says."

$2.2 m to fund retail executive development
Source: South Australia. Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education. Media Release.
"Employment, Training and Further Education Minister, Michael O’Brien today announced a major new $2.2 million workforce development training package for the state’s retail sector.
“The Retail Executive Accelerated Career Pathway Project will provide training to improve the skill levels of up to 220 existing retail managers, as well as creating new opportunities for workers entering the industry,” Mr O’Brien said."

Unruly adults on notice in schools
Source: South Australia. Minister for Education Minister. Media Release.
"Sixty-one adults have been banned from South Australian schools for up to three-months over the past four years for violent, abusive or threatening behaviour on school grounds. The Rann Government introduced new regulations in 2004, giving SA Police and school principals the power to refuse entry and evict people who behave in a disorderly manner. In the worst cases, principals can recommend to the Chief Executive of the Department of Education and Children’s Services that a person is banned for up to three months. People who breach the prohibition notice face a fine of $200."

Bag ban aid: reusable bags for people in need
Source: South Australia. Minister for Environment and Conservation Minister. Media Release.
BYO Bag site
"The State Government today began donating reusable shopping bags to needy people throughout the state, ahead of the plastic bag ban starting on 4 May. Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill said the State Government recognised that some disadvantaged families may not yet have reusable bags."

Workshops to counter Global Financial Crisis
Source: South Australia. Minister for Small Business. Media Release.
Better Business Series Workshops
"Minister for Small Business Paul Holloway said today the State Government’s Better Business Series Workshops now include sessions to help small and medium sized enterprises deal with the challenges created by the Global Financial Crisis. Mr Holloway says the “Doing Business in Difficult Times” workshops provide strategies for South Australian businesses to survive the economic downturn."

Final phase of novice driver reforms
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Infrastructure
"The State Government today launched the final phase of reforms aimed at ensuring learners were safer drivers by the time they were ready to go solo.
The Graduated Driver Licensing Scheme (GDLS) is a comprehensive approach to learning how to drive that specifically concentrates on providing young drivers with improved practical driving skills, experience and good driving habits before they can be issued with a provisional licence."

$21 Million Training Boost for Medical Specialists
Source: Victoria. Minister for Health. Media Release
"A $21 million Brumby Government funding boost will increase training for medical specialists to help ease the shortage of doctors, nurses and other health professionals. Visiting Monash Medical Centre in Moorabbin Health Minister Daniel Andrews said health services across the state would share in funding from the Strengthening Medical Specialist Training Program. “The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure Victorians have access to world-class healthcare by training even more health professionals to meet increasing demand in areas of workforce shortage,” Mr Andrews said.“The Brumby Government will deliver $21 million to the Strengthening Medical Specialist Training Program to benefit metropolitan and regional health services."

Taxi Rank Safety Boosted Through 2009-10 State Budget
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"Victorians will have better access to taxi services with a $4 million Brumby Government program to improve taxi rank facilities funded through the 2009-10 State Budget. Premier John Brumby said the Taxi Rank Safety Program initiative would allow the Victorian Government to work closely with councils to provide better facilities for taxi passengers and drivers.“Under this four-year program, councils can apply for funding to improve nominated taxi ranks to deliver the greatest safety for passengers,” Mr Brumby said. We are taking action to ensure that passengers can catch a taxi conveniently and do so from a safe environment.”

Farmer Health Programs to Benefit 20 New Areas
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"The award-winning program, Sustainable Farm Families, will be delivered to 20 new locations across regional and rural Victoria from July this year. Addressing the Rural Women in a Changing Climate, Mr Brumby said Sustainable Farm Families, which involves programs to improve health and well-being in farming communities, would be expanded as part of the Government’s $205 million Future Farming strategy. “We are taking action to ensure our farming communities are productive, competitive and sustainable and continue to thrive in the face of global challenges,” Mr Brumby said. "

New Murray irrigation trust laws begin today
Source: South Australia. Minister for Minister for the River Murray. Media Release.
"South Australian irrigators who access water through irrigation trusts have greater flexibility to better manage their businesses under new legislation to take effect from today. The new Irrigation Act 2009 and the Renmark Irrigation Trust Act 2009 were recently passed in State Parliament and have been gazetted today. Minister for the River Murray Karlene Maywald says the new legislation continues South Australia’s commitment to water reform and ensures there are no restrictions to the permanent trade of water."

SA to lead ADHD treatment study
Source: South Australia. Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Media Release.
"Growth in the use of stimulant medications to treat Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders will be the subject of a national paper, to be developed in South Australia. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Minister Jane Lomax-Smith will inform today’s Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy in Brisbane of South Australia’s intention to prepare a paper."

Aquaculture industry red tape cut
Source: South Australia. Minister for Urban Development and Planning. Media Release.
"Minister for Urban Development and Planning Paul Holloway said today cuts made to red tape allow aquaculture licence holders to save time and money. Mr Holloway says licence holders previously needed to apply for development approval to move their pens, even if they were within an existing aquaculture zone. But changes to development regulations will remove this cumbersome administrative hurdle, he says. “It’s a common sense initiative and will help reduce costs for the aquaculture industry,” Mr Holloway says."

Fun the focus of Queensland’s new national campaign
Source: Queensland. Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading. Media Release
"A new $1.6 million Tourism Queensland campaign aims to hype up the ‘fun factor’ of Queensland holidays using popular radio stations and the internet, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said. In a move to capture the attention of Australia’s ‘social fun seekers’, the ten-week Tourism Queensland campaign with the tagline ‘Queensland’s Hot Hits’ will reach more than 4.5 million loyal listeners of Austereo’s Today (B105 in Brisbane) and Triple M networks. “The ‘Queensland’s Hot Hits’ campaign is fast-paced and energetic,” Mr Lawlor said. “It’s aimed squarely at the ‘social fun-seeker’ holidaymaker which has been identified by Tourism Queensland research as our biggest interstate market. "

$2 million drilling grants a boost to mining exploration
Source: Queensland. Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade. Media Release
"Seventeen mining exploration companies will share Bligh Government grants worth $2 million for targeted drilling projects throughout the state. Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson said the grants will help fund 20 collaborative drilling projects, supporting the mining sector during the current global financial downturn. “New exploration will provide a boost to the mining industry in Queensland, today's exploration leads to tomorrow's mines and jobs. ” Mr Robertson said. Mr Robertson said the drilling projects demonstrate innovative exploration ideas or are located in under-explored areas of the state."

