$11.4 million for Homelessness Research
Source: Australia. Minister for Housing. Media Release
"Minister for Housing, Tanya Plibersek today announced $11.4 million over four years for new research to direct the Rudd Government's efforts to reduce homelessness in Australia."

Australia India Institute to strengthen international ties
Source: Australia. The Minister for Education. Media Release
"The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, today announced the Australian Government will provide more than $8 million to fund a new Australia India Institute at the University of Melbourne.
The centre will aim to strengthen and sustain bilateral relationships between Australia and India and will be a joint project of the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and the University of New South Wales."

$3 million for National Pilot to increase Cyber-Safety in Schools
Source: Australia. Minister for Education and Minister for Youth. Joint media release
"The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard and Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis today announced a $3 million national pilot project aimed at addressing cyber-bullying in Australian schools. "

Satellite phone subsidies for improved emergency communications
Source: Australia. Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. Media Release
"Regional health and emergency service organisations and Australians in areas outside handheld mobile phone coverage now have better access to the Satellite Phone Subsidy."

A NATIONAL RESPONSE TO ORGANISED CRIME
Source: Australia. Attorney-General. Media Release
"Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed a range of new measures to support a comprehensive national response to combat organised crime."

Draft National Indigenous Law and Justice Framework
Source: Australia. Attorney-General
"The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General has developed the draft National Indigenous Law and Justice Framework (draft Framework) to provide a national approach to serious and complex justice issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people"

$5 million to help Australia's forest industries tackle climate change
Source: Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Media Release
"The Rudd Government is delivering on another election commitment for Australia's forest industries, establishing a $5 million research fund to help the sector adapt to climate change.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke announced expressions of interest were open for grants of up to $500,000 under the new Forest Industries Climate Change Research Fund."

Crown Land Amendments to Boost Regional Jobs
Source: Victoria. Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Media Release
“Job creation and economic growth in regional Victoria will result from amendments to the Crown Lands Act passed through parliament. Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said business investors and tourism operators will have greater certainty because the Crown Land Acts Amendment (Lease and Licence Terms) Bill 2009 would increase the maximum lease term available for major projects on Crown land from 21 to 65 years. “The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to provide greater security for business investors and tourism operators in regional Victoria. This means more jobs for working families,” Mr Jennings said. “The introduction of an integrated commercial tour operator licensing system will be of particular benefit to the eco-tourism industry because it will improve opportunities for increased industry investment and allow tour operators to focus on business performance.”

Victorian Signs on for Electric Vehicle Technology
Source: Victoria. Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Media Release
“Victoria has become the first Australian state to commit to working with car maker Nissan to promote electric vehicle technology, Environment, Climate Change and Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings announced. Mr Jennings signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Renault-Nissan Alliance following the launch in Japan of Nissan’s new battery-powered electric car, the LEAF. “The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to explore the benefits of introducing and expanding electric vehicle technology to ensure Victoria has a sustainable environmental future and jobs growth that is driven by innovative ideas,” Mr Jennings said.”

$4.5 Million to Cut Emissions in Victorian Households
Source: Victoria. Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Media Release
“Applications are now open for a share in a $4.5 million Brumby Labor Government fund to help Victorian households reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings announced the new grants were available under the Victorian Government’s Sustainability Fund. “Community groups, local government, non-government organisations and businesses are encouraged to apply for funding,” Mr Jennings said. “The residential sector contributes to 21 per cent of Victoria’s energy use which has a significant impact on climate change and it is vital we reduce emissions in this sector.“The 2009 Climate Change and Victorian Households Funding Round is another way the Brumby Labor Government is taking action to address the difficult issue of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for all Victorians. The recipients of these grants will deliver innovative yet practical and affordable solutions to tackle climate change and help ordinary Victorian households make a difference by reducing their environmental impact."

New Legislation to Help Deliver an Integrated and Sustainable Transport System
Source: Victoria. Minister for Public Transport. Media Release
“The Brumby Labor Government unveiled a new legislative framework that will underpin delivery of the $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan and future development of an integrated and sustainable transport system. Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the proposed Transport Integration Bill would bring together all elements of the transport system – roads, rail, ports and marine – under one statute for the first time. The legislative framework is outlined in a policy position paper released by Ms Kosky and Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas. Ms Kosky said the Brumby Labor Government was taking action to build a world-class integrated transport network for Victoria. This is all part of our plan, a bold and innovative legislative framework for an integrated and sustainable transport network – and a modern Victorian transport system requires modern transport legislation,” Ms Kosky said.”

