Archived News for Professionals in State Government - GovernmentCareer

The NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell, has released his government’s 100-day action plan under which he claims “the NSW Government would make giant strides towards helping the State to recover after 16 years of neglect.”

Announcing the plan, Mr O’Farrell said his government would be the busiest in Australia, “delivering dozens of commitments and initiatives to make people’s lives better.”

He said the 100 Day Plan features a range of key commitments made during the election campaign including:

establishing a Special Commission of Inquiry into Labor's failed electricity sale;
planning and budgeting work for the South West and North West rail links including the establishment of project teams;
introducing legislation for the creation of Infrastructure NSW and appointing a Board to run it;
preparing for the NSW Government's first budget in September;
commencing implementation of the Literacy and Numeracy Action Plan;
beginning negotiations on the M5 widening to reduce congestion;
introducing legislation to strengthen police powers including the re-introduction of the offence of "drunk and disorderly";
implementing the Better Hospitals and Healthcare plan which includes a $3 billion investment in city and regional hospitals, more beds and additional nurses;
establishing the Public Sector Commission; and,
restoring accountability by regulating lobbyists, introducing legislation to restrict political donations and eliminate taxpayer-funded political advertising.

NSW accelerates work on North-West rail line

The NSW Government has announced that a project team has been established to accelerate work on the North-West rail line.

National Water Commission calls for overhaul of urban water supply management

The National Water Commission has issued a landmark report urging Australian governments to overhaul the way urban water supplies are managed.

South Australian Premier's Awards announced

The South Australian Premier's Awards have been held, showcasing excellence in the public sector.

Call for NT Research and Innovation Grants

The Northern Territory has called for applications from businesses and research organisations for the latest round of the NT Research and Innovation Grants.

Queensland climate change and coastal processes report released

Queensland can expect coastal erosion and permanent inundation of coastal land as a result of a predicted 0.8 metre sea level rise by 2100, according to a new scientific report released by the Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence.

Director general announced for WA Department of Finance

The Western Australian Government has announced that the new Department of Finance will be headed by Anne Nolan and will concentrate on revenue; management of government building projects; works and administration; and the Office of Shared Services when it splits from Treasury on July 1, 2011.

Victoria reviews flood warnings and response

The Victorian Government has called for submissions to its Review of the 2010-11 Flood Warnings and Response, and is continuing a series of public meetings in flood affected towns during April and May.

Victorian Auditor-General releases renewable energy report

The Victorian Auditor-General’s Office has released its report into whether the development of renewable energy has been facilitated effectively by the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC), Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Department of Business and Innovation (DBI) and Sustainability Victoria (SV).

ACT construction Snapshot shows growth

Construction in the ACT is continuing to grow, with around $18 billion worth of projects currently planned or under way in the ACT according to the latest Canberra Construction Snapshot, released by the Chief Minister and Minister for Land and Property Services, Jon Stanhope.

Call for rethink on NSW's FirstNet health information system

A survey of IT experts by the University of Sydney has supported calls to halt the rollout of the NSW Clinical Information System FirstNet, with a review finding the system should be spearheaded by an IT-savvy clinician.

WA targets public sector savings through voluntary separations

The Western Australian Government will offer its workers a new round of voluntary separations this year as part of its public sector reform program.

VECCI calls for action on Victorian infrastructure

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling on the Victorian Government to use its first State Budget to develop an Infrastructure Plan, prioritising projects that will help drive economic development and improve liveability.

Queensland's opposition leadership a surprise package

The new leader-in-waiting of the Queensland opposition and Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, Campbell Newman, has announced that if elected Premier he will cut the size of the state’s public service and restructure some of its government departments in a bid to create savings for infrastructure investment.