Australia - China Clean Coal Initiative
Source: Australia. Prime Minister. Media Release
"The Prime Minister announced the establishment of the ‘Australia-China Joint Coordination Group on Clean Coal Technology’ which will provide strategic guidance, oversight, and impetus to a range of clean coal activities in Australia and in China."

Review to look at ways to streamline food regulation
Source: Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Media Release
"The Australian Government has announced an independent review to examine ways to streamline Australia’s food regulations and make them more nationally consistent."

First Mandatory Recycled Water for Melbourne
Source: Victoria. Office of the Premier. Minister for Water. Media Release
"Acting Premier and Water Minister John Thwaites announced the first Victorian residential estates to have mandatory recycled water. Under new legislative powers and changes to the planning system, water authorities now have the power to require whole developments to install “dual pipe” systems."

Towards a world-leading skills passport for Australian students
Source: Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release
"The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, has announced a consortium of universities to develop a single agreed template for an Australian Diploma Supplement. The successful consortium represents 14 universities led by the University of New England and includes the Australian National University and the University of Melbourne. "

$54 million to boost Australia’s high level engineering skills
Source: Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release
"The Australian Government will invest $54 million under the Incentives for Higher Technical Skills initiative so that almost 25,000 people over five years can gain high level engineering skills."

Voucher System to Strengthen Australia’s skills base
Source: Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release
"The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop said that thousands of Australians will now have the opportunity to expand their skills base and job opportunities through the Australian Skills Vouchers programme which is now open for business. The vouchers are part of the $837 million Skills for the Future package announced by Prime Minister John Howard in October 2006."

National Tourism Investment Strategy
Source: Australia. Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources
"The Australian Government has accepted 34 recommendations of the National Tourism Investment Strategy: Investing for our Future (NTIS) aimed at boosting investment in our $75 billion tourism industry. Australian Government initiatives addressing the recommendations include efforts to enhance natural experiences in national parks, the Skills for the Future initiative, extending the working holiday visa scheme, research into innovation, making tourism statistics available online - a better informed industry is crucial for future planning and investment."

Government Steps up Greenhouse Response
Source: Victoria. Acting Premier. Media Release
"Acting Premier and Minister for Climate Change John Thwaites announced two initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change in Victoria. "

Extra Comment Sought on Tough Proposed Graffiti Laws
Source: Victoria. Minister for Police and Emergency Services. Media Release
"Police & Emergency Services Minister, Bob Cameron, said the Government had extended the period for public comment on the Graffiti Prevention Exposure Draft Bill, which will increase penalties for offenders and create new, stand-alone graffiti offences."

Victoria and New South Wales Finalise Water Trading
Source: Victoria. Minister for Water. Media Release
"Water Minister John Thwaites and New South Wales Minister Ian MacDonald announced that permanent interstate water trade between Victoria and New South Wales will commence on 1 January 2007."

New Alcohol Interlock Laws for Young Drivers
Source: Victoria. Minister for Roads and Ports. Media Release
"Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas urged young drivers to make safe driving their top New Years resolution and reminded young drivers of the new alcohol interlock measures that come into effect from 1 January 2007. Mr Pallas said the introduction of alcohol interlocks for first time drink driving offenders on their probationary license or aged under 26 was the first phase of the new Graduated Licensing System that was announced earlier this year."

$3 million to help farmers innovate
Source: Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Media Release
“Farmers across Australia will benefit from $3 million for projects that will increase the use of innovative and sustainable agriculture practices. Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, said the funding would come from the Natural Resource Innovation Grants, part of the Government's $37 million 2006-07 National Landcare Programme. A list of projects is attached.

Review of the taxation of plantation forestry
Source: Australia. Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation and Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer. Media Release
“Forestry and Conservation Minister, Senator Eric Abetz, and Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, Peter Dutton, announced new arrangements for the taxation of investments in forestry managed investment schemes (MIS). The new arrangements also recognise the critical role plantation forestry plays in sequestering greenhouse gases.

$54 million to boost Australia’s high level engineering skills
Source: Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release
“The Australian Government will invest $54 million under the Incentives for Higher Technical Skills initiative so that almost 25,000 people over five years can gain high level engineering skills. The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, today announced, on behalf of Minister for Vocational and Technical Education the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP, the range of Engineering Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications which will now attract employer incentive payments as part of the $837 million Skills for the Future package.”

Voucher System to Strengthen Australia’s skills base
Source: Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release
“The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop said that thousands of Australians will now have the opportunity to expand their skills base and job opportunities through the Australian Skills Vouchers programme which is open for business. The vouchers are part of the $837 million Skills for the Future package announced by Prime Minister John Howard in October 2006. “Work Skills Vouchers will provide a great opportunity for Australians to attain qualifications to help them progress in their jobs or be successful in securing a job,” Minister Bishop said. “The $3000 Work Skills vouchers will provide a great opportunity for people aged 25 years and over who do not have a Year 12 or equivalent qualification and may have thought they had missed the boat as far as furthering their education or training,” Minister Bishop said.”

