Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - April, 2012
The Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) has stressed the Federal Government to take action to avert an imminent dental health catastrophe after it released figures that show the public waiting list for dental health services has stretched out to 650,000 across the nation.
The figures indicate the average waiting time is in excess of two years for any kind of dental help, with only 11 per cent of those on the list receiving any treatment.
CHF CEO Carol Bennett describes the situation as a national embarrassment, saying that close to two million Australians who urgently needed dental care missed out because they could not afford it, contributing to an estimated national loss of $2 billion in productivity losses.
Funding announced for WA wave plant
The Federal Government has announced $10 million in funding for Western Australia’s Carnegie Wave Energy’s Perth Wave Energy Project on Garden Island near Fremantle.
Government boasts university boom
The Federal Government has released its report of the demand driven university placement reform, with Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, saying the Government’s work will allow for an unprecedented skills boom to meet increased demand for a variety of labour.
National Children's Commissioner announced
The Labor Government announced the creation of a National Children’s Commissioner within the Australian Human Rights Commission.
RBA slashes rates
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has cut the country’s official cash rate by 50 basis points, bringing the country’s interest rate to 3.75 per cent.
Teachers to set performance goals under new assessments
Teachers in every Australian school will have a yearly performance assessment which will include classroom observation and evidence of student outcomes, under proposals released for consultation today.
Australia declared drought free
The Federal Government has announced the country is drought free for the first time in over a decade after the two final Exceptional Circumstances (EC) declarations expire.
Government secures NDIS launch date
The Federal Government has announced the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will start from July 2013 in up to four locations across the country.
Federal Government announces school independence scheme
The Federal Government has announced the first phase of the Empowering Local Schools initiative that will allow public schools to join together to form ‘confederations’ to allow greater integrated decision-making and community engagement.
Aviation grant for small and remote airports
The Federal Labor Government will provide grants of up to $110,000 to airlines flying to small and remote tourism destinations like Kangaroo Island to help them get ready for new, increased aviation security measures.
Government announces $1.5 billion employment services changes
The Federal Government has announced a new $1.5 billion Remote Jobs and Communities Program to start from July 2013.
Government releases GST distribution review interim report
The first interim report of the independent GST Distribution Review has been published.
Government releases payday loan discussion paper
The Federal Government has released a discussion paper on high cost, small amount loans, commonly referred to as ‘payday loans’.
More airports protected by Tripartite Deed
The Federal Government has announced all federally leased airports will be offered the protection of a Tripartite Deed, giving them greater certainty in securing financing for infrastructure developments.
Superfund mergers help lower fees
Superfund members will benefit from the Federal Government tax relief that enables superfunds to merge without triggering adverse tax consequences that would hit members' savings, according to estimates released by the Government
Asian languages and culture to be part of Australian curriculum
Minister for School Education Peter Garrett hosted a discussion on Asian literacy with business leaders, focusing on how Government and business can work together to increase awareness of Asian culture and the study of Asian languages in Australian schools.
CPI increases 0.1%
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.1% in the March quarter 2012, compared with no change in the December quarter 2011.
Expert committee appointed for Clean Tech programs
The Federal Government has announced the appointment of an independent expert committee to assist and advice Innovation Australia to deliver $1 billion in Clean Technology Investment programs.
Government seeks comment on IAA for Woomera area
The Federal Government has announced it is seeking comment after the release of a standardised Deed of Access for exploration in the Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA).
State of the States released
CommSec has released this quarters State of the States report, providing an in depth analyses of the country’s states using eight key indicators: economic growth retail spending requipment investment unemployment construction work done population growth housing finance and dwelling commencements.
Top airlines fund Government's complaints resolution process
From July 2012, Australia will have a new, independent National Airline Customer Advocate to give passengers the extra help and protection they need in getting their complaints resolved.