Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government

In the same week that international scientists publish clearer evidence of humanity’s influence on climate change, the Australian government is reducing its focus on pollution, the environment and science itself.

Funding pool filled for range of research

A total funding pool of nearly half a million dollars has been put up for investigator-driven research in Australia.

Waiting on fate of fish ship ban

Insiders are waiting to see whether changes will be made to a ban imposed by the former Environment Minister on trawling activities around Tasmania.

Big farm funded as green bank faces demise

A massive wind farm in Victoria has been awarded $70 million by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, in what may be the last such renewable energy pay-out for some time.

Holden barely letting axeblade dry

Holden workers face an uncertain future; with word the company is undertaking more job cuts.

NBN petition pushes previous plan, piques global interest

Malcolm Turnbull has faced waves of criticism before he has even been able to sit at his new desk.

Counting dirty money for GDP

New statistics from the ABS say illegal drugs add about $6 billion to the Australian economy every year, with cultivation shaping up as a rapidly-mushrooming domestic market.

ex-Prime Minister plays political pedagogue

Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard has taken on a new role as an honorary professor of History and Politics at the University of Adelaide, saying she is excited at the new challenge.

Palmer puts tax talk to bed

Queensland’s big man of mining has cleared up his $90 million tax dispute and is ready for the possibility of taking up a role in federal government.

Election rounds up loose sheep from top paddock

Transformative may be the best word to sum up last weekend’s election and the resulting streams of acceptance, concession, pledging and promising.

Lobby pushes to kill M-rating time limit

Australian lobby group Free TV is pushing to remove time restrictions for mature content on the airwaves.

Outcry over green bank dissolution

There has been massive backlash to a decision announced recently by the new federal government, to dissolve the bank which has been set up to fund projects for Australia’s energy future.

Plans for better Brisbane rail, worries over the bill

The Queensland Premier has revived a plan to spend billions for more rail access over the Brisbane River, but some residents wonder if it will be funded by money put aside for much-needed highway repairs.

Public servant faces spy charge with little to go on

A senior public servant accused of espionage activities has been denied access to evidence used to strip him of his security clearance.

Queensland banks on gas-friendly federal approval

Coal companies in Queensland are sticking to their single plan, looking to dredge more of the Gladstone Harbour and build the fourth gas export plant on Curtis Island.

Farmers look out for federal fulfilment

The Queensland Farmer’s Federation is one of the first of many groups which will be hoping the newly-elected government sticks to its pre-poll promises.

Questioning intentions to cut brains trust

Members of the broad Australian scientific community will be wondering what the future holds this week; with pre-poll comments from the newly-elected federal government clouding the path ahead for many researchers.

Transport body glad to see Abbott on top

Lobbyists and transport industry authorities are encouraged by the outcome of the weekend’s election, welcoming the new federal government and putting the word out that they are keen to work together.

NICTA nervous on future funding

There will be some worried exchanges at one of Australia’s top technology research groups today, with word the new federal government may look to slash funding in the future.