Archived News for Professionals in State Government
The Federal Government has announced a $50 million agreement with the Tasmanian Government for the rejuvenation of the Macquarie Point Railyards in Hobart.
The remediation of the 8.4 hectare just outside of the city’s CBD will see redevelopment of the Brooke St Pier support structure is another key component of this project. The redeveloped Pier will be important for future vessel berthing as well as local ferry and cruise services.
“It is rare for such a large public space to present itself in the heart of an established CBD and our priority is to make the very best use of this natural asset, so that it benefits the local community and visitors to this great city,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure Anthony Albanese said.
New local government agreement for Queensland reconstruction
The Federal and Queensland Governments have reached a new cost-saving agreement that will enable councils to choose the option of using their own workforce to complete disaster reconstruction projects.
SA announces Low Emission Vehicle Strategy
The South Australian Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Paul Caica has announced the release of the state’s first Low Emission Vehicle Strategy at the Rio +20 Conference.
Victoria releases SGI update
The Victorian Government has released an update to progress being made to the state’s public service reforms under its Sustainable Government Initiative (SGI).
WA passes Bankwest legislation
The Western Australian Government has passed legislation that aims to secure and strengthen Bankwest’s financial and operational commitments to Western Australia.
Queensland releases gas market review for consultation
The Queensland Government has released a draft of the Queensland Gas Market Review, prepared by the state's Gas Market Advisor, for public consultation.
Obsolescence spreads in Victorian frontline ICT
Obsolescence in frontline ICT hardware, software and supporting network infrastructure is sesemic in the Victorian public service according to a review conducted by the state’s Auditor General.
Victoria to improve Local Government Act
The Victorian Government has introduced the Local Government Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill aimed at addressing a number of shortcomings in the existing legislation and provide better governance for local government.
ACTEW takes over water and sewerage in the ACT
The Board of ACTEW Corporation has decided it will fully integrate the water and sewerage operations currently undertaken by ActewAGL Water Division into ACTEW from 1 July 2012. Water and sewerage will be managed under the trading name of Actew Water.
South Australian economy in the doldrums
New home building activity in the past twelve months has fallen to its lowest level since 2001, and is still declining; while total new capital expenditure in South Australia (i.e. public and private expenditure) has remained essentially flat over the past twelve months.
Victoria announces recycling boost
The Victorian Government has announced an $11.5 million funding package to improve recycling infrastructure across the state. The spending package follows a $13.8 million in infrastructure funding under the State Government’s Conserve Invest and Save strategy.
$24.8 million for Victoria's manufacturing sector
The Victorian Government has launched a new $24.8 million program aimed at encouraging manufacturers to invest in new technology to boost productivity and competitiveness of the state’s manufacturing sector.
$400 million to boost Port of Melbourne
The Victorian Government has announced $400 million will be invested in the Port of Melbourne to boost its import and export auto trade at the Webb Dock facility.
Feds back WA water security efforts
The Federal Government has announced approval of Western Australia’s compliance and enforcement plan to protect the state’s water sources from illegal use.
Newman issues ominous warning
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has issued an ominous warning to the state’s public sector, saying the State Government employs roughly 20,000 more public servants than the state can afford to employ.
Queensland announces skills taskforce
The Queensland Government has announced the formation of the State’s new Skills and Training Taskforce, which will be responsible for developing a roadmap for the state’s vocational education and training sector.
Queensland appoints GasFields Commissioenrs
Mr Seeney said Chairman Cotter would bring the group together in July to review the 55 public submissions and provide feedback on how the Gasfields Commission should operate.
“This input from the GasFields Commission will shape the legislation which will be introduced in Parliament later this year,” he said.
SenseT project to create Tasmanian data network
A collaboration between the University of Tasmania, state and Australian governments and a range of industry partners promises to deliver a world-first SenseT data sensor network will utilise the National Broadband Network rollout in Tasmania to mesh together historical, spatial and real-time data and make it available through the web to the community.
WA Government acts to clear building approval logjam
The Western Australian Commerce Minister Simon O’Brien has announced a series of measures to assist the building industry and local governments to work with recent legislation changes.
“The introduction of the Building Act on April 2, 2012 was the result of several years of consultation,” Mr O’Brien said.
“However, as with any wholesale change to legislation, there is always the possibility that the need for some modifications will arise as the new processes are put into practice.
“The State Government is very aware that any processing delays have a big impact on builders and consumers and since being made aware of the drop in building applications and approvals following the start of the new legislation, we have been working with industry and local government to find a solution.”
To alleviate the immediate pressures on industry, the Minister today signed a Ministerial Order designed to expedite the flow of building work. This order, which will take effect from Saturday, will allow a builder to start work pending approvals for applications lodged after January 1, 2012 and prior to June 30, 2012.
“This temporary measure will assist builders in avoiding protracted delays before starting construction, but will not remove the industry’s obligation to meet all necessary standards,” Mr O’Brien said.
Further, in response to feedback from industry, the Building Commission has formulated a series of regulatory amendments that will simplify the approvals process and make it easier for local governments to apply the law consistently. Redesigned standard forms aimed at removing confusion in interpreting approval requirements will be distributed to local government authorities, along with a processing checklist.
“Additional information workshops and specific information kits will provide further assistance in understanding the new system and how to benefit from it,” the Minister said.
The State Government, with the Building Commission, is now working to identify longer-term measures, including looking at any other amendments to the Act that may be required to give greater security to industry and local government.
Mr O’Brien said the Government looked forward to working closely with industry and local councils throughout this process.
While the necessary amendments and changes were being made, building surveyors were advised to use the new processing checklist, prioritise their new house applications, use electronic mail systems where possible and seek advice from the Building Commission to help speed up the applications and approvals processes.
Government flags foreign ownership register
The Federal Government has announced the formation of a working group to consult on the development of a foreign ownership register for agricultural land, following growing concerns over large swathes of prime agricultural land being purchased by foreign nationals.
NSW compensation scheme to be reviewed
The Joint Select Committee on the NSW Workers Compensation has announced a suite of key recommendations to reform the scheme in a bid to address its increasingly dire financial situation.