Latest News from Robert McClelland

Statement on the Death Penalty (23 Feb 10)
Successive Australian Governments have maintained a long-standing policy of opposition to the death penalty.

Securing Australia, Protecting Our Community (23 Feb 10)
The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, Attorney General, Robert McClelland and Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith today launched the 2010 Counter-Terrorism White Paper, Securing Australia, Protecting Our Community.

Commonwealth and Victoria Agree on Disaster Resilience Partnership (19 Feb 10)
Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland and Victorian Minister for Emergency Services, Bob Cameron, today announced a $7.8 million joint implementation plan for disaster resilience initiatives in Victoria.

Meeting of the International Pro Bono Advisory Group (18 Feb 10)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today chaired the third meeting of the International Pro Bono Advisory Group.

Commonwealth Assistance for New South Wales Flood Affected Communities (17 Feb 10)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance to New South Wales communities affected by recent flooding in the south coast and far west.

Counter-Terrorism Trial Sentences (15 Feb 10)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today acknowledged the sentences imposed by the Supreme Court of New South Wales in the trial of five individuals convicted of terrorism offences.

Funding boost for newly arrived migrants and refugees (15 Feb 10)
Member for Barton Robert McClelland today announced the Federal Government would spend $50,000 on support for newly arrived migrants and refugees.

Trial Of Bushfire Fire Detection Cameras (09 Feb 10)
Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, Victorian Minister for Emergency Services, Bob Cameron, and New South Wales Minister for Forest Resources, Ian Macdonald, today announced a comprehensive trial of bush fire detection cameras.

Anniversary of Black Saturday Bushfires (07 Feb 10)
The Australian Government today joined with Victoria in marking the first anniversary of the devastating Black Saturday bushfires.

Passage of Legislation to Combat Serious and Organised Crime (04 Feb 10)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the passage of legislation implementing reforms to more effectively prevent, investigate and prosecute organised crime activity, and target the proceeds of organised crime groups.

Release of Report into the Royal Commissions Act (04 Feb 10)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today released the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) report, ‘Making Inquiries: A New Statutory Framework’.

Passage of Legislation to Protect Computer Networks From Attack (02 Feb 10)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the passage through Parliament of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment Bill 2009.

Release of Family Law Reviews (28 Jan 10)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today released key reports examining the operation of the family law system and how the family law courts deal with cases involving family violence.

Commonwealth Assistance for Flood Affected Queensland Communities (28 Jan 10)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance to North Queensland communities impacted by recent heavy rain and flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclones Olga and Neville.

Commonwealth Assistance for Flood Affected Communities in the Northern Territory (12 Jan 10)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland and Federal Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon, today announced that the Commonwealth Government will provide financial support to the Northern Territory Government to assist with costs associated with helping communit

Appointments to the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (09 Jan 10)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced new appointments to the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (NADRAC).

Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel (08 Jan 10)
Border Protection Command today successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

Release of Commonwealth Legal Services Procurement Report (08 Jan 10)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today released a broad review into the procurement of Commonwealth legal services.

Commonwealth Assistance for Flood Affected Queensland Communities (08 Jan 10)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the Commonwealth Government will provide financial support to the Queensland Government to assist with costs associated with helping communities in Central and South West Queensland impacted by recent h

Additional Funding for Family Law Legal Education Programs (06 Jan 10)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced additional funding of $360,000 for community legal centres to develop or expand partnerships with universities providing placement opportunities for students in family law.

Border Protection Command Intercepts Vessel (04 Jan 10)
Border Protection Command yesterday successfully intercepted a suspected irregular entry vessel.

Commonwealth Assistance for Western Australian Bushfire Victims (31 Dec 09)
After a visit to affected communities by the Parliamentary Secretary for Western Australia, The Hon Gary Gray MP, the Commonwealth Government has announced that it will provide financial assistance to communities affected by bushfires in Western Australia

Commonwealth Assistance for North-West New South Wales Flood Victims (31 Dec 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance to communities affected by floods in north-west New South Wales.

No Change in Processing Policy (23 Dec 09)
The recent transfer of 30 minors from immigration detention on Christmas Island is consistent with regular and long standing operations of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

Commonwealth and NSW Governments Agree on Disaster Resilience Partnership (23 Dec 09)
Commonwealth Attorney-General, Robert McClelland and New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan, today agreed on a $15 million joint implementation plan for disaster resilience initiatives in New South Wales.

International Law Enforcement Cooperation (18 Dec 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland and Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today announced a new policy to govern law enforcement cooperation with countries that may apply the death penalty.

Final National Legal Profession Reform Discussion Paper (16 Dec 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today released the final discussion paper by the National Legal Profession Reform Taskforce on the issue of fidelity cover.

Appointment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner (15 Dec 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that Mr Mick Gooda has been appointed to the Australian Human Rights Commission as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner.

Reappointment to the Administrative Review Council (15 Dec 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the reappointment of Ms Linda Pearson to the Administrative Review Council.

Appointment of President of the Australian Law Reform Commission (15 Dec 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the appointment of Professor Rosalind Croucher as the President of the Australian Law Reform Commission.

Reappointment to the National Native Title Tribunal (15 Dec 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the reappointment of Dr Gaye Sculthorpe as a full-time member of the National Native Title Tribunal.

National Cooperation Delivers New Warning System (04 Dec 09)

Building Better Partnerships Between Family Relationship Centres and Legal Assistance Services (04 Dec 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland today announced one-off funding allocations totalling $4.2 million for more than 60 successful proposals for legal assistance services to partner with Family Relationship Centres.

National Legal Profession Reform Discussion Papers (03 Dec 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland today welcomed the release of three new discussion papers by the National Legal Profession Reform Taskforce. The papers deal with trust accounting, professional indemnity insurance and business structures.

Chemicals of Security Concern Campaign Launch (03 Dec 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today launched the Chemicals of Security Concern Campaign, a component of the Chemical Security Management Framework.

National Community Safety Projects Awarded (03 Dec 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today recognised 14 community-based projects from across the country with Australian Safer Communities Awards.

Single Security Vetting Agency Announced (01 Dec 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner, and Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner today announced the establishment of a single security vetting agency in the Department of Defence for Commonwealth

Government Responds to the Older People and The Law Report (26 Nov 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today tabled the Australian Government's response to the House of Representatives Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee's Older People and the Law Report.

Personal Property Securities Law Passed (26 Nov 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland has welcomed the passage of legislation to create a national system of personal property securities (PPS) law.

Trans-Tasman legal ties strengthened (25 Nov 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland and the New Zealand Minister for Justice, Simon Power met today to discuss a new era of co-operation in dealing with trans-Tasman legal disputes.

Organised Crime Strategic Framework (25 Nov 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor have today launched a comprehensive framework for a more integrated and collaborative Commonwealth response to combat organised crime.

Jabiru Native Title Settlement (25 Nov 09)
The Australian and Northern Territory Governments and the Mirarr traditional owners today reached a landmark settlement agreement in the Jabiru native title claim.

Royal Commission Building Report Welcomed (25 Nov 09)

Launch Of Commonwealth Organised Crime Strategic Framework (24 Nov 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor will tomorrow launch the Commonwealth Organised Crime Strategic Framework.

Further assistance in response to NSW bushfires (24 Nov 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland today approved further assistance to the New South Wales Government under the Australian Government Disaster Response Plan which is managed by Emergency Management Australia.

Australian Cyber Security Strategy Launched (23 Nov 09)

Twentieth Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (20 Nov 09)
The Australian Government today welcomed the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Australian Government Provides Assistance in Response to NSW Bushfires (20 Nov 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland today approved assistance to New South Wales under the Australian Government Disaster Response Plan which is managed by Emergency Management Australia.

Communique - Ministerial Council For Police And Emergency Management Emergency Management Meeting - Perth (20 Nov 09)
The Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management (the Council) met in Perth today in advance of the main bushfire, cyclone and flood season in Australia. The Council comprises emergency management Ministers from the Commonwealth, the states a

Australia Takes Action Against Torture and The Death Penalty (19 Nov 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today introduced the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Torture Prohibition and Death Penalty Abolition) Bill 2009.

Rudd Government Legislation to Improve Access to Justice Passes Senate (19 Nov 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the passage through the Senate of the Access to Justice (Civil Litigation Reforms) Amendment Bill 2009.

Discussion Papers on Legal Complaints and Costs (17 Nov 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the release of two new discussion papers by the National Legal Profession Reform Taskforce.

Joint Message by the Attorneys-General of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States of America and the Attorney-General for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (11 Nov 09)
At the meeting of the Quintet of Attorneys General of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States of America and the Attorney General for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and in recognition of UK Pro Bono Week, the following was recorded:

Communiqué - Quintet Of Attorneys General Of Australia, Canada, England And Wales And Northern Ireland, New Zealand And United States Of America (10 Nov 09)
The Attorneys General of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America met with the Attorney General of England and Wales and of Northern Ireland as a Quintet for the first time on 9 November 2009 in the State Drawing Room, Lancaster Hou

Commonwealth Assistance For New South Wales Flood Victims (08 Nov 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance to communities affected by recent flooding in parts of the New South Wales mid-north coast.

First International Meeting Of Attorneys-General (07 Nov 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, will today travel to London for the first 'Quintet' meeting of Attorneys-General from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

National Approach to Access to Justice (06 Nov 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed agreement by the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) on a coordinated national approach to improving access to justice.

Progress on Uniform Commercial Arbitration Regulation (06 Nov 09)
Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and New South Wales Attorney General, John Hatzistergos, today welcomed progress in the development of new uniform commercial arbitration legislation.

