Archived News for Professionals in State Government - July, 2011
Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser has expressed his confidence that his state will return to 5% GDP within the 2011-12 financial year, despite the state experiencing no growth over the 2010-11 year.
Mr Fraser delivered his upbeat assessment of the state’s economic health during a budget estimates hearing in which he dismissed speculation that the Federal Government’s carbon tax would negatively impact the state.
The state’s economy was severely damaged during early 2011 when Cyclone Yasi struck the state in early February, followed by massive flooding which ground coal mining to a halt.
Victorian Government releases interim flood report
Victorian Acting Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan has released the interim report of the Review of the 2010-11 Flood Warnings and Response.
Queensland grows employment
Queensland capped off 2010-11 with an extra 2,400 trend jobs and a drop in the unemployment rate, ABS employment data revealed.
Treasurer Andrew Fraser said after the natural disasters hammered the economy earlier this year, Queensland looked to be regaining momentum towards the Bligh Government's 100,000 jobs target.
"Queensland created 2,400 of the nation's net total of 3,800 jobs in June 2011," Mr Fraser said.
"Official figures now show there are 23,300 jobs to go before we hit the 100,000 jobs target.
"The trend unemployment rate in June dropped 0.1 percentage point to 5.2 percent, 0.4 percentage point lower than the recent peak in January.
"The drop in trend unemployment in June was supported by both part time and full time employment, which gained 1,900 and 500 jobs respectively.
"That's 20 straight months of full time employment growth."
Mr Fraser said the results closed off a challenging financial year peppered with clear positive indicators for a strong 2011-12.
"Queensland is on a launch pad with a 140,000 jobs bonanza forecast over the next two years in the 2011-12 State Budget," Mr Fraser said.
"We will continue to deliver our massive building program and the reconstruction effort as well as fostering investment from the resources industry to support 5 percent growth in 2011-12.
$2.03 billion hospital shortlist announced
Queensland Health Minister Geoff Wilson has announced the final three shortlisted contractors currently vying for the construction of the $2.03 billion Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
Queensland Infrastructure Plan prioritises infrastructure projects
The Queensland Government has released its Queensland Infrastructure Plan (QIP) for public comment, providing a blueprint for the state’s infrastructure development over the next 20 years.
Queensland Regionalisation Strategy released for comment
The Queensland Government has released a new Queensland Regionalisation Strategy which aims to maximise the long-term economic growth and liveability of Queensland’s regions
SA stormwater management strategy released
The South Australian Government has released its Stormwater Strategy, developed by the Stormwater Taskforce which was established in September last year.
Queensland targets $22b borrowings for infrastructure repair
The Queensland Government’s financing arm, Queensland's Treasury Corporation (QTC), has released a report that reveals a projected $11.8 billion in new borrowing and $10.2 billion in refinancing of existing debt, as the state anticipates raising $22 billion on global bond markets over the current financial year to finance repair of flood damaged infrastructure.
Funding for WA country hospital upgrades
The Western Australian Government has announced that $147 million will be spent upgrading six country hospitals, the largest single investment in regional healthcare in WA’s history, according to the Premier Colin Barnett.
NSW announces reviews of renewable energy policy
The NSW Government has announced two reviews of renewable energy policy at its recent Solar and Renewable Energy Summit.
New appointments to Tasmanian EPA board
The Tasmanian Minister for Environment, Brian Wightman, has announced the appointment of two new members to the board of Tasmania’s Environment Protection Authority.
Industry anger over new Victorian eServices panel
The Victorian Government’s announcement of its new eServices Panel has prompted an angry response from the IT companies shut out from government tenders.
Funding announced for nine WA 'super towns'
The Western Australian Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls has announced the initial nine towns that will share in $85.5million in Royalties for Regions funding this year under the Regional Centres Development Plan (SuperTowns).
SA claim to Future Submarines project confirmed in land agreement
The South Australian Government has set aside land as part of an agreement with the Australian Government that confirms that the multi-billion dollar Future Submarines will be constructed in Adelaide.