Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - May, 2014
Senator Scott Ludlam has grilled Attorney-General George Brandis on the Federal Government’s plans for internet piracy legislation, and found renewed suggestions that a ‘three strike’ policy may be on the way.
Millions of jobs and trillions of dollars in open trade, BHP says
The chief of one of the world’s biggest mining firms says protectionist trade barriers set up to weather the storm of the GFC are no longer necessary.
Pyne scores points in church, unions point to losses
With many public school administrators facing the threat of heavy budget cuts from the federal to state level, Education Minister Christopher Pyne has assured private schools that the Federal Government will continue funding them directly.
Fence-jumping MP marked as political pariah
There have been no fond goodbyes after the former leader of the South Australian Liberals changed sides this week.
Forethought on big council cut questioned
Department officials have been asked to to explain how a $1 billion cut to increases in council payments will affect regional Australia, and some are less-than-happy with the answer.
Post to stay public, as will submarines
The Finance Minister says Australia Post will not be privatised.
Rally for local referendum re-launch
Victorian councils are trying to resuscitate a referendum the Abbott Government says is dead.
Slashing starts as toll taken on Tax
Four Australian Taxation Offices (ATOs) in Queensland will close, as the Federal Government winds down all regional tax centres.
Some upset as foreign bodies forced together
A leaked survey shows significant dissatisfaction among former AusAID employees after the merger with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Warnings of later pain from temporary budget gains
Some workers in small, targeted Federal Government agencies say scrapping the programs will save a few dollars now, but cost much more later on.
Green talking points tarnished by colourful words
When trying to change long-held ideas about the world, language is everything.
Intentions questioned as inquiry money moves
Millions of dollars has been moved from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse to pay for the home insulation inquiry.
Liberal slams CSIRO cuts for lack of federal understanding
Despite efforts to avoid it, millions of dollars in budget cuts will force CSIRO to close down several sites for world-leading research.
Broad benefits expected from bold solar systems
A grassroots group supporting Australian workers and industries has unveiled new products to keep energy costs down for small operations.
Copper rolled-up to clear path for unfettered NBN
Telstra has begun winding-down services on its copper network, freeing-up the decades-old telecoms infrastructure for sale to NBN Co.
Deadly warning of cancerous risk from cost-cutting
The world will be dealing with the cancerous effects of asbestos for many decades to come, but some are concerned that Australia will be less equipped to do so when the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency is scrapped.
Docs take budget shocks straight to the top
The federal Health Minister has given a slight inkling that there may be room to move on some upcoming changes to the health budget.
Injury and re-engagement changes push fewer on path to work
A rehab expert says the new ‘earn or learn’ welfare system will severely impact injured workers, and could create a new underclass of those caught in the gaps between policy directives.
Next-gen child finding with local edit of FBI app
Authorities are pushing for a high-tech edge in the fight to find missing children.
Fee change brings angry breeze to debate's door
University students continue to vocalise their discontent at planned uni fee hikes, and now one senior academic has changed sides on the debate.
Success in some parts of fight for Australian equality
The latest report has shown some encouraging gains from attempts to close the gap in Indigenous education.