Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - November, 2011
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has refused to rule out the possibility of public sector job cuts as a means to return the budget to surplus in the 2012-13 financial year.
Mr Swan announced that it was the onus of public departments and agencies to source their 2.5 per cent budget reductions, with unions expressing their fears that up to 3,000 jobs could be cut.
Mr Swan was quick to insist in an interview with ABC radio that government services would continue as normal.
Government passes maritime safety laws
The Federal Government has passed new laws aimed at protecting the safety of sailors operating commercial vessels in Australian waters.
Government forms Resources Sector Advisory Forum
The Federal Government has announced the formation of the Resources Sector Supplier Advisory Forum as part of the $34.4 million Buy Australian at Home and Abroad program.
Federal Government pushes immunisation incentives
The Federal Government has announced extensive reform to Australia’s childhood immunisation arrangements that will remove tax benefits from families that opt out of immunisation.
Government forms Commonwealth Environmental Water Office
The Federal Government has formed a Commonwealth Environmental Water Office as a distinct entity within the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities to improve accountability and stakeholder engagement in environmental water management.
First round of Action on the Ground opens
The Federal Government has announced the first round of funding under the $99 million Action on the Ground initiative is now open.
Australia awarded Fitch AAA
Australia has been awarded an AAA credit rating from Fitch, meaning that Australia now holds the top rating from all three ratings agencies for the first time.
Federal Government releases mid-year budget outlook
The Federal Government has released the 2011-12 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), outlining what the government describes as ‘solid economic growth, low debt and a return to surplus in 2012-13’.
OECD outlook backs Australia's fundamentals
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ‘s (OECD) Economic Outlook report has found that the fundamentals and outlook for the Australian economy remain in a healthy state, despite continuing deterioration of the global economy.
Federal Government tables electoral reform
The Federal Government has tabled the Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Maintaining Address) Bill 2011 before Parliament, which aims to deliver a more accurate electoral roll.
Federal Government seeks input on slavery laws
The Federal Government is seeking public comment on draft legislation that will see forced marriage and slavery-like practices become a crime.
Parliament shock at speaker's resignation
Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives Harry Jenkins has resigned, announcing his desire to pursue parliamentary debate and policymaking.
Federal Government announces CRC funding
Six successful applicants of this year’s Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) selection round (Round 14) have been announced.
Stronger CSG regulations in the pipeline
The Federal Government has promised stronger national regulatory frameworks to assess the impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) on the environment in a bid to win key independent’s vote on the minerals resource rent tax (MRRT).
Government opens NBN education plan
The Federal Government has announced its $27.2 million National Broadband Network (NBN) Enabled Education and Skills Services Program, to support the development of online and interactive education and training projects.
Mining tax passes lower house
The Federal Government’s Minerals Resources Rent Tax (MRRT) has passed the lower house in a late-night deal struck between the government and the Federal Greens.
Federal Government announces Road Safety Tribunal
The Federal Government has announced the formation of a new Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal that will have authority to set pay or pay related conditions to ensure safer driving practices.
Federal Government announces NHVR board
The Federal Government has announced the appointment of three ‘key industry leaders’ to the implementation board of Australia’s first National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
Australia's energy policy ranks 22
Australia's energy policy has ranked 22nd in the World Energy Council's Policies for the Future assessment of global energy and climate policies.
ACCC to pursue carbon gougers
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched a guide for businesses on carbon price claims while warning that the Commission would not shy away from pursuing suspected price gougers.
Government divided over uranium exports
The Federal Government is divided over the proposal of resuming uranium exports to India, with Prime Minister Julia Gillard announcing her support of the amendment.