Industry group to meet on Reef Bill
Source: Queensland. Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability
"An agricultural industry taskforce will begin meeting next month to advise the Bligh Government on how to best implement new legislation designed to protect the Great Barrier Reef. A dozen groups will be invited to form the taskforce which will focus on rolling out best farming practice in the affected Reef catchments – Burdekin Dry Tropics; Wet Tropics and Mackay-Whitsunday."

Queensland to adopt new uniform payroll tax rules
Source: Queensland. Treasurer
"The Queensland Government will join other states and territories in adopting new uniform rules regarding the payment of payroll tax. Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser today (29/06/2009) announced that Queensland would implement the new rules, which will apply to those employers that have staff who work in more than one jurisdiction in a month, such as in the airline industry."

Alcohol licence freeze in Sydney CBD trouble hot spots
Source: New South Wales. Premier. Media Release.
"NSW Premier Nathan Rees announced today the NSW Government will introduce legislation to freeze new alcohol licenses in trouble hot spots in Sydney’s CBD.The announcement follows the first meeting of a newly established Sydney Liquor Taskforce co-chaired by Premier Rees and Lord Mayor Clover Moore."

Rees government helps struggling clubs
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Gaming and Racing. Media Release.
"The Rees Government will deliver new measures to help NSW clubs in these worsening
economic conditions" said Kevin Greene.“Right now, it’s a major challenge for clubs to remain competitive and sustainable,” he said. “That’s why the Rees Government is acting to reduce red tape and costs for clubs to help them increase their membership and visitors and generate much-needed additional income.”

NSW calls for a national approach to Internet wagering
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Gaming and Racing. Media Release.
"The NSW Government has called for a national approach to the regulation of wagering as part of its response to the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Gambling in Australia."

Land Rights amendments help drive economies and jobs
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Media Release.
"Proposed amendments to the State's land rights legislation will help Aboriginal land councils drive economic development and create jobs. Mr Lynch said the amendments would provide clearer and more certain processes for Aboriginal land councils to use when they deal with, dispose of or develop land."

Govt helps disability NGOs deliver essential services
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Disability Services. Media Release.
"The NSW Government will provide $17 million to help NGOs cut red tape and concentrate on delivering services to people with a disability. Minister for Disability Services Paul Lynch said an Industry Development Fund would assist NGOs gain accreditation and meet other costs."

Aboriginal Home Care guide launched
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Ageing and Disability Services and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Media Release.
" The NSW Government has reiterated its commitment to be an employer of choice for Aboriginal people with the launch of a Home Care job guide. The resource was developed by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) to assist Aboriginal people apply for jobs in the home care sector."

Funding to reduce juvenile reoffending
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Juvenile Justice. Media Release.
"The NSW Government will invest $172.3 million in juvenile justice, including programs designed to make it easier for young people to re-adjust into the community and get a fresh start.
Minister for Juvenile Justice Graham West said providing these new services will reduce the risk of reoffending behaviour, improve public safety and save NSW taxpayers millions of dollars in the long term."

NEW DEMERIT POINT SCHEME TO BE INTRODUCED 1 JULY
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Roads. Media Release.
"Minister for Roads Michael Daley today announced the new demerit point scheme would be introduced on 1 July 2009 to make the system fairer for motorists and our roads safer for the entire community. Mr Daley said the RTA had worked in close conjunction with the NSW Police and the State Debt Recovery Office to introduce the new system as quickly as possible."

NEW LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Roads. Media Release.
"Minister for Roads Michael Daley today introduced into Parliament changes to the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999 to improve safety on both rural and urban roads. Mr Daley said the changes included the introduction of new point-to-point speed cameras for heavy vehicles and the replacement of out-dated wet-film red light cameras with new digital technology."

Historic shift in housing policy in NSW
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Housing. Media Release.
"Housing Minister David Borger today announced a historic shift in social housing policy for NSW. Mr Borger said the NSW Government will transfer thousands of Commonwealth and State Government funded social housing homes to community housing organisations to help the sector grow and gain more independence."

NEW STRATEGY FOR ABORIGINAL RECRUITMENT
Source: New South Wales. Premier. Media Release.
"NSW Premier Nathan Rees launched a new strategy for the NSW Police to boost the
numbers of Aboriginal recruits into the Force.The Premier was joined by Minister for Police Tony Kelly and Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione to announce the NSW Police Force Aboriginal Employment Strategy 2009-2012."

Mining jobs stimulus package for regional NSW
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Mineral Resources. Media Release.
"The NSW Government will introduce a $10 million industry assistance package for mines in the Gunnedah and Western Coalfields to protect jobs and the viability of coal exports, Minister for Mineral Resources Ian Macdonald announced. "This $10 million assistance package will protect more than 2,000 direct jobs in the Western and Gunnedah coalfields from the global recession, which is affecting every industry and business in this country," Mr Macdonald said."

Rudd Government Launches Government 2.0 Taskforce
Source: Australia. Minister for Finance and Deregulation and Special Minister of State. Joint Media Release
"A taskforce to investigate how the Australian Government can use new ‘Web 2.0’ approaches to expand the uses of Commonwealth information and improve the way government consults and engages with citizens was launched today by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner, and the Special Minister of State, Senator Joe Ludwig."

Government Announces Inquiry into Homelessness Legislation
Source: Australia. Minister for Housing. Media Release
"Minister for Housing, Tanya Plibersek today announced that the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Family, Community, Housing and Youth will hold an inquiry into homelessness legislation. The announcement follows the Rudd Government's Homelessness White Paper - which provides an additional $1.2 billion over four years as a down payment on a 12 year reform agenda to halve homelessness by 2020."

$100 million to help families and local communities
Source: Australia. Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Media release
"The Australian Government is providing more than $100 million for prevention and early intervention programs to support children and families in 46 communities of high disadvantage across Australia."

Release of key draft CPRS regulations
Source: Australia. Dept of Climate Change
"The Rudd Government today released draft regulations for the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, including the first tranche of activities that will be eligible for assistance under the emissions intensive, trade exposed (EITE) assistance program.
The draft regulations outline the framework for the EITE assistance program, application procedures and reporting requirements for eligible entities under the program."

$200 million for TAFEs to keep Australia working
Source: Australia. Acting Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. Media Release
"The Acting Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Mark Arbib, today announced that 32 TAFE institutes will share in $200 million for training infrastructure which will help keep Australia working.
This $200 million Training Infrastructure Investment for Tomorrow (TIIFT) forms part of the Teaching and Learning Capital Fund for Vocational Education and Training, which is a $500 million plan to modernise and improve the quality of teaching and learning across the vocational education and training sector."

