Archived Media Releases 2007 - 2008
Fourth Quarter 2008
23 December 2008 - Facilitator appointed for proposed Kimberley gas hub
The Australian Government has appointed Mr Bill Gray AM to facilitate negotiations with Indigenous interests in relation to establishing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub for processing the Browse Basin gas resource in the Kimberley.
23 December 2008 - Discussion Paper Explores Possible Improvements to Native Title System
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today released a discussion paper on possible minor amendments to the Native Title Act 1993 to encourage more negotiated settlements of native title claims.
23 December 2008 - Comprehensive Response To National Security Legislation Reviews
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today tabled in Parliament the Rudd Government’s comprehensive response to outstanding reviews of national security legislation from the term of the former Government.
20 December 2008 - Provider Selected to Train and Assess Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the selection of the Australian FDR Training Group to deliver assessments and training helping eligible family dispute resolution practitioners meet new nationwide accreditation standards.
19 December 2008 - School Children Learn the Lessons of Music Piracy
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today congratulated the winners of a Crime Stoppers initiated competition aimed at raising awareness of music piracy.
19 December 2008 - Government Bolsters E-Security by Engaging Private Sector
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today jointly announced the first outcomes from the E-Security Review 2008.
17 December 2008 - New Defence Force Discipline Appeal Tribunal President Appointed
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the appointment of Justice Richard Tracey RFD as President of the Defence Force Discipline Appeal Tribunal.
17 December 2008 - New Judge Appointed to Federal Court
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that the Hon Justice Michael Barker has been appointed to the Perth registry of the Federal Court of Australia.
17 December 2008 - $3 Million for Flood Protection in South Australia
The Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland today announced joint funding of almost $3 million to further upgrade flood protection works across the State.
17 December 2008 - Rudd Government to Provide Victoria $965,000 to Help Bushfire Preparation
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and the Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services Bob Cameron today announced that Victoria will receive $965,000 in funding from the Rudd Government’s Bushfire Mitigation Program.
15 December 2008 - New Justice of the High Court
Attorney-General Robert McClelland announced that the Government has decided to recommend to Her Excellency the Governor-General the appointment of Justice Virginia Margaret Bell as a Justice of the High Court of Australia, with effect from 3 February 2009.
12 December 2008 - New Federal Magistrate Appointed
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the appointment of a new Federal Magistrate in Cairns.
12 December 2008 - Norfolk Island Chief Justice and Judge Appointed
The Rudd Government today appointed the Honourable Justice Peter Jacobson as Chief Justice and the Honourable Justice Bruce Lander as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island.
10 December 2008 - Resignation of the Hon Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG
I have been advised that the Hon Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG has today met with the Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, and advised Her Excellency of his intention to resign from the High Court of Australia, effective midnight on the evening of Monday 2 February 2009.
10 December 2008 - Government Welcomes Same-Sex Superannuation Reforms
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law Senator Nick Sherry today welcomed new superannuation reforms marking a significant step forward in the recognition of same‑sex relationships.
10 December 2008 - Rudd Government Announces National Human Rights Consultation
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today marked the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by launching the National Human Rights Consultation to seek the community’s views on human rights in Australia.
8 December 2008 - Native Title Discussion Paper released
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin today released a Native Title discussion paper that examines options for improving the Native Title system to help close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
5 December 2008 - Rudd Government Congratulates Emergency Management Sector on International Volunteer Day
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today recognised ‘International Volunteer Day’ by congratulating the thousands of emergency management volunteers across Australia for their commitment and dedication in times of crisis.
5 December 2008 - Settlement of HMAS Melbourne Claims
The Attorney-General Robert McClelland and the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon today announced the results of the review into the unresolved claims from the HMAS Melbourne/HMAS Voyager tragedy.
3 December 2008 - Raising the Standards on Disability Rights
The Rudd Government has today marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by taking important action to enhance human rights protections for people with disabilities.