Renewed funding for health programs
Source: Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing. Media Release
“The Commonwealth Government has announced funding of more than $545 million for breast cancer, preventative health care and health protection programs to 2010-11.”

VICTORIA AND NEW SOUTH WALES FINALISE WATER TRADING
Source: Victoria. Minister for Water. Media Release
“Water Minister John Thwaites and New South Wales Minister Ian MacDonald announced that permanent interstate water trade between Victoria and New South Wales will commence on 1 January 2007. “Victoria has been a strong advocate for permanent interstate water trade for more than four years and today’s announcement is a major milestone,” Mr Thwaites said. Victoria and New South Wales have both accepted the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recommendation that exit and termination fees which apply when water permanently leaves a district should be separate from the sale of water.”

Interstate Water trading
Source: SA. Minister for the River Murray. Media Release
"NSW and South Australia have today announced an important agreement to support permanent interstate water trading. NSW Minister for Natural Resources Ian Macdonald, and South Australian River Murray Minister Karlene Maywald, today announced that the States have struck a deal following the release of the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) report in November, and subsequent discussions between the States. "

$1000 FOR WATER SAVERS FROM JANUARY 1ST.
Source: Victoria. Minister for Water. Media Release
“Victorians are eligible for rebates on water tanks of up to $1000 Acting Premier and Water Minister John Thwaites announced today. The increased water tank rebates coincide with the move to Stage 3 Water Restrictions for Melbourne. From today, tanks purchased and installed in households connected to mains water with capacity of 5000 litres or more that are plumbed to the toilet and laundry, will be eligible for a $1000 rebate. A $500 rebate will be available for 2000-4999 litre tanks connected to either the toilet or laundry. The existing $150 rebate for tanks bigger than 600 litres not connected for indoor use will remain unchanged.”

Standard Business Reporting
Source: Australia. Treasurer. Media Release
"The Treasurer announced a new initiative to provide a significant and sustained reduction in business to government reporting burden. This will build upon the business measures announced by the Commonwealth in response to the Banks Report, to increase the scope for innovation, enhance entrepreneurial drive and increase productivity."

Exercise becomes a Multi-Fun Task for Students
Source: Victoria. Minister for Skills and Education Services. Media Release
"Education Services Minister Jacinta Allan launched a program aimed, at keeping students entertained, while also keeping them healthy. Ms Allan visited the Port Phillip Specialist School to launch the Ride for Health program through which all special schools in Victoria receive two GameBikes – exercise bikes with video game consoles."

Moves to Make Weapons Penalties Tougher
Source: Victoria. Minister for Police and Emergency Services. Media Release
"People caught carrying prohibited and controlled weapons will face tougher penalties under new legislation introduced in to State Parliament this week. Police & Emergency Services Minister, Bob Cameron, said the legislation was being introduced as part of a Bracks Government election commitment to double existing weapons penalties."

State Government to consult on non-mains water use
Source: SA. Minister for Environment and Conservation. Media Release
"The state government is considering an extension of the current statewide water conservation measures to non-mains water resources early in the new year following a period of targeted public consultation. Environment and Conservation Minister, Gail Gago said the current restrictions applied to mains water users only, which could lead to a perception that not all water users are being treated equally."

Review of University Reforms
Source: Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release
"The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, announced the commencement of a review into the impact of reforms on the higher education sector. Minister Bishop said that the Department of Education, Science and Training will undertake the review, which will investigate the impact on the higher education sector of the higher education reforms enacted through the Act and the 2003 Our Universities: Backing Australia's Future reform package. I will announce priorities for the next phases of the review in due course, Minister Bishop said. "

Government takes broader approach with juvenile justice strategy in Goldfields
Source: WA. Minister for Corrective Services, Women's Interest and Small Business. Media Release
"The State Government is expanding the scope of its remand centre project in the Goldfields to look at different options to deal with juvenile offenders. We are committed to developing a quality juvenile justice solution for the region that has the support of the local community.”

New water initiative launched in Merredin
Source: WA. Minister for Agriculture and Food, Forestry, the Midwest and Wheat Belt. Media Release
"Agriculture and Food Minister Kim Chance launched the Merredin Water Initiative, which is using desalinated water for road construction.Mr Chance said the project was an excellent example of an integrated water management approach developed through the combined efforts of the community, business and Government."

Carryover of Water Allocations under Consideration
Source: Victoria. Minister for Water. Media Release
"Irrigators in the Murray and Goulburn systems may be able to keep water that they don’t use in the current season for the next season as part of a drought response measure announced by Water Minister John Thwaites. This proposal would give water users a choice about when they use their scare water during this difficult dry period."

