Canberra satellite manufacturer Skykraft has completed what it calls a world first trial of space-based VHF voice communications as part of their development of satellites to provide space-based aviation communications and surveillance services. Voice radio communications in the VHF band are used for communications between pilots and air traffic controllers, with VHF radios standard aircraft…
Increasing multinational collaboration among AUKUS companies in Australia’s shipbuilding sector is apparent in a new tie up between US-based Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) and Melbourne’s Marand Precision Engineering. FMD is a primary supplier to the US Navy of marine power and propulsion systems, while Marand has increasingly been penetrating defence from its origins in the…
The federal government appears to have done what all governments have done recently – leaked the result of a critical government decision to favoured news sources. In this case selected media are reporting tonight that the government has decided to buy 129 infantry fighting vehicles from South Korea’s Hanwha Defense over its German rival for…
Finalists for the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards 2023 have been announced at an event at Frosty Boy’s factory on the Gold Coast. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and trade minister Cameron Dick were at the announcement at the company’s Yatala site on Wednesday. This year 43 companies will contest 15 categories, with the Queensland Exporter of…
Perth international shipbuilder Austal’s shares dropped on the ASX this morning following a company report of specification changes and inflation which has hit its US steel naval shipbuilding operation. In early trading Austal’s shares were down 11 percent to $2.28, with the company announcing a ‘substantial revision in earnings’ following these changes and ‘inefficiencies’ in…
Iluka Resurces has continued to progress during the latest quarter its rare earths production plant at Eneabba in Western Australia (pictured), the country’s first fully integrated refinery for the production of separated rare earth oxides. Supported by a $1.25 billion non-recourse loan to Iluka under the federal government’s Critical Minerals Facility, bulk earth works and…
ABT’s record growth in FY23 Sealed heavy vehicle brake manufacturer Advanced Braking Technology has announced revenues of $14.7 million for FY23, a 25.1 percent increase on the previous year. The company was able to increase sales margins during the year by 5.97 percent to 49.9 percent. Net profit after tax was $1.47 million, a 129…
The CSIRO-founded investment vehicle Main Sequence announced the first close of Fund 3, raising $450 million and passing a milestone of $1 billion in total funds under management. Participation came from what were described as “large institutional funds, wealth groups and top tier climate investors” including Hostplus, LGT Crestone, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Temasek,…
The federal treasurer Jim Chalmers has given the new chair of the Productivity Commission Chris Barrett an impossible job, argues John Sheridan. If we can no longer measure productivity in a digital age – and we can’t – how can any amount of reform of the PC help boost national productivity? Workplace productivity comparisons mean…
The scale of the renewables boom facing Australia is becoming clearer, with the task emerging as a vast one which carries with it vast opportunities. According to the Head of Policy with the Australian Constructors Association Robert Sobyra: “The renewables boom has just begun. “The 12 months to March 2023 saw a record $20 billion…
