Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - October, 2015
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced increased federal government funding to tackle the issue of partner violence in Australia, and experts say the funds must reach rural and regional communities.
Senators call for Basin Plan pause
Senate crossbenchers say Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull should stop the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, until the social and economic consequences of its implementation are better understood.
Union wants more ChaFTA tape
Labor is trying to adjust Australia’s free trade agreement with China, but the big unions say they have not gone far enough.
Legal action looming over local car scam
Volkswagen has recalled around 90,000 Australian vehicles, amid a scandal over its use of dodgy software to cheat emissions tests.
Data retention starting with few costs sorted
The Data Retention Act comes into effect tomorrow, but many say there are still big security issues and costs have not been addressed.
Greens make ground on medical marijuana push
Greens leader Richard Di Natale is pushing to legalise medical marijuana, and says the Turnbull government would be foolish to get in the way.
Hospital staff stand against harmful policy
Medical staff at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital are defying federal immigration authorities and refusing to return children in their care to detention.
Turnbull shows hint of transport u-turn
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says the Gold Coast Light Rail network is a vital piece of infrastructure for Queensland, and that the Federal Government will back a proposed expansion.
Arrogance can beget good scores
It appears that people who think they know it all - or at least, a lot - may be on to something.
ACT safe from Border shift
The Federal Government has cancelled its tender for a new Department of Immigration and Border Protection office, suggesting the headquarters will stay in Belconnen, in Canberra’s north.
IP experts speak on big gene ruling
A two-time cancer-surviving grandmother has won a groundbreaking legal battle to protect her genetic rights.
PM's own people look down on pay deal
Battle lines are being drawn ahead of pay negotiations within the Prime Minister’s department.
ISDS threat still looms in secret TPP pages
Trade ministers are gushing about the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, but anyone who wants to know the details will have to take their word for it.
More hope for public transport under Turnbull
Some remarkably positive words on federal-state infrastructure funding were heard on the weekend.
Shell boss backs carbon price, a bit
Shell's global chief executive says the world needs to put a price on carbon.
Degree fee plan stands down
Education Minister Simon Birmingham says the controversial university deregulation plan will go away for now.
Quarter of all kids getting rough deal
A new study has revealed the big gaps that exist between members of socially-marginalised groups and the mainstream population.
Twitter take-over unveils young voices
UNICEF has handed over control of its Twitter account to Syrian refugee children living in Turkey, Jordan and Austria.
Cashless card plans slammed
The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) says the South Australian and federal governments should scrap plans for cashless welfare cards.
CPSU sees hope in Cash
Employment Minister Michaelia Cash has hinted that she will take a different tack to her predecessor Eric Abetz – by actually negotiating.
More management causing EL stress
A prominent sector HR expert says managers in the Australian public service are struggling to manage.