Schools in the West Start Upward Spiral of Success
Source: Victoria. Minister for Education. Media Release
"Schools in Melbourne’s western suburbs will be targeted by a $3 million Brumby Government education injection to tackle disadvantage and bridge the education gap. Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said the western suburbs were leading the way in turning struggling schools around and the Brumby Government would build on that work with a suite of new interventions to take off in the west and then expand throughout the state.“The Brumby Government is driving reforms in the education system to lift all schools to a higher standard because we want to give every child every opportunity to shine regardless of their postcode or socio-economic circumstances,” Ms Pike said. Education remains the Brumby Government’s number one priority and this investment in the west builds on our Education Blueprint reforms already underway to address disadvantage and reform school improvement across Victoria."

Green Bonanza Beckons for Victoria
Source: Victoria. Minister for Trade and Industry. Media Release
"Victorian industry has the potential to benefit from up to $25 billion of greenhouse opportunities identified in a report released by the Minister for Industry and Trade, Martin Pakula. Mr Pakula said the first phase of the Allen Consulting Group’s report Victoria’s Greenhouse Opportunity Set: New Growth Prospects in a Carbon Constrained World identified economic potential over the next two decades including:
$4.6 billion in water infrastructure and technology;
$2.25 billion in green building and construction services; and
$3.3 billion in energy storage and technology.
“The Brumby Government is committed to taking action now to protect the job of every Victorian,” he said. We commissioned this report to assess future commercial opportunities arising from climate change and the ability of Victorian industry to capitalise on them."

Public sector cadetships give youth employment a Jump Start
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Public Sector Reform and Special Minister of State. Media Release.
"More than 70 cadetships for people under 21 years of age are being advertised from today under the State Government’s Jump Start youth employment and training program.
Minister for Public Sector Reform and Special Minister of State John Robertson said this was the first step toward training and employment for 6000 young people in the NSW Public Sector over the next four years."

New Interactive Online Tool Helps Designers Go Green
Source: Victoria. Minister for Environment and Sustainability. Media Release
"Sustainable design should be a feature of all industrial, graphic, fashion and textile designs thanks to an Australian-first interactive online tool, Environment and Sustainability Minister Gavin Jennings said. Accessible on the Design Victoria website, the “What is Eco-Design” tool is an on-line resource that provides sector-specific guides to help designers focus on the environmental impacts in a products’ lifecycle across materials, manufacture, use and end of life.“The Brumby Government is committed to supporting Victorian businesses and manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact and develop innovative solutions to climate change,” said Mr Jennings.“This tool provides designers with quick, easy to understand information which will assist them in integrating eco-design strategies into the lifecycle of the product at the design stage. It will also contribute to the ongoing pursuit of excellence and innovation in the Victorian design industry. Incorporating eco-principles into design means products can be made with a reduced environmental footprint without compromising on quality or functionality, aesthetics or costs."

NSW thinks outside the box to target international youth travel market
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Tourism. Media Release.
"NSW will be promoted to young Kiwis as an irresistible destination for a short break or
long holiday as a part of an innovative youth campaign from the NSW Government in
conjunction with MTV New Zealand and airline, Pacific Blue.
Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay said the campaign will use the popularity of social
networking site Facebook to run a youth-oriented promotion and competition."

Aboriginal language grant applications open
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Media Release.
"The NSW Government is leading the way in protecting and revitalising Aboriginal languages, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Paul Lynch said today. Mr Lynch said expressions of interest are being sought by the NSW Government to protect and teach Aboriginal languages.
"Aboriginal languages are part of Australia's history and national identity," he said. "Languages improve people's self-esteem and can deliver practical benefits like encouraging more children to stay at school," Mr Lynch said."

YOUTH WORKERS GET TRAINING TO HELP TEENAGE CANNABIS USERS
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Community Services. Media Release.
"Minister for Community Services Linda Burney said tackling teenage drug use must
start by supporting those working at the frontline with vulnerable young people.
“Thirty youth workers and counsellors involved in the NSW Government funded drug
and alcohol program, the Getting it Together Scheme (GITS) are attending a training
workshop today. “The workshop has been designed for psychologists, counsellors and youth workers to show them how they can help young cannabis users to change their thinking and from this, change their behaviour.”

GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS SCRUTINY OF CHILD DEATHS
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Community Services. Media Release.
"The NSW Government today welcomed the NSW Ombudsman’s Reviewable Child Deaths Report for 2007 as an important contribution to strengthening the NSW child protection system. On 15 October last year Community Services Minister Linda Burney told a Parliamentary Estimates Committee that the increase in the number of reviewable child deaths in 2007, outlined in today’s report, was disturbing and that her concern was shared by the whole community. "Let’s not forget that behind each cold statistic is a human life and a grieving family," she said."

