Real Energy study uncovers hidden changes to network prices
24 October, 2012 | Supplied by: Big Switch ProjectsA study of actual power bills paid by businesses before and after the introduction of the carbon price on 1 July has found the carbon price had only a modest impact on power prices. But the study has uncovered previously unreported increases of up to 75% in the charges imposed by some electricity networks.
Apprenticeships get a $3350 Kickstart
23 October, 2012The federal government has announced it will double the incentive paid to employers for an additional 21,000 electricians, plumbers and other construction tradespeople.
WA subcontractors carry the can
23 October, 2012Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has called on the federal and state governments to take responsibility for the flawed school building scheme which has left small contracting businesses millions of dollars out of pocket and driven many to the brink of bankruptcy.
Privatisation key to funding new infrastructure: IA report
22 October, 2012Infrastructure Australia has called on governments to consider selling commercially viable, publicly owned assets to the private sector to fund new infrastructure.
Fighting back against cable clutter
22 October, 2012 | Supplied by: Cable Management SystemsA growing demand for cable management products among SMEs and consumers has prompted tech entrepreneur Nicole Kersh to launch a new consumer-friendly shopping website - CableManagement.com.au.
Concerns about apprenticeship levels
22 October, 2012The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is deeply concerned at the likely detrimental impact that the substantial reduction in apprenticeship incentives revealed in the media will have on apprenticeship numbers.
CEC welcomes Productivity Commission report
22 October, 2012The CEC has welcomed the Electricity Network Regulation Frameworks report, saying it is “heading in the right direction with its recommendations on making the electricity market more consumer-oriented”.
Sullair supplies compressed air solutions for QGC
19 October, 2012 | Supplied by: Hitachi Global Air PowerCompressed air solutions specialist Sullair Australia has secured a landmark contract to provide 23 compressor packages - including ancillary equipment - for leading Australian coal seam gas producer QGC.
Energy regulation needs overhauling, Productivity Commission says
19 October, 2012An overhaul is required for energy regulation and ownership arrangements for electricity networks, according to a draft report by the Productivity Commission.
Invisible barrier wards off metal corrosion
18 October, 2012 | Supplied by: Monash UniversityA coating so thin it’s invisible to the human eye has been shown to make copper nearly 100 times more resistant to corrosion, creating tremendous potential for metal protection even in harsh environments.
MEA urges electrical safety diligence
16 October, 2012 | Supplied by: Master Electricians AustraliaMaster Electricians Australia (MEA) has urged Sydney contractors and tradies to remain diligent with electrical safety precautions following two separate incidents in one week where a man received burns to 90% of his body and another man died.
PV sector to continue strong growth, IMS Research shows
16 October, 2012Two recent studies by IMS Research reveal strong global growth, but falling prices, in the PV sector. The research shows Australia is one of the five most attractive markets for microinverters and power optimisers.
Call for nominations for 2013 Australian Security Industry Awards for Excellence
15 October, 2012 | Supplied by: ASIALOrganised by the Australian Security Industry Association (ASIAL), the 2013 Australian Security Industry Awards for Excellence are Australia’s premier security awards program. Nominations are now open for individuals and organisations across nine separate categories.
Call for reform to cut red tape
15 October, 2012 | Supplied by: NECA/National Electrical & Communications AssociationThe National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) is calling for policy and regulatory reforms to cut the increasing amount of government red tape that is costing electrical and communications contractors both time and money.
Installation guidelines a joint initiative from AFAC & ASIAL
15 October, 2012 | Supplied by: ASIALAFAC and ASIAL have guidelines intended to assist security companies to install, service and monitor smoke detectors/sensors connected to security alarm systems in an appropriate manner, without detailed knowledge of fire alarm standards, individual state regulations or building codes.