Archived News for Professionals in State Government
The Queensland Commission of Audit has published its Interim Report into the state of Queensland's finances, finding that the state's return to surplus within two years is increasingly unlikey.
The report presents a damming evaluation of the previous Government's fiscal management, lambasting its "lack of fiscal discipline", projecting that the state's debt is likely to balloon to over $100 billion by 2018-19 unless urgent action is taken to pay down debt.
“Interest is now the fastest growing government expense in Queensland - not health, not education, not public transport - and it’s all due to Labor’s appalling reckless financial mismanagement," State Treasurer Tim Nicholls said.
New bilateral agreement over Alpha coal mine
The Federal and Queensland Governments have struck a new bilateral agreement over the disputed Alpha Coal mine project, agreeing to 'significant' changes to pre-existing environmental approvals for major projects.
Funding for NSW Office for Medical Research
The NSW 2012-13 Budget has allocated funding of more than $45 million for the Office for Medical Research, including:
Melbourne Water defends price hike
The ongoing strife with the construction of Victoria’s Wonthaggi desalination has seen Melbourne Water attempt to recoup $306 million in lost funding by upping charges to customers.
Victoria to defer national Energy Retail Law
The Victorian Government has announced it will defer the transition to the National Energy Retail Law in a bid to safeguard the state’s consumer protection laws.
LGAT supports single water and sewerage corporation
The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) has announced it will support the formation of a single water and sewerage corporation in the state, subject to agreement by the State and set to a number of requirements associated with its governance.
NT conducts review into shires
The Northern Territory Government has completed a review into the financial sustainability of shires, concluding that while shires are viable there are some key issues that need to be addressed to further improve them in the long term.
Victoria announces Melbourne growth areas
The Victorian Government released the latest Growth Corridor Plans, approving six Precinct Structure Plans to create new suburban communities at Diggers Rest, Lockerbie, Lockerbie North, Manor Lakes, Merrifield West and Rockbank North.
Victorian RDAF spending announced
The Federal Government has announced the second round of funding of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) for Victoria, outlining nine major projects that will share in $38.9 million throughout the state.
AGL to deliver large-scale solar project
Electricity giant AGL has been selected by the Federal Government as the successful proponent in the solar photovoltaic (PV) category of the Solar Flagships Program. The company, together with manufacturer First Solar, will deliver large-scale solar PV power projects totalling 159 MW at two sites in New South Wales.
NSW announces $5 billion for roads and maritime
The New South wales Government has announced it will invest $5 billion to build and maintain critical road and maritime infrastructures across the state.
NSW announces new state body to drive growth
The New South Wales Government has announced the creation Urbangrowth NSW, a new organisation responsible for driving investment in key locations in the state and help ‘underpin the future prosperity of urban and regional centres.’
NSW to refinance major infrastructure works
The New South Wales Government has announced plans to refinance State-owned assets, including Port Kembla, in a bid to fund and expedite priority infrastructure projects.
NSW awash with Federal Murray funding
The Federal Government has announced $469 million in funding to support four major new infrastructure projects in New South Wales.
Queensland greenlights Grosvenor mine
The Queensland Government has approved the construction of the $1.7 billion Grosvenor Coal Mine after the state granted Anglo American the requisite mining lease.
SA releases natural resources blueprint
The South Australian Government has released a new blueprint for managing the state's natural resources.
Burke to determine Alpha's future
The Federal Minister for the Environment, Tony Burke, and the Queensland Deputy Premier, Jeff Seeney, have met for the first time tor resolve their differences over the disputed environmental approval process of the multi-billion dollar Alpha Coal mine.
NSW releases Destination 2036 Action Plan
The New South Wales Government has announced the release of its Destination 2036 Action Plan, which ‘sets out a new direction for local government in NSW’ and details how councils will deliver services to their communities in the future.
RDAF spend outlined for NSW
The Federal Government has announced a $66.6 million spending package for New South Wales under the second round of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).
RDAF spend outlined for Queensland
The Federal Government has announced Queensland will receive $33.6 million to fund eight projects as part of Round 2 of the Regional Development Australia Fund.
SA seeks input for automotive industry
The South Australian Government has announced it is seeking feedback on a cross-government initiative aimed at ensuring the long-term success of the country’s automotive industry.