$40 million to fund critical reforms for lucrative agricultural exports
Source: Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Media Release
"After exhaustive discussions with Australia’s agricultural export industries, the Rudd Government has agreed to provide $40 million to fund vital reforms to cut red tape."

New Geoscience institute for carbon and minerals research
Source: New South Wales. Mineral Resources. Media Release.
"The NSW Government, in conjunction with the University of Newcastle, will establish a NSW Institute for Frontier Geoscience at the university, Minister for Mineral Resources Ian Macdonald announced. The institute will enhance research and teaching in Earth Sciences at the university and prepare graduates for jobs in the NSW minerals industry, especially in the emerging carbon sequestration industry and exploration."

Parliament passes court order debt repayment law
Source: New South Wales. Attorney General. Media Release.
"Legislation to reduce financial hardship for people whose wages are deducted as part of court orders to pay debts has been passed by the NSW Parliament, said Attorney General John Hatzistergos.“It is important that people who are subject to these orders still have enough money for basic essentials including food, clothing and shelter,” Mr Hatzistergos said."

$3 million to establish new Information Commissioner
Source: New South Wales. Attorney General. Media Release.
"Premier Nathan Rees introduced freedom of information legislation to deliver on a promise to make the Government as open and accessible as possible.“The legislation is the last step in delivering on our promise to make landmark changes to make Government decisions transparent to the community,” said Mr Rees."

Energy efficiency legislation passed by NSW Parliament
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Climate Change and the Environment. Media Release.
"From July 1 electricity retailers across NSW will need to meet new mandatory energy efficiency targets, following landmark legislation passed by State Parliament. Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Carmel Tebbutt said the Electricity Supply Amendment (Energy Savings) Bill (Act) 2009 would help to cut household electricity bills by up to $50 each year and reduce greenhouse gas pollution."

Solar bonus scheme for NSW announced
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Climate Change and Minister for Energy. Joint Media Release.
"Details of a new solar bonus scheme to operate across the State have been announced
by the NSW Government.Minister for Climate Change, Carmel Tebbutt and Minister for Energy, Ian Macdonald said the scheme - flagged late last year - would support people in NSW who produce renewable energy through roof-top solar panels and feed it back into the grid."

New industry guidelines promote sustainable forestry
Source: South Australia. Minister for Forestry. Media Release.
"New guidelines have been developed for plantation forestry in South Australia that promote the principles of ecologically sustainable forest practices. Forestry Minister, Paul Caica told State Parliament today the guidelines have been developed following a review undertaken in consultation with key industry groups and other participants in the sector."

State Government boosts Aboriginal economic development
Source: South Australia. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation. Media Release.
"The State Government has announced $500,000 in funding to help increase economic development in Aboriginal communities. Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Minister Jay Weatherill announced. “We have a largely untapped resource in Aboriginal communities in terms of knowledge of Aboriginal land and expertise in managing it,” Mr Weatherill said."

Historic mental health legislation passes Parliament
Source: South Australia. Minister for Mental Health. Media Release.
"The passage of the Mental Health Bill 2008 is an important step in the Rann Government’s $250 million mental health reforms. Mental Health Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says the Bill will transform the way in which people with mental illness can access treatment."

BUDGET: Building jobs for South Australians
Source: South Australia. Treasurer. Media Release.
A Sustainable Budget Commission will be established and "led by the leading economist Geoff Carmody and tasked with undertaking a rigorous examination of State expenditure and revenue. It will deliver recommendations on budget improvement measures to contribute towards a savings target of $750 million in the three years from 2010-11."

Push for Clever Green investment in South Australia
Source: South Australia. Minister for Environment and Conservation. Media Release.
"South Australia will position itself to reap the benefits from the growth in clean technology by hosting a major “CleanTech” showcase in Adelaide next year. Investors and businesses will gather for the State Government’s Clever Green – Showcase and Conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre in February."

Helping improve young people’s relationship skills
Source: South Australia. Minister for the Status of Women and the Minister for Education. Joint Media Release.
"Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek and South Australian Minister for Education, Jane Lomax-Smith today launched the evaluation of Keeping Safe at Black Forest Primary School. South Australia’s Keeping Safe child protection curriculum, the first update in more than two decades, was rolled out to the State’s schools and preschools in 2008. Every teacher was required to undergo training before the program was taught in the classroom."

Demerit penalty scheme to further protect SA fisheries
Source: South Australia. Minister for Fisheries. Media Release.
"A demerit point system for commercial fishing offences, which is designed to strengthen the protection of South Australia’s fisheries, will come into effect on the 1st of July. Fisheries Minister, Paul Caica says demerit points will be allocated alongside existing fines, and the scheme will operate in a similar fashion to the demerit system in place for motor vehicle driving offences."

Clamping down on fees charged to park residents
Source: South Australia. Minister for Consumer Affairs. Media Release.
"People who live in caravan and residential parks will benefit from new protections clarifying the fees they can be charged. Residents whose sites are not individually metered for gas, electricity or water consumption will only be required to make one regular payment to cover both rent and utilities."

Commission delivers five year skills plan
Source: South Australia. Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education. Media Release.
"South Australia’s Training and Skills Commission has outlined three key areas aimed at increasing training and creating new employment opportunities in a Five Year Plan just released. The Five Year Plan can be found on the Training and Skills Commission website at www.tasc.sa.gov.au."

Schools Share in $200,000 Technology Innovation Boost
Source: Victoria. Minister for Education. Media Release
"Victorian school students will be even better equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st Century as 32 schools across the state develop innovative learning projects thanks to a new $200,000 Brumby Labor Government technology grant. Acting Education Minister Maxine Morand congratulated the 32 government schools which received $6000 each from the 2009 Innovating with Technology program. Schools will use their grants to enhance student learning experiences and outcomes in the areas of literacy, numeracy, science and Languages Other Than English (LOTE) using a range of technologies including CCTV, iPods, video conferencing and gaming devices."

Guide to Boost State's Design Exports and Create Jobs
Source: Victoria. Minister for Innovation. Media Release
"A new guide to improve the export skills of designers which will help secure and create jobs in Victoria’s burgeoning design sector was launched by the Brumby Labor Government. Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said The Case for Export is a comprehensive resource to help Victorian designers become more proficient exporters as well as assist local industry compete in export markets and help strengthen Victoria’s economy."

