Australian Coat of Arms - Print Version

Latest Media Releases

This is a list of the latest media releases from Australian Government websites arranged under their portfolios. It is generated daily from new media releases collected overnight. This list was generated on Friday, Nov 21 2008.

Portfolios

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Queensland environment and landholders benefit from new funding - The Hon Tony Burke MP - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

A project to reduce emissions and improve soil carbon is among 26 Queensland initiatives to share in more than $28.5 million from the Rudd Government to protect Australia's environment and promote sustainable farming. Details of the funding under the Caring for our Country Open Grants were announced today by Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke. The University of Queensland.

http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/november/queensland_environment...

Rudd Government to invest $8.9 million in important Landcare projects - The Hon Tony Burke MP - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

The Rudd Government has announced $8.9 million for 46 Landcare projects across Australia, as part of a major investment in land management and sustainable farming projects under Caring for our Country. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the Landcare projects covered all states and territories. Northern Territory of Australia.

http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/november/rudd_government_to_inv...

Rudd Government helping to tackle cane toads in WA - The Hon Tony Burke MP - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

A project to tackle cane toads in Western Australia is among the initiatives to share in more than $28.5 million from the Rudd Government to protect Australia's environment and promote sustainable farming. Details of the projects to receive funding under the Caring for our Country Open Grants funding round were announced today by Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke. Together they will manually remove cane toads and erect a wildlife friendly exclusion fence - this project contributes to meeting the Government's election commitment to slow the migration of cane toads by the Stop the Toad Foundation,' Mr Garrett said.

http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/november/rudd_government_helpin...

$28.5 million for new environment and sustainable farming projects - The Hon Tony Burke MP - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

The Hon Peter Garrett MP. Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority. Murray Catchment Management Authority.

http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/november/$28.5_million_for_new_...

Soil carbon and deer damage among projects funded in Victoria - The Hon Tony Burke MP - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Projects to investigate soil carbon and reduce the damage caused by feral deer herds are among 16 projects in Victoria to share in more than $28.5 million from the Rudd Government to protect Australia's environment and promote sustainable farming. Details of the Victorian projects to be funded under the Caring for our Country Open Grants were announced today by Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke. East Gippsland Soil Carbon Project - Pilot Project.

http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/november/soil_carbon_and_deer_d...

Rudd Govt boosts work to protect endangered Southern Emu-wren - The Hon Tony Burke MP - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

A project to protect the habitat of the endangered Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren is one of 15 South Australian initiatives to share in more than $28 million from the Rudd Government to protect Australia's environment and promote sustainable farming. Details of the 15 South Australian projects funded under the Caring for our Country Open Grants were announced today by Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke. South East Natural Resources Management Board.

http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/november/rudd_govt_boosts_work_...

ACT's iconic rivers share in environmental funding - The Hon Tony Burke MP - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

The ACT's two iconic rivers - the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee will benefit from a share of more than $28.5 million from the Rudd Government to protect Australia's environment and promote sustainable farming. Details of the two ACT projects to receive support under the Caring for our Country Open Grants were announced today by Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke. Mr Burke said Caring for our Country also recognised the major environmental work undertaken by the nation's farmers.

http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/november/acts_iconic_rivers_sha...

Rudd Government supports efforts to save NSW Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby - The Hon Tony Burke MP - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

One of the most threatened species in NSW - the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby - will benefit from a share of more than $28.5 million from the Rudd Government to protect the environment and promote sustainable farming. Details of 20 NSW projects to receive funding under the Caring for our Country Open Grants were announced today by Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke. Lachlan Catchment Management Authority.

http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/november/rudd_government_suppor...

Feral pigs and cane toads targeted in new Rudd Govt funding commitment - The Hon Tony Burke MP - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Projects to reduce feral pigs in Arnhem Land and cane toads are among 12 Territory projects to share in more than $28.5 million from the Rudd Government to protect Australia's environment and promote sustainable farming. Details of the 12 Northern Territory projects to receive funding under the Caring for our Country Open Grants were announced today by Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke. Northern Territory of Australia.

http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/november/feral_pigs_and_cane_to...

Rudd Govt funding research into Tasmanian platypus disease - The Hon Tony Burke MP - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

A project to investigate a disease that strikes Tasmanian platypus is one of nine Tasmanian projects to share in more than $28.5 million from the Rudd Government to protect Australia's environment and promote sustainable farming. Details of the nine Tasmanian projects to receive funding under the Caring for our Country Open Grants were announced today by Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke. 'The Platypus diseases assessment and conservation project, for example, will see the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries and Water bring together a team that will investigate the impact of platypus mucormycosis disease.

http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/november/rudd_govt_funding_rese...

