The Gillard Government intends to make radical reforms to Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system, Senator Chris Evans has said. [ + ]

The 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 NSW said it will take action in the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) in response to the state government’s move to privatise electricity generators. [ + ]

Telco contractor Teligence has selected test equipment sourcing specialist Livingston as its global rental partner. [ + ]

Changes 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. [ + ]

The 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. [ + ]

AusIndustry’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. [ + ]

The Definitive Agreements between NBN Co and Telstra come into force on 7 March 2012, allowing NBN Co to increase construction activity. [ + ]

Marechal 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 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 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. [ + ]

The 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. [ + ]

The 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. [ + ]

The 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. [ + ]

Following the government’s sudden announcement that the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme will close, the Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES) has called on the federal government to reinstate the solar hot water rebate, arguing that the decision will have a dire impact on the clean energy industry. [ + ]