Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - November, 2013
State governments will be eligible for massive incentives to sell-off their assets, under a new scheme announced by Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey this week.
Leak pokes holes in NBN cost and capability
A leaked internal report by NBN Co says the Liberal government’s plan will make less money and cost more, reports say.
Schools await resurrection as Gonski goes underground
At the end of a tumultuous week for Australia’s education system it is clear that the ‘Gonski’ funding model is gone, but unclear as to what will replace it.
Boom enters calmer phase, some look for new fields
A key government authority has said for the first time that the resources boom is winding down, at the same time as a new study says most Australians did not benefit from it.
Funding pull leaves drug body doors closed
The Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) has placed itself in voluntary administration, after its funding was removed in a Federal Government attempt to save $1.5 million.
Local vote money paid back, issue still stands
The referendum to recognise local government remains in a coma, but councils which paid into the Australian Local Government Association's (ALGA) bid for the vote will now be paid back.
Motives questioned in Bishop's China air call
Australia’s foreign minister has felt the wrath of the waking dragon, upsetting the Chinese government with her claims over their air-space.
Online tax call falls to states
The verdict is down to state governments to decide whether more GST should be collected from online purchases, and minds should be made up by March.
Poor state of mental care means prison for the ill
The National Mental Health Commission says inadequate support is condemning mentally ill Australians to prison, because they cannot be cared for in the community.
Taskforce to tackle Border corruption
A special taskforce has been formed to root out corruption in one of the most vital government services.
CEFC points to high cost of collapse, no returns
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has defended its own existence, as the Federal Government continues its plan to shut-down the renewable-energy investor.
Unions look for careful planning in visa reform
The Australian Council of Trade Unions has proposed a re-assessment of certain visa rules, in an effort to help the very youngest members of the workforce.
Union won't see road safety scrapped
The national secretary of the Transport Workers’ Union says the Federal Government plans to close the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal, showing contempt for the hundreds of families affected by transport industry road deaths, and callous disregard for the many pressures that drivers face.
Fed. Ed. spend to push Masters in places of need
The Education Minister has announced a boost aimed to increase the number of postgraduate nurses, part of a $62 million investment pushing more people into degrees.
Paid parental change hands the bag to Centrelink
Legislation has been put before the House of Representatives which is intended to make it easier for business to work within the paid parental leave scheme.
Polls show direct action as popular as inaction
According to recent polls, the Federal Government’s plan to replace the carbon tax with a direct action policy has been as well-received as having no policy at all.
RBA mulls stepping in, taking talk war to next level
The Reserve Bank’s verbal assault on the Australian dollar continues, with RBA governor Glenn Stevens last night indicating the bank might be forced to intercede to drive the dollar down.
Border net picked apart by budget cuts
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service says it will be difficult to “stop the boats” when it has to cut 600 staff members in coming years.
CHOGM chums release collective communique
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is drawing to a close, with some late agreements from the summit that started in a storm of allegations and outcry.
Coastal title claim covers ten councils
Councils are considering a native title claim which would see stewardship transferred for a large portion of Australia’s east coast.
Higher tier called to swoop in and save roads
A study commissioned by the Australian Local Government Association says local councils around the country are underfunding the maintenance of their roads.