COAG agreed to further action to counter violent extremism and terrorism in Australia, informed by the recommendations of the recent reviews of the Commonwealth machinery and the steps leading up to the Martin Place Siege. This will see a new national counter-terrorism strategy with a strong focus on countering violent extremism, and greater efforts to: work with communities to identify and manage individuals at risk of radicalisation; counter violent extremism; better share information; strengthen identity management and protect identity use; and better track firearms and further restrict the movement and use of illegal firearms. COAG agreed to a further discussion of counter-terrorism following the special retreat in July. White Papers on Federation and Tax Reform COAG agreed the goal of federation reform is to improve the standard of living and wellbeing of Australians. The current fragmentation of services can create confusion and affect outcomes. Improved arrangements are key to improving the quality of the services Australians receive. The objective of change has to be better services for the people of Australia. COAG also agreed that federation reform cannot be achieved by one level of government alone and that any reallocation of responsibilities between governments should aim to: deliver better services recognising diversity as a strength of federation, it should – be easier for people to receive, choose and access high quality services; drive economic growth encourage a productive and efficient economy supporting – growth in the standard of living for all Australians; be fair all Australians should be able to receive, choose and access high quality – services, regardless of personal circumstances, location or socio-economic background; provide clear responsibility people should be clear which level of government is – responsible for services so they can hold them to account; and be durable arrangements need to stand the test of time and be adaptable and – flexible enough to accommodate changes required over time. COAG acknowledges that an important context for the Federation discussion is the budgetary pressure for all states and territories and the Commonwealth due to the expected growth rates in health and education expenditure and the underlying revenue base over time. Any federation reform will need the states, territories and Commonwealth to work together to meaningfully address these long-term funding pressures and also look at structural reforms to ensure services can be delivered in the most efficient way.
COAG agreed to further action to counter violent extremism and terrorism in Australia, informed by the recommendations of the recent reviews of the Commonwealth machinery and the steps leading up to the Martin Place Siege. This will see a new national counter-terrorism strategy with a strong focus on countering violent extremism, and greater efforts to: work with communities to identify and manage individuals at risk of radicalisation; counter violent extremism; better share information; strengthen identity management and protect identity use; and better track firearms and further restrict the movement and use of illegal firearms. COAG agreed to a further discussion of counter-terrorism following the special retreat in July. White Papers on Federation and Tax Reform COAG agreed the goal of federation reform is to improve the standard of living and wellbeing of Australians. The current fragmentation of services can create confusion and affect outcomes. Improved arrangements are key to improving the quality of the services Australians receive. The objective of change has to be better services for the people of Australia. COAG also agreed that federation reform cannot be achieved by one level of government alone and that any reallocation of responsibilities between governments should aim to: deliver better services – recognising diversity as a strength of federation, it should be easier for people to receive, choose and access high quality services; drive economic growth – encourage a productive and efficient economy supporting growth in the standard of living for all Australians; be fair – all Australians should be able to receive, choose and access high quality services, regardless of personal circumstances, location or socio-economic background; provide clear responsibility – people should be clear which level of government is responsible for services so they can hold them to account; and be durable – arrangements need to stand the test of time and be adaptable and flexible enough to accommodate changes required over time. COAG acknowledges that an important context for the Federation discussion is the budgetary pressure for all states and territories and the Commonwealth due to the expected growth rates in health and education expenditure and the underlying revenue base over time. Any federation reform will need the states, territories and Commonwealth to work together to meaningfully address these long-term funding pressures and also look at structural reforms to ensure services can be delivered in the most efficient way.
COAG%20Communique%2017%20April%202015_0.docx