Archived News for Industry Professionals

Federal MP and (possibly former) mining magnate Clive Palmer has resigned several directorships ahead of a court battle with a Chinese conglomerate.

Heads roll at GM after years of failure

General Motors has fired 15 of its top people over a deadly ignition scandal.

Northern gas rising, hopes held it will flow to regions

New estimates have shown the rise of gas as a major part of the Queensland economy, and regional bodies want to make sure they see a slice of profit.

Advanced weld brings award of cheaper planes

Local innovations have changed the state of aircraft construction worldwide.

Catchment fracking call says to wait for more

The chief scientist in New South Wales says there should be no CSG fracking in Sydney’s water catchment area until all the risks are known.

Ice wall effort starts to stem toxic leaks

Japan has begun freezing the earth around the leaking nuclear power facility at Fukushima, hoping to contain radioactive waste with an underground ice wall.

Audit warning expanded for better heads-up

Trucking firms on the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) will be given three months advance notice when audits are due, the regulator says.

Authorities say shortcuts could cost more than lost time

Western Australia's Chamber of Minerals and Energy says cost-cutting measures by mining companies should not sacrifice occupational health and safety plans.

Building deaths bring court date and possible big fines

A construction company faces over a million dollars in fines after charges were laid by Canberra workplace safety authorities.

Contract rates queried after $24k short-change

Authorities are moving to ensure companies are paying their truck drivers correctly, after they found one NSW operator dodging the rules.

Electric post vans deliver efficient future

The chainsaw-like buzz of the classic postie bike may soon be replaced with the gentle whizzing noise of the future, as Australia Post starts its trial of electric delivery vans.

Farm transport allowance means no books for some

In Queensland, changes to work diary requirements for truck drivers are in effect.

Local rises to top of mine invention heap

An Australian engineer has been recognised for his contribution to the mining industry, with an invention that has made millions of dollars around the world.

Offshore 457 support needs questioned

The Federal Government is looking to remove a new requirement, forcing workers on offshore oil and gas rigs to have the support of a 457 visa.

Robotic rates rises in push for inhuman efficiency

Experts estimate that millions of jobs will be affected by the rise of robots in the next two decades, and Australian industries might be some of the hardest hit.

Safety and speed helped by level moves in Melbourne

The Victorian Government is claiming a win for community and driver safety, job creation and a cut to congestion with a plan worth over $450 million.

Santos plans to dig deeper than ever in NT quest

Santos says it will drill what may be Australia’s deepest exploration wells in its efforts to find shale gas and oil in the Northern Territory.

Asset sale spree starts with QLD looking to sell

The Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) has warned that electricity prices will rise by 13.6 per cent in July, while the State Government moves to sell some of its energy assets.