National Women’s Health Policy: Consultation Discussion Paper
Source: Australia. Dept of Health and Ageing. Discussion Paper
"This paper outlines why the Government is developing a National Women’s Health Policy, what the Government wants the Policy to achieve, and gives information on the consultation process and how you can have your say."

Innovative early childhood education online forum goes live
Source: Australia. Parliamentary Secretary for Early Childhood Education and Child Care and Minister for Finance and Deregulation. Joint media release
"Parliamentary Secretary for Early Childhood Education and Child Care, Maxine McKew, and the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner, today launched an online consultation forum, which will focus on the Early Years Learning Framework.
The online forum will run from 14 March to 20 April 2009.
Ms McKew said the forum will encourage the early childhood sector and people interested in early childhood education, to trial the draft framework, participate in discussions and provide feedback directly to the Australian Government. "

Red tape to be slashed for charities and other non-profit groups
Source: Australia. Minister for Finance and Deregulation . Media Release
"The Rudd Government today committed to slashing red tape in the multi-billion dollar non-profit sector that provides valuable community services for those in need.
The decision was made at the COAG Business Regulation and Competition Working Group (BRCWG) meeting held in Melbourne which was chaired by Lindsay Tanner and Dr Craig Emerson.
The BRCWG agreed to start work immediately on how to implement a standard Chart of Accounts and a nationally consistent approach to fundraising."

National Housing Supply Council State of Supply Report 2008
Source: Australia. National Housing Supply Council. Annual report
"The first step towards establishing a national picture of housing supply and demand in Australia was taken today (11/03/09), with the launch of the National Housing Supply Council's State of Supply annual report.The National Housing Supply Council was set up in May 2008 to provide advice and research to Government and industry on the adequacy of housing and land supply to meet future housing needs.The first State of Supply report provides analysis and evidence on construction rates and land supply for the next 20 years. "

Tourism Opportunities for Indigenous Job Seekers in Queensland
Source: Australia. Minister for Employment Participation. Media Release
"The Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor, today (16/3/09) announced a major Indigenous tourism initiative that will create training and employment opportunities for 35 Indigenous job seekers in far north Queensland.
During a visit to Rainforrestation Nature Park in Kuranda today, Mr O’Connor announced Australian Government was providing $290,000 to the Cairns-based CaPTA Group, to provide full-time employment for 15 Indigenous jobseekers, as well as employment and training activities for 10 school-based trainees and five full-time Indigenous trainees.
Mr O’Connor said the project will also develop the skills and career opportunities for five of CaPTA’s existing Indigenous staff."

Bringing Science to Remote Indigenous Communities
Source: Australia. Minister for Employment Participation. Media Release
"The Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor, today (16/3/09) welcomed an innovative and ground-breaking project designed to engage Indigenous students in far north Queensland in science.
During a visit to Cairns today, Mr O’Connor announced the Australian Government is providing $98,000 to Woree State High School to develop the kit through the ‘Hands On Science’ project.
“The Science Kit will ensure that Indigenous students in rural and remote communities will have the same access to quality science education as students in urban schools,” Mr O’Connor said.
“The kit contains resources and equipment for 40 students to perform ‘Hands on Science’ experiments, including making slime, inflating balloons by producing harmless gases and creating fake snow."

Support for School Students with Autism
Source: Australia. Minister for Education. Media Release
"The Australian Government will fund support for teachers, parents and carers of school students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through the education component of the $190 million Helping Children with Autism package.

Almost 100 workshops will be held around the country for parents and carers of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and teachers and school staff."

$13 MILLION TO FAST-TRACK DEFENCE INNOVATION
Source: Minister for Defence Science and Personnel. Media Release
"Four successfully demonstrated Defence technology projects are to have their development fast-tracked, the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP announced today.

Through the Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Extension Program a total of $13 million is being invested in a missile early warning system, an aerial system for tracking moving targets on a PC, a system to increase infrared guided-missile protection for ADF aircraft, and a robot that lets you “feel” suspicious objects from a safe distance.

Mr Snowdon said he was pleased to note that the selected projects have come from small and medium enterprises and he congratulated them on their success."

Victoria's New Multicultural Policy Released
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"Premier John Brumby released the Victorian Government’s new multicultural policy which sets out a framework for continuing to strengthen and promote multiculturalism across the state. At the opening event for 2009 Cultural Diversity Week, the annual Premier’s Gala Dinner, Mr Brumby said All of Us re-affirmed the Government’s commitment to multiculturalism and the vital role it played in Victoria. “In Victoria we come from dynamic and diverse backgrounds and our Government is taking action to continue to strengthen multiculturalism because it is such an important part of who we are,” Mr Brumby said. “All of Us delivers on this Government’s commitment to multiculturalism and sets out key principles to ensure we continue to make the most of the opportunities it brings to advance Victoria even further. It demonstrates ways in which we can achieve a socially progressive society and make the most of the social, cultural and economic benefits that are an inherent part of being a multicultural state."

