Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government
The Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation, Senator Kate Lundy, has announced the appointment of an independent expert committee to help Innovation Australia deliver the $1 billion Clean Technology Investment programs.
The seven-member committee will assess applications by businesses for funding under the two Clean Technology Investment programs.
The new committee will be chaired by Ms Fiona Pak-Poy and includes Dr Michele Allan, Mr Nixon Apple, Dr Bruce Godfrey, Dr Bruce Whan, Ms Sylvia Tulloch and Mr Bruce Grey.
National Indigenous Youth Parliament opened
The first National Indigenous Youth Parliament has been opened in Canberra.
Swan welcomes OECD economic assessment
The Treasurer Wayne Swan has welcomed the OECD Economic Outlook which predicts that the Australian economy will significantly outperform OECD economies as a whole over this year and next.
IEA praises Energy Efficiency Program
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has praised the Federal Government’s Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEIO Program, describing it as a successful example of how government policy can work with industry to reduce energy use.
Parliament committee to investigate Australia Network
A new inquiry by a Parliamentary Committee will investigate how and why the tender for the Australia Network was botched, weeks after a Commonwealth audit found serious flaws in the process.
Australia and Malaysia sign FTA
The Australian and Malaysian Governments have signed a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) that will see significant reductions in tariffs in bilateral trade.
Hydro blames carbon tax for impending smelter closure
Norsk Hydro has announced it is considering ceasing its operations at its Kurri Kurri aluminium plant following the curtailing of three pot lines in January this year, citing the effects of the Federal Government's carbon tax.
Shorten concerned over Qantas job loses
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten has expressed his concern over Qantas’ decision to cut over 500 jobs through the company’s restructuring of its heavy maintenance operations.
Government rolls out carbon tax support
The Federal Government will start paying out its new Household Assistance Payments, paying a total of $35 million to over 1.6 million Australian families over the coming months.
Hockey slams NDIS 'false hope'
Federal Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey has refused to support the Federal Government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), describing it as a cruel hoax that will promote false hope before states commit to funding the scheme.
APS figures show 1.7% growth in 2011
The Australian Public Service Commission has released its snAPShot summary of employment for the calendar year to December 31, 2011.
Government seeks comment on building energy efficiency framework
The Federal Government is seeking comments on the Draft National Building Energy Standard-Setting, Assessment and Rating Framework.
Australia world's 7th biggest polluter
Australia has once again featured in the top 10 highest polluting countries after the WWF released its 2012 Living Planet Report, showing that Australia’s carbon emissions are the top contributors to securing the dubious honour.
Government announces disability employment contracts
The Federal Government has announced future contracts for the Disability Employment Services-Employment Support Service, which will run for the next five years.
Government announces Financial Reporting Council appointments
Federal Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Bernie Ripoll, has announced the appointment of Belinda Gibson and Ian Purchas as Members of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).
Productivity Commission examines COAG reforms
The Productivity Commission (PC) has published a report examining the impact of the reforms implemented by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).
New appointments to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency board
Mr Greg Bourne has been appointed acting chair of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency board (ARENA).
New Climate Change ambassador appointed
The Federal Government has appointed Dr Justin Lee as the country’s new Ambassador for Climate Change, after outgoing ambassador Louise Hand departs the role to take up her new appointment as High Commissioner to Canada.
Comment invited on Australia's Heritage Strategy
The Australian Government is seeking public input to help develop a new strategy for the identification, management and celebration of Australia’s heritage.
ASIC funding boosted
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has received new funding totalling $180.2 million over four years in the 2012-13 budget.
CPSU calls for assurances on forced redundancies
Up to 4,200 Commonwealth public servants will lose their jobs as a result of measures in the 2012-13 budget, with 3000 expected to be made redundant over the next 14 months.