Archived News for Industry Professionals - February, 2014
The Prime Minister may soon be the sole supporter of his promised paid parental leave scheme.
Another big name drops port digging bid
Environmentalists are celebrating a decision by building giant Lend Lease to pull out of the planned expansion of a Queensland coal port.
Back-flip ignites anger over coastal mine plan
The approval of a coal mine on the New South Wales central coast has become embroiled in controversy; accusations of corruption and broken promises.
Five high-rises to house thousands in CBD
Melbourne’s skyline will feature several new high-rises in coming years, with the Victorian Government signing off on a record number of residential permits.
No end in sight as coal mine burns deep
Both public concern and a possible class action are mounting, as a coal mine fire continues burying a Victorian town in smoke and fumes.
Fish fight in the Pacific sees locals muscled-out
Tuna fishing zones in the Western and Central Pacific are being slammed by international fleets seeking the swimming gold.
Funding taps opened to break the strain of drought
The Federal Government has announced the details of its long-awaited assistance package for drought-affected farmers in Queensland and NSW.
Narrabri CSG finds itself in fast-lane
The New South Wales Government has fast-tracked approvals for a proposed coal seam gas project at Narrabri.
Unions' roles extolled in industrial study
A new study says that while Australian unions are not perfect, they still play an important role in enforcing minimum standards and certain regulations.
Big spend to get nearby neighbours up to speed
Nearly half a billion dollars will be spent to improve transport in Pacific regions.
China moving on rail tunnel plan despite obvious dangers
China has dusted off its idea to build an underwater rail tunnel across 123 kilometres of the Bohai Bay, which would be the world’s longest if it goes ahead.
Rail strike rolls ahead with no new deals likely
Australian rail company Aurizon is standing firm in the face of impending train driver strikes.
Refugee price jump with new $1.2 billion responsibility
A new company will soon take over a large range of operations at Australia’s offshore detention centres, with the tragedy of recent violence still echoing around the country.
Rock finding sets back the clock on Earth, oceans and life
The oldest piece of the Earth’s crust ever seen has been uncovered in Western Australia.
States step in for hasty NHVR pick-up
The widespread failure of many trucks to register under the new National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has forced several states to step in and try to aid compliance.
Toll looks up with renewed agreements
The Toll Group has managed to keep a lucrative set of contracts, which will see it remain the prime mover for oil and gas producer Santos.
Trucking heads push for state or federal ESC pledge
The heads of trucking industry bodies are pushing for the Federal Government to bring in compulsory electronic stability control (ESC) on all heavy vehicles.
UGL hits back, saying books remain raw
Australian engineering firm UGL has emphatically denied media allegations that it “cooked the books” to misrepresent financial results for investors.
Action over mine jobs prompts industrial court case
The Fair Work Building Commission (FWBC) has called dozens of Western Australian workers into court to face charges from protests over jobs in local mines.
Big figures push oil explorers to new fields and agreements
Oil exploration and production firm Senex Energy Ltd has posted its profits and announced a new partnership with Origin Energy in South Australia.
Closed talks continue on medical, intellectual and economic future
A new round of Trans-Pacific Partnership talks have begun in Singapore, where trade ministers from twelve nations carve out the final parts of the far-reaching deal.