Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - September, 2011
The Federal Government has invited members of the public and businesses to contribute to the development of the country’s first Cyber White Paper after the release of a discussion paper.
The discussion paper forms part of the development of the Cyber White Paper and invites submissions on a range of issues regarding the importance of cyberspace to Australia’s social well-being, economic prosperity and broader national interests.
The White Paper will look at how Governments, businesses and individuals can realise the full benefits of cyberspace while at the same time ensuring current and emerging risks can be managed.
Resources Advisory Council formed
The Federal Government has announced the formation the Resources Advisory Council, comprised of business and union leaders from the resources sector and senior government officials. The council will be tasked with increasing productivity and competitiveness, creating jobs and improving skills of workers in the sector.
OH&S reform impact statement released
Occupational health and safety reforms will deliver up to $2 billion in productivity gains according to a statement issued by the Federal Minister for Workplace Relations, Senator Chris Evans said.
Australian business research paper released
The Productivity Commission and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have released a joint research paper into the state of competition, innovation and productivity in Australian businesses.
Federal Government to push for media inquiry
The Federal Government is set to conduct a wide-ranging inquiry into media practices and ownership throughout Australia after criticism of News Limited continues to escalate.
Carbon tax legislation goes before Parliament
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has introduced the Federal Government’s carbon tax legislation to Parliament, saying that the legislation will lead to reducing the country’s carbon production while stimulating the economy and creating jobs.
Banking insurance drops
The Federal Government has announced plans to permanently lower the level of insurance it will offer from $1 million to $250,000.
NAPLAN results published
Over 90 per cent of million students that participated in the national literacy and numeracy tests this year achieved the national standard according to preliminary results published by the Federal Government.
Illawarra taskforce starts
The Federal Government’s new Illawarra Stakeholder Taskforce has held its first meeting. The taskforce, which was formed to help coordinate the Government’s services for the workers impacted by Bluescope’s restructure, will investigate the future of the region.
Ombudsman slams government service failure
Poor governmental communication is at fault for the breakdown of good policy, according to Commonwealth Ombudsman Allan Asher.
ACMA inquiry gives telcos time to address customer care problems
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has published its Reconnecting the Customer enquiry into the telecommunications industry.
Round one of Regional Development Australia Fund announced
The Federal Government has announced the first $150 million round of the $1 billion Regional Development Australia Fund.
Australian economy grows 1.2%
Latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures show that GDP, in seasonally adjusted volume terms, grew 1.2% in the June quarter 2011, after a revised fall of 0.9% in the March quarter. Growth for the 2010-11 financial year is 1.8%.
The growth for the quarter was driven by a 0.8% contribution to growth from changes in inventories and a 0.7% contribution from final consumption expenditure. These increases were partially offset by a -0.5% contribution from net exports.
On the back of this GDP growth and a 5.4% increase in the Terms of Trade, Real gross domestic income grew 2.6% for the quarter.
Reports outline the nation's electricity supply outlook
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has released its two-year outlook for the adequacy of power systems across Australia, together with a report of Electrical Statement of Opportunities (ESOO), which looks at power production for the longer term over three to ten years.
ACCC releases discussion paper on Telstra
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released a discussion paper inviting comment from industry stakeholders and consumers in relation to Telstra’s structural separation undertaking and draft migration plan.
NSW to follow WA on royalties increase
The New South Wales Government has announced it will follow Western Australia's example and move to increase mining royalties.
Austrade's executive group announced
The Chief Executive of Austrade, Peter Grey, has announced Austrade’s new Senior Executive Group which will form the key body behind Austrade’s trade, investment and international education efforts.
Drought Pilot review published
The joint Western Australian and Federal Government Drought Pilot panel has published its drought policy platform into adapting and dealing with future droughts in the country.