Archived News for Industry Professionals - November, 2013
The South Australian Local Government Association (LGA) says plans to re-enliven property development in Adelaide will deprive city councils of important planning powers.
Safety tips given to robot helpers
In a new development that some may find disconcerting, researchers in the US have made a knife-wielding robot smarter and capable of making its own decisions.
Timor oil spill aftermath continues, lawyers call for more investigation
Lawyers say an independent investigation needs to be undertaken into the 2009 Montara oil spill, which saw millions of litres of light crude strewn across the Timor Sea.
Caring convoy raises thousands for kids
Big rigs stretched dozens of city blocks during this year’s Brisbane Convoy for Kids on October 26, which raised tens of thousands of dollars for childrens’ charities.
Courts quack-down on inaccurate claims
A Federal Court order has sought to maintain public confidence in food safety and warning labels, after finding a duck farm had been making misleading claims about the lifestyle of its birds.
Forces joined for substantial Sydney project
Three big players have come together for a joint venture which should see them deliver a seven-year road asset management project for Syney's South Zone.
Grant gives wings to electric aircraft plan
A Victorian Government grant has allowed engineering students at Swinburne to look skyward for a sustainable method of air travel.
Qantas engineers asked to step back to save money
An extreme offer has been made to over 300 Qantas engineering staff in a bid to save jobs.
Safety strike to show managers the cost of non-compliance
Worked stopped at a construction site in the ACT last Friday as workers took action over safety concerns.
Uni recognised for export expertise
Charles Darwin University has been named on the shortlist for a national award, following success in the education category at the Chief Minister’s Northern Territory Export and Industry Awards in Darwin.
Union joins fight to keep safe standards as supermarkets squeeze
The Transport Workers Union has petitioned Small Business Minister Bruce Billson do step in and do something about the major Australian supermarkets’ increasing stranglehold on smaller operators.
Age issues cost billions, keep experience out of the game
Experts say age discrimination is keeping thousand of fully capable Australians out of work, and costing workers through increased welfare needs.
BHP scuttles Galilee port and rail plan
BHP Billiton has bailed on its plan for a rail and port project in Queensland, after being told that the current facilities are good enough.
Experts gauge the state of car-making
A report by industry consultants and university researchers says nearly 40,000 jobs would be lost if car makers pulled out of Australia this decade.
Huawei talks internally about repeated spying claims
The Chinese telecommunications giant accused of secretive tactics by Australian authorities has finally spoken out, albeit through a leaked internal email.
Mass gas worker expansion sighted in QLD
While there has been contraction in some Queensland resource-linked trades, it seems demand for LNG and CSG workers is about to explode.
Mystery ships anchor intrigue
Speculation about two mysterious barges docked in US ports has lit up the tech-world in the last two weeks, but guessing is still all anyone can do as the inexplicable ships give up none of their secrets.
Turnbull calls for tango in telecoms talks
The Communications Minister has called for negotiations to continue between NBN Co and the companies in charge of the optical roll-out in Tasmania, saying that it takes two to tango over contracts.
Unions say restored ABCC heralds rough times
Many will have heard Tony Abbott’s repeated promise that WorkChoices is “dead, buried and cremated”, but the watchdog created to enforce the old laws is coming back – and sporting a shiny new collar.