Decision tipped tomorrow on electoral challenge.

admin /5 August, 2010

Decision tipped tomorrow on electoral challenge

By Katherine Pohl

Posted 3 hours 50 minutes ago

The High Court is expected to hand down a decision tomorrow in a case that may impact the number of Australians allowed to vote in this month’s election.

Over the past two days the court has been listening to arguments about whether changes made by the Howard government to the Electoral Act in 2006 were constitutional.

Before the changes voters had seven days after an election was called to enrol to vote.

When the new laws came in the rolls shut on the day the election writs are issued.

NSW to scrap Area Health Services

admin /5 August, 2010

NSW to scrap Area Health Services

Updated 2 hours 52 minutes ago

The New South Wales Government is scrapping Area Health Services and has today unveiled the proposed replacement model.

As part of the COAG health agreement signed earlier this year, the State Government agreed to scrap Area Health Services and replace them with Local Health Networks.

The Government has today released proposed boundaries for the networks.

Seventeen will be created across the state in place of the eight current health services.

Abbott to mobilise older workers

admin /4 August, 2010

Abbott to mobilise older workers

Updated 3 hours 42 minutes ago

The Federal Coalition will today announce measures to encourage businesses to hire more older workers who have been having trouble getting a job.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says a Coalition government would make a payment of $250 a fortnight to each business which takes on a worker aged over 50.

The worker would have to be registered with Centrelink, and the money – a total of $3,250 – would be paid in a lump sum after the employee completed six months in the job.

The scheme would start in the middle of next year and be reviewed after three years.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says the policy aims to increase productivity.

“If we are going to be a more productive society and therefore a more prosperous economy we’ve got to make more better use of willing workers,” he told 2GB Radio.

“I think it will be welcomed by employers, I think it will be welcomed by older people.”

The announcement will be made as both sides of politics focus their campaign tussle on issues of economic management.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has told Fairfax radio the Government already has measures to encourage older people to stay in the workforce.

Gillard to fast-track baby bonus

admin /4 August, 2010

Gillard to fast-track baby bonus

Updated 39 minutes ago

Prime Minister Julia Gillard promised to give families with young children earlier access to benefit payments, as both sides of politics kept the election campaign focus on economic issues this morning.

Ms Gillard says families will be allowed to bring forward $500 of their baby bonus to help pay for unexpected expenses.

Families will also be able to bring forward 7.5 per cent of their family benefits, a move which Ms Gillard said would equate to $625 for an average family with two children.

Polls show Labor is struggling- but read them with care.

admin /3 August, 2010

Polls show Labor is struggling – but read them with care

Gillard questioned on citizens’ assembly leak

admin /2 August, 2010

Gillard questioned on citizens’ assembly leak

By online political correspondent Emma Rodgers

Posted 10 minutes ago

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has sidestepped questions over whether she failed to put a key election announcement to Cabinet.

In the latest in a series of leaks against the Prime Minister, the Australian Financial Review is today reporting that Ms Gillard did not consult Cabinet before announcing that Labor would form a so-called citizens’ assembly to consult on climate change.

Ms Gillard made the announcement in Brisbane in the first week of the campaign and it was roundly criticised by both sides of politics and environmental groups.