Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government
The Federal Government has passed its Higher Education Support Amendment (Student Services and Amenities) Bill.
Federal Minister Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, said that Bill’s passage signaled a ‘long overdue boost for student services’, specifically for regional universities.
“This legislation will assist universities in rebuilding vital student services and amenities to ensure that they can support their growing student populations.”
Carbon tax passes House of Reps
The Federal Government’s suite of carbon trading legislation has passed in the House of Representatives following weeks of intensive parliamentary debate.
Government releases solar power discussion paper
The Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism has published a discussion paper on large-scale deployment of solar power in Australia following a roundtable held earlier in the year.
IMF praises Australia's 'enviable' position
The International Monetary Fund has praised Australia’s economic position, saying that the country is well positioned to continue to reap the benefits from the ongoing commodity boom, a sound financial policy framework and a stable financial services sector.
Olympic Dam expansion receives federal approval
The Federal Government has announced the proposed expansion of BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam mine in South Australia has received environmental approval.
Federal Government opens regional education and training fund
The Federal Government has opened the $500 million Regional Priorities Round of the Education Investment Fund, which will provide support to regional higher education institutions and vocational education and training providers.
Government moves to protect industry with increased grants
The Federal Government has announced major federal grants of $20 million or more will be made available in the interest of ‘maximising opportunitites for Australian businesses’.
Federal Government opens applications for support housing
The Federal Government has announced applications for the Building Better Regional Cities will be open for local councils in regional centres across the country.
Leadership and management key to productivity
The Society for Knowledge Economics (SKE) has released a two year study into leadership and management capability, finding that progressive and innovative leadership and sound management are key to boosting the country’s productivity.
Tax forum finishes
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has officially closed the October Tax Forum after announcing the government would not conduct inquiries into issues raised by participants.
Austrade report highlights Australia's economic strengths
The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) has released the 2011 Benchmark Report: Australia – A wealth of Opportunities, highlighting Australia’s economic strength and attraction as a regional financial services centres.
Discussion paper on local government constitutional recognition released
A discussion paper on whether local government should be recognised in the Australian Constitution has been released by the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government for public consultation.
RBA holds cash rate
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced its decision to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.
ALRC proposes major reform to classification system
The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) has proposed major reform to the country’s media content classification system after publishing the National Classification Scheme Review Discussion Paper.
AEC to maintain seat numbers
Following findings by the Australian Statistician, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has found no reason to increase the number of seats in the House of Representatives.
DFAT IT contract goes to tender
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has released a request for tender (RFT) for a supplier to provide a comprehensive and integrated new system for issuing passports.
Victoria calls for delay to OH&S harmonisation
The Victorian State Government has called for a 12-month delay to the implementation of national occupation health and safety (OH&S) harmonisation.
Federal Government releases research infrastructure roadmap
The Federal Government has released the 2011 Strategic Roadmap for Australian Research Infrastructure which sets out the Government’s priority areas for national, collaborative research infrastructure over the next five to ten years.
Treasury releases final budget outcome
Federal Treasury has released the 2010-11 Final Budget Outcome, finding that the global financial downturn had wiped $40 billion off forecasted growth rates.
Productivity Commission releases lessons in reforming regulation discussion draft
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.
Tax Forum papers released
The Federal Government has released two discussion papers in the lead up to the October Tax Forum.