Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government
The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency has released the National Greenhouse Accounts for the latest emission trends for the December Quarter 2011.
The accounts factor in the Kyoto Target and are used to meet the country’s reporting commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and track progress against the country’s target under the Protocol.
The accounts found emissions increased in the December Quarter, with trend emissions rising by 0.3 per cent and seasonally adjusted and weather normalized emissions increasing 0.1 per cent.
Government to promote senior employment
The Federal Government has announced its initial response to the Final Report of the Advisory Panel on the Economic Potential of Senior Australians (EPSA).
IPART backs carbon price
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) has released findings that show households will be better off under the the Federal Government’s carbon pricing scheme, with the planned compensation associated with the legislation more than covering any potential price increases.
Victoria hits out at OH&S harmonisation
Victoria has lashed out at the proposed Commonwealth OH&S harmonisation laws, saying that the legislation could cost the state more than $3.4 billion over the next five years.
$1.75 billion for skills
The Federal and State governments have announced $1.75 billion in skills spending at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) held last week.
Australia signs infrastructure MoU with China
The Australian and Chinese governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation on delivering infrastructure projects.
BAF to see off red tape
The Business Advisory Forum (BAF) has agreed to reform that will expedite environmental approvals and assessments at its inaugural meeting.
Storm brews over NER reform
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Michael O’Brien, has warned that his government may have no other choice but to reconsider its support of COAG’s National Energy Retail (NER) Law Bill if the Federal Government does not provide assurances that the Australian Energy Regulator will be sufficiently funded.
Xenephon pushes for FWA review
Independent Senator Nick Xenaphon has reiterated his push for a review of Fair Work Australia in the wake of the investigation into the Health Services Union (HSU).
AI Group pushes for skills prioritisation
The Australian Industry Group (AI Group) has urged the Federal and State Governments to place a greater priority on skills and training at the upcoming Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting, saying the adaption of a national approach to training is a necessity.
Government acts on Job Forum advice
The Federal Government has announced it has accepted all 21 proposals and recommendations of October's Jobs Forum, saying it will introduce stronger Australian Industry Participation rules for the country’s major private sector and government-funded projects.
Unemployment steady at 5.2 per cent
Australia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was steady at 5.2 per cent in March, as announced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today.
Commissions release trans-Tasman integration paper
The Australian and New Zealand Productivity Commissions have released a joint issues paper for their inaugural study on options to further enhance integration between the Australian and New Zealand economies.
MyUniversity goes live
The Federal Government has launched MyUniversity, the first online service that allows potential students to compare and contrast different universities and the courses they offer.
$21 million to boost autism awareness
Parliamentary Secretary for School Education, Senator Jacinta Collins, launched the second phase of the Gillard Government’s Positive Partnerships to provide classroom and family support for students with autism.
Australia pushes for link with EU trading scheme
The Federal Government and the European Union have confirmed their ‘strong commitment’ to working towards linking their respective Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS), during bilateral talks in Brussels.
Australian Government works to reform attitudes towards education in the Northern Territory
The Australian Government’s Stronger Futures package will provide children in the Northern Territory a $583 million investment over 10 years after Aboriginal people telling the Government that education is a priority.
CER begins operations
The Federal Government’s Clean Energy Regulator has commenced operations, with responsibility over a broad range of Government initatives.
RBA keeps rates steady
The Reserve Bank of Australia has announced it has kept the country’s official cash rate unchanged at 4.25 per cent, citing recent information surrounding the world economy.
SA blasts Murray plan
The South Australian Government has blasted the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s (MDBA) draft plan, saying the allocated 2750 gigalitres for environmental flow is not enough to return the system to a state of health.
Surplus not vital say directors
The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) have urged the Federal Government to reconsider its determination to see a budget surplus in 2012-13, saying it is risky to pursue the goal given the economic volatility.