$900M In Property and Business Taxes Cut from January 1
Source: Victoria. Office of the Treasurer. Media Release
"Cuts to stamp duty, payroll tax, business rental duty and an extension of the first home owners bonus will take effect in just 12 days, Treasury John Brumby said."

Improving Tasmania’s Literacy
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Education. Media Release
" The State Labor Government will invest an extra $3 million and host a literacy summit in the first half of 2007 to further improve Tasmanian literacy rates. Education Minister David Bartlett said the focus on literacy is part of the back to basics approach to education in Tasmanian Government schools."

Crime Figures Show Long-Term Reductions
Source: NT. Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services. Media Release
"The latest Crime and Justice Statistics show long-term reductions in property crime across the Northern Territory. "

Reforms to Boost ADF Recruitment and Retention
Source: Australia. Prime Minister. Media Release
"I am pleased to announce today $1 billion in new funding over the next 10 years for a series of initiatives to boost Australian Defence Force recruitment and retention. "

Minister Announces Major Education Reforms
Source: ACT. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"Minister for Education and Training, Andrew Barr, announced a major reform package for public education following six months community consultation on the Government’s Towards 2020: Renewing Our Schools proposal."

Westernport focus of national climate change study
Source: Australia. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. Media Release
"The Victorian community of Westernport is to take part in a nation-wide research project to identify the impact of climate change on Australian communities. Mr Hunt said the research would involve an integrated assessment of the impacts of climate change on settlements in the Westernport region. The research will draw on a range of disciplines, bringing together knowledge from economics, policy and law, social science, and climate change science to provide a better picture of how climate change will affect Australian communities. "

Australia-Japan FTA Negotiation a Valuable Opportunity
Source: Australia. Minister for Trade. Media Release
"The Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister John Howard and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan that Australia and Japan would commence negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in early 2007."

Grants to boost Gourmet Food in Regional Australia
Source: Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Media Release
"The production of gourmet food in regional Australia, from venison sausages to specialty ice creams, has received a boost with the Government announcing $2 million in grants for a range of food processing projects. Regional food processors make a major contribution to the Australian economy, with 40 per cent of all food processing taking place in regional areas."

New Airport Guidelines Underline Community Consultation
Source: Australia. Minister for Transport and Regional Services. Media Release
"Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Mark Vaile, announced the release of new Airport Development Consultation Guidelines which will be an integral part of future developments at Australia's 22 leased federal airports. "

Emerging Communities funding announced
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Disability Services, Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. Media Release
"Migrants and refugees in Western Australia will get increased assistance to access schools, health services, training and jobs under a new Carpenter Government initiative. Specialised liaison officers will help link newly arrived WA residents with community and Government services to enable better settlement and integration."

Manufacturing Advisory Council formed
Source: NSW. Department of State and Regional Development. Media Release
"The State Government has announced the formation of a NSW Manufacturing Advisory Council to support the role of manufacturing in the State's economy."

$33.6 Million to boost Sugar Industry's Future
Source: Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Media Release
"The Australian Government has announced funding of up to $33.6 million to support sugar industry communities in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia. The projects will contribute to securing the future of the sugar industry. The projects are tailored to improve the industry’s efficiency levels and help it pursue options to diversify and innovate."

Grants for Managing Emergencies
Source: Australia. Attorney General. Media Release
"Local governments and volunteer organisations are being invited to apply for grants which help communities develop increased self-reliance in the face of disasters, Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said. The funding comes through an Australian Government initiative called Working Together to Manage Emergencies , which has set aside $49 million for projects across Australia. To support this initiative the Australian Government has provided $49 million over four years. "

Productivity Commission Inquiry into Australia's Consumer Policy Framework
Source: Australia. Treasurer. Media Release
"The Treasurer announced that the Productivity Commission will undertake an inquiry into Australia’s consumer policy framework and its administration. The inquiry will be the first substantial review of Australia’s consumer policy framework since 1984 and the Commission has been asked to report on ways to improve the framework to assist consumers to meet current and future challenges. The Commission will also report on ways to improve the harmonisation and coordination of consumer policy and its development and administration across jurisdictions in Australia, as well as ways to avoid regulatory duplication and inconsistency."

Minister releases Broadband Blueprint for Australia
Source: Australia. Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. Media Release
"The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, released a Broadband Blueprint to provide a national framework for the future of broadband in Australia. It is essential for all levels of government and industry to adopt a strategic and coordinated approach to the rollout of scalable broadband infrastructure."

