Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - March, 2015
Moves are underway to give the public a greater say in regard to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Industry rising against data laws
Some of Australia’s biggest publishers will take up arms against the Federal Government’s Data Retention Bill, and experts say their cause is just.
Investments questioned as local money hits US road
A big Australian super fund is investing in US projects due to a lack of opportunities at home.
New job rates detailed
Unemployment has slipped down to 6.3 per cent, with 15,600 jobs added in the latest period.
Abbott and Andrews write with gritted teeth
The Prime Minister and the Victorian Premier could be heading for a showdown, following a heated exchange of letters this week.
Deep cuts may have time to heal
With nearly 6,000 jobs lost, the minister in charge of Australian Public Service jobs cuts has hinted the blood-letting may be over.
Defence hit for hefty health IT bill
The new health database at the Department of Defence is $110 million over budget, plagued by shortcomings, and could shatter the department’s reputation.
Leaders say Abbott should re-style his choices
The Prime Minister is having a tough time finding friends to agree that Aboriginality is a lifestyle choice.
Papers prevent more foster support
Foster care support workers spend more time “driving desks than visiting children”, the Royal Commission has heard.
Public sector execs slammed
Public Service Commissioner John Lloyd has opened fire on public sector executives.
Forrest offers big fix for farmers
Iron ore billionaire Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest wants to drought-proof Australia.
Reef's ruin tipped without shift
Environmental groups say it will take $500 million and a big shift in attitude to protect the Great Barrier Reef for the future.
Building risked by super switch
A major superannuation group says letting Australians make more choices for their retirement savings could stop investments in large infrastructure projects.
Green goal getting closer, Hunt says
The back-and-forth continues between the Environment Minister and the clean energy sector over the future of the Renewable Energy Target (RET).
Latest uni plan scanned for better fix
The Federal Government is testing a new proposal for university fee deregulation, but the plan has not washed well with crossbench senators.
Minister for Women sees progress at men's club
The LNP will hold its International Women’s Day event at a men’s club, while other groups show how to do it right.
Government apps draw broad condemnation
Reports say mobile apps produced by the Department of Human Services are so bad that they have led some to miss receiving their benefits.
Indigenous efforts get $860 million to help
The Federal Government has put up more than $860 million for the next round of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy’s (IAS) funding grants.
Servants seek Post-It protection
The humble Post-It note has emerged as an unlikely veil for bureaucrats to avoid scrutiny.
Big business deal could hurt weakest
New analysis of a secret international trade deal has shown that the Federal Government could be about to put public health and personal wellbeing at risk.