3 December 2008 - Referees to Provide Expert Assistance to Federal Court
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today introduced legislation to assist judges to reduce the cost and length of trials for litigants.
3 December 2008 - Interception Powers for Queensland Law Enforcement Agencies
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today introduced legislation into Parliament, which will lead to Queensland law enforcement agencies having telecommunications interception powers.
2 December 2008 - Better Access to Premises for Persons with a Disability
On the eve of International Day of Persons with a Disability, The Rudd Government today tabled draft Disability Standards for Access to Premises.
28 November 2008 - Appointment of Deputy President to Defence Force Discipline Appeal Tribunal
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the appointment of Justice Margaret White as Deputy President of the Defence Force Discipline Appeal Tribunal.
28 November 2008 - Business Rule Accountability the Focus of New Report
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today launched the Administrative Review Council’s 49th report, ‘Administrative accountability in business areas subject to complex and specific regulation’.
28 November 2008 - Applications Invited for Rudd Government's $3.2 Million Emergency Volunteer Support Fund
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today officially opened applications for this year’s National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund, urging interested parties to seek Government funding.
27 November 2008 - Vulnerable Witnesses Better Protected by Evidence Reforms
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the passage through the Parliament of the Evidence Amendment Bill 2008.
27 November 2008 - Historic Same-Sex Reforms Pass Parliament
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the passage through Parliament of historic legislation that will remove same-sex discrimination from a wide range of Commonwealth laws.
25 November 2008 - Rudd Government Donates $500,000 to Queensland Premier's Disaster Relief Fund
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that the Rudd Government will provide further relief to the victims of the south-east Queensland storms by donating $500,000 to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal Fund.
24 November 2008 - Australia Comes In From The Cold On Women's Rights
Australia has today formally moved to become a party to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which was opposed by the former Government.
21 November 2008 - Australian Government Moves to Modernise International Arbitration
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced a review of the International Arbitration Act 1974.
21 November 2008 - Government Receives Clarke Inquiy Report
The Hon John Clarke QC has today provided his report into the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef to the Attorney-General Robert McClelland.
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.
17 November 2008 - Further Consultation on Personal Property Securities Bill
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the referral of the draft Personal Property Securities Bill 2008 to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.
14 November 2008 - Ul-Haque Report Released
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the completion of the Inquiry by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) into ASIO's actions in relation to Mr Izhar Ul-Haque.
14 November 2008 - Aerial Support for NSW During Bushfire Season
Emergency Services Minister Tony Kelly said today that firefighters will again have assistance from above this bush fire season, with two Erickson Air-Cranes to be based in New South Wales.
11 November 2008 - Community Resilience Promoted at Safer Communities Awards
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today presented 16 Australian Safer Communities Awards to innovative and educational projects that promote awareness and management of natural disasters.
10 November 2008 - Statement - One Week Extension for Clarke Inquiry
I have today agreed to a request by the Hon John Clarke QC for a further one-week extension for the reporting date of his inquiry into the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef until 21 November.
10 November 2008 - Proposal to Accede to UN Convention on Electronic Transactions
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today released a discussion paper on the proposal that Australia accede to the United Nations Convention on the use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.
7 November 2008 - Steps Taken to Improve Open Justice System
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today secured the commitment of the States and Territories to further develop the framework for a national electronic register of suppression orders.
7 November 2008 - Statutory Declarations to be Uniform Across Australia
The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General today agreed on a uniform approach to statutory declarations.
7 November 2008 - One Stop Shop for Information on Anti-Discrimination
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the agreement of the States and Territories to create a National Anti-Discrimination Information Gateway.
6 November 2008 - Emergency Management Ministers agree to share education programs
Australia’s emergency services ministers have today agreed to establish an internet database, hosted by the Australian Disaster Information Network, which will enable the states and territories to easily share knowledge about community emergency education programs.
6 November 2008 - Communiqué - Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management
The cooperation and goodwill between Ministers responsible for emergency management continued in the second meeting for 2008 of the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management (MCPEM-EM), held today in Sydney.
