Western Power launches tree-planting program
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Energy, Resources, Industry and Enterprise. Media Release
"Western Power will plant 93,000 seedlings in two towns in the State’s South-West this winter to offset the carbon emissions produced by its fleet vehicles and mobile generating facilities. "

$300million First Start - first step to help first homebuyers
Source: Western Australia. Premier. Media Release
"The State Government launched an innovative home loan initiative that will assist 3,000 Western Australian families to own their own home. Premier Alan Carpenter said the $300million First Start program was a shared equity scheme, aimed at helping first homebuyers on lower to moderate incomes to realise their dream of owning their own homes."

WA calls for trial of zero emission vehicles
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. Media Release
"The State Government will allow a trial of 50 small zero emission vehicles (ZEV-lites), making Western Australia the first and only State to do so, provided the Federal Government permits the cars to be imported into Australia. Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the trial was another step towards diversifying WA’s transport mix and dealing with the challenge of climate change."

Securing the Future of Aged Care for Australian
Source: Australia. Prime Minister. Media Release
"As a demonstration of my government’s continued strong commitment to fair and affordable access to high quality aged care, I am pleased to announce an additional $1.5 billion in funding for aged care services over the five years to 2010-11. "

National Plan for Water Security
Source: Australia. Prime Minister. Media Release
"I met Premiers and the Acting Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory to discuss the Commonwealth’s National Plan for Water Security. The plan is attached."

$2 Million for Greenhouse Friendly Refrigerants
Source: Australia. Minister for Environment and Water. Media Release
"The Australian Government will invest $2 million into the development of more greenhouse friendly refrigerants with the launch of a pilot program today that aims to replace synthetic gases in supermarket fridges with natural, lower emission alternatives."

New ‘Smartcard’ legislation introduced
Source: Australia. Minister for Human Services. Media Release
"Millions of Australians are a step closer to gaining access to a modern, simpler and more secure health and social services system with the introduction of the Human Services (Enhanced Service Delivery) Bill 2007."

Reforms secure the future for aged care
Source: Australia. Minister for Ageing. Media Release
"Senator Santoro said the Securing the Future of Aged Care for Australians package would provide the financial security needed by the aged care industry to ensure it is able to grow and meet the demands of Australia’s ageing population."

Making Tax Compliance Easier for Small Business - Consultation on the Exposure Draft Legislation for the New Small Business Framework
Source: Australia. Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources. Media Release
"The Treasurer and Minister for Small Business and Tourism released exposure draft legislation containing proposals to reduce compliance burdens for small businesses. "

Tiger Airways to Boost Domestic Tourism
Source: Australia. Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources. Media Release
"The potential entry of Tiger Airways into the domestic aviation market could provide a welcome boost to the domestic tourism market, Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said.
Tiger Airways has announced its intention to establish a new domestic airline in Australia. No details about routes have so far been announced."

Industry Urged to Have a Say on Emissions Trading
Source: Australia. Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources. Media Release
"Australian Industry and Resources Minister Ian Macfarlane encouraged industry leaders to contribute submissions to the Prime Minister's Task Group on Emissions Trading."

Reform of Franchising Code of Conduct
Source: Australia. Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources. Media Release
"The franchising industry is a highly successful $130 billion industry creating jobs for more than 600,000 Australians, but requires improvements to the disclosures section of the Franchising Code of Conduct to make the industry even more successful, a government commissioned review has found."

Skills boost for rural schools
Source: Victoria. Minister for Education Services. Media Release
"“The Rural Retraining Program is just one of the initiatives the Bracks Government has put in place to ensure that schools in rural areas can continue to offer the full range of high-quality programs to students.”

Major leap forward for WA wave-energy technology
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Energy. Media Release
"Energy Minister Francis Logan today unveiled the first of nine pre-commercialisation wave-energy units that will be installed in the ocean off North Fremantle and thoroughly tested over the next year. The company has advised that one unit can produce about one million litres of fresh water every day and has the capacity to generate 180kW of clean electricity. An array of 100 units could supply 45 gigalitres of fresh water or enough electricity to supply 20,000 households."

State Government acts to protect the health of NSW groundwater systems
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Resources. Media Release
"The NSW Government is taking pro-active steps to protect the health of the state’s groundwater systems by placing embargoes on new groundwater licences for a further 12 groundwater systems."

Winners didn't miss the bus!
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Infrastructure. Media Release
"A trial using Global Positioning Satellite technology on buses to learn more about bus usage has been successful."

