Archived News for Professionals in State Government - March, 2016
Australian hate inaccurately based
A recent survey has found that negative attitudes among Australian voters towards asylum seekers are driven by religious bigotry more than by racism or economic anxieties.
Essential staff nod to new deal
A three-year dispute between unions and Essential Water in New South Wales is ending, after workers indicated they would accept a new wage deal.
SA strangled by reams of red tape
A new report says red tape on water and electricity prices in South Australia must be slashed, and the state could do with fewer government Ministers as well.
Staff abused over power bill money-grab
Horizon Power's managing director says abuse experienced by power company employees “may be understandable but unfortunate”.
Tassie still tackling power/internet woes
The impact of Tasmania’s Basslink outage continues, as the government scrambles to patch up various services.
NAPLAN numbers show overall uptick
The latest national academic performance figures have revealed “signs of improvement across the country”.
Surprising stacks add to Apostles
A new discovery could see more tourists visiting one of Australia’s already best-known sites.
Stagnant Sydney water site revealed
Reports say that a $99 million Sydney water recycler is sitting idle, three years after it was completed.
Tough terms for transport attacks
The South Australian Government is seeking to impose hefty jail terms on people who attack public transport staff.
Truck checks stepped up early
Tasmania and the ACT have adopted National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual Version 2, and will now hold operators to new inspection standards.
Essential staff vote on EBA "insult"
Staff at NSW’s Essential Energy will vote on industrial action this week, with reports up to 800 jobs will go in the next two years.
Perth maternity maintained
West Australian Health Minister Kim Hames has responded to public pressure, and says the maternity unit at Perth’s Bentley Hospital will stay open.
Truth hindered by secret probes
The South Australian Opposition says incidents in the South Australian health system are the subject of secret inquiries outside the reach of the coroner's court.
Utility users lose in regulatory 'arms race'
Rising utility prices are a source of concern and outrage for Australian consumers, leading experts to look at ways to keep the system honest.
Brisbane's backroom park deal buried
Reports say Brisbane City Council (BCC) signed a multi-million-dollar contract to sell city parkland to major donor to the Liberal National Party.
Bullying claim to see schools in court
A teenager is suing the Victorian Education Department after alleged homophobic bullying left him suicidal.
NT teachers claim Gonski grift
The NT education union has grilled the Government on where $272 million of funding is being spent.
Push to link MP and PS pay
Tasmania’s public sector union says it would accept a proposed pay rise for politicians, if they support pay rises for government workers.
Murkiness surfaces in WA water deal
The WA Opposition says taxpayers have been ripped off by the $10.4 million sale of a division of the Water Corporation.