Government acts on review of boards and statutory authorities
Source: Queensland. Premier and Minister for the Arts. Media Release
"The Bligh Government will abolish more than 100 boards and committees and statutory authorities in a sweeping move to reduce bureaucracy and slash unnecessary red tape.
Premier Anna Bligh said the government had responded to the independent review of Queensland Government boards, committees and statutory authorities by Simone Webbe and Professor Patrick Weller, accepting 177 of the report’s 210 recommendations."

Get on board the Green Army
Source: Queensland. Premier and Minister for the Arts. Media Release
"Young Queensland jobseekers have been offered the unique opportunity to get on board the Bligh Government’s Green Army. Premier Anna Bligh said jobseekers could log on to a website and contact a hotline to register their interests in the Green Army which will see 3,000 jobs created to protect Queensland’s environment. Ms Bligh said this first step in establishing the Green Army delivered on a key election commitment and offered the state a unique chance to shore up the future on two fronts – creating jobs and protecting the environment."

Bright future for Queensland’s agricultural research
Source: Queensland. Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland. Media Release
"A new partnership announced between the Bligh Government and the University of Queensland is set to deliver more powerful research outcomes for Queensland agriculture. The partnership brings together the research expertise of Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries and UQ to expand the scope and improve the quality of research conducted for the sector. "

New local government legislation for best practice councils
Source: Queensland. Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. Media Release
"Local Government Minister Desley Boyle has introduced the Local Government Bill 2009 into State Parliament. “Developed in partnership with councils and communities, the Bill signals a new and exciting era for local government in Queensland and it delivers on the Bligh Government’s commitment to create and support stronger communities right across our State,” Ms Boyle said. “The world has changed since the Local Government Act was developed and enacted some 16 years ago, and it operates in a complex business environment, encompassing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, urban, rural and remote lands,” she said. “The environment of public administration has also changed, and ratepayers today rightly expect high standards of accountability. They want transparency in decision-making and they expect their councils to look over the horizon and plan for future generations. Residents not only want to understand how local government processes work, but also want to know who is accountable for the delivery of services and this Bill delivers.”

Adoption reform brings extra help
Source: Queensland. Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport. Media Release
"People affected by adoption will be able to get free telephone and face-to-face advice from government-funded counsellors from October 1 as part of the Bligh Government’s adoption laws reforms. Child Safety Minister Phil Reeves said the new adoption support service would have a free call hotline, local counsellors in the South-East and regional Queensland as well as training in adoption issues for health professionals and other counsellors. “Adoption is a complex and sensitive matter that affects many people - birth parents, adoptive parents, the adoptee, and extended family,” he said. The new adoption support service being established this year is an important element of the modern adoption system this government is putting in place."

Altruistic Surrogacy to be decriminalised in Queensland
Source: Queensland. Premier and Minister for the Arts and the Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations. Media Release
" The Bligh Government will decriminalise altruistic surrogacy in Queensland, giving hundreds of women and couples the opportunity to have children. Premier Anna Bligh said the decision of the government would give Queenslanders who were unable to conceive a child fresh hope of starting a family. "As a mother, I know the incredible joys parenthood can bring,” Ms Bligh said.
“The decision means Queenslanders who are not able to conceive a child of their own will now have a legal avenue to do so.” The decision follows the unanimous recommendation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee to change the current Queensland law which makes all forms of surrogacy illegal."

Energy Efficient Initiatives to Give 'Green' Light to New Jobs
Source: Queensland. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"The battle against climate change is creating demand for ‘green collar’ jobs in the energy-efficiency arena. Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson said the commitment of Queenslanders to protecting our environment was creating an exciting new range of employment opportunities. Addressing the Queensland Energy Efficiency Industry Workforce Summit in Brisbane, Mr Wilson said there was a clear need for skilled workers ready to meet this demand.
“There is a growing need for more electricians and ‘green’ plumbers, solar installers, energy auditors, 'sustainable living' architects and designers and ‘green’ building and construction workers, all with the skills to help reduce our carbon footprint,” he said.
“The Bligh Government is working with industry to address skills shortages in the sustainable energy and energy efficiency areas. We’re investing $27.84 million in energy apprenticeship and traineeship training and $5.41 million in other vocational training in the sector during 2008-09."

Online services boost for primary producers
Source: Queensland. Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland. Media Release
"Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin was in Toowoomba to launch a series of online projects which boost services to primary producers. The projects are a CD rom on land types, a web-based Irrigation Optimiser tool, an online irrigation newsletter, and a blog and website on insect pests. Launching these projects is in keeping with my aim to have 50% of Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries services delivered online by 2012."

Experts Recommend Tougher Pool Safety Laws
Source: Queensland. Premier and Minister for the Arts and the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning. Media Release
"An independent panel has recommended a single set of fencing regulations for all pools, mandatory inspections and tougher rules for portable pools, Premier Anna Bligh announced.
The recommendations, part of the most comprehensive review of Queensland’s pool safety laws in nearly 20 years, are now open for public comment."

Discussion paper on ‘battered-persons’ defence released for public comment
Source: Queensland. Attorney General. Media Release
"Attorney-General Cameron Dick has released a discussion paper on the development of a new ‘battered persons’ defence. The paper, titled Victims who kill their abusers: A Discussion Paper on Defences, was prepared by Professors Geraldine Mackenzie and Eric Colvin of Bond University, to provide an opportunity for the community and government to consider the need for legal reform in this area. “This discussion paper is a result of a review of the use of provocation and accident defences in murder and manslaughter trials, conducted by the Queensland Law Reform Commission last year,” Mr Dick said."

Community Partners Program: Helping Older People from Non-English Speaking Backgrounds
Source: Australia. Minister for Ageing. Media Release
"The Australian Government is calling for applications for the next round of the Community Partners Program (CPP) – for projects to help older people from non-English speaking backgrounds. "

National Campaign Targets Illicit Drugs
Source: Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing. Media Release
"Hard-hitting ads targeting ice, ecstasy and marijuana will be rolled out from today, as part of an $18 million national campaign.The ads confront young people with the dangers posed by these harmful drugs, and will include print, television, cinema, outdoor advertising and internet ads."
"Further information about the Government’s National Drugs Campaign is available from www.australia.gov.au/drugs, or by calling the free national hotline 1800 250 015."

$800,000 grant round opens to boost Australian women's advocacy
Source: Australia. Minister for the Status of Women. Media Release
"The Australian Government will provide up to $100,000 to national women's non-government organisations (NGOs) to increase women's representation and advocacy. Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek said promoting the engagement of women in society remains a high priority for the Australian Government. "
To obtain a copy of the Application Guidelines and Application Form, either:
Visit the Office for Women website: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/women/overview/Pages/default.aspx

Keeping Indigenous culture strong for the future
Source: Australia. Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Media Relese
"The Australian Government has taken the first steps towards establishing a national Indigenous Cultural Education and Knowledge Centre, one of the ideas to emerge from the 2020 Summit."

