Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - May, 2013
A recent survey of international students has found that their cohort is still happy with their experience, despite the ever increasing value of the Australian dollar putting them under increased financial strain.
Queensland commits to NDIS
Queensland has become the next state to sign up to the Federal Government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
RBA drops cash rate
The Reserve Bank of Australia has dropped the official cash rate to 2.75 basis points after its Tuesday meeting earlier this week.
To the polls! Recognition referendum set for September
The Federal Government has confirmed it will set the question of constitutional recognition of local government to the people on September 14, the same date as the Federal election.
Victoria to build East West Link
Melbourne’s major East West Link roadworks is set to go ahead after the Victorian Government confirmed it will be committing to the first stage of the funding.
ABS finds worrying jobless rate
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures released today show that 11 per cent of families with dependants in June 2012 had no one in the family who was working.
ACMA announces digital dividend auction results
The Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) has announced the results from the digital dividend spectrum, with a troika of the nation’s ISPs securing some of the most sort after spectrum bands.
Construction slumps in April
The nation’s construction sector has hit a seven month low in April, according to the latest Australian Industry Group (Ai Group)/Housing Industry Association (HIA)’s Australian Performance of Construction Index (PCI).
Even when the good times roll, Australians worry about money
Even when things are going well, almost 40 per cent of Australians ‘stress out’ about their personal finances, according to a new ANZ survey into Australians’ views on money.
Retail slumps in March
Australia’s retail turnover has slumped by 0.4 per cent in March, according to the latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
beyondblue launches anxiety campaign
National mental health organisation beyondblue has launched a new anti-anxiety campaign aimed at combating the disorder which affects over 2 million Australians.
Business urges focus on productivity and competitiveness
The Federal Government’s preoccupation with delivering a balanced Budget is ringing hollow with the country’s businesses, who increasingly want a renewed focus on productivity and competitiveness according to a new survey published by the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group).
NBN Co adds 1.3 million to rollout
The National Broadband Network Co (NBN Co) has added over 1.35 million premises to its rollout schedule across 190 towns and suburbs.
Voters disengaged, suspicious and dissatisfied
A new research report has published what many of the general public, and most likely politicians, already suspected; Australian voters are disengaged, disillusioned and distrustful.
$22 million for Tasmanian logistics capacity
The Federal Government has announced it will invest over $22 million to boost Tasmania’s freight capacity in the north of the state and improve the skills base of the state’s maritime workforce.
Government pledges to improve worker rehabilitation
The Federal Government has outlined its response to the recent Review of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988, with Minister for Workplace Relations saying the Government has prioritised 21 recommendations of the report.
National business conditions soften finds report
A cooling off of the resources boom, growing uncertainty and a weaker consumer spending rate have all failed to make a dent in Queensland’s Business Confidence, according to the new Westpac/CCIQ Survey of Business Conditions.
Services sector slips in April
A weakening in business-related services has driven a significant fall in the national services sector, according to the latest Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank (Ai Group) Australian Performance of Services Index (PSI).
Tasmania signs up to NDIS
The Tasmanian Government has announced it has signed up to the full National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and will be funded from proceeds from the recently announced Medicare levy increase.