Tag: Federal Government
Oppn criticises citizenship test changes
The Opposition has criticised the Government's decision to axe the general knowledge quiz about Australia in the citizenship test.[MORE]
Don gets dropped from citizenship test
Becoming an Australian citizen will no longer involving knowing about Australian sporting greats like Sir Donald Bradman. [MORE]
Rudd hails 'new way of governing' in progress report
The Federal Government is releasing a 75-page progress report to mark the anniversary of its first year in office.[MORE]
Govt, employers could share parental leave cost: ANF
The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) says six months of paid parental leave would be possible if the Government and employers shared the cost.[MORE]
Far North Qld tourism to get $1.25m boost
Federal Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson says the Federal Government will spend $1.25 million to promote North Queensland overseas. [MORE]
Trickle feed same-sex welfare changes: rights group
Welfare advocates want some of the Government's moves to end discrimination against same-sex couples to be brought in gradually.[MORE]
Aust joins Trans-Pac economic group
Australia has joined the United States in a plan aimed at eliminating tariffs on all trade products in the Asia-Pacific region.[MORE]
Japan welcomes diplomacy on whaling action
Japan's Government says an Australian decision not to send a customs ship to monitor this year's whale hunt in the Southern Ocean appears to be in respect of ongoing diplomatic negotiations.[MORE]
Conroy urges rethink on Telstra CEO pay
Federal Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has told the Telstra board it should reconsider its decision on executive pay.[MORE]
Doubts cast on Govt binge drinking campaign
Feature
Doubts have been cast over the effectiveness of the Government's new anti-binge drinking campaign.[MORE]
Navy short 2,000 sailors: Houston
The Chief of the Australian Defence Force has revealed the Navy is understaffed by 2,000 sailors.[MORE]
Govt has to legislate banks' wholesale guarantee: Oppn
The Federal Opposition says the Government will be forced to bring in legislation to back up its guarantee on banks' wholesale funding.[MORE]
Swan 'calm, considered' in face of deficit debate
Wayne Swan says he will not speculate about the need for the budget to go into deficit due to the global financial crisis.[MORE]
Water fight after fish favoured over farmers
The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association wants the Prime Minister to overrule an Environment Department decision affecting water supplies.[MORE]
Govt 'counter-productive' in anti-whaling activity
Federal Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull says the campaign to stop whaling will not be harmed by Australia dumping its policy to monitor Japanese ships. [MORE]
Research shows consumer confidence down for Christmas
Feature
Research has shown a drop in consumer confidence ahead of the peak Christmas period.[MORE]
Canberra Airport's master plan rejected
Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese has knocked back Canberra Airport's draft master plan. [MORE]
Macdonald defends research station closures
The New South Wales Primary Industries Minister has defended his decision to close eight research stations and shed 200 jobs from the department.[MORE]
First home grant tripling doubles enquiries
Housing Industry Association (HIA) figures show a big jump in new home enquiries since the Federal Government tripled the First Home Owner Grant.[MORE]
MP to maintain push for pension boost
The federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, says a one-off payment for pensioners will help boost the local economy before Christmas.[MORE]
Free trade: Aust joins Asia-Pacific talks
Australia will join negotiations for a free trade agreement across the Asia-Pacific.[MORE]
Graphic ad campaign targets teenage binge drinking
A new ad campaign has been launched targetting binge drinking as teens across the country prepare for schoolies week.[MORE]
Gallagher welcomes extra health funding
ACT Health Minister Katie Gallagher has welcomed a reported increase in hospital funding from the Commonwealth.[MORE]
Judge finds Govt staffer defamed
A Canberra judge has ruled a former Federal Government staffer was defamed in letters written in 2006 to then Prime Minister John Howard.[MORE]