New Pathways to attract the best graduates into teaching
Source: Australia. Minister for Education. Media Release
"The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, today launched the Rudd Government’s Teach for Australia initiative to attract the best and brightest university graduates into the nation’s classrooms.
Research shows that nothing at school influences student outcomes more than excellent teaching.
Through Teach for Australia, high-achieving graduates from Australian universities will sign up for a unique and intensive 2 year placement in Australian schools where they can make the greatest difference."
"Businesses and graduates interested in participating should visit http://www.teachforaustralia.org/"

$100 MILLION FOR FAMILY RELATIONSHIP SERVICES
Source: Australia. Attorney General. Media Release
"The Government would invest more than $100 million over the next two years to assist families deal with relationship difficulties.
The funding will support a range of measures such as early intervention services including counselling, skills training, mediation, as well as post-separation services including family and couples’ counselling, specialised family violence services, dispute mediation and parenting support."

Grants for young innovators in rural industries
Source: Australia. Dept of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
"Innovative young Australians with ideas to help shape the future of our rural industries can apply for up to $50,000 under a national awards program.
Young Australians aged 18 to 35 years who work or study in primary industries can apply for the 2009 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry by 30 June."

NT Government to cut vehicle emissions by 20%
Source: Northern Territory Government
"The Northern Territory Government says it will cut the greenhouse gas emissions produced by its car fleet by 20% over the next five years.
The emissions cuts are to be made through the implementation of the ‘Green Fleet’ strategy, which will be phased in by the government from July 1."

$1.5 Million Funding Assists Local Councils with Housing Growth Strategies
Source: Victoria. Minister for Planning. Media Release
"New Brumby Government grants totalling $1.5 million for metropolitan councils will assist in delivering more housing choice for all Melburnians. Announcing the funding at the Metropolitan Councils Forum, Planning Minister Justin Madden said the Brumby Government is taking action to help councils plan for our future housing needs.“Each metropolitan council will receive a one-off grant of $35,000 to assist them in developing local housing strategies and implementation initiatives,” Mr Madden said.“We are working collaboratively with local government to identify the amount and diversity of housing growth that will be needed in each metropolitan municipality, and to assist in the delivery of housing through local housing strategies.”

$1.6 Million Funding Boost for Regional Innovation
Source: Victoria. Minister for Innovation. Media Release
"Victorian Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings announced a $1.6 million funding boost for regional innovation as part of the Brumby Government’s VicStart Regional Technology Commercialisation Program. Opening the 2009 Victorian Regional Innovation Conference in Bendigo, Mr Jennings said the funding boost over the next four years would create even more jobs and investment in regional Victoria.The VicStart Regional Technology Commercialisation program is part of the new $40 million Boosting Highly Innovative SMEs initiative (BHIS) announced in the Brumby Government’s $300 million Innovation Statement. The BHIS helps develop new technology into new products in the market."

Regional Victorian Companies Working on Water
Source: Victoria. Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Media Release
"The Brumby Government has congratulated regional Victorian companies for their work in reducing water use through an innovative partnership program. Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings visited Shepparton to thank companies involved in the Brumby Government’s Trade Waste Partnership Program which has resulted in significant water savings across regional Victoria.“The Brumby Government is taking action to conserve our precious water resources by helping Victorian industry to increase the re-use of waste water and improve the quality of the water they discharge,” Mr Jennings said. The Trade Waste Partnership Program involves 29 regional companies and seven water corporations that have identified savings of 650 million litres of drinking water each year, equivalent to the average annual water use of almost 3000 households."

$5 Million to Protect and Improve Soil Resources
Source: Victoria. Minister for Agriculture. Media Release
"Farmers stand to benefit from a Brumby Government investment boost of $5 million over five years to study soil health in Victoria. Visiting Bendigo as part of the Brumby Government’s Eaglehawk and Redesdale Bushfire Recovery Community Cabinet, Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said the Measuring and Modelling the Impacts of Farming Systems and Climate on Soil Health Project was a critical step forward in the future design of farming systems that will protect and improve Victoria’s soil resources.“The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure we protect and improve Victoria’s soil resources in the future,” Mr Helper said."

Treasurer foreshadows land tax concession in State Budget
Source: WA. Treasurer
"Treasurer Troy Buswell today foreshadowed the announcement of a land tax concession aimed at reducing property market volatility and bottlenecks in the approvals process, as part of the 2009-10 State Budget. The concession would allow developers to pay land tax and Metropolitan Region Improvement Tax on the lower undeveloped (or ‘englobo’) value of land holdings, rather than the full subdivided value of lots, for one year after the creation of the lots. "

3D Technology Provides Investors an Amazing New View of Victoria's Gold
Source: Victoria. Minister for Energy and Resources. Media Release
"Victoria’s gold mining industry will be able to probe new and unexplored depths, with the Brumby Government launching the state’s first completed 3D geological model as part of a $2.5 million initiative to create jobs and stimulate the industry. In Bendigo for Community Cabinet, Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor said the Bendigo Zone model, developed by GeoScience Victoria, delved 35 kilometres below the earth’s surface.“The Brumby Government is taking action to attract investors and create jobs in Victoria’s resource industry,” Mr Batchelor said. “This is the first component of a whole-of-Victoria 3D geological model being created under the Brumby Government’s $2.5 million Rediscover Victoria 3D initiative and it demonstrates our commitment to continue supporting the Victorian mining industry by generating and providing geological knowledge to unlock our mineral wealth."

State provides $20.5million for innovative exploration drilling projects
Source: WA. Dept of Mines and Petroleum
"The State Government is encouraging mineral and petroleum explorers to apply for funding of up to $150,000 to support innovative drilling in Western Australia’s under-explored areas. Acting Mines and Petroleum Minister Simon O’Brien said today that applications were open for the Co-funded Government Industry Drilling Program, which was part of the State Government’s $80million Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS)."

New Strategy to Identifiy Jobs in the Ballarat Region
Source: Victoria. Minister for Regional and Rural Development. Media Release
"A new $250,000 Brumby Government initiative will identify new job opportunities for unemployed workers in the Ballarat region. Launching the initiative at the Government’s Ballarat Economy and Jobs Roundtable in Ballarat, Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation Jacinta Allan said boosting the economy and creating new job opportunities is a Government priority. “In these tougher global times, the Brumby Government is taking action to create jobs and stimulate investment to lock in regional Victoria’s future,” Ms Allan said.“Our new Ballarat Industry Workforce Development Strategy will focus on identifying and finding potential employment areas for recently retrenched manufacturing workers.“The Strategy will take stock of existing job opportunities and those that will flow from infrastructure projects that arise from the Federal Government’s $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan."

