Broadcasters and broadband to invigorate and strengthen Australia's digital economy
Source: Australia. Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. Media Release
"Substantial new funding for the national broadcasters, totalling $185.3 million over three years, will allow them to expand their range of programming and build on the success of existing initiatives."

New National Energy Efficiency Initiative
Source: Australia. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts.Minister for Resources and Energy. Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. Joint media release
"The Rudd Government will invest up to $100 million in partnership with the energy sector for the development of a new National Energy Efficiency Initiative using 21st century technology to assist our transition to a low carbon economy by encouraging a smarter and more efficient energy network.
This initiative builds on the Government's unprecedented investment in the National Broadband Network, household energy efficiency and renewable energy. It includes the $3.9 billion Energy Efficient Homes Package that provides rebates for the installation of insulation and solar hot water systems, the new Solar Credits Scheme supporting home micro-generation, and the expanded Solar Cities program."

Budget 2009-10
Australia.
"The central task of the 2009-10 Budget is nation building for recovery.
The 2009-10 Budget supports jobs today by investing in the infrastructure that Australia needs for tomorrow.
Key elements include:
Investing in a $22 billion Nation Building Infrastructure centrepiece, which provides funding for roads, metro rail, ports, the Clean Energy Initiative, universities, research, hospitals and broadband.
Delivering an increase for single and couple pensioners and carers, boosting innovation funding, introducing a statutory paid parental leave scheme, extending the First Home Owners Boost and providing a Small Business Tax Break.
Taking the hard decisions necessary to make the Budget sustainable, and to chart the course back to surplus. "

Review of the National Biodiversity Strategy
Source: Australia. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
"The Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council , on behalf of the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments, is inviting public comments on the draft Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2020."

Jobs and housing bonanza
Source: Queensland. Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women. Media Release
"Work is underway on the biggest-ever investment in social housing infrastructure since the Chifley era and Housing Minister Karen Struthers is urging local builders and developers on the Gold Coast to put their bids in for their share. Minister Struthers inspected work on a housing site in Southport, being built by the Gold Coast Housing Company, as part of the National Rental Affordability Scheme. “This housing site is being funded by subsidies from the Federal and State Governments so that companies like the Gold Coast Housing Company can provide low-cost housing for people who need a roof over their head. “The Federal Government provides a subsidy of $6,000 for each dwelling and the State Government contributes $2,000 towards the project. “That way, rents can be set at or below 80% of market rents. It’s a win for people who rely on low-cost housing and it’s a win for local builders."

Cross River Rail key to city’s transport future
Source: Queensland. Minister for Transport. Media Release
"Transport Minister Rachel Nolan has welcomed the Federal Government’s budget announcement of $20 million for Cross River Rail, a major rail project to improve rail capacity and frequency through the Brisbane CBD. Ms Nolan said the committed funding would facilitate detailed planning including the selection of a preferred corridor, the preparation of an environmental impact statement and extensive community consultation.”
Ms Nolan said the project, which could cost up to $8.2 billion when completed, would provide a new rail link through the inner city, connecting the North Coast/Caboolture rail line with the Gold Coast/Beenleigh rail line."

Gold Coast a big winner with $365 million to rapid transit project
Source: Queensland. Minister for Transport. Media Release
" Queensland Transport Minister Rachel Nolan enthusiastically welcomed the Federal Government’s Budget announcement that the Gold Coast Rapid Transit system would receive $365 million as part of its commitment to infrastructure projects across Australia.
Minister Nolan said the rapid transit project initiated by the State Labor Government would shape the future of the city."

'Adopt a School' Program skills tomorrow's transport workforce
Source: Queensland. Minister for Transport. Media Release
" High school students are being given a pathway into the transport and logistics industry through an innovative program that sees industry ‘adopt’ a school. Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the Transport and Logistics Adopt a School program links an industry employer, a school, and a training organisation to offer 15 to 17-year-olds recognised qualifications in logistics and warehousing, and the prospect of further training or employment. “Adopt-a-School provides the industry with a strategy to meet future skill needs, give employers access to a diverse talent pool and allows young people to gain hands-on experience,” Ms Nolan said."

