Media releases and speeches

• Media release—Working group to inform protection of First Nations art—19 December 2024
  The Australian Government has established a First Nations Expert Working Group to help inform standalone legislation to protect First Nations traditional knowledge and intellectual property.
• Media release—Australian Festivals receive a boost—18 December 2024
  Regional and remote festivals across Australia will benefit from fresh funding for projects celebrating music, dance, theatre, literature and visual arts.
• Media release—Removal of tree in KAVHA to prevent further damage—05 December 2024
  To support the ongoing protection of Kingston’s buildings and heritage, the Department needs to remove a single pine tree which is causing damage to the greenkeeper’s shed at the golf course.
• Media release—Tender awarded for age assurance trial—15 November 2024
  A consortium headed by the world-leading Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS) has been awarded the tender for the Australian Government’s age assurance trial.
• Media release—New system of federal administrative review commencing in October—26 September 2024
  A new, fit-for-purpose federal administrative review body will commence operations on 14 October 2024, replacing the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
• Media release—Funding to get regional Australia feeling festive—9 September 2024
  Regional and remote communities around Australia will get the opportunity to experience new and exciting arts activations in their area thanks to support available through Round 19 of the Festivals Australia program.
• Media release—Edit-a-thon to raise profile of Australian women artists—3 September 2024
  Artbank is teaming up with artist-led collaborative research project Countess.Report to bring greater attention to the work and achievements of Australian women artists.
• Media release—Visions of Australia funding creates sights to be seen across Australia—3 September 2024
  Arts and cultural heritage institutions across the country are encouraged to apply for a share in $2.8 million of annual funding under the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia touring program.
• Media release—Protect your money and yourself—29 August 2024
  The Australian Government urges the Norfolk Island community to only use authorised banks and insurance services, to protect themselves and their assets.
• Media release—Apply now to help protect First Nations arts and culture
  The Australian Government is seeking applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to join an expert working group to guide the development of new laws on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights.
• Media release—Queensland to deliver corrective services for Norfolk Island
  From 1 July 2024, Queensland will provide corrective services for Norfolk Island.
• Media release—National Indigenous Art Fair to celebrate creativity and culture
  Creations from talented First Nations artists, designers and makers will be on show as the 2024 National Indigenous Art Fair takes place on Gadigal Country in Sydney this month.
• Media release—Online consultation sessions to shape new laws that protect against fake First Nations art and culture
  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and relevant stakeholders are invited to attend online sessions to shape new laws to protect First Nations art and culture, including to address the harm caused by fake art, merchandise and souvenirs.
• Media release - Working toward a fairer go for First Nations artists
  The Australian Government has begun work to strengthen the Indigenous Art Code as part of its efforts to protect the rights of First Nations artists and ensure they are treated fairly.
• Media release—Share your views on an updated guide for assessing the significance of cultural objects
  The Australian Government is encouraging people involved in the collections and cultural heritage sector to have their say on an update to Significance 2.0: a guide to assessing the significance of collections. Refreshing this guide is an action under National Cultural Policy, Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place.
• Media release—Funding brings cultural treasure to Melbourne art fans
  A highly significant drawing by one of the most celebrated First Nations Australian artists of the 19th Century will be making its way to the University of Melbourne with help from the National Cultural Heritage Account.
• Media release—Call to help shape the future of automated vehicles in Australia—23 April 2024
  The Australian Government is seeking the public’s help to shape the future rules for automated vehicles in Australia.
• Media release—Federal funding available to support women and girls in aviation—10 April 2024
  Up to $2.9 million in funding is available for impactful new projects to support women and girls in a career in aviation, with an open tender released today.
• Media release—Reaching out to community to protect First Nations art—10 April 2024
  The Australian Government continues to seek community feedback on how to address the issue of fake First Nations-style art, with public engagement sessions underway across the country.
• Media release—Easier access to legal aid services for Norfolk Islanders—05 April 2024
  The Australian Government is enhancing legal aid services to Norfolk Island to help those eligible in the local community to have access to appropriate legal support and advice for free.
• Media release—New local laws map helps drones take flight—29 February 2024
  Drone operators and the community now have access to a digital map that show local restrictions that may be in place for flying drones in their area.
• Media release—Supporting arts projects in regional and remote communities—19 February 2024
  Around $700,000 is available for regional artists, arts workers and organisations with the latest round of the Australian Government’s Festivals Australia program opening today.