Release of Draft Defence Industry Policy
Source: Australia. Minister for Defence. Media Release
"All involved with the Defence industry sector are invited to read the Defence and Industry Draft Policy Statement, as it will directly and indirectly affect the way that we do business in the future. Comments on the draft statement can be provided up to 21 December 2006. "

Construction Industry Skills Blueprint for the Future
Source: Australia. Minister for Vocational and Technical Education. Media Release
"The Australian Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP, launched a business-led training strategy aimed at securing Australia’s construction industry skills base for the future.The Master Builders Australia (MBA) “Training for the Future: Training Blueprint 2006-2010” calls for a partnership between governments and to ensure training strategies meet skills demand."

Australia and Chile Move towards a Bilateral Free Trade Agreement
Source: Australia. Minister for Trade. Media Release
"Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, announced that the Australian Government had agreed in-principle to commencing a bilateral negotiation process with Chile, with a view to developing a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA)."

Australia-Korea FTA Study
Source: Australia. Minister for Trade. Media Release
"The Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, announced that Australia and the Republic of Korea have agreed to conduct a joint study on a possible free trade agreement. The study will be conducted by private research institutions in both countries. Government officials will then review its findings and make recommendations to the governments."

Expert advice to keep organic R&D on track
Source: Australia. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. Media Release
"The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Organic Systems R&D Program relies on advice from a committee of experts to ensure that its R&D investments meet the needs of the rapidly expanding organics industry. A carefully-selected new Advisory Committee for 2006-2009 has been announced."

Bold strategy to conserve WA’s unique biodiversity for the next 100 years
Source: Western Australia. Minister for the Environment, Racing and Gaming. Media Release
"The Western Australian community is being urged to provide feedback on a 100-year draft strategy to conserve the State’s biodiversity. Releasing ‘A 100-year Biodiversity Conservation Strategy for Western Australia: Blueprint to the Bicentenary in 2029’, Environment Minister Mark McGowan said today that the draft strategy was bold and challenging."

Government Taskforce cuts apprenticeship red tape
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"Employers will find it easier to take on apprentices with a key State Government taskforce recommending that red tape be slashed. Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich welcomed the Skills Formation Taskforce report, which calls for less paperwork and more support for employers."

Help for GPs for mental health and substance-use patients
Source: Australia. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing. Media Release
"A new project has been launched to help GPs and health workers to manage patients with substance-use disorders and mental illness. This project has been funded under the National Comorbidity Initiative, which aims to improve the capacity of general practices and divisions to recognise and effectively respond to mental health and substance-use concerns in their community."

Vaile Launches National Drive for Safety
Source: Australia. Minister for Transport and Regional Services. Media Release
"The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Mark Vaile, launched the Australian Trucking Association's National Drive for Safety 2006."

Australia Leads the Way in Copyright Reform
Source: Australia. Attorney General. Media Release
"Australia's groundbreaking reforms to the Copyright Act have strengthened owners rights and have provided certainty for users in the present digital environment."

Brough outlines blueprint for action in Indigenous Affairs
Source: Australia. Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Media Release
"Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, outlined the Government's blueprint for action in Indigenous Affairs in an address for the Indigenous Governance Series hosted by the National Institute of Governance. The Government's blueprint identifies three priority areas for special attention - early childhood intervention; safer communities; and building wealth, employment and entrepreneurial culture. It will link government action to geographic location in urban, remote and regional Australia."

New Direction in Health Care as Premier announces 'one stop shops'
Source: NSW. Health. Media Release
"NSW Premier Morris Iemma announced the locations of the first health ‘one stop shops’ at six locations across the State – Mt Druitt, Manilla, Molong, Cootamundra, Rylstone and Corowa. These services bring together GPs, and other community health workers, allied health and other medical professionals employed by the NSW Government in ‘one stop shops’ outside the hospital environment,” Mr Iemma said."

NSW Government targets innovation
Source: NSW. Dept of State and Regional Development. Media Release
"The NSW Government has released a Statement on Innovation providing a new framework for innovation policy in NSW. The framework was developed by former Harvard academic Professor Jonathan West, a world expert on innovation, who is advising the NSW Government on innovation strategies. "

Information Exchange in Emergencies
Source: Australia. Attorney General. Media Release
"Crucial information that could help in rescue efforts during disasters will be more readily exchanged after a Bill was passed by Parliament, said Attorney-General Philip Ruddock. The Privacy Legislation Amendment (Emergencies and Disasters) Bill 2006 provides a framework for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information about people involved in an emergency or disaster."

Assisted Reproductive Technologies Review
Source: Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing. Media Release
"The Government has released the Report of Independent Review of Assisted Reproductive Technologies along with its response.
The report was produced by an independent committee chaired by Professor Ian Fraser, Professor of Reproductive Medicine in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Sydney."

State Government supports safer cars to cut road toll
Source: WA. Minister for Police, Emergency Services, Community Safety etc. Media Release
"The State Government has backed a plan to have new car buyers purchase higher safety rated cars, a move that could see the road toll and serious injuries cut by up to than 40 per cent."

