Archived News for Professionals in State Government - October, 2011
The Queensland and Commonwealth governments have announced over $1.1 billion in joint funding to assist in the Queensland reconstruction efforts.
Speaking at the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced three major projects for the state’s reconstruction efforts:
- $700 million for reconstruction and repair of over 1,000 kilometres of roads in the state’s South West;
- Almost $435 million for road reconstruction across the Darling Downs region; and
- Up to $18 million to flood proof the town of Grantham.
The Strengthening Grantham initiative will be aimed at establishing community infrastructure, including water, sewerage and roads for the new residential development on higher ground in the town of Grantham.
SA moves to block Arakoola mining
The South Australian Government has released draft legislation that will see all mining activity banned from the Arkaroola area.
Victorian and Commonwealth governments sign $1.2 billion water deal
The Commonwealth and Victorian governments have announced a new agreement that will deliver the country’s largest irrigation infrastructure renewal project.
Olympic Dam expansion plan before SA Parliament
Legislation that will enable mining giant BHP Billiton to expand its Olympic Dam operations is currently before the South Australian Parliament.
Illawarra job creation fund opens
The Federal Government has launched the $30 million Illawarra Region Innovation and Investment Fund, which will support businesses with innovative projects in and around the Wollongong area .
WA finalises GST review submission
The Western Australian Government has finalised its submission to the review of the distribution of Goods and Services Tax revenue commissioned by the Prime Minister earlier this year.
Queensland announces major projects conference line-up
The Queensland Government has announced the line-up of speakers at Queensland’s Major Projects Conference.
Queensland appoints business commissioner
The Queensland Government has announced the appointment of a Blair Davies as the state’s new Business Commissioner.
Queensland calls for tenders for new aerospace and defence hub
The Queensland Government has announced a call for tenders for the planned $150 million aerospace and defence industry hub at Amberly in the state’s south east.
Queensland passes waste management reforms
The Queensland Government has passed its Waste Reduction and Recycling Bill that will aim to halve the amount of rubbish directed to landfill within a decade .
Hays quarterly report highlights public sector skills demand
Recruitment specialists Hays has published the October Quarterly Report, finding a number of hotspots in public sector labour demand.
Report finds whistleblowing key to public sector integrity
The Commonwealth Ombudsman, Allan Asher, has released a new report on whistleblowing, ‘Whistling while they work: A good-practice guide for managing internal reporting of wrongdoing in public sector organisations’ which argues that the public sector would benefit greatly from the establishment of best practice guidelines for whistleblowing.
Queensland introduces skills legislation
The Queensland Government has introduced the Vocational Education and Training (Commonwealth Powers) and Other Acts Amendment Act 2011 before the State Parliament that will aim to deliver national consistency for the vocational education and trade sector.
Victoria announces terms of reference for marine assessment council
The Victorian Government has tabled the final Terms-of-Reference for the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council investigation into the state’s existing marine parks and other marine protected areas.
Queensland announces $7 million for Hendra research
The Queensland Government has announced $7 million in funding for new Hendra Virus research projects.
Victoria announces broadband innovation funding
The Victorian Government has opened the second round of the Broadband-Enabled Innovation Program (BEIP), inviting applicants to apply for funding for projects that develop innovative broadband solutions to boost productivity.
WA launches 10 year mental health plan
The Western Australian Government has launched its new Mental Health 2020: Making it personal and everybody’s business 10 year mental health plan. The plan will aimed at improving the connections between public and private mental health services and community organisations to help ensure better support for people with mental illness.
Olympic Dam expansion receives federal approval
The Federal Government has announced the proposed expansion of BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam mine in South Australia has received environmental approval.
Tasmania releases next Climate Futures report
The Tasmanian State Government has published the latest report of the Climate Futures for Tasmania Project, entitled ‘Extreme Events’.
$15 million for smart solutions for Victoria's healthcare challenges
The Victorian Government has announced a new $15 million program to promote demand-driven innovation in the state’s healthcare system.
Tasmania outlines health budget savings
The Tasmanian Government has detailed how the state’s Department of Health and Human Services will meet the remaining $30 million of the $100 million savings task set out in the State Budget.