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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
