Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - November, 2013
As the Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) is collapsed by the Government’s repeal bill, the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has launched a report claiming it contributes billions to local communities regardless of the tax.
Packing up taxes empties desks back at the Office
The Australian Tax Office says it will have to shed up to 900 jobs due to the federal Government’s moves to repeal carbon and mining taxes.
PCYCs worry in wait for un-promised funds
Millions of dollars in funding has been put on hold by the change in federal government, and many community groups fear they will never see the money.
Watchdog wants new tag, bigger teeth
Tasmania's Integrity Commission wants to take on certain police powers to enhance its corruption investigations.
Xenophon puts hard word on AFP, gets half response
South Australian independent Senator Nick Xenophon has taken the Australian Federal Police to task over their practice of monitoring MPs phone activity.
Awards tip hat to top tertiary teachers
Australia’s thirteen best university teachers have been recognised at the Australian Awards for University Teaching.
Claims of impending cuts; an excuse for no attrition
The Federal Government has accused the former Labor-led government of planning to cut thousands of public service jobs, without telling the public or making budgetary allowances for redundancies.
Stick to the script to fight bacteria back
Research is pretty fast - but bacterial evolution is faster, a University of Adelaide drug expert says.
Australia's relief efforts lifted
In the wake of the Typhoon Haiyan crisis in the Philippines, the efforts of transport, logistics and emergency management crews are keeping people alive.
Outback councils call for pledged road completion
Some council leaders in remote Queensland are pushing for a better road to link the country’s east and west.
Streets packed to keep the tax
Tens of thousands of Australians took to the streets over the weekend, speaking out about the need to fight climate change with realistic methods.
Sticking point struck on ceiling talks
The bickering has turned to accusation-flinging as a stand-off unfolds in parliament, with neither side willing to adjust the position on the debt ceiling just yet.
Brief break in mud-slinging to wave off Rudd
The non-consecutive two-time former Prime Minister of Australia has announced his retirement, creating a symbolic end for an historic period in politics.
Commission plots the best path to road re-vamp
The Federal Government has unleashed the Productivity Commission on the task of investigating infrastructure costs, looking for the best way to deliver on their promise for significant improvements.
Debate fires up as Hockey moves to raise the roof
The Federal Treasurer believes the Opposition’s refusal to back the entirety of his attempted debt ceiling lift could lead to a government shut-down, as recently happened in the United States.
Robb says twelve-month trade turnaround could happen
The person tasked with delivering an ambitious Federal Government promise says enhanced trade between Australia and its Asian neighbours can happen – hopefully within 12 months.
Agriculture cuts could leave doors open to disease
With exports on the rise and a huge government focus on infrastructure and transport, it would stand to reason that securing borders from invasive diseases and destructive life-forms has become more important than ever – but regardless, the Federal Department of Agriculture is looking to shed over 200 biosecurity staff.
Pleas for action before more deadly effects
The chairman of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has spoken out, calling on individuals, grassroots and community groups to push for real action on climate change.
Telework week shows remote possibility
The Department of Communications will host a talk on the office of the future, encouraging everyone to look to ‘teleworking’ for a better way to do their jobs.
Australia offers small relief from massive devastation
The Australian Foreign Ministry has announced its response to the unfolding tragedy following the devastation of the Philippines by Typhoon Haiyan.
Health ranking site causes concern among carers
Private health insurer NIB has created a website which rates and ranks healthcare providers, and it has sparked some outrage from medical professionals.