Archived News for Professionals in State Government

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.

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).

New South Wales has commenced two new water sharing plans that cover the NSW Murray-Darling Basin groundwater sources.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Marlene Morison has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Queensland Corrective Services.

Tim Bamford has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Major Projects Victoria (MPV).

Mr Bamford has a background in engineering and a experience in management positions including Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. He joined MPV in 2008 and has been the Project Director of the $363 million stage 1 redevelopment of Melbourne Park.

Other projects currently overseen by MPV include the Flinders Street Station international design competition, the $288 million Centre for AgriBiosciences at Latrobe University, the $128.5 million Hamer Hall upgrade and the E-Gate development in West Melbourne.

Mr Bamford takes over from acting Executive Director, John Wiles.

MPV is part of the Victorian Department of Business and Innovation and provides project delivery services and advice to Victorian Government departments and other agencies in the delivery of complex projects.

The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA), which will be responsible for urban renewal and revitalisation of Perth, commenced operations on January 1, 2012.

The Productivity Commission has issued a discussion draft of its report on the impacts of Council of Australian Governments (COAG) reforms in the areas of business regulation and vocational education and training.

The WA State Cabinet has formally approved the drafting of legislation to abolish the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) and restructure it as a department of the State Government.

The Western Australian Government has reached agreement with BGC Construction on settlement of major contractual claims related to the design of the Perth Arena.

The Western Australian Government will continue to work with the Oakajee Port and Rail (OPR) partners, despite the exclusive arrangement expiring on December 31, 2011.

Western Australia is set to record the highest surplus in the nation with a strong and stable economic outlook following the release of the mid-year review today.

The Queensland Government has announced it will regularly audit the employment-related provisions in contracts for State Government-funded construction projects to help ensure ‘sham contracting’ does not take root in the Queensland construction industry.

The audits were among several recommendations contained in the report of the Industry Reference Group on sham contracting ordered by Industrial Relations Minister Cameron Dick.

Mr Dick said the Industry Reference Group had found no evidence of systemic ‘sham contracting’ practices on Queensland worksites.

“However, the group recommended a high level of vigilance to ensure the practice does not creep in, and this is why we will be implementing all the recommendations in the report.”

Building Minister Simon Finn said employers who use ‘sham contacts’ to avoid paying superannuation and recreation and sick leave will not be tolerated.

“Unscrupulous employers can also use the practice to avoid paying workers’ compensation premiums which could ultimately undermine the viability of the scheme.

“This is why we will be keeping a close watch on industry contracting practices to ensure they remain fair and equitable for workers.

The Department of Public Works will introduce a regular auditing process of the industrial relations provisions in selected major projects in early 2012.

The IRG report, carried out by senior union and employer representatives and industry experts, recommended:
• the government undertake a formal review of employment-related provisions in contracts for government-funded construction projects
• ensure compliance with industrial relations obligations on Government funded projects
• undertake an audit program on significant construction projects
• liaise with the Commonwealth Government via the Fair Work Ombudsman and Australian Tax Office to ensure that building and construction industry workers are receiving their proper superannuation entitlements
• establish a Project Monitoring Group to provide industry stakeholder input into the implementation of the IRG report recommendations.

Mr Dick said the report, which had the broad support of the industry, would enable employers to be aware of their responsibilities and assist in protecting Queensland workers from unscrupulous employers.

The Industry Reference Group included: the Australian Workers Union, the Builders Labourers Federation, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union; employer groups including the Housing Industry Association and the Master Builders Association; the Queensland Workplace Rights Ombudsman; and related Queensland Government agencies.

More information about the Industry Reference Group’s recommendations can be found at www.justice.qld.gov.au.

A consultation paper canvassing the key issues to be investigated as part of a review of Tasmania’s public vocational education and training has been released for comment. .

The Victorian Government has released its manufacturing strategy that aims strengthen the state’s manufacturing industry to secure jobs and grow business investment.

The Victorian Government has announced it will be cutting one in ten jobs from the state's public service, amounting to an estimated 3,500 positions.

The Queensland Government has released its Greenspace Strategy 2011-2020, aiming to assist the State Government in reaching its target of 50 per cent increase in land protected for conservation and recreation.