Communique - Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (06 Nov 09)
The final meeting of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) for 2009 finished today in Sydney. The Commonwealth, State and Territory AttorneysGeneral and the New Zealand Minister of Justice were in attendance. Tasmania was represented by the

Communique - Indigenous Community Safety Roundtable - Sydney (06 Nov 09)
The Commonwealth Government today hosted a roundtable on Indigenous community safety for State and Territory Attorneys-General, Indigenous Affairs Ministers, Police Ministers and Commissioners and Indigenous professionals working in the field.

Tackling Indigenous Law And Justice Issues (06 Nov 09)
The Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments today endorsed the National Indigenous Law and Justice Framework to tackle serious Indigenous law and justice issues. This framework represents the first nationally agreed approach to Indigenous law and

Australia to Host Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting (05 Nov 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that Australia had formally accepted an invitation to host the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting in 2011.

Ministers Meet to Discuss National Response to Violence Against Women (05 Nov 09)
Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek and Attorney-General Robert McClelland today met in Sydney with their state and territory counterparts to discuss progress on national efforts to reduce violence against women.

Launch of Alternative Dispute Resolution Report (04 Nov 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today launched the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (NADRAC) Report into alternative dispute resolution in the civil justice system.

Commonwealth Assistance for Northern New South Wales Flood Victims (30 Oct 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance to communities affected by recent flooding in parts of the New South Wales mid-north coast.

United Nations Disabilities Committee Chair (28 Oct 09)
The Australian Government today congratulated Professor Ron McCallum AO on his election as the 2010 Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Legislation to Reform Personal Bankruptcy Laws (28 Oct 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today introduced legislation into Parliament to implement significant reforms to Australia’s personal bankruptcy laws.

Meeting with the Chief Justice of Iraq (25 Oct 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today met with the Honourable Madhat Al-Mahmood, Chief Justice of the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq and Chief of the Higher Juridical Council of Iraq.

Appointments to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (23 Oct 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced fifteen part-time appointments to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

Federal Court Appointments (23 Oct 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the appointment of five new judges to the Federal Court of Australia.

Sharing Expertise in the Australian Judiciary (23 Oct 09)
Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Victorian Attorney‑General, Rob Hulls, today announced their intention to make Australia’s first judicial dual Federal-State appointment.

Disaster Mitigation Funding for Tasmania (23 Oct 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Tasmanian Minister for Police and Emergency Management, Jim Cox, today announced that the Commonwealth will invest over $150,000 to help Tasmania prepare for extreme storm and weather events.

Kowanyama Native Title Determination (22 Oct 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today attended the consent determination recognising native title by the Kowanyama People over an area on the west coast of the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland.

Native Title Amendments to Reform Remote Housing (21 Oct 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today introduced legislation into Parliament to help speed up the delivery of vital public housing and infrastructure in Indigenous communities.

Commonwealth Assistance For Queensland Bushfire Victims (20 Oct 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance to communities affected by recent bushfires in Queensland.

Australia Participates in Regional Tsunami Exercise (14 Oct 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed Australia’s participation in an international exercise to test response arrangements for tsunami activity in the Indian Ocean.

Release of Flood Management Manuals (09 Oct 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland and Federal Member for Page, Janelle Saffin today released key emergency management manuals to improve flood preparedness, warnings and emergency response.

Consultation on Access to Justice Report (09 Oct 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the start of consultation on the Access to Justice Taskforce’s Report.

Release Of National Human Rights Consultation Report (08 Oct 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today released the report of the National Human Rights Consultation Committee.

$2 Million to Help Prepare for Extreme Weather Events from Climate Change (08 Oct 09)
Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong and the Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced a new grants program totalling $2 million to help increase understanding of extreme weather events and climate change.

National Human Rights Consultation Report (30 Sep 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today received the report of the National Human Rights Consultation Committee.

Two New Community Infrastructure Projects in Sydney's St George Area (28 Sep 09)
Federal Attorney General Robert McClelland, Member for Barton, today opened the Bicentennial Park All-Ability Swing and turned the first sod at the Bexley North Town Centre Upgrade in Sydney’s St George area.

Bushfire Pre-Season Briefing (25 Sep 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today convened the inaugural bushfire pre-season briefing for State and Territory emergency management officials to facilitate disaster planning and preparedness.

Australian Government Solicitor Chief Executive Officer (25 Sep 09)
Ms Rayne de Gruchy AM PSM, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Government Solicitor (AGS), has informed the Government she will not seek reappointment when her current term ends on 17 January 2010.

Communique - Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management (25 Sep 09)
Emergency Management Extraordinary Meeting Canberra

A Strategic Framework for Access to Justice (23 Sep 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today launched the Government’s Access to Justice Report and a ‘Strategic Framework for Access to Justice’ to guide future policy and reforms in our civil justice system.

Review of Australia's Domestic Violence Laws (22 Sep 09)
Speaking at the inaugural Ministerial Council on Family Violence, Attorney-General Robert McClelland, and Minister for the Status of Women Tanya Plibersek, today launched a valuable report addressing domestic violence and sexual assault laws.

Increases On The Way For Pensioners In Barton (22 Sep 09)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton today welcomed the Australian Government’s Secure and Sustainable Pension Reforms, which will improve the pension’s adequacy, simplify the way it is delivered, and secure its sustainability for the future.

Disabilities Convention Optional Protocol (20 Sep 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, Bill Shorten, today welcomed the entry into force of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabiliti

Further Measures to Combat Organised Crime (16 Sep 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today introduced legislation into the Parliament to more effectively prevent, investigate and prosecute organised crime activity, and target the proceeds of organised criminal groups.

Reform of Maritime Enforcement Legislation (15 Sep 09)
The Australian Government today announced legislative reforms to enhance Australia’s ability to respond to maritime security threats.

Native Title Reforms Pass Parliament (14 Sep 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the passage through Parliament of legislation to achieve quicker, more flexible negotiated settlements of native title claims.

Appointments to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (08 Sep 09)

Terrorist Organisations Re-Listed (08 Sep 09)
The Government has re-listed four groups as terrorist organisations under Australia’s counter-terrorism laws.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Sworn In (07 Sep 09)
Mr Tony Negus APM, was today officially sworn in as the new Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police.

Statement by the Attorney-general - Commonwealth Response to the Interim Report of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission (07 Sep 09)
The devastating Victorian bushfires of February 2009 have been described as Australia’s worst natural disaster, and it certainly was that in terms of the catastrophic loss of life and the extreme damage to property.

Response to Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Interim Report (31 Aug 09)
The Commonwealth today provided its response to the Interim Report of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.

Native Title Ministers' Meeting (28 Aug 09)
Commonwealth, State and Territory Native Title Ministers met today in Adelaide to discuss progress toward national reforms to the native title system.

Rudd Government Delivers 494 Computers To Three Schools In Barton (26 Aug 09)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland MP, is pleased to welcome the delivery of 494 laptops to 3 secondary schools in Barton as part of the Rudd Government’s Digital Education Revolution.

Reforms to Personal Bankruptcy Laws (25 Aug 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today released the Government’s proposed reforms to Australia’s personal bankruptcy laws for public consultation.

Listing of Al-Shabaab as a Terrorist Organisation (21 Aug 09)
The Australian Government has listed Al-Shabaab as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code and the Charter of the United Nations Act.

Rudd Government delivering financial support to those most in need (21 Aug 09)
Attorney-General and Federal Member for Barton today welcomed over $124,000 of Federal Government funding to boost two emergency relief providers in Barton.

Your Questions Answered on the Biggest Pension Reforms in 100 Years (21 Aug 09)
Attorney-General and Federal Member for Barton, Robert McClelland, is encouraging all local pensioners to attend a free seminar on the most significant changes to the pension in 100 years.

Cross Border Justice Reform (20 Aug 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the passage of legislation to support the streamlined delivery of law and justice services across jurisdictional boundaries.

Protection for Foreign Emergency Service Personnel (19 Aug 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today introduced into the House of Representatives the Foreign States Immunities Amendment Bill 2009.

Emergency Response Teams to be Covered by Workers Compensation (15 Aug 09)

Australian Federal Police Commissioner (14 Aug 09)
The Australian Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Tony Negus APM, as Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

Attorney-General's NGO Forum on Human Rights (14 Aug 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today hosted the 17th Non-Government Organisation (NGO) Forum on Domestic Human Rights.

Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Interim Report (14 Aug 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Parliamentary Secretary for Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction, Bill Shorten, today welcomed the release of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Interim Report.

Discussion Paper on Expediting Indigenous Housing in Remote Communities (13 Aug 09)
Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin and Attorney General Robert McClelland today released a discussion paper on possible amendments to the Native Title Act (Native Title Act 1993) aimed at speeding up public housing construction and infrastructure i

Appointment of Family Court Judge (13 Aug 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the appointment of Mr Simon Moncrieff SC to the Family Court of Australia.

Government Ratifies Protocol to mark 60 Years of the Geneva Conventions (12 Aug 09)
Today, on the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Conventions, we announce Australia’s ratification of the Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions.

Aspi Report on Disaster Resilience (11 Aug 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the release of the Hardening Australia: Climate Change and National Disaster Resilience report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)

Addressing Indigenous Justice Issues (07 Aug 09)
The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) today agreed on a range of key principles to tackle serious Indigenous justice issues and reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system.

A National Response to Organised Crime (07 Aug 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed a range of new measures to support a comprehensive national response to combat organised crime.

Australian Emergency Management Arrangements (07 Aug 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today released the Australian Emergency Management Arrangements (AEMA).

Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (07 Aug 09)
The second meeting of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) for 2009 today drew to a close in Alice Springs. The Commonwealth, State and Territory Attorneys-General and the New Zealand Minister of Justice were in attendance.

Appointments to the Administrative Review Council (06 Aug 09)
Attorney General, Robert McClelland, today announced the appointment of Mr Roger Wilkins AO and the reappointment of Professor Robin Creyke, Mr Andrew Metcalfe and Dr Melissa Perry QC to the Administrative Review Council.