$4 Million Roads Boost for Farmers and Industry
Source: Victoria. Minister for Regional and Rural Development. Media Release
"Road upgrades across regional Victoria to help the competitiveness of agricultural and horticultural industries will be backed by a $4 million Brumby Government grant. Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan said 29 roads projects will be developed by 16 regional councils as part of the Government’s Local Roads to Markets program. The Brumby Government is taking action to deliver key infrastructure projects in regional and rural Victoria,” Ms Allan said."

Victoria's Tough Laws Best for Dealing with Bike Gangs
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"Victoria has the most comprehensive suite of laws and arrangements to tackle organised crime in the country while other states are playing catch-up, the Brumby Government said. Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said Victoria had the balance right in terms of effective policing that targeted criminals and criminal activity, ensuring the kingpins of the drug trade were caught. “Focusing on membership of bikie gangs, rather than the criminal behaviour of their members, is not sufficient to address serious and organised crime in the complex and changing environment which Australia faces,” he said. Victoria’s tough laws attack all forms of organised crime, whether perpetrated by bikie gangs, underworld groups, triads or any other form of organised criminal association."

Premier announces new Policy Priority areas
Source: Tasmania. The Premier
Premier David Bartlett today announced Climate Change and Veteran Affairs as new policy priority areas for the State Government. “As policy priority areas Climate Change and Veteran Affairs will require more attention than I am currently able to give as Premier. Consequently I have decided to entrust these important areas to members of cabinet who have proven they can take on more responsibility.”

Attorneys Agree to Consider National Legal Regulator
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) has agreed to Victoria’s proposal to look at a national regulator for the legal profession. Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said a national regulator could reduce legal costs for Australians, simplify rules across states and territories and assist with the national reform agenda."

Practical and Accessible Homes for All Victorians
Source: Victoria. Minister for Planning and Minister for Community Services and Senior Victorians. Media Release
"In an Australian first, the Brumby Government will introduce a package of measures to encourage Victorians to Build for Life. A new community awareness campaign and regulatory measures will allow one in five Victorians who have a disability or are over the age of 60 to build accessible features into new homes. Planning Minister Justin Madden and Community Services and Senior Victorians Minister Lisa Neville launched the Build For Life campaign at a Parkville Gardens home showcasing some of the accessible features available. The Build for Life awareness campaign will inform builders, designers and consumers of accessible design elements to be built into new homes.”

Payroll Tax Exemption for Employees Volunteering to Fight Bushfires
Source: Victoria. Treasurer. Media Release
"Victorian businesses whose staff had volunteered to deal with the recent bushfires have been urged to apply for an exemption to their payroll taxes. Treasurer John Lenders said the Government was keen to take the financial burden off businesses that had staff helping with the massive relief and recovery efforts following the Black Saturday bushfires.“Victoria’s bosses have been very generous with their staff and it is appropriate that they get some recognition for their help,” Mr Lenders said.“Without an army of volunteers helping to put out the fires, provide emergency relief and rebuild our communities the recent bushfire would have been even more devastating. I encourage any employer with workers volunteering to help bushfire affected communities to apply for this tax relief.”

Top Class Victorian Students to Teach for Australia
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"Victoria will lead the nation in putting some of the brightest university graduates into tough classrooms, with more than 200 applicants already registered to be among the first in Australia to be part of the new teacher recruitment program – Teach for Australia, starting in 2010.
Premier John Brumby joined Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Victorian Education Minister Bronwyn Pike to announce that Victoria would lead the way in rolling out the program within Australia as part of a $550 million National Partnership to raise the level of teaching nationwide. "

South Australia’s first natural burial ground
Source: South Australia. Minister for Urban Development and Planning. Media Release.
"Minister for Urban Development and Planning Minister Paul Holloway today officially opened South Australia’s first natural burial ground at Enfield Memorial Park.
“The new burial ground, named Wirra Wonga – the Kuarna term for bush grave – addresses the growing interest in South Australia in environmentally sustainable alternatives to traditional funeral practices,” Mr Holloway says."

SA tidying up telemarketing tactics
Source: South Australia. Minister for Consumer Affairs. Media Release.
"Parliament has passed the State Government’s new laws designed to put the brakes on harassment in the home by telemarketers. Minister for Consumer Affairs Gail Gago says the laws, updating the Fair Trading Act, will come into force later this year and include a 10-day cooling off period on contracts entered into as a direct result of telemarketing."

Managing our natural resources starts in the schoolyard
Source: South Australia. Minister for Environment and Conservation. Media Release.
"More than 150 South Australian kindergarten, primary and secondary schools are to participate in a new natural resources education program. Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill today launched the $800,000 project to be run by the State Government, through the Adelaide Mt Lofty Natural Resources Management Board, this year. Under the program, students will be growing native plants, tending to gardens, recycling, compositing, testing water quality and auditing energy and water use – activities that help tackle climate change and the effects on our natural environment."

Rann Government drafting knife-crime reforms
Source: South Australia. Attorney General. Media Release.
"The Rann Government is a step closer to ramping up its offensive on knife-related violence in South Australia. Following cabinet approval, amendments to the Summary Offences Act (1953) are being drafted to deal with knife-related crime."

Grants connect seniors with their community
Source: South Australia. Minister for Ageing. Media Release.
"Older people will receive more support to stay connected to their communities when more than 70 South Australian organisations share in nearly $400,000 of State funding.
The Grants for Seniors (GFS) and Positive Ageing Development Grants (PADG) will be announced today by Minister for Ageing Jennifer Rankine.
“Community groups who receive funding will use it to ensure older people play an active role in their communities and exercise their rights as citizens,” she said."

Some things are worth waiting for
Source: South Australia. Minister for Road Safety. Media Release.
"The Minister for Road Safety Tom Koutsantonis today launched a new level crossing safety campaign to remind drivers that some things are worth waiting for.
“This new television, radio and print campaign reminds drivers that paying attention and waiting just a few moments can safe your life and the lives of your loved ones,” Mr Koutsantonis said."

Govt to amend houseboat strategy
Source: South Australia. Minister for Minister for Urban Development and Planning. Media Release.
"Minister for Urban Development and Planning Paul Holloway said today the State Government is to amend its Houseboat, Mooring and Marina Strategy for the River Murray in South Australia after extensive community consultation.
Mr Holloway says that while the Department of Planning and Local Government is to finalise the strategy for marinas, the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation is to undertake further work to redevelop the houseboat strategy."

Cheese industry seeks bigger slice
Source: South Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Food & Fisheries. Media Release.
"The State’s cheese industry is positioning itself for a bigger slice of the international action with a new program aimed at establishing South Australia as the leading cheese skills centre in the nation.The Cheese Industry Skills Fast Track Project seeks to boost the sector by providing extra skilled staff and innovative technical support. Backed by the cheese industry and State Government - through the SA Food Centre, DFEEST and the Food, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Skills Advisory Council SA - the program will help cheesemakers who are struggling to find sufficient numbers of skilled staff."

Cloning Bill passes in Parliament
Source: South Australia. Minister for Health. Media Release.
"Health Minister John Hill has welcomed Parliament’s approval of the Statutes Amendment (Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction and Regulation of Research Involving Human Embryos) Bill, which mirrors changes already made to Commonwealth legislation. In late 2006, the Commonwealth amended national legislation regulating human cloning and embryo research, following the findings of the Lockhart Review, which then required states and territories to amend their legislation."

TAFE SA courses to be delivered across China
Source: South Australia. Minister for Employment and Training. Media Release.
"TAFE SA courses are set to be delivered across the world’s biggest education market following an agreement between the State Government and the Chinese Ministry of Education.
Employment and Training Minister, Michael O’Brien said a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed at a ceremony in Beijing last week, which would result in significant opportunities for both China and South Australia."

Helping put NSW tourism in the international spotlight
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Tourism. Media Release.
"New South Wales tourism operators will get international exposure thanks to a new State Government funding support initiative.
Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay announced the International Incentive Fund at the
Australian Tourism Export Council’s (ATEC) Chairman’s Table Luncheon yesterday which was attended by members of ATEC and industry partners.
Ms McKay said the International Incentive Fund is the first outcome of the International Industry Reference Group established earlier this year to strengthen industry participation in the NSW Government’s $40 million tourism strategy."

Associations Bill passes Parliament
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Fair Trading. Media Release.
"Members of the State’s 35,000 incorporated associations will benefit from improved accountability and increased participation with the passage of the Associations Incorporation Bill 2008 overnight through NSW Parliament.
Minister for Fair Trading Virginia Judge said the Associations’ law governed community services and groups such as sporting and service clubs, non-government organisations and interest groups. “Large associations will be required to undertake a financial audit, so members can rest assured that their organisations are financially sound,” Ms Judge said."

MINISTER ANNOUNCES PERMANENT EXEMPTIONS TO HEAVY VEHICLE REFORMS
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Roads. Media Release.
"Minister for Roads Michael Daley has announced further improvements to NSW heavy vehicle driver fatigue laws after a special meeting of the NSW Road Freight Advisory Council in Sydney.
"When these new national laws were implemented in September 2008, I immediately granted a 12 month exemption from the work diary requirements for truck drivers working less than 100km from their base and farmers driving within 160km of their farm," Mr Daley said.
"After listening to the concerns of industry groups and drivers, I have now made these exemptions permanent."

NEW CYCLING HANDBOOK LAUNCHED ON RTA’S WEBSITE
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Roads. Media Release.
"Minister for Roads Michael Daley today announced a new handbook designed to keep bicycle riders up to date and encourage more people to take up cycling as a recreational activity and commuting option. Mr Daley said the RTA has produced a comprehensive online guide, A handbook for bicycle riders, covering the A to Z of bike riding."
"Mr Daley said the NSW Government launched the new BikePlan for NSW last year, which will help identify the infrastructure, programs and events needed to help support the growth in cycling."

Victoria Stamps Claim for National Broadband Base
Source: Victoria. Treasurer and Minister for Information and Communication Technology. Media Release
"Victoria launched a strong bid to become the home base of Australia’s new $43 billion National Broadband Network. Treasurer and Minister for Information and Communication Technology John Lenders said basing the headquarters in Melbourne could create many thousands of highly skilled jobs for Victorian families.“The Brumby Government is taking action to deliver the highly skilled jobs of the future,” Mr Lenders said.“I am launching Victoria’s bid to be the home for the National Broadband Network – the biggest infrastructure project in the nation’s history. I will be presenting Victoria’s case to my colleagues in Canberra and fighting for a significant jobs boost in our impressive ICT sector.“If successful, this project will create an army of Victorian jobs including construction workers, software engineers, electronics technicians, photonics experts and would be a welcome boost for our manufacturing industry."

7500 Jobs, 3000 Homes as New Suburb Delivers Jobs to Melbourne's West
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"Premier John Brumby welcomed the announcement of a Federal-State partnership to build a new suburb in Melbourne’s west, saying the project would deliver 7500 jobs and more than 3000 new homes. Mr Brumby said the release of former Department of Defence land for housing was the latest jobs-building initiative being delivered by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments to deliver jobs now and build for the future.“In these tougher global times, our Government is taking action to create jobs now securing Victoria’s future, by building a new suburb in Melbourne’s west,” Mr Brumby said.“The Victorian Government developer, VicUrban will buy the 128 hectare former Department of Defence site and work with the private sector to build this new suburb in the Maribyrnong area.“The sale of this substantial piece of land to VicUrban will open up three kilometres of river frontage to the public as well as giving this new community homes, jobs and facilities.”

Solar Hot Water Program on track
Source: Queensland. Premier and Minister for the Arts and Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade. Media Release
"The Bligh Government has commenced its election commitment to provide 200,000 Queensland households with affordable solar hot water systems in a bid to radically cut household energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Premier Anna Bligh said the government was encouraging every Queenslander who wanted to take part in the Scheme to register their interest at the same time of the commencement of the tender process to locate local suppliers and installers. Ms Bligh said the Queensland Solar Hot Water Program would result in a rollout of 200,000 affordable solar hot water and heat pump systems which will cut the average household’s annual electricity costs by up to $300."

1,000,000 hectares of critical regrowth under moratorium
Source: Queensland. Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade. Media Release
" Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson has moved to implement a moratorium on the potential clearing of over a million hectares of endangered regrowth vegetation. “Legislation is being prepared for Parliament which will mean that the clearing of endangered regrowth vegetation in rural areas across the state, will be prohibited,” Mr Robertson said. Also prohibited will be the clearing of all native vegetation in riparian areas of the priority Mackay/Whitsunday, Wet Tropics and Burdekin reef catchments. Mr Robertson said the moratorium would apply on both freehold and leasehold land, except where there is an existing certified Property Map of Assessable Vegetation (PMAV) or an existing development approval."