High-speed broadband for Western Australians
Source: WA. Minister for Public Sector Management, State Development and Federal Affairs. Media Release
"Homes, businesses, schools and all Government departments will be connected to high-speed broadband under a State Government plan for a State-wide network across Western Australia. Announcing the State-wide Broadband Network Strategy, Premier Alan Carpenter said Western Australians deserved reliable, high-speed and affordable broadband access, no matter where they lived."

Governments Plan to Locate Water in the West
Source: Australia. Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources. Media Release
"The Federal and State governments will use spatial technology to map buildings and water supplies in tinder-dry parts of NSW. When completed, the project will have collected the location of buildings such as homesteads and feedlots as well as dams or tanks larger than 15 metres in diameter and other natural and man-made water bodies, including canals and drains."

New Aviation Agreement Frees up Trade
Source: Australia. Minister for Transport and Regional Services. Media Release
"Australian manufacturers of aviation products will find it easier to export to the United States of America following an exchange of diplomatic notes between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services Mark Vaile and USA Ambassador Robert McCallum. The Agreement establishes a mechanism through which the USA can accept certifications and approvals issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), reducing the need for duplication of processes in both countries."

Three-year trial for daylight saving
Source: Western Australia. Premier. Media Release
"A three-year trial of daylight saving will begin in Western Australia on Sunday December 3, 2006. A referendum would be held in 2009 to decide whether it should become permanent. "

Education Exports reach $0.5 billion for SA
Source: South Australia. Premiers and Ministers. Media Release
"South Australia’s booming international education industry has passed the half-billion dollar mark for the first time, with Adelaide continuing to attract overseas students in record numbers. The international education industry is now the State’s fifth largest export earner and supports 2,800 local jobs."

Ballast water management
Source: Australia. Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation. Media Release
"Minister for Fisheries and Conservation Senator Eric Abetz invited public comment on the proposed new Ballast Water Management Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS).
“The Australian Government has had mandatory ballast water management arrangements in place for international ships since 2001,” the Minister said.
The focus of the RIS is on arrangements to control the movement of ballast water between Australian ports."

Personal Property Securities Discussion Paper Released
Source: Australia. Attorney General. Media Release
"Attorney-General Philip Ruddock released a discussion paper on the reform of Australia's personal property securities laws. The discussion paper focuses on the proposed national register for all interested in personal property. Comments are welcome on the discussion paper until 9 February 2007. "

Improvements to Anti-dumping system benefit Australian manufacturers
Source: Australia. Minister of Justice and Customs. Media Release
"Australian manufacturers will benefit from significant improvements to anti-dumping arrangements, announced by Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane and Customs Minister Chris Ellison. Minister Macfarlane said the implementation of these recommendations would further enhance the Australian anti-dumping system. Assessment guidelines will be developed which will be consistently applied by Customs in considering anti-dumping applications and will enable potential applicants to better understand the assessment process. "

Climate change and water top priorities for Ministers
Source: Environment Protection and Heritage Council Communiqué
"Australian and New Zealand environment ministers agreed on their top priorities for the coming year – transport and climate change, water and waste management, heritage conservation, and air quality."

Future Directions in Industry Policy
Source: Australia. Minister of Defence. Speech
"Dr Nelson outlined the coalition' new defence industry policy regarding engaging small to medium sized enterprises."

The Urban Transport Statement: Responding to the Challenges of Travel and Transport
Source: NSW. Premier
"The Urban Transport Statement: Responding to the Challenges of Travel and Transport within and across Sydney was launched by the Premier, Morris Iemma. The Statement outlines the Government's response to Sydney's transport challenge, and includes initiatives to increase the availability and reliability of public transport across the Sydney region. The Urban Transport Statement facilitates the implementation of key transport priorities identified in the State Plan."

Native Title Reform Discussion Paper
Source: Australia. Attorney General. Media Release
"Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has released a detailed discussion paper which outlines proposals to improve the workability of the Native Title Act 1993. Mr Ruddock invited all interested parties to comment on the proposals by 22 December 2006. Technical amendments to finetune the Native Title Act comprise one element of the Government's package of six interrelated reforms to the native title system. "

Ready, Set, Go to Digital – A Digital Action Plan for Australia
Source: Australia. Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. Media Release
"Ready, Get Set, Go Digital – A Digital Action Plan for Australia outlines key steps the Government will take on the road to digital switchover and includes the creation of a dedicated switchover body – Digital Australia – which will be tasked with coordinating the efforts of Government, industry, manufacturers, the regulator and consumers in the lead-up to switchover."

Tackling Climate Change: Helping Victoria Play It's Part
Source: Victoria. Labour Party. Election Policy
"There is strong evidence that climate change is real; we are facing the lowest water inflows on record. Our future success depends on us all doing more to reduce the pace of climate change and protect the environment that supports us. Labor has a plan to meet this challenge, based on setting realistic targets with practical measures to achieve them."