Appointments to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (06 Aug 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced two full-time appointments to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

Rudd Government Invests in our Emergency Volunteers (04 Aug 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced additional funding of over $3.3 million for 179 projects as part of the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund (NEVSF).

High Level Talks with the Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs (03 Aug 09)
Attorney General Robert McClelland, Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor, and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Evans, today met with Malaysia’s Minister of Home Affairs, Hishammuddin Hussein, as part of ongoing bilateral cooperation to

25th Anniversary of the Sex Discrimination Act (01 Aug 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, today welcomed the 25th Anniversary of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 coming into force.

Australia Accedes to the Disabilities Convention Optional Protocol (30 Jul 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, Bill Shorten, today announced that Australia will accede to the Optional Protocol on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Dis

Review of Laws to Protect Women and Children (24 Jul 09)
Commonwealth Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and New South Wales Minister for Women and Acting Attorney-General, Verity Firth, today announced a joint investigation into the harmonisation of domestic violence and family law.

Supporting Access to Justice in Launceston (23 Jul 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Federal Member for Bass, Jodie Campbell, today opened the new premises of the Launceston Community Legal Centre.

Australian Tsunami Warning System (16 Jul 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today acknowledged the effectiveness of the Australian Tsunami Warning System (ATWS) following the undersea earthquake that took place last night off the coast of New Zealand.

Interception Powers for Queensland Agencies (08 Jul 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, has declared the Queensland Police and the Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission to be agencies for the purposes of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.

Robert McClelland welcomes the arrival of the PHaMs service in the St George area (07 Jul 09)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland has welcomed the arrival of the PHaMs service in St George.

'Lexicon of Terrorism' Project (06 Jul 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the national roll-out of a project to promote the consistent use of language in engaging with communities on national security issues.

Extension for National Human Rights Consultation (06 Jul 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today agreed to a request by Father Frank Brennan, Chair of the National Human Rights Consultation Committee, for a further one month extension to the reporting date of the National Human Rights Consultation.

End of Work Choices marks the start of Fair Work (06 Jul 09)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the first day of operation of Fair Work and the new fair and balanced workplace relations system, as promised at the last election.

More students will be eligible to receive Youth Allowance (06 Jul 09)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland, today announced that more students will be eligible to receive Youth Allowance as a result of the changes the Rudd Government plans to make to student income support arrangements.

Register of Australian Interests Overseas (03 Jul 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the participation of over 100 Australian companies in the Register of Australian Interests Overseas.

$1.6 million Investment helps upgrade social housing in Barton (03 Jul 09)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland MP today announced $1.6 million has been spent on maintenance in the Barton electorate this financial year as part of normal State Government expenditure and the Federal Government’s Nati

National Legal Profession Reform Consultative Group (01 Jul 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced members of the National Legal Profession Reform Consultative Group to achieve national regulation of the Australian legal profession.

Launch of the International Pro Bono Advisory Group (01 Jul 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today launched the International Pro Bono Advisory Group to promote international pro bono work by Australia’s legal profession and identify linkages with the Government’s international development assistance programs.

Additional $6 Million for Legal Assistance Services (30 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced additional one-off funding of $6 million for legal assistance services.

Australian Human Rights Commission Appointments (26 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced a number of appointments to the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Release Of National Bushfire Arson Forum Report (26 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today released a report by the National Bushfire Arson Forum which highlights the importance of effective coordination in combating deliberately lit fires.

Appointments to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (25 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced seven appointments to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

Kuuku Ya'u Native Title Recognised (25 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed a historic recognition of native title by the Kuuku Ya’u people over parts of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Rudd Government to Simplify Transnational Litigation (25 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the tabling in Parliament of the Hague Convention on Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil and Commercial Matters 1965.

Further Measures to Improve Disability Rights (25 Jun 09)

Rudd Government Introduces National Personal Property Securities Law (24 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today introduced legislation to create a comprehensive national system of personal property securities (PPS) law.

Commonwealth Legislation to Combat Serious and Organised Crime (24 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today introduced legislation into the Parliament which will implement reforms to Commonwealth laws as part of a comprehensive national response to combat serious and organised crime.

Appointment of Family Court Judge (24 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the appointment of Mr Stewart Austin to the Newcastle registry of the Family Court of Australia.

Rudd Government Introduces Legislation to Improve Access to Justice (22 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today introduced legislation into the Parliament to help reduce the cost of litigation and minimise unnecessary court delays.

Australian Federal Police Investigation (20 Jun 09)
The Attorney-General’s Department has today provided me with advice in relation to a very serious allegation that a false email, which purports to relate to the performance of functions by a Commonwealth public official, may have been created and distribu

Tsunami Exercise Tests Australia's Warning System (19 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today delivered the findings of ‘Exercise Ausnami’, a comprehensive test of the Australian Tsunami Warning System (ATWS).

Conference Promotes Understanding and Respect (19 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today congratulated the work of community forums in promoting an accepting, multicultural society in a speech to the 2009 Diversity of Muslim Women’s Conference.

Red Cross World Disasters Report (17 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the release of the World Disasters Report by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

New Chair of the International Legal Services Advisory Council (17 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the appointment of Mr Tim Bugg as Chair of the International Legal Services Advisory Council (ILSAC).

Further Assistance for Queensland Flood Victims (15 Jun 09)
Attorney General, Robert McClelland, and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, today announced further assistance for small businesses and primary producers affected by the February floods in Queensland.

Meeting with the United Kingdom Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation (15 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Special Minister of State, Senator Joe Ludwig, today met with the United Kingdom’s Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, Lord Carlile of Berriew QC.

Economic Stimulus Plan Funding for Barton totals $72,759,828, as at 12 June 2009. (12 Jun 09)
Over 360 projects have been approved for Barton as at 12 June 2009, totalling $72,759,828.

Nyangumarta Native Title Determination (11 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the Federal Court’s recognition of the Nyangumarta people’s native title rights in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Working with Business to Secure Critical Infrastructure (10 Jun 09)
Executives from Australia’s critical infrastructure businesses attended an E-security Executive Breakfast Briefing this morning in Sydney to discuss e-security issues and their impact on critical infrastructure.

Funding for Retired and Career Break Lawyers Project (10 Jun 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced funding for a project to help retired lawyers and lawyers taking a break from their careers to become involved in pro bono legal work.

Appointment to the Copyright Tribunal (05 Jun 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the appointment of Justice Nye Perram as a Deputy President of the Copyright Tribunal of Australia.

Encouraging Figures Show the Hard Work of Locals (04 Jun 09)
Local Federal MPs Robert McClelland and Tony Burke said this week’s economic figures showing Australia’s economy is growing again are a tribute to the hard work of families and small businesses in Barton and Watson.

Mabo Day Marked by Boost to Native Title (03 Jun 09)
On the 17th anniversary of the historic Mabo judgement, Native Title Representative Bodies are set to receive $45.8 million in additional funding to help address the backlog in native title claims.

Over $1.3 Million Investment In Local Tafe To Support Local Jobs (03 Jun 09)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland has today announced that St George TAFE will receive over $1.3 million for Better TAFE Facilities.

Further Support for Regional Families (26 May 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced funding for fifteen regional services to provide support for families experiencing relationship and separation issues.

Help for flood-affected people in South-East Queensland and Northern NSW (25 May 09)
The Australian Government today announced additional assistance to flood-affected residents of South-East Queensland, the North Coast and the Northern Rivers regions of New South Wales.

Australia Takes Action Against Torture (22 May 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced significant measures the Rudd Government is taking to prohibit the use of torture.

Commonwealth Assistance for Northern New South Wales Flood Victims (22 May 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance to communities affected by heavy rainfall and flooding in northern New South Wales.

Commonwealth Assistance for South-East Queensland Flood Victims (21 May 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance to communities affected by heavy rainfall and flooding in South-East Queensland.

Australia and New Zealand Enhance Disaster Resilience Links (21 May 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the signing of a cooperation arrangement between the national emergency management organisations of New Zealand and Australia.

Review of the Legislative Instruments Act (19 May 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, has tabled a report into the operation of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.

Proscription of Terrorist Organisation (15 May 09)
The Australian Government has re-listed Hizballah’s External Security Organisation (ESO) as a terrorist organisation under Australia’s counter-terrorism laws.

$2.2 million towards Kogarah Jubilee Stadium (15 May 09)
Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government, and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland, today announced the Rudd Labor Government would offer $2.2 million towards the redevelopment of Kogarah Jubilee Stadium in Sydney.

Nation Building Budget to Support Jobs in St George (15 May 09)
Local Members of Parliament Robert McClelland, Tony Burke and Daryl Melham said the Rudd Government’s Budget would support jobs and small businesses today by investing in nation-building infrastructure while charting a course to return the Budget to surpl

Additional $50 Million for Native Title System (12 May 09)
The Rudd Government will provide additional funding to support the native title system so that it can help close the gap between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous Australians.

Supporting our Civil Justice System (12 May 09)
The Rudd Government will provide additional funding to strengthen our civil justice system in the 2009-10 Budget.

Improving Disaster Resiliance (12 May 09)
The Rudd Government will invest $79.3 million to strengthen efforts to prepare for and combat major natural disasters.

Enhancing International Law Enforcement Co-operation and Capacity Building (12 May 09)
The Rudd Government will invest more than $500 million over four years to help build the capacity of law enforcement agencies in the Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Pakistan and Africa.

Enhancing Security at Australia's Airports (12 May 09)
The Rudd Government will invest $53 million to enhance security and policing at Australia’s eleven major airports.

