Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - February, 2014
Seventy million dollars will be spent in an effort to convert 25 per cent of public schools to the Independent Public School model, with Federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne now announcing a special ambassador to help make it happen.
Funds to form new business bonds
Regional Development Australia (RDA) says it will help break the ice between businesses, to build productivity through communication and collaboration.
Gender reporting costs money, but more is lost without it
The federal government is considering removing the requirement for larger companies to lodge an annual report with the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.
Grants to welcome new citizens into all sectors
Just over half a million dollars will go out to local councils and multicultural groups in Queensland, to promote opportunities across cultures, focussing on newly-arrived immigrants and humanitarian entrants.
Hammer to fall on five failed schools
One state’s Education Department is recouping its losses from failed schools, selling the buildings and the land on which they sat.
Moves to run rat race out to regions
A Rural and Regional Committee has called for forced public service teleworking quotas, to push government jobs into regional areas.
Outrage out west that QLD cops could fly to mine towns
One mayor says a plan to have a fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) police force is a “kick in the guts” to rural employment.
Talks of more help to tiny town caught short by closure
An assistance package offered by a mining company to a small town in NT may be expanded with extra Federal Government help.
$6 billion dollar industry at risk from cheap environmental choice
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has, after “rigorous assessment”, approved the disposal of dredge spoil within the Marine Park, making only minor requests in the granting of the dredge permit.
Flows probed for better use of bore source in SA
Despite the city of Adelaide being placed in the driest state on the driest inhabited continent, underneath its streets flow substantial quantities of water.
Seeds planted for farm bank plan, no word on sprout times
A Federal Government Minister is pushing for billions of dollars to help workers toiling in some of the worst conditions for decades, and it looks like the Prime Minister is keen to help too.
Industry asks for engineers to check on Gladstone bund
A representative body for engineers has questioned why a technical design project in Queensland will not consult with engineering experts.
Tassie MP wants more surgery for less
Closing doors to cut waiting times has been proposed by one federal MP, who thinks his state simply has too many public hospitals.