Archived News for Professionals in Federal Government

Renowned water scientist Dr Rob Vertessy has been appointed director of Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology.

Dr Vertessy, who was appointed Deputy Director of the Bureau (Climate and Water) in 2007, has been acting as Director since December last year.

After a career spanning more than 20 years as a senior water scientist and leading researcher, Dr Vertessy joined the Bureau in 2007 and led the expansion of the Bureau’s role in providing the hydrological information central to the delivery of national water reform.

Research released by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) confirms that Australian Government agencies are moving closer to an open access and proactive disclosure culture.

The Federal Government has announced a National Plan for School Improvement, in response to the Gonski Review.

The Chairman of the Australia Post Board, David Mortimer AO, has stepped down from the Board having served since 2001, including the past six years as Chairman.

The Federal Government has outlined a $4 billion initiative aimed at boosting subsidized dental care, reducing waiting times and providing services to over one million low income adults and Australians in rural and remote areas.

The Federal Government has launched Australia’s National Anti-Racism Strategy, with Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Senator Kate Lundy calling on all Australians to stand against racism.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Cobmet, and the European Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard, have announced that Australia and Europe will be linking their emissions trading systems.

Federal Minister for Water, Tony Burke, has announced that his office will continue to work closely with the Murray Darling Basin Authority in releasing its final plan following an agreement with all Basin States.

The Queensland Government has passed legislation establishing Australia’s first National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, which is now due to commence operations at the beginning of January next year.

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has proposed new rules to better equip the regulators to set prices so that ‘consumers don’t pay more than necessary for reliable supplies of energy and gas.’

A report published by BIS Shrapnel shows that the country’s mining boom still has a few years left to run, with mining investment continuing to underpin activity of coming years.

The Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, has delivered the Government’s official response to the 2011-12 Regional Telecommunications, saying that its findings validate the ongoing rollout of the National Broadband Network.

The long standing animosity shared between Federal Minister for the Environment, Tony Burke, and the Queensland Government has culminated with the Minister accusing the State Government of 'environmental vandalism'.

The Federal Government has announced the appointment of seven leading businessmen to assist Innovation Australia in delivering $200 million worth of grants under the Clean Technology Innovation Program.

The Commonwealth Bank’s Business Sales Indicator (BSI) has shown that consumers are returning to their conservative ways in the absence of further stimulus measures.

The Federal Government has announced its approval of the Alpha coal mine and associated rail works in Queensland, paving the way for construction of the country's largest coal mine.

The Federal Government has announced its support for an evidence based and expert led process for selecting and assessing default superannuation funds in modern awards.

The Federal Government has succeeded in its efforts to see law enforcement agencies be able to force internet service providers to store data on subscribers while a warrant is sought.

A review of gender discrimination within the ranks of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has concluded that the formation of a sexual misconduct unit is necessary to combat the prevalence of gender discrimination within the armed forces.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce has appointed Stephen Gageler as the country’s new Justice of the High Court of Australia following the recommendation of the Federal Government.