Archived News for Industry Professionals

Australian businesses can now apply for a slice of the Federal Government’s $476 million Industry Skills Fund to boost the skills of their workforce.

150 gone as QLD gas gets going

The big QCLNG project is entering its production phase, leading operators to make 150 construction staff redundant.

Andrews canvassing new plans for East West cash

Premier Daniel Andrews claims he is working with Prime Minister Tony Abbott to find alternatives for $3 billion federal funding committed to the East West Link.

Fuel drop slowing as analysts look ahead

Analysts say petrol prices will continue to drop, but country residents are still being hit harder than their city-dwelling counterparts.

Grain train talks going again

The negotiating table has been reset ahead of new talks between the WA’s transport union and rail firm Brookfield.

Livestock safety swept under new umbrella

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) says that the livestock transport safety scheme TruckCare has been merged with TruckSafe.

Mine drug checks moved to drivers

Drug screening will hit critical transit points around West Australia with the third phase of an anti-drug operation now targeting oil and gas workers.

Two cities' airport plans approved

The master plans for both Perth and Adelaide’s new airports have been ticked-off by the Federal Government.

Fluffy listing brings pressure for some

The ACT Government is preparing to publish a list of homes containing Mr Fluffy asbestos, but the plan has been met with mixed reactions from homeowners.

Forest fight forming over wilderness building plan

Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt says he will not compromise Tasmania's world heritage value, despite backing development in key forest areas.

High speed seen in derailment investigation

Investigators say a Tasmanian train that derailed late last year was travelling at almost double the advised speed.

New figure fades after ICAC bites

New South Wales Liberal MP Garry Edwards has been expelled from the party, following allegations of corruption.

Newman's pledge would bring Bruce traffic inland

Queensland premier Campbell Newman wants to build a $375 million highway through the state’s inland regions.

PUP pledges tax change to wake QLD

The Palmer United Party has launched its QLD election campaign with a promise abolish payroll tax, which it says will kick-start work and economic development.

Switch to fix Pilbara's poor links

The Pilbara region’s annoying jigsaw of a power network is set to undergo a major overhaul, as Australia’s biggest mining hub continues to grow.

Union fined for right-to-entry fights

The CFMEU has been fined $205,100 for illegal activity on building sites, with the judge in the case labelled the union’s record as “dismal”.

Watchdog's weary eye weighs-up Woodside

The ACCC is taking a deep look at Woodside Petroleum’s $US2.75 billion buy-out of LNG assets from a US energy firm, acting on concerns that the deal was designed to lift gas prices.

Whitehaven says new year could see coal price kick

Whitehaven Coal is feeling fairly optimistic about thermal and metallurgical coal prices in 2015, marking it as one of the only groups with a positive view on the sector.

New plan no better in massive mine hitch

A plan to divert water from two Queensland rivers into a new coal mine has been slammed as a “terrible” idea.

Watchdog will keep yapping at building bullies

The ACCC says it will stick to its guns in a fight to address boycotts and bullying on building sites, and has called for union members to speak out about dodginess at the higher levels.