New Era for Passenger Transport
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Infrastructure. Media Release.
"The Minister for Infrastructure, Jim Cox, announced the progressive modernisation of Tasmania’s passenger transport bus fleet and the removal of any unfairness in existing bus fares amongst other measures. Releasing the report of the Core Passenger Services Review, Mr Cox said that the State Government had agreed to support and pursue the review’s recommendations to: Provide funding for operators of school buses to purchase new, seat belt-equipped small buses for school bus services. Remove the inherent unfairness in bus fares, by introducing consistently determined fares for all passengers, including school students.
Extend access to concession fares for all full-time students continuing their studies at TAFE and university."

Tough new drug laws come into force
Source: South Australia. Attorney-General. Media Release.
"New maximum penalties of life imprisonment and million dollar fines for trafficking drugs to children have come into force in the biggest overhaul of the State’s drug laws in twenty five years. The new penalties form part of a package of reforms within the Controlled Substances (Serious Drug Offences) Amendment Act that target the trafficking, cultivation and manufacture of drugs and precursor chemicals."

Program has parents and children learning together
Source: South Australia. Minister for Education & Children's Services. Media Release.
Young mums are rediscovering the joys of learning and heading back to school through a program that gives parents expert help to support their children’s learning. The State Government has invested $6.98 million over six years in the Learning Together early intervention program, which operates at two country and three metropolitan schools. Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says the program brings together parents to form friendships and to get actively involved in their children’s learning."

New fund invests in future of rural communities
Source: South Australia. Minister for Regional Development. Media Release.
"The State Government will establish a $400,000 Regional Communities Drought Fund to help country communities that are experiencing significant structural change because of drought. Community and business groups will be encouraged to work with local government in developing projects and applications."

Free events for companions of people with disabilities
Source: South Australia. Minister for Disability. Media Release.
"Events and activities will be more accessible to people with disabilities with a new Companion Card to give free entry to carers. Disability Minister Jay Weatherill is launching the Companion Card as part of the International Day for People with a Disability. “The Companion Card will make it easier for people with disabilities to enjoy attending more events, by allowing them to bring a companion free of charge,” Mr Weatherill said."

Net closes in on small loan providers
Source: South Australia. Minister for Consumer Affairs. Media Release.
"People taking out small loans with fringe credit providers will experience greater protection from today, following the introduction of new consumer credit legislation. Minister for Consumer Affairs, Jennifer Rankine, said the new regulations form a crucial part of the government’s plan to crack down on unscrupulous lenders who take advantage of exemptions under the current regime."

Wright delivers tax relief for racing industry
Source: South Australia. Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Media Release.
"The South Australian racing industry will benefit from millions of dollars in wagering tax reform measures after adopting recommendations contained in the Bentley Report. The initial phase of the tax reform will see $3.5 million allocated to the racing industry from July 1, 2008. This represents 50 per cent of forecast TAB tax receipts in the first year. It is estimated that total tax receipts payable to the industry will be $8.4 million annually from 2012/13."

Guidelines to improve brush fence fire safety
Source: South Australia. Minister for Urban Development and Planning. Media Release.
"The State Government is introducing new regulations on the clearance between brush fences and homes in a bid to vastly improve fire safety and protect lives and property.
The changes only affect new homes or home additions and new brush fences. Urban Development and Planning Minister Paul Holloway says the changes – which have been urged by South Australia’s fire services – are designed to prevent any brush fence fire spreading to a home and endangering lives and property."

Resources to build skilled manufacturing workforce
Source: South Australia. Minister for Employment, Training & Further Education. Media Release."
"A series of practical resources, designed to attract and retain skilled workers to the growing manufacturing sector, has been jointly developed by the State Government and industry. The resources, the latest initiative of the Manufacturing Industry Skills Advisory Council (MISAC), include:
1. A guide to workforce planning for employers in the industry, ‘Workforce solutions that work!’
2. A guide for new and existing staff on ‘Building your career in the SA manufacturing industry’
3. A practical guide for employers, supervisors and team leaders in manufacturing on ‘What makes a good supervisor?’"

