Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - July, 2014
Thousands of jobs and billions of investment dollars are at risk from the ever-increasing gas price, economists say.
Checks bounce as ATO abilities "gutted"
Outgoing staff say corporate tax cheating could become rampant, as the Australian Tax Office has its workforce “gutted”.
FoFA fears unfounded, planners say
Consumer groups say this week’s changes to federal laws put consumers at risk, despite being aimed at preventing financial planning fraud.
Kids disappear while study shows benefit of staying
Studies have shown why it is important that young people feel a connection to a school community, but at the same time Australian Government policies are keeping some out.
Old Labor cuts spared by new opposition
A move made by the Senate on the Federal Budget means $435 million will not be cut from universities.
More boundary talk on the state of states
The Reform of the Federation White Paper has re-enlivened an old debate in regional communities – asking whether Australia needs more states.
Public news cut while privates cut new path
Dozens of ABC journalists will be sacked, and their union says it is just the start of big cuts to the national broadcaster.
Push for rules to slow rampant asset sales
The Senate is looking for some extra conditions before passing the Federal Government’s asset recycling bill.
Science keeps slipping with signs of more cuts
There are fears of a brain drain in Tasmania, with warnings that half the state’s CSIRO staff face the sack.
Spy bill detailed, decried as too invasive
The Federal Government has tabled its plans to enhance Australian intelligence agencies with more digital powers.
Staff reject Centrelink's momentary stress
One regional Centrelink office wants to use a stopwatch to monitor customer calls, but employees are not happy.
Bad choice of boots and cyber-fears for Army's future
Questions are being asked over the Defence Department’s decision to reject an Australian bid to supply $15 million worth of safety boots, after the contract was given to a company to make the boots in Indonesia.
Drone laws called for in push for privacy
Some MPs say remotely piloted aircraft put public safety and privacy at risk, and there should be new laws to protect them.
Extra fee could add hours in ED
A team of researchers across Australian universities say the proposed $7 GP co-payment would have a profound effect on hospital emergency departments.
Some spared by weekend repeal change
The next version of the carbon tax repeal bill will include big fines for energy companies that do not pass savings on to customers.
Parts of NT truancy plan could be counter-productive
The Federal Government has pressed on with its truancy program in the Northern Territory, but criticism continues too for the scheme that suspends welfare payments for parents of non-attending children.
Young leaders lean to enhanced employment
The planning group for the upcoming Y20 youth summit has unveiled its priorities for this weekend’s gathering in Sydney.
ATO's great divide highlighted at crucial time
A tale is emerging of Australian Tax Office senior staff taking a break in luxury, while thousands of foot-soldiers fight to save their jobs.
New pitch for big public shift up north
Councils in the northern part of the country are pushing for a range of Federal Government services to move to regional centres.
All but one on board for homeless help
Almost all of Australia’s governments have thrown their support behind a $115 million national partnership agreement to combat homelessness.
Muir takes the wheel on ARENA funding
An unlikely saviour has emerged for an important government body aimed at bringing more renewable energy to Australia.