Strengthening Our National Security (12 May 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, today announced around $100 million in funding over four years to strengthen Australia’s national security framework as part of the Government’s $685 million investment in nati

$1.3 Billion to Combat People Smuggling and Strengthen Australia's National Security (12 May 09)
The 2009-10 Budget provides more than $1.3 billion over six years to strengthen Australia’s national security and border protection regime.

Labor Delivers Historic Paid Parental Leave Scheme (12 May 09)
The Rudd Government will deliver an historic Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme to support Australian families and prepare Australia for the economic and social challenges of the future.

National Law Week (11 May 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, welcomed today’s commencement of National Law Week.

Funding for Legal Assistance Services (09 May 09)
The Rudd Government will provide more than $20 million in additional one-off funding for legal assistance programs, focussing on enhancing early intervention and alternative dispute resolution.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner (06 May 09)
Mr Mick Keelty APM, has informed the Government of his decision to retire as Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) effective from 2 September 2009.

Commonwealth Provides Over $4 Million in Bushfire Mitigation Funding to States & Territories (06 May 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth will provide more than $4 million to the States and Territories through the Bushfire Mitigation Program.

Primary Schools For The 21st Century Round One Funding For Three Local Schools (06 May 09)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland, today announced that three local primary schools in Barton will receive $5.25 million for major new infrastructure projects under Round One of the Primary Schools for the 21st Century (P

Rudd Government to Reform Federal Courts (05 May 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced a restructure of Federal Courts to more effectively deliver legal and justice services to the community.

Same-Sex Reform Education Campaign (05 May 09)
The Australian Government will provide $450,000 for a community education campaign to inform same-sex couples about implications of recent reforms to legislation, which enable same-sex couples and their children to be recognised by Commonwealth law.

National Legal Profession Reform (30 Apr 09)
Today, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has agreed on a plan to achieve national regulation of the Australian legal profession.

COAG Agrees to Establish National Emergency Warning System (30 Apr 09)
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) today agreed to develop a national telephone emergency warning system.

Time for Action to Reduce Violence Against Women and Children (29 Apr 09)
The Australian Government today released Time for Action, the major report of the National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children.

$4.8 Million to Accelerate Upgrade of Brighton-le-Sands & Bexley North Town Centres (27 Apr 09)
Anthony Albanese, Infrastructure Minister and Robert McClelland, Member for Barton have today announced the Rudd Labor Government will offer up to $4.8 million to accelerate town centre upgrades in Sydney’s St George area.

Robert McClelland praises the work of non-for-profit employment services assisting people with an intellectual disability (24 Apr 09)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland, today praised the work of not-for-profit employment services that assist those with an intellectual disability.

Australian Government Spending Millions to Support Jobs and Improve Affordable Housing (24 Apr 09)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton Robert McClelland is delighted to announce that more than $865 thousand will be spent in the Barton electorate, as part of a repairs and maintenance program, which will help to create local jobs and improve t

Australian Government Spending Millions to Support Jobs and Improve Affordable Housing (23 Apr 09)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton Robert McClelland is delighted to announce that more than $865 thousand will be spent in the Barton electorate, as part of a repairs and maintenance program, which will help to create local jobs and improve t

Commonwealth Assistance for Lord Howe Island Storm Victims (22 Apr 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth will provide financial assistance to those affected by recent severe storms on Lord Howe Island.

$100 Million for Family Relationship Services (22 Apr 09)
Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the Government would invest more than $100 million over the next two years to assist families deal with rela

National Emergency Volunteer Leadership Programme (20 Apr 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today attended the inaugural National Emergency Volunteer Leadership Programme in Mount Macedon, Victoria.

Support for Trans-Tasman Law Reform (17 Apr 09)
Australian Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and New Zealand Justice Minister, Simon Power, today welcomed Australian State and Territory Ministers’ support for the implementation of the Trans-Tasman Court Proceedings and Regulatory Enforcement Treaty.

COMMINIQUÉ - Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (17 Apr 09)
The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) today completed its first meeting for 2009. The Commonwealth, State and Territory Attorneys‑General, the Commonwealth Minister for Home Affairs and the New Zealand Minister of Justice were in atten

Arson Penalties to be Strengthened (17 Apr 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and State and Territory Attorneys‑General today agreed on the necessity for strong bushfire and arson offences across Australia.

National Response to Combat Organised Crime (16 Apr 09)
The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) today agreed to develop a comprehensive national response to combat organised crime.

Australian Government welcomes historic Kimberley Agreement (16 Apr 09)
The Australian Government today welcomed the landmark agreement between the Kimberley Land Council (KLC), Woodside and the Western Australian Government, to move forward with the Kimberley Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) precinct at James Price Point.

Government tightens Reduced Fire Risk Cigarette Regulations (09 Apr 09)
Consumer Affairs Minister, Chris Bowen, and Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the Government will reduce the transition period that non-reduced fire-risk (RFR) cigarettes will be available for sale from 12 to 6 months.

Commonwealth Assistance for Flood Victims in South-East Queensland (08 Apr 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance to communities recently affected by heavy rainfall and flooding in the Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions of South-East Queensland.

Commonwealth Provides over $18 Million in Disaster Mitigation Funding to States & Territories (07 Apr 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that more than $18 million will be provided to the States and Territories this financial year under the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program (NDMP).

Round One of National School Pride Program Delivers (07 Apr 09)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton Robert McClelland along with State Minister for Gaming and Racing, Sport and Recreation and Member for Oatley, Kevin Greene, and State Member for Rockdale, Frank Sartor, have announced that 40 local schools w

Robert McClelland, Tony Burke And Daryl Melham encourage kids to tell us what they think about Climate Change and Win Great Prizes (07 Apr 09)
Federal Attorney General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland along with Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Member for Watson, Tony Burke, and Member for Banks, Daryl Melham, are encouraging local school kids to enter a new national

Commonwealth Assistance for Flood Victims on New South Wales Mid-north Coast (03 Apr 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance for recovery efforts following the recent flooding of communities on the New South Wales mid-north coast.

Family Dispute Resolution keeps Families out of Court (02 Apr 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today released the ‘Family Dispute Resolution Services in Legal Aid Commissions’ evaluation report which highlights the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of family dispute resolution (FDR) services.

Justice Robert Buchanan Appointed Acting President of The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (01 Apr 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the appointment of Justice Robert Buchanan as a Presidential Member and Acting President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Federal Attorney-General Formally Recognises Bushfire Emergency Response (30 Mar 09)
Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, will today visit the Victorian town of Kinglake to thank those involved in the emergency response to the devastating February bushfires.

Media Statement (27 Mar 09)
There is some media speculation today regarding the activities of ASIO and other intelligence agencies.

Business-Government Advisory Group on National Security (27 Mar 09)
Communiqué The sixth meeting of the Business-Government Advisory Group on National Security was today held in Canberra.

Encouraging Access to Justice through Alternative Dispute Resolution (26 Mar 09)
Federal Attorney‑General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the release of the ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Civil Justice System’ issues paper by the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (NADRAC).

Expert Forum Sets Agenda to Combat Bushfire Arson (25 Mar 09)
Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today convened a National Forum on the Reduction of Deliberate Bushfires in Australia.

Robert McClelland voices his support for keeping the St George Hospital Trauma Unit open. (24 Mar 09)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland, today voiced his support for keeping the St George Hospital trauma unit open.

Record Funding for our Local Roads (23 Mar 09)
Over the next five years, local councils across Barton will receive unprecedented Federal financial help to maintain and upgrade their local roads.

Review of Commonwealth Legal Service Procurement (20 Mar 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced a broad review into the procurement of legal services following the significant increase in legal expenditure by Commonwealth agencies in the 2007-08 financial year.

Government Delivers Commitment on Journalist Shield Laws (19 Mar 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today delivered on the Rudd Government’s election commitment to strengthen journalist shield laws by introducing into Parliament the Evidence Amendment (Journalists’ Privilege) Bill 2009.

Rudd Government Introduces Legislation to Improve the Native Title System (19 Mar 09)
Attorney‑General, Robert McClelland, today introduced legislation to achieve quicker, more flexible negotiated settlements of native title claims.

National Security Discussions with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister (18 Mar 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today met with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Professor Shunmugan Jayakumar, to discuss a broad range of national security issues facing Australia, Singapore and the

Progress on Trans-Tasman Legal Reforms (18 Mar 09)
Robert McClelland, Australian Attorney-General, and Simon Power, New Zealand Minister for Justice, today met in Canberra to progress a range of measures aimed at harmonising trans-Tasman legal arrangements.

$75,000 for Two Road Black Spots to be Fixed in Barton (18 Mar 09)
The Rudd Labor Government will invest $75,000 to fix two dangerous black spots on local roads in Barton, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland, announced today.

Proscription of Six Terrorist Organisations (17 Mar 09)
The Australian Government has today re-listed six groups as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code, following advice from Australia’s security agencies.

60th Anniversary of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) (16 Mar 09)
Today I congratulated the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) on its 60th anniversary as Australia’s lead national intelligence agency.

Commonwealth Assistance to Recover Pacific Adventurer Shipping Containers (16 Mar 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Rudd Government will deploy a Royal Australian Navy mine-hunting vessel to search for 31 fertiliser containers lost from the Pacific Adventurer during Tropical Cyclone Hamish on 11 March.

Further Assistance for Victims of the North Queensland Floods (13 Mar 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Australian Government will contribute a further $500,000 to assist victims of the recent North Queensland floods.

Legal Service Exports Continue to Grow (12 Mar 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed a survey by the International Legal Services Advisory Council (ILSAC) indicating that Australia’s legal services exports grew by over 24 per cent between 2004-05 and 2006-07.

Inaugural Meeting of the Reference Group on Chemical Security (11 Mar 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today addressed the inaugural meeting of the National Industry Reference Group on Chemical Security.