Queenslanders with a disability to get lions’ share of discounts
Source: Queensland. Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth. Media Release
"Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr today kicked a winning goal for Queenslanders with a disability as the new, two-for-one Companion Card rolls out statewide.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Companion Card has been backed by many businesses and organisations around the state – including the AFL and Brisbane Lions – giving eligible Queenslanders a two-for-one deal.
“This is an important initiative which gives eligible people with a disability who require attendant care access to their favourite activities and events on a two-for-one deal,” she said.
“The program has been specially designed to enable Queenslanders with a disability who need the aid of a carer the opportunity to enjoy activities most others take for granted.
Cardholders who need lifelong attendant care can use their card to access affiliated community venues and activities for the price of a single ticket, and the list of suppliers continues to grow."

Water efficiency funding available for non-residential buildings
Source: ACT
"A new program that will enable eligible non-residential buildings in the ACT to receive up to $20,000 in dollar-for-dollar funding from the ACT Government to improve water efficiency in their bathroom facilities has been launched.
To be eligible for funding from the ‘Commercial Bathroom Retrofit Program’, a non-residential property must meet conditions including participating in a audit of water efficiency. The funding under the program covers the cost of the materials, and does not include labour costs."

Roundtable on New Action Plan for Dairy in Victoria
Source: Victoria. Minister for Agriculture. Media Release
"The Brumby Government is meeting with representatives of Victoria’s dairy industry today to discuss tangible options to assist dairy farmers battling the challenging conditions. Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said reduced milk prices, ongoing dry conditions, water availability, labour shortages, overseas subsidies and the flow-on effects of the global financial crisis were impacting on Victoria’s dairy industry.“The Brumby Government is taking action to support Victoria’s dairy farmers work through this unprecedented period of change,” Mr Helper said. While we can’t control external factors, discussions with representatives from the dairy industry as a whole will look at developing the practical outcomes we can achieve."

Funding for Newly Arrived Young People to Get Active
Source: Victoria. Minister for Community Development. Media Release
"A $120,000 Brumby Government grant will help encourage newly-arrived young people from diverse cultural groups get involved in organised sport. Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor said the Victorian Community Support Grant would allow the not-for-profit group Sports Without Borders to deliver a pilot project to support local sporting associations attract and retain young people from diverse backgrounds.“The Brumby Government is taking action to strengthen communities and ensure all Victorians have access to a wide range of activities and services,” Mr Batchelor said. Sports Without Borders will assist sports clubs and organisations to be more inclusive and accessible by helping produce materials in different languages and training organisations to recruit and work with different cultural groups.”

New Strategy for Adult Learning in Victoria
Source: Victoria. Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation. Media Release
"Victoria’s largest adult education provider, the Centre for Adult Education (CAE) has set a new benchmark for professionalism in the adult education sector, with the launch of the new Strategic Framework 2009 – 2013. Officially launching the framework, Skills and Workforce Participation Minister Jacinta Allan said the framework was a comprehensive response to the Victorian Government’s skills reform package released last year.“The Brumby Government is taking action to encourage more Victorians to expand their skills and create new jobs,” Ms Allan said. CAE has quickly responded to the Brumby Government’s skills agenda and highlights the flexible way that adult education providers integrate into the communities where they operate,” Ms Allan said."

New Pathway to Employment
Source: Victoria. Minister for Community Services. Media Release
"Victorian school leavers with a disability will be assisted on the pathway to employment by a $2.4 million Brumby Government program. Community Services Minister Lisa Neville said the Transition to Employment program is assisting hundreds of Victorian school leavers to become job ready.“While one in five Australians has a disability, only half of those people have paid work and the Brumby Government believes that as a community we can do much better,’’ Ms Neville said. The Brumby Government is taking action to help more people gain employment and the Transition to Employment program is a major part of that commitment."

Victorians Get Cash Back for Saving Water
Source: Victoria. Minister for Water. Media Release
"Victorian households will get a helping hand this autumn to save water in the garden and around the home through a new water saving rebate. Until 31 May 2009 households need only spend $50 on one or more eligible water saving products to claim a rebate of $30 off their water bill. Water Minister Tim Holding said the new rebate would help Melburnians to achieve the personal daily target of 155 litres. The Brumby Government is helping households cut water consumption by providing further incentives to save water,” Mr Holding said."

