This Newsletter covers Federal and State policy and legislative developments in the area of Indigenous Affairs. Copies of documents referred to can be obtained by clicking on the reference in this Newsletter or through Capital Monitor's collection at www.capitalmonitor.com.au or from the source quoted.
Major Announcements
Communities and Families
None this edition.
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Culture and Arts
21 July
WA: New appointments to Aboriginal Cultural Centre steering committee
Planning for Western Australia's Aboriginal Cultural Centre has reached another milestone with the appointment of eight experienced Aboriginal community members to the project's Steering Committee, announced WA Premier Roger Cook, WA Minister for Culture and the Arts David Templeman and WA Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Dr Tony Buti. The Aboriginal community members from across WA will join the newly expanded Steering Committee to guide the planning and engagement phase of WA's new Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Recognised for their experience, the Aboriginal appointees to the Steering Committee are: Ms Lorraine Coppin, Mr Peter Jeffries, Mr Anthony (Tony) Lee, Ms Carol Martin OAM, Ms Cheryl Martin, Mr John McGuire, Ms Taliah Payne and Mr Barry Winmar.
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20 July
Screen Australia announces over $3 million in support of the digital games industry
Screen Australia has announced $600,000 through the First Nations Games Studio fund and additionally over $2.4 million of funding for 21 games through the Games: Expansion Pack fund. The games span a wide range of genres and platforms and are being developed by teams from across Australia. First launched in March 2022, Screen Australia's Games: Expansion Pack is targeted at emerging or small to medium independent game studios and provides direct funding for original Australian games with budgets below $500,000. It has distributed over $8 million to 62 Australian games since its inception. Screen Australia will reopen games funding rounds on 2 October 2023.
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NSW: $3.9 million boost to revitalise Aboriginal languages in NSW
The funding, provided under the Aboriginal Languages Trust Community Investment Program, supports organisations and groups to reawaken, grow, nurture and raise awareness of the breadth of languages across NSW. NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said NSW is the only jurisdiction in Australia with legislation in place that recognises the importance of Aboriginal languages and is following through with a significant increase in funding for their revitalisation. 'Aboriginal languages in NSW are considered critically endangered and that must change to protect the cultural heritage of this state,' Minister Harris said.
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19 July
NT: Enhancing the Territory's Aboriginal cultural experience for visitors
The Government is helping local Aboriginal organisations to develop and enhance their Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences, which will grow and diversify our tourism sector. Six organisations have been awarded a share of $500,000 in funding from Round 5 of the Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program. NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Nicole Manison said 'Nowhere else in Australia lets you connect with Aboriginal culture like the Territory, and we want to support our local businesses to showcase their authenticity in the delivery of new and diverse Aboriginal cultural experiences.'
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18 July
Meta and Screen Australia launch third year of First Nations Creator Program for Instagram
Screen Australia's First Nations Department and Instagram Australia have announced that the Instagram First Nations Creators Program is returning for a third year, with 2023 applications now open. The immersive program is an opportunity for up to 15 First Nations recipients to receive funding, intimate educational experiences and continuous fostered growth to help create long term career prospects in social media and digital content creation. The program will be held at Instagram HQ in Sydney, and will provide in-person training, practical workshops, mentoring, career connections, equipment and content funding, for up to 15 emerging digital Creators.
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Australian Digital Inclusion Index highlights First Nations digital inclusion gap
The Australian Digital Inclusion Index shows some progress to boost digital inclusion but highlights a significant gap when it comes to First Nations Australians, said Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland. On average, Australian digital inclusion continues to improve across all three domains of access, affordability and digital ability. The Index shows an improvement in the national score from 71.1 in 2021 to 73.2, with access increasing from 70 to 72, affordability increasing from 93.1 to 95, and digital ability from 64.6 to 64.9. The latest ADII also includes enhanced insights into First Nations digital inclusion and highlights the continuing digital gap between First Nations and non-First Nations people in Australia.
