Archived News for Professionals in State Government - November, 2013
Queensland councils have taken hold of the reins on the state’s infrastructure and engineering advisory service.
NSW moves to put lid on Crown Lands
Legislation is making its way through the New South Wales Upper House to amend the Crown Lands Act, in an effort to protect licence agreements for hundreds of farmers.
PCYCs worry in wait for un-promised funds
Millions of dollars in funding has been put on hold by the change in federal government, and many community groups fear they will never see the money.
Public sector concern over QLD work law shift
Changes to industrial relations laws have been called “WorkChoices for Queensland,” but the state’s Attorney-General says public servants’ entitlements will stay.
Watchdog wants new tag, bigger teeth
Tasmania's Integrity Commission wants to take on certain police powers to enhance its corruption investigations.
Xenophon puts hard word on AFP, gets half response
South Australian independent Senator Nick Xenophon has taken the Australian Federal Police to task over their practice of monitoring MPs phone activity.
Awards tip hat to top tertiary teachers
Australia’s thirteen best university teachers have been recognised at the Australian Awards for University Teaching.
Claims of impending cuts; an excuse for no attrition
The Federal Government has accused the former Labor-led government of planning to cut thousands of public service jobs, without telling the public or making budgetary allowances for redundancies.
Freshwater fish fighters rally to plan next waves
The nation’s leading freshwater fish ecologists have gathered to discuss threats to freshwater fish species at a symposium attracting close to 100 delegates from across the country.
Billions banked on bus-rail build
The Queensland Government has unveiled plans to build a $5 billion dual bus and train tunnel across 5.4 kilometres of Brisbane’s CBD.
Sand mine expansion sees Government backing, community outrage
The expansion of a silica mine in New South Wales has been recommended for approval by the Department of Planning, but will face continuing clashes with activists opposed to the 15 million tonne dig.
Toll sought to patch inter-state Tanami track
The thousand-or-so kilometres of highway between the southern end of the Northern Territory to the northern end of Western Australia may become a sealed toll road for trucks, if a local group gets its way.
Owners and tanners get heated over anti-cancer ban
Several states have now banned the use of ultra-violet solarium sun-beds, but the outlawing has cause outrage from some operators in Queensland.
Push for new treatment nipped at the bud
The New South Wales Government has rejected the unanimous recommendation of a parliamentary committee, disallowing a possible pain treatment for AIDS sufferers.
Statin stoush reaches full-page pitch
Western Australia’s peak medical group has taken out a full page newspaper advertisement to tell people to take their Statins.
Former MP brings policy to diabetes post
Diabetes Australia has welcomed the posting of its new president, the job being filled by a former MP and well-known contributor to the field.
Strong support shown for NT teachers, more strikes to come
Nearly thirty schools were closed as over 1,800 teachers went on strike in the Northern Territory this week – and they say the industrial action will continue.
Auditor speaks on Ministers' silence
Western Australia’s Auditor General has called the actions of two state Ministers “not reasonable or appropriate”, when they withheld information in Parliament.
Groups link for vegetable boost
A new agreement could yield significant improvements for Western Australian vegetable producers, by linking them with local council resources.
Locals welcome push to the bush
The Queensland Government’s new plan could see thousands of residents heading for the bush, and all the social and lifestyle improvements it holds.
Reforms aimed to end micro-plague
Officials are trying to change the rules in South Australia’s Upper House, to avoid being swamped by micro-parties and complex preferential deals.