Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage: Environment Australia
Sponsor of the Environment – Natural Resource Management: Partnerships for Biodiversity Conservation Category, and sponsor of the Environment – Sustaining Local Communities: Local Agenda 21 Category.
The Department of Environment and Heritage works with other government departments, industry and the community to encourage the sustainable management of our natural resources. The Department implements a number of programmes and policies aimed at promoting sustainability and protecting and conserving these resources, including Local Agenda 21 and the Natural Heritage Trust. Local Agenda 21 provides local Councils with a framework in which to work with their communities to develop integrated strategies. A guide for local councils and communities, Our Community, Our Future, can be obtained from the Community Information Unit on 1800 803 772, or at www.environment.gov.au/igu/local/manual.
Website: www.environment.gov.au
Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services
Sponsor of the Business and Regional Development Category, Engineering, Infrastructure, Planning and Urban Design Category, and the Financial Management and Organisational Practices Categories.
The Department of Transport and Regional Services helps the Federal Government achieve its policy goals in transport and regional services through the provision of programmes and services that cover transport systems, regional communities, Local Government and Australia’s Territories. The Rural Transaction Centres Programme (sponsor of the Business and Regional Development Category) helps small, rural communities to establish centres providing access to basic services such as banking, post, phone, fax, the internet, Centrelink services, the Australian Taxation Office and Medicare Easyclaim. The Department’s National Office of Local Government is the sponsor of the Engineering, Infrastructure, Planning and Urban Design Category and the Financial Management and Organisational Practices Categories.
Website: www.dotars.gov.au/rtc and www.nolg.gov.au
Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services
Sponsor of the Community Services and Youth Services Categories and the Special Award for Strengthening Indigenous Communities.
The Department of Family and Community Services recognises that effective policies must be integrated across all levels of government and in partnership with the community and business sectors. It focuses its activities on achieving three key social policy outcomes: Stronger Families; Stronger Communities; and Economic and Social Participation. The Youth Bureau of the Department aims to ensure that the Federal Government’s policies improve life prospects for all young people. It aims to do this through improved coordination at Federal and State levels, by communicating and consulting with young people, by delivering programmes and services, by promoting positive perceptions of young people in the community and by providing national leadership on youth issues.
Websites: www.facs.gov.au and www.thesource.gov.au
Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing
Sponsor of the Health Services and Aged Care Category
The Department of Health and Ageing encourages excellence in the provision of rural health care. The Department administers several programmes offering those living in rural areas with better access to health care. The Regional Health Services Programme aims to assist small rural communities to find solutions to their local primary health care needs.
Website: www.health.gov.au
Commonwealth Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources – Business Entry Point
Sponsor of the Information Technology Category
The Business Entry Point (BEP) provides Australian businesses with a central access point to government services and information. BEP makes it easier for businesses to interact on-line with government agencies, and to find out about regulations, compliance processes and support programmes that cover the whole business lifecycle. Effective online service delivery by Local Government can help businesses succeed and can attract more healthy businesses to its region. BEP also provides assistance with the development of online services through its Demonstration Programme.
Website: www.business.gov.au
