Queenslanders will develop new Community Plans for cities and towns
Source: Queensland. Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. Media Release
"Local Government Minister Desley Boyle has announced a July 1 start date for the much-anticipated new Local Government Act 2009. Cities and towns across Queensland will also be developing their first ever Community Plans, setting down Queenslanders’ vision for the future of their communities. “The July start date was suggested by councils, the Local Government Association of Queensland and unions,” Ms Boyle said."

No more pokies for Queensland
Source: Queensland. Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading. Media Release
"A new scheme that will provide incentives for clubs to reduce the number of poker machines was today launched, following legislative amendments to the Gaming Machine Act 1991. Minister responsible for gaming, Peter Lawlor MP, unveiled the new market-driven scheme, which allows Queensland clubs to transfer and sell gaming machine entitlements from 30 November 2009. “The new scheme will mean no new pokies for Queensland, but greater incentives for community clubs to reduce their number of machines,” said Minister Lawlor. This industry initiative allows clubs to trade gaming machine entitlements, under an existing State-wide cap set last year at 24,705.”

New tribunal to help Queenslanders resolve disputes
Source: Queensland. Attorney-General . Media Release
"The biggest shake-up in Queensland’s judicial system for 50 years takes effect, with the new Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) starting operations. Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations Cameron Dick said QCAT provided a new way for Queenslanders to resolve civil and administrative disputes. He said the amalgamation of 23 jurisdictions into a one-stop shop made it easier for Queenslanders to access the justice system. “QCAT will focus on resolving disputes, reviewing decisions of government agencies and statutory bodies, making guardianship and administration orders, and conducting disciplinary proceedings for various professions and occupations,” Mr Dick said."

New land access plans pave the way for better relations
Source: Queensland. Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade. Media Release
"The Bligh Government moved a step closer to realising its Land Access Strategy and delivering on its commitment to introduce new measures to improve relationships between farmers and resource companies. The Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Stephen Robertson said proposed changes to current land access requirements will be pivotal in creating a more equitable regime. “Cabinet has approved the preparation of legislative amendments that provide for a more consistent and transparent process that will improve landholders’ rights when their land is accessed for exploration. This is about providing certainty to all stakeholders about their respective rights and responsibilities when it comes to land access."

Bligh Government launches new support services for victims of crime
Source: Queensland. Attorney-General . Media Release
"The Queensland Government marked the start of a new era of support for victims of crime with the official launch of Victim Assist Queensland. Attorney-General Cameron Dick said the event represented a significant change in the way assistance was provided to help victims recover from trauma experienced at the hands of criminals. “Victim Assist Queensland shifts the focus from lump-sum payments to the delivery of services, assistance and support to help victims and their families recover as quickly as possible,” Mr Dick said. Queenslanders now have a more accessible system which cuts through the red tape to deliver services sooner.”

Bligh Government launches new $1 million Community Living Program on International Day of People with a Disability
Source: Queensland. Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs. Media Release
"The Bligh Government has announced an extra $1 million to support Queenslanders with a disability to mark International Day of People with a Disability (Thursday 3 December).
Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new Community Living Program was a landmark reform which would deliver supported accommodation to up to 50 Queenslanders each year. "This is great news for Queenslanders with a disability, and it couldn't have come at a better time," she said. "It means individuals will be able to access up to $20,000 a year to get the support they need to live in their own communities. It will allow them to live independently in their own homes while staying close to friends and family."

NO EXCUSES REFORM PROGRAM FOR INDIGENOUS EDUCATION IN CAPE YORK
Source: Queensland. Minister for Education and Training. Media Release
"A revolutionary “no excuses” approach to improving Indigenous students’ literacy and numeracy will be trialled next year in two Far North Queensland schools.
Coen State School will become a campus of the Western Cape College and, with the Aurukun campus, be the sites for this innovative initiative.
Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson said Class, Culture and Club was proposed by the Cape York Leadership Institute, and backed by local communities and educators.
“This program will help us close the gap between the educational outcomes of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students which is a high priority for the Queensland Government,” Mr Wilson said."

Green light for Gold Coast Rapid Transit
Source: Queensland. Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development. Media Release
"The search is on for a team to build and operate the first light rail project in Queensland, with expressions of interest called for the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project. Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the project would literally change the face of the Gold Coast, and become an iconic piece of transport and tourist infrastructure. “The Gold Coast is one of Australia's fast growing regions, welcoming 15,000 new residents each year,” Mr Fraser said. “Rapid Transit will replace up to 75 million car trips in the first ten years of operation, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 114,000 tonnes. This is the sort of project that a modern, growing region needs.”

