Archived News for Professionals in State Government - March, 2011
Construction in the ACT is continuing to grow, with around $18 billion worth of projects currently planned or under way in the ACT according to the latest Canberra Construction Snapshot, released by the Chief Minister and Minister for Land and Property Services, Jon Stanhope.
The fourth edition of the ACT Government's Snapshot details current and planned construction works in the ACT region from the public and private sectors, from September 2010 to March 2011.
Mr Stanhope said more than $1.4 billion worth of projects had been added to the Snapshot since the last edition was released in September 2010.
Call for rethink on NSW's FirstNet health information system
A survey of IT experts by the University of Sydney has supported calls to halt the rollout of the NSW Clinical Information System FirstNet, with a review finding the system should be spearheaded by an IT-savvy clinician.
WA targets public sector savings through voluntary separations
The Western Australian Government will offer its workers a new round of voluntary separations this year as part of its public sector reform program.
VECCI calls for action on Victorian infrastructure
The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling on the Victorian Government to use its first State Budget to develop an Infrastructure Plan, prioritising projects that will help drive economic development and improve liveability.
Queensland's opposition leadership a surprise package
The new leader-in-waiting of the Queensland opposition and Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, Campbell Newman, has announced that if elected Premier he will cut the size of the state’s public service and restructure some of its government departments in a bid to create savings for infrastructure investment.
GST revenue distribution review commissioned
The Federal Government has commissioned a review of the distribution of revenue from the Goods and Services Tax to the States and Territories.
WA passes Development Assessment Panel legislation
Legislation enabling the creation of Development Assessment Panels (DAPs) in Western Australia has come into operation.
NT Government releases draft vegetation management bill
The Northern Territory Government has released its proposed changes to the Pastoral Land Act and details of the planned Native Vegetation Management Bill for comment.
NSW Libs & Nationals promise more police
The NSW Liberals & Nationals have announced a series of measures that, if elected, they will introduce to improved crime control in New South Wales.
Call for comment on ACT Primary Health Care Strategy
ACT Health is developing a new ACT Primary Health Care Strategy which will follow from ACT Primary Health Care Strategy 2006-2009 to cover the years 2011-2014.
ACT to upgrade background checking for workers with children and vulnerable people
The ACT Government is to establish a panel of experts to support its proposed new background checking legislation for persons working with vulnerable people.
Victorian public servants set for battle on pay rises
Victorian public servants are seeking a six per cent annual pay rise, a substantial increase on the Baillieu government's across-the-board offer of 2.5 per cent.
Regional Planning Committee for WA's north-west meets
The new Gascoyne Regional Planning Committee has held its first meeting in Carnarvon, WA, becoming the sixth Regional Planning Committee to be established by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC).
New appointments to senior Queensland positions
The Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has announced a reshuffle of senior public servants that will result in new leadership of three departments: Premier and Cabinet, Local Government and Planning, and Public Works.
WA releases Skilled Migration Strategy
The Western Australian Government has released its Skilled Migration Strategy, introducing a range of measures to augment the State’s workforce with the skills that could not be met by the local labour force.
Queensland passes Industry Participation Policy legislation
The Queensland parliament has passed the Queensland Industry Participation Policy Act 2010, requiring Queensland governments to have a local industry participation policy in place.
Inquiry into national funding agreements
The Parliamentary Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit is reviewing the operation of funding agreements between the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments, including the National Agreements entered into under the Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations.
New peri-urban planning unit for Victoria
The Victorian government has created a new unit based within the Department of Planning and Community Development to liaise with peri-urban councils in the area surrounding Melbourne.
Tasmanian Skills Strategy Report Card released
The Tasmanian Government has released the second Skills Strategy Report Card, providing an overview of progress in implementing the Tasmanian Skills Strategy, which was initiated in 2008.
NT Government cuts deal for indigenous employment in banking sector
The Northern Territory Government has entered a $3 million, six year contract with NAB and Traditional Credit Union which will secure employment for indigenous people
ACT broadens Women's Return to Work Grants
The ACT Government has broadened the eligibility criteria for its Women's Return to Work Grants Program to allow more women in the community greater access to financial assistance as they re-enter the workforce.