Members for Barton and Watson Anounce Funding Grants of Over $90,000 to Helping Carers in their Electorates (10 Mar 09)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland, along with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Member for Watson, Tony Burke, today announced one-off funding grants worth more than $90,000 to fund carers organisatio

Attorney-General Welcomes New Family Violence Best Practice Principles (06 Mar 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the Family Court of Australia’s new ‘Family Violence Best Practice Principles’.

Australia Strengthens Women's Rights (04 Mar 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and the Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, today welcomed the entry into force in Australia of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CE

Youth Access to Legal Advice Goes Online (04 Mar 09)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today launched Youthlaw Online, an important service dedicated to providing young people in Victoria with greater access to legal advice.

Australian Appointed Inaugural Rapporteur to the United Nations Disabilities Convention (03 Mar 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Foreign Minister Stephen Smith today welcomed the appointment of Professor Ron McCallum AO as Rapporteur to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Expansion of Overseas Adoption Programs in Hong Kong and Taiwan (27 Feb 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the expansion of Australia’s overseas adoption programs with Hong Kong and Taiwan.

New Director-General of Security (25 Feb 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today announced the appointment of Mr David Irvine AO as the next Director-General of Security.

Rudd Government Implements Coag Agreement on Telephone-based Emergency Warning Systems (23 Feb 09)
The Rudd Government will today introduce into Parliament amendments to the Telecommunications Act 1997 to enable access to the Integrated Public Number Database (IPND) for telephone-based emergency warning systems established by the States and Territories

Meeting with Attorney-General for England and Wales (23 Feb 09)
Commonwealth Attorney-General Robert McClelland today met with the Attorney-General for England and Wales, the Rt Hon Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC, ahead of Baroness Scotland delivering the Magna Carta lecture at Parliament House in Canberra.

Family Law Conference Targets Access to Justice (20 Feb 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today thanked the family law practitioners attending the Inaugural Family Law System Conference for the enthusiasm and commitment shown during discussions on new and innovative ways to improve the family law system.

Australian Government Provides an Extra $4 Million for Aerial Firefighting (19 Feb 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today announced that the Australian Government will provide an additional $4 million to keep in place aerial firefighting capability across the country this bushfire season.

Attorney-General Opens Family Law Conference (19 Feb 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today opened the Inaugural Family Law System Conference, which aims to improve integration across key sectors of family law.

Legal Assistance for Victims of the Victorian Bushfires (18 Feb 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that the Australian Government will provide $220,000 to Victorian community legal centres to help Victorians affected by the bushfire disaster.

Appointment to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (13 Feb 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the appointment of Justice Brian Tamberlin as a Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Telecommunications Interception Powers - Vital and Effective Investigative Tools (13 Feb 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today tabled the 20th Annual Report for the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 in Parliament.

Australian Government Assistance for New South Wales Fires (11 Feb 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has activated the Commonwealth Disaster Plan for New South Wales, authorising the use of Defence Force assets to support New South Wales fight fires at Singleton, in the Hunter Valley.

Rudd Government Flies Food Packs into Remote Queensland (08 Feb 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has activated the Commonwealth Disaster plan, authorising the use of the Defence Force to supply and deliver thousands of food packs into the flooded Ingham area of North Queensland.

$42 BN to Build the Nation, Support Local Jobs & Grow Our Economy (04 Feb 09)
Local MPs representing the St George region, Daryl Melham, Tony Burke and Robert McClelland, today welcomed the Rudd Government’s decisive $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan which will support local jobs and significantly invest in local businesses

Legal Profession Reform to Strengthen Australian Economy (03 Feb 09)
The Prime Minister has today announced that legal profession reform will form part of the Government’s ongoing micro-economic reform agenda to strengthen the Australian economy in the face of the global financial crisis.

Commonwealth Assistance to Restore Broken Communications in Derby (02 Feb 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today authorised the use of Defence Force resources to urgently fly replacement communications fibre optic cable into the northwest of Western Australia.

Rudd Government to Address Bushfire Arson with States and Territories (01 Feb 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the release of a report by the Australian Institute of Criminology on prevention of deliberate bushfires in Australia.

One Month Extension for National Human Rights Consultation (30 Jan 09)
I have agreed today to a request by Father Frank Brennan, Chair of the National Human Rights Consultation Committee, for a one-month extension to the reporting date of the National Human Rights Consultation.

Nine Chinese Lawyers to Visit Australia on Legal Development Program (22 Jan 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that nine legal professionals from China have been selected to come to Australia for the third Program.

Review of Royal Commissions Act (20 Jan 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that the Rudd Government has asked the Australian Law Reform Commission to review the Royal Commissions Act 1902.

New Trustee Service Chief Executive Appointed (19 Jan 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the appointment of Veronique Ingram as Chief Executive of the Insolvency and Trustee Service Australia (ITSA) and Inspector-General in Bankruptcy.

Dementia Day-Care Centre for Kogarah (19 Jan 09)
Attorney-General and Federal Member for Barton, Robert McClelland has welcomed the announcement that a dementia day-care centre will be constructed at Calvary Hospital in Kogarah.

New Resources to assist Grandparents (18 Jan 09)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that the Rudd Government will provide increased resources through the family law system to help grandparents maintain positive relationships with their grandchildren.

Ministers make Trans-Tasman Law Reform a Priority (14 Jan 09)
Australian Attorney-General Robert McClelland and New Zealand Justice Minister Simon Power today announced that both countries will introduce legislation as a priority to make resolving legal disputes across the Tasman cheaper, more efficient and less com

Comprehensive Response To National Security Legislation Reviews (23 Dec 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today tabled in Parliament the Rudd Government’s comprehensive response to outstanding reviews of national security legislation from the term of the former Government.

Discussion Paper Explores Possible Improvements to Native Title System (23 Dec 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today released a discussion paper on possible minor amendments to the Native Title Act 1993 to encourage more negotiated settlements of native title claims.

Facilitator Appointed for Proposed Kimberley Gas Hub (23 Dec 08)
The Australian Government has appointed Mr Bill Gray AM to facilitate negotiations with Indigenous interests in relation to establishing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub for processing the Browse Basin gas resource in the Kimberley.

Provider Selected to Train and Assess Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (20 Dec 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the selection of the Australian FDR Training Group to deliver assessments and training helping eligible family dispute resolution practitioners meet new nationwide accreditation standards.

Government Bolsters E-Security by Engaging Private Sector (19 Dec 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today jointly announced the first outcomes from the E-Security Review 2008.

School Children Learn the Lessons of Music Piracy (19 Dec 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today congratulated the winners of a Crime Stoppers initiated competition aimed at raising awareness of music piracy.

Rudd Government to Provide Victoria $965,000 to Help Bushfire Preparation (17 Dec 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and the Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services Bob Cameron today announced that Victoria will receive $965,000 in funding from the Rudd Government’s Bushfire Mitigation Program.

$3 Million for Flood Protection in South Australia (17 Dec 08)
The Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland today announced joint funding of almost $3 million to further upgrade flood protection works across the State.

New Judge Appointed to Federal Court (17 Dec 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that the Hon Justice Michael Barker has been appointed to the Perth registry of the Federal Court of Australia.

New Defence Force Discipline Appeal Tribunal President Appointed (17 Dec 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the appointment of Justice Richard Tracey RFD as President of the Defence Force Discipline Appeal Tribunal.

New Justice of the High Court (15 Dec 08)
I am pleased to announce that the Government has decided to recommend to Her Excellency the Governor-General the appointment of Justice Virginia Margaret Bell as a Justice of the High Court of Australia, with effect from 3 February 2009.

Norfolk Island Chief Justice and Judge Appointed (12 Dec 08)
The Rudd Government today appointed the Honourable Justice Peter Jacobson as Chief Justice and the Honourable Justice Bruce Lander as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island.

New Federal Magistrate Appointed (12 Dec 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the appointment of a new Federal Magistrate in Cairns.

Rudd Government Announces National Human Rights Consultation (10 Dec 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today marked the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by launching the National Human Rights Consultation to seek the community’s views on human rights in Australia.

Government Welcomes Same-Sex Superannuation Reforms (10 Dec 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law Senator Nick Sherry today welcomed new superannuation reforms marking a significant step forward in the recognition of same‑sex relationships.

Resignation of the Hon Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG (10 Dec 08)
I have been advised that the Hon Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG has today met with the Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, and advised Her Excellency of his intention to resign from the High Court of Australia, effective midnight on the ev

Native Title Discussion Paper Released (08 Dec 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin today released a Native Title discussion paper that examines options for improving the Native Title system to help close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Aus

Settlement of HMAS Melbourne Claims (05 Dec 08)
The Attorney-General Robert McClelland and the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon today announced the results of the review into the unresolved claims from the HMAS Melbourne/HMAS Voyager tragedy.

Rudd Government Congratulates Emergency Management Sector on International Volunteer Day (05 Dec 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today recognised ‘International Volunteer Day’ by congratulating the thousands of emergency management volunteers across Australia for their commitment and dedication in times of crisis.

Referees to Provide Expert Assistance to Federal Court (03 Dec 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today introduced legislation to assist judges to reduce the cost and length of trials for litigants.

Raising the Standard on Disability Rights (03 Dec 08)
The Rudd Government has today marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by taking important action to enhance human rights protections for people with disabilities.

Interception Powers for Queensland Law Enforcement Agencies (03 Dec 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today introduced legislation into Parliament, which will lead to Queensland law enforcement agencies having telecommunications interception powers.

Better Access to Premises for Persons with a Disability (02 Dec 08)
On the eve of International Day of Persons with a Disability, the Rudd Government today tabled draft Disability Standards for Access to Premises.

Applications Invited for Rudd Government's $3.2 Million Emergency Volunteer Support Fund (28 Nov 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today officially opened applications for this year’s National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund, urging interested parties to seek Government funding.

