Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government
The Productivity Commission has released a report into the barriers facing effective climate change adaptation, following a year-long investigation.
Government introduces amended NDIS Bill
The Federal Government has introduced an amended National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Bill before Parliament, which it says addresses feedback from consultations with people with disability, their families and carers, and the states and territories.
Government tables new gender quality reporting framework
The Federal Government has tabled legislation before Parliament detailing the gender equality reporting requirements of employers.
Queensland secures $80 million 'betterment' fund
The Queensland Government has announced the formation of an $80 million 'betterment' fund aimed at ending the 'madness of replacing vulnerable infrastructure' with replicas that are destroyed in flooding.
Business confidence slips
Business confidence and conditions have both edged down in February, with a high Aussie dollar and weak performance of non-mining demand weighing heavily on most sectors.
Chubb challenges research confidence
While Australia continues to be a solid contributor to global research efforts, more must be done to ensure that we keep up the good work, according to a research report released by the country’s top scientist.
Committee releases final recognition report
The Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition has handed down its final report on the issue of financial recognition of the nation’s local government sector in the Australian Constitution, concluding that the issue should be put to a referendum on 14 September, the same day as the federal election.
Consumer confidence continues rally
Consumer confidence has continued to build on previous gains, posting a 2.0 per cent increase in March from 108.3 in February to 110.5 per cent in March in the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment.
Government announces media inquiry response
The Federal Government has outlined its response to the Convergence Review and Finkelstein Inquiry, with Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, saying it will secure a strong, vibrant media sector that will produce more Australian content.
Government announces national cultural policy
The Federal Government has announced the release of a new cultural policy, which it claims will create jobs and encourage a new generation of artists and creative industry businesses.
Government finalises Marine Park Management Plans
The Federal Government has tabled the final plans for the world’s largest network of marine reserves, which will aim to protect 2.7 kilometres of the nation’s ocean environment.
Government pledges water protection
The Federal Government has announced it will implement greater environmental protection for water resources impacted by coal seam gas and large coal mining developments.
457 applications skyrocket
Applications for the skilled migrant 457 visa have jumped by 9.5 per cent in the last year, while approvals are up by 6.6 per cent.
Government announces Fair Work Act reform
The Federal Government has provided further details of reforms it expects to make to the Fair Work Act in a bid to provide stability and certainty to the nation’s employers.
Government announces higher standards for teacher training
The Federal Government has announced it will introduce new, more rigorous standards for teaching training courses in a bid to improve the quality of new graduates coming from universities and being employed in Australian schools.
AWPA releases skills strategy
Australia needs to adapt to a change global labour market, where work can be moved around the globe at the stroke of a pen and restructuring is increasingly becoming a regular occurrence, according to the Australian Workplace Productivity Agency (AWPA).
Move to trading scheme now says Ai Group
Australia’s largest industry lobby group has called for the immediate transition to an internationally linked market based emissions trading scheme.
Sydney launches first multi-disciplinary food security centre
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has launched the country’s first multi-disciplinary research centre dedicated to addressing key issues of food security and environmental challenges.
CAD drops finds ABS
The latest ABS figures show that in seasonally adjusted, current price terms, the current account deficit fell $370m (2 per cent) to $14,678m in the December quarter 2012. Exports of goods and services rose $734m (1 per cent) and imports of goods and services rose $897m (1 per cent). The primary income deficit fell $518m (6 per cent).
GDP hits 3.1 per cent target
Latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures show that GDP, in seasonally adjusted volume terms, grew 0.6 per cent in the December quarter 2012.
Government announces aged care pay deal
The Federal Government has announced it wills tump up $1.2 billion to pay for increases for the nation’s 350,000 aged care workers under the Living Longer Living Better aged care reforms.