Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - November, 2012
The Federal Government has announced a new coordinated, whole-of-government approach to research funding, which it says will ensure that Australians will continue to reap the rewards of unprecedented investment in science and research.
Government introduces NDIS legislation
The Federal Government has introduced the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Bill into Parliament, which will seek to establish the nation’s first disability insurance scheme.
Dyson named Chair of tax board
The Federal Government has announced the appointment of Teresa Dyson as the Chair of the Board of Taxation.
Global recovery on a jittery course finds OECD
The global economy is expected to make a ‘hesitant and uneven’ recovery over the coming two years, with decisive action needed by both the US and European economies if recession is to be avoided, according to OECD’s latest Economic Outlook.
Government passes European ETS link legislation
The Federal Government has passed legislation that will enable Australia and Europe to begin linking their emissions trading systems (ETS), meaning that Australian emitters will be able to have broad access to the global carbon market from 2015.
Government passes transfer of business Bill
The Federal Government has passed the Fair Work Amendment (Transfer of Business) Bill 2012, which extends the benefits of transfer of business provisions to certain public sector employees.
Government promises quality education for all
The Federal Government’s National Plan for School Improvement is set to become a reality after the introduction of the Australian Education Bill 2012, enshrining the Federal Government’s ambitious target of being n the top five school nations in the world for reading, science and maths by 2025.
NAPLAN creating a 'teach-to-test' culture finds report
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is creating an unintended side-effect of narrowing teaching strategies and approaches to the curriculum, according to a new study released by the University of Melbourne.
Resources investment continues to boom
Australia is sinking record quantities of cash into resources and energy projects, with the latest data showing that a record $268.4 billion has been spent on the sector this year alone, according to the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE).
$100 million for Basin communities
The Federal Government has announced that Murray-Darling Basin communities will share in $100 million in funding for economic diversification projects to assist them in transitioning to a ‘more sustainable water future’.
BREE tracks lower-carbon technology growth
Four wind-powered, four gas-fired and one hydro electricity generation projects have come online in the year to October, adding a total of 1,546 megawatts to the country’s electricity grid at a cost of $2.5 billion, according to a new report prepared by the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE).
Committee hands down workplace bullying report
The House of Representatives Standing committee on Education and Employment has handed down its long awaited report on workplace bullying.
Government announces new river funding
The Federal Government will provide $155 million for major projects aimed at restoring the health of the wetlands in the South Australian Murray region.
Government passes worker protection legislation
The Federal Government has passed legislation through Parliament which it says will deliver the strongest protections for worker’ entitlements in the country’s history.
Government recommends Peter Harris as new PC chair
The Federal Government has officially recommended that the Governor-General appoint Peter Harris as the new Chair of the Productivity Commission.
Housing affordability on the increase finds report
Housing affordability has continued to trend upwards in the September quarter, according to the latest HIA-BA Housing Affordability Index.
More to be done to improve mental health finds report
Governments should act courageously to counter mental health problems and ensure a continued focus on mental health support, according to the inaugural annual mental health report released by the National Mental Health Commission (NMHC).
Australians keen adopters of renewables, but more needs to be done
A new report released by the Climate Commission shows that Australians are keen users of alternative and sustainable energy methods, but we must do more to make the most of our abundant potential.
Defence signs Oracle agreement
The Department of Defence has announced a four-year agreement with international hardware and software specialist Oracle to rationalize and upgrade its ICT infrastructure.
First CEFC Chief appointed
Chair of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation Board (CEFC), Jillian Broadbent, has announced that Oliver Yates has been appointed as corporation’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer.
Future Fund acquires AIX portfolio
The Future Fund has confirmed it has entered into a binding Implementation Agreement with the Australian Infrastructure Fund (AIX) that will see the nation’s sovereign wealth fund acquire all of the AIX’s portfolio assets.