Queenslanders to Have Their Say on Integrity and Accountability
Source: Queensland. Premier. Media Release
"Premier Anna Bligh released a discussion paper and called on Queenslanders to have their say on the issues of accountability and transparency in the political process. The release of Integrity and Accountability in Queensland follows a number of reforms announced recently by the Premier, including a ban on all Labor Members of Parliament attending political fundraisers where businesses pay for access and a ban on lobbyists serving on Government appointed boards, or in other significant appointments paid by the Queensland Government. "Accountability and transparency in public administration is at the heart of robust democracy," Ms Bligh told Parliament today. "As Premier, I believe government has a duty to continually reform and adjust to the evolving expectations of the people they represent. "

SEQ Plan focuses on jobs
Source: Queensland. Minister for Infrastructure and Planning. Media Release
"The new long-term plan for South East Queensland has recognised the important relationship between land use planning and job creation. Launching the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the plan will promote balanced and diverse employment opportunities throughout the region. “Under our plan, additional jobs and potential new industries will be maximised in all new major urban development areas and regional activity centres,’’ Mr Hinchliffe said. This region welcomes new businesses and we’re being smart about where the jobs of the future will come from."

Justice grants to boost legal services for vulnerable Queenslanders
Source: Queensland. Attorney-General . Media Release
"Attorney-General Cameron Dick announced almost $1.5 million in Bligh Government justice grants to support some of Queensland’s most vulnerable people. Mr Dick said 19 local community justice initiatives will benefit from the funding, to help support Indigenous people, the financially-disadvantaged, people with disabilities, refugees and other vulnerable groups throughout Queensland. “These grants provide financial support to projects which level the legal playing field for some of the most vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalised people in our society,” Mr Dick said. “The Bligh Government is committed to providing a fair justice system which is accessible to all Queenslanders. This is reflected through the allocation of these grants, ranging from $15,000 to $149,200, to support a wide range of community-based initiatives which enhance legal services and education. "

Bligh announces sweeping Integrity and Accountability review – and bans success fees
Source: Queensland. Premier. Media Release
"The Bligh Government will launch a thorough review of integrity and accountability issues in a landmark move which heralds significant reforms. Premier Anna Bligh announced the review would focus on a broad range of integrity and accountability issues including such areas as political fundraising, the adequacy of internal misconduct investigation procedures. At the same time, Ms Bligh also announced the government would - in an Australian first - legislate to ban the payment of success fees to lobbyists who achieve favourable outcomes from government for their clients. "

Business sector to provide free leg-up for community groups
Source: Queensland. Minister for Community Services and Housing . Media Release
"Community organisations are set to benefit from an innovative project that links their support needs with businesses freely offering expertise and people power. Community Services Minister Karen Struthers launched VolBiz, an online register where businesses and community organisations can express their interest in linking through volunteering. “Tomorrow’s Queensland needs caring, safe and inclusive communities that help each other out when times are tough,” Ms Struthers said. “We need to build on our current record of high volunteer rates to attract, recruit and retain more people as volunteers. Businesses are uniquely placed to draw on the expertise of their employees and can provide incentives for them to apply their skills in a volunteering capacity.”

$20,000 up for grabs for Queensland schools to eat well and be active
Source: Queensland. Minister for Sport. Media Release
"Queensland schools are being encouraged to take up the challenge to ‘eat well and be active’ for the chance to win prize money to the value of $20,000. Kicking off the Cherish the Children Eat Well Be Active 2009 Challenge, (July 31), Sport Minister Phil Reeves and Australian tennis champion tennis Pat Rafter said the Challenge was a great way to recognise fantastic initiatives in Queensland schools to help children get active and eat healthy. “I am delighted to be partnering with Pat Rafter’s Cherish the Children Foundation to deliver the Cherish the Children Eat Well Be Active 2009 Challenge,” Mr Reeves said. The Bligh Government’s Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland vision aims to make Queenslanders Australia’s healthiest people by reducing obesity rates by one-third by 2020."

Planning for a low-carbon and resilient future
Source: Queensland. Minister for Infrastructure and Planning. Media Release
"A new draft plan setting out proposed actions to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from land management and future urban development and in South East Queensland has been released. Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe said the Draft South East Queensland Climate Change Management Plan would move the region towards a low-carbon future that would be more resilient to the long term impacts of climate change. “This plan is a bold step to ensure we implement the climate change policies of the SEQ Regional Plan with clarity and commitment,” Mr Hinchliffe said."

Queensland adoption reforms offer new family future for foster kids
Source: Queensland. Minister for Child Safety. Media Release
"The Bligh Government’s proposed reforms to adoption laws will offer some children in long-term foster care the opportunity be part of a family of their own. Speaking at the Foster Care Queensland conference in Caloundra, Mr Reeves said the Adoption Bill 2009 recognises adoption, including by their foster carers, may be the best way for children who could never return to their parents to have long-term security and wellbeing as part of a family."

