Archived News for Professionals in State Government - April, 2014
Volunteer fire-fighters should be compensated when extended bushfire efforts keep them from their families and work, a Local Government Association says.
Staff asked to think while Department looks for silence
One of Australia’s chief public servants says departments should be able to make and enforce their own social media policies, insisting that the service is not being gagged.
Experts slam big schools spend
Three Australian academics have condemned the $16.2 billion Building the Education Revolution scheme as a stuff-up destined to become “an international case study of government failure”.
New idea could see thousands lost and billions saved in 'super-departments'
Public sector insiders say a push is on to save billions by squeezing all government functions into “super departments”.
Cops zoom up to distracted drivers
Victorian police have a new tool for catching unsafe and unfocused drivers – a camera with a very long lens.
Power pushed north in newest one-stop-deal
The Federal Government has given a glimpse of its “one-stop-shop” for environmental approvals in the Northern Territory.
Road, rail and plane plans mean big building in Victoria
Victoria’s travel plans are up for debate, as parties spruik their transport visions ahead of this year’s election.
Tassie starts run for Year 12 enhancement
Tasmania has embarked on an effort to extend its high schools to Year 12.
Archive compiles ancient learning for new look at books
A living archive has been launched in Darwin, to breathe life into Indigenous languages recorded decades ago.
Auditor burns firies' health requirements
A recent audit has found lapses in the health requirements for fire-fighters, saying better systems should be in place to protect them and the public.
Bleeding memory exposes all-important online data
UPDATE 14/04: The NSA has denied reports that it has been using Heartbleed as a spying tool.
Bureaucratic craft lost in silence, former boss says
A former senior public official says government workers should be “pushing back” against political decisions they know are wrong.
Efficient focus for new public sector body
A new commission has been launched to investigate broad public sector reform across one state.
Lines laid to bring change in smoothly
The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet has put out a guide to help those responsible for implementing its new policies.
Undervalued government staff strike for better deal
Public servants have walked off the job in protest of pay conditions in WA.
Green fund fears for future investment in NSW
Two solar farms in New South Wales have their financial backing secured, but there is some trepidation around the future of the state’s renewable investment.
Macquarie success is clear lesson for others
Seven years of incredible conservation efforts have led to the declaration that Macquarie Island is free of pests.
Tree-clearing claims bowl over QLD conservation
Concern has been raised over widespread land clearing in Queensland, which may be occurring without any public consultation.
Firing and inflexibility in workplace pregnancy stats
A new report has shown a high level of discrimination across Australian workplaces, which can lead to personal, economic and even safety issues.
Bike shift to form clear rear buffer
New laws in Queensland are aimed at making it easier for drivers to understand what to do when passing cyclists.
Finding means greenfield deals can come from just a few
The Federal Court has backed a negotiating tactic which allows construction companies to sidestep unions on agreements for new projects.