• Media release—Live music grants to make venues sing again—12 February 2024
  The Australian Government is investing $2.5 million in small to medium live music venues
  across the country that host Australian gigs.
• Media release—Funding to help bring international collections to our shores—7 February 2024
  Eligible collecting and touring institutions are invited to apply for funding to bring international art and cultural collection material to Australian audiences, with the latest round of the Australian Government International Exhibitions Insurance Program now open.
• Media release—Exhibitions and collections to tour Australia—6 February 2024
  More Australians will soon get to experience our cultural collections and exhibitions, with grants available to organisations through two programs to support them to tour the nation.
• Transcript—ABC Radio Newcastle—Paul Culliver interview with High Speed Rail Authority CEO Timothy Parker—January 2024
  Subjects: Sydney to Newcastle high-speed rail.
• Media release—More grants available to support First Nations languages and arts 
  Applications are now open for the latest competitive grant opportunity as part of the Australian Government's Indigenous Languages and Arts (ILA) program.
• Transcript—Craig Reucassel interview with High Speed Rail Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Parker—January 2024
  Subjects: High-speed rail from Sydney to Newcastle; population density.
• Securing Norfolk Island's Freight Support—11 December 2023
  The Australian Government is funding the design and manufacture of two new purpose-built Cargo Transfer Vessels (CTVs) to better support Norfolk Island's sea freight needs, in partnership with the Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC).
• Media Release—Grant opportunity to support First Nations visual arts
  Applications are now open for funding under the latest open competitive round of the Australian Government's Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) program.
• Call for ideas to help reduce transport emissions—1 December 2023
  The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is calling for ideas to help shape the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap and Action Plan.
• Boosting global cooperation on telecommunications 
  The Australian Government has joined with the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Japan to establish a Global Coalition on Telecommunications (GCOT).
• Media Release—More support to host Australian music festivals
  Round 7 of the Australian Government's $20 million Live Music Australia program is now open, with festivals that showcase live original Australian music encouraged to apply for funding.
• Apply now for funding through the Visions of Australia program
  Australian arts and cultural heritage organisations are invited to apply for Australian Government support with Round 17 of the Visions of Australia program now open.
• Applications open for Round 17 of the Festivals Australia program
  Regional artists, arts workers and organisations are invited to apply for Australian Government support with Round 17 of the Festivals Australia program now open.
• Spearheading green and digital shipping cooperation between Australia and Singapore Australia and Singapore have commenced discussions to explore areas of cooperation in green and digital shipping and will establish a Singapore-Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor by the end of 2025.
• Contract for air passenger services to Norfolk Island The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is pleased to announce Qantas Airways Limited will provide long-term air passenger services to Norfolk Island.
• New fire control laws in effect After several rounds of broad community consultation and review between 2020 and 2022, the updates to local fire control laws have now come into effect, supporting the improved management and regulation of the use of fire on Norfolk Island.
• Update on Norfolk Island air services arrangements
  The Australian Government has extended the arrangement with Toll Remote Pty Ltd for air freight services to Norfolk Island through to 30 June 2023.
• Next steps on fire control laws
  The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts thanks the community for taking the time to share their views on proposed changes to Norfolk Island's fire control laws.
• End to COVID health directions on Norfolk Island—14 October 2022
  In line with changes to national protocols, people on Norfolk Island will no longer be required to isolate at home if testing positive to COVID-19, from 14 October 2022.
• Upcoming changes to COVID requirements
  The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is working to update the COVID public health directions for Norfolk Island, following changes to national protocols.
• Update on tender for air passenger services to Norfolk Island
  The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is currently considering responses from the market for a long-term supplier for air passenger services to Norfolk Island, following the tender closing recently.
• Update on Norfolk Island air freight arrangements
  The Australian Government has extended the arrangement with Toll Remote Pty Ltd for air freight services to Norfolk Island through to 31 January 2023.
• COVID-19 response—Extension to State of Emergency in Jervis Bay Territory
  The declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) has been extended for a 30-day period from 10 May 2022, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Next steps for future air passenger services to Norfolk Island
  The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications is now inviting tenders for a long-term aviation partner to deliver regular and reliable air passenger services to Norfolk Island, following the expiry of the current arrangements.
• Updated laws for regulation of National Land, Lakes and Memorials in the Australian Capital Territory
  The laws for the management and use of National Land, Lakes (Lake Burley Griffin) and Memorials in Canberra have been updated to ensure they are modern and fit for purpose.
