Archived News for Professionals in State Government
Recruitment specialist Hays has released its January to March quarterly report into labour and skills demand, examining the ‘current hotspots of recruitment activity and trends’.
Public Sector Accountancy and Finance
Queensland sets election dates
The Queensland State Government has set the State election as March 24, three years since Premier Anna Bligh was elected in 2009.
WA leads export growth
Newly-released trade figures show Western Australia's share of Australian exports continues to grow, while export volumes from South Australia also enjoyed strong growth last financial year.
$400 million wind farm for Victoria
Spanish company Acciona has announced it will construct a $400 million wind farm in Victoria’s Western District, six years after it received planning approval.
Weatherill rattles sabre over Basin Plan
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill has refused to rule out a high court appeal to block the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, which he describes as woefully inadequate, if substantial changes aren’t made.
Queensland to re-examine Wivenhoe operation
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has announced the state’s Flood Commission of Inquiry will be extended to conduct further investigations into last year’s extensive flooding. Ms Bligh’s announcement comes after Commissioner Cate Holmes advised the Premier she would be holding further hearings and would require an extension to the Inquiry’s reporting date.
Call for comment on the Queensland Education Trust
The Queensland Education Minister, Cameron Dick, has called for public comment on the State Government’s proposed multi-billion dollar Queensland Education Trust (QET) and how it should operate.
Mr Dick said six community forums would be held across the state from Wednesday, 1 February, to provide an opportunity for Queenslanders to talk about the mining royalties-funded QET.
“Ministers, including myself, will visit locations in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Brisbane and the Gold Coast to talk to community members about the QET,” Mr Dick said.
“The State Government wants to ensure all Queenslanders have an opportunity to share their views on how we use the boom in our resources sector to transform the opportunities available to children.
“The QET would be established by taking a 50 per cent share of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) royalties.
“This money could then be invested for the future education and training of Queenslanders.
“Over the long term, the QET would control billions of dollars to support education and training initiatives, giving Queensland’s young people a flying start into education and the workforce.”
Mr Dick said two different operational models for the QET were proposed:
“We want people’s feedback about the QET and how it should operate. For example, if individual endowment accounts are established, what eligibility criteria should apply? This is just one example of the questions we are asking Queenslanders,” Mr Dick said.
Details for the six community forums are:
- Wednesday, 1 February – Cairns – Cairns State High School
- Tuesday, 7 February – Townsville – Townsville State High School
- Wednesday, 8 February – Brisbane South – Mount Gravatt State High School
- Wednesday, 8 February – Gold Coast – Varsity College
- Thursday, 9 February – Brisbane North – Rainworth State School
- Thursday, 9 February – Rockhampton – Rockhampton State High School.
More information is at at www.qld.gov.au/educationtrust.
Responses to the QET proposal paper can also be made online via the Get Involved website at www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/gi/consultation/205/view.html; by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by writing to: Education Trust, PO Box 15185, Brisbane 4002.
Consultation on the QET closes on Friday, 17 February.
New members of NSW Innovation and Productivity Council
Four new people have been appointed to the NSW Innovation and Productivity Council which advises the Government on proposed programs and initiatives to promote both public and private sector innovation and productivity in NSW.
Victoria announces overseas posts
The Victorian Government has announced key appointments to overseas posts in an effort to raise Victoria’s international profile by creating new investment links in key markets.
Queensland launches Integrated Freight Strategy
The Queensland Government has announced the launch of the state’s first Integrated freight Strategy, aimed at ensuring the movement of freight meets the growing demand throughout the state.
Queensland Premier appoints special adviser on engineering
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has appointed an engineering expert to drive the Government’s plan to make Queensland a world centre of engineering excellence.
CommSec State of the States report finds WA economy slipping
CommSec’s most recent State of the States report has found that the ACT has had the stand-out economy over the past quarter, while WA has slipped back.
NSW to inject $7 million into cancer research
The New South Wales Government has announced $7 million in grants to two esteemed research groups as part of the translational cancer research program.
WA commits to Esperance Port
The Western Australian Government has announced its formal support of the expansion of Esperance Port, with State Transport Minister Troy Buswell announcing plans to increase capacity by up to 20 million tonnes per annum in a staged plan.
Ichthys LNG Project signed off
Japanese oil and gas company, INPEX Corporation and the French giant TOTAL S.A. have confirmed the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the US$34 billion Ichthys LNG Project. The agreement was announced at a ceremony in Darwin, the site of the onshore gas processing facilities which will be built to produce 8.4 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per annum.
Victoria announces $100 million for regional infrastructure
The Victorian Government has announced regional and rural councils will share in over $100 million for vital infrastructure in the first allocation round of the Local Government Infrastructure Program (LGIP).
NSW starts water sharing plans
New South Wales has commenced two new water sharing plans that cover the NSW Murray-Darling Basin groundwater sources.
Mount Isa master plan to be released
A master plan that is set to coordinate the development of freight infrastructure in north west Queensland over the next 50 years is set for release by the Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone (MITEZ).
$103 million upgrade for Ford in Victoria
The Federal and Victorian governments have announced $103 million in co-funding to boost the fuel efficiency and emissions performance of the Ford Falcon and Ford Territory models being manufactured in Australia.
Victoria appoints Executive Director for major projects office
The Victorian Government has announced Tim Bamford as Executive Director of Major Projects Victoria (MPV), tasking him with overseeing the state's more complex and important construction projects.
Victoria reviews local laws covering building sites
The Victorian Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has released the Better Practice Building Site Management discussion paper to help reduce the regulatory burden faced by the building industry as a consequence of inconsistent local laws applying to building sites.