Industry News

The mentality of crisis engendered by the long running drought across the country has abated, with concerns now squarely focused on infrastructure issues and water management, according to a new joint report published by Deloitte and the Australian Water Association (AWA).

The Fair Work Ombudsman has announced the release of a new handbook aimed at giving employers a quick reference to assist in better understanding workplace relations obligations.

The number of advertised jobs in Australia has continued to fall, recording its lowest point in over two years in October.

The latest ABS Retail Trade figures show that Australian retail turnover rose 0.5% in September, seasonally adjusted, following a rise of 0.3% in August.

ABS Building Approvals show that the number of dwellings approved rose 7.8% in September 2012, in seasonally adjusted terms, and has risen for 2 months.

South Australia has become the first State in Australia to offer comprehensive compensation for firefighters that contract cancer as a result of their work.

ANZ has announced the merger of its Asia and Pacific businesses, to be led by current CEO Asia Gilles Planté, who will now be appointed ANZ CEO Asia Pacific.

The Queensland Government has announced the first round of projects under the pilot Royalties for Regions initiative, with the majority of the funding targeting road infrastructure.

The South Australian Government has announced the passage of the national work health and safety legislation, joining all States and Territories with the exception of Victoria and Western Australia.

“After rigorous and lengthy debate, the parliament has reached agreement which will benefit all South Australian workers and their families,” Minister for Industrial Relations Russell Wortley said.

“The Government believes the new laws take into consideration modern working relationships and will clarify everyone’s role in workplace safety."

Federal Water Minister, Tony Burke, has delivered his feedback to the Murray Darling Basin Authority on the recently revised Basin Plan, confirming the Federal Government's support for the new 3,200 gigalitre benchmark.

The Federal Government has announced the release of the National Wildlife Corridors Plan, an initiative aimed at ' reconnecting the Australian landscape through a network of wildlife corridors across Australia.'

Federal Minister for the Environment, Tony Burke, has announced the Government is now accepting applications for the Northern Australia Targeted Investment, a funding round under the  Biodiversity Fund, aimed at conserving the 'unique biodiversity values' of northern Australia.

The Federal Government has released the draft Framework of Standards for Accreditation under national environmental law.

Telstra has announced it expects the sale of its wholly owned New Zealand subsidiary, TelstraClear, to Vodafone to proceed shortly after the transaction received the necessary approvals from New Zealand regulators.

The National Broadband Network Co (NBN Co) has flatly denied claims by the New South Wales Government that the rollout of the service would lead to a rise in electricity prices and the disruption of communities.

Optus has announced it has activated its first 4G sites for customers on the Gold Coast and Brisbane CBD.

Lingering softness in new orders and a lower than average selling price is seen the manufacturing sector enter tis eighth consecutive month of contraction, according to the Australian Industry Group’s Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI).

Building approvals have improved for a second consecutive month this September, according to a recent report released by the Housing Industry Association (HIA).

Former BHP executive Graeme Hunt has been named as the new CEO of Transfield Services following the retirement of former CEO Peter Goode in September.

The Australian Parliament has passed a motion to establish a 12 member Joint Select Committee charged with considering constitutional recognition of local government in the country.