• COVID-19 response—Extension to State of Emergency in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 16 March 2022, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Regulation of National Land (Lakes) in the Australian Capital Territory
  The Australian Government is updating the laws for the management of National Lakes (Lake Burley Griffin) to ensure they are modern and fit for purpose, and is now seeking public comment on a draft of the Australian Capital Territory National Land (Lakes) Ordinance 2022.
• Regulation of National Memorials in the Australian Capital Territory
  The Australian Government is updating the laws relating to National Memorials and naming public places on National Land in the Australian Capital Territory, to ensure the laws are modern and fit for purpose.
• COVID-19 response—Extension to State of Emergency in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 15 February 2022, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Secretary's regulatory stewardship speech
  IPAA/PM&C Regulatory Reform conference
• Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee
  Opening statement from the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
• Norfolk Island PFAS response—final community sessions
  The expert team from Senversa and the Departments of Health and Infrastructure will be undertaking virtual community engagement from 14 February—4 March 2022 to update the Norfolk Island community on the final outcomes of the detailed environmental investigation into per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels related to the historical use of firefighting foam at the Norfolk Island International Airport.
• COVID-19 response—State of Emergency extended in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 19 January 2022, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Update on Norfolk Island PFAS response
  The Australian Government is close to finalising the detailed investigation into elevated levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at the Norfolk Island International Airport, and the implementation of a range of management and remediation measures.
• COVID-19 response—State of Emergency extended in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 6 December 2021, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• COVID-19 response—Extension to State of Emergency in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 9 November 2021, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Regulation of National Land in the Australian Capital Territory
  The Australian Government is updating the laws for the management of National Land in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to ensure they are modern and fit for purpose, and is now seeking public comment on the draft ordinances.
• COVID-19 response—Extension to State of Emergency in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 12 October 2021, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• COVID-19 response—Extension to State of Emergency in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 14 September 2021, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Transcript—Gabby O'Neill, Office of Road Safety on ABC Drive Western Australia
  Subject: Fast-tracking Road Safety Program Tranche 2 projects in Western Australia.
• COVID-19 response—Extension to State of Emergency in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 7 April 2021, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• COVID-19 response—State of Emergency extended in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Hon Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 11 March 2021, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• PFAS Preliminary Site Investigation Report and community sessions
  Senversa and the expert team are returning to Norfolk Island on 8 March 2021 to update the community on the results of the first step of the detailed environmental investigation into per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels related to the historical use of firefighting foam at the Norfolk Island International Airport.
• COVID-19 response—Extension to State of Emergency in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 11 February 2021, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Directions: Border rules for entering Jervis Bay Territory over the long weekend
  Anyone who is planning to visit the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) this January long-weekend must follow the current Public Health Directions for the Territory, unless exempt.
• COVID-19 response—Extension to State of Emergency in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 18 January 2021, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• COVID-19 response—Extension to State of Emergency in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 25 November 2020, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Release of Norfolk Island Regional Council audit reports
  The independent audit of the Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC) is complete and the reports are now available on the department's website.
• COVID-19 response—Extension to State of Emergency in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 27 October 2020, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Norfolk Island Regional Council audit update
  The independent audit of the Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC) continues to progress, with finalisation anticipated in early November.
• COVID-19 response—Extension to State of Emergency in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 29 September 2020, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Norfolk Island PFAS update
  The Australian Government continues to respond to the detection of elevated levels of per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) related to the historical use of firefighting foam at the Norfolk Island International Airport, progressing the detailed environmental investigation and implementing a number of other measures.
• COVID-19 response—Extension to State of Emergency in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 31 August 2020, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Update on Norfolk Island Regional Council audit
  The independent audit of the Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC) has now commenced, with service providers engaged and consultations commencing next week.
• Protecting the Jervis Bay community from coronavirus risk
  The department is working closely with the Jervis Bay Emergency Management Committee (EMC) to protect the local community and manage risk, following the detection of two now-confirmed COVID-19 cases from interstate who transited Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) at the weekend.
• COVID-19 response—State of Emergency extended in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 3 August 2020, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Norfolk Island Regional Council election date
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories has agreed to the Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC) election now taking place on Saturday, 14 November 2020.
