Archived News for Professionals in State Government - July, 2012
The South Australian Government has announced immediate action will start to implement reforms recommended in Dr Mark Monaghan’s report on Emergency Department care.
The Government’s first move will be to appoint a clinical leader to oversee state-wide reforn, while leaders will also be nominated by staff at the state’s major hospitals to redesign access to emergency care where necessary.
SA Health accepted all 52 recommendations in principle contained within Dr Monaghan’s review of hospital performance, with State Minister for Health John Hill saying the report provides a clear action plan that will make a major difference for staff and patients within months.
Victoria announces planning reform
The Victorian Government has announced sweeping reform to the state’s planning zones in a bid to return certainty to councils, residents and the development industry.
NSW releases planning paper
The New South Wales Department of Planning and Infrastructure has outlined the future of the state’s planning framework. The Green Paper – A New Planning System for NSW details the State Government’s objectives for a more transparent, effective and efficient planning system for the state.
SA apologises for forced adoptions
The South Australian Government has formally apologised to those people who’s lives were affected by past forced adoption practices.
Tasmania releases key infrastructure study
The Tasmanian Government has released a comprehensive study of the infrastructure needs of the state’s West Coast, which the it says will be used to inform Government priorities for upgrades in the region.
EPA recommends James Price Point for approval
The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has delivered its final assessment of the proposed James Price Point Liquefied Natural Gas precict, recommending the project for approval.
Melbourne to fund green retrofitting
Changes to legislation in Victoria is set to allow property trusts to gain access to financing for environmental upgrades, likely to result in significant increases to opportunities for green retrofitting in Melbourne’s city centre.
Queensland makes 'tough decision' to cut skilling programs
The Queensland Government has announced cuts to several employment and skilling initiatives it says the Federal Government already funds.
VMIA develops first public risk management diploma
The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority and the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) have co-developed the country’s first Diploma of Integrated Risk Management targeted specifically at the country’s public sector.
$300 million for Melbourne's Docklands
Victorian Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy, and Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle have unveiled a plan for $300 million in community infrastructure projects in the Docklands.
Global jitters affects WA resources sector
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) has found that while the state continues to reap the benefits of the ongoing mining boom, global uncertainty around the Greek debt crisis and the possibility of a slowdown in China has affected the production of key commodities, translating into a contraction of business confidence.
Government announces $1 billion for community workers
The Federal Government has pledged an additional $1 billion to support the pay rise awarded to workers in the social and community services sector.
IPA urges better city monitoring
Infrastructure Partnerships Australia has called for the Productivity Commission to develop a more accurate method to track performance of Australia’s major cities; and calling on all three levels of government to integrate the way they plan, regulate and operate metropolitan infrastructure.
Queensland announces six month action plan
The Queensland Government has launched its new Six Month Action Plan for the state, outlining 149 separate actions the Government intends to take between July and December.
Queensland committed to 'right size' public service
The Queensland Government has announced it is committed to finding the ‘right size’ of public service after figures show that public servant numbers fell by almost 3000 full-time equivalents at the end of June.
WA receives advice on EPA
Western Australian Environment Minister, Bill Marmion, has received legal advice from the State’s Solicitor’s Office regarding the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) assessment of the Browse LNG Precinct at James Price Point in the state’s Kimberly region.
Grafton locals fight gaol closure
Protests of up to 3000 people are continuing outside the Grafton Gaol following an announcement by the NSW Government that it will sack 108 workers and close part of the facility.
NSW Opposition warns of job cuts to courts and prisons
Some cuts have already taken effect, with recent closure of the Youth Drug and Alcohol Cour.
Government outlines $6 billion infrastructure fund
The Federal Government has released its guidelines for the $6 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund, which it says will unlock investment in communities dealing with the impact of the mining boom.
Queensland outlines response to audit
The Queensland Government has outlined its interim response to the recently released Commission of Audit into the state’s finances, with Treasurer Tim Nicholls pledging the Government will return the state’s finances ‘to a position of strength’.