Building Stronger Communities: Your Street, Your Suburb, Your Community
Source: Victoria. Labour Party. Election Policy
"Strong communities provide a network of support, generating opportunities to participate, volunteer, get help when needed and have a say."

Local Government: The Focus of Strong Communities
Source: Victoria. Labour Party. Election Policy
"The Bracks Government believes good local government matters to families and local communities. Local government is best placed to deliver improvements to important community-based services like aged care, childcare, community health and rubbish recycling.

We have recognised local government in the Victorian Constitution as an essential tier of government. We are going to give local government a seat at the table when it comes to State and Commonwealth planning for the provision of vital services for their communities. But we believe that increasing investment in locally delivered services must be matched by an increased commitment to democratic accountability and professional standards of councillors and staff."

New strategy to boost road tourism
Source: Tourism Australia
"Road tourism is a key component of Australia’s $75 billion tourism industry – connecting domestic and international travellers with a range of diverse Australian tourism experiences across the country. Around 80 per cent of domestic and 42 per cent of international tourists use Australia’s national road network while on holidays, including the 18,500-kilometre primary interstate highway network.

By identifying the key issues and outlining potential opportunities, the National Road Tourism Strategy is the first step towards fostering a sustainable future for domestic and international self-drive tour markets."

IPART Recommends Overhaul of NSW Government Regulation Process
Source: NSW. Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). Media Release
"The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) released its final report making recommendations to the Government to cut red tape and improve the process of making regulations and legislation."

State Government introduces Register of Lobbyists
Source: WA. Premier. Media Release
"Premier Alan Carpenter has announced that Western Australia will become the first State in Australia to introduce a register of political lobbyists."

Police Ministers progress shared approaches to law enforcement
Source: Australia. Minister for Justice and Customs. Media Release
"At the Australasian Police Ministers Council meeting in Adelaide today, Ministers discussed a uniform national approach to the use of ethnic descriptors in police and justice systems and agreed to refer the issue of nationally consistent ‘special care’ provisions relating to the age of consent to the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General."

New project friendly to our forests and climate
Source: Australia. Minister for the Environment and Heritage. Media Release
"A new greenhouse abatement project announced today will generate significant greenhouse emission reductions from avoided deforestation and help protect biodiversity and prevent soil erosion. This project involves the Australian company Carbon Pool Pty Ltd providing significant financial incentives to farmers and landholders in Queensland to retain forests that would otherwise have been cleared,” Senator Campbell said."

Australian Government endorses Research Quality Framework
Source: Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release
"The Australian Government will implement a Research Quality Framework (RQF) which will strengthen the assessment of research carried out in Australia, the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, announced. The RQF, an Australian government initiative to formulate a world’s best practice framework for evaluating research quality and the impact of research, will ensure public funding is being invested in research which will deliver real benefits to the wider community."

Australia and the United States take more climate change action
Source: Australia. Minister for Environment and Heritage. Media Release
"Australia and the United States will work together on five new projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, accelerate the development of carbon storage technologies, and help Pacific Island countries adapt to climate change, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, said."

Apec Considers Biofuels to Reduce Greenhouse Emissions
Source: Australia. Minister for Transport and Regional Services. Media Release
"Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile today announced that the role biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel could play in diversifying the fuel mix and addressing climate change was firmly on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation agenda. "

The challenge of tackling climate change
Source: Victoria. Labour Party. Election Policy
"Climate change achievements and committments."

The State Plan: A New Direction for NSW
Source: NSW. Premier
"The State Plan, A New Direction for NSW, was launched by the Premier, Morris Iemma, on 14 November, 2006."

NSW renewable energy target announced
Source: NSW. Government
"NSW Premier Morris Iemma announced the NSW Renewable Energy Target – a new policy that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost the renewable energy sector creating more investment and jobs, particularly in rural and regional NSW. The renewable energy target levels will be 10 per cent by 2010 and 15 per cent by 2020."

Community Safety: Labour's Plan for keeping Crime Rates Low
Source: Victoria. Labour Party
"The Bracks Labor Government has delivered on its promises to increase police and improve police resources. The result has been a substantial reduction in crime."

Access to Justice
Source: Victoria. Labour Party
"Fair, affordable and accessible justice. Victoria today is a safer and fairer place to live, with a lower crime rate and a justice system more in touch with the community. Labor knows that it’s not enough to be tough on crime – we have to be smart about tackling the causes."

Policies for the 2006 Election
Source: Victoria. Labour Party
" Links to all polices for the Victorian Labour Party for the 2006 Election."

Policies for the 2006 State Election
Source: Victoria. Liberal Party
"Links to all policies for the Victorian Liberal Party for the 2006 Election."

