Archived News for Professionals in State Government - November, 2013
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.
Stats show poor state down south
Tasmania has recorded a period of negative growth, with the latest figures showing the ailing state may be in a recession.
ABS stats say NT should brace for more
One of the least populated parts of the country is set for an explosion in numbers, with statistics predicting the Northern Territory’s population will skyrocket in coming years.
Funding pull leaves drug body doors closed
The Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) has placed itself in voluntary administration, after its funding was removed in a Federal Government attempt to save $1.5 million.
Greens push to button-down back door
A member of the New South Wales Legislative Council says a loophole exists allowing unlimited amounts of money to be donated to candidates in local government elections, asking the Government to close “the backdoor”.
MP pledges to put sluggish councils on the spot
A Victorian MP says if he is successful in an upcoming election, he will put the performance of the state’s local governments under close scrutiny.
Online tax call falls to states
The verdict is down to state governments to decide whether more GST should be collected from online purchases, and minds should be made up by March.
Regional reps' paper to plug outback benefits
The South Australian Regional Organisation of Councils (SAROC) is putting the final touches on its official election materials, aimed at ensuring regional areas are not neglected by candidates in the upcoming state election.
Study seeks to unpick conflicts, cut to core of land issues
A new project has been launched to find out exactly how the values of people in rural areas are affected by land use conflicts caused by CSG drilling, wind farms, irrigation and agriculture.
Anti-vaccine group called by name, made to change
A group which has used a deceitful name to push an anti-scientific public health agenda will change its title.
Double-barrel build to link Abbot with Galilee
With partial approval recently given to Queensland’s Abbot Point coal port terminal expansions, GVK Hancock and Aurizon have announced a plan to start building the rail infrastructure that will move millions of tonnes from the Galilee Basin to coastal ports.
Fed. Ed. spend to push Masters in places of need
The Education Minister has announced a boost aimed to increase the number of postgraduate nurses, part of a $62 million investment pushing more people into degrees.
Paid parental change hands the bag to Centrelink
Legislation has been put before the House of Representatives which is intended to make it easier for business to work within the paid parental leave scheme.
Protesters may fight to stand at the front door of abortion
Laws in Tasmania to protect women’s privacy have upset the Australian Christian Lobby.
Exam results held back in Uni bargain dance
An enterprise bargaining stand-off at the University of Adelaide may hold up results for students, after little progress has been made from months of talks.
Greater powers granted to fill holes in NSW
The New South Wales Government now has the ability to revoke certain mining licences, after plumping up its powers to cancel corrupt approvals.
WA Opposition says school cuts are clear
The Western Australian Opposition says recent Government figures are evidence that it plans to cut over $100 million from the state’s education budget this year.
Border net picked apart by budget cuts
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service says it will be difficult to “stop the boats” when it has to cut 600 staff members in coming years.
Coastal title claim covers ten councils
Councils are considering a native title claim which would see stewardship transferred for a large portion of Australia’s east coast.
Higher tier called to swoop in and save roads
A study commissioned by the Australian Local Government Association says local councils around the country are underfunding the maintenance of their roads.