• COVID-19 response—State of Emergency extended in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from 11 June 2020, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
• Norfolk Island Local Government Election
  Residents of Norfolk Island are being asked to check their enrolment on the Australian electoral roll by 3 August 2020, before the next election of the Norfolk Island Regional Council (the Council), which is due to take place on 12 September 2020.
• COVID-19 response—State of Emergency extended in Jervis Bay Territory
  Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino has extended the declared State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for a 30-day period from today, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic..
• Coronavirus response—Jervis Bay Territory Public Health Emergency Declaration
  On 22 April, a Public Health Emergency Declaration was made for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT).
• Coronavirus response—state of emergency declared in Jervis Bay Territory
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Honourable Nola Marino MP, has declared a state of emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) for the period 25 March 2020 to 23 April 2020, as part of the ongoing response to the evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation.
• Senversa returns to Norfolk Island as PFAS investigation progresses
  Senversa will return to Norfolk Island this week as part of the ongoing response to the detection of elevated per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in the Mission Creek catchment area.
• Desalination system to address water shortage
  In response to water scarcity and drought conditions on Norfolk Island, the Australian Government is working with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to provide a short-term alternative water source for the community in coming days.
• Progress on Norfolk Island PFAS Environmental Investigation
  The first stage of the preliminary site investigations on Norfolk Island following the detection of elevated per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in the Mission Creek catchment area will conclude tomorrow.
• Community engagement on Norfolk Island PFAS environmental investigation
  Community members will have the opportunity to learn more about the detailed environmental investigation into the detection of elevated per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in the Mission Creek catchment area, with consultants Senversa commencing their work on Island on Monday.
• Update on PFAS detection on Norfolk Island
  The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development's environmental investigations following the detection of elevated PFAS levels in the Mission Creek catchment area are now under way and making good progress.
• State of Emergency in Jervis Bay Territory—3 January, 2020
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Hon Nola Marino MP, has declared a State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory for the period 3 January until 10 January 2020.
• State of Emergency in Jervis Bay Territory—19 December, 2019
  The Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Hon Nola Marino MP, has declared a State of Emergency for the Jervis Bay Territory for the period 19 December 2019 to 26 December 2019.
• Response to PFAS detection on Norfolk Island—17 December 2019
  Recent sampling has detected elevated levels of PFAS in groundwater at three locations on public land in the Mission Creek catchment adjacent to Norfolk Island International Airport.
• Department statement on DCP Extension—1 October, 2019
  The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development has rerun the data for the Drought Communities Programme Extension, which confirms the 13 Local Government Areas announced on Friday 27 September are eligible—including the Moyne Shire in Victoria.
• Address to the IPAA and AICD Public Sector Governance Forum
  A speech by Steven Kennedy regarding Governance in Changing Democracy: achieving better outcomes.
• Message from the Secretary
  The Prime Minister today announced that Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM will conclude his tenure as Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) on 30 August 2019 and that Mr Philip Gaetjens, currently Secretary of the Treasury, has been appointed as the next Secretary of PM&C, commencing 2 September 2019.
• Responding on education
  The Australian Government values the contribution and engagement from everyone on Norfolk Island, including teaching staff and the parents and community members, who support the school on a daily basis. Securing a way forward with a new service delivery partner is one of the Australian Government's highest priorities.
• Have your say on proposed changes to local government elections laws
  The Australian Government is asking the Norfolk community to have a say on proposed changes to the law dealing with Norfolk Island Regional Council elections.
• Community Matters—Passenger transfer vessels" operation and maintenance—tender released on AusTender
  The tender for the operation and maintenance of the passenger transfer vessels has been released on AusTender.
• Community Matters—Engaging on education
  As part of the Australian Government's ongoing commitment to keeping the Norfolk Island community informed about education transition matters, departmental officers returned to the Island again this week to meet with the NICS staff and school community.
• Community Matters
  As the community is aware, in November 2018, the NSW Government advised the Commonwealth that new arrangements for the provision of health and education services on Norfolk Island will be required after June 2021.
• NI Polynesian Settlement Site at Emily Bay
  As communicated in the Cultural Landscape Management Plan consultations and my KAVHA Update in the Norfolk Islander and Norfolk Online News last month, a tree removal permit has now been granted by the Council to remove a number of trees at the former Polynesian site at Emily Bay.
• Tender release — operation and maintenance of the Norfolk Island passenger transfer vessels
  Information on the three passenger transfer vessels, funded by the Australian Government, to support the Norfolk Island tourist industry was recently published.
