government

This week the Western Australian government has announced two grants for innovative businesses to set up in the state. The state government will provide support for local businesses through the X-TEND WA program. Six education programs for investors and innovators are part of the $516,000 pilot program. The programs range from business scale up strategies … Continue reading WA offers investment for innovation →

The importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills were highlighted during the recent federal election. With the election over, the sector is now focussed on the opportunities ahead. Manufacturers’ Monthly reports. While the federal Coalition government, in its 2019 budget, recognised the need for greater enrolment of young people – and, in particular, … Continue reading Training the workforce of the future →

In launching the Western Australian (WA) government’s Diversify WA vision, the state government identified technology and advanced manufacturing as one of the key economic sectors that will build a more resilient, sustainable and growing economy. To achieve this vision, the WA government will reduce barriers to diversification, foster innovation and demonstrate fiscal responsibility so to … Continue reading Manufacturing key to future of WA economy →

CSIRO, along with the National Australia Bank (NAB) and more than 20 partner organisations, has released a report outlining visions to boost  Australia’s economy, which identifies manufacturing as a key growth sector. The CSIRO Australian National Outlook report was released on June 18, with focusses on technological changes and energy efficiency among topics also raised … Continue reading CSIRO outlook report identifies manufacturing industry as playing a key role in growth →

Federal parliament needs to work with the government to pursue measures that will boost innovation and make industry more competitive in to counter strong economic headwinds, according Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott. Westacott said that “all stops” must be put out to accelerate Australia’s rate of growth and build a more resilient and innovative … Continue reading Business Council calls for measures to sure up economic growth →

The South Queensland Defence Advisory Board met for the first time in Brisbane this week to develop strategies to accelerate local defence industry growth. The board meeting, hosted at Volvo Group’s Wacol headquarters, brought together industry leaders who advise the government on growing South Queensland’s defence industry and supply chain. The board’s chair, Jane Hunter, … Continue reading South Qld defence industry advisory board meets →

The Government has launched  two new research projects to focus on the emerging areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). As part of the research projects, the Australian Council of Learned Academies will receive $209,346 to conduct research on “Deployment of Artificial Intelligence and what it presents for Australia.” The research will examine … Continue reading Government funding to focus on deployment of AI and IoT →

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council, comprising state and territory energy ministers, headed by Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg, is meeting today to decide whether the proposed National Energy Guarantee (NEG) proceeds to a final policy design in August or not. Proposed by the Energy Security Board in October 2017, the National Energy Guarantee looks to encourage new investment … Continue reading COAG to decide final direction of NEG today →

The Turnbull government’s plan to cut company tax rates from 30 to 25 per cent over the next decade is one step close to becoming a reality. This week the Business Council of Australia’s leadership and 10 chief executives of top Australian companies pledged they’d deliver wage rises and higher investment in Australia if the cuts are … Continue reading Gov company tax cut inches closer to victory with new support →

The Victorian government has reported that its economy is strong, growing and well equipped to meet current and future challenges according to their 2017‑18 Mid‑Year Financial Report. Net infrastructure investment for the general government sector totalled $4.7 billion over the six months, up $700 million on the previous period. Treasurer Tim Pallas released the report, which shows an … Continue reading Victorian infrastructure investment reached $4.7b over last six months →

Testing to support the selection process for the Army’s new Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) has finished on schedule, according on the Department of Defence. Head Land Systems Division, Major General David Coghlan, congratulated the two shortlisted contenders, Rheinmetall and BAE Systems Australia, who have been involved in the year-long Risk Mitigation Activity (RMA) to help … Continue reading Land 400 completes testing phase →

The Andrews Labor Government is helping former automotive workers manufacture some of Victoria’s lifesaving fire and emergency response vehicles. Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan and Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman visited R A Bell and Company in Sunshine North to meet the workers bringing these vehicles to life. R A Bell and … Continue reading Former QLD auto workers building emergency vehicles →

The 2017 NSW Budget has been revealed, including $72.7 billion for infrastructure and $96 million to support local businesses. Here is a breakdown: Infrastructure $7.2 billion in Government investment for the third stage of WestConnex, including the M4-M5 link $4.9 billion across four years for Sydney Metro City and South West $3.5 billion across four years … Continue reading NSW Budget: $73b for infrastructure and $96m for local businesses →

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull believes his new Infrastructure Financing Unit will help deliver more infrastructure development despite tougher financial times. The unit, announced in this year’s Federal Budget, will utilise government grants and private co-financing to finance infrastructure development. Turnbull has stated that his government are committed to working with state and local governments on the … Continue reading Infrastructure Financing Unit to answer Australia’s infrastructure problems →

Australia’s biggest manufacturer, steel giant BlueScope, has controversially backed a clean energy target for the energy sector. It is unreasonable to favour the provision of affordable and reliable energy over reducing carbon emissions, according to BlueScope chief executive Paul O’Malley. Therefore, he has called for politicians to get behind a clean energy target as a … Continue reading Australia’s biggest manufacturer backs clean energy target →

The use of blockchain technology in Australian government and industry would deliver productivity benefits and drive local innovation, according to a review from CSIRO’s Data61. Over the past year, CSIRO’s Data61 Australia’s data innovation group has engaged extensively with industry and government to deliver two reports on the regulatory, technical and societal implications of using … Continue reading Blockchain could drive productivity and innovation for industry →

Infigen Energy has welcomed the announcement by the Palaszczuk government in Queensland that it would invest $386 million into the Powering North Queensland plan. The plan is intended to unlock a wave of energy projects to power the North Queensland economy and support 5000 jobs. Infigen is developing the Forsayth wind farm project in the … Continue reading Infigen welcomes ‘Powering North Queensland’ plan →

Telstra has reportedly seen its power costs increase by $100 million in the past year, with a senior executive calling on Industry Minister Arthur Sinodinos for urgent action to address Australia’s energy crisis. This follows a recent decision by the Federal Court to increase NSW electricity prices by $3 billion over the next few years, on … Continue reading Telstra’s power costs up $100m; company calls for price correction →

The Queensland Government is working to address the impact of non-conforming products on the state’s building and construction industry, an issue which was highlighted in a 2013 report from the Australian Industry Group (AIG). One of the findings of the report was that the current regulatory system placed too much responsibility on building certifiers at … Continue reading QLD govt takes action on non-conforming building products →

The Turnbull Government, through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), has taken the next step in the development of a solar thermal plant at Port Augusta in South Australia. ARENA has requested information from prospective industry participants on the costs and benefits of Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST). This information will help ARENA and the Clean Energy … Continue reading Next step taken in solar thermal development →