Public comment sought on Finance Brokers Bill
Source: South Australia. Minister for Consumer Affairs. Media Release.
"Minister for Consumer Affairs, Jennifer Rankine, has today released proposed national reforms aimed at regulating the finance broking industry and is seeking feedback about its content from all interested parties including members of the public."

Western Australia opens up to geothermal energy
Source: WA. Minister for Energy and Resources. Media Release
"New legislation that will pave the way for a geothermal industry in Western Australia has been passed by both Houses of State Parliament.
Resources Minister Francis Logan said the passage of the legislation was a significant milestone in the State Government’s commitment to renewable energy.
Mr Logan said the legislation, which amended the Petroleum Act (1967) and would be proclaimed later this month, would provide for the exploration and production of geothermal energy resources across the State."

WA embarks on WARR on waste
Source: WA. Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Media Release
"Western Australia has entered a new era in recycling and waste management with the passage of the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Bill through Parliament.

Environment and Climate Change Minister David Templeman said the Bill featured new measures to reduce the amount of material going to landfill and increase the rate of recycling in WA."

Planning for Western Australia’s industrial growth
Source: WA. Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. Media Release
"The State Government is investing $1million to support industrial land needs in the Perth metropolitan area and Peel region by developing the General Industrial Land Planning Strategy.

The take-up of serviced industrial land in Perth and Peel has almost tripled in the past five years from 50ha in 2001-02 to 130ha in 2005-06 and based on the current strength of the WA economy, this demand is likely to continue for years to come. In order to boost stocks of industrial land, it is essential we undertake detailed planning and technical studies to identify land with good access to transport and other infrastructure that will support the continued growth of industry. As it can take several years to create new industrial estates, it is important to rebuild a supply of zoned industrial land in a range of locations by using a co-ordinated approach to land planning and assembly."

Rudd Government Announces New Era of Independence for RBA
Source: Australia. Prime Minister and Treasurer. Media Release
"To enhance the independence of the Reserve Bank, the positions of Governor and Deputy Governor will be raised to the same level of statutory independence as the Commissioner of Taxation and the Australian Statistician. "

New Treasurer Calls for Community Input into Budget
Source: Australia. Treasurer. Media Release
"The Treasurer calls on families, individuals, business and community groups to submit their ideas for the Government’s first Budget, as it goes about meeting the big economic challenges Australia faces."

A New Approach for Victims of Crime
Source: ACT. Chief Minister. Media Release.
"Attorney General, Simon Corbell, launched Victim Support ACT, a new agency within the Department of Justice and Community Safety creating a ‘one-stop shop’ for victims of crime.
Mr Corbell said the new agency would bring together the counselling and recovery team from the Victims Services Scheme and staff from the Victims of Crime Coordinator’s Office to support victims in the justice system ensuring victims receive a more cohesive response."

Charter Acknowledgess the Rights of Children in Care
Source: Victoria. Minister for Community Services. Media Release
"A new Charter acknowledging the rights of children in out-of-home care has been launched by Community Services Minister Lisa Neville. Ms Neville launched the 16-point charter with Child Safety Commissioner Bernie Geary.“The Charter is there to ensure children know that they have a right to a safe, home-like environment no matter what their circumstances,” Ms Neville said."

New Partnership Targets Youth Drug, Alcohol Issues
Source: Victoria. Minister for Mental Health. Media Release
"A new program targeting drug and alcohol problems among young people in Geelong and the Surf Coast was launched by the Minister for Mental Health, Lisa Neville. Ms Neville said the Youth Outreach Program is the result of cooperation between St John of God Health Care and Barwon Youth, one of two youth service providers in the Barwon region. St John of God Health Care will fund the program, with Barwon Youth providing the service. This new program will make it easier for young people in need to gain access to alcohol or drug treatment services, as well as providing links to relevant administrative support."

