Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - May, 2012
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten has expressed his concern over Qantas’ decision to cut over 500 jobs through the company’s restructuring of its heavy maintenance operations.
“I’m concerned about the impact this decision by Qantas may have on the Australian aviation industry’s long term skills capacity,” Mr Shorten said.
“Consultations have occurred with various stakeholders during the review, including with unions and state governments. I encourage Qantas to continue to work closely with employees and unions to ensure those affected by this decision are treated with respect.
Government rolls out carbon tax support
The Federal Government will start paying out its new Household Assistance Payments, paying a total of $35 million to over 1.6 million Australian families over the coming months.
Hockey slams NDIS 'false hope'
Federal Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey has refused to support the Federal Government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), describing it as a cruel hoax that will promote false hope before states commit to funding the scheme.
APS figures show 1.7% growth in 2011
The Australian Public Service Commission has released its snAPShot summary of employment for the calendar year to December 31, 2011.
Government seeks comment on building energy efficiency framework
The Federal Government is seeking comments on the Draft National Building Energy Standard-Setting, Assessment and Rating Framework.
Australia world's 7th biggest polluter
Australia has once again featured in the top 10 highest polluting countries after the WWF released its 2012 Living Planet Report, showing that Australia’s carbon emissions are the top contributors to securing the dubious honour.
Government announces disability employment contracts
The Federal Government has announced future contracts for the Disability Employment Services-Employment Support Service, which will run for the next five years.
Government announces Financial Reporting Council appointments
Federal Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Bernie Ripoll, has announced the appointment of Belinda Gibson and Ian Purchas as Members of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).
Productivity Commission examines COAG reforms
The Productivity Commission (PC) has published a report examining the impact of the reforms implemented by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).
New appointments to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency board
Mr Greg Bourne has been appointed acting chair of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency board (ARENA).
New Climate Change ambassador appointed
The Federal Government has appointed Dr Justin Lee as the country’s new Ambassador for Climate Change, after outgoing ambassador Louise Hand departs the role to take up her new appointment as High Commissioner to Canada.
Comment invited on Australia's Heritage Strategy
The Australian Government is seeking public input to help develop a new strategy for the identification, management and celebration of Australia’s heritage.
ASIC funding boosted
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has received new funding totalling $180.2 million over four years in the 2012-13 budget.
CPSU calls for assurances on forced redundancies
Up to 4,200 Commonwealth public servants will lose their jobs as a result of measures in the 2012-13 budget, with 3000 expected to be made redundant over the next 14 months.
Funding for High Speed Rail and national transport regulators
Budget allocations in the Transport and Infrastsructure portfolio have included funding to continue evaluation of the High Speed Rail project and support for National Transport Regulator reforms.
Funding redirected from Darwin Port Expansion to NT roads
The Federal Budget has withdrawn the Australian Government’s 2009-10 Budget commitment to provide $50.0 million from the Building Australia Fund to the proposed Darwin Port Expansion project, redirecting the funds for road projects in the Northern Territory.
Budget delivers on key programs
The Federal Government has delivered on its promise to bring the Budget back to black, delivering a $1.5 billion surplus.
COAG agrees to national approach to climate change
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Select Council on Climate Change has reached a bipartisan agreement for a national approach to reforming climate change policies and programs.
Defence White Paper brought forward to 2013
The Federal Government has announced it will start work on a new Defence White Paper, to be delivered in the first half of 2013.
$7.1 million invested in CBEAS
The Gillard Government will provide $7.1 million over four years to ensure five Community Based Employment Advice Services (CBEAS) can continue to assist thousands of Australia’s most vulnerable workers.
Government invests $490 million into teen dental plan
The Federal Government ihas announced it will provide $490 million over five years for the Medicare Teen Dental Plan.