Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - July, 2013
The Federal Government is considering a rebate plan for public sector workers who buy locally-made cars, in what has been called an attempt to repair the political damage from proposed changes to the fringe benefits tax.
Funds bring industry to creativity
The Federal Government has launched a new program to help the thousands of Australians employed in artistic or creative services.
Korea's corruption crackdown
South Korea has introduced a tough anti-corruption bill for government officials after dozens of reports of illegal bribes and favours.
Labor darts for tobacco tax hike
The Federal Government is hoping to raise over $5 billion in the next four years from an increase in the tax on tobacco.
Stats on Government pay gaps
Analysis of 103 different government-sector wage deals has revealed the massive disparity in pay between employees in the same classification band but different departments.
UN plans swathed in election doubt
There is plenty of uncertainty flying around federal politics at the moment, including a lack of assurance over what Australia’s role will be at a United Nations Security Council meeting in September.
Human Services high-ups caught snooping
Media reports are accusing bureaucrats in the Department of Human Services of spying on private files in breach of the Public Service Code of Conduct.
New Horizons from Federal funds
Monash University has opened a new research centre dedicated to transforming manufacturing in areas such as biomedicine, transport, aerospace engineering and mineral processing.
Tasmanian Tarkine iron mine revived
The highly-controversial Shree Minerals’ Tarkine mine project has gained approval by the Federal Environment Minister, despite outcry from the population over dangers to the Tasmanian devil.
Doubt blamed for bullying in public sector
The Community and Public Sector Union is claiming budget cuts and uncertainty following sackings have lead to widespread bullying in the sector.
Calls for psych ward monitors
The Australian Human Rights Commission is calling on the Federal Government to introduce independent monitoring of involuntary patients on psychiatric wards, to ensure the best practice is undertaken for all involved.
Plain packs make smokers butt out
A new study has linked plain packaging on cigarettes to lower smoking appeal, greater support for the policy and a higher urgency to quit among adult smokers.
What's in a name? $200,000
Reports are suggesting the Federal Government should have thought slightly longer about its newly-unveiled disability insurance scheme, confidential documents have allegedly revealed the agency rolling out the reforms were not at all happy with the name ‘DisabilityCare’.
Darwin leads nation's inflation
Official figures out this week have shown Australia's annual rate of inflation has slowed to 2.4 per cent, and Darwin’s inflation rate growth remains the highest among the nation's capital cities.
Forest fight at loggerheads
The new Federal Environment Minister has flown into (or at least over) hot water in Tasmania, joining the battle on multiple fronts between Government, conservationists and miners.
Nation-wide shale policy plugged
A report on the cost and impact of shale coal mining says Australia needs to adopt nation-wide legislation before the practice escalates.
PM's spruiking spree on home stretch
Australia’s Catholic school have signed on to the Federal Government’s school funding reforms, but Victoria and WA are still holding out.
Aid assured 'til the cows come home
The Federal Agriculture Minister has said he regrets the hasty ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia in 2011.
Funds to fight violence in the home
The Federal Government has announced a multi-million dollar funding boost for training to protect victims of domestic violence.
Greens' plan for parents pinched from all parties
The Australian Greens have announced their take on proposed changes to parental leave policies.
Military muscle flexed in QLD
Australian and US forces found little resistance as they laid siege to a town in Queensland this week.