Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government
Global recruitment agency Hays has published a research white paper into the skills shortage in Australia, finding that the public sector is suffering the largest shortage in the country.
Hays’s research shows that 82 per cent of organisations in the public sector were experiencing skills shortages, with 72 per cent of large organisations reporting skills needs. The research also indicates that 64 per cent of small businesses and 62 per cent of medium businesses were experiencing skills shortages.
In its Bridging the Skills Gap white paper, Hays surveyed 462 organisations across Australia to generate its six-step plan to redress shortages.
RBA slashes GDP forecasts
The Reserve Bank of Australia has slashed its Gross Domestic Product forecast for the 2011-12 financial year by one percentage point.
Australian e-economy tops $130 billion
A report commissioned by Google and published by Deloitte Access Economics shows that the direct contribution of the Internet to the Australian economy is valued at $50 billion, while wider benefits through productivity gains is at $27 billion and the value of benefits to households is at $53 billion.
Government seeks input on clean energy legislation
The Government is seeking comment from the public, stakeholders and legal experts on the details of its Clean Energy Legislative Package.
Productivity Commission publishes population roundtable proceedings
In March 2011, the Productivity Commission hosted a roundtable on the theme A ‘Sustainable’ Population? — Key Policy Issues. The proceedings have been released to enable public access to the papers and discussion, and the insights that emerged.
Federal Government releases high-speed rail study
The Federal Government has released its feasibility study into the development of a high-speed rail network to connect eastern seaboard cities, finding that such a network could transport passengers from Sydney to Brisbane in under 3 hours for an estimated $75.
Government releases tax reform discussion paper
The Federal Government has released its first discussion paper for its planned tax reform, described the move as the first step in ‘an ambitious tax reform agenda’.
Federal public servants to strike
Commonwealth public servants are planning to strike in over 40 sites in the coming days after pay disputes continue to stall.
Federal Government finalises health reform
The Federal Government has signed off with all states and territories on details of the national health reform, agreed to in principle by COAG in February.
Reforms to federal legal system implemented
Australia is set to see fewer disputes resolved in court thanks to a suite of reforms made to the federal legal system according to Attorney-General Robert McClelland.
COAG Review of the National Water Commission to get underway
The National Water Commission will be reviewed to assess the effectiveness and continuing appropriateness of its roles in promoting water reform objectives and outcomes.
ACF calls for more Federal Government support for Cape York
The Australian Conservation Foundation’s executive director Don Henry has called for the Federal Government to take a more direct interest in conservation and management in the Cape York Peninsula.
Opposition reveals broadband alternative
The Federal Opposition’s Shadow Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has revealed information on his party’s alternative to the Government’s National Broadband Network (NBN).
Ferguson promises green compensation for states
Federal Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson has promised that states stand to benefit directly from the carbon policies.
Defence cautious of jet fighter cost blowout
Continuing cost blowouts and delivery delays in the plan to purchase 100 US-built F-35 Joint Strike Fighters (JSF) have cast doubt over the future of Australia’s largest defence acquisition.
Swan talks of slow and steady tax reform
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has announced plans to introduce structural tax reform over a ten-year period, sparking speculation that the mining and minerals rent tax may be delayed.
$66.5 million for solar research
The Federal Government has announced a $66.5 million grant under the Education Investment Fund (EIF) to fund ‘world-leading’ research that will assist in the construction of one of the largest solar power plants in the world.
Chaplaincy program ‘must improve’
The Commonwealth Ombudsman has urged the Federal Government to improve the management and oversight of the $222 million National School Chaplaincy Program.
Ombudsman calls for clarity in government communication
The Commonwealth Ombudsman has accused the Federal Government’s departments of lacking in clarity in their communication and being inaccessible to those that need their services.
Government announces IBNCS providers
The Federal Government has named Telstra, Fujitsu and TransACT as a panel to provide internet-based network connection services (IBNCS) to government departments and agencies.
Government warned over China economic dependency risk
The Federal Government has been warned over the increasing economic dependency on China.