Assisting Indigenous employment in the Primary Industries
Source: Queensland. Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland. Media Release
"Attracting staff and empowering staff with skills to become some of the State’s future leaders in the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries is one of the beef industry’s greatest challenges. The Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland has announced a new approach to providing skilled employees to the beef industry’s workforce. “This new approach is in response to a current initiative delivering life skills training to indigenous Australians in preparation for employment in the pastoral and processing sectors. “The strategy is part of my Beef 2020 vision which is seeking new opportunities to provide skilled workers to the beef industry. "

Motorcycle strategy to tackle rising death toll
Source: Queensland. Minister for Transport and Minister for Main Roads. Media Release
"A long-term safety strategy intended to stem the alarming rise in road deaths among motorcyclists has been launched by Transport Minister Rachel Nolan and Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace. The Queensland Motorcycle Safety Strategy 2009-2012 was described by Ms Nolan as a four-year blueprint for motorcycle safety. "With more and more people riding motorcycles, the strategy outlines a range of initiatives aimed at decreasing the number of motorcycle-related deaths," she said."

Pilot program to speed up courts process
Source: South Australia. Attorney-General. Media Release.
"Attorney-General Michael Atkinson says the Criminal Case Conferencing pilot program has just begun in the Adelaide Magistrates Court and occurs before committal of a prosecution to the District Court. It not only speeds up the trial process but also enables the possibility of an early resolution between the prosecution and the defendant on a matter,” Mr Atkinson says."

New languages scholarship announced
Source: South Australia. Minister for Education. Media Release.
"More trained languages teachers will be available to work in South Australia’s schools through a new five-year scholarship program to be unveiled today. Up to 15 scholarships will be offered each year to provide aspiring language teachers with financial support to learn a language or undertake a teaching degree."

Nowhere to hide for unregistered and uninsured drivers
Source: South Australia. Minister for Road Safety Minister. Media Release.
"Road traffic cameras around the state will begin detecting unregistered and uninsured vehicles from Monday, June 1. Road Safety Minister, Michael O’Brien says all cameras on the network, including speed and red light cameras, can now be used to detect illegal vehicles on SA roads following legislative amendments passed by State Parliament last year."

Drink drivers locked out from today
Source: South Australia. Minister for Road Safety Minister. Media Release.
"Tough new laws to protect the public from drink drivers come into effect from today (May 1). The new laws will require a drink driver who has previously lost his or her licence, and has reoffended, to fit an alcohol interlock to their vehicle for a period of time equal to their last disqualification,” Mr O’Brien said. "

Initiatives to help combat violence
Source: South Australia. Minister for the Status of Women. Media Release.
"Minister for the Status of Women Gail Gago says five community education programs will be established using $50,000 in Government grants to teach young people about the importance of respectful relationships. This work will complement the Government’s reformed rape and sexual assault laws and the current review of domestic violence legislation."

Strategy for 86 more mental health beds unveiled
Source: South Australia. Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Media Release.
"The Rann Government has today released details of a four-year strategy to deliver 86 more adult mental health beds across South Australia. Today’s announcement provides the detail around the Social Inclusion Board’s recommendation for a new ‘stepped’ model of mental health care in South Australia."

