Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - May, 2015
In some of the least surprising news this week, the new federal budget includes plans to hack away at the public sector.
States raise voices after big budget hit
State governments not involved in the big infrastructure spend for northern Australia are in revolt against what they see as an unfair deal.
Green coffers raided for Reef money
The new Federal Budget takes money from the Green Army to boost Great Barrier Reef spending.
RET talks approach approval
UPDATE 18/05: The Abbott government has ditched plans for two-yearly reviews, in a move that should see changes to the RET passed by parliament within weeks.
Feet stamped, fists raised at Federal inaction
This week’s Federal Government budget launch could be hampered by vocal protests from unionised government workers across many sectors.
New tech shifts climate talks
Technological advances have transformed climate change politics, according to UN climate chief Christiana Figueres.
NSA program slammed, prying eyes stay open
The US Government’s practice of collecting millions of Americans' phone records has been ruled illegal.
Privacy sold cheap in terrorised markets
An Australian study has shown people will give up much of their personal liberty in exchange for ‘security’.
RET deal coming, but reviews remain
Bipartisan support on the level of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) has finally been reached, swapping a mandated 8,000 gigawatt hours of renewable energy for certainty in the industry.
Abetz says there's little sense for strikes
As tens of thousands of federal public servants prepare for large-scale strike action, Eric Abetz says he does not think there is a strong willingness to go through with it.
Cross-tier talks on disaster funds launched
The Federal Government wants to talk with the States and Territories about faults in funding arrangements for disaster recovery.
Soil turned on new sites for F-35
Construction has commenced on $1.5 billion worth of storage for the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter.
Food matters get global attention
The Australian federal government says it is doing its bit to improve global food security.
Milne resigns, leaving Greens to pick replacement
Christine Milne has resigned as leader of the Australian Greens, with a ballot for her replacement to be held soon.
Shorten barges in as science pushed to margin
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says he will step in to bat for CSIRO staff, amid strikes and threats to research centres.
May Day marches mark growing wage threat
Workers around the country have marched on various issues, in the annual May Day union rallies over the weekend.
Piracy bill will block opponents
Digital rights advocates at the Electronic Frontiers Foundation say Australia's proposed copyright law changes are far too vague.
Top 5's big take could be raided
New figures reveal the five coal companies that receive most taxpayer-subsidised diesel via the notorious Fuel Tax Credits scheme.