• Perspectives on Australian transport infrastructure
  A speech by Steven Kennedy to Infrastructure Partnerships Australia's post-Budget breakfast.
• Australian National Audit Office report on the Norfolk Island reforms
  The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) audit report on design, implementation and monitoring of the Norfolk Island reforms has been published.
• Developing flight paths for Western Sydney Airport 
  Recent media articles have depicted flight path designs for the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.
• ANAO report released
  The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) final audit report on Norfolk Island reforms has been published. The outcomes of the ANAO audit were tabled in parliament.
• Connecting with the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area: Heritage Manager's Update 
  Thank you to everyone that has welcomed me to the island and taken the time to share your tremendous knowledge about the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) and Norfolk Island's history, as well as your ideas for the area's future.
• Legislative change—Traffic Laws—Consultation
  Work is underway to improve the operation of traffic laws in Norfolk Island to provide a safer environment for drivers, passengers and bystanders.
• Heritage Manager's update
  A series of improvements to the Kingston and Arthur's Vale World Heritage Area (KAVHA) are being delivered this autumn. Readers might have noticed the new steps to Slaughter Bay beach and two new timber pedestrian bridges over the creek nearby.
• Legislative change—Norfolk Island land valuation and criminal laws—consultation
  Potential changes to the Land Valuation Act 2012 (NI) have been identified to improve its operation. Changes are also proposed to various Norfolk Island criminal laws to enhance legal protections and access to justice for the community.
• Commonwealth Grants Commission Project—2019 Norfolk island Inquiry
  The Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities (the Department) is pleased to confirm that it has asked the Commonwealth Grants Commission (CGC) staff to undertake a costing of Norfolk Island services and its capacity to raise state and local government revenue.
• Legislative change—Births, Deaths and Marriages—Consultation
  Work is underway to improve the operation of the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages Act 1963 (NI).
• Connecting with KAVHA—Heritage Manager's update
  Thank you to everyone that has welcomed me to the island and taken the time to share your tremendous knowledge about the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) and Norfolk Island's history, as well as your ideas for the area's future. I'm incredibly honoured to be working at such a truly unique heritage site, and look forward to working with the community to conserve and enhance KAVHA for future generations.
• Community Matters—Extension of further Commonwealth Acts to Norfolk Island
  The Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities has been working with other agencies to progress the extension of further pieces of Commonwealth legislation to Norfolk Island. The main changes are:
• Global challenges, regional consquences
  A speech by Steven Kennedy to the Research School of Economics, Australian National University.
• Terms of Reference released for RDA programme review
  The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has released the Terms of Reference for an independent review of the Regional Development Australia (RDA) programme.
• Mackay Regional Council wins premier award for excellence in local government
  Mackay Regional Council in Queensland has won the 2016 National Award for Excellence in Local Government for its work in improving the management of community water resources.
• Mr Mike Mrdak, 12 June 2015 address to the AFR National Infrastructure Summit
  The difficulty of planning and investing in productive infrastructure—Western Sydney airport.
• Progress in regional Australia on forum agenda, 5 March 2015
  Albury/Wodonga is set to host the two-day How Fast is Regional Australia Moving conference, which will bring together leaders from business, industry, commerce and government to discuss regional challenges and strengths.
• Charting Australian airline punctuality and reliability, 20 February 2015
  More domestic flights are departing and arriving on time across Australia, according to the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics" latest Domestic Airline On Time Performance annual report.
• One week left to nominate for local government recognition, 20 February 2015
  Only one week remains for local governments to nominate projects for the 2015 National Awards for Local Government, which recognise the sector's vital role in serving Australian communities.
• Time running out to nominate for local gorvernment recognition, 13 February 2015
  Nominations remain open until 27 February for the 2015 National Awards for Local Government, which aim to recognise the sector's vital role in serving Australian communities.
• Young people pitch ideas to make regional Australia even better, 9 February 2015
  Members of the public are invited to Parliament House Theatre in Canberra at 11am on Thursday 12 February to see inspiring young people discuss ways to improve the lives of young people in regional Australia.
• Mr Mike Mrdak, 8 August 2014 speech to CAPA Australia Pacific Aviation Summit
  Secretary Mike Mrdak recently gave a speech on aviation industry growth at the 2014 Centre for Asian Pacific Aviation Summit. A focus was the importance that good policy and regulatory setting will play in fostering strong industry growth into the future: PDF: 209 KB

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