Archived News for Industry Professionals

A former industry executive has made the remarkable call for energy giant BHP to move toward environmentally sustainable technology and processes, while also trying to get a job on BHP’s executive board.

Fed. Ed. spend to push Masters in places of need

The Education Minister has announced a boost aimed to increase the number of postgraduate nurses, part of a $62 million investment pushing more people into degrees.

Paid parental change hands the bag to Centrelink

Legislation has been put before the House of Representatives which is intended to make it easier for business to work within the paid parental leave scheme.

Path clear but no big steps taken in Warsaw

Industry insiders reporting from the UN-sponsored climate change talks in Warsaw say the solutions to the energy market’s effect on the environment are already here.

Polls show direct action as popular as inaction

According to recent polls, the Federal Government’s plan to replace the carbon tax with a direct action policy has been as well-received as having no policy at all.

Process cut to get gas freely floating

The Australian Government is continuing its pledge to dissolve approval processes it deems unnecessary or duplicative, this week announcing a new ‘one-stop-shop’ environmental process for offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage activities.

Suppliers say Australia has room for more wells

The chief executive of a major mine pumping equipment supplier says Australia needs to ignore the concerns of environmentalists and other residents, and surge full-steam into coal seam gas extraction.

Training awards for super skills outside schools

An event over the weekend showed the high level of training and skilled students coming out of Australian institutions.

BHP boss says direct action may work for them

The chief executive of BHP Billiton says a ‘direct action’ approach to dealing with climate change is the best way to protect trade-exposed industries.

Eels deal re-think for Uni disunion

The University of New England may reconsider its sponsorship deal with the Parramatta Eels NRL team, after the club sign a deal with another sponsor that the University does not abide.

Greater powers granted to fill holes in NSW

The New South Wales Government now has the ability to revoke certain mining licences, after plumping up its powers to cancel corrupt approvals.

Study says don't neglect the beating heart in design

A survey has shown that engineering students should be more aware of the public and social welfare issues in their projects, or risk focusing too much on the technical and not enough on the human element.

Border net picked apart by budget cuts

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service says it will be difficult to “stop the boats” when it has to cut 600 staff members in coming years.

Coastal title claim covers ten councils

Councils are considering a native title claim which would see stewardship transferred for a large portion of Australia’s east coast.

Higher tier called to swoop in and save roads

A study commissioned by the Australian Local Government Association says local councils around the country are underfunding the maintenance of their roads.

Infrastructure body shifted as QLD councils learn the trade

Queensland councils have taken hold of the reins on the state’s infrastructure and engineering advisory service.

Miners say they pay the bills, even without MRRT boosts

As the Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) is collapsed by the Government’s repeal bill, the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has launched a report claiming it contributes billions to local communities regardless of the tax.

NSW moves to put lid on Crown Lands

Legislation is making its way through the New South Wales Upper House to amend the Crown Lands Act, in an effort to protect licence agreements for hundreds of farmers.

Public sector concern over QLD work law shift

Changes to industrial relations laws have been called “WorkChoices for Queensland,” but the state’s Attorney-General says public servants’ entitlements will stay.

Watchdog wants new tag, bigger teeth

Tasmania's Integrity Commission wants to take on certain police powers to enhance its corruption investigations.

Xenophon puts hard word on AFP, gets half response

South Australian independent Senator Nick Xenophon has taken the Australian Federal Police to task over their practice of monitoring MPs phone activity.