Agriculture Network Responding to Climate Change
Source: Victoria. Minister for Agriculture. Media Release
"Farmers can now benefit from a Brumby Labor Government supported network group that provides up-to-date information on tools, techniques and ground-breaking research to assist them in their response to climate change. Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said farmers would increasingly have to plan for the impacts of climate change on their farms as well as dealing with the emerging focus on carbon emissions.“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to ensure Victorian farm businesses have the information they need to plan for and adapt to a changing climate,” Mr Helper said.“The Carbon Toolkits in Agriculture Network gives farmers access to relevant information and research so they can better understand their farm greenhouse gas emissions as well as developing tools and techniques to build their skills."

Justice of the Peace Provisions Tightened as Suleyman's Status Revoked
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"The Office of the Justice of the Peace will be reviewed following an independent panel’s report on the status of Hakki Suleyman as a Justice of the Peace. Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls announced a number of new initiatives around the offices of Justice of the Peace (JP) following an independent review by an advisory panel made up of former State Services Authority chairman Peter Harmsworth and former Victorian Government Solicitor Ron Beazley. Mr Hulls said a number of the panel’s recommendations would be immediately implemented. These included:• Informing the Secretary of the Department of Justice in cases where the Justice Assessment Panel had exercised discretion in appointing a Justice of the Peace with a previous criminal record;• Requiring Victoria Police to release all prior criminal convictions in formal police record checks in the interest of the administration of justice;• Requiring all prospective JPs to sign a statutory declaration as part of the application process;• Modifying the application form to capture details of an applicant’s current and former names to enable a comprehensive police record check;• Asking the Honorary Justice Office to prepare separate codes of conduct for Justices of the Peace and Bail Justices and for these to be made available on a regular basis to office holders; and• Requiring all prospective candidates to apply to the Honorary Justice Office for an application form, which would be forwarded with important background information about the role, responsibilities and code of conduct for Justices of the Peace. Mr Hulls said he had also asked the Department of Justice to prepare a report on the future need and role of Justices of the Peace."

Guardianship Laws Referred to Law Reform Commission
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"A major review of guardianship and administration laws will ensure vulnerable Victorians continue to have their rights fully protected, Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said. The Brumby Labor Government has referred the Guardianship and Administration Act 1986 for review by the Victorian Law Reform Commission. Mr Hulls said he had asked the Commission to review and report on potential changes that considered the human rights of people with impaired decision-making capacity, developments in policy and practice in the area, and changes in Victoria’s demographics which mean more and more people will require guardians in the future."

Better Protection for Family Violence Victims Following Report on Intervention Orders
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"Family violence victims will be better protected following the adoption of guiding principles to assist Magistrates when sentencing breaches of intervention orders. Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls welcomed the release of the Sentencing Advisory Council’s review of sentences for breaches of family violence intervention orders, which recommended the adoption of guiding principles in sentencing.The Council said the principles would assist sentencing courts, police prosecutors and defence lawyers dealing with breaches of intervention orders and promote greater consistency of approach."

$90 Million Package for Injured Victorian Workers
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"Victoria’s injured workers will continue to have the most comprehensive support in Australia following the release of a $90 million reform package to boost support for Victoria’s injured workers and families dealing with the tragedy of a workplace death.
Key elements of the reform package include:• $20 million per year for superannuation contributions for eligible injured workers;• $20 million per year for increased weekly payment benefits for injured workers;• 10 per cent increase in no-fault lump sum benefits for workers with spinal impairments;• almost doubling of lump sum death benefits and improving access to pensions for dependants of the deceased; and• less red tape for employers and more support and advice on the calculation of premiums.
The reform package is the culmination of the most comprehensive review of Victoria’s accident compensation legislation since the Accident Compensation Act was introduced in 1985."

Digital Education Revolution Delivers 200 Victorian Jobs
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"The Victorian Government will hire 200 specialist computer technicians for Victorian schools as the funding starts to flow from the Commonwealth Government’s Digital Education Revolution investment in Victorian schools. Premier John Brumby said the extra ICT technicians will be part of a centrally managed team of almost 620 specialists hired to oversee the arrival of more than 104,000 additional computers in Victorian schools."

New Service Recoups $7m in Unpaid Fines
Source: Tasmania. Attorney-General
The creation of the Monetary Penalties Enforcement Service (MPES) last year had lead to a dramatic fall in unpaid fines. “People need to know that if they are issued with a fine they have to pay it, and that we now have more options to help to make sure they do,” Ms Giddings said. “One of the many sanctions available to the Director, MPES is for the publication on a public website of the names of offenders who fail to pay their fines or infringement notices. Additionally, the Director, MPES may direct the Registrar of motor vehicles to suspend your driver licence and vehicle registration if you do not pay your monetary penalties."

Affordable Innovative Housing for Palmerston
Source: Northern Territory. Chief Minister
"New homeowners will be able to build a small, affordable home with the option of adding extra bedrooms, an ensuite bathroom or verandah as they can afford it, under a new project . All the extensions are pre-approved – so people who start with a one or two-bedroom house can easily expand their home as the family grows."

Aboriginal Interpreters First In Australian To Become Accredited
Source: Northern Territory. Minister for Local Government
"Three Northern Territory interpreters have successfully become the first in Australia to receive professional accreditation in an Australian Indigenous language. This is the first time in Australia that Indigenous interpreters have been able to undergo a nationally recognised accreditation and assessment process that was developed by the Aboriginal Interpreter Service, the Interpreting and Translating Service of the Northern Territory and Charles Darwin University."

Laws cracking down on hydroponics industry to be introduced
Source: South Australia. Minister for Police. Joint Media Release.
"cannabis will be introduced into Parliament tomorrow. Police Minister, Michael Wright, said the new laws – an Australian first – would prevent the infiltration of criminals into the hydroponics industry and would make it easier for police to track who is buying equipment to grow cannabis."

Days are numbered for dangerous drivers
Source: South Australia. Minister for Police and Minister for Road Safety. Joint Media Release.
"Police Minister, Michael Wright, and Road Safety Minister, Michael O’Brien, are considering changing State driving laws to crackdown on dangerous and reckless drivers in South Australia.
The aim of the working group will be to provide Cabinet with recommendations on a comprehensive suite of legislative changes with the aim of seeing these changes introduced and passed before the end of the year."