Business Rule Accountability the Focus of New Report (28 Nov 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today launched the Administrative Review Council’s 49th report, ‘Administrative accountability in business areas subject to complex and specific regulation’.

Appointment of Deputy President to Defence Force Discipline Appeal Tribunal (28 Nov 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the appointment of Justice Margaret White as Deputy President of the Defence Force Discipline Appeal Tribunal.

Historic Same-sex Reforms Pass Parliament (27 Nov 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the passage through Parliament of historic legislation that will remove same-sex discrimination from a wide range of Commonwealth laws.

Vulnerable Witnesses Better Protected by Evidence Reforms (27 Nov 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the passage through the Parliament of the Evidence Amendment Bill 2008.

Rudd Government Donates $500,000 to Queensland Premier's Disaster Relief Fund (25 Nov 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that the Rudd Government will provide further relief to the victims of the south-east Queensland storms by donating $500,000 to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal Fund.

Australia Comes in from the Cold on Women's Rights (24 Nov 08)
Australia has today formally moved to become a party to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which was opposed by the former Government.

Government Receives Clarke Inquiry Report (21 Nov 08)
The Hon John Clarke QC has today provided his report into the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef to the Attorney-General Robert McClelland.

Australian Government Moves to Modernise International Arbitration (21 Nov 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced a review of the International Arbitration Act 1974.

Improving Australia's Federal Court System (20 Nov 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today released a report and discussion paper on improvements to the delivery of family law services by Australia’s federal courts for public consultation.

Hurstville City, Kogarah Municipal and Rockdale City Councils to Share in $300 Million Local Infrastructure Fund (19 Nov 08)
Local Barton Councils will share in the Rudd Labor Government’s $300 million community infrastructure stimulus package, Federal Member for Barton and Attorney-General Robert McClelland said today.

Further Consultation on Personal Property Securities Bill (17 Nov 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the referral of the draft Personal Property Securities Bill 2008 to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.

Aerial Support for NSW During Bushfire Season (14 Nov 08)
Emergency Services Minister Tony Kelly said today that firefighters will again have assistance from above this bush fire season, with two Erickson Air-Cranes to be based in New South Wales.

Ul-Haque Report Released (14 Nov 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the completion of the Inquiry by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) into ASIO’s actions in relation to Mr Izhar Ul-Haque.

Community Resilience Promoted a Safer Communities Awards (11 Nov 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today presented 16 Australian Safer Communities Awards to innovative and educational projects that promote awareness and management of natural disasters.

Proposal to Accede to UN Convention on Electronic Transactions (10 Nov 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today released a discussion paper on the proposal that Australia accede to the United Nations Convention on the use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.

Statement: One Week Extension for Clarke Inquiry (10 Nov 08)
I have today agreed to a request by the Hon John Clarke QC for a further one-week extension for the reporting date of his inquiry into the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef until 21 November.

One Stop Shop for Information on Anti-discrimination (07 Nov 08)
This single website will provide a one-stop shop for all Australians to access information relevant to their discrimination issue.

Statutory Declarations to be Uniform Across Australia (07 Nov 08)
The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General today agreed on a uniform approach to statutory declarations.

Steps Taken to Improve Open Justice System (07 Nov 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today secured the commitment of the States and Territories to further develop the framework for a national electronic register of suppression orders.

Attorneys-General Receive Update on Rudd Government's Anti-domestic Violence Strategy (07 Nov 08)
Attorneys-General have welcomed their update on progress of the Rudd Government’s National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children

Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management Emergency Management Meeting (06 Nov 08)
Communiqué The cooperation and goodwill between Ministers responsible for emergency management continued in the second meeting for 2008 of the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management (MCPEM-EM), held today in Sydney.

Emergency Management Ministers Agree to Share Education Programs (06 Nov 08)
Australia’s emergency services ministers have today agreed to establish an internet database, hosted by the Australian Disaster Information Network, which will enable the states and territories to easily share knowledge about community emergency education

Barton MP Welcomes Interest Rate Cut (05 Nov 08)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton today said families and businesses in St George would welcome the cut in official interest rates by 0.75 per cent.

Eminent Australian Elected to UN Committee (04 Nov 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten, today announced that Professor Ron McCallum was elected to the United

Three Terrorist Organisations Re-Listed (03 Nov 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has re-listed three organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code, following advice from Australia’s security agencies.

Reform of Remuneration Arrangements for Bankruptcy Trustees (30 Oct 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that the Rudd Government will reform the mechanism for trustee remuneration in bankruptcy matters.

Action on Climate Change will Strengthen Economy (30 Oct 08)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland MP, today said new economic modelling done by the Australian Treasury showed Australia could reduce emissions at the same time as the economy and incomes continued to grow.

Government Announces 945 New Commonwealth Supported Places for Universities in Sydney (29 Oct 08)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland MP, has welcomed the announcement that 945 new Commonwealth supported places and $4,317,250 million in transitional assistance will go to Universities in Sydney to phase out full fee underg

Students Learn about Natural Disasters Online (28 Oct 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today visited Macedon Primary School in Victoria to launch a new web-based educational game aimed at teaching young Australians how to prepare and respond to emergencies and disasters.

Aerial Firefighting Gets $10 Million for the Bushfire Season (28 Oct 08)
The Rudd Government will this year contribute $10.2 million to increase the capacity for aerial firefighting to assist the states and territories prepare for the bushfire season.

Northern Territory Receives $6.7 Million for Disaster Relief and Recovery (24 Oct 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that the Rudd Government will provide $6,665,220 to the Northern Territory under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

Asio's Annual Report Tabled (22 Oct 08)
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation’s (ASIO) Report to Parliament 2007–08 has today been tabled in Parliament.

Australian Search and Rescue Team Gains International Accreditation (17 Oct 08)
The Australian Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Queensland Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts have welcomed the international accreditation of a Queensland Urban Search and Rescue team.

Counter-terrorism Exercise a Success (17 Oct 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has thanked everyone involved in Mercury 08, following the successful completion of the largest counter-terrorism exercise undertaken in Australia.

Government Improvements to Native Title System (17 Oct 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that the Rudd Government has approved changes to the Federal Court to improve the operation of the native title system.

Attorney-general Welcomes Progress on Implementation of Street Review (16 Oct 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed progress made by ASIO, the AFP and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions in implementing key recommendations of the Street Review to improve national security operations.

Rudd Government Welcomes Senate Passage of De Facto Reforms (16 Oct 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the passage through the Senate of the Rudd Government’s landmark legislation enabling de facto couples to access the federal family law courts on property and maintenance matters.

Children Learn More about Tsunami at Questacon (15 Oct 08)
An innovative new tsunami awareness show aimed at helping school children understand this potentially disastrous force of nature has been launched at Questacon - the National Science and Technology Centre - in Canberra.

Australia's Largest Counter-Terrorism Exercise Begins (14 Oct 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that Australia’s largest ever multi-jurisdictional counter-terrorism exercise Mercury 08 has commenced.

Decisive Action for St. George (14 Oct 08)
The Rudd Government has taken decisive action to make sure working families and pensioners in St. George have a secure future and the benefits of a strong economy.

Rudd Government Thanks Emergency Services Personnel (08 Oct 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today marked the United Nations International Day for Disaster Reduction by commending Australia’s emergency agencies on their efforts in reducing the risk of emergencies and disasters.

Government Strengthens Protection for Older Australians (01 Oct 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot today announced that the Rudd Government will amend the Age Discrimination Act 2004 to remove the 'dominant reason' test.

New National Counter-Terrorism Alert System (30 Sep 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the implementation of a new National Counter-Terrorism Alert System.

Rudd Government Programs Deliver More Affordable Rental Housing in Barton (26 Sep 08)
Federal Attorney General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the introduction to Parliament of new laws to establish a National Rental Affordability Scheme.

Lessons Learned from Cyber Storm II (24 Sep 08)
A detailed report outlining Australia’s involvement in the recent international cyber security exercise, Cyber Storm II, was released today by Attorney-General Robert McClelland.

Turnbull Ignores 11,464 Pensioners in Barton (23 Sep 08)
11,464 pensioners in Barton are being ignored by Liberal Leader Malcolm Turnbull.

Mandatory Safety Standard for Reduced Fire Risk Cigarettes (22 Sep 08)
The Consumer Affairs Minister, Chris Bowen MP and Attorney-General, Robert McClelland MP today announced a mandatory standard for manufactured cigarettes.

New Accreditation System for Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (20 Sep 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced a new accreditation system for family dispute resolution practitioners.

Rudd Government Supports Separated Families in Regional Australia (20 Sep 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced an open, competitive process to select community organisations to run 14 new Post Separation Cooperative Parenting services in regional Australia.

Removal of Same-sex Discrimination Continues (19 Sep 08)
Same-sex discrimination will be removed from child support, under amendments circulated in Parliament today.

Australia and European Commission Complete Historic Deal on Emergency Management (19 Sep 08)
Australia and the European Union will work more closely together on emergency management challenges, following the completion of an historic agreement.

New Federal Magistrate Appointed (19 Sep 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the appointment of a new Federal Magistrate in Adelaide.

Greater Consultation on Legal Harmonisation (18 Sep 08)
Commonwealth Attorney-General Robert McClelland and NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos today attended the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) harmonisation conference, the first of its kind held in Australia.

First Native Title Claim Resolved Under Rudd Government (18 Sep 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the Federal Court’s formal recognition of the Thalanyji peoples' native title rights in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

First Native Title Claim Resolved Under Rudd Government (18 Sep 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the Federal Court’s formal recognition of the Thalanyji peoples' native title rights in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Rudd Government Cuts Red Tape on Legal Services (17 Sep 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the delivery of further reforms to improve how the Commonwealth purchases its legal services.

