Archived News for Industry Professionals

Australian companies continue to prefer to source talent from local pools rather than 457 visa holders, according to the latest survey conducted by industry association Consult Australia.

New trades centre for Darwin

The Federal Government has announced it will provide $21.3 million to Charles Darwin University (CDU) to establish a new trades training facility at the Casurina Campus in Darwin.

Port of Brisbane motorway open to traffic

The Queensland Government has announced the multi-million Port of Brisbane Motorway is now open to traffic, eight months ahead of schedule.

Bell Bay Aluminium announces shipping deal

Tasmanian based Bell Bay Aluminium has announced it has struck an agreement with Swire Shipping for the provision of direct international ocean freight shipping between Asian ports and Bell Bay Port.

Government announces 457 changes

Employers will have to prove there is a legitimate skill shortage before being able to take on a foreign employee under the much-maligned 457 Visa scheme.

Major projects highlight need for training

The delivery of major projects around Queensland has highlighted the pressing need for targeting skilling programs, according to a recently released report.

NCVER tracking downward apprenticeship trend

The number of apprentices in trades and non-trade related studies has declined for the start of the year, according to the latest report released by the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER).

SA launches mining career website

The South Australian Government has announced the launch of a new online tool to help people explore a career in mining and resources.

Sydney falling behind schedule finds report

On time performance for domestic airlines departures for Sydney airport has dipped slightin in 2012, with 82 per cent departing on time and 80 per cent arriving on time, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and regional Economics (BITRE).

Victoria green-lights Webb Dock development

The Victorian Government has officially granted planning approval for the $1.6 billion Webb Dock redevelopment.

Wage increases threatens jobs says MBA

A proposal by the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union to increase the wages of first and second year apprentices would threaten as many as 12,000 construction jobs, according to a study conducted by Master Builders Australia (MBA).

ACCC greenlights collective water bargaining for coal producers

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has given the go ahead for central Queensland coal producers to begin collective bargaining for water supply with SunWater.

Giants sign gas agreement

ConocoPhillips and PetroChina have announced the signing of a agreement that will see the two companies increase their stakes in three major oil and gas projects.

New chief for Whitehaven

Whitehaven Coal has announced the appointment of Paul Flynn as the group’s new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective from 25 March.

Qantas returns to profit

Qantas has returned to profit after announcing a statutory profit of $111 million after tax for the six months ended in December.

Queensland outlines CSG strategy

The Queensland Government has promised better community engagement, more field inspections, audits and a ‘firm approach to industry non-compliance’ as part of a new coal seam gas management plan.

BrisConnections enters voluntary administration

Operator of the recently opened Brisbane Airportlink, BrisConnections, has announced it has entered voluntary administration.

Emitters pass on price finds report

Some of the country’s biggest carbon emitters are accused of passing on the full cost of the carbon price while pocketing billions of dollars worth of Government compensation, according to a new report released by industry consultants Carbon and energy Markets.