By Peter Roberts The Treasurer Jim Chalmers has opted for gradualist reform of the much criticised Productivity Commission, appointing a former Labor Party staffer to be the commission’s new chair. Chalmers appointed Chris Barrett (pictured) as the new Chair and said ‘to build a stronger economy, we need to build stronger economic institutions – and…
The local space sector was shocked when the federal government cancelled the National Space Mission for Earth Observation (NSMEO). However, industry understands the government’s pivot, and still has a critical role to play in lessening Australia’s dependency on foreign countries for our space services, writes Andrew Mannix. Space underpins our technologically advanced way of life.…
Aerospace composites manufacturer Quickstep moved back into the black in the fourth quarter FY23 as the company continued to recover from operational and supply chain issues that hit the global industry in FY22. The Sydney company told investors that it had experienced favourable outcomes in all three areas of its business leading to the positive…
Rapid welding technology manufacturer K-TIG has cut the amount of cash it is seeking from investors to fund the purchase of UK advanced manufacturer Graham Engineering Limited (GEL). The acquisition marks the company’s entry into the United Kingdom nuclear decommissioning sector, with K-TIG vying for contracts to manufacture containers to house nuclear wastes. The company…
Nano satellite manufacturer Fleet Space Technologies has expanded its global footprint acquiring rights to new long-term radio frequencies which enable communications with its low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. In its first commercial venture on the continent, Fleet has purchased the frequency of assets of a Luxembourg-based company, giving it effective operational control over an…
Carbon fibre nanotube X-ray manufacturer Micro-X has scored a coup with the announcement it has been funded by the US Department of Homeland Security to manufacture full size, integrated, self-screening airport passenger checkpoints. The company’s minaturised CT scanner technology, which has been in development under two DHS contracts worth $8 million, makes possible the concept…
IDT Australia raises $2 million from shareholders Melbourne pharmaceutical manufacturer IDT Australia has raised $2 million via an over-subscribed share purchase plan to existing shareholders. The raising followed the successful completion of a $5 million placement to professional and sophisticated investors. The total capital raised will be used to fund the company’s capital expenditure programme…
Public hearings for the inquiry on developing advanced manufacturing in Australia will be held on Tuesday at 9:00 am in Brisbane, examining the health, robotics and space sectors. According to a statement on Monday, the House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources will hear from stakeholders representing those sectors on “what is needed to…
The federal government has announced a massive new order for 20 new C-130J Hercules aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force, but worryingly failed to define Australian industry benefits in the announcement. Defence minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy revealed the $9.8 billion in spending with Lockheed Martin but were vague about…
South Korean legislators have called for closer cooperation on defence industry in a session at the ROK National Assembly attended by Australia’s ambassador to Korea Catherine Raper and Labor MP Jerome Laxale. Professor Kim Woosang, Professor of Political Science and Diplomacy at Yonsei University in Seoul, called for the establishment of a robust defense, industry…