Meander Dam Wall Underway
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Primary Industries and Water. Media Release
"In a great step forward for Tasmania, the Meander Dam wall is under construction."

Government to consult on recycling proposal
Source: Australian Capital Territory. Chief Minister. Media Release
"the ACT Government would move quickly to begin comprehensive community consultation on the use of recycled water, following today’s in-principle proposal by Actew to urgently investigate the recycling of waste water to boost Canberra’s potable water supply."

Tough new laws working with 1,00th hoon caught
Source: Victoria. Minister for Police & Emergency Services. Media Release
"The 1,000th vehicle has now been impounded under the Bracks Government’s tough new anti-hoon legislation."

Junk food ban in school canteens starts today
Source: Victoria. Minister for Education. Media Release
"In an Australian first, the sale of confectionery in school canteens will also be phased out from 2007 and banned by the end of 2008."

New speed cameras target school zones
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Police and Emergency Services. Media Release
"Four new speed cameras will target motorists speeding through 40km school zones from this morning as most children start the school year."

State Government stands by its Betting Exchange Legislation
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Racing and Gaming. Media Release
"The Carpenter Government will not be pressured into relenting on its betting exchange legislation which came into effect yesterday."

National Do Not Call Register Operator announced
Source: Australia. Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. Media Release
"The Do Not Call Register is a direct response to the increasing level of community concern about the growth in unsolicited telemarketing calls."

School’s back with a new focus on student behaviour
Source: South Australia. Minister for Education & Children's Services. Media Release
"Strong new strategies to manage school students who have difficult and disruptive behaviour will be introduced this year as part of a new $10 million Rann Government initiative."

Drought Contingencies for Melbourne
Source: Victoria. Office of the Premier. Media Release
"Mr Bracks said a range of operational measures will add over 34 billion litres of water to Melbourne’s storages by the end of 2008."

Water Inquiry Welcome, But We Need Science Not Panic
Source: Northern Territory. Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage. Media Release
"Environment Minister Marion Scrymgour welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Howard for an inquiry into water resources in northern Australia. “The task force into the possible expansion of agriculture and horticulture in northern Australia to be headed up by Senator Bill Heffernan is a logical extension of the partnerships we have formed with the Australian Government already,” said Ms Scrymgour."

NSW Government Delivers Improvements to Building Standards
Source: NSW Department of Planning. Media Release
"Planning Minister Frank Sartor announced the NSW Government had finalised a package of reforms to the building certification industry, to cut red tape and boost consumer protection. "

Coastal Strategy Supports Jobs, Housing & Environment
Source: NSW Department of Planning. Media Release
"Planning Minister Frank Sartor released a 25-year strategy to promote prosperity, protect the environment and guide jobs and housing growth on the NSW Far North Coast. "

NSW Student Assessment on Track and a Model for the Nation
Source: NSW. Education Minister. Media Release
"NSW Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt released Professor George Cooney's final report reviewing the State's assessment regime. Ms Tebbutt said the NSW Government commissioned the independent review to ensure that it had expert advice on how best to maintain the State's high standards during the transition to the new national testing programme in 2008."

40 New Police Officers Go Back to the Classroom
Source: NSW. Department of Education and Training. Media Release
"NSW Premier Morris Iemma welcomed 40 NSW Police officers as they returned to the classroom to assist the state's high schools build stronger communities. "This new service is a good investment in crime prevention and early intervention to help young people build strong relationships with the community and the police," Mr Iemma said."

Giving Our Children The Best Possible Start - Labor's Education Revolution
Source: Australian Labour Party. Media Statement
"Kevin Rudd and Jenny Macklin launched Chapter One of Federal Labor’s Education Revolution – New Directions for Early Childhood Education. A Rudd Labor Government will give all Australian four year olds the right to early childhood education. "

Australia Signs the World Wine Trade Group Agreement on Wine Labelling
Source: Australia. Minister for Trade. Media Release
"Australia's wine industry is set to become even more competitive following the signing of the World Wine Trade Group's Agreement on Requirements for Wine Labelling. The Treaty was signed by the Australian Government Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, and by representatives from 'new world' wine producing countries including the USA, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and Canada. "

Australian Water Fund Projects
Source: Australia. Prime Minister. Media Release
"I have approved funding from the Australian Government Water Fund of more than $220 million for projects that will improve Australia’s water infrastructure and the management of Australia’s scarce water resources. "

Workplace English Language Programme Extended
Source: Australia. Minister for Education, Science and Training. Media Release
"The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, has announced the four-year extension of a programme that equips individuals with the necessary language, literacy and numeracy skills to help them retain employment and which also leads to improved productivity for their employers. "

Further Liberalising Trade Between Australia and New Zealand
Source: Australia. Minister for Trade. Media Release
"The Minister for Trade, Warren Truss said that Australian companies trading in New Zealand are set to benefit from new rules of origin arrangements under Australia New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (ANZCERTA) which came into effect on 1 January 2007."