$440,000 for stevedores to gain new skills
Source: South Australia. Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education. Media Release.
"A new $440,000 training program will allow 40 stevedores to gain new skills and qualifications providing them with opportunities to work in other sectors of the maritime industry. The Stevedores Upskilling Industry Partnership Program is a joint initiative under the State Government’s South Australia Works Industry Partnership Program, in collaboration with Transport and Distribution Training SA Inc, who will manage the project."

Sustainable water management by plantation forests
Source: South Australia. Minister for Environment and Conservation. Media Release.
"The State Government has released a framework to better manage the water resource impacts of plantation forestry in South Australia. The framework, announced today by Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill and Forests Minister Paul Caica, will guide water use planning by decision-makers in regions where plantation forestry is a land use."

Tough new second hand dealer laws introduced to Parliament
Source: South Australia. Minister for Police. Media Release.
"Police Minister, Michael Wright, has introduced tough new legislation targeting the buying, selling and distribution of stolen goods. “These new laws will prevent property related crime through improved regulation of the industry. It will mean second-hand dealers, who deal in ‘high risk theft goods’ such as jewellery; electronic goods and power tools and pawnbrokers will have to be licensed."

Red tape slashed on new home applications
Source: South Australia. Minister for Urban Development and Planning. Media Release.
"Minister for Urban Development and Planning Paul Holloway says red tape is to be slashed for new home applications as part of the latest stage in the rollout of the Residential Development Code."

Record $18.2 billion building program to deliver jobs - $2 million every hour of every day
Source: Queensland. Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development. Media Release
"An unprecedented $18.2 billion infrastructure investment will support 127,000 jobs as the Bligh Government builds Queensland’s path out of the economic downturn. The record $18.2 billion program in this Budget means more than $2 million every hour of every day is being invested in building Queensland. This media release outlines key infrastructure spending."

Literacy and Numeracy Budget Boost - More Funds, More Teachers
Source: Queensland. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"The State Budget 2009-10 confirms the Bligh Government’s commitment to boosting literacy and numeracy and science standards in Queensland schools. Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson said the investment in more teachers, 80 new literacy and numeracy coaches and 72 new summer schools would help students in greatest need. “An extra $72.3 million over three years, including $20.3 million in 2009-10, will support students and schools not achieving national literacy and numeracy standards,” he said. The additional teachers will deliver 10 to 20 hours of intensive teaching each year for under-achieving Year Three and Five students, while the summer schools will help some 9000 Year Five to Seven students."

Bligh Government goes greener to protect Queensland’s future
Source: Queensland. Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability. Media Release
"The Bligh Government has backed its commitment to the environment with a suite of new initiatives worth $96 million that will help Queensland move towards a low-carbon economy and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Treasurer Andrew Fraser, who announced the package of green initiatives when handing down the 2009-10 State Budget in Parliament, said Queensland’s unique environment needed to be protected and maintained. Ms Jones said the centrepiece of the climate change package was a $47.7 million investment to reduce Queensland’s overall energy consumption, which would particularly benefit households and businesses through reduced electricity bills."

Coaches build brighter futures for young Indigenous people
Source: Queensland. Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport. Media Release
"The Bligh Government will invest $2.3 million over three years on specialist coaches to keep young Indigenous people in south-west Queensland out of detention and into jobs or education.
Child Safety Minister Phil Reeves said the 2009-10 State Budget initiative would involve a team of family and youth coaches working with young Indigenous people and their families in Roma, Charleville and Cunnamulla. “Despite the tough economic times we are facing, the Bligh Government is committed to providing funding for vital initiatives such as this,” Mr Reeves said.
The coaches and mentors will work to keep young people out of youth detention centres, live safely with their families, in education and training or employed in local industries."

Central tribunal to simplify access to civil and administrative justice
Source: Queensland. Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations. Media Release
"State Parliament has passed a bill to streamline access to civil and administrative justice in Queensland. Attorney-General Cameron Dick said the new Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) represents the most significant reform to Queensland’s justice system in half a century. “The establishment of QCAT will provide Queenslanders with access to civil and administrative justice through a single gateway, simplifying access to justice in our state,” Mr Dick said. “Queenslanders will no longer have to negotiate the maze of administrative review bodies, tribunals and courts in order to identify where to seek redress. QCAT will amalgamate the jurisdictions of 23 bodies and tribunals into a single independent, efficient and accessible tribunal."

New agreement to promote better use of resources in export jobs drive
Source: Queensland. Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade. Media Release
"The Bligh Government has signed a new deal to help boost Queensland’s export industry and generate jobs. Trade Queensland has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further cooperate with the Australian Government’s Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC).
Trade Minister Stephen Robertson said that the agencies already worked closely together.
The agreement will establish stronger, formal ties between the Queensland Government and a key export partner to generate an increased sharing of resources,” Mr Robertson said."

Community to benefit from new planning and development rules
Source: Queensland. Minister for Infrastructure and Planning. Media Release
"Communities and local governments are among those to benefit from reforms to Queensland’s development and planning systems, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe said. The Sustainable Planning Bill 2009, tabled in Parliament , will make it easier for the community to become involved in making plans for future developments, and is expected to reduce disputes about individual applications. The new legislation provides for standard definitions across the state so there is no confusion about what is a ‘storey on a house’ or what is a ‘home-based business’."

Green jobs plan for the future clean, green Queensland
Source: Queensland. Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade. Media Release
"Queensland is set to become the nation’s renewable energy powerhouse with the launch of a Bligh Government plan to attract billions in investment to the state and create thousands of jobs.
Premier Anna Bligh and Natural Resources Minister Steven Robertson launched the Queensland Renewable Energy Plan, which was established to attract not only private investment in the new Queensland industry but secure the state’s fair share of Federal Government funding in the renewable energy sector. Ms Bligh said the Plan had the potential to attract $3.5 billion of investment and create up to 3,500 new jobs in Queensland over the next ten years. "
Queensland Renewable Energy Plan

New laws to protect vital power cables passes Parliament
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Regulatory Reform. Media Release.
"People who damage or interfere with electricity supply cables will face tougher penalties, after new laws to protect the vital infrastructure passed through NSW Parliament today.
NSW Energy Minister Ian Macdonald said the new laws make it mandatory for contractors to notify electricity suppliers if they have damaged a cable and to seek advice before they start to excavate."

Cutting red tape for plumbers: a single set of rules across NSW
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Regulatory Reform. Media Release.
"Plumbers in NSW will soon be governed by a single standard no matter where in the state they are working Regulatory Reform Minister Joe Tripodi announced. The decision to move to a single regulator model marks a major change from the current system where each of the 100+ local water utilities in NSW have their own rules."

