Archived News for Professionals in State Government - February, 2011
New research shows Australia’s skills supply and demand picture remains patchy.
The Skill Shortages Summary publication released by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) found while employers experienced more difficulty last year recruiting workers in resource professions than in 2009, for some professions employers found recruitment easier.
This report highlights the challenges of a "patchwork economy" - an economy that has pockets of skills shortages while at the same time, others sectors are meeting their skill demands with relative ease.
Grants Commission releases GST revenue distribution assessment
The Commonwealth Grants Commission has released its advice to the Australian, State, and Territory Governments on how GST revenue should be distributed among the States and Territories in 2011-12.
Western Australian councils call for reform
Western Australian councils have called for a state-wide governance review to revitalise the local government reform process.
Recruitment drive for Victorian child protection staff
Victorian Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge has announced a $3.8 million package to recruit and retain frontline child protection staff.
Sustainable Population Strategy submission period coming to a close
The opportunity to comment on a sustainable population strategy for Australia is coming to a close.
Queensland ministerial reshuffle
A reshuffle of the Queensland Cabinet has resulted in a new Minister for Transport, Annastacia Palaszczuk.
ACT Feed-in tariff extended to include medium scale generation
The ACT has passed legislation to allow for medium-scale solar installations to access the ACT's feed-in tariff.
WA to relocate government offices out of CBD
The Western Australian Government has announced plans to relocate government offices to locations outside of the Perth CBD.
NSW Coal and Gas Strategy under development
The NSW Government has released a scoping paper seeking input from the public and key stakeholder groups to guide the preparation of a NSW Coal and Gas Strategy.
Review criticises functioning of Victorian EPA
Victorians have lost confidence in the ability of the state's Environment Protection Authority to do its job, according to a highly critical internal review.
Queensland Ministers resign
“I assure the people of Cairns that I will represent their interests vigorously over the year ahead and make sure to do all I can for Cairns before this term of Government comes to an end,” Ms Boyle said.
Perth Waterfront redevelopment set for 2012
The WA Government has released design plans for the redevelopment of Perth Waterfront, together with a commitment for project funding in this year’s State Budget and confirmation that earthworks will start in early 2012.
Plan for Darwin growth released
The Northern Territory Government has released its Greater Darwin Region Land Use Plan Towards 2030 for public consultation.
ALLWATER to take over Adelaide’s water and wastewater
The South Australian Minister for Water Paul Caica has announced that ALLWATER Consortium has been chosen as the preferred bidder to manage Adelaide’s water and wastewater networks for the next 10 years.
Funding for Chaffey Dam project announced
The Federal and NSW governments have announced joint funding of $43.33 million for the Chaffey Dam Augmentation Project and Safety Upgrade, which will commence in 2012.
Single department to take over ACT Public Service
A major independent review of the ACT Public Service has recommended it be restructured as a single department, to reflect the city-state nature of the ACT and to allow for greater coordination between areas of the bureaucracy.
Report on infrastructure principles released
The Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, has released a report, Infrastructure Planning and Delivery: Best Practice Case Studies, which provides a resource to help governments and industry to optimize effectiveness in the development of infrastructure.