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NSW: TAFE NSW partners with Aboriginal organisation to expand cultural tourism on the Coffs Coast
A partnership between TAFE NSW and a local Aboriginal Corporation is supporting the growing demand for Indigenous cultural experiences and Aboriginal tourism, and providing jobs for young Indigenous school students in Coffs Harbour. Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation (BMNAC) is a not-for-profit charity that provides learning centres, language programs, engagement training and cultural tourism experiences. BMNAC's work connecting visitors to the language and culture of the Gumbaynggirr Nation was recently recognised with an award in the Culture and Tradition category in the Global Green Destinations Story Awards.
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17 July
TAS: Working together with Tasmanian Aboriginal People
'It was good to meet with the Aboriginal Heritage Council recently,' said Tasmanian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Roger Jaensch. 'I will continue to work closely with the Aboriginal Heritage Council to support our ongoing commitment to promote and manage Tasmania's unique Aboriginal cultural heritage values. As part of that recent meeting, I reaffirmed my commitment to Tasmanian Aboriginal people. I look forward to working with all Tasmanian Aboriginal people to close the gap, to hear the truth, to tell the truth and to the best of our ability, provide processes that are fair, respectful, and inclusive to ensure Aboriginal people are part of the decision-making on matters that affect them.'
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Education
None this edition.
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Employment
20 July
Director's message - Professor Peter Dawkins AO
The new financial year is here. Job and Skills Australia (JSA) is looking forward to an exciting year ahead building upon the good progress already made during this establishment phase. Two important reports have recently been released relating to First Nations employment and educational outcomes. The First Nations Workforce Analysis found that while gaps still exist for the community in employment and education, particularly in remote areas, a number of positive trends are emerging. The second report is based on our regular survey of employers about their recruitment experiences. This time, JSA sought their feedback on their experience with First Nations job applicants - Employers' experiences of First Nations job applicants.
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Health
19 July
First Nations voices input to National Health and Climate Strategy
The Australian Government is engaging with First Nations leaders as it develops Australia's first National Health and Climate Strategy. Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney held a roundtable with First Nations peak bodies and representatives from across Australia. The Strategy will provide a plan of action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the health system and better prepare the sector for the challenges presented by climate change, including threats specific to the health and wellbeing of First Nations people. Climate change threatens to disrupt connections to Country, further limit access to safe drinking water and increase the difficulty in accessing appropriate housing, infrastructure and health services.
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WA: Expert committee to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people
The Government is working to close the health equity gap by appointing a new expert committee which will guide the State's decision-making around funding programs for Aboriginal health and medical research, said WA Minister for Medical Research Stephen Dawson. The Expert Committee on Aboriginal Health will inform Western Australia's Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund, helping to ensure the Fund's programs and initiatives are developed and implemented to achieve positive health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal people in WA. The group will provide guidance to the Fund's Advisory Council, the Office of Medical Research and the Medical Research Minister.
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Housing
None this edition.
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Justice
None this edition.
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Land and Native Title
19 July
First Nations voices input to National Health and Climate Strategy
The Australian Government is engaging with First Nations leaders as it develops Australia's first National Health and Climate Strategy. Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney held a roundtable with First Nations peak bodies and representatives from across Australia. The Strategy will provide a plan of action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the health system and better prepare the sector for the challenges presented by climate change, including threats specific to the health and wellbeing of First Nations people. Climate change threatens to disrupt connections to Country, further limit access to safe drinking water and increase the difficulty in accessing appropriate housing, infrastructure and health services.
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18 July
Federal Court backs Barngarla Traditional Owners' concerns, sets aside radioactive waste site declaration
The Australian Conservation Foundation has welcomed the Federal Court decision to completely set aside former Resources Minister Keith Pitt's declaration of a site on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia as a planned national radioactive waste facility. The judgment is in favour of Barngarla Traditional Owners who are seeking to stop a planned national radioactive waste facility being put on their land. The Federal Court ruled that former Resources Minister Keith Pitt's declaration of the Kimba site was affected by bias and it has been set aside.