GREEN THUMBS UP FOR SILVERTON'S $2.2 BILLION WIND FARM
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Planning. Media Release.
"The NSW Government has approved the first stage of the biggest wind farm in Australia creating more than 800 construction and operational jobs in Silverton near Broken Hill.
Premier Nathan Rees said the first stage of the $2.2 billion wind farm project will deliver 282 wind turbines which will generate enough green energy to power around 200,000 households."

LOCAL COUNCIL INFRASTRUCTURE CONTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Planning. Media Release.
"Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, today announced the first results of a review into local council infrastructure contributions plans. The review began following the December 2008 announcement that the NSW Government would reduce State levies by up to $27,000 and introduce a $20,000 per lot threshold for council levies."

NEW FUNDING FOR JOINT REGIONAL PLANNING PANELS
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Planning. Media Release.
"The NSW Government has allocated $2.4 million in the 2009/10 budget to establish, operate and administer new Joint Regional Planning Panels. “From July to August 2009, six panels will begin operation across NSW. The panels will consist of three State Government appointed members and two nominees from the relevant local council."

New Laws Increase Protection for Gambling Consumers
Source: Victoria. Minister for Racing. Media Release
"Unscrupulous advertisers will no longer be able to offer inducements to consumers to open betting accounts under new laws passed, Deputy Premier and Minister for Racing Rob Hulls said. Mr Hulls said consumers would be better protected under bookmaking advertising legislation targeting Victorian and interstate bookmakers passed in Parliament as part of the Justice Legislation Amendment Bill 2009. “All registered Victorian bookmakers will need to have a Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct approved by the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation to better protect the Victorian public,” he said."

$15.4 Million to Expand Options in Adult Community Education
Source: Victoria. Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation. Media Release
"Adult community education will be strengthened with the release of the Brumby Labor Government’s $15.4 million A Stronger ACFE – Delivering Skills for Victoria policy launch.
Skills and Workforce Participation Minister Jacinta Allan said strengthening Adult and Community Further Education (ACFE) would help all Victorians gain the skills they need not just to survive the economic downturn but to thrive and prosper.“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to support and upskill Victorians as well as protecting and securing jobs in the adult community education sector in the face of these tough economic times,” Ms Allan said."

Victorian Seniors Better Protected
Source: Victoria. Minister for Seniors. Media Release
"Victorian seniors will be better protected from abuse as a result of new Brumby Labor Government initiatives worth $1.1 million to be rolled out across Victoria. Launched on World Elder Abuse Prevention Awareness Day, Senior Victorians Minister Lisa Neville said a new guide would assist health and community services professionals to spot the signs and respond to the abuse and a Victoria wide roll-out of financial literacy workshops and resources specifically targeted at seniors in addition to training for all occupations in contact with seniors to spot the signs of elder abuse. "

News Laws Protect Victoria's Major Sporting Events
Source: Victoria. Minister for Sports. Media Release
"Victoria’s status as the world’s sporting capital will be enhanced with new overarching laws passed by Parliament that provide our major sporting events with greater powers against ambush marketing and advertising, crowd management and sports event ticketing.
Sports Minister James Merlino said the Major Sporting Events Act 2009 incorporated three former acts and provided additional protections to Victoria’s major sporting event organisers. “The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to protect the state’s standing as the sporting capital of the world with new legislation that ensures our major sporting events remain in the national and international spotlight, create jobs and boost tourism,” Mr Merlino said."

Melbourne to Market its Credentials to the World
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"Melbourne will be the focus of a new $5 million marketing campaign to attract more interstate and international visitors to Victoria. Premier John Brumby announced funding for the new campaign to more than 700 international tourism buyers and media at the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) in Melbourne. The new marketing campaign will follow the hugely successful ‘It’s easy to lose yourself in Melbourne’ campaign which increased awareness of Melbourne's laneways, restaurants, shopping and nightlife."

State Government moves on gambling inducements
Source: WA. Minister for Sport and Recreation; Racing and Gaming.
"Gambling operators will not be able to offer free bets to Western Australian punters under legislation proposed by the State Government.
Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron said today that with the lifting of advertising restrictions across Australia in recent times, many of the larger wagering operators had been offering financial inducements, in the form of free bets, in return for punters opening wagering accounts."

Draft State Ambient Air Policy released for public consultation
Source: WA. Dept of the Environment
"Environment Minister Donna Faragher has released a draft State Environmental (Ambient Air) Policy. The Policy along with an explanatory document has been developed by the Environmental Protection Authority which sets out how Western Australia will implement the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure. The Ambient Air Quality NEPM sets uniform standards against which ambient air quality can be assessed nationally. Leading from this the State Environmental (Ambient Air) Policy provides a management framework for WA’s air quality."

State Government funds new desalination research
Source: WA. Minister for Science and Innovation
"Science and Innovation Minister Troy Buswell today (15.06.2009)announced up to $5million would be committed to Murdoch University for research into desalination technologies. Mr Buswell congratulated the university on recently securing $20million over five years from the Federal Government to set up a National Centre of Excellence in Desalination at its Rockingham Campus to research and commercialise desalination technologies."

Minister flags nation’s toughest anti-hoon laws
Source: WA. Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Road Safety
"Western Australia will soon have the nation’s toughest anti-hoon laws after Police and Road Safety Minister Rob Johnson today announced he would introduce new legislation to Parliament this week.Mr Johnson said the Road Traffic Amendment (Hoons) Bill 2009 would increase the period a vehicle was impounded from seven days to 28 for a first hoon offence and from 28 days to three months for a second offence.
The Minister said on a third and subsequent offence, a vehicle would be confiscated and proceeds from its sale would go to road safety projects. Vehicles of little value would be crushed."

Digital Marketing Boost for Tasmanian Tourism
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Tourism
"The Minister for Tourism, Michelle O’Byrne, today (11.6.09) announced that the State Government would provide $1.5 million for a range of tourism initiatives to boost the marketing of Tasmania and its tourism experiences in the domestic and global market place."

Former ACCC Commissioner to review supermarket policy
Source: ACT. Chief Minister
"The Canberra community is well served by a diverse fresh food and grocery sector that does strive to provide choice, convenience and value for money to Canberrans. However, it is a fast paced industry and there is a need to have adaptive policy and the best information and advice available, and that is the reason for the review and the appointment of Mr Martin and the expertise he will bring."

