Archived News for Industry Professionals - August, 2013
Several major Australian industries have reported a slow-down in profit and productivity linked to uneasy commodity prices.
Tarkine mine two, now approved
With protesters still raging over the approval of an iron mine in Tasmania last week, the Federal Government has green-lit another project to dig up iron ore in the Tarkine region.
Well-being has economic rewards in transport
Staff and employers in the transport sector benefit greatly from workplace well-being programs, a new report says.
Wood-workers called on complacency
WorkCover New South Wales is calling for more rigorous safety standards for the timber industry, after a disquieting 700 injuries were reported from manual handling in the last three years.
Anti-burger rallies upsized
Workers are having a tough time reaching the site of a McDonald's fast food outlet scheduled for construction in Victoria, with protestors trying to halt work on a project they deem “unwanted”.
Asbestos cancer attacked with medical 'magic bullets'
Australian scientists have made progress on a new technique for fighting asbestos-related cancers.
Back to work after safety sit-down
Work has re-started on the site of port upgrades in central Queensland over the weekend, following the end of a four-day safety protest.
Buck-passing while Tas. NBN grinds to halt
The Premier of Tasmania is looking for work on NBN towers to continue, with slow progress and job losses hindering the entire sector.
Calls for more female building leaders
Women now fill 11.7 per cent of jobs in the Australian construction industry, but the National Association of Women in Construction says there should be many more in leadership roles.
Fee changes nick training artery
Fee increases for Registered Training Organisations announced by the Australian Skills Quality Authority have caused some concern for many workers and representatives in the skills industry.
First miner charged for desecration
OM Manganese has been handed a hefty fine for desecrating a sacred Aboriginal site in the Northern Territory.
Miner hits back at insolvent trading claims
Fortescue Metals is facing claims it traded during insolvency during the recent decline in iron ore, which may have resulted in a contract falling-through to the tune of more than $8 million.
Minister still to make the call on Abbot Point
Work on the massive Abbot Point coal port expansion project will possibly continue regardless of changes in the political landscape this year, with the Environment Minister still set to make a decision this week.
Solar revolution radiating nationwide
Figures are out showing Australians have taken to solar energy with great gusto, a report shows how eager people are to cut down their electricity bills.
Ten year Victorian dock project announced
Lend Lease will soon get started on a massive project - building an office, retail and residential complex over a 2.5ha site at Melbourne's docklands.
Thiess on-board for $1.1 billion rail link
Construction giants Thiess have been awarded a $1.1 billion contract to build a rail link covering 12.6 km in Queensland.
Plans rolling on $4.2 billion mega-resort
A Hong Kong billionaire will dump millions of dollars into the Queensland economy over the next few years, with plans approved for a $4.2 billion casino-resort complex in Cairns.