Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - November, 2015
A new review says closing the gap for Indigenous eye health is very much a possibility.
More court for alleged VET rorters
The ACCC is again taking legal action against a VET provider, saying it shows clear holes in the VET FEE-HELP system.
Secret network still up for sale
The Federal Government is moving ahead with the sale of the secure communications network that lets departments communicate confidentially.
DFAT plans to diversify
While Malcolm Turnbull was praised for elevating more women to the frontbench when he took the prime ministership, gender inequality is still rife in the high levels of the public service.
Study shows low effect of ERF
In the lead up to UN climate talks in Paris, a new report warns that Australia will barely come close to achieving any “real” emissions reductions under its current Direct Action climate policy.
Antarctic touchdown for C-17
Australia has successfully landed a C-17A Globemaster on Antarctica – making it the largest cargo vessel ever to touch down on the frozen continent.
Children's bill aims to end harmful stays
The Senate has passed a bill that would remove all children from onshore immigration detention.
Cuts and constant change hurt PS helpfulness
Two former Treasury bosses say cuts and constant changes have left the abilities of the public service dangerously degraded.
Ship shift expected to fall
The Senate is expected to vote down a proposition to deregulate the coastal shipping industry.
New flaw found in federal systems
A serious security flaw in Federal Government financial systems has left Australians' private tax records unsecured.
Fifield's frail response to Quigley inquisition
Communications Minister Mitch Fifield has dismissed the detailed analysis of the $15 billion NBN cost blowout by former CEO Mike Quigley, but has not provided any evidence to show why Quigley was incorrect.
Finance departments want to do more with less
Government finance departments say extensive and superfluous reporting frameworks have pushed them to look for new ways to reduce their “disclosure burden”.
Big spend to boost life-saving studies
Over $600 million has been dropped on Australia’s world-leading researchers in the latest round of National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grants.
Crowds flock to call for local sub build
Hundreds of people took part in a union march in Adelaide late last week to demand that the Federal Government build submarines in South Australia.
Detained kids take to Facebook for freedom
Refugee and asylum seeker children have skirted the rules of their detention and set up a Facebook page to speak out about their treatment.
Ship shift draws union rage
A major maritime union wants to Federal Government to stop aluminium producer Alcoa from using a foreign-crewed ship to move cargo from refineries in Western Australia to its smelter in Victoria.
Waste dump wakes up radioactive debate
The Federal Government has released its shortlist of six sites that could one day store "low-to-intermediate" nuclear waste.
Unemployment makes healthy drop
Unemployment in Australia has taken a somewhat surprising dive in new figures released this week.
Green experts open fire on low, unhelpful goals
The Climate Institute has slammed the adequacy of Australia’s carbon emission reduction measures, saying they would not meet the smallest target set at the upcoming Paris climate talks.
Human rights bid marred by strong response
Australia’s attempt to join the United Nations Human Rights Council has prompted over 100 responses from member nations, some of which unleashed on its rough treatment of refugees.