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Reconciliation
21 July
WA: Statement on the Constitutional Amendment to provide for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA is deeply committed to Constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and broader reconciliation efforts. Our reflection is that the Constitutional Amendment to provide for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice is fundamentally an issue for individual Australians to resolve through the upcoming referendum. In the lead up to the referendum, CCIWA commits to providing information to business owners and the broader community to support them making an informed choice. They also commit that all office bearers and employees of CCIWA can freely express their individual personal views on the Voice ahead of the referendum.
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20 July
The Blak Sovereign Movement on the Voice to Parliament: What voters should know before voting in the referendum
From the Blak Sovereign Movement and Senator Lidia Thorpe: 'We, the Blak Sovereign Movement, have been consistent in our opposition to constitutional recognition and the Voice to Parliament. We are First Nations Elders, activists, academics and community workers that have been united by our work on the frontlines of the battle against colonisation, our commitment to Truth-telling and the value we place in our Sovereignty over this land. We understand that many well-meaning folk are hurting as a result of being coerced by the Yes campaign, or are afraid to vote No due to the racism of the conservative No campaign.'
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18 July
Australian Digital Inclusion Index highlights First Nations digital inclusion gap
The Australian Digital Inclusion Index shows some progress to boost digital inclusion but highlights a significant gap when it comes to First Nations Australians, said Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland. On average, Australian digital inclusion continues to improve across all three domains of access, affordability and digital ability. The Index shows an improvement in the national score from 71.1 in 2021 to 73.2, with access increasing from 70 to 72, affordability increasing from 93.1 to 95, and digital ability from 64.6 to 64.9. The latest ADII also includes enhanced insights into First Nations digital inclusion and highlights the continuing digital gap between First Nations and non-First Nations people in Australia.
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AEU proudly backs the yes case for a Voice to Parliament
The Australian Education Union (AEU) has proudly endorsed the 'Yes' case for a Voice to Parliament, published by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) ahead of the historic referendum on constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Russell Honnery, the Chair of Yalukit Yulendj (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Committee of the AEU) said that the cases, as laid out by the AEC, highlighted the many vital reasons Australians should be voting 'Yes' in the upcoming referendum and underscored the importance of a Voice to Parliament.
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Yes pamphlets endorsed by Australian Greens Party Room
The Australian Greens Party Room are proud to endorse the Yes materials supporting the case for a Voice to Parliament at the referendum later this year. The materials were endorsed by Senator Dorinda Cox on behalf of federal Greens MPs. Greens First Nations spokesperson Senator Dorinda Cox said 'I'm proud to give my support to the Yes pamphlet on behalf of the Australian Greens federal MPs. Now it's time for the country to come together and say yes to justice for First Nations people. By voting yes, we are saying that First Nations people should have a say in matters that affect them, and this right can never be taken away.'
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Transcripts
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke
23 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Andrew Clennell, Sky News Sunday Agenda
Subjects: National Construction Industry Forum, Closing labour hire loophole, Workplace relations reform, Casuals, Wage theft, Gig economy, Voice, Wellbeing budget
Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley
23 JUL: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: Cost of living, Jobs for union mates, Voice to Parliament referendum, Reconciliation, Constitutional recognition, Paid parental leave, China
Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley
23 JUL: Transcript of Interview with David Speers, ABC Insiders
Subjects: Commonwealth Games cancellation, Voice to Parliament referendum, Reconciliation, Constitutional recognition, Cost of living, Nuclear energy, NSW Preselections
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles
22 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Fauziah Ibrahim, ABC News Weekend Breakfast
Subjects: Commissioning of USS Canberra, Exercise Talisman Sabre, ADF pension issue, Voice to Parliament referendum, Constitutional recognition, Reconciliation
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt, QLD Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner
21 JUL: Transcript of Press Conference, Cairns
Subjects: Torres Strait trip, Fisheries, Biosecurity, Cheaper medicines, Commercial fishers, Fisheries Management Authority
Senator for NSW Andrew Bragg
21 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Ben Fordham, 2GB
Subjects: Voice referendum, Community level decisions, Constitution, Committee, Marriage debate, Prime Minister, Newspoll, Consensus, Detail
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
20 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Virginia Trioli, ABC Melbourne