REES GOVERNMENT FUNDS FASHION DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING BUSINESS CLUSTER
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Small Business. Media Release.
"The NSW Minister for Small Business Steve Whan today announced a $10,000 grant to set
up a NSW fashion design and manufacturing business cluster. “The NSW Fashion Design and Manufacturing Business Cluster has so far recruited 21 companies which employ nearly 60 people,” Mr Whan said “The cluster, which is managed by the Australian Fashion Exchange, supplies fashion design, material manufacturing and other services to the State’s fashion industry."

Review to Provide Better Services to Farmers
Source: Victoria. Minister for Agriculture. Media Release
"The Brumby Government has committed $8 million over four years from its Future Farming Strategy to review and implement improvements to agricultural services to assist farmers make more informed decisions in a changing global environment. Visiting Bendigo as part of the Brumby Government’s Eaglehawk and Redesdale Bushfire Recovery Community Cabinet, Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said the entire farm sector was facing new pressures and some emerging opportunities.“The Brumby Government recognises today’s farming environment is very different to the one that existed even five years ago, therefore we are taking action to ensure our services best suit current needs,” Mr Helper said. “To meet future challenges, we need to ensure our agricultural services are better targeted, more accessible and relevant. Our aim is to see the farm sector grow to become more productive, competitive and sustainable."

Legislation fast tracked to protect vital power cables
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development. Media Release.
"The NSW Government is fast tracking new legislation to prevent unnecessary power outages across NSW, Energy Minister Ian Macdonald said today. "Just over a week ago I announced a five point plan to protect vital energy infrastructure - this will be given the highest priority," Mr Macdonald said. "We are implementing stronger laws to provide greater protection to important our electrical supply cables, not just in Sydney but across the State."

Massive pine planting program underway across NSW
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development. Media Release.
"The NSW Government is preparing for a massive planting program in June that will see about 12 million pine seedlings established across NSW, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today. "The planting program across the State will involve 200 contract staff as well as Forests NSW employees," Minister Macdonald said.
"This is an investment in our future and will ensure an ongoing timber supply for our customers and a bright future for the people whose communities depend upon the timber industry."

Victorians Tune in to Save 750 Black Balloons a Year
Source: Victoria. Minister for Energy and Resources. Media Release
"New national energy standards for digital set-top boxes and external power supplies used to power products such as mobile phones and laptops are set to further cut the electricity use and power bills of Victorian households, Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor announced.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to help Victorians reduce their environmental impact and these national measures complement our initiatives to help individuals cut their energy use,” Mr Batchelor said.“The new measures, which came into force in Victoria this week, mean all new set-top boxes and external power supplies will now have to comply with minimum energy performance standards. Very few set-top boxes have an off switch and a significant amount of energy is wasted when these devices are put on standby mode.“A set-top box that complies with the new minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) will save about 38 kilograms of greenhouse gas a year, or 750 black balloons, compared to the average unit sold before the introduction of the new requirements."

CROSS BORDER TRANSPORT TASKFORCE REPORT RELEASED
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Transport. Media Release.
"Minister for Transport David Campbell today released the final report of the Cross Border Transport Taskforce which examined links between NSW and Queensland.
Mr Campbell said the report had also been endorsed by the Queensland Transport Minister and was now available on the NSW Ministry of Transport website.

Reform Empowers Industry to Create 250,000 'Green" Jobs
Source: Victoria. Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation. Media Release
"Victorian industry, community and environmental groups are being encouraged to take the lead in driving the creation of 250,000 new green jobs nationally. Addressing a Green Jobs Summit hosted by the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Skills and Workforce Participation Minister Jacinta Allan highlighted Victoria’s potential to reap massive jobs growth in environmental products and services.“The Brumby Government is taking action to deliver jobs now by supporting industry and investing in infrastructure,” Ms Allan said.“CSIRO modelling estimates that given the right policy settings, changing to a ‘green economy’ will create at least 33,000 new jobs in manufacturing, 77,000 jobs in transport, and 145,000 jobs in construction nationally over 10 years. Our $316 million skills reform package Securing Jobs for Your Future will boost Victoria’s vocational education and training system and produce highly skilled workers who can adapt to new industries. "

NSW to ask Feds to go after bikie companies
Source: New South Wales.Attorney General. Media Release.
"The Rees Government will this week ask the Commonwealth to consider amending its laws to disqualify bikies from being directors of companies, said Attorney General John Hatzistergos.At a meeting of Attorneys General in Canberra on Thursday and Friday, NSW will ask the Federal Government to consider amending the Corporations Act 2001 to automatically disqualify bikies who have committed criminal association and gang participation offences.Mr Hatzistergos said it was important to inhibit the ability of outlaw motorcycle gangs to form companies and function as legitimate businesses."

