Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - January, 2013
The Federal Government has categorically ruled out any significant changes to the costs of higher education, with Minister for Higher Education, Senator Chris Evans, reiterating the Government's pledge to increase availability of tertiary education.
GE releases innovation rankings
Global energy giant GE has released two reports on the state of global innovation, which conclude that the country desperately needs to strengthen its industry support and proactively engage with leading innovation programs to increase its global competitiveness.
Pipeline runneth dry in 2013
The investment pipeline of mega-resources projects is set to begin to decline after a report released by Deloitte shows that such projects are ‘hurtling towards a peak, likely in 2013’.
Companies upbeat on Chinese economy
A new survey shows that Australian business leaders in China believe the Asian Century will bring a wealth of new opportunities.
CPI growth flattens
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by just 0.2 per cent in the December quarter 2012, according to the latest round of data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Interim report on recognition released
The Federal Government has welcomed the release of an interim report on a referendum on the recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution.
Pay equity rolls out
The Federal Government has announced employers have started receiving the Commonwealth’s share of social and community sector workers’ pay rises from the $2.8 billion Pay Equity Special Account.
Unemployment up to 5.4 per cent
Australia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose 0.1 per cent to finish at 5.4 per cent in the December quarter of 2012.
CSIRO launches digital economy research initiative
The CSIRO has launched the nation’s largest publica0funded research initiative focused on the digital economy.
Government announces new cyber security centre
The Federal Government has announced the new Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) will be established in Canberra this year.
National transport safety regulators open for business
The new National Heavy Vehicle Regulator located in Brisbane and the new, Adelaide-based National Rail Safety Regulator, are both open for business.
New Chair for Productivity Commission
Mr Peter Harris has been appointed as the new Chair of the Productivity Commission.
Renewables drive major changes in Australia's energy use to 2050
Renewable energy sources are projected to account for about half of Australia’s electricity generation by 2049-50, according to the Australian energy projections to 2049-50, released by the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE).