Australia Accedes to the Disabilities Convention Optional Protocol
Source: Australia. Attorney-General. Media Release
"Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, Bill Shorten, today announced that Australia will accede to the Optional Protocol on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities."

Government Welcomes New Uranium Joint Venture
Source: Australia. Minister for Resources and Energy. Media Release
"The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, today attended a ceremony to celebrate the signing of a joint venture between Mega Resources and Japan Australia Uranium Resources Development for the Lake Maitland uranium project in Western Australia. "

50,000 New Green Jobs and Green Skills Training Places for a Stronger Greener Australian Economy
Source: Australia. Prime Minister. Media Release
"The Rudd Government today announced 50,000 new green jobs and training opportunities to build a stronger and greener Australian economy.

This $94 million investment in Australia’s future and major reform of Australia’s training system will help support jobs and communities being hit by the local consequence of a severe global recession."

Strengthening Australia's Steel Industry
Australia. Minister for Innovation. Media Release
"A Steel Industry Innovation Council will be established to ensure the industry has the best possible access to billions of dollars of public and private sector projects, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr announced today. "

$600,000 to Boost Opportunities for Australian Industry
Source: Australia. Minister for Innovation. Media Release
"Maximising supply opportunities for Australian companies for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games is one of four projects to share in $600, 000 of Australian Government funding.
The funding, awarded under the Supplier Access to Major Projects (SAMP) program, will allow the Industry Capability Network (ICN) to link competitive Australian companies with lucrative supply opportunities in major projects in Australia and overseas. "

$43.8 Million Package to Train More Than 8000 Aged Care Workers
Source: Australia. Minister for Ageing. Media Release
"Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot today announced a $43.8 million education and training package designed to up-skill more than 8,000 aged and community care staff."

Encouraging Health Students to Think Rural
Source: Australia. Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery. Media Release
"Cairns doctors will be able to access retention payments and relocation grants for the first time next year following changes to the way the Federal Government will target its rural workforce programs, the Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon announced today."

$10.7M Available to Reduce Indigenous Smoking Rates
Source: Australia. Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery. Media Release
"The Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon, today encouraged organisations with expertise in smoking prevention and quitting smoking to join a $10.7 million initiative to reduce smoking amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."

$44 Million to Protect Those Most at Risk From Seasonal Flu
Source: Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing. Media Release
"The Rudd Government has moved to nearly double its seasonal flu protection by extending its free vaccine program for vulnerable groups from next year. "

Agreement To Boost Clean Energy Ties With Singapore
Source: Australia. Minister for Trade. Media Release
"A new agreement between the peak clean energy industry bodies in Australia and Singapore will enhance commercial ties between the two countries."

Trade 2020 to Provide New Vision for Australia's Global Engagement
Source: Australia. Minister for Trade. Media Release
"Minister for Trade Simon Crean, today announced Trade 2020-a new series of high-level forums that will generate ideas and vision for Australia's ongoing commercial engagement with the world."

Equal Opportunity Bill passes
Source: South Australia. Attorney General. Media Release.
"Carers, contract workers, mentally ill people, breastfeeding mothers and people wearing religious dress are among those set to benefit from new equal opportunity legislation, which passed State Parliament."

Rann Government to crush hoons' cars and spirits
Source: South Australia. Premier. Media Release.
"The Rann Government will bolster its arsenal in its war against hoon drivers by introducing laws to allow police to crush hoon cars. These new laws will also lift drag racing on our streets from a traffic offence to a criminal offence."

Greater consistency for judicial officers
Source: South Australia. Attorney General. Media Release.
"New legislation aimed at creating improved removal provisions for judicial officers of the Supreme, District and Magistrates courts has been introduced into Parliament. Attorney-General Michael Atkinson says the Magistrates (Removal from Office) Amendment Bill 2009 provides necessary reforms to the current legislation."

Changes to Fire and Emergency Services Act introduced
Source: South Australia. Minister for Emergency Services. Media Release.
"Minister for Emergency Services, Michael Wright, has introduced amendments to the Fire and Emergency Services Act in preparation for this year’s fire season. Communities will benefit from increased attention to the preparedness, prevention, response and recovery phases of emergency service management, and the emergency services will benefit through a much closer and more efficient working relationship,” Minister Wright said."

New laws to protect runaway children
Source: South Australia. Attorney General. Media Release.
"Vulnerable children will become better protected from adults who exploit them through legislation introduced to State Parliament - the Statutes Amendment (Children’s Protection) Bill 2009."

Making child protection everyone's responsibility
Source: South Australia. Minister for Families and Communities. Media Release.
"Sporting and recreational bodies - as well as church groups and health professionals - will be required to strengthen their child protection policies as part of new Rann Government legislation - the Children's Protection (Implementation of Report Recommendations) Amendment Bill 2009.

New public liability provisions passed by Parliament
Source: South Australia. Minister for Consumer Affairs. Media Release.
"South Australians participating in sporting and recreational clubs will soon have a better system governing public liability arrangements that protect their interests and maintain workability for clubs and operators."

New laws target bikie's hip pocket
Source: South Australia. Attorney General. Media Release.
"The Rann Government is now targeting criminal wealth from illegal activity through laws ready to be introduced into Parliament. State Cabinet has approved the introduction of the Serious and Organised Crime (Unexplained Wealth) Bill 2009."

New laws banning mobiles for L and P1 drivers
Source: South Australia. Minister for Road Safety. Media Release.
"The State Government is moving to ban all Learner and P1 platers in South Australia from using any type of mobile phone function, including hands-free or bluetooth units, while they’re driving."

Drive for sustainable growth of forestry industry
Source: South Australia. Minister for Forests. Media Release.
"A drive to sustainably grow the forestry industry in South Australia is getting underway with a new body - the Forest Industry Development Board - now commencing its deliberations. Minister Caica says the forest and forest products sector is entering a new phase, and the Board’s initial principal task is to prepare a strategy to ensure that appropriate planning is undertaken."

Fresh start for Aboriginal offenders
Source: South Australia. Minister for Correctional Services. Media Release.
"The Minister for Correctional Services Tom Koutsantonis opened South Australia’s first prison unit specifically designed to accommodate Aboriginal offenders. The new unit is named Pakani Arangka, which means ‘fresh starting place’ or ‘growing out of’ in Pitjantjatjara. It gives Aboriginal prisoners the chance to reform their lives in a culturally-appropriate environment,” Mr Koutsantonis said."

Taking action to avoid brain drain
Source: South Australia. Minister for Mineral Resources Development. Media Release.
"Minister for Mineral Resources Development Paul Holloway said the Rann Government is acting to prevent the loss of mining expertise from South Australia in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. Mr Holloway says $750,000 to support the Geoscientist Assistance Program for two years aims to encourage mining professionals to remain in South Australia to maintain their skills and expertise."

New skills recognition and job matching tools
Source: South Australia. Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education. Media Release.
"A new $448,000 skills project aims to help match potential workers in the state’s manufacturing, engineering and automotive sector with industry employers. The project involving two new online tools is the result of the South Australian Manufacturing Skills Recognition and Matching Project - a joint initiative under the State Government’s South Australia Works Workforce Development Fund and the Manufacturing Industry Skills Advisory Council (MISAC)."

Call to Aboriginal veterans and dependants
Source: South Australia. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. Media Release.
"Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Atkinson is encouraging Aboriginal veterans who have served in the Army, Navy or Air Force, or their dependants, to make themselves known as part of an Aboriginal Members and Dependants Project. Mr Atkinson says the project is the first of its type to be undertaken and will create an important database that will assist all serving and past Aboriginal veterans."

Rees Government Strengthens Liquor Accords
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Gaming and Racing. Media Release.
“The Rees Government announced a series of workshops to support liquor accords across NSW in reducing alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and violence. Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Greene said the Partnerships Beyond 2010 workshops will help build the capacity of the State’s 148 liquor accords to address local alcohol issues.”

