Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - June, 2012
The Australia Local Government has released the 2012-13 State of the Regions Report, concluding that a new approach to regional development is urgently needed to address the growing inequality across the country’s regions.
Exacerbated by the mining boom and consequent patchwork economy, the report warns that many regions, particularly those in the non-mining states, risk being left behind as specific areas of the economy gain pace.
The report includes economic analysis of every local government area in Australia. It identifies Western Australia and its regions as clear winners from the boom, along with some of the regions in Queensland and News South Wales, and highlights negative impacts in other states and regions.
New bilateral agreement over Alpha coal mine
The Federal and Queensland Governments have struck a new bilateral agreement over the disputed Alpha Coal mine project, agreeing to 'significant' changes to pre-existing environmental approvals for major projects.
Government reveals world's biggest marine reserves network
The Federal Government has announced the formation of the world’s largest network of marine reserves, upping the country’s such reserves from 27 to 60. The reserves will cover over a third of Commonwealth waters and is roughly the size of the Northern Territory.
Victoria to defer national Energy Retail Law
The Victorian Government has announced it will defer the transition to the National Energy Retail Law in a bid to safeguard the state’s consumer protection laws.
$350 million for child care
The Federal Government has announced it will provide $350 million to 39 child care training organisations across the country in a bid to improve access and reduce costs of quality child care.
Consumer confidence flat
The Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment has found that the country’s consumer confidence has increased by 0.3 per cent from 95.3 to 95.6 in June.
Grattan Institute identifies reform 'game changers'
The Grattan Institute has published a report into what it considers key reform areas for stimulating economic growth. The Game-changers: reform priorities for economic growth in Australia report found that governments must reform the tax mix and move to increase participation rates of women and the older generation.
Victorian RDAF spending announced
The Federal Government has announced the second round of funding of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) for Victoria, outlining nine major projects that will share in $38.9 million throughout the state.
AGL to deliver large-scale solar project
Electricity giant AGL has been selected by the Federal Government as the successful proponent in the solar photovoltaic (PV) category of the Solar Flagships Program. The company, together with manufacturer First Solar, will deliver large-scale solar PV power projects totalling 159 MW at two sites in New South Wales.
AHRC releases 'Working Past Our 60s' paper
The Australian Human Rights Commission has released the Working Past Our 60’s: Reforming Laws and Policies for the Older Worker paper, detailing how age barriers in workers compensation, income insurance and licencing block willing and able older workers continuing to work their 60’s and beyond.
First CTIP grants announced
The Federal Government has announced the first 13 grants from its $1 billion Clean Technology Investment Program, aimed at assisting manufacturers significantly reduce their energy bills.
NSW awash with Federal Murray funding
The Federal Government has announced $469 million in funding to support four major new infrastructure projects in New South Wales.
Burke to determine Alpha's future
The Federal Minister for the Environment, Tony Burke, and the Queensland Deputy Premier, Jeff Seeney, have met for the first time tor resolve their differences over the disputed environmental approval process of the multi-billion dollar Alpha Coal mine.
Low productivity threatens major projects
The Business Council of Australia (BCA) has warned that waning productivity and inflating costs are risking Australia’s unprecedented $921 billion pipeline of major investment in resources, energy and economic infrastructure. New research released by the council shows for the first time just how much capital investment is driving the economy.
Unemployment rises 0.2 per cent
Australia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased 0.2 percentage points to 5.1 per cent in May, as announced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). There was also an increase in the labour force participation rate of 0.3 percentage points in May to 65.5 per cent.
Australia still lagging in clean tech race
A recent study by the WWF has found that Australia is lagging behind in the global clean tech race, falling to 26th spot in thethird edition of the Clean Economy, Living Planet study.
CAD continues to increase
Latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures show that in seasonally adjusted, current price terms, the current account deficit (CAD) rose $5,253m (55%) to $14,892m in the March quarter 2012. Exports of goods and services decreased $5,973m (7%) and imports of goods and services decreased $657m (1%). The primary income deficit fell $72m (1%).
Economic growth blasts through expectations
Latest ABS figures show that GDP, in seasonally adjusted volume terms, grew 1.3% in the March quarter 2012, after a revised increase of 0.6% in the December quarter.
SA seeks input for automotive industry
The South Australian Government has announced it is seeking feedback on a cross-government initiative aimed at ensuring the long-term success of the country’s automotive industry.
Australians back skilled immigration, but not foreign investment
A poll conducted by the Lowy Institute has found that the majority of Australians, 62 per cent, support the move to grant 1,715 skilled migrant visas to the Roy Hill iron ore project. However, the vast majority, 81 per cent, is against direct foreign investment.