In December 2010 the Ministerial Council on Energy (MCE) agreed to increase the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioning units. Generally MEPS levels will increase by an average of 10%, and multi-split air conditioners will now be required to meet the same MEPS levels as all other non-ducted split systems. These requirements were to be implemented from 1 October 2011. The RIS that discussed the associated costs and benefits was assessed as adequate by the Office of...

On 2 November 2011, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy introduced a package of reforms to ensure that basic universal telecommunication services are provided during and after the roll out of the National Broadband Network.

These basic services include access to the ‘000’ emergency call service, access to a standard telephone service, payphones and phone services for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. The services will be funded...

On 19 October 2011, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) announced measures, aimed at protecting sea lions, that alter management arrangements in the Gillnet, Hook and Trap Sector of the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF). They largely replicate the temporary order that expires at the end of October. The measures include the closure of an area to fishing by gillnets, increased monitoring requirements in specific areas and allowing fishing by hooks in...

On 14 October 2011, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry jointly announced that the Extended Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna made a decision to adopt a formal rebuilding strategy  as a step towards recovering the stock of southern bluefin tuna back to sustainable levels.

The settings of global catch levels have been based on scientific advice to achieve the outcome of a...