5000 Jobs Proposed in LNG Project
Source: Queensland. Minister for Infrastructure and Planning. Media Release
" Up to 5000 construction jobs could be created in the largest coal seam gas to liquefied natural gas (LNG) project yet proposed for Australia. The $35 billion Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG) project has been declared a “significant project” by Queensland’s Coordinator General, who will now oversee a streamlined whole of Government approval process through a rigorous Environmental Impact Statement."

Bligh Government provides $15.6m to help 3500 jobseekers
Source: Queensland. Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development. Media Release
"More than 3500 disadvantaged job seekers will receive assistance to join the workforce under the latest round of Queensland Government-funded jobs projects. Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development Andrew Fraser announced grants totalling $15.6 million for 102 employment projects throughout Queensland."

Improved Security for Rail Commuters
Source: Queensland. Minister for Transport. Media Release
" Troublemakers on our train network will have nowhere to hide under a plan to introduce real time monitoring of train carriages via security cameras. Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the move follows a successful trial of the concept on the Gold Coast line in 2008.
The Government intends to go to tender for the new system in July with the aim of rolling out the technology from early 2010. “Under this initiative the Government will provide live links from all security cameras on trains to a central control room, allowing police and security personnel to rapidly respond to incidents,” she said. "

‘Gritty Places' Become Creative Arts Spaces
Source: Queensland. Premier and Minister for the Arts. Media Release
"Premier and Minister for the Arts Anna Bligh has announced new art spaces for Blackall and Tambo created through the innovative Gritty Places Partnership Program.
“Blackall Tambo Regional Council will receive $50,000 for the renovation of the old Woodies’ General Store storage shed in Tambo and $32,600 for the refurbishment of the former Council Students Hostel at Blackall,” said Ms Bligh.
“The Tambo development will provide a dedicated arts studio with the capacity to host youth arts workshops while the venue at Blackall will be a multi-purpose arts space for dance performances, writing and poetry workshops and exhibitions.
The Premier said $163,685 in Queensland government funding would transform four disused buildings into as arts hubs or studios this year, providing much-needed facilities for regional communities."

Funding boost to provide homes for vulnerable indigenous children
Source: Queensland. Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport. Media Release
"The Bligh Government has committed close to half a million dollars to provide safe places to live for abused and neglected indigenous children in Caboolture, Pine Rivers and Redcliffe.
Child Safety Minister Phil Reeves announced $479,430 would be provided over the next three years for the Bargumar Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation to assess, train and support foster and kinship carers. Mr Reeves said this now doubled the Corporation’s annual funding for assessing, training and supporting local carers.
“This funding will mean that there are another 15 places available to abused and neglected indigenous children in Caboolture, Pine Rivers and Redcliffe,” Mr Reeves said.

Campaign entices visitors to explore central Queensland
Source: Queensland. Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading. Media Release
"Queenslanders are being encouraged to explore the islands of the Southern Great Barrier Reef and the seaside villages and cities of central Queensland in a new tourism campaign, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said. The Tourism Queensland campaign, in partnership with Capricorn Tourism, Gladstone Area Promotion and Development, Bundaberg and North Burnett Region Tourism, is in market now until late June. “Under the tagline ‘Where the walks are out of the ordinary’ the online and print campaign is running in Brisbane and throughout regional Queensland to stimulate interest in the diversity and distinctiveness of central Queensland coastal experiences,” he said. "

New exploration data a boost for minerals and energy explorers
Source: Queensland. Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade. Media Release
"The Bligh Government is providing a boost to the mining industry with the release of new information to help stimulate mineral and energy exploration. New airborne geophysical survey data covering more than 200,000 square kilometres of the remote Cooper and Eromanga basins in Queensland’s south-west will be publicly available on 15 April. Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson said the new data would help explorers to define exploration targets with greater certainty. “This major project involved three geophysical surveys of the Cooper and Eromanga Basins, covering approximately 12 per cent of the state,” Mr Robertson said."

$138 million boost for social housing and jobs
Source: Queensland. Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women. Media Release
"Rockhampton and Central Queensland are the big winners out of the new $138 million Nation Building and Stimulus Plan announced by the Federal and State Governments to kick start the economy and generate jobs. In Rockhampton, Minister for Housing Karen Struthers said a number of new social housing units would be built in Central Queensland.
“It’s a win for people who rely on social housing and a win for workers in the construction industry,” Ms Struthers said. “We have a large number of construction projects in the pipeline and with these funds we’re able to fast track the important ones and that means homes for people who need them most and jobs and job security for local workers."

Seven New Schools and Thousands of New Jobs for South East Queensland
Source: Queensland. Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development. Media Release
"Seven new state schools will be built in high-growth areas of South EastQueensland and will generate thousands of new jobs following theawarding of a $1.1 billion dollar contract under the QueenslandGovernment's landmark SEQ Public Private Partnership (PPP) Schools project. Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the successful Aspire Schools consortium would design, build and maintain six new primary schools and one new high school in the rapidly-growing Sunshine Coast, Western Corridor, theGold Coast and Redlands regions."This PPP project will benefit families and taxpayers by helping tofast-track the building of these schools, while locking in maintenance funding for 30 years," Mr Fraser said."

NEW GRANTS PROGRAM TO BOOST TOURISM QUALITY AND INNOVATION
Source: Australia. Minister for Tourism. Media Release
"The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, today (15/4/09) launched Tqual Grants – an $8.5 million competitive grants program to promote strategic investment in quality and innovation in the Australian tourism industry.
Tqual Grants will support initiatives that:
· develop innovative product, services or systems within the tourism industry;
· contribute directly to long-term economic development in the host region; and
· develop or support high quality visitor services and experiences."

$4M BOOST FOR CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH WITH INDIA
Source: Australia. Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. Media Release
"Cutting edge research on topics from climate change and evolution to malaria vaccines and the impact of global warming on agriculture will be funded under round 3 of the $20 million Australia-India Strategic Research Fund.
The $4 million in funding awarded to 15 collaborative projects was announced by Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. "

Government to re-introduce Alcopops Measure
Source: Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing and Treasurer. Joint Media Release
"Following the effectiveness of the Rudd Government’s alcopops measure, the Government will re-introduce this measure into the Parliament as part of its ongoing commitment to the fight against binge-drinking.The measure - which has been widely backed by health experts - has seen a 35 per cent fall in the consumption of alcopops and a significant fall in spirits consumption."

