Page 313 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 1 March 1994
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
Heads of government agreed to a number of reviews with the aim of reducing duplication of services in the areas of public housing, school education, industrial relations, child care, health and community services, and labour market programs. In recognition of the fundamental significance of this work, it was agreed to make this the main item for discussion at the next COAG meeting, scheduled for August this year. Discussion under this item also led to Commonwealth agreement to review the practice and specific incidences of tied grants at the next meeting. Tied grants have a strong influence on the Territory's policy and financial choices in such areas as housing, health, supported accommodation and TAFE services. I am keen to see the review lead to an improved financial relationship with the Commonwealth and greater Territory control over policy directions.
COAG examined the issues arising from the report of the working group on Asian languages and culture. Heads of government agreed to the implementation of a comprehensive Asian languages and culture education program in Australian schools, which will commence in 1995. I consider this to be a particularly significant outcome, as the development of a comprehensive understanding of Asian languages and cultures will enhance Australia's economic interests in the Asia-Pacific region. I believe that it is a sound investment which will provide economic benefits in the future.
Heads of government signed the new financial agreement between the Commonwealth, States and Territories, which for the first time formally includes the ACT as part of the Loan Council. As well as including the ACT and the Northern Territory as members, the new financial agreement abolishes the restrictions on States and Territories borrowing in their own name and removes the Commonwealth's power to borrow on behalf of the Territory. The signing of this agreement recognises the ACT's standing on an equal footing with the States and the Northern Territory. It is a further symbol of the way our self-government has matured.
Madam Speaker, as members will recall, I was responsible in 1992 for raising the profile of the national strategy on violence against women by bringing the strategy to the attention of our nation's leaders. At Friday's meeting I was able to keep the strategy in the national arena. I argued successfully that COAG should pursue the implementation of the strategy through a working group reporting directly to heads of government. COAG noted that all jurisdictions had made progress on implementing the strategy and agreed to establish a working group to survey government responses to the strategy. The working group will report to the next meeting on aspects of the strategy which could further benefit from a national approach and make recommendations on adopting a national approach in such areas.
COAG agreed to the public release of the summary reports on the national strategies for ecologically sustainable development and greenhouse response. The council also agreed to the formation of the National Environment Protection Council. All jurisdictions, except for Western Australia, agreed to introduce the legislation needed to establish the new council. The National Environment Protection Council will control environmental protection measures that will
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .