Archived News for Industry Professionals

The downward spiral in the building sector may be reversing, with an increase reported in residential and commercial projects last month.

Coroner and PM respond to Pink Batt deaths

A Queensland coroner has found more could have been done to save the lives of four young tradesmen, the Prime Minister says he would be willing to meet their families.

Gas sector wants green energy support

The industry association for gas works has called for gas suppliers to be able to access government support currently for renewable energy.

Governments clash on floating gas

The Federal Resources Minister and the West Australian Premier are butting heads over the federal government's push for the rapid development of Woodside Petroleum's multi-billion-dollar liquefied natural gas project.

Insulation Chief calls for compensation

The chief executive of Australia’s Insulation Council says the industry has taken a massive hit from the botched insulation stimulus scheme, and that compensation may now be needed.

Iron-clad commitment to new WA mine

Atlas Iron will get digging on a new iron ore project; the company’s board of directors has given the green-light to a $146 million project in Western Australia.

Mine bosses decry green tape doubling

The country’s mining and resources sector says it shouldn’t have to go through such lengthy processes for environmental approval, targeting duplication of ‘green tape’ as a key election issue.

NBN nightmare for telco builder

A company specialising in construction in the telecommunications industry has emerged from a trading halt lasting nearly a month, some expect the Service Stream firm to announce job cuts and sweeping changes this week.

Ore sorting simplified with sensors

A new technology is being trialled to improve the efficiency and ore output of mines, using atomic sensors to detect and separate valuable substances from the ore than surrounds them.

Tradies nail down IT benefits

Many of a tradespersons’ tools can be traced back centuries, but now reports suggest many contractors are tooling-up for the future.

View cleared for Japanese nuclear

Japanese authorities have requested safety inspections at power plants that have been offline for nearly three years, signalling their intention to get the country’s nuclear network running again.

Workers join protest on coal site

Workers have walked off the job at a Whitehaven Coal mine in New South Wales, protesting plans they say will destroy local heritage sites.

Ex-Woolies CEO says buying Australian should be law

The executive who introduced the 'Woolworths, the Fresh Food People' slogan says Australian supermarkets should have a quota on imported stock, reducing margins to lend a hand to struggling producers.

$50 million for more wind in Victoria

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation has made its first foray into the wind sector, putting up $50 million for Victoria’s MacArthur Wind Farm.

Boost delivers job plans for the disabled

The Federal Government has announced a $1.6 million grant for innovative projects to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Council predicts thousands of jobs lost in long delays

The New South Wales Minerals Council has warned of massive possible job losses, if the state's mining industry continues to accept approval delays of twelve months or more.

Energy Professor deflates blown-up gas claims

Energy economics researcher Professor John Foster has called on power-generators to rethink an industry shift from coal to gas, saying the benefits may not be as great as first thought.

Providers sought to bring Safer Roads to all

The NSW Government has launched a new Safer Drivers Course to steer young drivers straight in their most dangerous time.

Rural WA freight route fees climb

Residents of rural Western Australia are wondering how their cost of living can be lowered, with freight charges pushing the price of everyday items through the roof.

Victorian ICT buying gets functional facelift

Victoria has smartened up its online system for managing ICT procurements. The eServices Register will now help connect providers and buyers of ICT services with Government contracts and each other.