Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government

Federal Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has announced that the Government’s planned carbon tax will be introduced before parliament in September and could be legislated before the end of the year.

The move to bring the tax before parliament next month is in line with the Federal Government’s plans to have the law take effect on July 1, 2012.

"I'll be bringing the legislation into the House of Reps in September," Mr Combet told Sky News.

Remote employment discussion paper released

The Federal Government has released a discussion paper into the future of remote participation and employment services. The policy forms part of the Commonwealth’s budget announcement of a review of remote participation and employment services with a view to introducing improvements from July 2013.

Live export ban bill debate intensifies

The debate over the future of livestock export in Australia has intensified after research shows that the number of deaths in transit of cattle have continued to increase.

Pressure mounts over coal seam gas approvals

Pressure is mounting on state and Federal governments to place stricter controls on the development of coal seam gas fields over agricultural land and townships.

Climate action to grow regional jobs: Report

A report co-published by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has found that strong action on climate change would lead to job growth on the New South Wales mid-north coast.

SA defence industries training announced

A new $4.5 million defence industries training program has been launched that will see 2,300 new training places that will aim to boost skills and qualifications.

National Disability Insurance Scheme to be introduced

The Federal Government has announced that it will start work immediately with states and territories on measures that will build the foundations for a National Disability Insurance Scheme, following the release of the Productivity Commission's final report into the matter.

Report on High Speed Rail network released

The Federal Government has released a report by a consortium led by AECOM into the implementation of a High Speed Rail network along Australia’s east coast.

$558 million to address skills shortages

The Federal Government has launched its $558 million National Workforce Development Fund with the aim of providing 130,000 Australians with the opportunity to learn new skills for sectors that are currently experiencing skills shortages.

Government to cut Defence committees

The Federal Government has announced plans to restructure the Defence Department to improve transparency and accountability.

AHC’s assessment of West Kimberly released

The Federal Minister for Sustainability, Tony Burke, has released the final national heritage assessment of the West Kimberly region by the Australian Heritage Council (AHC).

Carbon price could cut more carbon than expected

Australia could achieve significantly greater than expected emissions reductions by 2020 if the Federal Government passes it successfully implements its carbon package, according to research conducted by environmental think-tank ClimateWorks Australia.

Comcare to target bullying, drug and alcohol in WHS plan

The federal work health and safety regulator, Comcare, has outlined its Work Health and Safety Plan for the current financial year, with the agency saying it will target bullying, drug and alcohol harm at work.

Panel appointed on constitutional recognition of local government

The Federal Government has appointed the members of the independent expert panel that will progress the recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution.

Applications open for Emerging Renewables program

The Federal Government has opened the Emerging Rewnables program for promising renewable energy technology projects.

Public sector skills shortage grows

Global recruitment agency Hays has published a research white paper into the skills shortage in Australia, finding that the public sector is suffering the largest shortage in the country.

RBA slashes GDP forecasts

The Reserve Bank of Australia has slashed its Gross Domestic Product forecast for the 2011-12 financial year by one percentage point.

Australian e-economy tops $130 billion

A report commissioned by Google and published by Deloitte Access Economics shows that the direct contribution of the Internet to the Australian economy is valued at $50 billion, while wider benefits through productivity gains is at $27 billion and the value of benefits to households is at $53 billion.

Government seeks input on clean energy legislation

The Government is seeking comment from the public, stakeholders and legal experts on the details of its Clean Energy Legislative Package.

Productivity Commission publishes population roundtable proceedings

In March 2011, the Productivity Commission hosted a roundtable on the theme A ‘Sustainable’ Population? — Key Policy Issues. The proceedings have been released to enable public access to the papers and discussion, and the insights that emerged.

Federal Government releases high-speed rail study

The Federal Government has released its feasibility study into the development of a high-speed rail network to connect eastern seaboard cities, finding that such a network could transport passengers from Sydney to Brisbane in under 3 hours for an estimated $75.