3 November 2008 - Three Terrorist Organisations Re-Listed
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has re-listed three organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code, following advice from Australia’s security agencies.
30 October 2008 - Reform of Remuneration Arrangements for Bankruptcy Trustees
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that the Rudd Government will reform the mechanism for trustee remuneration in bankruptcy matters.
28 October 2008 - Aerial Firefighting Gets $10 Million for the Bushfire Season
The Rudd Government will this year contribute $10.2 million to increase the capacity for aerial firefighting to assist the states and territories prepare for the bushfire season.
28 October 2008 - Students Learn About Natural Disasters Online
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today visited Macedon Primary School in Victoria to launch a new web-based educational game aimed at teaching young Australians how to prepare and respond to emergencies and disasters.
24 October 2008 - Northern Territory Receives $6.7 Million for Disaster Relief and Recovery
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that the Rudd Government will provide $6,665,220 to the Northern Territory under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
22 October 2008 - ASIO's Annual Report Tabled
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation's (ASIO) Report to Parliament 2007-08 has today been tabled in Parliament.
17 October 2008 - Government Improvements to Native Title System
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that the Rudd Government has approved changes to the Federal Court to improve the operation of the native title system.
17 October 2008 - Counter-Terrorism Exercise a Success
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has thanked everyone involved in Mercury 08, following the successful completion of the largest counter-terrorism exercise undertaken in Australia.
17 October 2008 - Australian Search and Rescue Team Gains International Accreditation
The Australian Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Queensland Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts have welcomed the international accreditation of a Queensland Urban Search and Rescue team.
16 October 2008 - Rudd Government Welcomes Senate Passage of De Facto Reforms
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the passage through the Senate of the Rudd Government’s landmark legislation enabling de facto couples to access the federal family law courts on property and maintenance matters.
16 October 2008 - Attorney-General Welcomes Progress on Implementation of Street Review
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed progress made by ASIO, the AFP and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions in implementing key recommendations of the Street Review to improve national security operations.
15 October 2008 - Children Learn More About Tsunami at Questacon
An innovative new tsunami awareness show aimed at helping school children understand this potentially disastrous force of nature has been launched at Questacon - the National Science and Technology Centre - in Canberra.
14 October 2008 - Australia's Largest Counter-Terrorism Exercise Begins
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that Australia’s largest ever multi-jurisdictional counter-terrorism exercise Mercury 08 has commenced.
8 October 2008 - Rudd Government Thanks Emergency Services Personnel
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today marked the United Nations International Day for Disaster Reduction by commending Australia’s emergency agencies on their efforts in reducing the risk of emergencies and disasters.
1 October 2008 - Government Strengthens Protection for Older Australians
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot today announced that the Rudd Government will amend the Age Discrimination Act 2004 to remove the 'dominant reason' test.
Third Quarter 2008
30 September 2008 - New National Counter-Terrorism Alert System
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the implementation of a new National Counter-Terrorism Alert System.
24 September 2008 - Lessons Learned from Cyber Storm II
A detailed report outlining Australia’s involvement in the recent international cyber security exercise, Cyber Storm II, was released today by Attorney-General Robert McClelland.
22 September 2008 - Mandatory Safety Standard for Reduced Fire Risk Cigarettes
The Consumer Affairs Minister, Chris Bowen MP and Attorney-General, Robert McClelland MP today announced a mandatory standard for manufactured cigarettes.
20 September 2008 - Rudd Government Supports Separated Families in Regional Australia
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced an open, competitive process to select community organisations to run 14 new Post Separation Cooperative Parenting services in regional Australia.
20 September 2008 - New Accreditation System for Family Dispute Resolution Practioners
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced a new accreditation system for family dispute resolution practitioners.
19 September 2008 - New Federal Magistrate Appointed
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the appointment of a new Federal Magistrate in Adelaide.
