The Victorian Government has announced a moratorium on all hydraulic fracturing as part of a suite of reforms aimed at providing greater certainty on the impacts of the coal seam gas industry’s effects on the environment.

The reforms also see a total ban on the use of BTEX chemicals, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene, in fraccing practices in Victoria.

The announcement comes as the State and Commonwealth Governments continue to work on the formation of a new National Harmonised Framework for the coal seam gas industry. State and Federal Energy and Resources Ministers are expected to consider the framework in December.

The Western Australian Government has released details of the Master plan for the new Perth stadium and surrounding sport and recreation precinct.

The long standing animosity shared between Federal Minister for the Environment, Tony Burke, and the Queensland Government has culminated with the Minister accusing the State Government of 'environmental vandalism'.

Mining giant BHP Billiton has announced it has elected to shelve the $30 billion expansion of its Olympic Dam expansion in South Australia.

The Federal Government has announced its approval of the Alpha coal mine and associated rail works in Queensland, paving the way for construction of the country's largest coal mine.

The South Australian Government has launched a new framework to shape the state’s climate change action by Government and the community in the State.

The Western Australian Government has passed two bills aimed at improving the governing of water services before State Parliament.

"Tasmanians for Reform is calling for meaningful changes to local government that will see improved services, greater capacity and reduced costs," TFR Chairwoman Mary Massina said.

The New South Wales Government is calling for public submissions for its inquiry into insolvency in the construction industry.

The Western Australian Local Government Association has publically backed legislation introduced before State Parliament that will enable two or more Local Government bodies to establish regional subsidiaries.

ACT public servants claim $90 million over three years Public servants in the Australian Capital Territory have claimed an estimated $90 million over three years in workers compensations in illnesses and injuries in the workplace.

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill has officially opened the new Ankata underground copper-gold mine at Prominent Hill.

The Queensland Government has flagged sweeping changes to the State Government payroll systems, with Information Minister Ros Bates saying work will begin first on her own department.

The Queensland Government has held the first Moreton Bay Rail Link industry briefing, attracting over 300 business representatives to hear from State Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson.

The Western Australian Government has called for comment on the costs and benefits of the proposed national Work Health and Safety (WHS) reform as they apply to the State’s workplaces.

The Port of Melbourne Corporation’s (PoMC) $1.6 billion redevelopment of its Webb Dock facilities has taken the next major step after the awarding of major civil and maritime design contracts.

The Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) has cleared the engineers who operated the Wivenhoe Dam during the Queensland floods of 2010 of any wrongdoing.

The Victorian Government has announced $10.6 million in funding to boost research that will accelerate productivity growth in the grains industry by developing superior varieties and management practices best suited for local conditions.

The South Australian Government has announced the appointment of Anne Gale as the state’s next Commissioner for Equal Opportunity.

The Western Australian Government has released the latest State Priority Occupation List, showing that engineers, nurses and childcare workers are among the most sought-after employees.

The Queensland Government has announced applications for $60 million in funding under the first round of the Royalties for Regions program will open in September.

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