Archived News for Professionals in State Government - September, 2013
Court proceedings have begun today in Queensland’s Land Court, with several groups trying to stop the Alpha Coal Project in the state’s central west.
Inquest poses punishment for midwife poseurs
A coronial inquiry into the deaths of three newborns in homebirths has prompted a push for heavy punishments to be created for unregistered midwives, which could include jail time.
Moves to soften tender hardship
The South Australian Government is attempting to make it easier for small and medium sized businesses to tender for public sector contracts, with a new training package for operators.
Reforms to stop storming disputes
The Queensland Government has made moves to make it harder for builders to interfere the Building Services Authority (BSA) on disputes.
Eyes on prizes at petrochemical pow-wow
The resource sharks are circling a proposed offshore petrochemical plant near the Northern Territory.
Plans for better Brisbane rail, worries over the bill
The Queensland Premier has revived a plan to spend billions for more rail access over the Brisbane River, but some residents wonder if it will be funded by money put aside for much-needed highway repairs.
Prison mine work plan sparks union ire
As reported earlier this week; a program in the Northern Territory has seen prisoners sign on as labourers in a salt mine – now union officials say the prisoners and local workers are being stitched-up by award rates.
Public servant faces spy charge with little to go on
A senior public servant accused of espionage activities has been denied access to evidence used to strip him of his security clearance.
Queensland banks on gas-friendly federal approval
Coal companies in Queensland are sticking to their single plan, looking to dredge more of the Gladstone Harbour and build the fourth gas export plant on Curtis Island.
Farmers look out for federal fulfilment
The Queensland Farmer’s Federation is one of the first of many groups which will be hoping the newly-elected government sticks to its pre-poll promises.
Tapping the desert with saline solution
A team from the Murdoch University are investigating ways to protect the vital water supplies for remote desert communities.
Dust laws solidified to stop drifting compliance
New regulations should bring about a healthy change in New South Wales mining operations, with adjustments to the state’s dust control protocols.
Gong given to Great Road
It is hard to imagine the trip from Melbourne to Geelong taking several days, but that was the case before the construction of a highway which has now been awarded for its contribution to Australian life.
Incarceration no escape from mine work in NT
With hundreds of job losses in recent weeks at mine-sites around the country, it is difficult to imagine some projects are looking to prisons to fill out their workforce.
New blood to boost public transport tech
Victoria’s public transport network is set to undergo an overhaul of its IT systems, initiated by a newly-recruited chief information officer.
Transport body glad to see Abbott on top
Lobbyists and transport industry authorities are encouraged by the outcome of the weekend’s election, welcoming the new federal government and putting the word out that they are keen to work together.
Calls to spread lead checks
Health authorities in South Australia are considering expanding a scheme to tally the amount of lead polluting public areas and the environment.
Forging a deal for Roy Hill mine, roads and port
A recent agreement has secured WA jobs in many trades for a number of years, with one group scoring a billion dollar contract to build large parts of a massive mine.
Miners agonise as Glencore gives no quarter
Hundreds have lost their jobs and worry is widespread among workers at a currently closed mine site in north Queensland.
Protests to stem cuts on school supporters
There were scenes of anger and disappointment on the streets outside WA’s Parliament House this week, as hundreds of education support staff protested cuts of up to 500 jobs.
Drink Safe cut and continued
The Queensland Government has decided to continue its trial of Drink Safe Precincts around the state, continuing a three-year effort to crack-down on alcohol-fuelled violence.