Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - February, 2013
The Future Fund Board of Guardians have announced its decision to de-invest from primary producers of tobacco producers from its investment portfolio.
Queensland calls for Gonski scrapping
The Queensland Government has upped the ante over the debate over school funding, calling for the Federal Government to scrap the Gonski reform package and “butt out” of education.
Government releases international education blueprint
The Federal Government has released a new report that it says assist the international education sector in developing better ways to access global opportunities.
Government kickstarts Innovation precinct consultation
The Federal Government has announced the start of a new round of consultation on the Industry Innovation Precincts project, one of the key initiatives announced as part of the $1 billion Plan for Australian Jobs.
Burke scuppers super trawler plans
Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has signed the interim declaration to prevent the super trawler until the Government determines the environmental impacts of the proposed operations.
Consumers winning from price wars finds ACCC
Consumers are continuing to benefit from falling telecommunication prices, according to a new report tabled before Parliament by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Income Support Bonus Bill passes Parliament
The Federal Government has welcomed the passage of the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment Bill through Parliament, which will provide over $1.1 billion in extra income support payments for one million of the country’s lowest income earners.
Local talent preferred over migrants finds survey
Australian companies continue to prefer to source talent from local pools rather than 457 visa holders, according to the latest survey conducted by industry association Consult Australia.
Government announces 'reading blitz'
The Federal Government has announced a new national ‘reading blitz’ for students between Foundation and Year 3 to be launched next year in a bid to tackle falling literacy rates.
Government announces 457 changes
Employers will have to prove there is a legitimate skill shortage before being able to take on a foreign employee under the much-maligned 457 Visa scheme.
If we go so does Gonski warns PM
The Prime Minister has warned that any hope of implementing the reforms Gonski Review of school funding would vanish if the Government was to lose the September election.
Spending on the increase finds CBA
Despite a generally gloomy global economic outlook, Australians have kept spending with a vengeance, according to the latest figures released by the Commonwealth Bank.
$378 million boost for venture capital
The Federal Government has announced it will invest $378.6 million in Venture Australia in a bid to grow new Australian knowledge based companies, high-skilled jobs and promote competitive products and services.
Emitters pass on price finds report
Some of the country’s biggest carbon emitters are accused of passing on the full cost of the carbon price while pocketing billions of dollars worth of Government compensation, according to a new report released by industry consultants Carbon and energy Markets.
Government releases final terms for Gladstone review
The Federal Government has released the final terms of reference for the Independent Review of the Port of Gladstone.
Groundbreaking Hep C treatments listed on PBS
The Federal Government has announced two new groundbreaking treatments for chronic hepatitis C will now be subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
ABS releases first waste account
In a new, experimental environmental economic account, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has valued Australia's waste management services as a $9.5 billion industry.
Energy future a mixed bag finds UQ
Coal will continue to serve as an important contributor to the Australia’s future energy production, according to a new report released by the University of Queensland.
Feds detail final SACS pay contribution
The Federal Government has sent final letters to State and Territory Governments detailing the final offers of the Commonwealth’s contribution towards the pay increases for Social and Community Services (SACS) awarded in last year’s Fair Work Australia’s equal pay case.
Government announces Industry Innovation Precincts
The Federal Government has announced it will contribute $504 million to establish 10 new Industry Innovation Precincts in an attempt to drive productivity, improve connections between business and the research sector and modernise the country’s industry to compete more successfully in global markets.
Government announces new Customs chief
The Federal Government has announced the appointment of Michael Pezzullo as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS), and is set to wield a suite of new powers to tackle misconduct and corruption.