The trade in counterfeit and non-compliant products that fail to conform to Australian standards is posing a threat to the sustainability of Australia's electrical contracting industry, says the CEO of the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA). [ + ]

The Fair Work Ombudsman has announced a new national campaign targeting hundreds of businesses that employ apprentices and trainees. These companies will come under scrutiny in response to a high number of calls for assistance from workers, particularly first-year apprentices in the automotive, electrical services, manufacturing, butchery and bakery trades. [ + ]

Australia has ranked among the worst greenhouse gas emitters in the world, according to a new report from the US this week. [ + ]

The 2015 Fleet Awards are fast approaching and time is running out to nominate. The awards recognise outstanding achievement across a range of categories, including Fleet Manager of the Year, Fleet Environment and Fleet Safety. [ + ]

The total PV installations dropped to 182,500 in 2014 as against 359,566 in 2011, according to Ric Brazzale, managing director of Green Energy Trading. The PV market contracted 6.5% in four months to April 2015 compared to the same period last year. [ + ]

Ateco Automotive has issued a recall on Foton Trucks. Certain vehicles within the range were supplied with vehicle jacks that do not comply with AS/NZS2693:2007, the mandatory safety standard. [ + ]

The Coalition and Labor have finally reached a deal on the Renewable Energy Target (RET) after the Abbott government dropped plans for two-yearly reviews. [ + ]

The announcement in the recently released federal Budget that small businesses stand to receive significant tax breaks for business purchases has already seen a flow-on effect of companies positioning their products for businesses to easily take advantage of the tax concessions. [ + ]

Australia has more than 4 GW of installed rooftop solar PV with residential systems accounting for the bulk of that capacity. [ + ]

The 2015-16 Federal Budget was handed down last night by Treasurer Joe Hockey and one of the big winners to come out of it will be small business.

Virgin Mobile loyalty program customers who received a power bank portable charger are being advised to thoughtfully dispose of it immediately, including the USB cable supplied. [ + ]

German carmaker Daimler has unveiled the world's first self-driving truck authorised for use on public roads in Nevada. [ + ]

There are a multitude of reasons why SPARC2015, Australia's big event for the international lighting community to be held in Sydney between 27-29 May, is not to be missed, and here are the top five. [ + ]

NHP Electrical has released a new module in signalling devices to its free training program for the electrical industry. [ + ]

Loc8.com has won the CeBIT Award for Innovation 2015. Loc8.com provides an asset and maintenance platform designed to let asset owners, service providers and field technicians collaborate in real time to reduce costs, improve productivity and increase profits, through the Loc8 Service Supply Chain. [ + ]