Government News
Greens leader Richard Di Natale is pushing to legalise medical marijuana, and says the Turnbull government would be foolish to get in the way.
Data retention starting with few costs sorted
The Data Retention Act comes into effect tomorrow, but many say there are still big security issues and costs have not been addressed.
Turnbull shows hint of transport u-turn
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says the Gold Coast Light Rail network is a vital piece of infrastructure for Queensland, and that the Federal Government will back a proposed expansion.
Adviser calls for prayer group ban
A government education adviser says any prayer groups or religious instruction in school could be a “doorway to extremism’’.
Arrogance can beget good scores
It appears that people who think they know it all - or at least, a lot - may be on to something.
QLD councils to rally for real change
Queensland councils are taking bold steps this weekend to stop domestic violence.
SA locals want more say on planning
A new survey has found that more than 60 per cent of South Australians want more of a say in planning their own communities.
Mine rating system to stay in WA
A mine-rating policy in Western Australia has become permanent, leading to celebrations at some councils.
Glencore bags Newcastle's green view
A top executive from mining giant Glencore has slammed the Newcastle City Council for not supporting coal mines.
PM's own people look down on pay deal
Battle lines are being drawn ahead of pay negotiations within the Prime Minister’s department.
Consumers want savings in QLD power boom
Queensland’s state-owned energy companies are making some serious money, and consumer advocates want to know why it has led to lower bills.
WA tech losses triple amid
Despite a promised crackdown, the number of laptops and mobile phones stolen from WA Government departments has increased significantly.
ACT safe from Border shift
The Federal Government has cancelled its tender for a new Department of Immigration and Border Protection office, suggesting the headquarters will stay in Belconnen, in Canberra’s north.
IP experts speak on big gene ruling
A two-time cancer-surviving grandmother has won a groundbreaking legal battle to protect her genetic rights.
Officials to talk on Broken Hill supply plan
A community forum next week will let residents of Broken Hill speak directly to NSW water minister Niall Blair.
ISDS threat still looms in secret TPP pages
Trade ministers are gushing about the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, but anyone who wants to know the details will have to take their word for it.
Riverprize goes to excellent ecosystem crew
The 2015 Riverprize has been awarded to a South Australian Indigenous organisation for its exemplary ecosystem management.
Tassie planning proposal gets green groups riled
Tasmanian community environmental groups say the state’s new planning scheme will destroy their ability to influence planning decisions.
More hope for public transport under Turnbull
Some remarkably positive words on federal-state infrastructure funding were heard on the weekend.
Owners say coal plan ignores cultural needs
The traditional owners of the Galilee Basin want to stop the Adani Carmichael coal mining project, and are taking their concerns to the United Nations.
Shell boss backs carbon price, a bit
Shell's global chief executive says the world needs to put a price on carbon.