Government News
UPDATE: Assistant Treasurer Arthur Sinodinos has stood down amid the corruption inquiry, but maintains he will be "vindicated" and has been described by the Prime Minister as "a man of great distinction ... and high competence".
Miners lose ground at farm gate
A bill has been tabled before the Queensland parliament, proposing that landowners be given extra rights for negotiating with mining companies.
Home insulation failure fronts Commission
The Royal Commission into the tragic failure of the Rudd government’s home insulation scheme will begin today, and could prompt some intriguing revelations from politicians and public servants on the witness list.
Experts push for new weapons as deadly Hep C tide builds
A looming wave of terminal liver disease could be combated by government funding for powerful new drugs, researchers suggest.
Funds will keep FOG flying in slightly altered form
The Queensland Government has continued funding a vital service for women in rural and remote regions.
Twin tunnels to link sides of Sydney for $3 billion
The Prime Minister and Premier of New South Wales have signed-off on a $3 billion tunnel project for Sydney commuters.
Union probe launched deep into dodgy dealings
The Governor-General has tabled papers to kick off the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption.
Job data jumps in some key places
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released its latest job figures, showing a surge in full-time employment but a drop in part-time.
Future look at foreign slice of Telstra flagged
The Federal Communications minister says Telstra may be the next company allowed take a bigger share of foreign investment.
Kids quickly notice issues in the places they inherit
As many lament the decline of respect and values among today’s youth, a recent study has shown the effects that older generations’ habits can have on young people’s perspective.
Independents speak ill of growing distance from Gonski
The Independent Schools Council of Australia has delivered a dim view of Australian education funding, saying all models are far removed from the Gonski recommendations, and national reform is virtually impossible.
Card system deals cops a better hand for truancy
Police and local shopkeepers have banded together to cut truancy rates in New South Wales.
New drone fleet coming to keep remote eyes on borders, power
The Federal Government is buying a fleet of surveillance drones for border security and other duties, creating around 100 jobs for an estimated cost of $3 billion.
Draft says all players should roll money into roads
The Productivity Commission say Australian governments need a new system for selecting and funding public infrastructure projects, and that taxpayers should be prepared to contribute.
People power falls as protest laws kill long-running disruptions
Protestors have been arrested while protesting laws which allow more arrest powers for police breaking up protests.
Councillor walks instead of watching debt sink in deep end
A councillor who has served for nearly twenty years says he has fought too long clearing debt to see the city just borrow even more.
Public union details bargaining for better rights
The Community and Public Sector Union has released a special guide for members wanting to know more about the claim for improved pay and conditions.
DHS hopes to help one hundred Indigenous apprentices in a year
A major federal department is looking to attract more recruits into an Indigenous apprenticeship program.
Public cuts hinted while SALGA warns Liberals off rates
South Australian Liberals say a public sector shake-up is on the way if they win the upcoming election, while the state’s Local Government Association speaks out about potential policy changes.
Power of refuse outlined in government energy talks
A forum this week has warned communities and local governments not to waste their waste.
Three tiers pour into funding pool for rural roads
State and federal coffers have been cracked open to pull out $24.5 million for outback roads.