Local Dental Services Under Threat (15 Sep 08)
Federal Attorney-General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland, today called on NSW Liberal and National Senators to stop their irresponsible threat to block public dental services for NSW.

Appointments to the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (10 Sep 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today announced two appointments to the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (NADRAC).

Local Member Says 'stand Up To Arthritis' (10 Sep 08)
Robert McClelland the Federal member for Barton argues that people should be aware of pain in their joints and find out if it is arthritis as soon as possible.

New Flagpole to Salute the Service of Barton's Veterans (08 Sep 08)
The Rudd Government has provided a grant to the Endeavour Nursing Home in Kogarah to install a flagpole, which will become a focal point for commemorations on days of national significance.

Rudd Government Provides New Services For Children After Separation (06 Sep 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that the Rudd Government will provide $17 million over the next three years to help fund eighteen new services, which will support children dealing with the breakdown of their parents’ relationship.

Rudd Government Delivers on Election Commitment to End Same-sex Discrimination (05 Sep 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today introduced the second stage of legislation removing same-sex discrimination from a range of Commonwealth laws.

Extension of Time for Clarke Inquiry (05 Sep 08)
I have today agreed to a request by the Honourable John Clarke QC for an extension of the reporting date for the Clarke Inquiry into the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef until 14 November 2008.

A Win For Barton's Local Veteran Community (04 Sep 08)
St George Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Social and Welfare Club will receive $10,570 in funding from the Rudd Government to support the local veteran community, the Attorney-General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland announced today.

Rate Cut Welcome Relief for Barton Families (02 Sep 08)
Barton MP, Robert McClelland today said families across St George would welcome the announcement by the Reserve Bank to cut official interest rates by 0.25 per cent.

Seven New Federal Magistrates Appointed (01 Sep 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the appointment of seven new Federal Magistrates to the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia.

Queensland to Receive Telecommunications Interception Powers (28 Aug 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today confirmed that the Commonwealth has agreed to provide Queensland law enforcement agencies the power to use telecommunications interception.

Rudd Government Reaffirms Commitment to Legal Harmonisation (27 Aug 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today tabled the Rudd Government’s response to the House of Representatives Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee report into the harmonisation of legal systems within Australia and between Australia and New Zealand

Rudd Government Acts to Promote the Rights of Women in Australia (26 Aug 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Housing and the Status of Women Tanya Plibersek have today welcomed a significant step forward in the protection and promotion of women’s rights in Australia.

Joint Communique on Native Title (20 Aug 08)
Commonwealth Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace today met representatives of traditional owners to discuss options for broader native title outcomes in Cape York Peninsula.

Time To Nominate Barton's Senior Australian (13 Aug 08)
Will the 2009 Senior Australian of the Year be a resident of Barton? The Member for Barton, Hon Robert McClelland called today for people in St George area to work on making an outstanding over-60s resident of Barton the 2009 Senior Australian of the

Three Terrorist Organisations Re-listed (09 Aug 08)
The Attorney-General Robert McClelland has re-listed three organisations as terrorist organisations under Australia’s counter-terrorism laws.

Appointment Of New NNTT Registrar (09 Aug 08)
The Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the appointment of Associate Professor Stephanie Fryer-Smith as the Registrar of the National Native Title Tribunal.

Invitation To United Nations Human Rights Experts (08 Aug 08)
The Rudd Government will extend a standing invitation to United Nations human rights experts to visit Australia, demonstrating its willingness to engage positively with the international community to implement human rights obligations.

New President Of Human Rights Commission (08 Aug 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the appointment of the Honourable Justice Catherine Branson as the next President of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.

Secrecy Laws To Be Reviewed (06 Aug 08)
The Rudd Government will seek to simplify secrecy and confidentiality laws by referring this legislation to the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) for inquiry.

Attorney-General Supports AFP Work For Missing Persons (05 Aug 08)
The Attorney-General Robert McClelland has voiced the Australian Government’s support for the Australian Federal Police and other state and territory policing agencies in their difficult work reuniting missing persons with their families.

Increased Family Dispute Services For Grandparents (02 Aug 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced an additional $400,000 for Legal Aid Commissions to enhance the delivery of family dispute resolution services to grandparents and other extended family members.

New Chief Justice Of The High Court (31 Jul 08)
I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Honourable Justice Robert Shenton French as Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia.

Disaster Protection Funds For Victoria (30 Jul 08)
The Rudd and Brumby Governments will provide almost $1 million for eleven natural disaster mitigation projects across Victoria.

Rudd Government Provides Funding Boost For Emergency Volunteers (30 Jul 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland announced over $3 million in funding grants to boost the recruitment, retention and training of volunteer organisations at the front line of emergency management.

New agreement signals greater co-operation on Intercountry Adoption in Australia (28 Jul 08)
Attorney‑General Robert McClelland today announced the signing of a new Agreement between the Australian Government and States and Territories on intercountry adoption.

Australia Celebrates 25 Years Of Women's Rights (28 Jul 08)
The 28th of July 2008, marks the 25th anniversary of Australia’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Attorneys Join Fight To Reduce Violence Against Women (26 Jul 08)
The Rudd Government today praised all Australian Attorneys-General after they agreed to become White Ribbon Ambassadors.

Agreement For National Suppression Order Register (26 Jul 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed in-principle support for a national register of suppression orders by his State and Territory colleagues at today’s meeting of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG).

Further Commitment To Legal Harmonisation (26 Jul 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland welcomed progress on a number of legal harmonisation projects across Australia, following the latest meeting of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG).

Natural Disaster Funding Applications Now Open (26 Jul 08)
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland has today called on local communities to apply for funding under the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program.

Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (26 Jul 08)
The Commonwealth, State and Territory Attorneys-General, the Commonwealth Minister for Home Affairs and the Associate Justice Minister of New Zealand, held discussions on over 20 matters of substantive legal reforms for all jurisdictions.

Treaty to improve trans-Tasman legal cooperation (24 Jul 08)
Businesses and individuals involved in trans-Tasman civil legal cases are set to benefit from reforms that will make the legal process easier and more affordable.

Government Welcomes HREOC Plan Of Action On Gender Equality (23 Jul 08)
The Australian Government welcomes the launch of the Listening Tour Community Report and Plan of Action towards Gender Equality by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick.

Australia Ratifies UN Disabilities Convention (19 Jul 08)
Australia has today ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, making Australia one of the first Western countries to ratify the Convention.

Rudd Government to improve Australias Disability Discrimination System (19 Jul 08)
The Rudd Government will introduce legislative amendments to the Disability Discrimination Act in the Spring sittings of Parliament to implement recommendations made by the Productivity Commission in its 2004 review of the Act.

Native Title Ministers' Meeting (19 Jul 08)
Commonwealth, State and Territory Native Title Ministers met in Perth for the first time since the Rudd Government took office.

A More Flexible Approach to Native Title (18 Jul 08)
Ahead of the first Native Title Ministers’ Meeting since the federal election, the Rudd Government today announced that it will take a more flexible approach to recognising native title in Australia’s territorial waters.

Australian Government Welcomes Tenth Anniversary Of The International Criminal Court (18 Jul 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith today welcomed the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Innovative Green Businesses in Barton Encouraged to Apply for Climate Ready Program (13 Jul 08)
Robert McClelland today said that businesses in Barton may be eligible to apply for the Rudd Government’s $75 million Climate Ready program that has just opened for applications.

Performance Bonuses for Family Relationship Centres (05 Jul 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the outcome of performance reviews for the first 15 Family Relationship Centres, which has resulted in eight being paid funding bonuses.

Whole-of-Government Review of E-Security (03 Jul 08)
The Attorney-General Robert McClelland and the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator Stephen Conroy today announced a whole-of-government review of e-security.

Appointment Of Disability And Race Discrimination Commissioners (03 Jul 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today announced two substantive appointments to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. These appointments were welcomed by Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities Bill Shorten and Parliamentary Secretar

24 New Family Relationship Centres Open Today (02 Jul 08)
From today, Australian families going through relationship difficulties or separation are being better supported with the opening of 24 new Family Relationship Centres, Attorney-General Robert McClelland said.

Legal Purchasing Improvements Start Today (01 Jul 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today announced the commencement of the first reforms to improve how the Commonwealth purchases legal services.

Bowel Cancer - Don't Wait Till It's Too Late. (30 Jun 08)
Attorney-General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland has announced that from the start of July, about 2.5 million Australians will be offered free kits to enable them to take an easy but vital test for bowel cancer in the privacy of their own homes.

$15 Million To Improve Major Disaster Rescue Response (27 Jun 08)
The Rudd Government will provide $15 million dollars to police and emergency services to purchase cutting-edge equipment so they can better respond to disasters such as large scale building collapses or earthquakes.

Financial Burden Lifted From Separating De Facto Couples (26 Jun 08)
The Rudd Government has today introduced landmark legislation to allow for de facto couples to access the federal family law courts on property and maintenance matters. This implements a 2002 agreement between the Commonwealth, States and Territories.

Three New Judges Appointed To The Federal Court (26 Jun 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland announced three new appointments to the Sydney registry of the Federal Court of Australia.

Registrar re-appointed to AAT (25 Jun 08)
Attorney‑General Robert McClelland today announced the re‑appointment of Mr Douglas Humphreys as the Registrar of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Review Of Photo And Film Copying Law Tabled (19 Jun 08)
A review of laws governing the private copying of films and photographs has recommended that no changes be made to current copyright law for the time-being.

Rudd Government Boosts Legal Services For Regional, Rural And Remote Communities (19 Jun 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced $5.8 million in additional funding to improve access to justice for communities in regional, rural and remote Australia.

Attorney-General Launches New Legal Portal (18 Jun 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today launched the Commonwealth Courts Portal, which will make it much easier for lawyers to keep track of trials, documents filed and court orders.

