Archived News for Professionals in State Government - April, 2011
Skills shortages are continuing to have a significant impact on business performance in New South Wales, according to the recently released NSW Business Chamber - Commonwealth Bank Business Conditions Survey for the March 2011 quarter.
The survey found that as employment in NSW rises to a record level and with unemployment falling, 46.8% of businesses indicate they have a skills shortage. This represents a significant increase from November 2010, when 39% of businesses reported skills shortages.
Skills shortages have been reported across major industry sectors, with particular demand in occupations Including construction trades, technicians (e.g. refrigeration and air conditioning), metal trades, engineers, accountants, ICT professionals, health and community support services, sales and marketing, professional, scientific and technical services.
Rail loses out to roads on government spending
New analysis shows governments across Australia are spending at least four times more on building roads and bridges than on public transport infrastructure.
ACT Capital Works report released
The ACT Government’s 2010-11 Capital Works Program December 2010 Quarterly Progress Report has shown government expenditure for this financial year stands at $273.622 million or 34% of available funds for the year. This compares with expenditure for the same period last year of $180.280 million, or 23%.
Victoria's financial position 'unsustainable'
An interim report prepared by the advisory committee to the Victorian Coalition Government, chaired by Michael Vertigan, has found that Federal Government funding, including stimulus spending and grants through Infrastructure Australia, has obscured the state’s true financial position, and that Victoria is currently financilly “unsustainable in the medium term”.
Shergold appointed to head up NSW Public Service Commission
Professor Peter Shergold AC, has been appointed incoming Chairman of the Board of the NSW Public Service Commission.
SA Strategic Plan update moves ahead with community engagement
South Australia’s third Strategic Plan is progressing towards completion, following the release of the report of the Community Engagement Board.
New Transport Authority for NSW
The New South Wales Government will establish a new Integrated Transport Authority to co-ordinate the state’s transport services and oversee transport projects.
WA rangelands discussion paper released
The Western Australian Department of Regional Development and Lands has released a discussion paper for public comment detailing proposed tenure options for the rangelands under its Rangelands Reform Program.
ACT leads in State of the States report
The Australian Capital Territory continues to have one of the strongest economies in the nation, according to an economic performance report by the Commonwealth Bank.
WA to allocate all speed camera revenue to road safety
The Western Australian Government has decided to allocate all revenues from speed camera fines to road safety initiatives by 2012. Currently the proportion allocated is only one third.
New taskforce to overhaul NSW Health
The new Director-General for NSW Health, Dr Mary Foley, has written to staff of the department, outlining reforms proposed in discussions between the Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner, and Governing Council Chairs and Chief Executives of Local Health Networks, Clinical Support Division Chief Operating Officers, and the senior executive of the Department of Health.
Victorian Government announced $1.8 million for skilling Geelong
The Victorian Government has announced the $1.8 million Skilling the Bay initiative in response to recent economic and industry changes in Geelong.
National Water Commission chair calls for water pricing rethink
Chair of the National Water Commission Chloe Munro has called for a rethink of the way water is priced in Australia.
Study to assess Western Australian renewable energy potential
The Australian Government has awarded a contract for work to begin on a detailed assessment of the renewable energy potential of the Mid-West and Pilbara regions of Western Australia.
Interim Report into Tasmanian Water and Sewerage Corporations released
The interim report into the Tasmanian Water and Sewerage Corporations has been released by the Select Committee, which fnds that current water and sewerage infrastructure in the state is not meeting pre-existing license requirements, and that bringing assets up to a contemporary standard will be both financially and environmentally challenging.
Tasmanian Science and Research Sector strategy under development
The Tasmanian Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts is developing a Science and Research Sector Strategy as part of the state’s Economic Development Plan.
Tasmania launches $30 million Renewable Energy Loan Scheme
The Tasmanian Government has launched a new program to help Tasmanian businesses invest in renewable energy.
Tasmanian Government tenders for $17 million ICT contract
The Tasmanian Treasury has issued a request for tenders for a contract estimated to be worth more than $17 million a year for the supply of ICT hardward and support services for Tasmanian government agencies across the state.
Productivity Commission releases draft urban water report
Australia's urban water sector needs major changes to meet the challenges of providing services that minimise costs and maximise benefits to the community, according to a draft report released by the Productivity Commission.
Victorian water allocation trading suspended
The Victorian Government has temporarily suspended some water allocation trade to protect next season’s allocations to Victorian water entitlement holders on the Murray system.
Government reveals carbon tax impact
About 50 high-emitting polluters would pay two-thirds of the government's carbon tax take, Climate Change Minister Greg Combet told the National Press Club as he hinted at a carbon price at the lower end of predictions.