Archived News for Industry Professionals
The Australian Government is continuing its pledge to dissolve approval processes it deems unnecessary or duplicative, this week announcing a new ‘one-stop-shop’ environmental process for offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage activities.
Suppliers say Australia has room for more wells
The chief executive of a major mine pumping equipment supplier says Australia needs to ignore the concerns of environmentalists and other residents, and surge full-steam into coal seam gas extraction.
Training awards for super skills outside schools
An event over the weekend showed the high level of training and skilled students coming out of Australian institutions.
BHP boss says direct action may work for them
The chief executive of BHP Billiton says a ‘direct action’ approach to dealing with climate change is the best way to protect trade-exposed industries.
Eels deal re-think for Uni disunion
The University of New England may reconsider its sponsorship deal with the Parramatta Eels NRL team, after the club sign a deal with another sponsor that the University does not abide.
Greater powers granted to fill holes in NSW
The New South Wales Government now has the ability to revoke certain mining licences, after plumping up its powers to cancel corrupt approvals.
Study says don't neglect the beating heart in design
A survey has shown that engineering students should be more aware of the public and social welfare issues in their projects, or risk focusing too much on the technical and not enough on the human element.
Border net picked apart by budget cuts
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service says it will be difficult to “stop the boats” when it has to cut 600 staff members in coming years.
Coastal title claim covers ten councils
Councils are considering a native title claim which would see stewardship transferred for a large portion of Australia’s east coast.
Higher tier called to swoop in and save roads
A study commissioned by the Australian Local Government Association says local councils around the country are underfunding the maintenance of their roads.
Infrastructure body shifted as QLD councils learn the trade
Queensland councils have taken hold of the reins on the state’s infrastructure and engineering advisory service.
Miners say they pay the bills, even without MRRT boosts
As the Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) is collapsed by the Government’s repeal bill, the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has launched a report claiming it contributes billions to local communities regardless of the tax.
NSW moves to put lid on Crown Lands
Legislation is making its way through the New South Wales Upper House to amend the Crown Lands Act, in an effort to protect licence agreements for hundreds of farmers.
Public sector concern over QLD work law shift
Changes to industrial relations laws have been called “WorkChoices for Queensland,” but the state’s Attorney-General says public servants’ entitlements will stay.
Watchdog wants new tag, bigger teeth
Tasmania's Integrity Commission wants to take on certain police powers to enhance its corruption investigations.
Xenophon puts hard word on AFP, gets half response
South Australian independent Senator Nick Xenophon has taken the Australian Federal Police to task over their practice of monitoring MPs phone activity.
Better science hopes to save billions
Even under the most modest global warming scenarios, extreme El Niño years will occur twice as often – a new report from the University of New South Wales says.
Blood tests to assess brain bumps' effect
Blood tests may soon be used to accurately diagnose concussion and predict long term cognitive disability, heralding a quick and easy way to check for life-threatening damage.
Chevron funds Barrow Island bug book
A new book has added 25 species to the thousands which inhabit a small island area off the north west of Australia.
Claims of impending cuts; an excuse for no attrition
The Federal Government has accused the former Labor-led government of planning to cut thousands of public service jobs, without telling the public or making budgetary allowances for redundancies.
Freshwater fish fighters rally to plan next waves
The nation’s leading freshwater fish ecologists have gathered to discuss threats to freshwater fish species at a symposium attracting close to 100 delegates from across the country.