Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government

The Greens have offered a novel budget measure that could bring the Federal Government $13 billion.

Decades of neglect in bureaucratic boys' club

Ninety-five years ago, Australian Public Service bosses realised equal rights for women would transform the bureaucracy, and it was up to them to stop it.

Demand for details of lobbies' glad-handing

A former senior federal bureaucrat says lobbyists should be forced to reveal their private discussions with ministers and government workers.

Insurance switch will still see ACT pay

Federal workplace insurer Comcare has lost one of its biggest customers, as the ACT Government moves to take its 20,000 public servants out of the embattled scheme.

Senator slams union for vote "hypocrisy"

An ACT Senator says the CPSU is hypocritically threatening the jobs of its own members, while claiming to fight on their behalf.

Stunning study says good choices save money

A new report says Australian governments could save billions by buying smarter.

Treasury boss backs Reagan and restriction

The new head of Australia's Treasury is a big fan of Ronald Reagan and says austerity is getting a bad rap.

Welfare remix seeks big cuts

Children must be vaccinated for their parents to receive welfare benefits, under reforms proposed for Australia’s $150 billion welfare system.

Brain drain and other pain for unfunded locals

One of Australia’s top scientists has warned that cuts to research funding will put the nation at risk.

ATO desk pain and neck strain not paid

The Australian Taxation Office has found itself in a sticky compensation battle, after the desk and chair heights of one employee were changed without her knowledge.

NDIS progress noted

A meeting of government bodies this week agreed to move ahead on a full scheme roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Slow MoG shift shunted along

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has just three words for departments caught up in his public service reshuffle: get it done.

Stats show APS ageing

The Australian Public Service is getting older.

Planned industrial action at the Department of Agriculture has officials worried about interruptions to passenger movement, cargo inspections, meat inspections, international mail processing and other services.

Data on young struggles reflects harsh lives

A new report shows just how hard is for Australia’s homeless youth.

Schmidt calls for Fed Gov to put politics aside

Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt says Australian politicians should try to follow Britain’s example and strike a joint pledge to urgently tackle climate change.

Uni change may not save

Economic modelling shows the Abbott government’s plan to deregulate university fees would drive up inflation in such a way that it will cost more than the savings from the change.

FOFA fizzles in federal storm

Insiders say the Federal Government appears to have given up on its contentious changes to Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) legislation.

Abbott blames abhorrence on Labor

The Prime Minister has dismissed a disturbing report on the state of hundreds of children in Australian detention centres.

Insiders forecast Turnbull's turn

While Tony Abbott has successfully fended off this week’s assault on his leadership, there is still some speculation about how things could have been.