Attorney-General's

2008 Media Release: A day to remember courageous people

Today, the 10th international transgender day of action, Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes encouraged Australians to take time to consider the horrors and difficulties that discrimination can inflict upon people who are gender diverse. This is a day on which we need to pause to reflect on the fact that people who are gender diverse, including people who are transgender, experience a great deal of discrimination in our society, said Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes.

http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2008/126_08.html

Letter to the Editor of the Canberra Times - AFP

Thursday, 20 November 2008. Firstly, any discussion of role, function and performance the AFP must recognise that it is a unique police organisation by international standards. Despite the growth in AFP responsibilities which generally do not result in prosecutions by Australian courts, the CDPP has for some time acknowledged the growing complexity of matters that are referred to them, particularly cases of money laundering, fraud and terrorism, many of which come from the AFP.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media_releases/national/2008/letter_to_the_editor_of_the_c...

20 November 2008 - Improving Australia's Federal Court System

Attorney-General Robert McClelland today released a report and discussion paper on improvements to the delivery of family law services by Australia's federal courts for public consultation. Among the report's key recommendations are the creation of a single federal family law court by combining the Family Court and the Federal Magistrates Court, and the use of savings identified through streamlined administration to enhance family law services. The discussion paper seeks public comment on the report's recommendations, and emphasises that any changes must preserve and build on the existing service culture of the Federal Magistrates Court.

http://www.attorneygeneral.gov.au/www/ministers/RobertMc.nsf/Page/MediaReleases_...

David Hicks Control Order not to be renewed - AFP

Thursday, 20 November 2008. The AFP will not be making any further comment in relation to this control order process. AFP Media (Canberra): (02) 6275 7100.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media_releases/national/2008/david_hicks_control_order_not...

Skateboards conceal cocaine haul - AFP

Thursday, 20 November 2008. This is a joint AFP and Customs media release. AFP National Media (02) 6275 7100.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media_releases/national/2008/skateboards_conceal_cocaine_h...

Melbourne man charged with importing drugs - AFP

Thursday, 20 November 2008. A 41-year-old Victorian man will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court today charged with importing drugs into Australia. The man was charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug contrary to the Criminal Code Act 1995.

http://www.afp.gov.au/media_releases/national/2008/melbourne_man_charged_with_im...

2008 Media Release: New snapshot on Australian population launched

Like its previous editions, 2008s Face the Facts is a user-friendly resource written in a plain English style that provides a snapshot of social, demographic and population data relating to Indigenous Australians, migrants, asylum seekers and refugees. Face the Facts can be downloaded from the Australian Human Rights Commission website after 2 pm today at .

http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2008/127_08.html

Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

Media release from Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Portfolio

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today said the delivery of essential services is dependent on industry collaboration. Todays forum was hosted by the SCADA Community of Interest, which is managed by the Department of Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy within the Trusted Information Sharing Network, led by the Attorney-Generals Department.

http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/083

Media release from Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Portfolio

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. This is the digital economy. It will chart our digital future.

http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/speeches/2008/026

Media release from Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Portfolio

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. It is a pleasure to be with you at another SCADA Community of Interest forum. The SCADA Community of Interest is an ideal forum for practitioners and IT professionals to exchange information on common SCADA security issues and, importantly, work together to address them.

http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/speeches/2008/025

Defence

Australian Government, Department of Defence

minister for defence to visit canada , spain , portugal and uk. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, will travel to Canada , Spain , Portugal and the United Kingdom from 20 to 30 November.. In Cornwallis , Canada , Mr Fitzgibbon will meet with his counterparts from nations contributing to operations in Southern Afghanistan, including United States (US) Secretary of Defence, Robert Gates, UK Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon.

http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/fitzgibbontpl.cfm?CurrentId=8481

Australian Government, Department of Defence

DEFENCE ACCEPTS UPGRADED FRIGATES. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today announced that the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has agreed to Contractual Acceptance from the prime contractor Thales Australia of two upgraded guided missile frigates, HMA Ships Sydney and Darwin. We have now managed a significant milestone in this program, and come one step closer to having these ships on operational activities. This demonstrates this Governments commitment to working with Defence and industry to resolve the outstanding issues associated with this project to ensure the Australian Defence Force receives high quality equipment and that Australian taxpayers receive value for money.

http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/fitzgibbontpl.cfm?CurrentId=8488

Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

The Hon Brendan O'Connor - Indigenous employment boost for north west Queensland

An Australian Government funded accredited training course has resulted in 12 Indigenous job seekers gaining full-time employment in the construction and mining industry. The Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O'Connor, congratulated the 26 participants who today graduated from the fourth Dugalunji Civil Construction & Mining Skills Prevocational Program in Camooweal, in north west Queensland. Participants on the program were drawn from a number of communities stretching from north Queensland to eastern Northern Territory.

http://mediacentre.dewr.gov.au/mediacentre/oconnor/releases/indigenousemployment...

ascc.gov.au - Media Release 20 November 2008 Australian Safety and Compensation Council meets in Canberra

The Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) met for the tenth and final time in Canberra today. The ASCC noted progress on the second triennial review of the National OHS Strategy. The ASCC noted that the Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) for the Australian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail meets the Council of Australian Government requirements and noted the Australian Forum of Explosives Regulators (AFER) has endorsed the Code.

http://www.ascc.gov.au/ascc/newsevents/mediareleases/mediarelease20november2008a...