Minister includes non-government schools in Shaddock Review
Source: ACT. Minister for Education and Training
"Professor Shaddock is examining national and international leading practice in curriculum and teaching for students with disabilities. He is also providing advice on future options for special education services. "

NSW Schools To Play Key Role In Ties With Asia
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Education. Media Release.
"The Minister for Education and Training, Verity Firth today announced that from next year, four NSW public schools will offer their students a bi-lingual education. The new bi-lingual program is included in the 2009-10 NSW budget through a commitment of $2.25 million over four years."

New powers for fire fighters
Source: New South Wales. Premier. Media Release.
"New powers to help investigate bush fires and reduce fire hazards were announced by the NSW Premier Nathan Rees. In the wake of the Victorian tragedy, NSW has reviewed current legislation to see what our fire fighters need to fight fires."

Premier announces historic public sector reform
Source: New South Wales. Premier. Media Release.
"Premier Nathan Rees announced the biggest structural reform to the NSW public sector in more than 30 years – creating 13 super departments from the 160 current state agencies.Mr Rees said the reforms are aimed squarely at delivering better services for the people of NSW."

NSW Government launches a review of public holidays
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Industrial Relations. Media Release.
"NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, John Hatzistergos, has announced a comprehensive review of public holidays which aims to provide more certainty for businesses and workers and avoid the confusion of the past. Mr Hatzistergos said that the intention of the review was not to increase or decrease the number of public holidays but to simplify and modernise the gazettal process."

Grieving families given more say in Coronial matters
Source: New South Wales. Attorney General. Media Release.
"Grieving families will no longer have to wait for the outcome of lengthy Coronial proceedings when the cause of their loved one’s death is apparent, under new laws introduced. Specifically, the new Act will free up coroners to focus on necessary investigations promptly and professionally, while maintaining the dignity of the deceased."

New generation of ambulances to treat patients in their own homes
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Health. Media Release.
"NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, announced today the State Government had rolled out a new generation of ambulance on the Central Coast to treat patients in their own homes and alleviate the pressure on local Emergency Departments."

Anaphylaxis Schools Education Program
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Health. Media Release.
"The NSW Government has launched a three-year schools education program aimed at training teachers and students in the prevention, management and treatment of anaphylaxis."

Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Traineeship Program
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Health. Media Release.
"NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, has today allocated almost one million dollars over three years, to deliver a state-wide Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Traineeships program in the non-government sector."

New guide for commercial property improves skills and the environment
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Media Release.
"The Sustainable Property Guide contains comprehensive step-by-step guidance, checklists and
worksheets to integrate sustainability into property portfolios. Ms Tebbutt said the practical on-line resource would help commercial building owners, managing agents and building managers gain the knowledge and skills to minimise the impact of commercial buildings on the environment."

Carbon Risk Management Program announced for business leaders
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Climate Change and the Environment. Media Release.
"Carmel Tebbutt today announced the NSW Government was partnering the University of NSW on a new program to teach business leaders to capitalise on Australia’s new low carbon economy.
The two-day Carbon Risk Management Program will be offered by the University’s Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) Executive Programs as part of its School of Business."

Qld provides in-principle support for National IR reforms in the private sector
Source: Queensland. Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations. Media Release
"Industrial Relations Minister Cameron Dick has announced the Queensland Government’s in-principle support for a seamless national industrial relations system for the private sector. Mr Dick told this morning’s Workplace Relations Ministers Council meeting in Sydney that Queensland’s participation in a national industrial relations system was contingent on a number of conditions being met to ensure the state’s workers continue to get a fair deal."

$83M FUND TO SUPPORT INNOVATION OPENS
Source: Australia. Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. Media Release
"The Rudd Government’s $83 million Innovation Investment Follow-On Fund opened for applications today.
Announcing the opening, Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, encouraged eligible fund managers to apply for funding.
“The fund is a temporary, targeted response to address a lack of capital available to the most promising young innovative companies during the global recession,” Senator Carr said. "

Strategy for Australia's National Reserve System 2009-2030
Source: Australia. Dept of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
"The next 20 years will be a critical period for biodiversity conservation in Australia.
The release of the National Reserve System Strategy 2009-2030 is an important step towards long-term protection of Australia's biodiversity.
The strategy will fully guide the work on the National Reserve System in the years ahead."

P21 to deliver $1.2 billion to 702 Queensland schools to support jobs
Source: Australia. Minister for Education. Media release
"The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, today announced at Guardian Angels’ Primary School that 702 primary schools in Queensland will receive $1.2 billion for building major infrastructure projects under Round Two of Primary Schools for the 21st Century (P21)."

Renewing Queensland: Future investment Plan
Source: Queensland. Premier and Minister for the Arts. Media Release
"The Bligh Government will undertake a wide-ranging and responsible sale of government-owned assets as Queensland continues to bear the brunt of the global economic crisis.
Premier Anna Bligh today outlined the assets which would be sold over the next three to five years as the government works through the economic meltdown which has punched a $14 billion hole in government revenue."

Bligh Government Legislates to Heal Great Barrier Reef
Source: Queensland. Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability. Media Release
"Strict controls on fertilisers and pesticides and close monitoring of large and high-risk farms in north Queensland will help heal the Great Barrier Reef, Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said. Ms Jones, introducing the Great Barrier Reef Protection Bill 2009 to State Parliament, said the legislation would reduce the levels of farm chemicals and sediment harming the Reef. "

New Local Government Act means stronger local
Source: Queensland. Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. Media Release
"Local Government, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Desley Boyle said the new Local Government Act 2009 gives Queensland a robust, modern framework to guide councils into the future. Ms Boyle said the new legislation, passed by Parliament, replaces an Act which had reached its use-by date, considered by many to be overly prescriptive, repetitive and difficult for councils and ratepayers to navigate. This new legislation delivers. It provides councils with the flexibility to make choices suiting their individual size, location and administrative circumstances and it has the checks and balances in place to improve transparency and accountability. "

Volunteer program harnesses people power for environment
Source: Queensland. Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade. Media Release
"Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson has launched a volunteer program aimed at harnessing people power for environmental projects across the state. Green Nomads is a new casual environmental volunteering placement program targeting the resources and skills of Australia’s largest transient population, grey nomads. Mr Robertson said the initiative would have many benefits with volunteers working to care for the environment, while also building ties with follow workers and the communities they assist. “This is an avenue for people who may have some spare time on their hands to assist in the protection and conservation of our unique natural resources,” he said."

