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Australia-China Science And Research Fund

The Governments of  Australian and the People’s Republic of China have reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to continue to expand collaboration on strategic science and research initiatives of mutual interest. Both governments will each commit $9 million over three years to a new Australia-China Science and Research Fund from 2011-12. The fund will build on the strong partnership built…

Tasmania ICT Centre Extended

The Tasmanian ICT Centre will be extended for a further five years from 2011-12 through a $50 million package to help Tasmania build the skills and tools needed to benefit from the digital age. The Labor Government is investing $40 million in vital research into enabling technologies that will help Tasmania explore possible benefits of the National Broadband…

Alternative Securities Exchange Approved

In August 2009, the Government announced important reforms to transfer supervisory responsibility for Australia’s financial markets to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Since the Government announced in-principle approval of Chi-X in March 2010, ASIC has worked carefully and methodically to develop robust market integrity rules. These rules are designed to ensure the strength…

Solar City Program

Blacktown City Council has installed a 50 kilowatt grid-connected solar electricity system at their Works Depot. The system, consisting of 276 photo-voltaic (PV) modules, is expected to feed an estimated 60 megawatt hours per year of electricity back into the grid, and save 70 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually.  Blacktown Solar City is one of seven Solar…

Sunraysia TQUAL Grant

The Australian Government has agreed to contribute $100,000 under the TQUAL Grants program to the refurbishment of Peaka Homestead at the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens at Mourquong near Mildura. Peaka Homestead adds to an already impressive collection of heritage buildings.  It provides a fully operational catering kitchen and training room for use by tourists and students…

SESAIIF

The Federal and South Australian Governments are offering investment of $12 million through the South-East South Australia Innovation and Investment Fund (SE SAIIF) to encourage businesses in South Australia’s south-east to boost jobs and innovation. The Fund is a joint initiative between the Australian and the South Australian governments and it is expected the investment will create new long-term…

Small Business $5K Tax Write Off

The Australian Government will provide Australian small businesses with an immediate tax write-off of the first $5,000 of any motor vehicle purchased from 2012-13.  Motor vehicles are the main capital item for many of Australia’s 2.7 million small businesses so this extra tax relief could deliver real benefits by improving cash flows and helping operators to reinvest…

Mortgage Exit Fees Outlawed

Legislation was passed by the Government today banning exit fees on mortgages for all new home loans from 1 July 2011.  This is seen as an important day for consumers because one of the biggest hindrance stopping Australians from getting a better deal on mortgages will finally be removed. This critical measure should help boost competition in the home loan market over time, by…

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