ACT sustainable schools toolkit launched
Source: ACT. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release.
"Minister for Education and Training, Andrew Barr, launched the ACT Sustainable Schools Toolkit at the Botanic Gardens, with Member for Brindabella Mick Gentlemen. The toolkit will provide both a teaching resource program and action guide for schools to address sustainability issues in a practical and integrated way. The toolkit’s teaching program ‘Educating for Sustainability’ supports the new ACT Curriculum Framework and consists of separate units in water, energy, waste, biodiversity and climate change, said Mr Barr."

Grassroots Sports Grants Help Victorians Get Active
Source: Victoria. Office of the Premier. Media Release
"Grassroots sports clubs and groups will benefit from a $20 million grants program that aims to help some of Victoria’s most disadvantaged get more active. Premier John Brumby launched the Participation in Community Sport and Active Recreation program that funds 61 community sports organisations across Victoria to help promote the health benefits of sport and recreation.“The Victorian Government is committed to turning the tide against the looming epidemic of obesity and to promote healthy and active living for all Victorians no matter where they live,” Mr Brumby said. "

New Register to Recognise Committed Relationships
Source: Victoria. Office of the Attorney General. Media Release
"De-facto and same-sex couples will have easier access to entitlements by registering their relationship under legislation tabled in Parliament by Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls.“This legislation will allow both de-facto and same-sex couples to register their relationship with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages,” Mr Hulls said. The Relationships Register is not gay marriage or a civil union. It is a practical mechanism to ensure that people who are not married and are in a committed relationship have access to entitlements."

Report on Child Deaths
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Health and Human Services. Media Release.
The Minister for Health and Human Services, Lara Giddings, released the findings and recommendations of a review into the deaths of children believed to have been known to the child protection system in Tasmania. Ms Giddings said the review was commissioned following the announcement in November last year of sweeping changes to the child protection system, and the release of the review of the death of a child in 2005.

De-Facto and Same Sex Rights Recognised in Judiciary
Source: Victoria. Office of the Attorney General. Media Release
"De-facto and same-sex partners of judicial officers will be eligible to receive a partial pension on the death of their partner under new legislation introduced in Parliament by Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls. The Constitution Amendment (Judicial Pensions) Bill 2007 proposes to amend 19th century legislation to reflect modern relationships and comply with equal opportunity legislation."

Water And Sewerage Paper Released
Source: Tasmania. Treasurer, and Minister for Racing. Media Release.
"The Treasurer, Michael Aird, released a paper outlining proposed changes to the regulatory framework for Tasmania’s water and sewerage sector. Mr Aird said the position paper - Future Regulation of the Tasmanian Water and Sewerage Sector - was prepared by consultant SAHA International for consideration by the Ministerial Water and Sewerage Taskforce. The current regulatory framework in the water and sewerage sector in Tasmania is light-handed and it is the Government’s intention to move to best practice, he said."

Greater Credit Protection for Victorian Consumers

Source: Victoria. Minister for Consumer Affairs. Media Release

"Victorian consumers will be given greater protection with new laws set to toughen the way credit providers are scrutinised.The Minister for Consumer Affairs, Tony Robinson, said the Consumer Credit (Victoria) and Other Acts Amendment Bill, introduced into Parliament, would force all credit providers to be part of a registration system designed to help consumers make more informed decisions about who they seek loans from. “All credit providers will also be required to be members of an External Dispute Resolution scheme to ensure consumers can quickly resolve disputes with credit providers through an independent body,” Mr Robinson said."

Encouraging Local Solutions to Improve Housing Affordability
Source: Victoria. Minister for Housing. Media Release
"The Brumby Government will work in partnership with six local councils to develop plans for affordable housing in their municipalities, Minister for Housing and Local Government Richard Wynne announced. As part of the Local Action on Affordable Housing project, each of the six local councils will receive $50,000 funding and support from an expert in planning for housing affordability, to maximise the opportunities in the areas they have identified. Information from the six projects will then be used to help improve policy and planning across Victoria."