Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government - September, 2012
The Australian Government has joined over 20 nations, intergovernmental organisations, the private sector and civil society in joining the Cleaner Air Coalition, a body committed to rapid action to reduce forms of short-lived but highly potent pollution.
NCVER releases VET financial data
The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has released key financial information of the country’s vocational education and training (VET) system.
New chair for ASC
The Federal Government has welcomed the appointment of Bruce Carter as Chair of ASC Pty Ltd, the country’s largest submarine and shipbuilding company.
Government announces funding for flood mapping
The Federal Government has announced the signing of a $5 million agreement between Geoscience Australia and Engineers Australia that will see a complete revision of the Australian Rainfall and Runoff guide, with an aim to achieve a better understanding of flood risks faced by communities.
Regulator issues first carbon credits
The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has issued the first carbon credits under the Federal Government’s carbon pricing mechanism, signalling the commencement of the Australian carbon market.
$130 billion spent on health last year
Australia spent in excess of $130 billion on health in 2010-11, according to a report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Future of renewable energy industry under threat
The WWF and Climate Risk have co-published a report that shows that investment in renewable energy resources could stall by 2020 unless the Federal Government’s Renewable Energy Target is increased to 2030.
Government moves to protect public servant entitlements
The Federal Government is urgently seeking to make an amendment to the Fair Work Act in a bid to protect the entitlements of thousands of redundant public servants.
Government to cut $550 million from public service spending
The Federal Government has announced it will find $550 million in savings from pursuing efficiencies in the operation of the public service.
Government introduces Water Amendment Bill
The Federal Government has introduced a bill aimed at assisting in delivering economic, social and environmental outcomes for the Murray Darling Basin.
Government releases full biosecurity legislation package
The Federal Government has released the final chapters of draft legislation that will shape the future biosecurity system for public comment until 24 October.
Scholarships for board ready women open
The Federal Government is inviting Australia’s ‘board ready’ women to apply for Commonwealth backed scholarships aimed at increasing the number of women in the nation’s boardrooms.
BREE publishes forecast
The Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE) has published its quarterly forecasting of the country’s resources and energy commodity export earnings for the 2012-13 year, which are now tipped to be in excess of $189 billion.
CEC argues for electricity market reform
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has argued that energy market reform is crucial to keeping power prices down.
Opposition launches broadband survey
The Federal Opposition has launched a nationwide broadband survey aimed at showing Australians just how fast their existing fixed line and mobile broadband services are.
Ministers meet over NSW education cuts
Federal Minister for School Education Peter Garrett has met with the NSW Minister for Education, Adrian Piccoli, in a bid to convince the State Government to reverse its $1.7 billion cuts to the education sector.
ALGA continues push for recognition
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has called on the Federal Government to establish a Parliamentary Committee to progress the process towards local government recognition in the Constitution.
Banks steps down from Productivity Commission
Gary Banks has announced he will retire from his position as Chair of the Productivity Commission in December.
Investment pipeline grows by $1 billion
The Federal Government has announced a $1 billion growth in investment projects over the last three months according to the National Infrastructure Construction Schedule (NICS).
Survey shows promising economic outlook
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has published its Survey of Industrial Trends for the September quarter, revealing a strengthening of the key General Business Situation index.
Commissions sink proposed monetary union
The Australian and New Zealand Productivity Commissions have issued a joint statement effectively scrapping any possibility of a monetary union.