Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government

Industrial action by public servants is expected to disrupt international airports this week.

Stress bill reaches eighty mill'

New data from federal workplace insurer Comcare shows taxpayers are close to paying $80 million for bullying, harassment and "occupational violence" claims in the public service this year.

Whistleblowers urged to avoid Lloyd

The president of Whistleblowers Australia says Australian Public Service Commissioner John Lloyd is not the best person to take sensitive disclosures to, despite it being part of his job.

Rich countries care less about climate risks

A global survey has found that the world’s wealthiest people understand climate change, but only half see it as a threat.

Union fights to keep coal pay

The CFMEU has emerged as a surprise backer of the Labor Party’s 50 per cent renewable energy target, but their support is contingent on unprecedented assistance for workers.

ANSTO microscopy takes big leap forward

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is celebrating the launch of its brand new Electron Microscopy Facility.

Experts give AI warning to global gun-slingers

Stephen Hawking, Elon Musk and about 1,000 robotics experts have signed a letter to ensure that in the future of warfare- human fingers are on the trigger.

Internal concern on anti-wind stance

The Federal Government is copping criticism from within its own ranks over the much-decried decision to stop the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) from investing in large wind farms and household solar.

Salt mandate and other smart heart moves

Experts say a nationwide salt reduction target could cut rates of cardiovascular disease.

Super funds fight LNP's union-busting

Industry superannuation funds are fighting against changes that threaten union control.

Border strike not behind new boat

The Australian Border Force workers’ union says its strike action was not the reason that a refugee boat so close to shore this week, but has conceded that it is creating delays.

High-flying fraud comes crashing down

A senior Airservices Australia manager has been charged for using fake aviation companies and false documents to defraud the tax office of over $320,000.

Post-merger survey shows DFAT still working

A new survey indicates that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is still dealing with the hangover from absorbing AusAID almost two years ago.

Refugee files spread for political purposes

Media reports suggest that the personal medical records of asylum seekers have been handed over to Australia’s immigration department for “political purposes”.

Shorten drops new renewable deal

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is pushing for half of Australia's large-scale energy production to come from renewable sources within 15 years.

Water worries whitewashed in quest for Shenhua

A former member of the expert committee behind the approval of the Shenhua Watermark coal mine says it comes with big risks to water supplies.

Baird makes GST pitch to help health

News South Wales Premier Mike Baird has made his pitch in the much-awaited yet much-avoided GST conversation, arguing the rate should be increased to 15 per cent to pay for better healthcare.

Greens' drug push urges new view

The Greens are pushing for Australian authorities to take on a Portuguese program that approaches drug addiction as a health issue, not a criminal one.

Side-stepping and semantics in Hunt's take on power

Environment Minister Greg Hunt has been grilled over the approval of an enormous NSW coal mine and the nature of emissions trading schemes (ETS) in interviews over the weekend.