USU: Endeavour's outsourcing puts scores of jobs at risk
26 March, 2012Endeavour Energy plans to outsource electricity connection and disconnection field officer positions, according to the United Services Union (USU). The Union group claims this will put scores of jobs at risk and affect supply reliability for NSW residents.
Businesses should review energy contracts before carbon tax hits, says Energy Action
23 March, 2012Independent energy management company, Energy Action, said that energy retailers are likely to process a carbon adjustment to clients’ bills by either increasing contract energy rates or introducing a new line item to bills. Most existing retail electricity contracts do not charge for carbon, but do contain clauses allowing for adjusted prices in response to the carbon tax.
Jemena: smart meters sabotaged
22 March, 2012Jemena has announced that the failure of 21 smart meters was the result of sabotage “by an unknown person or persons”. The company said that the sabotage was confirmed by independent chemical testing and that each meter failed safely.
Legislation passed to abolish the ABCC
21 March, 2012The Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) is to be abolished after the Building and Construction Industry (Transition to Fair Work) Bill was passed in the Senate on 20 March. The Office of the Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate will replace the ABCC.
New headquarters and State Manager for Master Electricians Australia
21 March, 2012Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has been busy, appointing Jody McGann as the new State Manager and officially opening its new headquarters in Parramatta.
Energy merger risks thousands of jobs, claims Unions NSW
20 March, 2012Thousands of jobs are at risk from the planned merger of Endeavour Energy, Ausgrid and Essential Energy, Unions NSW claims.
Australian company sheds new light on Westminster Hall
19 March, 2012Westminster Hall has received a 21st-century update, courtesy of an Australian company. The Gerard Lighting Group’s Pierlite Division in the UK has installed almost 1000 LED energy-saving lamps in six huge chandeliers that grace Westminster Hall - the oldest part of the UK Houses of Parliament, built in the 11th century.
VET system reforms will ease skills shortage, says Chris Evans
16 March, 2012The Gillard Government intends to make radical reforms to Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system, Senator Chris Evans has said.
Mentors for apprentices will aid retention rates
16 March, 2012Australian apprentices will receive more support in the form of industry-based mentors and advisers, Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, has announced.
Industry bodies disagree with IPART’s ‘fair and reasonable’ solar price
16 March, 2012The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART’s) recommendations for solar power pricing have caused quite the industry stir.
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.
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.
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.
