Coalition introduces Bill to reinstate solar hot water rebate
14 March, 2012The Coalition’s Greg Hunt gave notice on 13 March to introduce a Private Members’ Bill to restore the solar hot water rebate. The Bill will demand the government commit to the remaining $64.5 million of funding it had allocated for the solar hot water rebate scheme for 2011-2012.
Unions to take legal action over energy privatisation
14 March, 2012Unions NSW said it will take action in the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) in response to the state government’s move to privatise electricity generators.
Teligence chooses Livingston as global rental partner
13 March, 2012Telco contractor Teligence has selected test equipment sourcing specialist Livingston as its global rental partner.
Visa changes welcomed by industry
13 March, 2012Changes to the visa program for skilled migrants have been welcomed by industry groups as a solution to the skills shortage that’s being experienced - particularly in the resources sector, such as in engineering and the skilled trades.
CEPU launches campaign to increase wages for apprentices
08 March, 2012The Communications Electrical Plumbing Union (CEPU) has launched a national campaign to increase wages for apprentice electricians, arguing that the low wages paid to apprentices are a disincentive to commence an apprenticeship and are directly linked to low completion rates.
1800 registrations for Clean Technology Investment Program information sessions
07 March, 2012AusIndustry’s information sessions for the $1 billion Clean Technology Investment programs have proved to be highly popular, with over 1800 manufacturers registering to attend the sessions. The first session in Sydney on 5 March attracted over 390 businesses.
Funding lighting upgrades has never been so easy
07 March, 2012 | Supplied by: Ilum-a-lite Pty LtdThe Australian lighting industry is facing a myriad of problems, including complicated and fragmented regulatory environment for energy-efficient products and substandard products giving a bad name to the industry, that could potentially restrain growth. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. In the article below, Ilum-a-lite’s CEO Mark Rutherford, explains how private and government funding options make it easy for businesses to go green.
NBN Co and Telstra Definitive Agreements commence
07 March, 2012The Definitive Agreements between NBN Co and Telstra come into force on 7 March 2012, allowing NBN Co to increase construction activity.
Marechal opens for business in its own right in Australia
07 March, 2012 | Supplied by: MarechalMarechal Electric SA of France has established a wholly owned subsidiary company, headquartered in Rowville, Victoria, Australia, and reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to its customers in Australia. The company’s existing distribution arrangement with Eaton Electric will end on 31 March 2012 and Marechal Australia will commence trading on 1 April 2012.
New code guidelines show no tolerance for illegal practices
06 March, 2012New implementation guidelines for the National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry will make the process of tendering for government-funded building works much simpler, Bill Shorten, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, said.
AusIndustry hosts Clean Technology Investment Programs information sessions
05 March, 2012AusIndustry is hosting a series of information sessions to help manufacturers and business operators learn how to apply for assistance under the government’s Clean Technology Investment Program.
ETU: ban smart meter repairs until declared safe
02 March, 2012The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has called on the Australian Government to ban smart meter repairs until the liquid leaks are analysed and declared safe to handle.
Industry bodies call for proper scrutiny of ABCC bill
02 March, 2012The Master Builders Association, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and industry association members have called for proper scrutiny of the last-minute ABCC amendments following Wednesday’s Senate vote to not scrutinise last-minute changes to the Bill.
SEA criticises government for axing solar hot water rebate
02 March, 2012The Sustainable Energy Association of Australia (SEA) has criticised the Australian Government for axing the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme, with SEA Chief Executive Professor Ray Wills “lost for words” by the decision.
Just one star needed to halve household energy consumption
01 March, 2012Improving the average energy-efficiency rating of household appliances by just one star could effectively halve household energy consumption, new research by Energeia reveals.
