Archived News for Industry Professionals - January, 2014
Germany is dealing with the effects of its exit from the nuclear power game, with the country’s new energy minister looking to cut renewable subsidies to save money.
Growth may slow, but energy firms know where to go
Executives at BP may be mildly annoyed by the company’s own research, which has found growth in global energy demand could be on the way down.
Insiders spy Australia as next gas boom site
Australia will be the next big figure to rise from the brewing shale oil and gas boom, according to researchers in the US.
Latest Google glass puts eyes on diabetes
A contact lens to help manage diabetes is the latest next-level device to leak from Google’s technology labs.
Maiming and mortality launches WA mining safety probe
A string of incidents and concerns for the future have prompted a probe into safety at mines in Western Australia.
Smoking signals shorter lives than ever known
More than half a century after the link between smoking and cancer was first proven, scientists continue to add to the pile of reasons why inhaling burning plant matter is a poor decision for health.
Swapping for swabs with urine concerns conceded
Some Australian workers have had a win for workplace dignity, with the Fair Work Commission forcing one company to switch from urine to saliva in staff drug tests.
Fire levy payback after smoke trail leads to dodgy practice
The underwriter for a major Australian insurer will pay back almost $11 million to customers, after it was found collecting a levy that had been ended.
HELP heap tops $30 billion
Australian tertiary students and graduates collectively owe $30 billion in unpaid loans.
iiNet ducks NBN's poor history
A major Australian internet provider has opted out of the National Broadband Network's new wholesale agreement, slamming its service delivery record.
Job losses likely but not enforced in NT public sector
The Treasurer of the Northern Territory has called on all government departments to find extra savings in their budget, as message taken by many as code for public sector job cuts.
New water plan to build more than buybacks
The release of millions in funding to help Queensland farmers save water has been roundly welcomed.
Ruling means better rates and tests for disabled workers
Compensation will be offered to thousands of intellectually disabled workers, after a court ruled the system used to define their rate of pay was discriminatory.
Transporter called to fix mistakes after prison van escape
A prisoner escape in Western Australia has prompted an investigation, as a triangle of blame emerges between transport, police and prison authorities.
Truss firm on Princes plan, locals wait for action
The Federal Government says it is committed to widening one of Australia’s busiest highways.
Uni shows tertiary path to kids from off the track
High school students have come together from some of Australia’s most remote regions this week for the Wingara Mura - Bunga Barrabugu Summer Program.
Augmented offices visible on virtual horizon
Some enterprising technologists are beginning to bring augmented reality to the everyday workplace, with research showing the office of the future could be right before our eyes.
Locals given voice on giant Georgetown multi-farm plan
A huge Integrated Food and Energy Development (IFED) has been declared a “state co-ordinated project” in Queensland, with residents soon able to have their say on the plan that will consume over half a million megalitres from a nearby river.
Scientists launch combined fight to stop fishing free-for-all
Over two hundred marine scientists have come out against a New South Wales State Government plan to permanently allow recreational fishing in environmentally sensitive areas.
City busting out electric bus trial
A trial is on in the UK to test an innovative solution to pollution from public transport, with electric buses rolling between wireless charging points in London.
Fatal figures show room to improve heavy practice
A workplace safety authority has renewed the call for patience and caution when using heavy equipment, after nearly four dozen people were crushed last year.