Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - November, 2011
The Federal Government has announced plans to implement a universal definition of flooding in a bid to avert future mass insurance disputes.
The plan comes as hundreds of Queenslanders have taken legal action against insurers who have refused payment on grounds on specific definitions of flooding.
Future AICPs to be made public
The Federal Government has announced that future Australian Industry Capability Plans (AICPs) will for all major Defence acquisition projects will be made public.
Government issues covered bonds
The Federal Government has released the first round of issued bonds in an attempt provide cheaper, more stable and longer term funding for the country’s financial system. Treasurer Wayne Swan also said the reform was aimed at increasing credit availability.
Government announces Office of Learning and Teaching
The Federal Government has announced the formation of the new Office of Learning and Teaching, which will be tasked with promoting excellence in learning and teaching in universities with funding of $50 million over four years for a Grants and Awards Program.
Start date announced for Clean Energy Regulator
The Federal Government has announced that the new administrative body for the new carbon pricing mechanism, the Clean Energy Regulator, will begin operations from 2 April 2012.
Federal Government outlines 'historic' payrise for carers
The Federal Government has outlined a $2 billion package that will aim to deliver an ‘historic pay rise’ to 150,000 of Australia’s lowest paid workers in social and community services sector, the majority of which are women.
Plain cigarette packaging poised to pass
The Federal Government is poised to pass its plain packaging laws for cigarettes through Senate.
Consultation paper on Commonwealth-supported postgraduate student places released
The Federal Government has released a consultation paper on the future arrangements for the allocation of funding to non-research Commonwealth support postgraduate places.
Unemployment steady at 5.2 per cent
The latest employment figures show that around 10,000 positions were generated in October, down from 20,000 in September, but failing to make an impact on the official unemployment rate.
Federal Government announces new Indigenous health plan
The Federal Government has announced the formation of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait island Health Plan, aimed at closing the gap in life expectancy and infant mortality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Australians and the broader population.
Carbon tax package passes Senate
The Federal Government has successfully passed its carbon tax package through the Federal Upper House, with the legislation due to take effect in July, 2012.
Round Two of Regional Development Australia Fund opens
The Federal Government has announced the opening of the $200 million Round Two of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).
Government announces boost to super
The Federal Government has introduced legislation before parliament that, if passed, will see the superannution rate boosted by 3 per cent.
MRRT goes before parliament
The Federal Government has introduced the controversial minerals resource rent tax (MRRT) llegislation before parliament, with Acting Prime Minister Wayne Swan describing the legislative package as ‘an historic reform’.
Federal Government pushes for resources transparency
The Federal Government has announced it will be increasing its support, both domestically and internationally, for greater degrees of transparency in the mining and resources sector.
Federal Opposition backs down from threats against ARENA
The Federal Opposition has confirmed it will not oppose the formation of the Federal Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).