Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - August, 2012
The Chairman of the Australia Post Board, David Mortimer AO, has stepped down from the Board having served since 2001, including the past six years as Chairman.
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy said Mr Mortimer has overseen significant changes at Australia Post during his time as Chairman, including the growth in eCommerce and digital communication, a marked increase in parcel volumes, and declining volumes of traditional letters.
“Under Mr Mortimer’s leadership, Australia Post has adapted to the pressures of a rapidly changing environment and come through the difficulties of the Global Financial Crisis as a stronger, more resilient organisation.
Government announces $4 billion dentist's bill
The Federal Government has outlined a $4 billion initiative aimed at boosting subsidized dental care, reducing waiting times and providing services to over one million low income adults and Australians in rural and remote areas.
Government launches anti-racism campaign
The Federal Government has launched Australia’s National Anti-Racism Strategy, with Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Senator Kate Lundy calling on all Australians to stand against racism.
Government outlines ETS integration
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Cobmet, and the European Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard, have announced that Australia and Europe will be linking their emissions trading systems.
MDBA plan inches closer
Federal Minister for Water, Tony Burke, has announced that his office will continue to work closely with the Murray Darling Basin Authority in releasing its final plan following an agreement with all Basin States.
Queensland passes NHVR law
The Queensland Government has passed legislation establishing Australia’s first National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, which is now due to commence operations at the beginning of January next year.
AEMC calls for powers to set prices
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has proposed new rules to better equip the regulators to set prices so that ‘consumers don’t pay more than necessary for reliable supplies of energy and gas.’
Boom has a few good years yet
A report published by BIS Shrapnel shows that the country’s mining boom still has a few years left to run, with mining investment continuing to underpin activity of coming years.
Government responds to telecommunications review
The Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, has delivered the Government’s official response to the 2011-12 Regional Telecommunications, saying that its findings validate the ongoing rollout of the National Broadband Network.
Environment war of words heats up
The long standing animosity shared between Federal Minister for the Environment, Tony Burke, and the Queensland Government has culminated with the Minister accusing the State Government of 'environmental vandalism'.
Panel of seven assist in allocating millions
The Federal Government has announced the appointment of seven leading businessmen to assist Innovation Australia in delivering $200 million worth of grants under the Clean Technology Innovation Program.
Consumer spending slides
The Commonwealth Bank’s Business Sales Indicator (BSI) has shown that consumers are returning to their conservative ways in the absence of further stimulus measures.
Government approves Alpha mine
The Federal Government has announced its approval of the Alpha coal mine and associated rail works in Queensland, paving the way for construction of the country's largest coal mine.
Government backs evidence based default super process
The Federal Government has announced its support for an evidence based and expert led process for selecting and assessing default superannuation funds in modern awards.
Government passes data retention law
The Federal Government has succeeded in its efforts to see law enforcement agencies be able to force internet service providers to store data on subscribers while a warrant is sought.
ADF review calls for sexual misconduct unit
A review of gender discrimination within the ranks of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has concluded that the formation of a sexual misconduct unit is necessary to combat the prevalence of gender discrimination within the armed forces.
Gageler announced as new Justice of the High Court
Governor-General Quentin Bryce has appointed Stephen Gageler as the country’s new Justice of the High Court of Australia following the recommendation of the Federal Government.
Report hails climate progress, but urges more effort
The Climate Commission has released its third major report, finding that the world is rapidly moving to address the issue of climate change by adopting sustainable methods of growth.
Government caps payday loan fees
The Federal Government has passed its Consumer Credit Legislation Amendment (Enhancements) Bill 2012 through Parliament, clamping down on what it calls loan sharks by capping the limits on what lenders can charge.
ABS announces Indigenous health survey
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has announced it has commenced the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health survey in its history, aimed at improving knowledge of the health issues affecting this group of Australians.
CRCs a high brow cash cow
Cooperative Research Centres (CRCS) will have a combined total value of $14.5 billion to the Australian economy by 2017, with their technologies, products and processes equating to substantial boosts for the country.