Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government
The Federal Government has released the first round of issued bonds in an attempt provide cheaper, more stable and longer term funding for the country’s financial system. Treasurer Wayne Swan also said the reform was aimed at increasing credit availability.
“All Australian banks, credit unions and building societies can now benefit from the issuance of covered bonds to access cheaper sources of funding,” Mr Swan said.
The Government last month passed legislation to allow covered bonds after working closely with our financial institutions and regulators over two years to develop a framework for their issuance.
Government announces Office of Learning and Teaching
The Federal Government has announced the formation of the new Office of Learning and Teaching, which will be tasked with promoting excellence in learning and teaching in universities with funding of $50 million over four years for a Grants and Awards Program.
Start date announced for Clean Energy Regulator
The Federal Government has announced that the new administrative body for the new carbon pricing mechanism, the Clean Energy Regulator, will begin operations from 2 April 2012.
Federal Government outlines 'historic' payrise for carers
The Federal Government has outlined a $2 billion package that will aim to deliver an ‘historic pay rise’ to 150,000 of Australia’s lowest paid workers in social and community services sector, the majority of which are women.
Plain cigarette packaging poised to pass
The Federal Government is poised to pass its plain packaging laws for cigarettes through Senate.
Consultation paper on Commonwealth-supported postgraduate student places released
The Federal Government has released a consultation paper on the future arrangements for the allocation of funding to non-research Commonwealth support postgraduate places.
Unemployment steady at 5.2 per cent
The latest employment figures show that around 10,000 positions were generated in October, down from 20,000 in September, but failing to make an impact on the official unemployment rate.
Federal Government announces new Indigenous health plan
The Federal Government has announced the formation of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait island Health Plan, aimed at closing the gap in life expectancy and infant mortality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Australians and the broader population.
Carbon tax package passes Senate
The Federal Government has successfully passed its carbon tax package through the Federal Upper House, with the legislation due to take effect in July, 2012.
Round Two of Regional Development Australia Fund opens
The Federal Government has announced the opening of the $200 million Round Two of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).
Government announces boost to super
The Federal Government has introduced legislation before parliament that, if passed, will see the superannution rate boosted by 3 per cent.
MRRT goes before parliament
The Federal Government has introduced the controversial minerals resource rent tax (MRRT) llegislation before parliament, with Acting Prime Minister Wayne Swan describing the legislative package as ‘an historic reform’.
Federal Government pushes for resources transparency
The Federal Government has announced it will be increasing its support, both domestically and internationally, for greater degrees of transparency in the mining and resources sector.
Federal Opposition backs down from threats against ARENA
The Federal Opposition has confirmed it will not oppose the formation of the Federal Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Federal Government to advance national food plan
The Federal Government has announced the 'next steps' in building the country's first National Food Plan that will see short, medium and long-term policies put in place.
Federal Government eases infrastructure taxes
The Federal Government has announced it will remove tax disincentives in a bid to encourage more private investment in infrastructure projects.
Commsec publishes State of the States
Commsec has published its quarterly State of the States report into the financial health of each of Australia’s states and territories. The report highlights eight key indicators: economic growth, retail spending, equipment investment, unemployment, construction work done, population growth, housing finance and dwelling commencements.
CPI growth drops
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) growth has petered off according to latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Mining for Development Initiative launched
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has launched the Federal Government’s Mining for Development initiative aimed at assisting developing countries to use their natural resources to improve their economies.
Five-year mining boom underway: Report
A new report released by industry research specialist BIS Shrapnel has found that Australia’s mining sector is likely to continue to boom over the next five years.