Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
One local government watchdog has had its powers expanded to sink its teeth into bigger issues and dole out stronger penalties.
Laws put Queensland workers behind State wall
A new law has been passed in Queensland to protect public servants from being sued.
New limits to stop snooping on public promotions
The Australian Information Commission has changed the rules over disclosure of personal information for a successful applicant in Australian Public Service (APS) recruitment.
Power-saving pledge probed for detail
The South Australian Government has promised to trim the electricity bills of rural and remote residents, but the Opposition says it has not explained how.
Road plan rolls unexplained under veil of commercial secrecy
The Victorian Treasurer will not release the business case for a planned multi-billion dollar tunnel project.
Some gaps move with few improvements in annual report
The Prime Minister has pledged to do better, and Indigenous ministers are crying out for more, with the release of this year's Closing the Gap report.
Cuts cause basin board to look for things to lose
The chair of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority says a New South Wales Government funding cut will flow downstream.
Sea culling not limited to WA, other states have death policies too
Authorities say that as the furore over Western Australia’s shark-culling policy continues, it is worth remembering that other states continue to run similar regimes killing local marine predators.
Super farm storms ahead despite reported lack of water
The company behind a massive farm project in Queensland will not be swayed by a report suggesting there is not nearly enough water.
Better deals to build apprenticeship base
Changes to pay rates for apprentices have come into effect, which will mean increases for many young workers.
Tough times push farm safety aside
Some farmers in northern New South Wales say they are glad for an extension on a workplace safety grant, but tough times and drought mean they still have other priorities.
Charges after years of public health theft
The former chief executive of a major government-funded healthcare service has been found guilty of embezzling nearly a million dollars.
$70 mil for self-owned schools seen as unhelpful distraction
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.