Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government
The Federal Government has announced that it will start work immediately with states and territories on measures that will build the foundations for a National Disability Insurance Scheme, following the release of the Productivity Commission's final report into the matter.
The Productivity Commission examined reform of disability support services, making the following main recommendations:
:
- A National Disability Insurance Scheme should be created to provide all Australians with insurance for the costs of support if they or a family member acquire a disability. The scheme will provide individually tailored care and support to around 410 000 people with significant disabilities.
- A National Injury Insurance Scheme should be created to provide no fault insurance for anyone who suffers a catastrophic injury.
Report on High Speed Rail network released
The Federal Government has released a report by a consortium led by AECOM into the implementation of a High Speed Rail network along Australia’s east coast.
$558 million to address skills shortages
The Federal Government has launched its $558 million National Workforce Development Fund with the aim of providing 130,000 Australians with the opportunity to learn new skills for sectors that are currently experiencing skills shortages.
Government to cut Defence committees
The Federal Government has announced plans to restructure the Defence Department to improve transparency and accountability.
AHC’s assessment of West Kimberly released
The Federal Minister for Sustainability, Tony Burke, has released the final national heritage assessment of the West Kimberly region by the Australian Heritage Council (AHC).
Carbon price could cut more carbon than expected
Australia could achieve significantly greater than expected emissions reductions by 2020 if the Federal Government passes it successfully implements its carbon package, according to research conducted by environmental think-tank ClimateWorks Australia.
Comcare to target bullying, drug and alcohol in WHS plan
The federal work health and safety regulator, Comcare, has outlined its Work Health and Safety Plan for the current financial year, with the agency saying it will target bullying, drug and alcohol harm at work.
Panel appointed on constitutional recognition of local government
The Federal Government has appointed the members of the independent expert panel that will progress the recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution.
Applications open for Emerging Renewables program
The Federal Government has opened the Emerging Rewnables program for promising renewable energy technology projects.
Public sector skills shortage grows
Global recruitment agency Hays has published a research white paper into the skills shortage in Australia, finding that the public sector is suffering the largest shortage in the country.
RBA slashes GDP forecasts
The Reserve Bank of Australia has slashed its Gross Domestic Product forecast for the 2011-12 financial year by one percentage point.
Australian e-economy tops $130 billion
A report commissioned by Google and published by Deloitte Access Economics shows that the direct contribution of the Internet to the Australian economy is valued at $50 billion, while wider benefits through productivity gains is at $27 billion and the value of benefits to households is at $53 billion.
Government seeks input on clean energy legislation
The Government is seeking comment from the public, stakeholders and legal experts on the details of its Clean Energy Legislative Package.
Productivity Commission publishes population roundtable proceedings
In March 2011, the Productivity Commission hosted a roundtable on the theme A ‘Sustainable’ Population? — Key Policy Issues. The proceedings have been released to enable public access to the papers and discussion, and the insights that emerged.
Federal Government releases high-speed rail study
The Federal Government has released its feasibility study into the development of a high-speed rail network to connect eastern seaboard cities, finding that such a network could transport passengers from Sydney to Brisbane in under 3 hours for an estimated $75.
Government releases tax reform discussion paper
The Federal Government has released its first discussion paper for its planned tax reform, described the move as the first step in ‘an ambitious tax reform agenda’.
Federal public servants to strike
Commonwealth public servants are planning to strike in over 40 sites in the coming days after pay disputes continue to stall.
Federal Government finalises health reform
The Federal Government has signed off with all states and territories on details of the national health reform, agreed to in principle by COAG in February.
Reforms to federal legal system implemented
Australia is set to see fewer disputes resolved in court thanks to a suite of reforms made to the federal legal system according to Attorney-General Robert McClelland.
COAG Review of the National Water Commission to get underway
The National Water Commission will be reviewed to assess the effectiveness and continuing appropriateness of its roles in promoting water reform objectives and outcomes.
ACF calls for more Federal Government support for Cape York
The Australian Conservation Foundation’s executive director Don Henry has called for the Federal Government to take a more direct interest in conservation and management in the Cape York Peninsula.