$28 million for the Torres Strait Major Infrastructure Program
Source: Australia. Minister for Indigenous Affairs. Media release
"The Australian Government will provide $28 million over two years for stage four of the Torres Strait Major Infrastructure Program. Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said the funding will provide much needed infrastructure projects in the region, including water treatment and storage, and roads and drainage projects.The Major Infrastructure Program has been jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments since 1998. "

$138 million boost for Queensland social housing and jobs
Source: Australia. Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Media Release
"Queensland's social housing stock will be boosted and construction jobs supported with an Australian Government investment of $138.6 million.The Australian and Queensland Governments have committed to deliver 444 new social housing dwellings across the state by July 2010.The Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said the investment was part of Stage One of the $6.4 billion social housing component of the Government's $42 billion Nation Building - Economic Stimulus Plan. Stage one comprises $692 million nationally."

National Waste Policy: Managing Waste to 2020
Source: Australia. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Consutation Paper
"Environment Minister Peter Garrett today released a consultation paper: A National Waste Policy: Managing Waste to 2020 for public review and comment.

“The Australian Government, with support from state and territory environment ministers through the Environment Protection and Heritage Council, is leading development of a national policy to identify best practice in waste management and resource recovery, and to ensure Australia has the right mix of incentives and regulation.""

Government releases producer tax offset review
Source: Australia. Assistant Treasurer and Minister for the Arts. Joint media release
"The Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Chris Bowen MP and Minister for the Arts, the Hon Peter Garrett MP, today (8/4/09) released the review into the refundable tax offsets contained in Division 376 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. The review examined the impact of the film tax offsets, introduced in 2007, on levels of production by independent and in-house production by Australian television broadcasters.
The refundable tax offsets are designed to support and develop Australia's screen media industry by providing producers with tax offsets for their Australian expenditure when making films and television programs."

New Employment Services for People with Disability
Source: Australia. Minister for Employment Participation. Media Release
"The Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor, announced details of the new Disability Employment Services (DES) at the Australian Financial Review Skills Conference in Sydney.
From March 1, 2010 existing caps on services will be removed and all job seekers with disability will have access to individually tailored employment services while employers will be have access to greater support."

Fund to support jobs, build skills and community infrastructure
Source: Australia. Prime Minister and Minister for Employment Participation. Joint Media Release
"A new $650 million Jobs Fund announced by the Rudd Government today will support local jobs, build skills and improve facilities in local communities.The new Jobs Fund is part of the Rudd Government’s Jobs and Training Compact with Australians who have been hit hardest by the global recession, and builds on the Rudd Government’s $42 billion Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan. "

$4 billion new employment services – Job Services Australia
Source: Australia. Minister for Employment Participation. Media Release
"The Minister for Employment Participation, Mr Brendan O’Connor today (1/4/09) announced overall results for the tender of the Rudd Government’s $4 billion new employment services to be named Job Services Australia: People, Skills and Jobs.Providers for Job Services Australia will begin operation from July 1. There will be a 12 month transition period for job seekers to Job Services Australia providers."

Launch of Fair Work Education and Information program
Source: Australia. Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. Media release
"The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, has launched the Fair Work Education and Information program.
As promised at the last election, the Government will facilitate a targeted education and information program to ensure employees, employers and small businesses understand the new workplace relations system.
The Fair Work Education and Information Program (FWEIP) will provide $12.9m in grants to selected community, employee, employer and small business organisations. 25 organisations have been invited to apply for funding. These bodies have been selected based on their demonstrated expertise in delivering training of this kind and to ensure that major sectors of the economy are catered for.
The grants will be used to provide information and education services to employees, employers and small business operators about the Fair Work Act and how it will affect them."

New National Broadband Network
Source: Australia. Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. Media Release
"The Rudd Government today (7/4/09) announced the establishment of a new company to build and operate a new super fast National Broadband Network.
This new super fast National Broadband Network, built in partnership with private sector, will be the single largest nation building infrastructure project in Australian history.
This new National Broadband Network will:
Connect 90 percent of all Australian homes, schools and workplaces with broadband services with speeds up to 100 megabits per second—100 times faster than those currently used by many households and businesses
Connect all other premises in Australia with next generation wireless and satellite technologies that will deliver broadband speeds of 12 megabits per second
Directly support up to 25,000 local jobs every year, on average, over the 8 year life of the project. "

National Broadband Network: Regulatory reform for 21st Century Broadband - Discussion paper
Source: Australia. Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
"The Government has announced it will establish a new company that will invest up to $43 billion over eight years to build and operate a National Broadband Network delivering superfast broadband to Australian homes and workplaces.
To turn its vision into action the Government will immediately:
establish a company to build and operate the network and make an initial investment of $4.7 billion in the network
commence an implementation study to determine the company's operating arrangements, detailed network design and ways to attract private sector investment
fast-track negotiations with the Tasmanian Government, as suggested by the Panel of Experts, to build upon its National Broadband Network proposal to begin the rollout of a FTTP network and next generation wireless services in Tasmania as early as July
implement measures to address backhaul 'black spots' through the timely rollout of fibre optic transmission links connecting cities, major regional centres and rural towns - delivering improvements to telecommunication services in the short term
progress legislative changes that will govern the national broadband network company and facilitate the rollout of FTTP networks, including requiring use of fibre optic technology in future greenfield developments, and
commence a consultative process on necessary changes to the existing telecommunications regulatory regime. "

FUNDING FOR SCHOOL SAFETY PROJECTS ANNOUNCED
Source: Australia. Minister for Home Affairs. Media release
"The Minister for Home Affairs Bob Debus today announced that 20 schools across Australia would share $5 million in the first round of funding under the Secure Schools Program.
The Australian Government promised $20 million over four years as part of an election commitment under the Secure Schools Program to assist government and non-government schools to meet their particular security needs.
Mr Debus said while Australian schools were among the safest in the world, some schools had experienced racially-based incidents including threats and property damage."

COMMONWEALTH PROVIDES OVER $18 MILLION IN DISASTER MITIGATION FUNDING TO STATES & TERRITORIES
Source: Australia. Attorney-General. Media Release
"Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that more than $18 million will be provided to the States and Territories this financial year under the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program (NDMP).
The NDMP is a national program, administered by Emergency Management Australia (EMA), which aims to assist communities better withstand the effects of natural disasters and reduce the risk, damage and losses caused by events such as floods, bushfires and tropical cyclones."