19 September 2008 - Australia and European Commission Complete Historic Deal on Emergency Management
Australia and the European Union will work more closely together on emergency management challenges, following the completion of an historic agreement.
18 September 2008 - First Native Title Claim Resolved Under Rudd Government
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the Federal Court’s formal recognition of the Thalanyji peoples' native title rights in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
18 September 2008 - Removal of Same-sex Discrimination Continues
Same-sex discrimination will be removed from from child support, under amendments circulated in Parliament today.
18 September 2008 - Greater Consultation on Legal Harmonisation
Commonwealth Attorney-General Robert McClelland and NSW Attorney-General John Hatzistergos today attended the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) harmonisation conference, the first of its kind held in Australia.
17 September 2008 - Rudd Government Cuts Red Tape on Legal Services
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the delivery of further reforms to improve how the Commonwealth purchases its legal services.
16 September 2008 - Attorney-General Addresses Security in Government Conference
Attorney-General Robert McClelland will today address the 21st annual Security in Government Conference 2008.
10 September 2008 - Appointments to the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Council
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today announced two appointments to the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (NADRAC).
6 September 2008 - Rudd Government Provides New Services For Children After Separation
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that the Rudd Government will provide $17 million over the next three years to help fund eighteen new services, which will support children dealing with the breakdown of their parents’ relationship.
5 September 2008 - Extension of time for Clarke Inquiry
I have today agreed to a request by the Honourable John Clarke QC for an extension of the reporting date for the Clarke Inquiry into the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef until 14 November 2008.
4 September 2008 - Rudd Government Delivers on Election Commitment to End Same-sex Discrimination
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today introduced the second stage of legislation removing same-sex discrimination from a range of Commonwealth laws.
1 September 2008 - Seven new Federal Magistrates Appointed
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the appointment of seven new Federal Magistrates to the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia.
28 August 2008 - Queensland to Receive Telecommunications Interception Powers
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today confirmed that the Commonwealth has agreed to provide Queensland law enforcement agencies the power to use telecommunications interception.
27 August 2008 - Rudd Government Reaffirms Commitment to Legal Harmonisation
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today tabled the Rudd Government’s response to the House of Representatives Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee report into the harmonisation of legal systems within Australia and between Australia and New Zealand.
26 August 2008 - Rudd Government Acts to Promote the Rights of Women in Australia
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Housing and the Status of Women Tanya Plibersek have today welcomed a significant step forward in the protection and promotion of women's rights in Australia.
20 August 2008 - Joint Communiqué on Native Title
Commonwealth Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace today met representatives of traditional owners to discuss options for broader native title outcomes in Cape York Peninsula.
8 August 2008 - Appointment of new NNTT Registrar
The Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the appointment of Associate Professor Stephanie Fryer-Smith as the Registrar of the National Native Title Tribunal.
8 August 2008 - Three Terrorist Organisations Re-Listed
The Attorney-General Robert McClelland has re-listed three organisations as terrorist organisations under Australia's counter-terrorism laws.
7 August 2008 - New President of Human Rights Commission
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the appointment of the Honourable Justice Catherine Branson as the next President of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
7 August 2008 - Invitation to United Nations Human Rights Experts
The Rudd Government will extend a standing invitation to United Nations human rights experts to visit Australia, demonstrating its willingness to engage positively with the international community to implement human rights obligations.
5 August 2008 - Secrecy Laws to be Reviewed
The Rudd Government will seek to simplify secrecy and confidentiality laws by referring this legislation to the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) for inquiry.
4 August 2008 - Attorney-General supports AFP work for missing persons
The Attorney-General Robert McClelland has voiced the Australian Government’s support for the Australian Federal Police and other state and territory policing agencies in their difficult work reuniting missing persons with their families.
1 August 2008 - Increased family dispute services for grandparents
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced an additional $400,000 for Legal Aid Commissions to enhance the delivery of family dispute resolution services to grandparents and other extended family members.
