Archived News for Professionals in State Government
The Victorian Baillieu government’s first budget has focused on meeting election promises, with hefty spending combined with a major cut in GST revenue resulting in net debt blowing out by $7.5 billion.
The budget was hit with $4.1 billion cut in GST revenue and deferral of $550 million in infrastructure payments from the Federal government, and the government will need to borrow funding to meet its election promises.
Treasurer Kim Wells said the debt would be $11.9bn for 2011, rising to $16.8bn in 2012 and $23.1bn by 2015. Growth in government spending for 2011-12 has been cut back to 3.2% from an average of 8% under the Labor government.
Inquiry into sale of NSW electricity assets
The NSW Government’s Special Commission of Inquiry into the sale of the state’s electricity assets by the previous Labor government will be headed by Justice Brian Tamberlin QC.
South Australia set to ride the resources boom
A report by Deloitte Access Economics has predicted that South Australia will become "a titan of the global resource landscape" but warns that its manufacturing sector is flagging due to the high Australian dollar and struggling to remain a significant employer.
NT spends up on small business, housing and infrastructure
The Northern Territory Budget has targeted support for small business, homeowners and infrastructure in a big-spending budget that is predicted to see debt blow out to $2.2 billion in 2013-14
Tasmania looks to slash spending on consultancies
All Tasmanian Government agencies have been asked by the Premier, Lara Giddings, to review spending on external consultancies as they work to find Budget savings.
Woomera declared open for mining
The Woomera Protected Area (WPA) has been opened to mining following discussions between the South Australian and Federal Governments.
Queensland reconstruction report shows "real headway"
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority has released its second monthly report into the damages caused by flooding and cyclones earlier this year.
Skills shortages in NSW hinder recovery
Skills shortages are continuing to have a significant impact on business performance in New South Wales, according to the recently released NSW Business Chamber - Commonwealth Bank Business Conditions Survey for the March 2011 quarter.
Rail loses out to roads on government spending
New analysis shows governments across Australia are spending at least four times more on building roads and bridges than on public transport infrastructure.
ACT Capital Works report released
The ACT Government’s 2010-11 Capital Works Program December 2010 Quarterly Progress Report has shown government expenditure for this financial year stands at $273.622 million or 34% of available funds for the year. This compares with expenditure for the same period last year of $180.280 million, or 23%.
Victoria's financial position 'unsustainable'
An interim report prepared by the advisory committee to the Victorian Coalition Government, chaired by Michael Vertigan, has found that Federal Government funding, including stimulus spending and grants through Infrastructure Australia, has obscured the state’s true financial position, and that Victoria is currently financilly “unsustainable in the medium term”.
Shergold appointed to head up NSW Public Service Commission
Professor Peter Shergold AC, has been appointed incoming Chairman of the Board of the NSW Public Service Commission.
SA Strategic Plan update moves ahead with community engagement
South Australia’s third Strategic Plan is progressing towards completion, following the release of the report of the Community Engagement Board.
New Transport Authority for NSW
The New South Wales Government will establish a new Integrated Transport Authority to co-ordinate the state’s transport services and oversee transport projects.
WA rangelands discussion paper released
The Western Australian Department of Regional Development and Lands has released a discussion paper for public comment detailing proposed tenure options for the rangelands under its Rangelands Reform Program.
ACT leads in State of the States report
The Australian Capital Territory continues to have one of the strongest economies in the nation, according to an economic performance report by the Commonwealth Bank.
WA to allocate all speed camera revenue to road safety
The Western Australian Government has decided to allocate all revenues from speed camera fines to road safety initiatives by 2012. Currently the proportion allocated is only one third.
New taskforce to overhaul NSW Health
The new Director-General for NSW Health, Dr Mary Foley, has written to staff of the department, outlining reforms proposed in discussions between the Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner, and Governing Council Chairs and Chief Executives of Local Health Networks, Clinical Support Division Chief Operating Officers, and the senior executive of the Department of Health.
Victorian Government announced $1.8 million for skilling Geelong
The Victorian Government has announced the $1.8 million Skilling the Bay initiative in response to recent economic and industry changes in Geelong.
National Water Commission chair calls for water pricing rethink
Chair of the National Water Commission Chloe Munro has called for a rethink of the way water is priced in Australia.
Study to assess Western Australian renewable energy potential
The Australian Government has awarded a contract for work to begin on a detailed assessment of the renewable energy potential of the Mid-West and Pilbara regions of Western Australia.