Rudd Government's Human Rights Achievements Highlighted at NGO Forum (11 Jun 08)
At a meeting with over 40 Non-Government Organisations in Canberra today, Attorney- General Robert McClelland outlined the action being taken by the Rudd Government as part of its commitment to human rights.

Attorney-General Meets Chinese Legal Exchange Participants (11 Jun 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland met eight representatives of the Chinese legal fraternity, who have recently completed an intensive study and work placement program in Australia, as part of the Australia­-China Legal Profession Development program.

Family Dispute Resolution For All Parenting Orders (07 Jun 08)
All people applying to the Family Court or the Federal Magistrates Court for a parenting order must first attend family dispute resolution under changes to family law, except where there is child abuse, family violence or in matters of urgency.

Rudd Government Proposes Ratification of UN Disabilities Convention (05 Jun 08)
The Rudd Government has today tabled in Parliament a National Interest Analysis, which proposes that Australia ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Coercive Powers Report Tabled (05 Jun 08)
The Coercive Information-gathering Powers of Agencies report by the Administrative Review Council was tabled in Parliament today by Attorney-General Robert McClelland.

New Appointments To NADRAC (05 Jun 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced four new appointments to the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (NADRAC).

$277 Million To Build Strong Families (03 Jun 08)
Services to help families build strong and positive relationships will receive more than $277 million in Australian Government funding over the next three years, through the extension of grants to family services providers across the country.

New Solicitor-General of Australia appointed (31 May 08)
Stephen John Gageler SC has been appointed as the next Solicitor-General of Australia. He is a highly respected member of the New South Wales Bar, and has extensive experience as a legal adviser at the highest levels.

First Step Taken To End Same-Sex Discrimination (29 May 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today introduced amendments to remove same-sex discrimination from Acts governing Commonwealth superannuation schemes.

Rudd Government Removes SCAG Roadblocks (29 May 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today introduced legislation to progress initiatives on the agenda of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General.

Government Funds Corowa Emergency Operations Centre Upgrade (27 May 08)
Through the establishment of a state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Centre, Corowa Shire Council and the NSW Rural Fire Service have shown their true commitment to the safety of residents of Corowa and the surrounding communities.

First Wave Of Reforms To Improve Legal Purchasing (23 May 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the first wave of reforms by the Rudd Government to improve the way the Commonwealth buys legal services, following a blow-out in spending on lawyers by the Howard Government.

Australia Moves To Protect Women's Rights (23 May 08)
In another sign the Rudd Government is reengaging with the international community, steps have begun for Australia to accede to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Rudd Government Moves Forward On Intercountry Adoption (21 May 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today opened the inaugural meeting of the National Overseas Adoption Support Group, which was established by the Rudd Government to provide a voice for the intercountry adoption community.

Government And Business Talk National Security (21 May 08)
Business leaders from some of Australia’s top companies have met Attorney-General Robert McClelland and other Government Ministers in Canberra today to discuss national security.

Business-government Advisory Group On National Security (21 May 08)
The fifth Business-Government Advisory Group on National Security meeting was held in Canberra today. The group met to discuss national security issues that affect business, with a focus on business resilience.

Australia Funds Overseas Child Protection Measures (18 May 08)
The Commonwealth Government will contribute $200,000 to an initiative run by the Hague Conference to help protect children involved in intercountry adoption.

Re-engagement With United Nations On Torture (17 May 08)
The United Nations Committee Against Torture has commended several new initiatives of the Rudd Government in its concluding observations released today, after an Australian delegation appeared before the Committee on 29 and 30 April.

Government Releases Draft Personal Property Securities Bill (16 May 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today released a draft of a comprehensive Commonwealth Bill for personal property securities (PPS) to replace over 70 pieces of Commonwealth, State and Territory law.

Meeting The Security Challenges Of The 21st Century (13 May 08)
The Rudd Government will help Australia and our regional partners meet the security challenges of the 21st Century with more than $460 million additional funding over five years for a range of initiatives including policing, critical infrastructure protec

AFP Ranks Boosted By 500 (13 May 08)
Australian Federal Police (AFP) ranks will be boosted by 500 sworn officers over the next five years as the Rudd Government fulfils an election commitment to increase the AFP’s capacity.

Grant to help Rockdale plan for climate change (06 May 08)
Member for Barton, Robert McClelland, announced $24,380 in funding to help Rockdale City Council plan for the impacts of climate change.

ACT Relationship Registration Scheme (04 May 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the commitment by the ACT Government to introduce legislation providing for registration of relationships, becoming the third jurisdiction to do so following Tasmania and Victoria.

Government Welcomes Convention On Disabilities (03 May 08)
The Rudd Government today welcomed the entry into force of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Bushfire Trails Get $5 Million Boost (02 May 08)
Australia’s bushfire trails will be better maintained with $5 million in funding under the Bushfire Mitigation Program for 2008-09, the Rudd Government announced today.

Rudd Government Moves On Same-sex Discrimination (30 Apr 08)
Legislation to remove same-sex discrimination from a wide range of Commonwealth laws will be introduced in the Winter Sittings of Parliament, Attorney-General Robert McClelland said today.

Single Noongar Decision (24 Apr 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has acknowledged the Full Federal Court’s ruling overturning Justice Wilcox's decision in the Single Noongar native title application that native title is capable of existing in the Perth area.

New Judge of the Supreme Court: Norfolk Island (19 Apr 08)
Robert McClelland has announced the appointment of Justice Garry Downes AM as a judge of the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island.

Boost For Social Inclusion Through Better Legal Services (19 Apr 08)
The Rudd Government is working to improve social inclusion, with Attorney-General Robert McClelland announcing one-off additional funding of $10 million for the Commonwealth Community Legal Services Program.

New National Peak Group On Intercountry Adoption (31 Mar 08)
Attorney-General, The Hon Robert McClelland MP, today announced the establishment of Australia’s first National Peak Overseas Adoption Support Group.

Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (29 Mar 08)
The Standing Committee of Attorneys‑General (SCAG) held its first meeting today since the election of the Rudd Labor Government.

McClelland Welcomes New Era Of Co-operation (29 Mar 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the strong support of State and Territory Attorneys-General to embark on an ambitious program of legal harmonisation across Australia.

Government Funds 'Smart Sparx' Community Fire Safety Education Kit (28 Mar 08)
The ‘Smart Sparx’ Community Fire Safety Education Kit was developed with the help of funding worth $90,000 provided by the Australian Government’s Working Together to Manage Emergencies initiative.

Ministerial Council For Police And Emergency Management (27 Mar 08)
A new spirit of cooperation has been evident during the first meeting of the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management since the election of the Rudd Government, which was held today in Canberra.

Agreement Reached On Key Micro Economic Reforms (27 Mar 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland welcomed today’s agreement from his state and territory counterparts to advance key micro-economic reforms in the areas of personal property securities and electronic conveyancing.

New Services For Children Across Australia (25 Mar 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland is today pleased to announce the locations for a new program supporting children dealing with parental relationship breakdown.

Review Of Legislative Instruments Act (25 Mar 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has announced the establishment of a committee to review the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, as stipulated by the Act.

Commissioner reappointed to the ALRC (20 Mar 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the re-appointment of Professor Leslie McCrimmon as a full-time member of the Australian Law Reform Commission.

Clarke Inquiry into the Haneef case (14 Mar 08)
Former NSW Supreme Court Judge the Hon. John Clarke QC will head a judicial inquiry into the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef.

Switching Banks Made Easier (13 Mar 08)
Local families unhappy with their current bank will be able to vote with their feet more easily after moves announced by the Rudd Labor Government.

Attorney-General welcomes release of AFP Street Review Recommendations (13 Mar 08)
Robert McClelland is pleased that the Australian Federal Police, ASIO and the Director of Public Prosecutions are working hard at improving their coordination and communication in national security operations.

Global Cyber-Terror Exercise to test Government And Industry (07 Mar 08)
Robert McClelland announced that the Rudd Government is joining forces with its international allies and private industry to test Australia’s response to a cyber terror attack.

One Million Australian Kids to Benefit from Teen Dental Plan (07 Mar 08)
Attorney-General and Member for Barton, Robert McClelland, MP, today announced that local families would benefit from the Rudd Government’s Teen Dental Plan.

Self Reliance Recognised in Safer Communities Awards (14 Feb 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today praised projects from across Australia, which help the public to be better prepared for emergencies.

ALRC Report on Client Legal Privilege Tabled (13 Feb 08)
The Australian Law Reform Commission’s report, Privilege in Perspective: A Review of Legal Professional Privilege and Federal Investigatory Bodies was tabled today in Parliament by Attorney-General Robert McClelland.

Chemicals Review Seeks Public Comment (11 Feb 08)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the release of a draft report on the control of chemicals of security concern for public consultation and comment.

Call for Integrated Approach to Bikeways (25 Jan 08)
Robert McClelland, the Federal Member for Barton, said new figures showing bicycles have outsold motor vehicles for the eighth consecutive year highlight the need fro government to integrate bikeways into major rail and road projects

Government seeks stakeholder views on the rights of people with disabilities (24 Jan 08)
The Government has invited over 200 non-government organisations and industry representatives to participate in a consultation on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

$15 Million for Additional Home and Community Care (23 Jan 08)
Robert McClelland, the Federal Member for Barton, welcomed the announcement of a funding boost for the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program in New South Wales.

Supporting The Wellbeing Of Families And Children (11 Jan 08)
Seventy-five new services will open across Australia this year to support the wellbeing of families and children.

Skycrane Arrives In Canberra For Bushfire Season (12 Dec 07)
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the arrival of an Erickson Skycrane helicopter to assist in the ACT region's firefighting capability.