30 July 2008 - New Chief Justice of the High Court
I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Honourable Justice Robert Shenton French as Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia.
29 July 2008 - Rudd Government provides funding boost for emergency volunteers
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced over $3 million in funding grants to boost the recruitment, retention and training of volunteer organisations at the front line of emergency management.
29 July 2008 - Disaster Protection Funds for Victoria
The Rudd and Brumby Governments will provide almost $1 million for eleven natural disaster mitigation projects across Victoria.
27 July 2008 - Australia Celebrates 25 Years of Women's Rights
Tomorrow, 28 July 2008, marks the 25th anniversary of Australia’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
27 July 2008 - New agreement signals greater co-operation on Intercountry adoption in Australia
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the signing of a new Agreement between the Australian Government and States and Territories on intercountry adoption..
25 July 2008 - Communiqué - Standing Committee of Attorney's General
The Standing Committee of Attorneys‑General (SCAG) today held its second meeting for 2008. The Commonwealth, State and Territory Attorneys-General, the Commonwealth Minister for Home Affairs and the Associate Justice Minister of New Zealand, held discussions on over 20 matters of substantive legal reforms for all jurisdictions. The Norfolk Island Minister with responsibility for police and legal issues also attended the meeting.
25 July 2008 - Natural Disaster Funding Applications Now Open
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland has today called on local communities to apply for funding under the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program.
25 July 2008 - Further commitment to legal harmonisation
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed progress on a number of legal harmonisation projects across Australia, following the latest meeting of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG).
25 July 2008 - Agreement for national suppression order register
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed in-principle support for a national register of suppression orders by his State and Territory colleagues at today’s meeting of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG).
25 July 2008 - Attorneys join fight to reduce violence against women
The Rudd Government today praised all Australian Attorneys-General after they agreed to become White Ribbon Ambassadors.
23 July 2008 - Treaty to improve trans-Tasman Legal Cooperation
Businesses and individuals involved in trans-Tasman civil legal cases are set to benefit from reforms that will make the legal process easier and more affordable.
22 July 2008 - Government Welcomes HREOC Plan of Action on Gender Equality
The Australian Government welcomes the launch of the Listening Tour Community Report and Plan of Action towards Gender Equality by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick.
18 July 2008 - Communiqué - Native Title Ministers’ Meeting
Commonwealth, State and Territory Native Title Ministers met today in Perth for the first time since the Rudd Government took office. The theme for the meeting was 'Making native title work better'.
18 July 2008 - Rudd Government to Improve Australia's Disability Discrimination System
The Rudd Government will introduce legislative amendments to the Disability Discrimination Act in the Spring sittings of Parliament to implement recommendations made by the Productivity Commission in its 2004 review of the Act.
18 July 2008 - Australia Ratifies UN Disabilities Convention
Australia has today ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, making Australia one of the first Western countries to ratify the Convention.
17 July 2008 - Australian Government Welcomes Tenth Anniversary of the International Criminal Court
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith today welcomed the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
17 July 2008 - A More Flexible Approach to Native Title
Ahead of the first Native Title Ministers’ Meeting since the federal election, the Rudd Government today announced that it will take a more flexible approach to recognising native title in Australia’s territorial waters.
4 July 2008 - Performance Bonuses for Family Relationship Centres
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the outcome of performance reviews for the first 15 Family Relationship Centres, which has resulted in eight being paid funding bonuses.
2 July 2008 - Whole-of-government review of e-security
The Attorney-General Robert McClelland and the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator Stephen Conroy today announced a whole-of-government review of e-security.
2 July 2008 - Appointment Of Disability and Race Discrimination Commissioners
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today announced two substantive appointments to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. These appointments were welcomed by Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities Bill Shorten and Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs Laurie Ferguson.
1 July 2008 - 24 New Family Relationship Centres Open Today
From today, Australian families going through relationship difficulties or separation are being better supported with the opening of 24 new Family Relationship Centres, Attorney-General Robert McClelland said.