Premier Announces $17.7 Million to Promote Respect
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"The Premier, John Brumby, unveiled a $17.7 million strategy to promote community respect, as part of the Victorian Government’s actions to build more resilient communities and address alcohol-related violence among young people. Mr Brumby said the Victorian Government’s Respect strategy would focus on strengthening the connection of young people with their communities through volunteering and programs to address juvenile offending. "

Racing Industry Plan Secures Country Racing's Future
Source: Victoria. Minister for Racing. Media Release
"The Brumby Government welcomed the release of the racing industry’s plan for the future of country race meetings and training infrastructure. Deputy Premier and Racing Minister Rob Hulls said the plan provided the industry with certainty and a secure future.“This is a plan by the industry and for the industry,” Mr Hulls said. “This is the first time that country race clubs have had a five-year blueprint outlining race dates, training track structure and maintenance funding, and country club meeting funding."

Tax Rates Closely Aligned Across Victorian Gaming Machine Industry
Source: Victoria. Minister for Gaming. Media Release
"The Brumby Government announced a broad package of changes to Crown Casino’s licence conditions, including a progressive increase in the tax rate on the Casino’s gaming machines, reflecting the maturing of the business and virtually equalising gaming taxes for Crown and gaming venue operators. Gaming Minister Tony Robinson said the new agreement on the casino gaming machine tax rate would see the rate rise from 22.25 per cent to 32.57 per cent in 2014-15. “This reform will result in tax rates being virtually equal for Crown Casino and other gaming venues,” he said."

Government Outlines Further Water Market Reforms
Source: Victoria. Minister for Water. Media Release
"The Brumby Government will legislate to remove the 10 per cent limit on the volume of Victorian water entitlements that can be owned without being associated with land. Water Minister Tim Holding said the Government had reviewed the 10 per cent Non-Water User Limit, taking into account community feedback through the Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy’s consultation process. Having evaluated the limit and reviewed community feedback, we will now begin work immediately to legislate to remove the 10 per cent limit. The limit is not yet an obstacle to trade, but if it is reached in the 2009/10 irrigation season, it may cause problems for willing buyers and sellers.”

Cameron Launches New Alcohol Violence Campaign
Source: Victoria. Police Minister. Media Release
"The Brumby Government and Victoria Police have teamed up with AFL coaches in a new campaign to provide young men with tactics to avoid alcohol-fuelled violence and stay safe when out with friends. Police Minister Bob Cameron launched the new $2 million Your Move/Championship Moves campaign at the MCG, which provides young men with advice on avoiding alcohol-related violent confrontations."

More Than $926 Million to Tackle Disadvantage in Victoria
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"Major investments in protecting vulnerable children, mental health services and workforce participation are part of the Victorian Government’s $926 million A Fairer Victoria program to tackle social disadvantage."

Volunteers Receive $9.3 Million Victorian Government Boost
Source: Victoria. Premier. Media Release
"Making it easier for more Victorians to volunteer, especially young people, is a key focus of the Victorian Government’s new $9.3 million volunteering strategy launched. Marking the start of National Volunteer Week in Victoria, the Premier John Brumby and Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor released the Victorian Volunteering strategy, part of the Government’s Respect strategy. New initiatives in the volunteering strategy will include:• The Premier’s Community Volunteer Awards which will involve an independent assessment panel. The criteria will be developed in consultation with community and volunteering groups;• A new portal to include matching services, information and resources for community organisations and individuals wishing to volunteer;• A major awareness and recruitment campaign to promote community participation, particularly by young people;• Resources, support, and one-off grants to help community organisations attract more and younger volunteers."

Draft cane toad strategy for Western Australia 2009-19
Source: WA. Minister for Environment and Conservation
"The draft Cane Toad Strategy for Western Australia 2009-19 has been released for public comment.
The draft strategy outlines a 10-year management plan for cane toads and aims to provide an integrated response across the whole community to reduce the impact of the invasive species on biodiversity, social and economic values."

New initiative to increase women representation
Source: Tasmania. The Premier
"Premier David Bartlett today (7/5/2009)joined Local Government Association of Tasmania President Mike Gaffney, to unveil a new program that aims to increase the number of women standing at the 2009 Tasmanian local government elections. The program was launched at a meeting of the Premier’s Local Government Council (PLGC) in Hobart. "