Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - October, 2011
The Federal Government’s suite of carbon trading legislation has passed in the House of Representatives following weeks of intensive parliamentary debate.
The Clean Energy legislation, which will be debated in the Senate next month, passed in the House with 74 votes to 72.
If passed in the Senate, as is likely with the support of the Greens, the Bill, containing 18 pieces of legislation, will come into force on July 1 next year.
Government releases solar power discussion paper
The Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism has published a discussion paper on large-scale deployment of solar power in Australia following a roundtable held earlier in the year.
IMF praises Australia's 'enviable' position
The International Monetary Fund has praised Australia’s economic position, saying that the country is well positioned to continue to reap the benefits from the ongoing commodity boom, a sound financial policy framework and a stable financial services sector.
Olympic Dam expansion receives federal approval
The Federal Government has announced the proposed expansion of BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam mine in South Australia has received environmental approval.
Federal Government opens regional education and training fund
The Federal Government has opened the $500 million Regional Priorities Round of the Education Investment Fund, which will provide support to regional higher education institutions and vocational education and training providers.
Government moves to protect industry with increased grants
The Federal Government has announced major federal grants of $20 million or more will be made available in the interest of ‘maximising opportunitites for Australian businesses’.
Federal Government opens applications for support housing
The Federal Government has announced applications for the Building Better Regional Cities will be open for local councils in regional centres across the country.
Leadership and management key to productivity
The Society for Knowledge Economics (SKE) has released a two year study into leadership and management capability, finding that progressive and innovative leadership and sound management are key to boosting the country’s productivity.
Tax forum finishes
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has officially closed the October Tax Forum after announcing the government would not conduct inquiries into issues raised by participants.
Austrade report highlights Australia's economic strengths
The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) has released the 2011 Benchmark Report: Australia – A wealth of Opportunities, highlighting Australia’s economic strength and attraction as a regional financial services centres.
Discussion paper on local government constitutional recognition released
A discussion paper on whether local government should be recognised in the Australian Constitution has been released by the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government for public consultation.
RBA holds cash rate
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced its decision to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.
ALRC proposes major reform to classification system
The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) has proposed major reform to the country’s media content classification system after publishing the National Classification Scheme Review Discussion Paper.
AEC to maintain seat numbers
Following findings by the Australian Statistician, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has found no reason to increase the number of seats in the House of Representatives.
DFAT IT contract goes to tender
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has released a request for tender (RFT) for a supplier to provide a comprehensive and integrated new system for issuing passports.