Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government
Union membership is at a low point across the country, but the reason for the drop depends on who is asked.
Prior views could distort RET review
The Federal Government is being accused of rigging the outcome in its choice of leaders for the Renewable Energy Target (RET) review.
Tax changes sought to ease task of cutting
Public servants have launched a legal challenge over changes to redundancy conditions, which could see some ousted sooner than expected.
Millions die per night by fox and feline
Research has shown over 10 per cent of Australia's native mammals have become extinct since European settlement, and feral cats continue to take a massive toll.
Single hub for project success reports high numbers
As the fickle cycles of politics appear to give with one hand while taking with the other, it is difficult to tell which programs actually work.
Building union brought to court over concrete claims
Fair Work has launched legal action against a CFMEU secretary accused of organising blockades.
Freedom scuttled in anti-piracy broadside
One founder of the internet’s most resilient torrent site has been arrested in Sweden, and will now serve a jail term after years on the run.
Target review taking shape with some papers up
The future of the Renewable Energy target may become more certain soon, with submissions from interested parties beginning to surface.
Warnings of compound hit to vulnerable communities
Many are concerned that the latest Federal Budget will hit already disenfranchised groups the hardest, and a new study shows that it may be worst for Indigenous communities.
Brandis flags three-strike response to piracy
Senator Scott Ludlam has grilled Attorney-General George Brandis on the Federal Government’s plans for internet piracy legislation, and found renewed suggestions that a ‘three strike’ policy may be on the way.
Millions of jobs and trillions of dollars in open trade, BHP says
The chief of one of the world’s biggest mining firms says protectionist trade barriers set up to weather the storm of the GFC are no longer necessary.
Pyne scores points in church, unions point to losses
With many public school administrators facing the threat of heavy budget cuts from the federal to state level, Education Minister Christopher Pyne has assured private schools that the Federal Government will continue funding them directly.
Fence-jumping MP marked as political pariah
There have been no fond goodbyes after the former leader of the South Australian Liberals changed sides this week.
Forethought on big council cut questioned
Department officials have been asked to to explain how a $1 billion cut to increases in council payments will affect regional Australia, and some are less-than-happy with the answer.
Post to stay public, as will submarines
The Finance Minister says Australia Post will not be privatised.
Rally for local referendum re-launch
Victorian councils are trying to resuscitate a referendum the Abbott Government says is dead.
Slashing starts as toll taken on Tax
Four Australian Taxation Offices (ATOs) in Queensland will close, as the Federal Government winds down all regional tax centres.
Some upset as foreign bodies forced together
A leaked survey shows significant dissatisfaction among former AusAID employees after the merger with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Warnings of later pain from temporary budget gains
Some workers in small, targeted Federal Government agencies say scrapping the programs will save a few dollars now, but cost much more later on.
Green talking points tarnished by colourful words
When trying to change long-held ideas about the world, language is everything.
Intentions questioned as inquiry money moves
Millions of dollars has been moved from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse to pay for the home insulation inquiry.