1 July 2008 - Legal purchasing improvements start today
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today announced the commencement of the first reforms to improve how the Commonwealth purchases legal services.
Second Quarter 2008
26 June 2008 - $15 million to improve major disaster rescue response
The Rudd Government will provide $15 million dollars to police and emergency services to purchase cutting-edge equipment so they can better respond to disasters such as large scale building collapses or earthquakes, Attorney-General Robert McClelland announced today.
25 June 2008 - Three New Judges Appointed to the Federal Court
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced three new appointments to the Sydney registry of the Federal Court of Australia.
25 June 2008 - Financial burden lifted from separating de facto couples
The Rudd Government has today introduced landmark legislation to allow for de facto couples to access the federal family law courts on property and maintenance matters. This implements a 2002 agreement between the Commonwealth, States and Territories at the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General.
24 June 2008 - Registrar Re-Appointed to AAT
Attorney–General Robert McClelland today announced the re–appointment of Mr Douglas Humphreys as the Registrar of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
18 June 2008 - Rudd Government boosts legal services for regional, rural and remote communities
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced $5.8 million in additional funding to improve access to justice for communities in regional, rural and remote Australia.
18 June 2008 - Review of Photo and Film Copying Law Tabled
A review of laws governing the private copying of films and photographs has recommended that no changes be made to current copyright law for the time-being, Attorney-General Robert McClelland said today.
17 June 2008 - Attorney-General Launches New Legal Portal
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today launched the Commonwealth Courts Portal, which will make it much easier for lawyers to keep track of trials, documents filed and court orders.
10 June 2008 - Attorney-General Meets Chinese Legal Exchange Participants
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today met eight representatives of the Chinese legal fraternity, who have recently completed an intensive study and work placement program in Australia, as part of the Australia-China Legal Profession Development program.
10 June 2008 - Rudd Government's Human Rights Achievements Highlighted at NGO Forum
At a meeting with over 40 Non-Government Organisations in Canberra today, Attorney- General Robert McClelland outlined the action being taken by the Rudd Government as part of its commitment to human rights.
6 June - Family Dispute Resolution for all Parenting Orders
All people applying to the Family Court or the Federal magistrates Court for a parenting order must first attend family dispute resolution under changes to family law, except where there is child abuse, family violence or in matters of urgency, Attorney-General Robert McClelland said today.
4 June - New Appointments to NADRAC
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced four new appointments to the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (NADRAC).
4 June 2008 - Coercive Powers Report Tabled
The Coercive Information-gathering Powers of Agencies report by the Administrative Review Council was tabled in Parliament today by Attorney-General Robert McClelland.
4 June 2008 - Rudd Government Proposes Ratification of UN Disabilities Convention
The Rudd Government has today tabled in Parliament a National Interest Analysis, which proposes that Australia ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
2 June 2008 - $277 Million to Build Strong Families
Services to help families build strong and positive relationships will receive more than $277 million in Australian Government funding over the next three years, through the extension of grants to family services providers across the country.
30 May 2008 - New Solicitor-General of Australia Appointed
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen John Gageler SC as the next Solicitor-General of Australia.
28 May 2008 - Rudd Government Removes SCAG Roadblocks
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today introduced legislation to progress initiatives on the agenda of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General.
28 May 2008 - First Step Taken to End Same-Sex Discrimination
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today introduced amendments to remove same-sex discrimination from Acts governing Commonwealth superannuation schemes.
26 May 2008 - Government Funds Corowa Emergency Operations Centre Upgrade
NSW Senator Ursula Stephens today officially opened the upgraded Corowa Shire Emergency Operations Centre. Funding to extend the original building was provided by the New South Wales Government, while the fit-out and purchase of essential equipment was provided by a $50,000 grant from the Federal Government’s Working Together to Manage Emergencies initiative.