Subjects: New Zealand Shooting, Simon Crean, Kathryn Campbell, Commonwealth Games, Voice to Parliament, FIFA World Cup
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
20 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Fran Kelly, ABC Sydney Mornings
Subjects: FIFA Women's World Cup, 2026 Commonwealth Games cancellation, Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, Robodebt Royal Commission
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt
20 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Greg Jennett, ABC Afternoon Briefing
Subjects: Fishing in Torres Strait, Representation through the Voice, Robodebt, APVMA, Indigenous food source, Cost-of-living
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth
20 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Kim Landers, ABC AM
Subjects: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in out-of-home care, Partnership Agreement, Safe and Supported framework, Voice to Parliament referendum
Acting Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley
20 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Michael Rowland, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: Simon Crean, Voice to Parliament referendum, Constitutional recognition, Reconciliation, New South Wales Preselections
Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education Angie Bell
20 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Greg Jennett, ABC Afternoon Briefing
Subjects: Commonwealth Games, Robodebt, the Voice, International events reputation, Victoria, Cost of living, Housing, Referendum
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
19 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Ben Fordham, 2GB Breakfast
Subjects: 2026 Victorian Commonwealth Games, Consultants, Cost of living, Housing, Renewable energy, Voice to Parliament, Public service, TAFE, Net zero
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles
19 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Greg Jennett, ABC Afternoon Briefing
Subjects: Victorian Commonwealth Games cancellation, AUSMIN dialogue, Australia-Solomon Islands relationship, Voice to Parliament referendum
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson
19 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Press Conference, Fremantle, Perth
Subjects: Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, Reconciliation, Constitutional recognition, AFL, Fremantle, Aboriginal Heritage Act
Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney
19 JUL: Transcript of Speech at the City of Sydney 'City Talks' Forum - This is our moment
Subjects: Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, Constitutional recognition, Reconciliation, Closing the Gap data
Minister for Education Jason Clare
19 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC RN Breakfast
Subjects: Australian Universities Accord Interim Report, Cancellation of 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Tertiary education, Indigenous students
Minister for Education Jason Clare
19 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Andrew Clennell, Sky News Afternoon Agenda
Subjects: Australian Universities Accord interim report, Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, Reconciliation, Constitutional recognition
Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh
19 JUL: Transcript of Speech at the ADF Careers Launch, Melbourne, Victoria
Subjects: Indigenous Australians in the ADF, ADECCO, ADF recruitment system, Defence Strategic Review, ADF Careers Centre
Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite
19 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Jolene Laverty, ABC Darwin Breakfast
Subjects: Lee Point development, Defence Housing Australia, Aboriginal cultural heritage grounds, Cultural study
Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor
19 JUL: Transcript of Press Conference, Geelong
Subjects: Cost of living, Victorian Commonwealth Games, Victorian infrastructure, Voice to Parliament, Higher education sector, Inflation, RBA, Regional Victoria
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
18 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Richard King, 2SM Breakfast
Subjects: Hunter Innovation Precinct, Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, Cost of living, FIFA Women's World Cup, Rugby League
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
18 JUL: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Muswellbrook
Subjects: Opening of Donald Horne Building, Voice to Parliament Referendum, Renewable Energy, Commonwealth Games, Nuclear energy, STEM facilities, Yes campaign
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles
18 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Virginia Trioli, ABC Melbourne, Mornings
Subjects: Voice to Parliament referendum, Constitutional recognition, Reconciliation, Voice essays, Yes and no campaigns, Electoral Commission
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen
18 JUL: Transcript of Address to the Clean Energy Council, Sydney
Subjects: Voice to Parliament referendum, Australian Constitution, Constitutional settlement, Reconciliation, Renewables, Disinformation, Net zero, Batteries, Nuclear energy
Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek
18 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Fran Kelly, ABC Sydney
Subjects: New plastic passport, Upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum, Cost of living, Free Trade Agreement, European Union, UK, Housing Australia Future Fund
Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley
18 JUL: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Scarborough
Subjects: Small business, Cost of living, Regional Australia, Reserve Bank, Voice to Parliament, Nuclear waste disposal, Solomon Islands, Commonwealth Games