Review to strengthen RSA training for frontline staff
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Gaming and Racing. Media Release.
“Mandatory responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training for frontline liquor workers is being reviewed to strengthen its effectiveness in reducing anti-social behaviour and violence. Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Greene released a discussion paper and called for public submissions on a range of proposals to build on the success of the RSA training scheme.”

Government to Review NSW Juvenile Justice System
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Juvenile Justice. Media Release.
“The commencement of the first review of the NSW juvenile justice system in 16 years will aim to improve policy and practice in an effort to reduce the state’s reoffending rates, said Minister for Juvenile Justice Graham West.”

Tourism Toolkit for Sydney councils
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Tourism. Media Release.
"Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay announced the release of a new marketing toolkit to help Sydney’s 37 councils and their local tourism businesses promote their tourist attractions."
Tourism Precinct Toolkit

Sydney farmers turn to texting to save water
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Primary Industries.
“A telephone SMS irrigation scheduling service using satellite information will be offered to landholders to help improve water use efficiency in the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald.”

One-stop-shop for gas industry
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Regulatory Reform.
"Consumers concerned about gas appliances and unsure about the safety and standard of their fittings will now be looked after by the Office of Fair Trading thanks to a Better Regulation office review."

WA Reviews key GM legislation
Source: Envirocentre Newsletter
"The WA Government is reviewing a key Act relating to genetically modified crops and has called for public submissions to the review.
The Act being assessed is the Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Act 2003 which prohibits the cultivation of certain genetically modified crops in designated areas of WA and, in certain cases, provides for the crops’ destruction.
It is a requirement of the Act that a review be undertaken five years after its commencement and for a report to be tabled in Parliament by December 24, 2009.
The review will look at the Act and whether it is appropriate; its operation and effectiveness; and the orders prohibiting the cultivation of GM crops and the granting of exemptions.
The government has stressed, however, that the review is not a general inquiry into gene technology and GM organisms. Issues such as the safety and labelling of GM foods, legal liability, use of pesticides, intellectual property and the role of multi-nationals are not covered under the scope of the review."

New medical retrieval service for critically ill patients
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Health.
"The NSW Government has announced funding of almost a million dollars for a new service aimed at saving the lives of critically ill patients, including those with swine flu who are suffering severe respiratory problems. The Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Medical Retrieval Service despatches teams of anaesthetists, surgeons and intensive care nursing and medical staff direct to patients anywhere in the state."

e-learning for doctors and nurses on child treatments
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Health.
"A new state-wide computer program has been launched to help doctors and nurses train in diagnosis and treatment options for children."

Minister welcomes new construction noise guidelines
Source: New South Wales. Acting Minister for Climate Change and the Environment.
"Linda Burney, the Acting Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, released
new guidelines to ensure construction sites lessen the impact of construction noise on their
neighbours."

Rees launches international search for clean energy
Source: New South Wales. Premier. Media Release.
"NSW Premier Nathan Rees announced a new $5 million international prize to keep the State at the forefront of clean energy.Mr Rees released initial details of the NSW Energy Challenge Prize at the inaugural University Government Business Forum held at the Mint. It will stand along side prestigious international prizes such as the Saltire Prize - a £10 million prize offered by the Scottish Government for innovation in wave and tidal energy technology."

Name change laws come into effect
Source: New South Wales. Premier. Media Release.
"Police will be alerted every time a criminal changes his or her name under new laws that come into effect, said Premier Nathan Rees. This reform is the first of its kind in Australia,” Mr Rees said."

$100 million smart grid trial gets industry talking
Source: Australia. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts. Media Release
"Industry and community groups this week discussed the options and opportunities under the Australian Government's $100 million National Energy Efficiency Initiative: Smart Grid, Smart City, which will accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy by encouraging innovative smart grid technology."

New policy statement for wind farm industry
Source: Australia. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
"The Wind farm industry policy statement is one of a series of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) policy statements aimed at providing more detailed guidance on how the EPBC Act may apply to specific places, species, ecological communities or industry sectors and activities."

Streamlined environmental assessments Australia wide
Source: Australia. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts . Media Release
"Bilateral agreements for environmental assessments are now in place between the Commonwealth and all Australian states and territories with Victoria and the ACT both signing agreements in the past month.
The agreements are in accordance with national environment law, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)."

Australia's Digital Economy: Future Directions
Source: Australia. Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
"The Australian Government released the Australia's Digital Economy: Future Directions paper on 14 July 2009 which outlines:
why the digital economy is important for Australia
the current state of digital economy engagement in Australia and why current metrics point to a need for strategic action
the elements of a successful digital economy
the role for the Government in developing Australia's digital economy, and
case studies of Australians who have successfully engaged with the digital economy from a diversity of industries including content, e-health, maps, banking, education, smart technology and citizen journalism."

Review of Laws to Protect Women and Children
Source: Australia. Attorney-General
"Commonwealth Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and New South Wales Minister for Women and Acting Attorney-General, Verity Firth, today announced a joint investigation into the harmonisation of domestic violence and family law.
“The primary aim of this work will be to address inconsistencies so as to ensure women and children are better protected under both Commonwealth and State laws,” Mr McClelland said."

$26 million boost for Landcare projects
Source: Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Media Release
"Farmers, farmer groups and industry bodies will benefit from $26 million in Rudd Government funding for 56 Landcare projects across Australia – part of a major investment in land management and sustainable agriculture."

$450,000 Boost to Support Refugee and Migrant Children
Source: Victoria. Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development. Media Release
"A $450,000 Brumby Labor Government funding boost would help ensure Victorian children from diverse cultural backgrounds get an even better start in life. Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Maxine Morand said the Free Kindergarten Association (FKA) Children’s Services would receive the funding to improve the development of inclusive language and culture programs by providing bilingual staff to visit a range of children’s services."

Governments Partner With Ford on New Green Engines
Source: Victoria. Minister for Industry and Trade. Media Release
"The Rudd and Brumby Labor governments are working in partnership with Ford Australia on a major $230 million green engine initiative. The partnership was announced today by Commonwealth Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr and Victorian Industry Minister Martin Pakula. “The Rudd Government has contributed $42 million from its Green Car Innovation Fund to what is an important milestone in Ford Australia’s evolution,” Senator Carr said. The funding will run over three years, starting this financial year, and will support the application of a four-cylinder, turbo-charged EcoBoost engine to fit the Falcon."

New Sentencing Laws to Take Into Account Hate Crime
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"The Brumby Labor Government will legislate later this year to ensure sentencing laws take into account crimes motivated by hate or prejudice. Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said the Government had now received advice from the Sentencing Advisory Council on amending the Sentencing Act following the Government’s referral in June.“The Council has come back with a number of recommendations based on my referral which our Government will consider,” Mr Hulls said.“The Council has suggested explicit legislative recognition that courts, in sentencing, have regard to whether the offence was motivated by hate for or prejudice against a particular group of people with common characteristics.“It has also suggested courts will be able to impose more severe sentences for offences motivated by hatred.“Sentencing courts would make it clear that crimes motivated by hatred or prejudice will not be tolerated by the community. This would not only punish an offender and denounce their conduct, but it could serve as a deterrent to other offenders committing crimes motivated by hatred or prejudice.”

Integrity Commissioner to Oversee Victorian Racing
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"Integrity assurance in the Victorian racing industry will be strengthened through a Racing Integrity Commissioner and changes to the appeals and disciplinary processes in legislation to be introduced to Parliament. Deputy Premier and Racing Minister Rob Hulls said the Brumby Labor Government was taking action to ensure public confidence in the future of Victoria’s world-class racing industry. The Racing Legislation Amendment (Racing Integrity Assurance) Bill 2009 will establish a Racing Integrity Commissioner, set up a new appeals and disciplinary structure for the racing industry, and repeal the ban on the transmission of betting odds from racecourses.“Integrity assurance is top of the list for both the racing industry and the Government and these measures will ensure more comprehensive, independent and consistent integrity assurance systems and processes across the racing industry,” Mr Hulls said."