NATIONAL RESPONSE TO COMBAT ORGANISED CRIME
Source: Australia. Attorney-General. Media release
"The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) today (16/4/09) agreed to develop a comprehensive national response to combat organised crime.
Organised crime operates on a national scale and is estimated to cost Australia over $10 billion every year.
A nationally consistent response is essential to ensure there can be no safe havens for organised crime groups.
As part of this approach, State and Territory Attorneys-General agreed to consider key common features to be contained in legislation to combat organised crime activities."

Boost for Australia's growing wine exports to Asia
Source: Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Media Release
"Australia’s growing wine exports to China and Hong Kong will be strengthened with two new agreements to increase cooperation and promote the trade.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has this week signed two memoranda of understanding on wine exports, in Hong Kong and Beijing.
In the year to March 2009, Australian wine exports to China were worth $81.2 million. It is the largest Asian market for Australian wine."

Helping Tasmania’s Small Business Sector
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Economic Development
"The Tasmanian Government is supporting a broad assistance package to help the small and medium-sized business sector better equip itself to manage through these difficult times. The key elements of this assistance include tailored workshops delivered across the state; online self-help tools; a two day small business expo, and access to finance through the revised Tasmanian Industry Support Scheme. The Government is supporting workshops to be delivered by the relevant peak bodies, the Tasmanian Small Business Council and the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and by the private sector through the WHK Group Limited".

Light rail business case released
Source: ACT. Chief Minister
Prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the business case was requested by the Commonwealth after the ACT Government listed light rail as one of nine projects it believed worthy of co-funding through the Commonwealth's Building Australia Fund. The business case found that:
Light rail could potentially decrease Canberra's traffic congestion and commuting time and as a result reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution; the project would cost approximately $2 billion; and the project has a benefit-to-cost ratio of 1.62

YOUNG OFFENDERS LEARN TO SAVE LIVES
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Juvenile Justice. Media Release.
"Young offenders at Riverina Juvenile Justice Centre were today presented with their
Bronze Medallion certificates, recognising their efforts in developing the required level of
knowledge to perform water rescues, said Minister for Juvenile Justice, Graham West.
“Not only are the skills they learned in custody beneficial to the safety of the community,
but by passing the course, the young offenders have obtained a very useful qualification
which may help them gain employment and keep them on a positive path.”
They trained and studied for more than two months, including an hour a day of physical
work, such as improving their stroke, running, safety drills and performing CPR.
“The course, which is funded by the NSW Government, improves a young offender’s
self-esteem, confidence and discipline,” said Mr West."

NSW GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN AUSTRALIAN-FIRST FOR ANTI-SOCIAL
BEHAVIOUR RESEARCH AMONG ADOLESCENTS
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Juvenile Justice. Media Release.
"Researchers at the University of Wollongong (UOW) have received a $100,000 grant from
NSW Government to fund an Australian-first research project investigating the causes
behind antisocial behaviour among adolescents, to help inform early intervention
rehabilitation programs, Minister for Juvenile Justice, Graham West, and Minister for the
Illawarra, David Campbell, said today.
The ‘Development of Antisocial Behaviour in Adolescents’ study will be coordinated by the
Department of Juvenile Justice and Associate Professor Joseph Ciarrochi, Professor Patrick
Heaven and Dr. Peter Leeson from the School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical
Research Institute at the University of Wollongong. “The overall aim of the research project is to determine why some young people develop behavioural problems in their adolescent years and why others do not,” Mr West said. “The research will be vital in the development of early intervention methods.” Mr Campbell said the research would help to develop strategies to prevent anti-social behaviour among young people, keep them on the right side of the law and out of trouble. “The Rees Government is committed to tackling youth crime as evidenced today by fundingthe first longitudinal research project into antisocial behaviour among adolescents in Australia,”Mr Campbell said."

New skills for councillors benefit communities
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Local Government. Media Release.
"Ms Perry said the Department of Local Government has held 42 seminars across the state to help councillors better understand their roles and their obligations to the communities they serve. The training assists councillors by focussing on their key roles and responsibilities to their communities. "These sessions provide an opportunity for councillors to gain a better understanding of the standards of behaviour expected of them and the legal and policy framework of local government," Ms Perry said. "The sessions also provide an opportunity for experienced and new councillors to meet and share perspectives and knowledge."
"As a former councillor, I understand the special demands the job brings." Ms Perry said. "It’s great to see so many councillors taking this opportunity to improve their skills and understanding". "We’ve received great feedback on the seminars and we are currently looking at ways to further improve into the future," Ms Perry said. "It was encouraging to see that so many councillors are keen to pursue further training to improve their capabilities"
It is important that local communities know whether their representatives are taking up the offer of this training. Further seminars will be provided in the coming months for those councillors who failed to attend an earlier session or those councillors who have been elected at a by-election."

Aboriginal languages revival under way
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Media Release.
"The push to build the Wiradjuri language has reached a new milestone with the graduation of Aboriginal language teachers at Narrandera. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Paul Lynch said the graduation was another important step for language revitalisation in New South Wales. "These graduates now have formal TAFE qualifications in the Wiradjuri language that can be used to teach in schools and Aboriginal communities," Mr Lynch said. "

REES GOVERNMENT PRESSES PLAY ON FILM-FRIENDLY REFORMS
Source: New South Wales. Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts. Media Release.
"Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts Virginia Judge today announced the start of new rules which slash red tape for film-makers in NSW to help attract investment and jobs growth.
Ms Judge said the new Local Government Filming Protocol makes it easier for filmmakers to work on locations around the State by giving all Councils a single set of rules for processing approvals. "Under the Protocol, councils must approve filming applications quickly unless there are exceptional circumstances," Ms Judge said. "Council charges for location filming must reflect the cost to the council of the approval and services provided to the filming activity, and filming application fees will be capped. "The Protocol will help ensure that the industry continues to deliver jobs, technical innovation and direct financial benefits to the NSW economy." Kingston Anderson, NSW Chapter Head of the Screen Producers Association of Australia, congratulated the Rees Government for making the State a more film-friendly environment
"We believe this new Local Government Filming Protocol is a big step forward in making NSW an easier and more competitive place for filmmakers," he said.
"The Screen Producers Association of Australia has worked closely with the NSW Government and Local Government and Shires Association to make NSW more attractive for filmmakers.
"We fully support the new Local Government Filming Protocol." NSW councils which played a key role in the consultation process, welcomed the new system. Local Government Association President Cr Genia McCaffery said "This is a system that not only makes it easier for Councils to process filming applications, but also means we can work with the screen industries on alternative locations – such as using Maroubra instead of Bondi – to minimise the impact that filming has on residents." The Protocol is a step-by-step guide for Councils developed in consultation with local government and the film and television industry.