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The Mandarin offers the latest public sector news including government learning, analysis, and insights from the experts.

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The Mandarin delivers the public sector news and analysis that the public sector reads every day across Australia Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, and Northern Territory.

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Blogging the latest government news and public sector briefs ...

Accounting professionals react to tax agent regulation proposals

Economy & Industry

Professional accounting bodies have hit out at the federal government’s latest proposals aimed at tightening aspects of tax agent regulation.

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Insights and analysis

Public service implications loom with NDIS review

By Melissa Coade

Community & Social

Bill Shorten has vowed to finish the work of building a responsive and supportive National Disability Insurance Scheme but in order to realise this promise, major work must go into re-orienting the way the government goes about managing and regulating the scheme.

Forecasts warn major national policies face construction workforce and materials concerns

By Melissa Coade

Economy & Industry

The federal government braces for several pain points that will either prevent major infrastructure works from firing up or blow outs costs.

RAAF Albo-One KC-30As pimped for cryptography

By Julian Bajkowski

Defence

They might be flying Jet A-1 fuel bowsers, but the recycled Qantas Airbus A-330s have just become a little more luxe.

Chalmers reveals dates for bans on government and bank cheques

By Julian Bajkowski

Community & Social

It’s crunch time for the humble bank cheque, as revenue agencies face their biggest infrastructure upheaval in 20 years.

Don’t overregulate AI, warns productivity chief

By Peter Gearin

Communications & Technology

Australian regulators need to concentrate on how AI is used and not the technology itself, says productivity commissioner Stephen King.

Consultation period opens for tax-agent regulation reform

By Tom Ravlic

Federal

Accountants, lawyers and other professionals have until 21 January 2024 to respond to a raft of changes to tax agent regulation.

Two key Defence ‘Projects of Concern’ conditionally reprieved

By Julian Bajkowski

Defence

Can’t live with them, can’t live without them. Defence’s hunt for duds continues in earnest. The question now is ahead, not behind.

MOG gears turn in NSW, climate change mandarin named

By Melissa Coade

Energy & Environment

Law Society of NSW deputy CEO Anthony Lean will lead the state’s new Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Australian Taxation Office prepares for shake-up as new boss named

By Julian Bajkowski

Economy & Industry

Tax policy and tax delivery are two very different things. Just ask Kevin Rudd. Albanese has chosen a seasoned journeyman in Rob Heferen.

National Mental Health Commission staff scores hit rock bottom

By Julian Bajkowski

Community & Social

There has been a negative reaction to disconnected NMHC SES, with more than half of staff polled saying they want to leave ASAP.

Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide given three more months to get job done

By Melissa Coade

Federal

The extra months follow commissioner requests and advocates’ need to handle the volume of evidence and consideration of complex issues.

Movers & Shakers: SES promos, chief veterinary officer, Qld complaints wrangler

By The Mandarin

Movers & Shakers

Queensland complaints clearing house to be led by former District Court judge, new tax commissioner, Board refresh at MSQ, and more.

APS veteran Rob Heferen named ATO commissioner

By Poppy Johnston

Careers

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare boss will take the reins at the Australian Taxation Office in early 2024.

‘No choice, no control’: NDIS needs major, rapid change

By Paul Osborne and Kat Wong

Federal

Report says Australians with disabilities have limited choice, control over services because the support ecosystem is too reliant on the NDIS.

News

Accounting professionals react to tax agent regulation proposals

Latest

Public service implications loom with NDIS review

Forecasts warn major national policies face construction workforce and materials concerns

RAAF Albo-One KC-30As pimped for cryptography

Chalmers reveals dates for bans on government and bank cheques

Don’t overregulate AI, warns productivity chief

Consultation period opens for tax-agent regulation reform

Two key Defence ‘Projects of Concern’ conditionally reprieved

MOG gears turn in NSW, climate change mandarin named

Australian Taxation Office prepares for shake-up as new boss named

National Mental Health Commission staff scores hit rock bottom

Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide given three more months to get job done

Movers & Shakers: SES promos, chief veterinary officer, Qld complaints wrangler

APS veteran Rob Heferen named ATO commissioner

‘No choice, no control’: NDIS needs major, rapid change

Decision Intelligence gives governments the edge in fighting fraud

What should leaders do in an emergency?

Report: State of Australian media report

Chief Executive Officer, Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Chief Executive Officer – The Susan McKinnon Foundation

Deputy Director-General – Industrial Relations and Workforce Strategy

Planning Director State Referral Coordination Unit