Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - August, 2015
WikiLeaks has warned Federal Government whistleblowers to watch out, following the prosecution of a junior public servant alleged to have posted secret information online.
'Wife beater' campaign starts with the name
A new campaign has been launched to rename the common navy blue ‘wife beater’ singlet.
Expert says flood finding flawed
An experienced engineer has poked some serious holes in the Queensland Government’s review of SunWater’s operation of the Callide Dam.
Gas money could help community views
The Australian Government and NSW Government have unveiled a $3 million grant to fund strategic research on the social and environmental impacts of the onshore gas industry.
FIFO gambling review finds rough rate
A new study has found problem gambling amongst fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers to be up to 15 times higher than in the general population.
Abbott laments jobs lost in mega-mine hold-up
Prime Minister Tony Abbott is “frustrated” at the Federal Court’s decision to overturn the approval of Adani's Carmichael coal mine, saying it could have created thousands of jobs.
Concern about perfection doesn't pay
Many people describe themselves as the type of person who needs everything to be “done right”, but this urge for perfection could carry some severe costs.
Cashless welfare card in swipe at social reform
A trial has been launched for a cashless welfare card in one South Australian town, which community leaders say will save lives.
Police glitch arrests to be compensated
Compensation will be paid after errors in the New South Wales police database led to the wrongful arrest of more than 100 young people.
Queensland councils see no fast-track for new fibre
Two Queensland councils in desperate need of netter internet will apply for a $22 million telecommunications fix-up, even though Prime Minister Tony Abbott has already told them they will get the support.
State's rates stoush to be discussed
The West Australian Government says something needs to be done about council rates, but the Local Government Association does not want a cap.
Carmichael hits big hitch in federal disapproval
The Federal Court has overturned Adani's federal environmental approval to build the Carmichael coal mine – a resounding win for environmentalists, but their joy might be short-lived.
TasWater's big fix-up gets green light
TasWater has pledged to reduce the number of towns where residents need to boil drinking water.
Whistleblower study shows resistance
A new study suggests it is extremely difficult to blow the whistle without some blow-back.
Solar mega-drone to boost 'net access
Facebook has unveiled its first full-scale, solar-powered, internet-broadcasting drone.