Archived News for Industry Professionals - May, 2014
The world will be dealing with the cancerous effects of asbestos for many decades to come, but some are concerned that Australia will be less equipped to do so when the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency is scrapped.
Injury and re-engagement changes push fewer on path to work
A rehab expert says the new ‘earn or learn’ welfare system will severely impact injured workers, and could create a new underclass of those caught in the gaps between policy directives.
Sites on the line as coal bosses look at rough patch
Coal giants say the Australian industry is being squeezed to its limit by high taxes and strong local dollar.
Transforming tables bring residential robotics indoors
The house of the future may have just one kind of furniture.
Past poisons big builder's figures, with possible billions to pay
Building products giant James Hardie may have doubled its revenue this year, but the company’s toxic past keeps knocking numbers down.
Authorities caught by moves to truncate trucks
State road transport authorities say they were caught off guard by new limits on prime mover lengths.
British buy-in takes Bonnie for big price
A British firm is buying its way into Australian mining logistics, spending millions on a stake in a resource transport specialist.
Crane change to cut permit strain
Crane operators will be allowed to move their equipment without permits in Victoria, on particular roads in a deregulated network.
Floating gas giants fail to fill industry's demands
An industry body has warned that mining and processing natural gas in giant offshore factories will cost thousands of onshore Australian jobs.
Healthy output claims from better living miner
The operators of one NSW coal mine say their healthy lifestyle program for workers has boosted mining output.
Mine moves knock engineering needs, could be caught in construction
Industry analysts say Australia’s lack of engineers has been reversed, and there is now an oversupply in many sectors.
Mix considered in multi-billion dollar jet plan
Some more details on the planned purchase of nearly 100 questionably-effective Joint Strike Fighters, with some talk that a vertical landing option could bring the cost even higher.
Raw deal shows the flowing the costs of closure
When big companies fail, it is often subcontractors such as logistics operators that feel the pain, but their plight has now been brought to the attention of the Federal Parliament.
Victoria sees $50 mil to show lignite's new legs
A joint state and federal funding scheme will see millions spent showing new ways to use brown coal.
Coal fire shows cost of old methods, unpreparedness
The Victorian Environment Department says a long-running underground fire at the Hazelwood coal mine has “created a choking reminder of the real price of relying on coal for electricity”.
Figures show building boom for some
CSR’s profits have jumped in the last year, up 143 per cent from a lively construction sector.
Leighton leaks millions over misleading and management
An expensive few days at Leighton Holdings, as the engineering and construction giant pays out a $70 million class action and gives a $23 million golden handshake to two departing executives.
Light shines on building, buying and burial in NSW
One of Australia’s largest coal supporters has given a glimpse of how much money it costs to “do business in New South Wales”.
Uncertainty could keep green power dollars down
Analysts say the future of renewable energy investment in Australia is looking rough.
Oil boss appointment forms gulf for investors
Some investors are outraged at the decision to appoint Tony Hayward as the new chairman of Glencore Xstrata.
Locals win over gas firm's non-communication
A victory for community rights in New South Wales, as a gas drilling operation is shut down.