Australia wants a space industry. So why won’t we pay for the basic research to drive it?

By Phil Bland, Curtin University In the past few years, Australia has formed its own space agency and launched a defence “space command”. Billions of dollars for defence, and hundreds of millions for civilian space, have been allocated from the public purse to develop capability in this growing sector. This funding covers the Moon-to-Mars Program,…

Indigenous alliance to drive shipbuilding recruitment

BAE Systems Maritime Australia has selected an indigenous alliance to drive shipbuilding recruitment which is constructing nine Hunter class frigates at its Osborne south shipyard in Adelaide. BAESMA has selected Careers Centre Alliance following a highly competitive evaluation process to manage trade recruitment for the Hunter Class Frigate Program. The selection of Careers Centre Alliance…

Critical minerals manufacturing opportunity – by Shannon O’Rourke

Australia has vast resources of battery minerals and the beginnings of a battery metals value chain, but little in the way of value-added manufacturing. According to Shannon O’Rourke, the time for action to seize the opportunity is now. The Australian mining industry saved Australia from recession in the GFC and again during the Covid-19 pandemic.…

Pure Hydrogen debuts hydrogen powered waste truck

Hydrogen, gas and mobility business Pure Hydrogen has partnered with domestic waste collector JJ’s Waste & Recycling to trial Australia’s first-ever hydrogen fuelled garbage truck (pictured). The trial with JJ’s Waste & Recycling, Australia’s largest privately-owned waste management company, will begin at the end of 2022 in South East Queensland and opens the way to…