Judges Set to Lead Appropriate Dispute Resolution
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"Appropriate dispute resolution (ADR) will be enshrined in Victoria’s courts with a proposed law confirming that judges have the power to lead mediation in civil cases to resolve disputes more quickly and cheaply, Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls announced. “The Judicial Resolution Conference Bill puts beyond doubt that ADR techniques, such as mediation, are a core function of judicial office,” Mr Hulls said.“This legislation, introduced into Parliament today, will place Victoria another step down the path of a justice system that fully integrates ADR to make access to justice a reality for all Victorians. The community demands that Government and the Courts work together to develop more flexible and innovative ways of settling civil disputes, and that’s what we have achieved with this legislation.”

Report Proposes New Law on Criminal Jury Directions
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"The Brumby Labor Government will consider a report on how to improve laws around jury directions in criminal trials to avoid unnecessary retrials and appeals. Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said the Government was committed to ensuring that accused persons receive a fair trial and that complex jury directions do not delay the justice system.He said the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s (VLRC) final report, which would be tabled in Parliament, looked at changes to jury directions that could reduce court delays and the number of appeals. Importantly, victims of crime can be further traumatised by court retrials and it is important we reduce court delays and appeals to reduce unnecessary hardship for victims.”

Child Safety Commissioner Granted Stronger Powers
Source: Victoria. Minister for Community Services. Media Release
"Victoria’s Child Safety Commissioner Bernie Geary will be given stronger powers to review cases involving child protection clients under new legislation to be introduced by the Brumby Labor Government this week. Minister for Community Services Lisa Neville said the amendments to the Children Youth and Families Act (2005) and the Child Wellbeing Act (2005) would bolster the Commissioner’s existing powers and increase the flexibility, transparency and accountability of the child protection system.“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to stand up and support vulnerable children with new legislation to be debated in Parliament tomorrow to ensure the Commissioner can review any case involving a child known to child protection, whether it is a death or an assault,’’ Ms Neville said. The legislative overhaul will also give the Commissioner power to review cases where a child has died within 12 months of leaving the child protection system."

Better Physical Health for People with Mental Illness
Source: Victoria. Minister for Health. Media Release
"A groundbreaking new project will boost access to vital health services for Victorians with a mental illness thanks to a $400,000 Brumby Labor Government funding boost. Visiting Inner South Community Health Service in South Melbourne, Health Minister Daniel Andrews and Mental Health Minister Lisa Neville launched the Improving access to primary health care services for people with serious mental illness demonstration project.“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to reduce the impact of chronic disease in the Victorian community,” Mr Andrews said. This project will address barriers for people with mental illness, boosting awareness and making it easier to access vital primary health services,” he said."

Australian First Centre to Boost Prevention
Source: Victoria. Minister for Health. Media Release
"A $500,000 Brumby Labor Government boost will establish an Australian first centre of excellence to conduct the latest research into prevention and intervention to assist in tackling the rise of chronic diseases in Victoria. Speaking at the 17th Ministerial Rural Health Forum at Etihad Stadium, Health Minister Daniel Andrews announced the pioneering new initiative to boost research into prevention.“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to provide Victorian families with world-class health services,’’ Mr Andrews said.“Our $500,000 boost to establish the Victorian Centre of Excellence in Intervention and Prevention Science (CEIPS) will assist in taking action to reduce the impact of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer on Victorian families."

A Smart Territory – Delivering on Education and Training
Source: Northern Territory. Education Minister. Media Release
Chief Minister and Education Minister Paul Henderson has unveiled an Education and Training Strategic Plan for the next three years. “I want every child to leave school with the skills to go to uni, or get an apprenticeship or job,” Mr Henderson said. “This is a practical, commonsense approach which will improve results as part of our plan to be a Smart Territory. This is a step by step Plan to better education and training, backed by concrete targets and resources. Our kids deserve the best education and training – and that’s what this Plan delivers.” The strategy is based on three main themes:
* the expectation of success;
* the meeting of clear numeracy and literacy targets; and
* improved attendance."

Public transport plan released for comment
Source: ACT. Minister for Transport. Media Release
"Chief Minister and Minister for Transport Jon Stanhope released the Strategic Public Transport Network Plan at a Sustainable Transport Roundtable attended by over 70 community leaders. Mr Stanhope said the Plan, developed by leading transport planning expert Jarrett Walker from McCormack Rankin Cagney, sets the vision for how public transport in Canberra could operate by 2031, and would help the ACT meet its sustainable transport target of 16 percent of work trips on public transport by 2026. The Plan includes designs for Rapid, Frequent Local, Peak and Coverage services, where:
* Rapid services are frequent and fast all day with services every 15 minutes or better and less stops, similar to the current inter-town bus routes;
* Frequent Local services have many stops, serve continuous high-density areas, connect to rapid services at town centres and major centres, like the current services on Northborne Ave;
* Peak Express are non-stop services from town centres to worksites, operating in peak commuter hours only, similar to the current Xpresso services; and
* Coverage services are all-day service every 30-60 minutes, covering low-density areas where relatively low patronage is inevitable. They connect all suburbs to their nearest town centre."

New measures to ease pressure on the public hospital system
Source: ACT. Health Minister. Media Release
"The ACT Government is working with private providers to offer public hospital care through private facilities in coming months in an effort to increase public hospital bed capacity in the face of extreme pressure on the system, ACT Health Minister, Katy Gallagher MLA, said. "Our hospital system is currently under enormous pressure due largely to seasonal illnesses and the added burden of swine flu which is causing large numbers of presentations to our emergency departments. Staff absenteeism due to illness is also unusually high," Ms Gallagher said. The unprecedented number of presentations to emergency departments results in more admissions and creates additional pressure for beds, particularly in the Intensive Care Unit. The Minister said that in addition to normal winter planning, ACT Health is pursuing some further measures which will be progressively implemented over coming weeks. "

Support grows for reforms to the offence of murder in the ACT
Source: ACT. Attorney-General. Media Release
"Key agencies that deal with serious criminal behaviour in the ACT have agreed on the need for consistency across borders when it comes to the definition of murder, Attorney General, Simon Corbell said today. Mr Corbell appeared before the Standing Committee of Justice and Community Safety this morning to give evidence about the need for reforms to the definition of murder in the ACT to bring it into line with other States and territories. "This is a very important amendment to existing legislation and I am encouraged to see uniformity from significant stakeholders including the ACT Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions," Mr Corbell said. The proposal would see reform to the offence of murder so that a person can be convicted of the offence when a person dies when the intention of the accused person was to inflict serious harm. "

Parliamentary Inquiry to put alcohol related violence into focus
Source: Queensland. Premier. Media Release
"The State Government will crack down on the use of glass in high risk, problem venues across the state in a bid to improve public safety and reduce alcohol-fuelled violence.
Premier Anna Bligh announced the government will additionally establish a far-ranging, Queensland-wide Parliamentary Inquiry into alcohol-related violence and its ramifications as part of determined effort to improve public safety throughout the state. Ms Bligh said the government would work with the liquor industry and the Queensland Police Service to identify high risk venues and aim to replace glass with plastic or similar cups by the end of the year."

