Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - March, 2013
The Federal Government has announced a $320 million agreement with the states and territories which will ensure the continued provision of vital homelessness services.
Government announces $200 million venture funding initiative
Early stage, high growth Australian companies are set to receive a $200 million shot in the arm after the Federal Government announced three new venture capital funds will share in Government funding.
Inflation inches up in March
Inflation has increased by 0.2 per cent in March, marking only a 2.1 per cent increase to the Inflation Gauge, according to the TD Securities – Melbourne Institute Monthly Inflation Gauge.
Australia falling behind in clean energy stakes
While Australia has staged a ‘fragile reversal’ in its previously declining low-carbon competiveness, Asia, driven by China, has emerged as the key performing in developing preparedness for the future low-carbon economy according to the new GE Energy/Climate Institute’s Global Climate Leadership Review 2013 report.
Government announces department merger
The Federal Government has announced that it will merge the majority of the functions of the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE) with the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISTRE).
Growth haphazard and unplanned finds Telstra
A meagre 5 per cent of the country’s organisations have reported what they call smart, sustainable growth needed to see them succeed beyond the Mining Boom a Telstra survey has found.
It's a taxing time for the public finds report
The general public’s views and opinions towards tax and public spending are hardening, with people increasingly seeing themselves as paying too much tax in a system that is becoming progressively less fair, according to a survey conducted by progressive think tank Per Capita.
Labour growth offsets income inequality finds Commission
Australians are working more hours for higher hourly wages, driving a two decade long substantial growth in personal and household income, according to a new report released by the Productivity Commission.
Mental health spending hits $6.9 billion
Annual spending on mental health services in Australia has risen to $6.9 billion, according to new figures released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Work smarter on plan urges NWC
A renewed focus and cooperation between State and Federal Governments is sorely needed if real reform of the management of the Murray-Darling Basin is to be achieved, a new report by the National Water Commission (NWC) has found.
Bowen pipeline gets the nod
Queensland’s Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) has announced it has given environmental approval to the proposed billion dollar Bowen coal seam gas pipeline.
Government introduces asbestos agency legislation
The Federal Government has introduced legislation before Parliament that seeks to establish the new Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.
Research reveals starting bullying rates
Over one in three Australian worker believe they have been bullied in the workplace, according to new research released by law firm Slater & Gordon.
Giants front pricing inquiry
Consumer group Choice has weighed into the country’s on-going debate over IT pricing, after three IT giants fronted the Parliamentary Inquiry into IT pricing late last week.
NDIS passes Parliament
The Federal Government has successfully passed the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Bill through Parliament, paving the way for the creation of a new national agency aimed at supporting people with a disability, their families and carers.
Prices set to ease finds Commission
The days of the seemingly endless growth of power bills are set to end, according to a new report released by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC).
Report details disability poverty
Over 620,000 Australians with a disability are living below the internationally accepted poverty line, according to a new report released by the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS).
Resources market tipped to fluctuate
Australia’s resources and energy export earnings are expected to drop to $186 billion in 2012-13, before growing in the medium term according to a new report released by the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE).
NBN Co revises rollout schedule
The National Broadband Network Co (NBN Co) has revised its rollout schedule of the mega-project, acknowledging a three-month delay to the decade long rollout.
STEM skill shortages holding back business
A shortage in crucial Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills in the current and emerging workforce is holding back Australian employers in their ongoing question to be more innovative, productive and competitive, according to a new report released by the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group).
ABS releases upbeat school data
The number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students staying on to Year 12 has exceeded 50 per cent for the first time, in 2012, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).