Archived News for Professionals in State Government
Exports from Western Australia increased from a total value of $83 billion in 2009-10 to $112 billion in 2010-11, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Iron ore saw the biggest increase, from $34 billion being exported in 2009-10 to $57 billion in 2010-11. China continued to be the state's biggest export recipient during this period.
The mining industry remained a cornerstone of the local economy, making up 28% of the state's production.
Western Australian residents also saw an increase in their weekly earnings during this period. Male earnings increased by $164 and female earnings increased by a smaller $62.
The state's Health Care and Social Assistance industry grew significantly, employing 17,800 more people in 2010-11 than in 2009-10.
For further information, see Western Australia at a Glance, 2012 (cat no. 1306.5).
SA passes water industry legislation
The South Australian Government has passed the Water Industry Act that forms part of the largest overhaul of the State’s water sector in its history.
Storm brews over NER reform
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Michael O’Brien, has warned that his government may have no other choice but to reconsider its support of COAG’s National Energy Retail (NER) Law Bill if the Federal Government does not provide assurances that the Australian Energy Regulator will be sufficiently funded.
AI Group pushes for skills prioritisation
The Australian Industry Group (AI Group) has urged the Federal and State Governments to place a greater priority on skills and training at the upcoming Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting, saying the adaption of a national approach to training is a necessity.
Victoria announces new construction guidelines
The Victorian Government has released enhanced Implementation Guidelines for the Victorian Code of Practice for the building construction industry.
M80 work begins
The Federal and Victorian governments have announced work has begun on the next section of the $2.25 billion M80 upgrade, marking the commencement of the state’s largest road infrastructure project.
QLD students with disabilities given funding boost
$41 million in funding is being allocated to up to 29,000 Queensland school students with disabilities. The Gillard Governement’s More Support for Students with Disabilities initiative will provide greater access to classroom support and specialized equipment.
SA blasts Murray plan
The South Australian Government has blasted the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s (MDBA) draft plan, saying the allocated 2750 gigalitres for environmental flow is not enough to return the system to a state of health.
100 per cent SA allocations from July
The South Australian Government has announced that South Australian irrigators will begin the 2012-13 water year with 100 of their allocations.
Adelaide to overhaul planning laws
The South Australian Government and the city of Adelaide have announced a comprehensive overhaul of the city’s planning laws.
Cash for containers hits the road
The Northern Territory Government and Envirobank has announced the new cash for containers mobile depot will be operational shortly after Easter and will service large and small-scale volumes of returned containers.
COAG savages cities
The Reform Council of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has savaged the planning of the country’s capital cities, publishing a review that urges governments to do better in planning future land use, infrastructure assets and economies of the country’s major cities.
Queensland announces new Ministry
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has announced the formation of the new Ministry.
SA appoints Small Business Commissioner
The South Australian Government has appointed Mike Sinkunas as the state’s first Small Business Commisioner.
WA passes gas services bill
The Western Australian Government has passed the gas services Information Bill, with State Energy Minister Peter Collier saying the legislation will play a key role in securing the state’s gas supply and security.
WA teacher pay offer gets the nod
The Western Australian Government’s pay offer has been accepted by the state’s 27,000 teachers and school administrators after they voted in favour of the December agreement.
$719 million for Aboriginal health
The Federal Government has announced it will invest $719 million to deliver improved primary health care and increase access to dental and allied health care services as part of the Strong Futures package.
$8.56 million for Swan and Canning rivers
The Federal Government has announced $8.56 million in funding from the Urban Waterways Renewal project to assist in improving water quality of the Swan and Canning Rivers.
Commission to investigate Queensland finances
The Queensland Government has announced it has appointed Peter Costello as the head of the Independent Commission of Audit into the state’s finances.
NSW to target underperforming schools
The New South Wales Government has announced it will fund the employment of an additional 200 full-time teachers to target underperformance in literacy and numeracy across government and non-government schools.
Victoria hits out at NBN rollout
The Victorian Government has hit out at the recently announced 3-year rollout plan of the National Broadband Network (NBN), saying that the state has been duded.