Environmental law made easier in the ACT
Source: ACT. Minister for the Environment. Media Release
"Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water, Simon Corbell, launched the 2nd edition of the ACT Environmental Law Handbook. The handbook was first release in 2003, and the latest edition, launched today, was made possible by funding from the ACT Government's Environment Grants Program. The Program contributed almost $14,000 to the cost of producing this second edition. The Handbook is produced by the ACT Environmental Defender's Office. "This is a valuable resource for legal practitioners, policy makers as well as community members to get ready access to current information about environmental law in the ACT," Mr Corbell said."

New Whistleblower Law Begins
Source: Northern Territory. Minister for Justice and Attorney-General
"Attorney-General, Delia Lawrie, said new legislation to protect whistleblowers and ensure a more open and transparent Northern Territory Government begin today [31 July]. From 31 July, Territorians will be able to report improper conduct in Northern Territory public bodies to a new Commissioner for Public Interest Disclosures, without fear of reprisal. “The Public Interest Disclosure Act protects Territorians who speak out for the good of the community,” Ms Lawrie said. “It is about ensuring the Northern Territory public sector continues to operate fairly and professionally.” The new legislation also creates an independent Commissioner to investigate disclosures and to ensure that public bodies are transparent and accountable."

Tas e-Connect Delivers for the Tourism Industry
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Tourism and the Arts
"Tasmanian tourism operators are already beginning to reap the rewards of the State Government’s Tas e-Connect online tourism initiative, with an average of around $100,000 worth of business being booked each month since the initiative was launched only a few months ago. The Minister for Tourism and the Arts, Michelle O’Byrne, said the Tas e-Connect technology gives Tasmanian tourism operators the ability to have their rooms, activities, tours and events seen and bought online by consumers everywhere. “Tas e-Connect is working,” Ms O’Byrne said. “In the three months since Tas e-Connect was launched to Tasmania’s tourism industry more than $300,000 worth of bookings have been made through the Open Booking Exchange. I am confident the level of business through Tas e-connect will grow exponentially as more local tourism businesses are connected.” Ms O’Byrne said new technologies like Tas e-Connect’s online booking platform play a vital role in ensuring the tourism industry can meet the demands of the online consumer and be competitive in the global tourism market."

Impact of climate change on small business
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Tourism and the Arts
"The impact of climate change on small business was high on the agenda at today’s annual Small Business Ministerial Council meeting in Darwin. The Minister for Tourism and the Arts, Michelle O’Byrne, has used the forum to show how the Tasmanian Government is leading the nation in its support for innovative businesses and outline how climate change is being addressed. “There is no doubt that Tasmania’s 35,000 small businesses will be affected by climate change and the economic impacts of an emission trading scheme,” Ms O’Byrne said. “The Tasmanian Government is serious about preparing small business to meet these challenges and in response to this we are developing a number of resources for small business. Fortunately, climate change will also bring many economic opportunities for Tasmania.” Ms O’Byrne said that as part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to addressing Climate Change, a series of fact sheets are now available."

Helping Tasmania’s Small Businesses
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Tourism and the Arts. Media Release
"Tasmanian small businesses struggling in tough economic times can now decide which financial package is best for their needs through a new link to a Business Loan Finder site. Speaking after the Small Business Ministerial Council meeting in Darwin, the Minister for Tourism and the Arts, Michelle O’Byrne said the State Government has purchased access to a successful interstate Business Loan Finder. “The impact of the global recession has greatly affected the ability of small business to obtain credit,” Ms O’Byrne said. “Despite interest rate cuts, banks are generally not passing on these rate reductions to small business customers.” Ms O’Byrne said the State Government negotiated a deal with the Victorian Government to access the site which helps businesses quickly compare and rank loans by their true monthly costs. “The Council recognises that Government has a role to assist small businesses that are less financially literate to evaluate and compare loans."

“About 10,000 businesses have accessed the site since the Victorian Government developed it in February 2009. Almost 50 per cent of users are non-Victorian businesses.”

New Fares Order Approved
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Infrastructure. Media Release
"The Minister for Infrastructure, Graeme Sturges said he had made a new fares order following Cabinet consideration of the final report of the Government Prices Oversight Commission 2009 Investigation into Metro Pricing Policies. Mr Sturges said that over the next five years, Metro would be permitted to gradually increase single ticket fares for adult non-concession passengers. "This new fares order will enable Metro to make appropriate decisions regarding the fares it sets for urban services to ensure it best positioned to continue providing sustainable public transport into the future. Metro fares remain significantly below the actual cost of delivering metropolitan bus services. The State Government currently provides about 70% of the funding required for Metro to deliver urban bus services in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie – amounting to about $29.5 million a year. This funding supports adult and student concession fares, and offsets the cost of delivering passenger services.”