Commonwealth agencies now have to pay lower-value bills within 20 days Economy & Industry Starting this week Commonwealth agencies are expected to pay invoices worth less than $1 million within 20 days rather than 30 as the previous rules
Almost 1000 data breaches in a year, and citizens don't know who to trust with privacy May 20, 2019 By Stephen Easton Communications & Technology There were 964 data breaches reported to the federal regulator in the first year of mandatory reporting rules and “malicious or criminal attacks” were behind
Auditor-general's tips on good governance: don't forget the culture May 20, 2019 By David Donaldson Case studies Several recent inquiries have taken a close look at how boards operate in a range of settings, from banks to public broadcasters, and highlighted the
New procurement rules empower companies to challenge government agencies April 23, 2019 By Stephen Easton Economy & Industry Companies now have more options to challenge Commonwealth procurement decisions in the Federal Court following legislation that came into force over the Easter long weekend.
Social impact bonds: why investors put $5 million into reducing youth unemployment April 16, 2019 By Stephen Easton Case studies Australia’s latest social impact bond sale has collected $5 million to help fund a four-year program that aims to reduce youth unemployment, and provide investors
Coalition budget commits $20m to study and stimulate social impact investing April 11, 2019 By Stephen Easton Community & Social The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet scored $5 million in last week’s budget to consider how the Commonwealth can encourage private investment in
Federal Budget 2019: incoming APS workforce strategy to 'have regard' to APS Review April 2, 2019 By Stephen Easton Economy & Industry A new whole-of-government workforce strategy under development by the Australian Public Service Commission and the Department of Jobs and Small Business will be finished by
Federal Budget 2019: Coalition promises funding boost for finance regulators March 25, 2019 By Stephen Easton Federal The Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority will both get significant funding increases this year to “restore trust” in the
Banking royal commission: soft enforcement link to regulatory capture February 5, 2019 By David Donaldson Federal Culture, rather than rules, is the big problem at financial regulator ASIC, says Banking Royal Commission head Kenneth Hayne. An “ineffective enforcement culture” at the
The finance royal commissioner thinks Ken Henry just doesn't seem to get it February 5, 2019 By Stephen Easton Economy & Industry The finance royal commission’s final report singles out NAB as the big-four bank that seems least willing to learn its lessons and accept responsibility for
Cutting through waste: taking competitive neutrality seriously October 9, 2017 By Nicholas Gruen Features Around the world, finance is a major policy problem driven ultimately by the ease with which insiders can advantage themselves (sometimes illegally, but mostly legally)
Reform doesn't take forever: NSW Treasury's reformist chief resigns after two years June 28, 2017 By Julian Bajkowski News Rob Whitfield, the rainmaking banker-cum-public servant who engineered the latest New South Wales Budget described by the state’s Treasurer as the “envy of the Western
Hurry means worry for the NDIS, warns Productivity Commission June 15, 2017 By Stephen Easton Community & Social The National Disability Insurance Scheme is not heading for a major cost blowout but the rushed rollout is leading to “poor outcomes” for participants, according
Don't get caught up in the power game, Finance secretary's fixer advises EAs April 7, 2017 By Stephen Easton Career Advice One of the top executive assistants in the Australian Public Service has a piece of advice for others new to the game: your boss might
