Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - April, 2017
The 457 category has been abolished and replaced with two new and more stringent visas.
Big blip in job stats
Australia’s unemployment rate has remained steady at 5.9 per cent, with the creation of 74,500 full time jobs.
Data-retention laws launched
Australia’s metadata retention laws have come into effect, but officials claim they will not be as easily accessible as some suggest.
Raytheon gets major missile money
The Federal Government is spending $2 billion on a Short Range Ground Based Air Defence for soldiers overseas.
Big firms bank on non-payment
The Small Business Ombudsman says too many big companies are leaving smaller firms in the lurch.
Card questions half answered
The Federal Government has failed to name the “community leaders” that it says are calling for the cashless welfare card.
Housing fixes picked apart
An independent economist has warned against rumoured superannuation changes.
India FTA re-awakened
The prime ministers of Australia and India have revived talks on a free trade deal.
Rio responds to tax accusation
Rio Tinto could seek a court challenge in its stoush with the Australian Tax Office (ATO).
Committee calls for death of coal
A Labor-led Senate committee has recommended retiring Australia’s coal-fired power stations and not funding new ones.
Economists aim at gas billions
A new report says the Federal Government could make nearly $3 billion a year by forcing offshore petroleum companies to pay a flat royalty on the gas they extract and export.
DFAT chief calls for more women
The lack of women in senior roles at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) has been criticised by its own chief.
EU FTA on the way
The Federal Government is actively chasing a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union.
Amnesty slams asylum profiteers
The companies running Australian offshore detention centres have been accused of profiting from torture.
Scullion responds to justice call
A UN official says Australia must do something about the “disturbing” number of incarcerated Aboriginal children.
Red tape tying down med-tech
The CSIRO says red tape is holding back Australia’s medical technology and pharmaceutical industry.
Half-ready work scheme launched
The Federal Government has launched an unpaid internship program with the backing of any legislation.
Tax changes labelled 'political'
The Federal Government has secured a win in its fight to cut the corporate tax rate.