The Hon Julia Gillard MP - Opening of E-learning and Research Building at the Batchelor Institute, Collapse of CFK Childcare Centres, ABC Learning

JULIA GILLARD: Well, can I say it's great to be here at the Batchelor Institute. We are going to be working with the administrator of CFK. This is a new situation.

http://mediacentre.dewr.gov.au/mediacentre/gillard/releases/openingofelearningan...

The Hon Julia Gillard MP - Minister congratulates finalists in the 2008 Australian Training Awards

Minister for Education, Julia Gillard has congratulated all finalists in the 2008 Australian Training Awards. Australian Apprentice of the Year. Finalists for the Australian Apprentice of the Year.

http://mediacentre.dewr.gov.au/mediacentre/gillard/releases/ministercongratulate...

The Hon Julia Gillard MP - CFK Childcare Centres, ABC Learning, 12 months in government, Australia

: Retooling after WorkChoices are at the heart of the new government and the Deputy PM, I think, is in Darwin today is on the line. : Yes, but there are. : No, I haven't.

http://mediacentre.dewr.gov.au/mediacentre/gillard/releases/cfkchildcarecentresa...

Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

Rudd Government supports efforts to save NSW Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby - joint media release 20 November 2008

You are here: » Media releases. One of the most threatened species in NSW - the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby - will benefit from a share of more than $28.5 million from the Rudd Government to protect the environment and promote sustainable farming. Lachlan Catchment Management Authority.

http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/mr20081120e.html

Queensland environment and landholders benefit from new funding - joint media release 20 November 2008

You are here: » Media releases. The University of Queensland. Queensland Murray-Darling Committee Inc.

http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/mr20081120d.html

Rudd Govt boosts work to protect endangered Southern Emu-wren - joint media release 20 November 2008

You are here: » Media releases. A project to protect the habitat of the endangered Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren is one of 15 South Australian initiatives to share in more than $28 million from the Rudd Government to protect Australia's environment and promote sustainable farming. South East Natural Resources Management Board.

http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/mr20081120b.html

Minister acts to protect wetlands and endangered fish - media release 20 November 2008

You are here: » Media releases. Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett has acted to protect a Ramsar site and endangered fish by refusing a request to release more water from Lake Crescent in Tasmania. In making my decision I have taken into account the Interlaken Lakeside Reserve Ramsar site and the endangered golden galaxias - a fish which only occurs in Lake Crescent and the connected Lake Sorell, Mr Garrett said.

http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/mr20081120j.html

$28.5 million for new environment and sustainable farming projects - joint media release 20 November 2008

You are here: » Media releases. Murray Catchment Management Authority. Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority.

http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/mr20081120.html

ACTs iconic rivers share in environmental funding - joint media release 20 November 2008

You are here: » Media releases. The ACT's two iconic rivers - the Molongolo and Murrumbidgee - will benefit from a share of more than $28.5 million from the Rudd Government to protect Australia's environment and promote sustainable farming. Mr Burke said Caring for our Country also recognised the major environmental work undertaken by the nation's farmers.

http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/mr20081120c.html

Soil carbon and deer damage among projects funded in Victoria - joint media release 20 November 2008

You are here: » Media releases. Projects to investigate soil carbon and reduce the damage caused by feral deer herds are among 16 projects in Victoria to share in more than $28.5 million from the Rudd Government to protect Australia's environment and promote sustainable farming. East Gippsland Soil Carbon Project - Pilot Project.

http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/mr20081120f.html

Rudd Government helping to tackle cane toads in WA - joint media release 20 November 2008

You are here: » Media releases. A project to tackle cane toads in Western Australia is among the initiatives to share in more than $28.5 million from the Rudd Government to protect Australia's environment and promote sustainable farming. Together they will manually remove cane toads and erect a wildlife friendly exclusion fence - this project contributes to meeting the Government's election commitment to slow the migration of cane toads by the Stop the Toad Foundation,' Mr Garrett said.

http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/mr20081120a.html

$6.5 million for southern tablelands water projects - media release 20 November 2008

You are here: » Media releases. The Rudd Government is investing more than $6.5 million for a range of water saving and water treatment projects in the southern tablelands of New South Wales as part of its $12.9 billion Water for the Future plan. These projects will support our Water for the Future plan, which aims to secure our water supplies, use water wisely, tackle climate change and support healthy rivers.