Drought assistance extended to small business
Source: Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Media Release
"The Government has today extended Exceptional Circumstances (EC) drought relief to thousands of small businesses which derive at least 70 per cent of their income directly from agriculture."

New directions for working with Indigenous Australians in urban and major regional centres
Sources: Australia. Department of Employment and Training
"The discussion paper outlines a new approach to Indigenous employment servicing in urban and major regional centres. Changes would increase the focus on placement directly into jobs, taking advantage of the strong employment opportunities provided in these areas."

'Standby' for greenhouse action
Source: Australia. Minister for Environment and Heritage. Media Release
"In a move that further demonstrates the Australian Government’s action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell and Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane today announced that Australia will lead the world in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ‘standby’ power in electrical appliances."

Evaluation demonstrates the Howard Government's ongoing commitment
Source: Australia. Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Media Release
"Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, today announced the release of the report on the evaluation of the Commonwealth Disability Strategy (CDS) which is aimed at improving employment opportunities and outcomes for people with disability."

A Fare go for Public Transport Users
Source: Victoria. Office of the Premier. Media Release
"Premier Steve Bracks today announced the Fare Go Package. A comprehensive set of public transport fare reforms that will deliver huge savings for commuters in metropolitan Melbourne, the city fringes and regional Victoria. "

Securing Our Water Together
Source: Australian Labour Party. Victorian Branch
"Australia must work today to secure water for tomorrow. Victoria’s historic plan of action will help rescue the State’s stressed rivers, reduce the amount of water we use, and meet our recycling target so that we have enough water for future generations.”

Housing Affordability
Source: Australian Labour Party. Victorian Branch
"Housing Affordability is our policy that makes home ownership easier for Victorians, through measures including the First Home Bonus, abolishing the stamp duty on mortgages and expanded concessions for home buyers.

Policy Announcement: All Adoptive Parents To Receive Maternity Payment
Source: Australian Labour Party. Media Release
"Labor will abolish the age restriction on the maternity payment for adoptive parents."

$60 Million for Industry- Led Projects for a Cleaner Asia- Pacific
Source: Australia. Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources. Media Release
"Australia's commitment to a future low cost, low emissions energy industry was strengthened today by the Prime Minister's announcement of a $60 million investment to the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate (AP6)."

$1.4 Million Australian Government Investment in Investment in Coalfield's Skill Centre
Source: Australia. Minister for Vocational and Technical Education. Media Release
"The Australian Government has stepped up its commitment to Australia’s booming resource sector with the Australian Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP, announcing an extra $518,355 in funding to establish the Coalfield’s Engineering Skill Centre in Queensland."

Low emission energy technologies off to massive start
Source: Australia. Minister for Environment and Heritage. Media Release
"Senator Campbell said funding announced today of $125 million for two low emissions technology projects in Victoria was a key component of the Australian Government’s investment of $2 billion to address the impacts of climate change.
The two projects – Solar Systems and Hazelwood power station – are the first funded and announced under the Australian Government’s $500 million Low Emissions Technology Demonstration Fund."

Our Young Learners: giving them the best possible start - An education strategy for the Early Years from Kindergarten to Year 4.
Source: NSW. Department of Eduacation and Training
"NSW Minister for Education and Training Carmel Tebbutt published a new strategy which aims to give our youngest children a confident start to their schooling."

Research plan prepares industry for organic growth
Source: Australia. Rural Industries Researchg and Development Corporation
"The Organic Industry Research and Development Plan 2006 -2011 sets priorities and strategies for the organic industry’s research and development (R&D) program for the next five years. It will be implemented in partnership with the industry’s peak body, the Organic Federation of Australia (OFA). "

Extension to drought assistance
Source: Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
"The Government has announced additional drought assistance worth $560 million to help struggling farmers through the worst drought on record.
A key aspect to the package is that income and business support and interest rate subsidies have been extended to all eligible farmers in 44 regions across the country, until at least March 31, 2008 - irrespective of what they produce."

Government supports initiatives to reduce trans fats in food
Source: Australia. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Aging Media Release
"The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Christopher Pyne, announced the establishment of a National Collaboration on Trans Fats that will propose initiatives aimed at reducing the amount of trans fatty acids in food sold in Australia."

Unions to Broaden IR Campaign with Launch of New One-Stop Joining Service
Source: ACTU Media Release
"The ACTU aims to broaden public involvement in its campaign against the Howard Government's industrial relations laws with the launch today of a new one-stop service that will make it easier and quicker for people to join unions. "

A Dental Policy With Teeth
Source: Australian Labour Party Media Release
"Labor welcomes a report from ACOSS which highlights the urgent need for Federal Government leadership on and funding for, dental care.Federal Labor is committed to a dental scheme that ensures Australians are being treated, by the right person at the right time and in the right place."

