Monthly Archives: May 2008

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen John Gageler SC as the next Solicitor-General of Australia. Mr Gageler will commence a five year term on 1 September 2008. Mr Gageler is a highly respected member of the New … Continue reading →

Attorney-General Robert McClelland today introduced legislation to progress initiatives on the agenda of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General. The Evidence Amendment Bill 2008 and the Judiciary Amendment Bill 2008 are clear examples of the Rudd Government cooperating closely with the … Continue reading →

Attorney-General Robert McClelland today introduced amendments to remove same-sex discrimination from Acts governing Commonwealth superannuation schemes. “The speedy introduction and passage of these long overdue reforms would ensure that from 1 July, same-sex couples and their children will be treated … Continue reading →

NSW Senator Ursula Stephens today officially opened the upgraded Corowa Shire Emergency Operations Centre. Funding to extend the original building was provided by the New South Wales Government, while the fit-out and purchase of essential equipment was provided by a … Continue reading →

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). Attorney-General … Continue reading →

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. The Government is developing standard tendering … Continue reading →

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. The meeting: agreed that terrorism remains a significant and … Continue reading →

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. It was the first meeting of the Business-Government Advisory Group (BGAG) on National Security since the … Continue reading →

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. At the meeting in Canberra, the Attorney outlined the … Continue reading →

The Commonwealth Government will contribute $200,000 to an initiative run by the Hague Conference to help protect children involved in intercountry adoption. Attorney-General Robert McClelland said, “In addition to our commitment to improve the operation of the intercountry adoption system … Continue reading →