Agreement on fines for lawyers who overcharge
Source: New South Wales.Attorney General. Media Release.
"The Standing Committee of Attorneys General (SCAG) today agreed to examine a list of proposals which would take action against law firms that overcharge and exploit their clients.The proposals, which were put to the committee by NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos, included one to impose financial penalties.“Attorneys General have expressed their support for these proposals, which seek to better regulate the legal profession,” said Mr Hatzistergos."

$2.9 Million to Help Support Victorians in Global Financial Crisis
Source: Victoria. Minister for Consumer Affairs. Media Release
"A $2.9 million Brumby Government funding boost would give Victorians experiencing economic hardship as a result of the global financial crisis even better access to financial counselling services, Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson announced. “The Brumby Government understands the pressure on Victorian families. That’s why this funding is being rolled out so quickly,” he said. As times get harder, the Brumby Government is taking action and doing more to support Victorians.“Access to financial counselling is particularly important right now when Victorians may be facing job loss and debt.”

Swine Flu update - planned changes to NSW Public Health Act
Source: New South Wales. Minister for Health. Media Release.
"NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, today moved to include 'Swine Influenza in humans' to the schedule of diseases listed in the schedule of the Public Health Act. Mr Della Bosca said the change to regulation was in line with the Commonwealth moves overnight to amend the Quarantine Act, in the event the situation changes and stronger action is needed. “It would also increase the powers of the Chief Health Officer, who would have the ability to detain an infected person if they are putting others at risk."

Hybrids Put Taxi Industry on Course for a Greener Drive
Source: Victoria. Minister for Public Transport. Media Release
"The Victorian taxi fleet will soon be even greener following the latest offer of 100 ‘green top’ taxi licences, half of which are for hybrid vehicles. Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said that the new release is a testament to the Brumby Government’s commitment to create a more environmentally friendly taxi fleet. “We’ve had an overwhelming response for the recent round of peak service licences, with the Victorian Taxi Directorate receiving more than 600 expressions of interest from career taxi drivers,” Ms Kosky said. Particularly encouraging is that there was equal demand for hybrid and conventional vehicles, which shows the taxi industry is embracing the shift towards becoming more environmentally friendly.”

New program to retain water industry workers
Source: South Australia. Minister for Training and Further Education. Media Release.
"Training and Further Education Minister, Michael O’Brien today announced a new program aimed at keeping 40 mature age workers in the state’s water industry. “The $198,800 South Australia Works Water Industry Partnership Program is a joint State Government and industry initiative, which will help to retain and re-skill these workers as qualified trainers, mentors and workplace assessors,” Mr O’Brien said. “A national survey by the Water Services Association of Australia identified a shortfall of about 8,700 workers in the industry by 2017 if attraction, retention and measures to increase skills are not put in place,” Mr O’Brien said."

New laws to combat illegal gang activities
Source: South Australia. Attorney-General. Media Release.
"Attorney-General Michael Atkinson will soon seek Cabinet approval to draft amendments to the Serious and Organised Crime (Control Act) 2008 to tighten the web on serious organised crime gangs by creating specific organised-crime offences and higher penalties for those committing offences for criminal organisations. “South Australia has led the way when it comes to stopping serious organised-crime gangs and their illegal operations,” Mr Atkinson says."

$2.2 m to fund retail executive development
Source: South Australia. Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education. Media Release.
"Employment, Training and Further Education Minister, Michael O’Brien today announced a major new $2.2 million workforce development training package for the state’s retail sector.
“The Retail Executive Accelerated Career Pathway Project will provide training to improve the skill levels of up to 220 existing retail managers, as well as creating new opportunities for workers entering the industry,” Mr O’Brien said."

Unruly adults on notice in schools
Source: South Australia. Minister for Education Minister. Media Release.
"Sixty-one adults have been banned from South Australian schools for up to three-months over the past four years for violent, abusive or threatening behaviour on school grounds. The Rann Government introduced new regulations in 2004, giving SA Police and school principals the power to refuse entry and evict people who behave in a disorderly manner. In the worst cases, principals can recommend to the Chief Executive of the Department of Education and Children’s Services that a person is banned for up to three months. People who breach the prohibition notice face a fine of $200."

Bag ban aid: reusable bags for people in need
Source: South Australia. Minister for Environment and Conservation Minister. Media Release.
BYO Bag site
"The State Government today began donating reusable shopping bags to needy people throughout the state, ahead of the plastic bag ban starting on 4 May. Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill said the State Government recognised that some disadvantaged families may not yet have reusable bags."