HIGH-LEVEL TEAM TO HELP QLD STAY AHEAD OF GROWTH
Source: Queensland. Premier. Media Release
"Premier Anna Bligh announced a high-level advisory team to help Queensland tackle the challenges of population growth. The announcement comes ahead of the Council of Australian Government meeting where population growth, and planning for it, will be a key issue.
“Growth is real and I’m determined to tackle it head on and protect Queensland’s unique lifestyle,” Ms Bligh said. “SEQ is the fastest growing region in the country and 2000 people call Queensland home every week. We have to seize this opportunity and get this right.
“Next year, we’ll have a growth summit which is a great opportunity to bring together people from across Queensland to help us lead the nation into the next period of prosperity and continue to enjoy the best lifestyle in Australia. This team of experts, with a wealth of knowledge areas such as population trends, climate change, architecture, planning and industry, will play an important role in the summit.”

Improving Australia's Corporate Reporting Framework
Source: Australia. Minister for Financial Services, Superannuation and Corporate Law.
"The Minister for Financial Services, Superannuation and Corporate Law has released an exposure draft of the Corporations Amendment (Corporate Reporting Reform) Bill 2010, the associated regulations, commentary to explain the proposed amendments, and the draft Regulation Impact Statement.
The proposed reforms comprise of a range of measures to improve Australia’s corporate reporting framework, by reducing unnecessary red tape and regulatory burden on companies and implementing a number of other important refinements to the regulatory framework.
The Government is seeking written submissions on the draft amendments by close of business Wednesday 3 February 2010."

NATIONAL INNOVATION PRINCIPLES ADOPTED
Source: Australia. Minister for Innovation. Media Release
"Federal, State and Territory Innovation Ministers for the first time adopted a set of national innovation principles at a meeting in Melbourne today – to guide policy development and increase the consistency of government innovation programs across Australia.
“This is a real first for national innovation policy, and a vivid demonstration of governments working together to make all Australian innovation programs efficient and accessible,” said Australian Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr about the release of the Framework of Principles for Innovation Initiatives."

$30M TO SUPPORT RESEARCH COLLABORATION
Source: Australia. Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. Media Release
"The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, today announced that 71 research projects will share more than $30 million in funding under the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) scheme."

Government delivers national IR system
Source: Australia. Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. Media Release
"The Rudd Government has today delivered on its election commitment to create a fair and balanced national workplace relations system for the private sector.
Today, the Australian Parliament passed the Fair Work Amendment (State Referral and Other Measures) Bill 2009 without amendment."

Government offers extra $20 million to rural tertiary students
Source: Australia. Minister for Education. Media Release
"Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, today continued to negotiate with Senators to attempt to secure the passage of the Youth Allowance bill so 150 000 students gain certainly and can benefit from new scholarships in 2010.
Ms Gillard said the Government has offered to set up a Rural Tertiary Hardship Fund worth $20 million to help prevent the barriers to rural and regional students attending university."

Championship moves for safe schoolies celebrations
Source: Victoria. Attorney General
"Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls has called on school leavers holidaying on the Surf Coast to use their Championship Moves to ensure fun and trouble-free celebrations. Mr Hulls joined Geelong Football Club coach Mark Thompson in front of the Championship Moves bus in the Geelong Mall today to promote the campaign’s simple message: ‘Real champions look out for their mates and respect everyone’s right to a good time’.Mr Hulls said spreading the message about safe drinking practices was particularly important with school leavers visiting the Surf Coast to celebrate the end of exams.“This campaign encourages young men to use ‘Championship Moves’ to help their mates when they’ve had too much to drink and look like heading for trouble,” Mr Hulls said.“Not only will they be helping their mates, but they’ll also assist police in their efforts to keep Schoolies safe and provide an environment where young people can have a good time and feel safe.”"

Minister welcomes innovation in sustainable design
Source: Victoria. Minister for Planning
"The Brumby Labor Government today welcomed the construction of Australia’s first zero carbon, 9 star home by a commercial developer. Opening the new prototype in Waverley Park with representatives from developer MIRVAC, Planning Minister Justin Madden said the home was the latest Victorian innovation leading to the state’s reputation as a national leader in sustainable building."

$11 million for truck reduction plan in the West
Source: Victoria. Minister for Roads and Ports
"An $11 million funding boost will kick start the Brumby Labor Government’s Truck Action Plan to remove trucks from local roads in the western suburbs as part of the $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan. Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas announced $11 million for the planning investigation for the first stage of the Truck Action Plan, including preconstruction planning and early works on Shepherd Bridge in Yarraville.“We understand that people are concerned about trucks on our roads, which is why the Brumby Labor Government is building a better transport system and taking trucks off residential streets,” Mr Pallas said.“The Truck Action Plan is a vital project that will create an alternative route for freight to access the Port of Melbourne, away from residential areas.

