Tag: Government and Politics
Xenophon Scientology inquiry fails again
The Government and Opposition again block Independent Senator Nick Xenophon's moves for a Senate inquiry into the Church of Scientology.[MORE]
Councils seek no more hospital cuts guarantee
Councils from the western New South Wales region will seek assurances from the chief executive of Greater Western Area Health that there will be no more cutbacks at local hospitals. [MORE]
Clarke highlights big Gold Coast funding demands
The Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke says ratepayers are making a significant contribution to transport in the city.[MORE]
PNG-Queensland business council fosters trade: Fraser
Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser says the State Government will continue to develop trade links with Papua New Guinea (PNG) despite the appointment of a special trade representative and the setting up of a new business body.[MORE]
De-amalgamation is a return to the past: Bligh
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says the Liberal National Party (LNP) pledge to consider de-amalgamating some Queensland councils if it wins the next election is "a return to the past".[MORE]
Catholic teachers strike set for Wednesday
Dozens of Queensland Catholic schools are expected to close next Wednesday with teachers announcing a strike. [MORE]
Cautious approval for whistleblower laws
A whistleblowers support group says new federal laws covering the disclosure of information are a move in the right direction.[MORE]
Alcohol trading hours cut in Qld
A Queensland parliamentary committee looking into alcohol-related violence has recommended weekday trading hours be wound back to no later than 2am in entertainment precincts and 1am elsewhere.[MORE]
Students and teachers protest disability cuts
Special needs students and teachers are rallying at Parliament House in Canberra today in protest against funding cuts to disability education.[MORE]
MP Slipper angry over 'snooze' photo
A Federal Liberal backbencher has complained that another MP has breached parliamentary privilege by taking a photo of him in the parliamentary chamber.[MORE]
$4m rail revamp to help Iluka
The Victorian Government will spend almost $4 million upgrading rail infrastructure to allow Iluka to transport mineral sands from its Ouyen mine site to the Hamilton separation plant.[MORE]
Toll hike a 'cash grab' to help sell Gateway
There has been an angry reaction to a proposed hike in tolls on Brisbane's Gateway bridge. [MORE]
ETS will see NSW electricity bills soar
NSW electricity bills are set to soar if the federal Emissions Trading Scheme is introduced.[MORE]
'Frustrated' community demands rail return
About 1,200 people packed a community consultation session in Mildura last night, demanding the city's passenger train service be restored.[MORE]
No plan to up coal royalties: Fraser
Treasurer Andrew Fraser says he has no plans to increase coal royalties in this year's Qld budget[MORE]
SA Labor costs promises at $1.2b over 4 years
Labor says its election promises in SA will cost $1.2 billion over four years.[MORE]
British PM admits to Iraq inquiry blunder
British prime minister Gordon Brown admits he gave incorrect evidence to the Iraq inquiry in London.[MORE]
Let in boat blast accused, says refugee group
A refugee advocate says three asylum seekers should be allowed to stay in Australia even if they were part of a plan to cause a fatal boat blast.[MORE]
Government tinkers with sedition law
Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland has introduced a range of amendments to Australia's counter-terrorism laws, including one that renames the offence of sedition.[MORE]
World is watching Hu trial, Rudd warns
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has warned China that "the world will be watching" the trial of Australian mining executive Stern Hu.[MORE]
Plans to sell agricultural school land dropped
The New South Wales Government has abandoned plans to sell off farm land around Hurlstone Agricultural High School, after an independent review recommended against the sale.[MORE]
Mayor questions point of Bligh Mary Valley visit
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says she will visit the Mary Valley within the next few months, but the region's mayor says it is likely the visit will do little to help the area.[MORE]
Shiite rebels release 180 Yemen prisoners
Shiite rebels in Yemen have freed almost 180 prisoners as part of a ceasefire deal to end six months of fighting in the country's north.[MORE]
Union lobbies to keep jobs local
The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) says thousands of north Queensland jobs could move offshore if the State Government does not create stronger policies for major infrastructure projects.[MORE]
Tourists targeted in Bondi cafe smoking ban
Waverley Council has banned Bondi beach goers from lighting up outside cafes.[MORE]