23 May 2008 - Australia Moves to Protect Women's Rights
In another sign the Rudd Government is reengaging with the international community, steps have begun for Australia to accede to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
23 May 2008 - First Wave of Reforms to Improve Legal Purchasing
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the first wave of reforms by the Rudd Government to improve the way the Commonwealth buys legal services, following a blow-out in spending on lawyers by the Howard Government.
21 May 2008 - Communique - Business-Government Advisory Group on National Security
The fifth Business-Government Advisory Group on National Security meeting was held in Canberra today. The group met to discuss national security issues that affect business, with a focus on business resilience.
21 May 2008 - Government and Business Talk National Security
Business leaders from some of Australia’s top companies have met Attorney-General Robert McClelland and other Government Ministers in Canberra today to discuss national security.
21 May 2008 - Rudd Government moves forward on intercountry adoption
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today opened the inaugural meeting of the National Overseas Adoption Support Group, which was established by the Rudd Government to provide a voice for the intercountry adoption community.
18 May 2008 - Australia Funds Overseas Child Protection Measures
The Commonwealth Government will contribute $200,000 to an initiative run by the Hague Conference to help protect children involved in intercountry adoption.
17 May 2008 - Re-engagement with United Nations on torture
The United Nations Committee Against Torture has commended several new initiatives of the Rudd Government in its concluding observations released today, after an Australian delegation appeared before the Committee on 29 and 30 April.
16 May 2008 - Government Releases Draft Personal Property Securities Bill
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today released a draft of a comprehensive Commonwealth Bill for personal property securities (PPS) to replace over 70 pieces of Commonwealth, State and Territory law.
13 May 2008 - AFP Ranks Boosted by 500
Australian Federal Police (AFP) ranks will be boosted by 500 sworn officers over the next five years, as the Rudd Government fulfils an election commitment to increase the AFP’s capacity.
13 May 2008 - Building More Resilient Communities to Meet the Challenges of the 21st Century
The Rudd Government will provide $42.6 million over four years to help communities become more resilient to threats and disasters, both man-made and natural.
13 May 2008 - Meeting the Security Challenges of the 21st Century
The Rudd Government will help Australia and our regional partners meet the security challenges of the 21st century with more than $460 million additional funding over five years for a range of initiatives including policing, critical infrastructure protection and disaster mitigation.
4 May 2008 - ACT Relationship Registration Scheme
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the commitment by the ACT Government to introduce legislation providing for registration of relationships, becoming the third jurisdiction to do so following Tasmania and Victoria.
3 May 2008 - Government Welcomes Convention on Disabilities
The Rudd Government today welcomed the entry into force of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
2 May 2008 - Australia to Take Action Against Torture
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Foreign Minister Stephen Smith today announced that the Rudd Government has begun the necessary consultations on Australia becoming a party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.
2 May 2008 - Bushfire Trails get $5 Million Boost
Australia’s bushfire trails will be better maintained with $5 million in funding under the Bushfire Mitigation Program for 2008-09, the Rudd Government announced today.
30 April 2008 - Rudd Government moves on same-sex discrimination
Legislation to remove same-sex discrimination from a wide range of Commonwealth laws will be introduced in the Winter Sittings of Parliament, Attorney-General Robert McClelland said today.
23 April 2008 - Single Noongar Decision
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today acknowledged the Full Federal Court’s ruling overturning Justice Wilcox's decision in the Single Noongar native title application that native title is capable of existing in the Perth area.
18 April 2008 - New Judge of the Supreme Court: Norfolk Island
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the appointment of Justice Garry Downes AM as a judge of the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island.
18 April 2008 - Boost for social inclusion through better legal services
The Rudd Government is working to improve social inclusion, with Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announcing one-off additional funding of $10 million for the Commonwealth Community Legal Services Program.
First Quarter 2008
30 March 2008 - New National Peak Group on Intercountry Adoption
Attorney-General, The Hon Robert McClelland MP, today announced the establishment of Australia’s first National Peak Overseas Adoption Support Group.
