Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - July, 2012
The Federal Government has opened the final round of public consultation on its plans to create the world’s largest network of marine reserves.
The final call for comment comes after Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke outlined the reserve network on June 14, which once proclaimed under national environmental law will increase the country’s marine reserve network to more than a third of Commonwealth waters.
Mr Burke said the last public consultation period is the final piece in a long and detailed consultation process in developing the network. The 60-day public consultation process will be conducted by the Director of National Parks and will close Monday, 10 September.
Government outlines $6 billion infrastructure fund
The Federal Government has released its guidelines for the $6 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund, which it says will unlock investment in communities dealing with the impact of the mining boom.
HILDA gives insights into Australia's GFC performance
Melbourne University’s Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey has produced a detailed report, showing how Australia coped during the global financial crisis.
Unemployment inches to 5.2 per cent
Australia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased 0.1 percentage points to 5.2 per cent in June, as announced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
The ABS reported the number of people employed decreased by 27,000 to 11,500,500 in June. The decrease in employment was mainly driven by decreased full-time employment, down 33,500 people to 8,065,500, and was offset by an increase in part-time employment, up 6,600 people to 3,435,000. The decrease in employment was driven by a decrease in both male and female full-time employment.
The number of people unemployed increased by 7,200 people to 631,300 in June, the ABS reported.
Monthly aggregate hours worked showed a decrease in June, down 19.6 million hours to 1,602.1 million hours.
The ABS reported a decrease in the labour force participation rate of 0.2 percentage points in June to 65.2 per cent.
This month's article 'What's new in Labour Force' provides details regarding the impact of preliminary population estimates from the 2011 Census of Population and Housing and also the upcoming improvements to the labour force survey as a result of a holistic review of the entire ABS Labour Household Survey program.
More labour force results are in the June 2012 issue of Labour Force, Australia (cat. no. 6202.0), as well as the upcoming June 2012 issue of Labour Force, Australia, Detailed (cat. no. 6291.0.55.001) due for release next week on July 19. Both publications are available for free download (after release) from the ABS website - www.abs.gov.au.
Brisbane to host G20 summit
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced Brisbane as the host city for the G20 Leaders Summit in 2014, the premier forum for global economic co-operation and decision making.
COAG holds first Regional Australia meeting
Commonwealth, State and Territory ministers responsible for regional development have attended the inaugural meeting of the COAG Standing Council on Regional Australia to discuss the ‘ambitious cooperative agenda’ to deliver real and lasting growth across regional Australia.
Federal Government signs RDA MoU with NT
The Federal and Northern Territory governments have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that cements a partnership approach to investment in Regional Development (RDA) NT.
FWO releases phoenixing report
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has released a research report into phoenix activity in Australia, which estimates the activity could cost the Australian economy upwards of $3.19 billion.
$200 million Clean Tech innovation grants open
The Federal Government has opened the $200 million Clean Technology Innovation Program (CTIP) to provide grants for Australian businesses to find and develop innovate ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Government to form Science of Learning Research Centre
The Federal Government is aiming to foster relationships between research bodies and educational institutions by establishing a new $16 million multidisciplinary Science of Learning Research Centre.
Workplace bullying committee hits the road
The Education and Employment Committee, the body charged with carrying out the Prime Minister’s demand for an inquiry into workplace bullying, has announced it will travel to Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart over the coming days to hear from the community.
Queensland intervenes in MRRT court challenge
The Queensland Government has announced it will intervene in the ongoing High Court Challenge to the Mineral Resources Rent Tax (MRRT) lodged by Fortescue Metals.
Government forms skilled migration council
The Federal Government has formed a new Ministerial advisory Council on Skilled Migration, aimed at providing the Government with expert advice on the role of skilled migration within the Australian economy.
RBA leaves rates unchanged
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has left the country’s official cash rate unchanged at 3.50 per cent, citing an unchanged outlook on inflation coupled with a stronger than expected economic performance in the first half the year.
Report shows massive infrastructure demand
A new report published by the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE) confirms that the increasingly strong demand for commodities has confirmed the massive infrastructure demand in Australia’s regions.
Commonwealth Procurement Rules come into force
The Federal Government’s new Commonwealth Procurement Rules have come into effect, providing Government officials with streamlined rules to achieve the greatest value for money when procuring goods and services.
Government announces TUMSA appointments
The Federal Government has announced the inaugural members of the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency (TUMSA), the new statutory agency that will be tasked with ensuring basic telecommunications services are available to all Australians.
Government extends Contract for Closure
The Federal Government has announced the extension of its Contract for Closure Program, citing ongoing complex negotiations.
Latrobe Valley Transition Committee releases report
The Latrobe Valley Transition Committee (LVTC) has released a report that aims to guide the ongoing diversification of Victoria’s Latrobe Valley economy.