Archived News for Professionals in State Government
Australia will see its first ever Government-sanctioned same-sex marriages this weekend, but they could also be the last if the Federal Government has its way.
Public sector sold short for contract conditions
Criticisms are being laid at the Victorian Coalition government’s efforts to cut costs, which have seen 4500 full-time public servants sacked while $145 million was spent on contractors to fill the gaps.
Rio ditching Indigenous agreement to dig out of losses
One mining firm has defended its move to close an aluminium refinery in the Northern Territory, but the AWU says it may legally have to keep the doors open.
Teachers vote for pay deal linked to performance
New South Wales teachers have voted strongly in favour of a new performance-based pay deal which will see the most prime pedagogues paid six-figure salaries.
Funding to flood desert mines with irrigation ideas
The Western Australian Government has announced a multi-million dollar plan to investigate novel ways of watering the desert, hoping to propagate a new future for the Pilbara region.
Victoria will turn the tap in its own time
The Victorian Government has reserved the right not to flood private properties with dam-water, even if the Federal Government tells it to.
Audit finds room for improvement in hospital OHS
Victoria’s Auditor-General has found hospital workers routinely face high risks to their safety, and there is much room for improvement in the way hazards are handled.
Calls for clear basis on $8 billion build
The New South Wales Information and Privacy Commission says Transport for NSW has been too secretive about the massive $8.3 billion north-west rail link.
First Chief for new ACT industrial court
The ACT has established a court specifically to hear workplace health and safety matter, this week appointing Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker as its first industrial magistrate.
Queensland looks for good hand to help trim tunnel bill
The Queensland government is trying to lure casino money to help fund its $5 billion tunnel.
Speed reductions seek safe returns
Two states may adjust their speed limits in the name of road safety, with Victoria planning to extend 40km/h school zones and South Australia looking at bringing down some of its 110km/h highways.
WorkCover city-switch could see hundreds moved
Victorian Premier Denis Napthine says the state’s WorkCover Authority head office will move to Geelong if the Coalition government is re-elected.
Audit, opposition poking holes in Victorian government ICT
An audit has reportedly found Victoria’s government cyber-security measures are somewhat lacking, saying it has failed to adequately protect itself from potential attacks.
Bill to bring greenhouse burial under control
An energy legislation amendment bill is up for debate in Western Australia, the bill seeks to lay down rules for transport and storage of greenhouse gas in pipelines and the ground.
New site to boost SA's health care, research and teaching
The new South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute has been officially opened in Adelaide, with Prime Minister Tony Abbott appearing on site alongside SA Premier Jay Weatherill to cut the tape and declare the doors open.
Operator finds gas will go, as eastern needs increase
A recent report by the Australian Energy Markets Operator says that the massive expansion of Queensland ports fails to allow for increased gas demands in Australia, and could lead to a domestic shortage.
Planning paths to budget cuts and better health
Suggestions have been tabled which could see governments hacking away at their health budgets and waistlines – with some better planning practices.
Report proposes win-win plan to cut drug money
A new report by the Grattan Institute says that reducing manufacturing costs could be the best way to cut up to a billion dollars from the health budget.
Site to save smartphone mistakes, regret and danger
The number of Australian teens using their smartphones to access the internet has shot up over the last few years, but unfortunately so has the rate at which embarrassing photos and videos are ending up online.
Billions on the table to shed assets
State governments will be eligible for massive incentives to sell-off their assets, under a new scheme announced by Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey this week.
Schools await resurrection as Gonski goes underground
At the end of a tumultuous week for Australia’s education system it is clear that the ‘Gonski’ funding model is gone, but unclear as to what will replace it.