Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - August, 2013
The Greens Party has announced plans to launch a $350 million buy-back scheme to reduce gun crime across the country.
Health money keeping interns isolated
The Health Minister has pledged $8 million to fund 60 new internship places in regional private hospitals next year.
Music funds to jazz up industry
The Australia Council has announced over $1.4 million in grants to support Australian music.
Over a billion off the table as Gonski goes ahead
The money set aside for Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory will be returned to the federal vaults after the three refused to sign up for a deal on school funding reforms.
Pressure peaking on public sector pay
Public sector workers want a wage increase in line with government inflation figures in the Northern Territory, with the possibility of strike action if their demands go unmet.
Screen funds for domestic documentaries
Screen Australia has announced over $3.2 million in funding to be invested in the production of ten documentaries on uniquely Australian topics.
Minerals chairman against rhetoric from either side
The new head of the Minerals Council says the business sector is wary of promises from both major political parties in the lead-up to the federal election.
Port decision delayed, pending more input
The Federal Government has again delayed its decision on approval for the planned multi-billion-dollar expansion of a major Australian coal port.
Study links smoke tax to reduced drinking
International researchers have found a strong link between cigarette taxation, reduction of smoking rates in the population and a decrease in alcohol consumption among some vulnerable groups.
Gov. pledges $450m for more after-school hours
The Federal Government has this week pledged $450 million to provide extra hours of after-school care for students.
Beattie back on the beat
A former Queensland Premier has been thrust back into the political arena and will now run for federal parliament.
Election silence on housing, homelessness
Charity organisations are concerned at the lack of conversation about affordable housing and homelessness in the lead-up so far to the federal election in September.
High Court compensating for something
A bit of de-stressing has become a lengthy legal process, with the High Court now hearing the case of a public servant seeking compensation after being injured during sex on a work trip in 2007.
MRRT here to stay as Forrest's claim is felled
The Mining Resources Rent Tax will stay after the High Court ruled against a challenge which claimed the tax was unconstitutional.
Native title fishing rights awarded
A landmark case has been decided which will see indigenous Torres Strait Islanders gain native title to operate commercial fishing activities in the ocean expanse between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
New visa class to allow PNG plan progress
Papua New Guinea is set to create a new class of visa to allow refugees to live in the country.
Review finds Customs flaws
The Public Service Commission has probed Australia’s border processing services and uncovered issues in leadership, the workforce, business plan and computer systems.
Same-sex marriage poised for election push
Campaigners are committed to making same-sex marriage a key issue in the upcoming federal election, launching a social media and direct mail push to pass sexual equality laws.
Threat averted, citizens safe
Australian citizens in the country of Yemen were hastily warned to evacuate after intelligence reports of an impending Al Qaeda attack. Yemeni authorities now say the danger has been averted.
Federal court hears gene patent appeal
An appeal has begun in the Federal Court against a ruling that allows human genes to be patented by private companies.
Battle for 700MHz band far from over
The Police Federation of Australia has vowed to be rigorous in its push to reserve the 700MHz frequency on 4G networks for emergency services only.