Better health for gay and lesbian patients in Victoria
Source: Victoria. Minster for Health
"Gay and lesbian people will have even better access to health services thanks to a practical new guide for Victorian health workers. Visiting the Royal Women’s Hospital, Health Minister Daniel Andrews today launched Well Proud: A Guide to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Inclusive Practice for Health and Human Services, and said it would make it easier for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people to seek health help when and where they need it."

State Parliament passes Royalties for Regions Bill
Source: Western Australia. Dept of Regional Development
"The State Government’s Royalties for Regions Bill has been passed in State Parliament. Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls welcomed the passage of the legislation which provided a legislative base for the Royalties for Regions program’s continuing operation.
“This is an historic result for regional Western Australians and ensures there is a continuing focus on regional development into the future,” Mr Grylls said. The Bill provides for the equivalent of 25 per cent of the State’s annual mining and onshore petroleum royalties to be returned to the regions for additional investment in projects, infrastructure and community services in the regions."

Industrial Land Strategy 2009, Perth and Peel
Source: Western Australia. Planning WA
"The Industrial Land Strategy 2009 Perth and Peel is the State Government’s road map to meet demand for industrial land to service business investment and population growth.
The strategy, which focuses on general and light industry needs, provides the framework to ensure ongoing economic growth and sustainability for these regions.
Forty sites have been identified that have the potential to be developed for industrial land uses, including sites which are extensions to existing industrial areas; and six sites, comprising more than 4 000 hectares, have been short-listed as priorities for detailed feasibility assessment.
Following the consultation period, a final industrial land strategy will be prepared, following the blueprint for future industrial land use planning."

New Safety Laws to Protect Children in Cars
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Infrastructure
"Safeguarding the lives of Tasmanian children travelling in cars is one of the prime objectives of new road safety laws introduced on Monday (30 November). Launching the package of new road rules today, the Minister for Infrastructure, Graeme Sturges, said that all Tasmanian children aged under the age of four would need to be secured in an approved restraint when travelling in vehicles, and from November 2010 children aged between four and seven would have to wear either a child restraint or be in a booster seat. These new laws are based on the latest safety research available to better protect children from serious injury."

Green Star Rating
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Energy and Resources
"David Llewellyn, Minister for Energy and Resources, has welcomed the Green Building Council’s announcement that it would officially recognise the Australian Forestry Standard (AFS). The 1.5 million hectares of state forest managed by Forestry Tasmania are certified under the AFS.
“Tasmania has been at the forefront of progressing national recognition of the AFS as an Australian Standard,” Mr Llewellyn said. “All states have agreed to follow Tasmania’s lead."
The AFS is internationally endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC). This means that it has been developed in conformity with Australia’s standard setting procedures and approved by the National Standards Office, as well as meeting the over 200 criteria established by the PEFC. The decision is a vote of confidence in the sustainability of Australia’s managed forests, including Tasmania’s state forests.The Green Building Council’s guidelines have been widely adopted in procurement policies across Australia. This recognition is therefore a significant boost to Tasmanian forest industries. Ninety percent of Australia’s production forests are certified under the AFS. However, until now, little if any Australian hardwood was eligible to meet the Green Building Council’s standards."

State Government Completes Rail Takeover
Source: Tasmania. Minister for Infrastructure
"The Minister for Infrastructure, Graeme Sturges, today announced the State Government had successfully completed the purchase of the Tasmanian rail business from Pacific National, heralding a new era for rail freight services in the State.
Mr Sturges said that the newly established State-owned rail company - Tasmanian Railway Pty Ltd - would assume responsibility for the management and maintenance of all rail infrastructure and railway operations in Tasmania from today."

Public Comment Sought On Draft Feral Camel Action Plan
Source: NT. Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage
"Environment Minister Karl Hampton today invited all Australians to comment on a draft Feral Camel Action Plan that aims to manage the impact of feral camels in Australian rangelands. With camel numbers doubling every eight or nine years, the draft Plan is concerned primarily with the management control of feral camels and recognises that camels have a major economic, social and environmental cost. The draft Plan will measure and monitor the beneficial impacts of the camel removal program. It will also provide a platform for the ongoing and long-term management of feral camels, and partnerships and social capacities for camel management into the future.”

ACT Government welcomes childcare website initiative
Source: ACT. Minister for Children and Young People
"The ACT Labor Government has been working with the Federal Government to deliver easy access of childcare information for parents on the mychild.gov.au website. With one click parents will be able to get information on childcare vacancies at centres across the ACT, offering long day care, family day care, occasional, outside school hours and vacation care. The site also has a handy mapping function enabling parents to find childcare centres on a map and see a ‘street view'. The ACT Government supports the work being done by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments to achieve improved staff-to-child ratios, higher qualifications for staff, and quality standards for services, so that parents can better inform their choices about their children's future".