Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - July, 2013
The Federal Government is considering a rebate plan for public sector workers who buy locally-made cars, in what has been called an attempt to repair the political damage from proposed changes to the fringe benefits tax.
Kanga' cull hindered by humans
Protestors may have reduced the amount of kangaroos culled this year in the ACT, with the annual season now over and hunters having fallen short of their Government quota.
More victims on drought list
An incredible nineteen shires in regional Queensland have joined the drought declared list, bringing the total drought-affected area to just under half the state.
Outback arts bolstered
A new round of grants has been awarded in the Regional Arts Fund, providing money to innovative projects in regional governments of Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.
Slow progress for fast food
One regional council in Victoria has approved the construction of a KFC outlet, while another deals with angry protestors on the planned site of a McDonald’s.
Stats on Government pay gaps
Analysis of 103 different government-sector wage deals has revealed the massive disparity in pay between employees in the same classification band but different departments.
Costs of cancer in Country Fire crews
The Victorian Country Fire Authority may have some serious budgetary concerns if claims allow fire-fighters direct access to compensation for work-related cancers.
Greens call out Port on figure-fudging
The sale of Newcastle's port has been mired by accusations of bodged figures from the New South Wales Greens.
Students tune up for Centenary concert
The professional members of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra have been joined by students from more than a dozen schools across the ACT, coming together to celebrate the Centenary of Canberra over the weekend.
'Public' hospital, privately run
In a bold offer to the private sector the Queensland Government says it will entirely outsource the daily operation of a Sunshine Coast hospital.
'Yes' campaign in high gear
The Australian Local Government Association has launched its website and PR campaign in favour of a ‘Yes’ vote on the upcoming referendum for recognition in the constitution.
Chief swaps in WA
There’s been a change-up in the executive teams of two Western Australian local governments.
Council CEO paycheques checked
A survey of council CEO salaries in South Australia has revealed they have increased at a slightly slower rate than CEOs' pay in the private or not-for-profit sector.
Forest fight at loggerheads
The new Federal Environment Minister has flown into (or at least over) hot water in Tasmania, joining the battle on multiple fronts between Government, conservationists and miners.
Kiwis call on Queensland councils
New Zealand Councils are taking some tips from the Local Government Association of Queensland, asking for help to replicate some of LGAQ’s services which have saved Queensland councils close to $100 million.
Old favourite wins NSW Worst Road poll
New South Wales has voted for its worst road and unsurprisingly picked the Pacific Highway.
Plans slowing on Uni/High School co-location
The James Cook University will not let go of plans to build a high school at its Townsville campus, despite the Queensland Government rejecting the idea.
Yass back to full flow
After years of counting every drop, residents of the Yass Valley in NSW have had their water restrictions lifted.
Teething issue reveals Gippsland monster
An ancient tooth found in a riverbed near Gippsland has led to the discovery of a pre-historic water-dwelling reptile.
QLD safety sweep nets several
Food safety inspectors have conducted a sweep of Brisbane restaurants this year, and combined with complaints and other submissions have found an alarming lack of compliance.
Council goes for growth
A north Queensland council has presented a list of demands to companies looking to start a bauxite mining venture, pitting five companies against each other for the right to dig near the Watson River.