Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government
Governments need a range of mechanisms to ensure that regulations remain 'fit for purpose' and to identify priority reforms, according to a discussion draft released by the Productivity Commission.
The Commission was asked by the Australian Government to draw lessons for the future from past experiences with regulation reform.
The Commission looked at a range of approaches, from routine 'good housekeeping' to major in-depth reviews. Each has its own ‘niche’ in relation to coverage of regulatory areas and sectors, or timing in the regulatory cycle. Most were found to have a useful role to play, though the Commission identified various ways in which they could be made more effective. Key ingredients in the more successful approaches to regulatory reform have been good governance and effective consultation with business and other stakeholders.
Tax Forum papers released
The Federal Government has released two discussion papers in the lead up to the October Tax Forum.
Wheatstone receives EPBC Act approval
A liquefied natural gas project proposed by Chevron in Western Australia’s Pilbara region will go ahead after the Federal Government approved the project under national environmental law.
Federal Government releases discussion paper on anti-discrimination law
The Federal Government has released a public discussion paper to seek community views on the recent consolidation of Federal anti-discriminatory laws.
ABS to update the CPI basket
The September quarter 2011 issue of the Australian Consumer Price Index to be released 26 October 2011, will incorporate several key recommendations from the Outcome of the 16th Series Australian Consumer Price Index Review by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Federal Government responds to Knight Review
The Federal Government has announced its response to the Knight Review, confirming a suite of measures designed to streamline student visa applications and increase international competitiveness for the lucrative international student market.
Treasurer announces G20 and IMF meetings
Federal Treasuer Wayne Swan has met with G20 Finance Ministers in Washington DC before attending annual IMF and World Bank meetings.
Federal Government releases carbon tax update
The Federal Government has released an updated model of the impact of the carbon price which states the Australian economy will continue to grow strongly at the same time making reductions in carbon emissions.
Federal Government opens northern basin purchase rounds
The Federal Government has announced three new water purchasing tenders in the northern Murray Darling Basin.
Clean energy regulations opened for public consultation
The Federal Government has opened an exposure draft of the Clean Energy Regulations 2011 for public consultation.
Navy spends to retain engineers
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has moved to offer $80,000 bonuses for ship’s engineers on its submarines and Anzac-class frigates in an attempt to stop them from moving to the mining industry.
Federal Government announces new skills agency
The Federal Government has announced the formation of a new workforce agency that will target “pressure points” in Australia’s emerging patchwork economy by focussing on training and retraining workers for new jobs in specific industries currently experiencing skills shortages.
Productivity Commission to launch climate change policy inquiry
The Federal Government has announced an inquiry by the Productivity Commission into the regulation and policy framework that would best enable effective climate change adaptation.
Agricultural earnings on the rise
Australia’s agricultural export earnings are forecast to continue to rise in the 2011-12 according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics ad Sciences (ABARES).
Second MRRT exposure draft released
The Federal Government has released the second exposure draft legislation for the Minerals Resources Rent Tax (MRRT).
NTC finds Australians unwilling to pay for better infrastructure
The National Transport Commission has published a report that has found that while Australians generally want a better transport system, they are likely to reject policies that would help pay for it.
Economic benefits of biomass examined in report
The Federal Government has released two reports into the future of biomass in the Australian economy.
Federal Government launches media inquiry
The Federal Government has announced the establishment of an independent inquiry that will conduct an ongoing investigation into the Australia media.
Discussion paper for Cyber White Paper released
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.
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.