28 March 2008 - McClelland Welcomes New Era of Co-operation
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the strong support of State and Territory Attorneys-General to embark on an ambitious program of legal harmonisation across Australia.
28 March 2008 - Communique - Standing Committee of Attorneys-General
The Standing Committee of Attorneys–General (SCAG) held its first meeting today since the election of the Rudd Labor Government.
27 March 2008 - Agreement Reached on Key Micro Economic Reforms
Attorney-General Robert McClelland welcomed today’s agreement from his state and territory counterparts to advance key micro-economic reforms in the areas of personal property securities and electronic conveyancing.
27 March 2008 - Government funds 'Smart Sparx' Community Fire Safety Eduction Kit
Mr Damian Hale MP, Federal Member for Solomon, has launched the 'Smart Sparx' Community Fire Safety Education Kit today at a presentation at Parliament House in Darwin.
26 March 2008 - Communique - Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management
A new spirit of cooperation has been evident during the first meeting of the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management since the election of the Rudd Government, which was held today in Canberra.
25 March 2008 - Review of Legislative Instruments Act
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the establishment of a committee to review the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, as stipulated by the Act.
20 March 2008 - New Services for Children Across Australia
Attorney-General Robert McClelland is today pleased to announce the locations for a new program supporting children dealing with parental relationship breakdown.
20 March 2008 - Commissioner Reappointed to the ALRC
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the re-appointment of Professor Leslie McCrimmon as a full-time member of the Australian Law Reform Commission.
13 March 2008 - Clarke Inquiry into the Haneef Case
Former NSW Supreme Court Judge the Hon. John Clarke QC will head a judicial inquiry into the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef.
13 March 2008 - Attorney-General welcomes release of AFP Street Review recommendations
The Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the release of the recommendations of the AFP’s Street Review.
7 March 2008 - Global cyber-terror exercise to test government and industry
The Rudd Government is joining forces with its international allies and private industry to test Australia’s response to a cyber terror attack.
14 February 2008 - Self reliance recognised in safer communities awards
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today praised projects from across Australia, which help the public to be better prepared for emergencies.
13 February 2008 - ALRC report on client legal privilege tabled
The Australian Law Reform Commission’s report, Privilege in Perspective: A Review of Legal Professional Privilege and Federal Investigatory Bodies was tabled today in Parliament by Attorney-General Robert McClelland.
11 February 2008 - Chemicals review seeks public comment
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the release of a draft report on the control of chemicals of security concern for public consultation and comment.
24 January 2008 - Government invites stakeholder comment
The Rudd Government has sought stakeholder views on the rights of persons with disabilities.
22 January 2008 - Submissions sought on photo and film copying law
Submissions are sought on an issues paper released today on the private copying of films and photographs.
18 January 2008 - Portable barriers sent to help in Queensland floods
The Rudd Government is transporting temporary flood barriers from New South Wales to Queensland to help protect homes in the path of rising flood waters.
17 January 2008 - Supporting the Wellbeing of Families and Children
Seventy-five new services will open across Australia this year to support the wellbeing of families and children.
9 January 2008 - Emergency Volunteer Support Fund Applications Invited
Attorney-General Robert McClelland was pleased to announce today that applications for the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund in 2008/09 are now invited.
Fourth Quarter 2007
29 December 2007 - David Hicks is released from Yatala Labour Prison
David Hicks was released from Yatala Labour Prison this morning. He has served his sentence of imprisonment as handed down by a military commission.
20 December 2007 - Conviction and Sentence for Terrorism Offences Upheld
The New South Wales Court of Criminal Appeal today upheld Faheem Khalid Lodhi's conviction for three terrorism offences and his sentence of 20 years imprisonment.
13 December 2007 - Skycrane Arrives in Canberra for Bushfire Season
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the arrival of an Erickson Skycrane helicopter to assist in the ACT region's firefighting capability.
5 December 2007 - Security in Government Conference Turns 20
The 20th annual Security in Government (SIG) Conference gets underway in Canberra today and will examine the future of security.