Sweeping reforms for Queensland’s planning and development system
Source: Queensland. Minister for Infrastructure and Planning. Media Release
"Major reforms to Queensland’s planning approvals system will see building developments get off the ground within weeks rather than months – creating and sustaining construction industry jobs as the state experiences the brunt of the global economic crisis. Planning Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Sustainable Planning Bill 2009, approved by Cabinet today, will result in the biggest reform to planning approvals in over a decade. “It will mean massive reductions in red tape and unnecessary delays which anyone in the building industry will tell you can result in significant extra costs,” Mr Hinchliffe said."

Bligh Government launches $280,000 Fraser Coast tourism campaign
Source: Queensland. Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading. Media Release
"A new marketing campaign focussing on luring fun-seeking Sydneysiders to the Fraser Coast was officially launched by Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor at the Fraser Coast Industry Forum held in Hervey Bay. “Tourism Queensland’s Get closer to nature on Queensland’s Fraser Coast campaign, valued at $280,000 runs until 12 July and is hoped to stimulate about a $1.5 million tourism boost to the region,” Mr Lawlor said. Run in partnership with Fraser Coast South Burnett Tourism, Fraser Coast Council, and local operators, the campaign aims to promote and raise awareness of the Fraser Coast region."

Brumby Labor Government Delivering Fairer Workplaces
Source: Victoria. Minister for Industrial Relations. Media Release
"The Brumby Labor Government today came one step closer to delivering fairer workplaces when the Fair Work Commonwealth Powers Bill 2009 was passed by the Legislative Assembly.
Victoria is set to become the first state to legislate referral of industrial relations matters to the Federal Government, giving the greatest possible protection to the maximum number of Victorian workers and employers. Industrial Relations Minister Martin Pakula said the new Bill will replace the previous referral made in 1996 and would ensure that the Federal Government’s Fair Work Act, which seeks to provide Australia with a national workplace system will apply to all Victorian employees and employers."

Victoria Launches New Biosecurity Strategy
Source: Victoria. Minister for Agriculture. Media Release
"The Brumby Government launched a comprehensive new strategy that provides Victoria’s agricultural industries, environment and human health with greater protection from emerging biosecurity threats. Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said growing global trade, tourism and migration, coupled with changing climate, land use and agricultural practices made safeguarding Victoria from new animal and plant pests and diseases increasingly complex.“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to protect Victoria from biosecurity threats, to secure jobs and protect the economy,” Mr Helper said."

Sentencing Act to Take into Account Hate Crimes
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"The Brumby Labor Government will amend the Sentencing Act to require judges to take into account hatred for or prejudice against a particular group as an aggravating factor when sentencing. Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said the Sentencing Advisory Council would advise Government on the best way to amend the Sentencing Act. This will bring this aspect of sentencing in Victoria into line with the approach taken in New South Wales,” Mr Hulls said."

Victoria Leads the Nation in Native Title Settlement
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"Native title claims will be settled faster out of court in Victoria in one of the biggest shake-ups to native title since the Mabo judgement. The Brumby Labor Government announced it had agreed to a new way of settling native title claims which would save taxpayers money and lead to better outcomes for Indigenous communities. Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said the Victorian Native Title Settlement Framework would become the preferred method for negotiating native title settlements in Victoria. Mr Hulls said under the endorsed Victorian framework, traditional owner groups could choose to negotiate directly with the state to settle their native title claim rather than go through the courts. "

Faster Access to Justice Under Streamlined Procedures
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"A trial of streamlined court procedures at the Ballarat and Heidelberg Magistrates’ Courts has reduced court delays and victim trauma. Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said changes to police work and briefing practices had led to a reduction in the time to bring matters to court from an average of 210 days to 32 days. The number of contest mention hearings had also been reduced from 40 to six a week.The changes are part of the implementation of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009, which passed Parliament in February and represented the most significant overhaul of Victorian criminal procedure."

New Laws to Shut Down Licensed Venues Making the Community Safer
Source: Victoria. Minister for Consumer Affairs. Media Release
"New laws tackling alcohol-related violence in and around Victoria’s licensed venues come into effect today, enabling Victoria Police and the Director of Liquor Licensing to respond more quickly and effectively to crime and public safety threats caused by poorly managed pubs, bars and nightclubs. Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson said the Liquor Control Reform Amendment (Enforcement) Act 2009 strengthened the powers of the Director of Liquor Licensing and Victoria Police to shut down venues to protect patrons and the local community from potential harm."

Landmark Gaming Industry Restructure Goes Ahead
Source: Victoria. Minister for Gaming. Media Release
"The Brumby Labor Government’s historic restructure of the Victorian gaming industry is on track, with legislation establishing the new venue-operator model for gaming venues passing the Upper House. Gaming Minister Tony Robinson said the passing of the Gambling Regulation Amendment (Licensing) Bill 2009 laid the foundations for clubs and pubs to own and operate gaming machines from 2012.“The Gambling Regulation Amendment (Licensing) Bill 2009 underpins the Government’s decision to introduce a fairer, community based venue-operator structure for the Victorian gaming industry,” he said. The industry structure will deliver greater control to venues and give them the opportunity to derive a greater share of revenue from their business operations.”

New National Safety Laws to Better Protect Kids in Cars
Source: Victoria. Minister for Roads and Ports. Media Release
"All Victorian children up to the age of seven years will need to be secured in an approved restraint or booster seat when travelling in vehicles, under new road safety laws to be introduced in November this year to better protect children from serious injury. Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said the new laws were part of a national approach to protect children travelling in vehicles and are based on the latest safety research available. Parents are currently moving their children into adult seat belts from about the age of five and half years – but research suggests this is too early. Children up to seven years are at least four times more likely to sustain a head injury in a crash when sitting in an adult seat belt."

New Web Service to Support Senior Victorians
Source: Victoria. Minister for Senior Victorians. Media Release
"A new Brumby Labor Government online information service will help prevent and respond to the abuse of senior Victorians. Senior Victorians Minister Lisa Neville and Member for Monbulk James Merlino MP launched the new service www.seniorsrights.org.au, at the Eastern Community Legal Centre in Boronia. Ms Neville said the online information service is part of the Brumby Labor Government’s $5.9 million campaign to prevent elder abuse and safeguard the rights, dignity and independence of senior Victorians."

Victoria Enters New Era of Climate Change Action
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"Victoria will focus its efforts to combat climate change on areas such as new energy technology and green building initiatives that will create jobs and build the state’s economy, as outlined in the Victorian Climate Change Green Paper, released by Premier John Brumby. The Victorian Climate Change Green Paper outlines the importance of Victoria’s climate change policies to focus on actions that complement the national Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.

