$2.1 Billion Budget Package for Women and Girls

The Australian Government has announced a $2.1 billion (over 6 years from 2022-23) Budget package focusing on women’s safety, economic security and, health and wellbeing.

Gender equality is the foundation for a safe, healthy, and cohesive community and a strong, productive and prosperous economy. Advancing equality and instilling respect are priorities that are vital to Australia’s economic and social recovery from COVID-19.

Digital Economy Strategy 2022 Update Released

The Australian Government has released the Digital Economy Strategy 2022 Update, which outlines progress made on Australia becoming a top 10 digital economy and society by 2030.

The Strategy, released with the 2021-22 Budget, sets the framework and direction to achieve the 2030 vision.

When the first iteration of the Strategy was launched last year, it included a landmark investment of $1.2 billion. A further $347 million has been provided over the last year bolstering investment in the digital economy.

Increasing Workplace Giving Report announced by BETA

The Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA), in collaboration with the Department of Social Services, has released the Increasing Workplace Giving Report.

The new report describes three separate trials which BETA conducted to test interventions to increase workplace giving.

Planned giving, like workplace giving, provides stability for charities and not-for-profits as a predicable source of income. More Australian employers are offering workplace giving to their employees, but participation is low.

Prompting accuracy on the Personal Properties Security Register (PPSR)

The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) supports the growth of Australia’s economy. The PPSR allows Australian businesses to safeguard their security interests (money owed to them) and make informed commercial decisions. Businesses can register on the PPSR by completing an online form hosted by the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA).

Consultation launched to position Australia as a leader in digital economy regulation

The Australian Government has commenced consultation on regulatory settings to position Australia as a leader in digital economy regulation.

As part of this consultation, The Digital Technology Taskforce has released an issues paper, Positioning Australia as a leader in digital economy regulation - Automated decision making and AI regulation.

Emerging technologies, like AI and automated decision-making, offer real opportunities to improve the products and services we use in our work and personal lives, and solve challenges facing Australia now and into the future.

Australian Bravery Decorations Announcement March 2022

On 16 March 2022, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) awarded 38 Bravery Decorations in recognition of the courage, bravery and selflessness of 46 people.

A list of the recipients and their citation for bravery is available on the Governor-General’s Governor-General's website. Recipients who have agreed to be identified can be searched through the Australian Honours database.

Statement on the Department's Women's Network logo

In 2019, staff at the Department (PM&C) rebranded the staff diversity networks, which includes the Women’s Network, to establish a consistent look and feel.

The Women’s Network logo retained a “W” icon which staff had been using for a number of years.

The rebrand was completed internally, using existing resources, and designs were consulted on widely. No external providers were engaged for this work.

The logo has been removed from the department’s website, pending consultation with staff.

Australian Platinum Jubilee Emblem released for official use in Australia

The Australian Government has created an Australian Platinum Jubilee Emblem for use in Australia.

Three colours make up the Australian Platinum Jubilee Emblem – platinum, gold and purple. The platinum colour represents Her Majesty The Queen’s 70 years on the throne, whilst the purple colour is synonymous with royalty. The gold is drawn from Australia’s floral emblem, the golden wattle; and our national colours, green and gold.

New advisory groups for the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse

The National Office for Child Safety (National Office) is seeking experts, advocates and people with lived experience to help drive its efforts to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse.

The National Office is establishing a National Strategy Advisory Group and a National Clinical Reference Group to provide regular advice on the implementation of Australia’s first National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021–2030 (National Strategy).