Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government

Economy-wide spending has posted its six consecutive month of growth, rising by a total of 0.4 per cent this February according to the Common Wealth Bank’s Business Sales Indicator (BSI).

ABS tracks the discouraged horde

There are over 100,000 discouraged job seekers, according to a recently released report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Government announces $300 million childcare package

Qualified early childhood educators will soon be enjoying a pay hike under a new funding package announced by the Federal Government.

Report paints mixed picture of child health

Australia is continuing its streak of mediocrity in terms of the health of our children, according to a new research report released by the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY).

End the $1.3 billion drug rort urges report

The Federal Government stands to save as much as $1.3 billion a year if it reformed its approach to purchases of prescription drugs under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, according to the Grattan Institute’s Health Program Director Stephen Duckett.

New anti-dumping authority established

The Australian Anti-Dumping Commission is set to be established after the Federal Government passed key legislation through Parliament.

Policies strangling energy innovation says consortium

A consortium of some of the nation’s most influential groups has publicly expressed its concern over the nation’s energy policies, saying that a clear, evidence based policy platform must be developed in order to cater for the nation’s energy demand.

Victoria announces water purchase program

The Federal and Victorian Governments have announced a new voluntary strategic purchase program for eligible irrigators under the Goulburn-Murray Water Connections Project.

ABS releases upbeat job figures

Australia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained steady at 5.4 per cent in February, as announced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

ACCC releases ADSL access pricing scheme

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released a draft report on the final access determination (FAD) for the declared wholesale ADSL service that will seek to regulate the prices that Telstra can charge retailers for accessing key infrastructure.

Commission releases climate change adaptation report

The Productivity Commission has released a report into the barriers facing effective climate change adaptation, following a year-long investigation.

Government introduces amended NDIS Bill

The Federal Government has introduced an amended National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Bill before Parliament, which it says addresses feedback from consultations with people with disability, their families and carers, and the states and territories.

Government tables new gender quality reporting framework

The Federal Government has tabled legislation before Parliament detailing the gender equality reporting requirements of employers.

Queensland secures $80 million 'betterment' fund

The Queensland Government has announced the formation of an $80 million 'betterment' fund aimed at ending the 'madness of replacing vulnerable infrastructure' with replicas that are destroyed in flooding.

Business confidence slips

Business confidence and conditions have both edged down in February, with a high Aussie dollar and weak performance of non-mining demand weighing heavily on most sectors.

Chubb challenges research confidence

While Australia continues to be a solid contributor to global research efforts, more must be done to ensure that we keep up the good work, according to a research report released by the country’s top scientist.

Committee releases final recognition report

The Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition has handed down its final report on the issue of financial recognition of the nation’s local government sector in the Australian Constitution, concluding that the issue should be put to a referendum on 14 September, the same day as the federal election.

Consumer confidence continues rally

Consumer confidence has continued to build on previous gains, posting a 2.0 per cent increase in March from 108.3 in February to 110.5 per cent in March in the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment.

Government announces media inquiry response

The Federal Government has outlined its response to the Convergence Review and Finkelstein Inquiry, with Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, saying it will secure a strong, vibrant media sector that will produce more Australian content.

Government announces national cultural policy

The Federal Government has announced the release of a new cultural policy, which it claims will create jobs and encourage a new generation of artists and creative industry businesses.

Government finalises Marine Park Management Plans

The Federal Government has tabled the final plans for the world’s largest network of marine reserves, which will aim to protect 2.7 kilometres of the nation’s ocean environment.