Workhealth Begins Rolling Out in Regional Victoria
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"A pilot of the Victorian Government’s world-first initiative to screen workers for preventable diseases has been highly effective, with two in three workers referred to a general practitioner for further medical attention, Premier John Brumby, announced. In Bendigo, Mr Brumby said following the success of the WorkHealth health checks pilot, the program would begin rolling-out in regional Victoria with the first locations in the Geelong, Bendigo and western regions. “Our Government is taking action to tackle the epidemic of chronic disease which threatens our economy, our quality of life and our longevity,” Mr Brumby said. WorkHealth is the first program in the world to target the connection between chronic disease and workplace injury across an entire workforce – it will save lives and set a new international standard for workplace health and safety. "

Premier Releases Bushfire Building Standard
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"The Victorian Government will introduce tougher building standards for homes, targeting high bushfire risk areas, to help save lives and property. The Premier, John Brumby, said the Victorian Government was taking action to rebuild and better protect communities in the wake of this year’s devastating bushfires.“Victoria has endured Australia’s worst ever natural disaster, with the devastating bushfires claiming 210 lives and destroying more than 2000 properties,” Mr Brumby said. “Our Government is standing by the many people in those communities who are beginning the long and difficult task of rebuilding. “The Teague Royal Commission is examining all aspects of the bushfires, but our Government is taking action now to give certainty to people rebuilding in bushfire-prone areas and to lay out a clear framework for new homes including alterations and additions.“Bushfire survivors want to start rebuilding their homes and their communities as soon as possible and we want to ensure they can rebuild in the quickest and safest way possible.” Mr Brumby said Victoria was bringing forward the adoption of the Australian Standard for Design and Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas. The standard was due to be adopted by all States and Territories in May 2010. It will be effective in Victoria from Wednesday, 11 March."

New Identity Crime Legislation to Protect Victorians
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"Victims of identity crime will find it easier to reclaim their identity under legislation introduced into Parliament by the Brumby Government. The Crimes Amendment (Identity Crime) Bill will establish a court-issued certificate which will enable victims to demonstrate their identity has been stolen. Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said the new legislation would help victims of identity crime in dealing with banks and other institutions, for example, in order to re-establish their credit rating.“The Victorian Government is taking action to stand up for Victorians,” Mr Hulls said. The impact of identity crime on individuals can be crushing and costly, and a certificate issued by a court may help victims when dealing with creditors and businesses, for example to demonstrate that they did not actually purchase certain goods, exceed credit limits or apply for loans.”

Water Licence Changes
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Primary Industries and Water
The Department of Primary Industries and Water has started issuing the first 40-year water licences under changes designed to provide licensees, and their financial backers, with increased certainty and security.
David Llewellyn, the Minister for Primary Industries and Water, announced today that, in addition, most water licences will now be automatically renewed when they expire.

Australia’s First Online System Keeps Parents in Touch

Source: NT. Minister for Education and Training

The Education Minister Paul Henderson has officially launched Australia’s first online system allowing parents to monitor their children’s performance and development at school.
The Electronic Student Profile system (esp) is a $300,000 election commitment that allows parents to access their children’s homework, achievements, certificates, awards, samples of work, enrolment history and attendance

Victorian Government to Fund New Solar Power Station
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"The State Government will provide up to $100 million to develop a new large-scale solar power station in Victoria, Premier John Brumby announced. Our Government is taking action to change Victoria’s energy mix and promote renewable energy and we will be seeking proposals for a solar power station which can produce about 330GWh of electricity per year or enough power to run 50,000 homes,” Mr Brumby said. Alternately, this would be enough power to run all Victorian Government departments and agencies, including public schools, police stations, VicRoads and even the Melbourne Zoo."

Tourism Queensland and TTNQ launch major Tropical North Queensland Campaign into NZ market
Source: Queensland. Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry. Media Release
"A new advertising blitz valued at nearly half a million dollars has been launched to reposition Queensland in the important New Zealand market, Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said. The $463,000 international campaign is a partnership between Tourism Queensland, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Tourism Australia and Air New Zealand and funded by the Federal Government under the Federal Minister for Tourism Martin Ferguson’s tourism assistance package. Ms Boyle said the campaign is designed to educate and motivate Kiwis to travel to Queensland and take advantage of the diverse experiences available. “This is an important campaign in terms of reinvigorating Tropical North Queensland in the eyes of New Zealanders. “New Zealand is Queensland’s largest source market and in the year ending September 2008, 411,000 New Zealanders visited Queensland contributing $571 million to the state economy. "

$50 MILLION CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAM OPENED FOR CONSULTATION
Source: Australia. Minister for Resources and Energy
"The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, today announced the release of draft guidelines on the Clean Energy Program for public consultation.

Minister Ferguson said: "The Clean Energy Program aims to develop and advance Australia’s research and development capabilities in clean energy technologies, with grants starting at $3 million. The grants are provided on a dollar-for-dollar basis and funding will be subject to competitive, merit-based processes."

Work and Holiday visa arrangement with Indonesia
Source: Australia. Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. Media Release
"Young people from Australia and Indonesia will benefit from a new reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangement between the two countries, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans said today.
The arrangement, which was signed in Jakarta by Senator Evans and Mr Andi Mattalatta, the Indonesian Minister for Law and Human Rights, allows university-educated Australian and Indonesian travellers who are aged between 18 and 30 to work and holiday in each other’s country for up to 12 months. "