Archived News for Professionals in State Government - August, 2013
A state government is set to change the way tenders are awarded in an effort to reduce the rising unemployment rate.
Grants to help mental health in Victoria
Research grants have been awarded to Monash University in the effort to improve the state’s mental health sector on a systemic level.
Paramedics prepared for pay talks
Victorian paramedics are aiming for voluntary conciliation talks with the Fair Work Commission in the effort to end a long-running stoush over work conditions.
Texts tested ahead of fiery times
Victoria’s Emergency services will now alert people via text message on all mobile networks if there are dangers in their area, with tests going on over the weekend.
New NSW code to put teachers on notice
The New South Wales Government says it is on track to implement new standards of teaching, but greater principal powers could lead to harsh discipline, reports say.
Council won't be bag-man for State Gov
A local council is refusing to go to bat for the New South Wales State Government, saying it will not collect fees imposed on land services.
Gadget gear-up prompts plea for pledge
Researchers have called for more state government funding after successful trials of high-tech helpers for the elderly and disabled.
Language skills and literacy funds flow in Tasmania
Almost a million dollars has been allocated to literacy programs for helping out migrants, deaf people and other Tasmanian residents in need.
Minor changes toward balance in NT regional governments
The Northern Territory will remain divided into ‘supershires’; though the plan’s name will change and bureaucratic layers will swell, reports say.
Music funds to jazz up industry
The Australia Council has announced over $1.4 million in grants to support Australian music.
Over a billion off the table as Gonski goes ahead
The money set aside for Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory will be returned to the federal vaults after the three refused to sign up for a deal on school funding reforms.
Plan to have tourists fly south for winter
Tasmanian tourism authorities say the state is considered an exotic and entrancing prospect for many Queenslanders, with an advertising push launched to boost tourist numbers travelling from the far north to the far south.
Pressure peaking on public sector pay
Public sector workers want a wage increase in line with government inflation figures in the Northern Territory, with the possibility of strike action if their demands go unmet.
Queensland scores a cake for its consideration
The Queensland Government may see some tangible results from an announcement that five blocks would be allocated to housing for the disabled, with one MS sufferer saying she would bake the Government a cake in thanks.
Seeing the light on WA's poor solar plan
The West Australian government has paid attention to the massive public and governmental criticism of plans to cut the state’s solar feed-in tariff, the Premier has decided not to go ahead with changes he now calls the “wrong decision.”
Logistics council welcomes Victoria's forward view
The Victorian State Government has launched a new strategy for the state to deal with the expected growth in freight volumes in coming years, the announcement of the Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan has been welcomed by the nation-wide Australian Logistics Council (ALC).
Shadow of doubt spilled over WA's forecasts
Members of the West Australian Government’s opposition party have accused the state’s Premier of going back on a pledge on water charges.
Privatisation protests see nurses on the street
Nurses in their hundreds have taken to State Parliament in Brisbane to voice their discontent with cuts to Queensland Health staff.
Weatherill sold on wind-driven expansion
The South Australian Government has defended its multi-million dollar spend on wind energy, saying the renewable source is a solid investment for the state’s future.
Gong struck on Gonski for Victoria, not QLD
The Queensland government has missed the deadline for signing on to Gonski reforms, but now says it would be willing to accept the eleventh-hour deal struck with Victoria which has seen the southern state accept the funding reforms.
QLD's legal backpedal on MP pay rise
The Queensland Parliament is making moves to undo a 42 per cent pay rise awarded to state MPs.