Sweeping court reforms to streamline Qld justice system
Source: Queensland. Attorney-General. Media Release
"Queensland’s criminal and civil justice systems will be modernised and streamlined as part of major legal reforms announced by Attorney-General Cameron Dick. Mr Dick said the sweeping reforms form part of the Bligh Government’s response to a wide-ranging review of the state’s criminal and civil justice systems by the Honourable Martin Moynihan AO QC, retired Senior Judge Administrator of the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Mr Dick said the reforms will take place over two stages, focused on delivering key efficiencies. The first stage will include: • An expansion in the type of criminal cases to be heard and tried summarily in the Magistrates Court; • An increase in the criminal jurisdiction of the District Court, from indictable offences with a maximum penalty of 14 years or less, to those with a maximum of 20 years; and • An increase in the monetary limits for civil disputes in the District Court, Magistrates Court and Small Claims Tribunal (which will form part of the new Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal from December 1)."

Clamps tighten on serial fine dodgers
Source: Queensland. Attorney-General. Media Release
"The State Government is set to introduce tough new measures to clamp down on people who fail to pay their fines. Attorney-General Cameron Dick announced the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) would trial a 12 month compliance strategy aimed at reeling in the state’s worst fine defaulters. “The government will introduce new legislation to authorise SPER officers to clamp the wheels of vehicles belonging to debtors who refuse to pay their fines," Mr Dick said. Following that, if offenders still refuse to start repaying their debts, the government will have the power to seize and sell their vehicle."

Bligh Government provides free responsible alcohol service training for small community clubs
Source: Queensland. Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading. Media Release
"Minister responsible for liquor and gaming, Peter Lawlor MP, will officially launch the Training Assistance Entitlement scheme which will help small licensed community clubs meet new Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training requirements. New laws introduced in 2009 have made RSA training mandatory for staff involved with the service or supply of alcohol in licensed premises. “RSA training is one of a number of important harm minimisation measures the Queensland Government has implemented, providing valuable education to those involved with the service of alcohol,” said Minister Lawlor. From 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010, eligible small community clubs are able to receive up to $85 to help pay for mandatory RSA training."

More Training Places for the Rural Sector
Source: Queensland. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"The Bligh Government will partner with industry to deliver more than $1.5 million worth of training to jobseekers and existing workers in the rural sector. Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson said under the Productivity Places Program the Government would work with the Queensland Rural Industry Training Council to train some 200 workers and 100 jobseekers during the next two years. “High-level training will be delivered to existing workers in areas such as agriculture, conservation and land management, and horticulture,” Mr Wilson said. “The funding is also expected to help some 100 jobseekers to develop skills in areas such as conservation and land management, rural operations and shearing."

600 Additional Training Places For the Tourism Industry
Source: Queensland. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"The Bligh Government will partner with industry to deliver more than $2.6 million in training to workers in the tourism and hospitality industry. Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson said the Government would work with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council to deliver the Productivity Places Program. “The Bligh Government is meeting its commitment to boosting the number of training places and improving training for existing workers to make them more employable,” Mr Wilson said. The program will deliver high-level training to 600 workers during the next two years."

Students to Shine in State-of-the-Arts School
Source: Victoria. Minister for Education. Media Release
"Victoria’s best budding dancers and musicians will take to the stage and their studies in one of the world’s most unique performing arts schools, thanks to a $20 million Brumby Labor Government investment in education. Education Minister Bronwyn Pike officially opened the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) for students in Years seven to 12 in Southbank.“This school is about delivering new and creative buildings to give Victorian students cutting-edge opportunities in education within a world-class government school system,” Ms Pike said. The VCASS has 200 specially-selected students in its dance and music program, as well as academic students from the Australian Ballet School, Gymnastics Victoria and Diving Victoria. "

JUDICIAL COMPLAINTS WORKING GROUP ESTABLISHED
Source: Victoria. Attornery General. Media Release
"The Brumby Labor Government will establish a judicial complaints working group to develop new processes to investigate complaints against Victorian judicial officers. Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said the establishment of the working group followed the Government’s undertaking in Justice Statement 2 to explore processes to handle minor complaints of judicial misconduct and unprofessional behaviour. The working group, to be made up of judicial representatives from each of Victoria’s court jurisdictions, would develop options for a legislative process that would deal with minor complaints against judges and magistrates that may not warrant removal from office."

SIGNIFICANT OTHERS GET HELP FROM LATEST PROBLEM GAMBLING CAMPAIGN
Source: Victoria. Minister for Gaming. Media Release
"A new advertising campaign targeting the “significant others” of Victorians with gambling problems was launched by Gaming Minister Tony Robinson. Mr Robinson said this latest campaign focused on the family and friends of problem gamblers, encouraging significant others to call Gambler’s Helpline for support and advice on how to help problem gamblers take control of their gambling.“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to tackle the personal and social cost of problem gambling and to ensure problem gamblers can access a comprehensive range of support services,” Mr Robinson said. The state-wide campaign is part of the Brumby Labor Government’s $132 million Taking action on problem gambling strategy to minimise the potential for gambling-related harm on the Victorian community."

WORLD-FIRST DESIGN GUIDELINES TO PROMOTE SAFETY IN AND AROUND LICENSED VENUES
Source: Victoria. Minister for Community Services. Media Release
"A world-first set of design principles would help reduce violence and antisocial behaviour in and around licensed venues, Consumer Minister Tony Robinson said. At the launch of the Design Guidelines for Licensed Premises at Melbourne’s State of Design Festival, Mr Robinson said the principles would encourage architects, planners and licensees to create innovative and creative spaces while promoting patron safety and reducing noise, litter and violence in the surrounding community.“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to make Victoria’s licensed venues safer and more enjoyable and reduce the negative impact these venues can have on the broader community,” Mr Robinson said. "

BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR YOUNGER PEOPLE IN NURSING HOMES
Source: Victoria. Minister for Community Services. Media Release
"Younger people with disabilities in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs will be able to move out of residential aged care services into specially provided accommodation thanks to the five-year, $60.2 million joint Commonwealth/State project my future, my choice initiative, Minister for Community Services Lisa Neville announced. Ms Neville joined representatives of local service organisations to inspect progress on the site at Willow Avenue in Glen Waverley, saying the project would build specialised accommodation facilities for younger Victorians with a range of disabilities - such as acquired brain injury, neurological conditions, or spinal cord injury - who are living in aged care facilities. "

BETTER PHYSICAL HEALTH FOR PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS
Source: Victoria. Minister for Mental Health. Media Release
"A groundbreaking new project will boost access to vital health services for Victorians with a mental illness thanks to a $400,000 Brumby Labor Government funding boost. Visiting Inner South Community Health Service in South Melbourne, Health Minister Daniel Andrews and Mental Health Minister Lisa Neville launched the Improving access to primary health care services for people with serious mental illness demonstration project.“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to reduce the impact of chronic disease in the Victorian community,” Mr Andrews said. That’s why this Government has committed $400,000 over two years to the pilot project to run at Inner South Community Health Service and Eastern Access Community Health.”

INNOVATIVE LONG-TERM CARE FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER
Source: Victoria. Minister for Health. Media Release
"In an Australian first, Victorian children who suffer from cancer will benefit from a long-term, $2 million-plus Brumby Labor Government program to guide their recovery and plan their future health care. Launching the Paediatric Cancer Long Term Follow Up for Late Effects program, Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the statewide program is part of the Brumby Labor Government’s $150 million Cancer Action Plan launched last December and will proactively manage the long-term care of patients by matching broad-ranging services with their individual needs."

64 JOBS FOR NEW VICTORIAN BROADBAND INSTITUTE
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"A new institute for broadband will be created at the University of Melbourne creating 64 highly skilled Victorian jobs with funding from the Victorian Government. Premier John Brumby said the Institute for a Broadband Enabled Society (IBES) would be Australia’s first institute dedicated to future broadband applications. “This new $50 million institute will bring together some of the best broadband-related researchers from Australia and around the world,” Mr Brumby said."

