News Story

July 03, 2008

Council of Australian Governments Press Conference

In this press conference following the Council of Australian Governments' meeting in Sydney, the Prime Minister, State Premiers and Chief Ministers spoke about the discussions and decisions from the meeting, outlining a number of specific areas of focus, including a seamless national economy, the Murray-Darling Basin reform and water projects, organ donation, Indigenous early childhood education and child protection.

Continue reading ...

News Story

July 03, 2008

Interview with David Koch on the Sunrise Program, Seven Network

In this interview with David Koch on the Seven Network's Sunrise program, the Prime Minister spoke about the proposal to establish a national organ donation program with additional medical and nursing staff in hospitals and a national authority to co-ordinate all national efforts for organ donation. Mr Rudd discussed the growing waiting lists for organ transplant in Australia and the issues involved in organ donation.

Continue reading ...

News Story

July 02, 2008

Press Conference at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney

In this press conference with Nicola Roxon, the Minister for Health and Ageing, and Parliamentary Secretary, Jan McLucas, the Prime Minister discussed the new $136 million national proposal to boost organ donation and save lives. Mr Rudd spoke about the critical need for organ donors in Australia and responded to questions on the proposal, encouraging consent to organ donation and hospital staffing and support as well as commenting briefly on the Member for Robertson and Australian consumer confidence.

Continue reading ...

News Story

July 02, 2008

$136.4 Million National Plan to Boost Organ Donation and Save Lives

In this joint media release with the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, the Prime Minister announced a proposal for a major new national reform package to establish Australia as a world leader in organ donation for transplantation. The proposal includes funding for a range of staffing, infrastructure, education, support and coordination initiatives associated with organ donation and the reform package will be proposed to the States and Territories at tomorrows Council of Australian Governments' meeting.

Continue reading ...

News Story

July 02, 2008

A National Electronic Conveyancing System

In this joint media release with the Minister for Finance & Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner, the Prime Minister announced a significant step towards creating a seamless national economy in Australia with agreement from all states and territories to establish a national platform to settle all property transactions electronically. Australia's first national electronic conveyancing system - to be operational by March 2010 - will mean consumers across the country will use the same electronic system to settle all property transactions.

Continue reading ...

Feature Story

First 100 Days

The Prime Minister released a report today outlining the Government’s Achievements in its first 100 days in office. The report outlines the first steps the Government has taken towards delivering its election commitments and preparing Australia for the challenges of the future.

First 100 Days - Achievements of the Rudd Government - MS Word 781KB | RTF 1.4MB | PDF 296KB

Feature Story

National Apology to the Stolen Generations

The Prime Minister made a national apology to the Stolen Generations in the House of Representatives on Wednesday 13 February 2008.

In his speech the Prime Minister apologised to Australia's indigenous peoples: for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians; for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, communities and country; for the pain, suffering and hurt of the Stolen Generations and for the indignity and degradation inflicted upon a proud people and a proud culture.

His speech looked ahead to a future of resolve, of mutual respect, and equal opportunity with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country, Australia.

Read the text of full apology ...

A live webcast of the national apology is available from the Parliament of Australia website.

Feature Story

Australia 2020 Summit

The Australia 2020 Summit is to be held in Canberra on 19 and 20 April this year. The Summit will help us shape a long term strategy for the nation’s future – covering the economy, infrastructure, our environment, our farmers, health care, indigenous Australians, the arts, national security, how we improve our system of government, and how we strengthen our communities and ensure nobody is left out of Australia’s future.

Visit the Australia 2020 website ...

Feature Story

Australia Day Message

In his Australia Day message, the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, spoke of our nation’s past achievements and his optimism for the future achievements of the nation.

Watch the video message ...

Continue reading ...

Feature Story

Community Cabinet

The first Community Cabinet Meeting was held at the Canning Vale College in South Eastern Perth on Sunday, 20 January 2008. About 600 people attended the public forum which included 90-minutes of open Question & Answer. People were also able to make individual meetings with ministers.

Continue reading ...