Archived News for Industry Professionals - March, 2013
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) will be targeting ‘rogue employers’ who misuse the 457 skilled migrant visa by introducing more checks and balances to crack down on ‘suspicious activity’.
Nickel processing breakthrough announced
The CSIRO and Direct Nickel (DNi) have announced the successful development of an environmentally friendly processing method that uses and recycles nitric acid and could unlock 70 per cent of the world’s nickel supply.
Queensland details $450 million roads management plan
The Queensland Government has announced the state’s road industry is set to receive further details for a planned injection of up to $450 million in asset management contracts.
There's gold in them there (shaky) hills
The University of Queensland (UQ) and the Australian National University haveofficially confirmed what gold prospectors have long suspected; there is a connection between seismic activity and the presence of gold and other trace elements.
ATSB gives Brisbane train breaks the all clear
Catastrophic break failure was not to blame for the train crash at Brisbane’s Cleveland station earlier this year, according to an interim report published by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
Car emissions down 21 per cent
The average amount of greenhouse gasses produced by new cars has fallen by 21 per cent in 11 years, according to the National Transport Commission (NTC).
Deegan reappointed as Infrastructure Coordinator
The Federal Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Anthony Albanese, has announced the reappointment of Michael Deegan as the Infrastructure Coordinator, a position with responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Infrastructure Australia.
Housing finance figures lacklustre
New data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) paints an austere picture of the housing finance market, showing that improved consumer confidence isn’t necessarily translating into a resurgent housing market.
New Canberra terminal opens
The first passengers have passed through the new Western Concourse Terminal at Canberra Airport, marking a major milestone in the completion of the airport’s redevelopment.
Policies strangling energy innovation says consortium
A consortium of some of the nation’s most influential groups has publicly expressed its concern over the nation’s energy policies, saying that a clear, evidence based policy platform must be developed in order to cater for the nation’s energy demand.
Queensland sells down Aurizon holding
The Queensland Government has announced it will sell $806 million worth of shares in rail logistics giant Aurizon, saying the deal will ‘maximise benefits’ for Queensland taxpayers.
SA releases economic statement
The South Australian Government has released an Economic Statement which Premier Jay Weatherill has described as a ‘full and candid’ picture of the State’s economy.
TAFE NSW seeking industry feedback
TAFE New South Wales has announced it is seeking input from stakeholders to form a new strategy which will guide how the sector operates in the future.
Victoria announces preferred rail route
A rail line along Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway, connecting the Doncaster Park-and-Ride with the Hurtsbridge line at Collingwood is the most viable option, according to a new report.
Victoria starts $1.6 billion port redevelopment
The Victorian Government has announced that construction has commenced on the $1.6 billion Port Capacity Project at Melbourne’s Webb Dock.
ACCC green lights coal port bargaining
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced it has granted collective bargaining rights to a cabal of coal producers for access to the new coal terminal at Dudgeon Point, and with Aurizon Network for access to rail infrastructure for transport to the terminal.
Australia to lend a hand to Mozambique mining
Australian expertise will be used to develop Mozambique’s mining and resource sector following the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
QBE quits SA building insurance
QBE Insurance has advised the South Australian Government that it will be withdrawing from the Building Indemnity Insurance (BII) market from the beginning of July.
Queensland secures $80 million 'betterment' fund
The Queensland Government has announced the formation of an $80 million 'betterment' fund aimed at ending the 'madness of replacing vulnerable infrastructure' with replicas that are destroyed in flooding.
Victoria confirms airport rail link
The Victorian Government has confirmed the planned route for the construction of the new Melbourne Airport rail link after assessing 80 proposals for the project.
Government pledges water protection
The Federal Government has announced it will implement greater environmental protection for water resources impacted by coal seam gas and large coal mining developments.