The Federal Treasurer has announced the 2013–14 Federal Budget detailing measures to provide access to jobs, education and health services, and modern infrastructure for all Australians, regardless of where they live.
The Budget also provides measures for continued investment in Australian sport, including the funding of programs for communities and protecting the integrity of sport.
To download the Ministerial Statement, Portfolio Budget Statement and media releases, visit the 2013–14 Budget page.
14 May 2013
The Australian Government is planning to hold a referendum on 14 September to ask Australians to financially recognise local government in our nation's Constitution.
Whenever the Parliament of Australia proposes changes to the Constitution, a national referendum is required to approve the proposed changes.
The referendum will ask Australians on the electoral roll to agree to include local government in section 96 of the Constitution. Visit the proposed amendment to the Constitution webpage to view the draft Constitution Alteration bill, draft Explanatory Memorandum and the media release.
At the moment, section 96 of the Constitution makes it clear that the Commonwealth can give money to the states and, if the Australian people agree in a referendum, it will also make it clear that the Commonwealth can give money directly to local government.
Visit the constitutional recognition of local government webpages for more information on the announcement for a referendum on financial recognition of local government.
17 May 2013
In accordance with the Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement, signed by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Premier Lara Giddings on 7 August 2011, Professor Jonathan West of the Australian Innovation Research Centre at UTAS was commissioned to conduct a detailed socio-economic research study to support Governments in identifying opportunities for economic diversification in Tasmania.
The completed report provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of the Tasmanian economy, its comparative and competitive advantages, the role of forestry and the economic challenges facing the state. It also and identifies and analyses a range of opportunities and key sectors for growth which could contribute to strengthening the states economy.
For more information, and to download the report, please visit the Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) webpage.
3 May 2013
