Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - April, 2020
Energy Minister Angus Taylor is being criticised for obfuscation and opacity on a number of important matters.
Funds flow to regional flights
Regional Express has secured funding to double flights to regional and remote areas.
GM ban largely lifted
South Australia is lifting its ban on genetically-modified crops, but councils still have a choice.
New deal for QLD council staff
A new agreement should provide flexibility for Queensland council staff.
State stopping Coffs plans
A NSW government minister appears to be thwarting plans to fast-track major projects during COVID-19.
Colossal sewer probe outlined
The leaders of Australia’s COVID-19 sewage surveillance scheme have given more details on their plan.
Cops probe cruise ship spread
The NSW Homicide Squad is investigating 21 deaths connected to the Ruby Princess cruise ship.
ALGA backs planning plans
A new set of principles has been created to guide changes to planning systems during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council staff missing out
Council workers out of work due to COVID-19 have been told they will not qualify for the Federal Government's JobKeeper payments.
Wagga reverses sister city smear
A New South Wales council has decided not to cut ties with its Chinese sister city, and will apologise for attempting to.
Efforts slow species decline
A new database shows Australia’s threatened mammal numbers have declined by more than a third since the 1990s.
MDB cop's report released
The Murray-Darling's ‘top cop’ says protests over water access last year were directed at the wrong government.
Studies probe drought effect
Experts have taken a deep dive into the scientific and social impacts of droughts; past, present and future.
Bushfire studies funded
The Federal Government has put up $5 million for researchers to study the health impacts of bushfires.
PFAS class action launched
A PFAS class action involving more than 40,000 Australians has been launched against the Department of Defence.
High use of remote antibiotics
Alarm has been raised about high rates of antibiotic use among Aboriginal kids in remote communities.
Low-use warning for WA
Experts say a steep drop in power use could lead to system overload and blackouts in WA.
Power plant plans progressed
The West Australian Government has announced the next step in the $218 million redevelopment of an old power plant.
Privacy pledge for tracing app
The Federal Government is attempting to calm privacy fears over its new contact tracing app.
Sewers swept for virus data
Every flush of the toilet could soon play a role in tracking and stemming the spread of COVID-19.