Three Point Plan to Protect Recreational Fishing
Source: Northern Territory. Minister for Fisheries. Media Release
"The Territory Government has unveiled a three point plan to protect fishing in Bynoe Harbour, Finniss River and Fog Bay. Fisheries Minister, Kon Vatskalis, said the strategy will provide clear direction and certainty for the industry.
3 Point Plan
· A 28 day public consultation about the proposed closures of Bynoe Harbour and Finniss River taking in part of Fog Bay to commercial barramundi fishing;
· On consideration of public submissions a decision will be made on the permanent closure lines to commercial barramundi fishing;
· Barramundi Fishery Advisory Group to report back in 12 months on permanent commercial fishing closures, including the rest of Fog Bay.
“This Government is working hard to deliver real results and make fishing in the Territory even better,” Mr Vatskalis said. “The buy-back of commercial fishing licences for the benefit of recreational anglers is an important election commitment."

$10 000 To Adults Surviving Child Abuse Workshops
Source: Northern Territory. Minister for Children and Families. Media Release
"Minister for Children and Families Malarndirri McCarthy announced that the NT Government would provide $10 000 to fund the workshops for adult survivors of child abuse, as well as for health professionals. National organisation Adults Surviving Child Abuse (ASCA) will provide workshops in Darwin next month on safety and the importance of support, shopping for therapists, building coping strategies and understanding abuse and its impacts. Ms McCarthy met with ASCA representatives last month and said she was impressed with the organisation’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of adult survivors of all child abuse and neglect."

Territorians Urged To Get Energy Smart
Source: Northern Territory. Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Hertiage. Media Release
"The Territory Government will give back half the cost of energy saving fittings under a scheme to cut our carbon footprint. Environment Minister Alison Anderson said rebates were available on a range of household items, including power boards, energy efficient light globes, timers, power usage metres and fridge and freezer seals. “Under the Territory Government’s Energy Smart Rebate Scheme, householders can claim a 50 per cent rebate of up to $200 on the purchase and installation cost of selected energy saving items. Households could cut 1300kg per year of greenhouse gas emissions by using energy smart products and that also means cheaper power bills."

Interest-free micro-credit loans scheme for aspiring business women
Source: ACT. Minister for Women. Media Release
"Canberra women on low incomes will have access to interest-free loans of up to $3000 to help them establish or further develop their own businesses under a new ACT Government initiative. The Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher MLA, said the ACT Women's Micro-credit Program would provide $150,000 in loans to local women over the next four years. "The idea of offering small loans to individuals or very small business enterprises to assist in the creation or expansion of micro-enterprises originated in Bangladesh in 1976 through the Grameen Bank," Ms Gallagher said."

New framework for ACT Government concessions
Source: ACT. Minister for Community Services. Media Release
"The ACT Government has developed an online resource to help Canberrans access information about the range of concessions that is available, ACT Minister for Community Services, Katy Gallagher MLA announced. The dedicated web portal is part of the new direction for ACT Government concessions, which includes a new policy framework for the delivery of concessions. The new framework was developed after a review of concessions across the ACT Government last year, which looked at how access to concessions was promoted, how concessions were accessed, and the different needs of individuals in the community."

Finding The Right Balance On Workers’ Compensation
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Workplace Relations. Media Release
"Reforms to Tasmania’s workers’ compensation system announced by the State Government today strike the right balance between the needs of employers and the rights of workers. Announcing the changes following approval by Cabinet this morning [13 July], Premier David Bartlett said the Government had arrived at a package that provided a cost-effective workers’ compensation scheme for employers and also achieved fairness for injured workers and their families. He said the reforms would give business a system it could work with to keep employing Tasmanians – which had been a critical consideration. The changes will also bring an added focus on supporting injured workers to return to work."

Addressing Problem Gambling
Source: Tasmania. Treasurer. Media Release
"The Treasurer, Michael Aird, issued a Ministerial Direction to the Tasmanian Gaming Commission to implement a range of measures to further address problem gambling in Tasmania. Mr Aird, who attended the Ministerial Council on Gambling meeting in Brisbane on Friday [10th July], said the measures would ensure Tasmania continued to have the best harm minimisation practices in Australia. He said in developing the measures, in response to the findings of the recent Social and Economic Impact Study into Gambling, the State Government was mindful of the areas that need to be addressed nationally."

Mandatory screening legislation on the way
Source: Tasmania. Police Minister. Media Release
"Tasmania is committed to providing the very best protection for the State’s children, Police Minister Jim Cox said. “I will be taking to cabinet shortly proposals to deal with the mandatory screening of adults who work with children. We have studied carefully legislative models from other jurisdictions because we must get this right. The Tasmanian inter-departmental committee, that has been developing the proposed legislation and new model, is comprised of all relevant government agencies, and other stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Children who has been consulted and involved in the process.” Mr Cox said Government Agencies had already begun planning for the implementation of the program. “At the same time that work has been occurring on the Tasmanian scheme, we have also been involved in a national project to share child screening information with other States and Territories."

Helping Hand For Young Carers
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Human Services. Media Release
"Young people in southern Tasmania who care for a family member now have a new place to get support and help them complete their education while in their caring role. The Minister for Human Services, Lin Thorp, launched Community Based Support South’s new website for young carers at a function in a Year 5/6 classroom at Huonville Primary School. She said the initiative aimed to support students while at school to minimise the risk of absenteeism due to their caring role."

Success in Fighting Diabetes
Source: Tasmania. Health Minister. Media Release
"A new telephone coaching program is helping Tasmanians who have type 2 diabetes, or are at risk of getting it, to better manage their condition. Health Minister Lara Giddings said the Diabetes Assist program, set up under Tasmania’s Health Plan, was now helping more than 100 people around the State with or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. "Diabetes Assist is a positive local step in helping to battle burgeoning rates of the disease," Ms Giddings said. “Diabetes Assist has two components – a free telephone coaching service based on the multi award winning The COACH Program®, which is delivered Statewide, and a nutrition education service targeted at the North West."

Liquor bans implemented for two Kimberley communities
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Racing and Gaming. Media Release.
"The Aboriginal communities of Noonkanbah in the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley and Juwurlinji in the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley will be declared restricted areas under section 175 of the Liquor Control Act 1988. Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron said from Saturday July 25 it will be an offence to sell/supply; possess or bring liquor into either community. “Last year, the Yungngora Association wrote to me asking for the introduction of regulations under section 175 of the Act to restrict alcohol in the Noonkanbah community,” Mr Waldron said. “This was because the existing by-laws did not apply to the whole community and were therefore not the most effective way of reducing the amount of alcohol-related harm and ill-health in the community.”

$2 million to create jobs for people with mental illness
Source: Queensland. Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs. Media Release
"The Bligh Government announced a $2 million funding boost over two years to give people with a mental illness greater access to meaningful jobs in more supportive environments. Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk announced funding that will develop social firms to set up community-based businesses to employ people with mental illness. “The $2 million funding will assist the development of up to five social firms across the state,” Ms Palaszczuk said."

New National Agreement to help the homeless
Source: Queensland. Minister for Community Services and Housing . Media Release
"The Federal and State Governments have entered into a new partnership to tackle homelessness and will invest more than $200 million over four years to help people who are living rough. Housing Minister Karen Struthers outlined a range of initiatives that Queensland would deliver through the extra funding. “This new partnership couldn’t have come at a better time. A number of people are doing it tough right now. We know what they’re going through and we want to do whatever we can to put a roof over their head and help them get their life back on track,” Ms Struthers said. “We also want to work with the Federal Government to help them meet their target to reduce overall homelessness by 50% by 2020,” she said."

Infrastructure plan to create 900,000 jobs
Source: Queensland. Minister for Infrastructure and Planning. Media Release
"The $124 billion infrastructure plan for South East Queensland is on track to create up to 900,000 jobs, the State Government revealed. Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe has updated the nation’s largest building program, the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program 2009-2026 (SEQIPP). The Bligh Government is doing everything in its power to keep Queenslanders in jobs and SEQIPP is a key part of our ambitions,” Mr Hinchliffe said."

