Archived News for Industry Professionals - October, 2015
Reports this week accuse private training colleges of profiteering to the tune of $3 billion - at public expense.
Learner biker 'bot lays out human challenge
Yamaha’s new motorcycle-riding robot has called out nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi.
More scientists swing against old coal
The Australian Academy of Science has become the latest major institution to offload its fossil fuel investments.
Expert finds finer points in FIFO debate
A Senate inquiry into the future of big regional cities has heard fly-in, fly-out workforces can bring considerable benefits to regional communities.
Non-drinkers needed to understand drunk country
Whether we’re drinking, downing, sinking, sipping or slamming it – alcohol is a big part of Australian culture.
Weatherill fires up on food truck limits
The Adelaide City Council has imposed new rules that mean only 10 food trucks can operate in the city before 6pm.
$70,000 fine for Pilbara iron death
An iron ore company linked to Rio Tinto has been hit with a $70,000 fine over the “foreseeable” death of mine worker in Western Australia's Pilbara region.
BHP won't let downturn damage its view
The chairman of BHP Billiton says the company remains “robust and resilient”, despite taking a battering in recent months.
Chevron shells out for dodgy tax deal
Profit shifting has led to big costs for Chevron, with the Supreme Court ruling it must pay $322 million to catch up on its tax-dodging.
Methane bugs could help Earth breathe easy
Australian bio-engineers have discovered two new methane-eating organisms that could help clean up anything from gassy coal operations to cattle farms.
Mixed response for subs in RSRT review
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) says imposing minimum rates for owner-drivers will not price them out of the market, but industry figures disagree.
New chief seeks nuclear nicety
Australia has a new chief scientist, in a move some say will open up debate about nuclear energy.
QLD truck group shifts for national view
The Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Queensland (CVIAQ) is rebranding itself to take a nationwide view.
YouTube used to spot unsafe driving
Road safety researchers are using videos posted online by drowsy drivers to study the effects of sleepiness on driving.
Disagreement over union's background deals
The former head of the Australian Workers Union (AWU) in Victoria has responded to claims of big donation deals around the $2.5 billion EastLink road project.
Green group celebrates frack-free farms
Environmental activists are celebrating a Western Australian Government rejection of hydraulic fracking on a large section of agricultural land.
Shorten seeks safer imports
The Federal Opposition says the Government should do more to stop asbestos-laden building products coming into Australia.
Steel giant propped up by pay deal
BlueScope Steel will continue with steelmaking operations at Port Kembla in the New South Wales Illawarra region, saving thousands of local jobs.
Sun state team streaks ahead in solar spree
A Queensland team has become the first Australian squad to cross the line and complete the gruelling 3,000 km Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.
Water workers warned of deadly risk
Nearly 100 workers at a WA Water Corporation maintenance project have been exposed to asbestos particles, but authorities say it is not as bad as it seems.
ChAFTA bill moves ahead
A bill to enact the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement is making its way through Parliament.