http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2008/mr20081120.html

Rudd Govt funding research into Tasmanian platypus disease - joint media release 20 November 2008

You are here: » Media releases. A project to investigate a disease that strikes Tasmanian platypus is one of nine Tasmanian projects to share in more than $28.5 million from the Rudd Government to protect Australia's environment and promote sustainable farming. 'The Platypus diseases assessment and conservation project, for example, will see the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries and Water bring together a team that will investigate the impact of platypus mucormycosis disease.

http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/mr20081120h.html

Keynote address to Green Capital event Carbon Ethics, Who Wins, Who Loses? - speech 20 November 2008

You are here: » Major speeches. Its a pleasure to be here today at Green Capitals final major event for this year, Carbon Ethics Who Wins, Who Loses?. Action on climate change is a deliberate choice, that that is why the ethics of carbon - or of global warming - are central to the Governments response to dangerous climate change.

http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/sp20081120.html

Screen Australia: Media Release

, the animated feature by the Oscar-winning team of writer/director and producer has been selected to open the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. The film is written and directed by Elliot and produced by Coombs. Mary and Max is set for release in Australia by Icon Films.

http://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/news_and_events/mr_081120_marymax.asp

Feral pigs and cane toads targeted in new Rudd Govt funding commitment - joint media release 20 November 2008

You are here: » Media releases. Northern Territory of Australia. Northern Territory of Australia.

http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/mr20081120i.html

Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs | Rudd Government leads on information sharing to protect children

Rudd Government leads on information sharing to protect children. A report released today makes recommendations on how to improve information sharing between the Australian Government and State and Territory child protection agencies, to better protect children. Improved information sharing between the Australian Government and child protection agencies will be a key part of the Government's National Child Protection Framework.

http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/child_protection_20n...

Health and Ageing

Queensland Transition Care Places- Out of Hospital and Back Into Their Homes

Australian Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, today announced a further 16 transition care places have become operational in Queensland - helping hundreds of older people out of hospital and back to their homes. This is in addition to 351 existing transition care places in Queensland. Queensland Northside Transition Care Program 16 27 October 2008 West Moreton Transition Care Program 4 31 October 2008 Logan-Beaudesert Transition Care Program 10 1 November 2008 Toowoomba Transition Care Program 2 6 November 2009 Townsville Transition Care Program 4 January 2009 Cairns Transition Care Program 2 January 2009.

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr08-je-je...

Human Services

Special Centrelink arrangements for storm-affected South East Queensland customers

General Manager, Hank Jongen today announced Centrelink customers living in areas affected by the recent storms who are due to lodge Continuation of Payment forms this week can do so over the telephone. 'The arrangements are in place because people in these storm-affected communities may continue to find it difficult to travel to their local Centrelink office.'. 'People seeking assistance should contact the Australian Government's South East Queensland Storms Hotline on 180 2266, which is available 24 hours a day, or visit their local Centrelink office or Centrelink staff at the Ashgrove Recovery Centre,' Mr Jongen said.

http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/news_room/08qld_southeast_sto...

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

Media release from Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Portfolio

Airservices Australia has today commissioned 3 new high visibility Mk8 (pronounced Mark 8) Rosenbauer fire trucks each valued at over $1M at a ceremony at Canberra International Airport, in a boost to their operations in the National Capital. The existing red trucks at the remaining stations will be gradually painted in the new yellowish-green as Airservices works towards uniformity in the new colour. For more information about Airservices new fleet of fire fighting vehicles visit.

http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/media/pressreleases/pr10_08.asp

Treasury

Press Release -Tax Consultation Enhanced Through Launch of Tax Issues Entry System [20/11/2008]

The Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen MP, today announced the launch of the Tax Issues Entry System (TIES). 'TIES is a single entry point for tax professionals and the community to raise minor policy and administrative issues relating to the care and maintenance of the tax and superannuation systems,' Mr Bowen said. With the launch of TIES, the Government is delivering on one of the recommendations from the Tax Design Review Panel's report Better Tax Design and Implementation The Board of Taxation will review the operation of TIES after 12 months.

http://assistant.treasurer.gov.au/displaydocs.aspx?doc=pressreleases/2008/100.ht...

APRA consults on new superannuation publication with fund-level performance data

Thursday, 20 November 2008. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) today issued a discussion paper for consultation with industry on a new annual statistical publication that will include performance data on individual superannuation funds. The discussion paper, entitled Fund level disclosure from the APRA superannuation statistics collection , invites comments and suggestions on the key questions to be resolved for the compilation of the new publication.

http://www.apra.gov.au/media-releases/08_30.cfm