Agreement on SEQ Council Water Reform
Source: Queensland. Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy . Media Release
"Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Stephen Robertson has welcomed an agreement by South East Queensland Mayors on a new composition for water distribution and retail entities in the region. The State Government announced earlier this month that it had agreed "in principle" on the proposed framework which would establish three combined distribution/retail entities. This week, discussions between South East Queensland Councils have resulted in agreement to change the composition of the three entities. “Ipswich City Council will now merge its water business with that of Brisbane, rather than the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay,” Mr Robertson said. Consequently, Ipswich and Brisbane will form the base of a new distribution and retail entity, which will also include Scenic Rim, Somerset and Lockyer Councils.”

New laws to help quell neighbourhood disputes
Source: Queensland. Attorney-General . Media Release
"Outdated neighbour laws will be repealed and replaced under a State Government plan to quell disputes over dividing fences and nuisance trees. “The Dividing Fences Act 1953 has been the statutory authority on boundary issues for over half a century in Queensland,” said Premier Bligh. “But times have changed and the Queensland of today is a very different place. The Cabinet has agreed to change these laws to make it easier to resolve disputes between neighbours.” Premier Bligh said that the law would also be changed to deal directly with the issue of nuisance trees."

RFS appointment to build closer links with Indigenous communities
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Emergency Services. Media Release.
"Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan today announced the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is appointing an Aboriginal Liaison Officer to help build closer ties with Aboriginal communities around the State.Mr Whan said the new officer would help the RFS develop initiatives to attract more Aboriginal community members to its ranks, along with building its cultural awareness."

SES works to build Indigenous awareness
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Emergency Services. Media Release.
"A new training program to be launched this year will help foster greater understanding between Indigenous communities and the NSW State Emergency Service, Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan said. Mr Whan said the SES was developing a cultural awareness training scheme for its volunteers and staff to help them better understand Indigenous culture and engage with members of Indigenous communities around NSW."

$17 million Knowledge Fund to boost investment in science and research
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Science and Medical Research. Media Release.
"Minister for Science and Medical Research Jodi McKay today unveiled an innovative
funding plan to invest in the future of science and research in NSW. Ms McKay said the $17 million NSW Knowledge Fund will keep NSW at the forefront of science and research."

Mandatory requirements for sinking fund plans
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Fair Trading. Media Release.
"Owners of most strata schemes in New South Wales will have to prepare a 10-year sinking fund plan as part of changes to the Strata Schemes Management Act 1996. Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge said the amendments, which came into place this week, would encourage owners’ corporations to be prudent in building up resources for long term maintenance."

NSW GOVERNMENT GIVES TRANSPORT SECTOR BREATHING SPACE ON FREIGHT REFORMS
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Roads. Media Release.
"Minister for Roads Michael Daley today announced the State Government would be giving NSW truck drivers a six month reprieve with a national increase of heavy vehicles registration charges on hold until 1 January 2010. ""The council has advised that a six month freeze would give operators time to adjust to the changes and in light of the global financial crisis, I believe that’s fair," Mr Daley said."

TOUGH NEW RULES FOR CAR HOONS
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Roads. Media Release.
"Minister for Roads Michael Daley today announced that car hoons who raise or lower their cars’ suspension will have to meet tough new rules. Mr Daley said car owners would be limited to raising or lowering their suspension by no more than 5 centimetres from August 1 2009, and all modifications would need engineering approval."

Race track invaders to face life ban and $5,500 fine
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Gaming and Racing. Media Release.
"The Minister for Gaming and Racing, Mr Greene today announced tough new penalties will be in place for serial pest ‘Peter Hoare’ style racetrack invasions."

New offices in China to win business for NSW
Source: New South Wales. Minister for State Development. Media Release.
"China is a key market for NSW and that’s why it’s important for us to have an inmarket
presence there especially in these difficult economic times,” Mr Macdonald said after the launch of NSW Government Business Offices in Guangzhou and Shanghai. NSW offices would also be established in Mumbai in India and in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates – both international business hubs – later in the year."

Water Sharing Plan for the NSW Border Rivers Regulated River Water Source
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Water. Media Release.
"NSW Water Minister Phil Costa announced the gazettal of a water sharing plan for the NSW Border Rivers Regulated River Water Source. “The NSW Border Rivers water sharing plan will govern how water in the NSW half of the catchment can be pumped, stored and used,” Mr Costa said."

NEW TRANSPORT COORDINATION GROUP ESTABLISHED
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Transport. Media Release.
"Minister for Transport David Campbell and Minister for Roads Michael Daley today said a Transport Coordination Group was now up and running, to manage every morning and afternoon peak in the same way as special events are managed. "The Transport Coordination Group builds on the highly successful Joint Operations Centres, normally established for major events such as APEC and World Youth Day."

Tough new tobacco laws begin
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Health. Media Release.
"Tough new anti-tobacco laws banning drivers smoking in cars when a child or passenger under the age of 16 is present have come into effect. Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) Jodi McKay said any driver or passenger caught violating this new law could attract a $250 on-the-spot fine from NSW Police."

Mandatory reporting of infection rates in NSW Public Hospitals
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Health. Media Release.
"Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, today announced NSW is the first State in Australia to introduce mandatory monitoring and reporting of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) to improve patient care and safety in all public hospitals."

New laws to improve management of contaminated land commence
Source: New South Wales. Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate Change and the Environment. Media Release.
"New streamlined laws to manage contaminated land across NSW have come into effect. Ms Tebbutt said the new Contaminated Land Management Amendment Act would enable the Department of Environment and Climate and Change to take tougher regulatory action against those responsible for contaminated land and encourage higher levels of corporate responsibility."

NSW energy savings scheme kicks off
Source: New South Wales. Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate Change and the Environment. Media Release.
"A new Energy Savings Scheme will come into effect across NSW, helping to cut household
electricity bills and reduce carbon pollution. Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Carmel Tebbutt, said the NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) would drive savings equal to powering 250,000 homes each year over the life of the scheme– or the equivalent of powering every home in Wollongong and Newcastle."

School reporting laws back before parliament
Source: New South Wales. Premier. Media Release.
"Premier Nathan Rees announced the NSW Government would move to overturn an Education Act amendment supported by the NSW Opposition that prevents the publication of school performance data by media outlets."

Bottled water not better
Source: New South Wales. Premier. Media Release.
"Premier Nathan Rees has sought urgent advice from the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Environment and Climate Change on ways to significantly reduce the consumption of bottled water in the community. As a first step, the Premier announced a ban on all NSW Government Departments and Agencies purchasing bottled water."

Report backs NSW approach to serious sex offenders
Source: New South Wales. Attorney General. Media Release.
"The Rees Government will amend the law to ensure the first hand experiences of sexual assault victims are heard in court when judges are considering keeping offenders behind bars after their sentences have expired. Attorney General John Hatzistergos said it was important Supreme Court judges listen to the statements of victims when they are weighing evidence to make Continuing Detention Orders (CDOs)."

Courts given greater say in sentences on appeal
Source: New South Wales. Attorney General. Media Release.
"NSW Courts will no longer be bound by a sentencing principle which has limited their discretion in imposing different sentences on appeal, under laws to be introduced by the NSW Government. Attorney General John Hatzistergos said the laws will withdraw the principle of ‘double jeopardy’ as it applies to sentencing in Crown appeals."

Restrictions continue to curb alcohol violence
Source: New South Wales. Premier. Media Release.
"Premier Nathan Rees released the NSW Government’s safety regime to curb alcohol related violence in NSW pubs and clubs.The NSW Government announced the final set of rules that will govern restrictions placed on declared venues."