Draft State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2006
Source: NSW. Department of Planning
"Draft State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2006 has been prepared to consolidate and update planning provisions relating to infrastructure and government land. The draft SEPP:
1. outlines planning processes for considering classes of public infrastructure and particular infrastructure projects
2. exempts some minor public infrastructure from the need for an approval
3. clarifies where new infrastructure can be located and provides for additional permissible uses on government land
4. requires State agencies constructing infrastructure to consult local councils when a new infrastructure development is likely to affect existing local infrastructure or services. "

'Go for your life' Healthy Canteen Kit
Source: Victoria. Department of Education
"The 'Go for your life' Healthy Canteen Kit has been developed to support students making healthy food choices at school and in life.
Foods eaten at school contribute significantly to the students' daily nutrient intake and also have a considerable influence on the development of their eating habits, growth patterns and energy levels. "

Melbourne's Water Future Secured
Source: Victoria. Office of the Premier. Media Release
"The Bracks Government today released a comprehensive plan to increase Melbourne’s water supplies by more than 260,000 megalitres per year by 2055 to meet the challenges of climate change and population growth over the next 50 years."

Taking Action on Problem Gambling
Source: Victoria. Dept of Justice
"Premier, Steve Bracks, launched Taking Action on Problem Gambling, the Victorian Government’s $132.3 million, five year strategy to combat problem gambling."

People First : A new direction for ICT in NSW
Source: NSW. Chief Information Office
"The Plan provides a strategic framework to make better use of technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services and systems, both within government and the wider community.
It will allow NSW Government Agencies to work together within a coordinated strategic framework to aggregate ICT initiatives to minimise costs and maximise the use of common applications, infrastructure and processes."

NSW State Plan - A New Direction for NSW (Draft)
Source: NSW Government
"The draft NSW State Plan - A New Direction for NSW - was launched by the Premier, Morris Iemma as part of a widespread community consultation exercise with people across NSW. The NSW Government will consider all of the views collected during the community consultation process as the final State Plan is developed during September and October."

Victim Impact Statements
Source: Australian Labour Party
"The Opposition justice and Customs spokesman Joe Ludwig has announced a new policy allowing a uniform system for victim impact statements"

Skills for the Future
Source: Australia. Ministerial Statement to Parliament by John Howard
"The purpose of this statement is to announce new investments by the Australian Government towards a more skilled and dynamic workforce. "

New Office of Water Resources
Source: Australia. Media Release by John Howard
"Access to water is a national problem. The sustainable management of Australia’s scarce water resources is one of our nation’s most significant challenges. To provide greater leadership I have decided to establish an Australian Government Office of Water Resources in my department. "

Labor Announces National Water Recycling Target
Source: Australian Labour Party Media Release
"A Beazley Labor Government will help ensure Australia’s towns and cities have a sustainable water supply. The national target of recycling at least 30% of Australia’s wastewater by 2015 is ambitious, but realistic and absolutely necessary. The 30% target is an aggregate national target for recycling wastewater."

Grid Powered Up with $10m eResearch Project
Source: Multimedia Victoria
"The Bracks government launched the Victorian eResearch Strategic Initiative (VeRSI) at the Australian Synchroton in Clayton. Through VeRSI, the Bracks Government is establishing an advanced computer grid to enable scientific researchers to access to shared information in a secure environment."

Health Reform For A Modern Economy
Source: Australian Labour Party Speech Kim Beazley
" From the speech: " My nation building vision for health reform that contributes to a modern economy. A health system that works for middle Australia.I want to leave you with three important messages:
One: for too long health policy has been viewed through the narrow prism of service delivery, when I know it’s much more than that.
Two: health is not merely a confined area of social policy. It’s a crucial economic issue.
And three: a modern Australian economy is a healthy economy. That’s why reforming our health system is a key to my economic agenda."

$600 million Broadband Connect program launched
Source: Australia. Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. Media Release
"The Australian Government will invest up to $600 million in rural, regional and remote Australia to encourage private sector rollouts of broadband infrastructure, Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile and the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, have announced"

e Security in Victoria: Developed Locally, Delivered Globally
Source: Multimedia Victoria
"'eSecurity in Victoria: Developing Locally,Delivering Globally' describes Victoria’s strengths in the eSecurity sector – from the training of a skilled workforce, throughworld-class R&D facilities and infrastructure to connections to global markets."

Towards an integrated Victorian housing strategy: A framework to address our future housing challenges
Source: Victoria. Office of Housing
"The Minister for Housing launched the Victorian Government's framework to address future housing challenges on 26 September 2006. The Victorian Housing Strategy sets out the Government's key housing policy objectives and, building on existing achievements, lists the next steps that will be taken to meet those objectives."

Options for a National Nanotechnology Strategy Report
Source: Australia. Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources
"This is the options report for a National Nanotechnology Strategy prepared by the National Nanotechnology Strategy Taskforce."