Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - November, 2012
Consumer sentiment has recorded a 5.2 per cent bounce, with the Westpac Melbourne Institute of Consumer Index tracking it at 99.2 points in October to 104.3 points in November.
Energy markets in transition finds IEA
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released its 2012 World Energy Outlook, concluding that the global energy map is changing in a ‘dramatic fashion’ and that changes will recast expectations about the role of different countries, regions and fuels in the global energy system over the coming decades.
Youth results baffle COAG
New results released by the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) Reform Council show a ‘baffling gap’ in the engagement of young Australians in work and study.
ACCC starts NBN SAU consultation
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released the first consultation paper on the Special Access Undertaking (SAU) lodged by the National Broadband Network Co (NBN Co) in later September.
ARENA ready to invest
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) has released its inaugural funding strategy, marking the beginning of its investing in renewable energy technologies in Australia.
Homelessness on the rise finds ABS
The rate of homelessness in Australia was 49 persons for every 10,000 persons enumerated in the 2011 Census, up 8% from 45 persons in 2006, according to estimates of the prevalence of homelessness released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Investment unlocked for Illawarra
The Federal Government has announced the second round of the Illawarra Region Innovation and Investment Fund (IRIIF), generating over 500 jobs and $48.8 million in investment.
Jordan named Commissioner of Taxation
The Federal government has announced the appointment of Chris Jordan as Commissioner of Taxation for a seven-year period, starting in January next year.
Australia to sign up to Kyoto 2.0
The Federal Government has announced it is set to join the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol.
Victoria raises Federal ire over kindergarten funding claims
The Victorian Government has announced it will allocate a further $40 million in capital grants to be shared between 92 services throughout the state.
$1.1 billion for pre-schooling
The Federal Government has announced $1.1 billion in new funding for preschool and kindergarten in a bid to ensure all children can access 15 hours a week of early childhood education in the year before they start school.
Australians living longer finds ABS
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released the highest life expectancy estimates ever recorded in Australia.
Government abandons filter
The Federal Government has announced it has abandoned plans for the ever unpopular internet filter, with Minister for Communications, Broadband the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, announcing the Government will instead use pre-existing legislation to block child abuse websites identified by Interpol.
Business confidence hits four-year low
Business confidence has plummeted to the lowest point in four-years, according to a new report released by New Port Consulting.
Government releases Energy White Paper
The Federal Government has released it’s long awaited Energy White Paper, which is due to form the centrepiece of the country’s future energy policy.
RBA keeps a steady hand on rates
The Reserve Bank of Australia has bucked the trend of a Melbourne Cup interest rate cut by keeping the official cash rate unchanged at 3.25 per cent.
Unemployment remains at 5.4 per cent
Australia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased slightly but the rounded estimate remained at 5.4 per cent in October, as announced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
ABS starts Indigenous health survey
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has commenced the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health survey which will improve our knowledge of the health issues affecting this group of Australians.
Arrivals continue to increase
International arrivals to Australia have continued to surge after recent data have shown a 9,6 per cent increase growth in September on the back of a surge from the US and Asia.
Government announces transfer of business amendments
The Federal Government has passed amendments to the Fair Work Act that apply transfer of business rules to protect the entitlements of state public sector employees in Queensland, NSW, South Australia and Tasmania through Parliament.
Government announces uni research investment
Research efforts at Australian universities have been given a shot in the arm after the Federal Government announced a $360 million investment for a range of programs across the country.