New campaign to target WA’s outlaw bikie gangs
Source: WA. Minister for Police
"Police Minister Rob Johnson and WA Police today launched a new initiative to target outlaw motorcycle gangs in Western Australia. A print and radio advertising campaign will promote a public phone-in on Tuesday, June 23, when the Crime Stoppers phone number (1800 333 000) will become a special bikie information hotline for 16 hours. The Crime Stoppers phones will be staffed from 7am until 11pm on that day to take anonymous calls from anyone with knowledge of bikie activities."

Strategy Released on World Environment Day
Tasmania. Minister for Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts
"The Waste Strategy was developed in close consultation with local government, the three regional waste authorities, industry groups and associations and the broader community. It is clear following this broad consultation that there is a need for further action to improve waste and resource management in Tasmania."

New measures to support investment in the Territory
Source: ACT. Treasurer
"The ACT Government has today (08/06/09) announced the start of a range of new initiatives to support investment in the Territory. Reduced Change of Use Charges will be available for applications made from the start of this month for a period of one year. A Change of Use Charge is payable if the lease provisions are changed to a higher value use - such as converting a lease from residential use to commercial. "

New Commonwealth - Victorian Water Agreement
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"The Australian and Victorian Governments have agreed on landmark reforms to return more water to the environment in conjunction with Victoria’s irrigation modernisation program. The new agreement will enable the Australian Government to acquire 300 billion litres over the next five years from 2008/09, over and above those purchases already permitted under Victoria’s four per cent annual cap from irrigation districts. A significant part of this agreement is greater co-ordination of Commonwealth purchases with the $2 billion Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project (NVIRP). Under the agreement, and subject to a review of progress on the modernisation project, Victoria will begin to phase out the four per cent cap on permanent water trades from irrigation districts from July 2011, with a view to removing the cap entirely by 2014."

Sex Industry Laws Review
Source: Tasmania. Attorney-General
"Attorney General Lara Giddings today said she expected a recently completed review of Tasmania’s sex industry laws to generate considerable debate among those who have strong views on the issue, including sex workers themselves.
The Government tabled the review of the Sex Industry Offences Act in State Parliament today (28/05/2009)."

Tougher seatbelt penalties on the way
Source: Tasmania. Minster for Infrastructure
"The State Government will introduce tougher penalties for motorists and passengers who fail to wear seatbelts. The new penalties will be:
· Driver without a seatbelt – an increase from $110 to $300;
· Passenger over 16 without seatbelt (passenger fined) – increase from $110 to $300;
· Passenger under 16 (driver fined) – increase from $110 to $350.
Mr Sturges said that this last penalty would be slightly higher to reflect the increased responsibility of drivers to ensure that children are properly restrained."

Better justice for victims of sexual assault and violence
Source: ACT. Attorney General
"These reforms are designed to minimise the potential re-victimisation that can be experienced by victims of sexual and violent offences when they interact with the criminal justice system.
While the right to a fair trial is a central pillar of the criminal justice system, for too long now, maintaining the balance of fairness between the competing rights of victims and offenders in the prosecution of sexual assault has been heavily weighted against the complainant. These changes to the committal laws aim to decrease the number of minor matters heard in the Supreme Court. "

Strategy to stamp out the scourge of domestic violence
Source: Queensland. Premier and Minister for the Arts and Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women. Media Release
"The Bligh Government will establish an expert Death Review Panel in an effort to identify gaps in services for victims of domestic and family violence and prevent further deaths in the future.
Premier Anna Bligh said the panel, approved by Cabinet, will investigate the circumstances surrounding domestic violence-related deaths over the past five years as well as examine any new cases as they arise in the future. Ms Bligh said the establishment of the panel – to be comprised of both government and non-government members - was the first step in a long-term strategy to help stem the tide of domestic and family violence in Queensland."

Bligh Government moves to reduce problem gambling with new technology
Source: Queensland. Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading. Media Release
"The Queensland Government is leading the way in the prevention of problem gambling in Queensland by completing further trials of ‘cashless gaming’ technology in two Brisbane venues. Minister responsible for gaming, Peter Lawlor said the new card-based gaming technology allowed patrons to set limits on the money or time they spend on the pokies. “This harm minimisation concept offers gaming patrons more control over their spending and could potentially be rolled out throughout the state."

Bligh Government Turns White Goods Stores Green
Source: Queensland. Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability. Media Release
"White goods stores have become Queensland’s latest army in the campaign to reduce energy use and save more water in households. Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones today launched a new Bligh Government program that would see retailers help turn Queenslanders into Australia’s biggest carbon busters. Ms Jones said the Bligh Government had so far enlisted nearly 40 major stores across Queensland to better educate their customers that the choices they make can have a huge bearing on their home’s electricity and water use, and ultimately, their hip pocket."

Tenders called for adoption support service
Source: Queensland. Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport. Media Release
"The Bligh Government is looking for a community organisation to run a new support service for people involved in adoptions, Child Safety Minister Phil Reeves said.
Mr Reeves said applications were being sought from non-government organisations to provide the statewide service as part of the government’s adoption laws reforms currently before Parliament. The new adoption support service will have a free call helpline, local counsellors in the south-east and later in regional Queensland, as well as providing training in adoption issues for health professionals and other counsellors."

Community- by-community – there will be change
Source: Queensland. Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. Media Release
"Mayors from 14 Indigenous communities, Ministers, State Members of Parliament and senior government officers met in Cairns and vowed to work in partnership to create jobs, houses and economic development opportunities. Local Government, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Minister Desley Boyle and Community Services and Housing Minister Karen Struthers listened to the Mayors and committed to action – community-by-community. “There will not be a one-size fits all approach on-the-ground because we recognise that each community has its own priorities, good ideas and challenges,” Minister Boyle said. “What we must have is action now - not later. We have State money and Federal money to apply, but first we must remove the blockages to moving forward,” she said."

New Brisbane CBD congestion busting pilot starts Monday
Source: Queensland. Minister for Transport. Media Release
"Some lucky Brisbane commuters will be sleeping in from Monday and others will be up at the crack of dawn as part of a new flexible workplace pilot program aimed to ease traffic congestion.
Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the month-long flexible workplace Pilot, which includes both government and private industry in the Brisbane CBD, encourages employees to work from home, compress their working week, and change their typical working hours.
“By encouraging working from home or staggering work hours, we can ease traffic congestion and promote a better work-life balance,” Ms Nolan said."