JOBS TO FLOW FROM NEW AGREEMENT
Source: Victoria. Minister for Planning. Media Release
"A new agreement signed by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments will reduce duplication and costs in the preparation of environmental impact assessments for renewable energy developments and other major infrastructure projects. Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings and Planning Minister Justin Madden have signed the bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth on behalf of the Victorian Government.“The Victorian Government is taking action to reduce the costs and delays for environmental impact assessments by finalising this important bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth Government,” Mr Jennings said."

VICTORIA LEADING THE WAY ON RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING
Source: Victoria. Minister for Gaming. Media Release
"The Brumby Labor Government has set a national benchmark for responsible gambling by legislating to ban automatic teller machines from gaming venues and mandate pre-commitment capabilities for gaming machines. At Ministerial Council on Gambling in Brisbane, Gaming Minister Tony Robinson urged other Australian jurisdictions to follow Victoria’s lead by developing strategies to limit access to cash in gaming venues and identify best-practice approaches to reducing the harm caused by problem gambling.“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to create a progressive and accountable gambling industry, where risks to individuals and the broader community are addressed and people are empowered to take control of their own gambling,” Mr Robinson said.“Victoria is the only Australian state removing ATMs from gaming venues. This ban and the introduction of pre-commitment technology are key initiatives to tackle problem gambling. "

NEW CENTRE FOR FARMER HEALTH LEADING THE NATION
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"Victorian farmers will have access to the highest standard of health-related services in Australia with the opening of the National Centre for Farmer Health, Premier John Brumby said. At the opening of the centre in Hamilton with Agriculture Minister Joe Helper, Mr Brumby said the $3.4 million facility would address the health and well-being of Victorian farmers, farm workers, agricultural employees and their families.“The National Centre for Farmer Health is the first centre of its kind in the southern hemisphere and a landmark in Victoria’s agricultural history” Mr Brumby said. The Victorian Government committed $2.4 million for the centre from the $205 million Future Farming Strategy."

BRUMBY RELEASES NATIONAL EMERGENCY WARNING SYSTEM TENDER AHEAD OF BUSHFIRE SEASON
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"The Premier, John Brumby, released a selective tender for a National Emergency Warning System to ensure the system is in place ahead of the next bushfire season. Mr Brumby said the selective tender targeted two major telecommunications providers – Optus and Telstra – to deliver a national telephony-based warning system that will alert Australians in the event of a life-threatening emergency. Mr Brumby said the Council of Australian Governments agreed on 12 May 2009 for Victoria to lead the process of rolling out the National Emergency Warning System."

Schools to take tougher stance on violence and bullying
Source: Queensland. Minister Education and Training. Media Release
"Queensland state schools are stepping up the fight against violence and bullying under a statewide review of student disciplinary processes announced by Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson. Mr Wilson said new data, released at a school level for the first time, showed schools were already taking stronger action to combat an increase in bullying and violent incidents. "Student behaviour has often been raised with me as a concern. "That's why I am driving a range of new initiatives to help teachers and principals combat bad behaviour. "

Green targets introduced for building projects
Source: Queensland. Minister for Public Works . Media Release
"Government contractors are to aim to recycle or reuse, at best, 40% of building material that would otherwise be disposed of in land fill under the newly launched whole-of Government Recycling Policy for Buildings and Civil Infrastructure. Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten launched the policy at Kangaroo Point’s Institute of TAFE demolition site, a trial project for the new recycling targets. Mr Schwarten said the policy only applied to government projects identified as having significant recycling opportunities. “Contractors undertaking government projects are now required to ensure that all practical and cost effective opportunities for recycling or reusing materials are taken,” he said."

Government project targets social isolation of seniors
Source: Queensland. Minister for Community Services. Media Release
"The Bligh Government is leading the push to reduce social isolation and help older people lead happier and healthier lives. Community Services Minister Karen Struthers released the findings of a comprehensive cross-government study undertaken to identify and develop innovative responses and policies to support vulnerable Queensland seniors. Ms Struthers said the Queensland Cross-Government Project to Reduce Social Isolation of Older People included community consultation, evaluating trial programs, and distributing project findings in a bid to bring about real change in communities. “Social isolation is an issue facing many older people, whether they live in the city or not, with studies linking it to depression and even suicide,” she said. Over the coming weeks a suite of products, including an evaluation report, DVD and best practice guidelines, will be distributed to help service providers develop and implement projects to reduce social isolation."

Bligh Government moves forward with SEQ water reforms
Source: Queesnland. Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy. Media Release
"Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson said the Bligh Government has agreed in principle to adopting water reforms measures proposed by Councils in South East Queensland. “In May, the Government asked the Council of Mayor’s South East Queensland (CoMSEQ) to put forward an alternative water industry structure, after they suggested they could save money on implementing reforms. “The Government has now agreed in principle on a new framework for the institutional reform of urban water service delivery, specifically in respect of the delivery of retail and distribution services. “Councils have put their views forward and we have listened. “We have taken on board the key concerns of Councils and accepted their preference that retail functions, like customer management, should continue to be provided by the same business that maintains and operates the pipe network,” Mr Robertson said."

Queensland's World Class Emergency Services Training Hub Opens
Source: Queensland. Minister for Emergency Services. Media Release
"Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts officially opened Queensland’s new state-of-the-art emergency services training facility at Whyte Island. The $20 million Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy (QCESA) is a purpose-built facility designed to provide emergency personnel with multi-disciplinary training simulations and world-class teaching facilities. Mr Roberts said QCESA was the single most important training infrastructure project ever undertaken by the Department of Community Safety. “Every aspect of this cutting-edge facility has been constructed to provide emergency services personnel with the opportunity to experience firsthand the range of real-life crises that they will face in their working life,” Mr Roberts said. “The Academy is a unique concept in design and sits at the forefront of training facilities available to fire, ambulance and emergency services personnel anywhere in the world."

New program promotes health and well-being among frail aged
Source: Queensland. Minister for Disability Services. Media Release
"Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk launched a new program aimed at improving the lives of many frail and older people in Brisbane by boosting their health and wellbeing.
Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Strengthening Aged Care home visits program based in and around St Lucia was a partnership with the Bligh and Rudd Governments’ Home and Community Care (HACC) program and UQ Sport. “UQ Sport and HACC developed this project to give older and frail Queenslanders more independence and ease the burden on the health system by improving their fitness levels and overall health,” Ms Palaszczuk said. Accredited exercise physiologists will visit the homes of eligible frail and older people up to five times for free in St Lucia and surrounding suburbs to develop suitable exercise programs and monitor their progress."

New approach to domestic violence underway
Source: Queensland. Minister for Community Services and Housing. Media Release
"A five-year strategy will deal with domestic and family violence from every angle, providing new ways of responding to affected individuals and families, Community Services Minister Karen Struthers announced. In Rockhampton to launch the plan, Ms Struthers said a local $2.7 million trial was one of the key initiatives under the strategy – For our sons and daughters: A Queensland Government strategy to reduce domestic and family violence 2009-2014."

National Registration and Accreditation for Health Professionals a Step Closer
Source: Queensland. Minister for Health. Media Release
"Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Paul Lucas invited stakeholders to have their say on the proposed national registration and accreditation scheme for health professionals.
“This scheme seeks to establish for the first time ever a consistent set of national standards and processes for registering individual health professionals,” Mr Lucas said.
Queensland will be providing the model legislation all other Australian health jurisdictions will use to introduce the registration and accreditation scheme by 1 July 2010.”

Select Committee on Climate Policy. Report
Source: Australia. Senate
"A Senate economics committee has issued the report from its inquiry into the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009 and related bills and a climate committee has issued the report from its inquiry into climate policy.
The committee finds that the CPRS should not be passed in its current form, and that whilst the CPRS package has been revised on two occasions, the modelling continues to fail to take into account the impact of these changed economic circumstances. The committee considers the modelling undertaken by Treasury to be inadequate and recommends that the Government direct Treasury to undertake further modelling."

Independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999: interim report
Source: Australia. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
"This report, released by Dr Hawke, outlines the major themes raised in public submissions, the consultation process and the Senate committee inquiry. Dr Hawke is seeking further public comment on the interim report in general and in particular, on a number of specific areas identified in the report. The period for comment closes 5pm AEST Monday 3 August 2009."

Enhanced Experience for International Students
Source: Australia. Prime Minister. Media Release
"The Australian Government today agreed with State and Territory governments to develop a national International Student Strategy which will enhance the experience of international students in Australia. "

H1N1 Medical Research Projects Fast-Tracked
Source: Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing. Media Release
"Today approval and funding was given to 41 Australian medical research projects that will help ensure the Australian Government’s response to the evolving threat of H1N1 is based on the most up-to-date information available. The research will help the Government tailor its response to the spread and nature of the disease, and better equip the Government to help those most at risk from the disease."

Respectful Relationship Program to begin in 40 Northern Territory Schools
Source: Australia. Minister for the Status of Women. Media Release
"The Australian and Northern Territory Governments today announced that 40 schools will receive funding to roll out respectful relationship programs."

Early Years Learning Framework
Source: Australia. Dept of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
"The Early Years Learning Framework is part of the Council of Australian Government’s (COAG) reform agenda for early childhood education and care and is a key component of the Australian Government’s National Quality Agenda for early childhood education and care. It will underpin universal access to early childhood education and be incorporated in the National Quality Standard in order to ensure delivery of nationally consistent and quality early childhood education across sectors and jurisdictions.
The Early Years Learning Framework describes the principles, practice and outcomes essential to support and enhance young children’s learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school. The Framework has a strong emphasis on play-based learning as play is the best vehicle for young children’s learning providing the most appropriate stimulus for brain development. The Framework also recognises the importance of communication and language (including early literacy and numeracy) and social and emotional development. "

National Early Childhood Development Strategy- Investing in the Early Years.
Source: Australia. Dept of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
"On 2 July 2009, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) endorsed the National Early Childhood Development Strategy- Investing in the Early Years.
In jointly developing the Strategy, the Australian, state and territory governments have signalled their intention to take a leadership role in early childhood development now and into the future.
The Strategy will help all levels of government to build a more effective and better coordinated national early childhood development system to support the diverse needs of Australian children and their families. It covers children from before birth to eight years and aims to improve the health, safety, early learning and wellbeing of all children and better support disadvantaged children to reduce inequalities.
The Strategy provides the road map for action and for engaging effective partnerships across and between governments, with the non-government sector, and with families around the needs of young children."

DEFENCE CAPABILITY PLAN 2009
Source: Australia. Dept of Defence
"The DCP is a tool to allow industry to undertake strategic planning. Providing a public version of the DCP to Australian industry is a key part of ensuring that the ADF will continue to have the major equipment and systems it needs."

More Australian dairy cattle to be exported to China
Source: Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Media Release
"The Rudd Government has announced another step forward in our agricultural trade with China, with the signing of an agreement set to further expand our dairy cattle exports.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke announced Australian and Chinese quarantine authorities had signed a new export protocol for breeding dairy cattle from Australia."

New plan to secure South Australia’s water future
Source: South Australia. Premier and Minister for Water Security. Joint Media Release.
"The State Government has today outlined its comprehensive plan Water for Good to guarantee South Australia’s future water security to 2050 and beyond, diversify our water supplies and reduce reliance on the River Murray."

New approaches to boost return to work
Source: South Australia. Minister for Industrial Relations. Media Release.
"The State Government has announced the start of a range of innovative projects designed to help people return to the workplace after they have been injured and off work for a long time."

Boost to industry skills in schools
Source: South Australia. Minister for Education. Media Release.
"New industry-endorsed training programs in areas of strategic importance to the State, such as defence and manufacturing, will be introduced in each of the State’s high schools. The move is part of the Rann Government’s new $19 million Industry Skills Program, the latest in a suite of ‘school to work’ initiatives to improve the job skills of high school students."

SA seniors get free public transport
Source: South Australia. Premier. Media Release.
"Premier Mike Rann today encouraged older South Australians to take advantage of the State Government’s free public transport during off-peak periods for holders of a State Seniors Card. Despite the current financial times, we want older South Australians to continue to get out and about." “It also helps us reach South Australia’s Strategic Plan target of increasing public transport use to 10 per cent of weekday passenger vehicle kilometres travelled by 2018."

Hotline for access to education and training places
Source: South Australia. Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education. Media Release.
"The State Government has set up a special information hotline to help 15 to 19 year olds in South Australia gain priority access to education or training places. Employment, Training and Further Education Minister Michael O’Brien said the move was part of the State Government’s implementation of the Compact with Young Australians recently announced by the Council of Australian Governments."

Ads aim to ease winter congestion
Source: South Australia. Minister for Health. Media Release.
"An advertising campaign encouraging South Australians to use ‘Emergency Departments for emergencies’ this winter. We want to remind South Australians that EDs are meant to deal with traumas and medical emergencies,” Minister Hill said." The additional workload of less serious illnesses such as colds and flu "puts increased pressure on our doctors, nurses and other hospital staff, who all work extremely hard, particularly during the winter months."

Victorian Schools A Step Closer to the Ultranet
Source: Victoria. Minister for Education. Media Release
"Education Minister Bronwyn Pike announced that CSG Services Pty Ltd will join forces with the Brumby Labor Government to deliver the Ultranet project to every Victorian government school and to secure more than 55 new jobs over the next year. Ms Pike said the Ultranet will provide parents, students and teachers with a 21st Century system to keep them connected, involved and informed about their childrens’ learning 24-hours a day.”The Ultranet will enhance student learning, support the work of teachers and allow parents to become more involved in their child’s education at the click of a button,” Ms Pike said."

Council Valuations Choice Would Save Ratepayer Money
Source: Victoria. Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Media Release
"Councils would save money and have greater flexibility in conducting municipal valuations under proposed amendments to the Valuation of Land Act, Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings announced. The amendments, which follow a review last year of rating authority valuations and discussion paper The Future Direction of Rating Authority Valuations in Victoria, would give councils the option to transfer their two-yearly municipal valuations responsibilities to the Valuer-General of Victoria.“With the amendments to the Act the Brumby Labor Government is taking action to address concerns raised by councils in the review that at times excessive red tape could cause cost inefficiencies,” Mr Jennings said.“Councils would be able to opt out of valuations and voluntarily transfer their valuation responsibilities on to the Valuer-General.“This would be a great outcome for councils because they would have the flexibility to decide what best meets their needs and make an informed decision on the best use of ratepayer funds at a time when working families are under pressure to cope with the Global Financial Crisis."

Smart Funding Supports Smart Local Energy Solutions
Source: Victoria. Minister for Environment and Climate Change . Media Release
"Community facilities across Melbourne – including swimming pools, shopping centres and public housing buildings – will be given funding to create and share their own electricity, under an innovative Brumby Government program unveiled by Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings. Mr Jennings announced the successful $2.57 million Smart Energy Zones projects at the Craig Family Centre in Ashburton, a funding recipient which will receive power from a gas-fired co-generation plant to be installed at the adjoining Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre."

Energy Consumers Urged to Make Voice Heard on New Framework
Source: Victoria. Minister for Energy and Resources. Media Release
"Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor has urged consumer groups to make their voices heard in the development of a new national framework that will regulate energy retailing and protect Australia’s energy consumers. “The Brumby Government supports the development of the National Energy Customer Framework (NECF), which will provide energy customers with a range of benefits including reduced costs and greater competition between energy retailers,” Mr Batchelor said. This national framework will strengthen energy governance in Australia and improve the efficiency of the energy sector, which is important to families, industry and businesses.”