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
17 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Andrew Clennell, Sky News Afternoon Agenda
Subjects: Voice to Parliament Referendum, Fadden By-election, New RBA Governor, Stage three tax cuts, China
Acting Treasurer Katy Gallagher
17 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, RN Breakfast
Subjects: RBA Governor, Implementation of RBA Review recommendations, Unemployment, Consultants and contractors in public service, Fadden by-election, Voice pamphlet
Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite
17 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Andrew Clennell, Sky News Afternoon Agenda
Subjects: Voice to Parliament, Republic, Fadden by-election, Cost of living support, Ukraine, AUKUS, Defence Strategic Review, Brereton report
Shadow Minister for Social Services Michael Sukkar
17 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Andrew Clennell, Afternoon Agenda, Sky News
Subjects: The Voice to Parliament referendum, Fadden by-election, Reserve Bank of Australia Governer, Newspoll, Cost of living pressures
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Reports
Australian Digital Inclusion Index 2023
Telstra, Australian Research Council Arc, RMIT University, Swinburne University of Technology
'Digital inclusion is about ensuring that all Australians can access and use digital technologies effectively. We are experiencing an accelerating digital transformation in many aspects of economic and social life. Our premise is that everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from digital services: to manage their health, access education, find work, participate in cultural activities, organise their finances, follow news and media, and connect with family, friends and the wider world. The Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII or 'Index') uses survey data to measure digital inclusion across three dimensions of Access, Affordability and Digital Ability.'
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Hansards
Northern Territory
21 JUL 2023: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Estimates Committee - Minister Uibo's Portfolios - Treaty & Local Decision Making - Aboriginal Affairs - Output Group 1.1 - Advice And Coordination - Output 1.1 - Strategic Policy Coordination and Engagement
21 JUL 2023: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Estimates Committee - Minister Uibo's Portfolios - Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet - Treaty and Local Decision Making - Aboriginal Affairs
21 JUL 2023: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Estimates Committee - Minister Uibo's Portfolios - Treaty & Local Decision Making - Aboriginal Affairs - Output Group 2.0 - Output 2.1 - Regional Development, Local Government & Aboriginal Interpreters
21 JUL 2023: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Estimates Committee - Minister Uibo's Portfolios - Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet - Treaty and Local Decision Making - Aboriginal Affairs - Opening Statement
21 JUL 2023: NT ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Estimates Committee - Minister Uibo's Portfolios - Dept of Chief Minister & Cabinet - Treaty & Local Decision Making - Aboriginal Affairs - Agency-Related Whole-of-Government Questions
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
Federal
Torres Strait Fisheries (Furnishing of Logbooks) Instrument 2023
Legislative Instrument - F2023L01024
The Torres Strait Fisheries (Furnishing of Logbooks) Instrument 2023 (the Instrument) remakes the Torres Strait Fisheries Logbook Instrument 2020 ('the Previous Instrument') which ceases to apply on 31 August 2023. Subsection 14(1) of the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 (the Act) provides that the Minister may, by legislative instrument, require the master of a boat licensed under section 19 of the Act, or a boat in respect of which an endorsement under section 20 of the Act is in force, to provide information relating to the taking or processing of fish with the use of a boat in the course of commercial fishing (other than community fishing).
Explanatory Statement
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
None this edition.
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Consolidated Legislation
National Health (Remote Area Aboriginal Health Services Program) Special Arrangement 2017
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2023C00625
PB 107 of 2017 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Remote Area Aboriginal Health Services Program) Amendment Special Arrangement 2023 (No. 1)
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National Health (Listed Drugs on F1 or F2) Determination 2021
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2023C00610
PB 33 of 2021 Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Listed Drugs on F1 or F2) Amendment Determination 2023 (No. 5).
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Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Extracorporeal Photopheresis for Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease) Determination 2022
Legislative Instrument - F2023C00607
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Indexation) Determination 2023.
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National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Determination 2019
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2023C00606
PB 114 of 2019 Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Determination 2023 (No.6).
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New Bills
None this edition.
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New Acts
None this edition.
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