Archived News for Professionals in State Government

Six hundred gigalitres of water from the River Murray system, the Goulburn and Murrumbidgee Rivers will be pushed where it is needed most, according to Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment, Senator Simon Birmingham.

Researchers join fight for midwives

University of Queensland researchers have stood in opposition to the reduction of services for pregnant women, supporting nurses in a rally at a Brisbane hospital.

WA hooks in to shark cull for safety

In Western Australia, peoples’ right to swim in the ocean has trumped sharks’ right to live.

More control for locals, miners less impressed

A bill is being considered which will hand more control to Queensland governments for approval of mining leases, but some say it does not go far enough.

One in five cite bullies in Victorian Education probe

A recent survey has shown a high level of workplace abuse and bullying in the Victorian Education Department.

App to let residents snap council concerns

A rural Queensland council has become the latest to embrace a digital approach to local governance, launching an app that allows people to lodge queries and complaints with incredible speed.

New hospital split forming, clinical services kept public

There has been some word on the public-private arrangement planned for the new $1.8 billion Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

State to swap green plants for concrete funds

The New South Wales Government is looking to drum up cash by letting go of some goods, starting with all the state’s renewable energy assets.

Tasmania keeps gunning for NBN pledge fulfillment

A push is on to make sure many Tasmanian residents do not miss out on National Broadband Network connections they had been promised.

Councils call for cash to back duties rolled down from upper levels

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has pushed for state and federal governments to stop dumping new duties on local governments, without the appropriate funding support.

Councils given megaphone for rally against bats

Local councils in Queensland have been given permission to frighten flying foxes into retreat, and possibly to bring out the big guns next year.

Hasty nuptials planned before Feds spoil party

Australia will see its first ever Government-sanctioned same-sex marriages this weekend, but they could also be the last if the Federal Government has its way.

Public sector sold short for contract conditions

Criticisms are being laid at the Victorian Coalition government’s efforts to cut costs, which have seen 4500 full-time public servants sacked while $145 million was spent on contractors to fill the gaps.

Rio ditching Indigenous agreement to dig out of losses

One mining firm has defended its move to close an aluminium refinery in the Northern Territory, but the AWU says it may legally have to keep the doors open.

Teachers vote for pay deal linked to performance

New South Wales teachers have voted strongly in favour of a new performance-based pay deal which will see the most prime pedagogues paid six-figure salaries.

Funding to flood desert mines with irrigation ideas

The Western Australian Government has announced a multi-million dollar plan to investigate novel ways of watering the desert, hoping to propagate a new future for the Pilbara region.

Victoria will turn the tap in its own time

The Victorian Government has reserved the right not to flood private properties with dam-water, even if the Federal Government tells it to.

Audit finds room for improvement in hospital OHS

Victoria’s Auditor-General has found hospital workers routinely face high risks to their safety, and there is much room for improvement in the way hazards are handled.

Calls for clear basis on $8 billion build

The New South Wales Information and Privacy Commission says Transport for NSW has been too secretive about the massive $8.3 billion north-west rail link.

First Chief for new ACT industrial court

The ACT has established a court specifically to hear workplace health and safety matter, this week appointing Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker as its first industrial magistrate.