Vaile Calls on States to Take Once in Lifetime Opportunity on Water
Source: Australia. Minister for Transport and Regional Services. Media Release
""The $6 billion to be spent on modernising irrigation infrastructure will save billions of litres of precious irrigation water, 50% of which will be returned to irrigators. The measures, which include the lining and piping of channels, improved metering and the installation of drip irrigation systems will help irrigators become even more efficient. This investment will build on the significant efficiency gains that have already been delivered by irrigators both on-farm and in their distribution systems."

State joins international charge on hydrogen
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. Media Release
"The State Government has joined forces with six cities in Europe and Canada to promote the use of hydrogen as a sustainable transport fuel. Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, along with representatives from Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Hamburg, British Columbia and London, outlining the establishment of an international working group committed to promoting hydrogen and fuel cell technology."

New anti-graffiti and vandalism plan to be trialled
Source: Western Australia. Minister for Police and Emergency Services. Media Release
"Community Safety Minister John Kobelke has unveiled a plan to catch vandals spraying graffiti with a new mobile camera system.The evidence captured by the cameras will then be used to help police prosecute offenders."

Tough New Hoon Laws are Working
Source: Victoria. Minister for Police and Emergency Services. Media Release
"Hundreds of vehicles have been impounded since the Bracks Government introduced tough anti-hoon legislation, Police Minister, Bob Cameron, said, adding that the laws are working. “These tough new laws are about holding hoons accountable for their actions and hitting them where it hurts most – by taking away their vehicle,” Mr Cameron said."

$10 Million for Regional Victoria to Get on with Business
Source: Victoria. Minister for Agriculture. Media Release
"The Minister for Agriculture, Joe Helper, unveiled a new $10 million fund to attract new major industry and support existing industry expansion in regional Victoria. "

New Skills Campaign Launched
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Community Development. Media Release
"The State Government today launched a new advertising campaign designed to address Tasmania’s skills shortages. "

Literacy, numeracy, work skills: new goals for education
Source: South Australia. Ministers for Education and Children's Services and Employment, Training and Further Education. Media Release
"Lifting the reading, maths and work skills of more young South Australians are among major new targets for South Australia’s future. The updated Strategic Plan for South Australia, to be unveiled this week, includes a series of bold new targets to improve the State’s performance in school, training and work."

Strategic Plan update
Source: South Australia. Premier. Media Release
"Premier Mike Rann has released an update of South Australia’s Strategic Plan with a renewed focus on health, the environment, education and building a competitive economy."

Young repeat offenders to be tried as adults
Source: South Australia. Premier and Minister for Training, Employment and Further Education. Media Release
"State Cabinet is considering tough new changes to the juvenile justice system that will see young repeat offenders tried as adults in court if they continue to offend. Premier Mike Rann says young people who repeatedly thumb their nose at the system and disregard the law time and time again should be treated like adults in court."

Legislation to take education into the future
Source: South Australia. Minister for Education and Children's Services. Media Release
"The people of South Australia are being invited to help shape legislation that will govern the State’s senior secondary education for the 21st Century. Education and Children’s Services Minister Jane Lomax-Smith released a ‘discussion paper’ calling for community input into an overhaul of the 24 year-old Senior Secondary Assessment Board of South Australia Act."

Focus on the early years key to improving Aboriginal wellbeing
Source: South Australia. Minister for Families and Communities. Media Release
"Improving the literacy of Aboriginal children and a focus on their early development will be among the top priorities for South Australians over the next decade."

Innovation grants programs to boost SA business
Source: South Australia. Minister for Science and Information Economy. Media Release
"Two new State Government grants – the Innovation and Commercialisation Grant and Innovation Development Grant – will help local businesses develop new products and services and get them to market"

NSW Government Plan to Tackle Child Sexual Assault in Aboriginal Communities
Source: NSW. Department of Aboriginal Affairs. Report
"The Acting Premier and Minister for Police, and the Minister for Health released a comprehensive plan to tackle the serious problem of child sexual abuse in Aboriginal communities around NSW."

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)."