Apprentice Incentives of $10,000 leaves key industries behind
According to the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the Australian Government’s announcement of a $10,000 incentive payment to attract apprentices into the residential construction and clean energy sectors is a positive step for those industries but falls short of addressing the significant skills shortages felt by businesses across the Australian economy. The Independent Tertiary […]
Emissions grants available through the Carbon Farming Outreach Program for farm businesses
Farmers will soon be able to access commodity-specific information to enable them to make decisions on reducing emissions for their businesses through an Australian Government grant initiative. As part of the Carbon Farming Outreach Program, more than $1.8 million in Gap Analysis grants will be available to Research and Development Corporations. The program aims to […]
RBA Governor shows true grit to keep rates on hold at a base rate of 4.35%
At this time in 2023 with the distraction of the general public watching the running of the 163rd Melbourne Cup the Reserve Bank of Australia Board (RBA) took a swipe at lingering inflation by raising the base cash rate by 0.25% to a 12 year high of 4.35%. It was the first meeting of the […]
Used Car Safety Ratings for 2024 that you need to know to avoid buying a lemon
The updated Used Car Safety Ratings for 2024 provide a comprehensive guide to the safest used vehicles to buy, and those to avoid. Based on data from the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), the 2024 ratings analyse 9.4 million vehicles involved in police-reported crashes and 2.6 million injured road users in Australia from 1987 […]
NHVR calls for feedback on draft Wine Industry Code of Practice
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has released the draft Wine Industry Code of Practice, to allow any stakeholder with an interest in the wine industry to review and comment on the Code before it is assessed for registration. The NHVR has developed the Wine Code in partnership with the South Australian Wine Industry Association […]
Bureau predictions for long-range Spring weather forecasts that could make or break some farmers
With the release of the Bureau of Meteorology Long-Range 2024 Spring forecast it is the start of nightmares for some farming districts with predictions they would prefer not to see. The long-range forecast provides guidance on the likelihood that different parts of the country will see conditions that are warmer or cooler, or wetter and […]
3G telecom network closure delayed until at least late October 2024
Telstra and Optus have delayed the closure of their 3G networks until late October over concerns of service blackspots, especially in regional, remote and First Nations communities. RMIT telecommunications expert Associate Professor Mark Gregory an expert in telecommunications, security and networking for more than 20 years helps to explain why the 3G shutdown has been so controversial. “There […]
Farmers can prepare for the next drought through the Future Drought Fund (FDF)
To date, more than 30,000 farmers have taken up opportunities to build their capability to manage farm-risk, including to drought and climate change, through the Future Drought Fund (FDF). Today is the United Nations’ World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, an important day to raise awareness of Australia’s ongoing efforts to prepare regional and […]
Calls for urgent rebuild of financial services for people living in rural and regional locations
The Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee today released a report which recommends investment in the financial services available in rural and regional Australia to make up for the loss of services from bank closures in recent years. There are 596 Australian towns which once had a major bank branch but now do […]
Delivering training solutions for Australia’s Forest and Wood Product sectors
The Federal Government is searching for a service provider to deliver the Forestry Workforce Training Program (the Program), with an approach to market open from today. Assistant Secretary of Agvet Chemicals and Forestry, Julie Gaglia said identifying a preferred supplier through an open tender approach would support the delivery of the Program to ensure it […]