Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government

The Federal Government is in fresh talks about the renewable energy target today, with just a week left before a deadline that forces emissions-intensive producers to pay fines.

Big guns loaded against online bullying

Australia now has a children's e-safety commissioner.

Data bill meets mild resistance

The Federal Government's controversial data retention bill is expected to pass parliament's lower house today, amid uproar from the media and public.

Defence looks to drop 1,500 more

The jobs of up to 1,500 public servants in the Defence Department are on the chopping block.

Harsh words and hand-outs on Close The Gap day

Last Thursday was national Close The Gap day, and while events were on around the country to address Indigenous inequality, the Prime Minister’s top Indigenous advisor had some harsh words for his boss.

Locals say frozen funds will bite

Councils will struggle to cope with the Federal Government freeze on indexation of local government grants.

Risk and reward in refugee hard line

An Australian expert has questioned the Coalition's much-lauded boat turn-back policy, saying it creates new dangers and spreads problems to our international neighbours.

Drug scheme moves on public input

Moves are underway to give the public a greater say in regard to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Industry rising against data laws

Some of Australia’s biggest publishers will take up arms against the Federal Government’s Data Retention Bill, and experts say their cause is just.

Investments questioned as local money hits US road

A big Australian super fund is investing in US projects due to a lack of opportunities at home.

New job rates detailed

Unemployment has slipped down to 6.3 per cent, with 15,600 jobs added in the latest period.

Abbott and Andrews write with gritted teeth

The Prime Minister and the Victorian Premier could be heading for a showdown, following a heated exchange of letters this week.

Deep cuts may have time to heal

With nearly 6,000 jobs lost, the minister in charge of Australian Public Service jobs cuts has hinted the blood-letting may be over.

Defence hit for hefty health IT bill

The new health database at the Department of Defence is $110 million over budget, plagued by shortcomings, and could shatter the department’s reputation.

Leaders say Abbott should re-style his choices

The Prime Minister is having a tough time finding friends to agree that Aboriginality is a lifestyle choice.

Papers prevent more foster support

Foster care support workers spend more time “driving desks than visiting children”, the Royal Commission has heard.

Public sector execs slammed

Public Service Commissioner John Lloyd has opened fire on public sector executives.

Forrest offers big fix for farmers

Iron ore billionaire Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest wants to drought-proof Australia.

Reef's ruin tipped without shift

Environmental groups say it will take $500 million and a big shift in attitude to protect the Great Barrier Reef for the future.

Building risked by super switch

A major superannuation group says letting Australians make more choices for their retirement savings could stop investments in large infrastructure projects.