Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - January, 2014
Public schooling advocates have accused the Federal Government of “sabotaging” the Gonski recommendations, saying they will still leave schools short.
Commission given extension to find more tape
The Federal Government has extended the deadline for recommendations from the Commission of Audit, after the massive task meant the board came up short this month.
Locals fine with water leaving, Greens say it should stay
The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder has announced it will sell water back to farmers in parts of northern NSW.
Master Builders accuse unions of putting walls around work
A corporate body representing the building industry says the current workplace relations system is blocking hiring and preventing training, while strikes are driving up costs at work sites around the country.
Five new faces head for NTC reform
Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss has appointed five new faces to the National Transport Commission (NTC) working on national transport reform.
Germany could trim green targets in nuclear fallout
Germany is dealing with the effects of its exit from the nuclear power game, with the country’s new energy minister looking to cut renewable subsidies to save money.
HELP heap tops $30 billion
Australian tertiary students and graduates collectively owe $30 billion in unpaid loans.
iiNet ducks NBN's poor history
A major Australian internet provider has opted out of the National Broadband Network's new wholesale agreement, slamming its service delivery record.
Pyne prompts push to put more myths in history
Federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne is preparing for his shake-up of the national curriculum this week, now forming the group that will re-write the content Australian kids learn, again.
Star-viewing design soon to take flight
A new filter will let smart people from CSIRO do something usually considered pretty dumb – staring directly into the sun for science.
Job losses likely but not enforced in NT public sector
The Treasurer of the Northern Territory has called on all government departments to find extra savings in their budget, as message taken by many as code for public sector job cuts.
New party to launch serious fight for internet rights
Internet entrepreneur and wanted man Kim Dotcom has launched a political party to contest this year’s New Zealand parliamentary elections.
New water plan to build more than buybacks
The release of millions in funding to help Queensland farmers save water has been roundly welcomed.
Ruling means better rates and tests for disabled workers
Compensation will be offered to thousands of intellectually disabled workers, after a court ruled the system used to define their rate of pay was discriminatory.
Uni shows tertiary path to kids from off the track
High school students have come together from some of Australia’s most remote regions this week for the Wingara Mura - Bunga Barrabugu Summer Program.
Extra sense is all in our heads, or not
News for anyone who has had a mysterious feeling that they can sense something is happening, but couldn’t quite put a finger on it – science has shown it’s probably just you.
Numbers double for short course to rural classes
This year will see nearly twice as many graduates from an innovative and controversial education program heading to disadvantaged schools in remote towns.
Baby research shows assisted risk
A study has shown the risk of tragic birth complications is nearly twice as high for babies conceived by assisted reproduction.
Lobby says thousands of new workers needed, many disagree
The Australian Industry Group wants to increase the immigration intake cap by 30,000 people in the next financial year, saying the country needs more skilled workers.
Solid blocks should hold back bullying torrent
A senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales has doused some of the mounting concern over new workplace bullying laws.
Split leaves Hunt standing on RET, PM looking for more coal fires
The Federal Environment Minister is one of a dwindling number still in support of Australia’s Renewable Energy target, with the Prime Minister more excited about the “superabundance” of coal.