Archived News for Professionals in State Government - May, 2011
The planned port facilities at South Australia’s Port Bonython are a step closer to realization after an agreement between the South Australian State Government and ports consortium Spencer Gulf Ports Links (SGPL) was struck.
South Australian Transport Minister Patrick Conlon announced the agreement, saying SGPL had been granted exclusive rights to undertake an Environmental Impact Statmenet (EIS) for the proposed deep sea facility, which the Government hopes will ‘greatly improve’ the state’s export capacity and mining capacity.
“The proposed Port Bonython project will deliver an efficient, first-class export facility servicing the iron ore mining industry and its projected boom in the State’s north by significantly boosting existing capabilities,” Minister Conlon said.
$1 billion for Pacific Highway upgrade
The Federal Government has announced a $1 billion upgrade to New South Wales’ Pacific Highway in the nation’s Budget.
Victorian Government removes compulsory Aboriginal acknowledgement
Victorian Premier Ted Ballieu has removed existing obligations for public servants to acknowledge Aboriginal traditional landowners at public and official events.
Sustainable Population Strategy released
The Federal Government has released the nation's first ever dedicated sustainable population strategy which sets out the framework, backed by new funding for a sustainable Australia.
Queensland to cap water prices
The Queensland Government is set to introduce legislation before the State Parliament to cap water and wastewater distribution prices for Southeast Queensland householders for the next two years starting from 1 July 2011.
South Australian EPA chief executive to retire
The Chief Executive of the South Australian Environmental Protection Authority Helen Fulcher has advised the SA Government she will retire when her contract ends on August 31 this year.
$4.3 billion for regional Australia
The Federal Government has announced a $4.3 billion injection for regional Australia in the nation’s budget.
$181.4 million for National Urban Policy
The Federal Government has announced the formation of a new National Urban Policy, providing $181.4 million designed to ‘progress a range of practical measures which will promote more productive, sustainable and liveable cities.’
New Tasmanian Cabinet announced
The Tasmanian Government has announced the new Cabinet in the lead up to the State’s Budget, causing concern in both industry and public sector unions.
NT Treasurer welcomes Federal Budget
The Northern Territory Treasurer, Delia Lawrie, has welcomes the Federal Budget, saying Federal spending will build a ‘strong national economy with initiatives to build the workforce needed to support resource jurisdictions like the Territory’
Queensland passes accountability bill
The Queensland State Government has announced the passing of the Electoral Reform and Accountability Amendment Bill 2011.
New head of NSW Trade and Investment
The Secretary and Chief Executive of the Federal Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research has been announced as the new Director-General of the NSW Department of Trade and Investment following his transition from Commonwealth to State governments.
Victorian inquiry into infrastructure best practice
The Victorian Government has announced its aim to establish an inquiry into identifying best practice policy initiatives for managing State Government infrastructure.
Senate Committee calls for end to federal control of territory laws
The Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs has recommended that legislation introduced by the Australian Greens to end federal control over territory laws be passed by the Senate.
Call for Queensland natural disaster funding
The Queensland Government has called for expressions of interest for funding under the third round of the Natural Disaster Resilience Program.
Lobbyist success fees to be banned in NSW
The NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has announced that legislation will be introduced to Parliament to ban lobbyist success fees, over and above normal service fees.
NSW Parliamentary Secretaries announced
The NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell, has completed the government’s team of 13 Parliamentary Secretaries, with the appointment of five new appointments.
Victorian budget hit by cut in GST revenue
The Victorian Baillieu government’s first budget has focused on meeting election promises, with hefty spending combined with a major cut in GST revenue resulting in net debt blowing out by $7.5 billion.
Inquiry into sale of NSW electricity assets
The NSW Government’s Special Commission of Inquiry into the sale of the state’s electricity assets by the previous Labor government will be headed by Justice Brian Tamberlin QC.
South Australia set to ride the resources boom
A report by Deloitte Access Economics has predicted that South Australia will become "a titan of the global resource landscape" but warns that its manufacturing sector is flagging due to the high Australian dollar and struggling to remain a significant employer.
NT spends up on small business, housing and infrastructure
The Northern Territory Budget has targeted support for small business, homeowners and infrastructure in a big-spending budget that is predicted to see debt blow out to $2.2 billion in 2013-14