Do investment tax breaks work? A new study finds the evidence is ‘mixed at best’
In an election year, further promises of tax breaks for businesses are likely. But are they a good idea, and at what cost do these promises come?
Zelira wins Gov tax refund for cannabinoid research
Biopharma company Zelira Therapeutics has been awarded a $1.2 million cash refund under the Government’s R&D Tax Incentive Scheme, for use on its cannabis-based medical research into autism.
Australia lagging behind New Zealand on cutting industrial energy costs
Australia has a lot to learn on industrial heat pump adoption from New Zealand, and can benefit from the capacity developed there, writes Amandine Denis-Ryan. Last year research from IEEFA revealed that electrification could slash energy use in industrial processes, using heat pump technology that is commercially available today. However, adoption remains slow in Australia, with…
Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed
JV not to be for FBR Robotic technology company FBR told shareholders that the “period for the option granted to CRH Ventures” to enter a joint venture in the US passed on February 16. FBR said it “did not receive formal notice of exercise of the option” from CRH and therefore FBR is no longer…
GFG Alliance targets break-even for Whyalla by mid-2025
GFG Alliance executive chairman Sanjeev Gupta said on Sunday that the Whyalla steelworks is generating between $13 million and $14 million in weekly turnover, with hopes of reaching break-even by mid-year. The announcement followed last week’s agreement with global creditors, ending a four-year process triggered by the collapse of GFG’s former financier, Greensill. The steelworks,…
Biome Australia reports first net profit, expands distribution network
Biome Australia announced its first net profit on Sunday, reporting $96,228 (excluding R&D rebate) for the first half of FY25, alongside record half-year sales revenue of $8.86 million. The microbiome health company reported positive EBITDA of $351,765 for H1 FY25, with Q2 showing an 89 per cent increase to $229,917 compared to Q1. Including R&D…
Boral says test results of solar glass sand in concrete “excellent” so far
Construction materials company Boral has announced that it is trialling recycled sand, sourced from end-of-life and damaged solar panels, in concrete intended for use in Victoria’s North East Link project. In a statement on Tuesday, the company said it has used a blend of “up to 50 per cent natural sand” with the crushed glass.…
Volgren expands with new Adelaide facility
Volgren has announced its expansion into South Australia, with plans to establish a new facility in Adelaide. The bus body manufacturer, which currently employs 500 staff across facilities in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales, said the expansion would create new jobs and strengthen local supply chains. The Adelaide facility will provide services…
CSIRO launches trove of data on “food’s unique fingerprint”
The CSIRO has launched a new trove of isotopic data, which it says is “an important new national resource” for protecting and extending the nation’s reputation for “high-quality, safe, and sustainably-produced food”. Describing such data as “food’s unique fingerprint”, it said the new Isotopes.au site “consolidates a treasure trove of isotopic data” from Australia’s research…
“Thousands” more have joined relaunched State Brand: SA Government
Over 10,000 South Australian companies have signed up to use the State Brand, according to the SA government, with chicken salt pioneer Mitani one of the most recent. According to a statement on Monday, “thousands more businesses” have joined Brand South Australia after it was relaunched by the government in late-2022. One of these was…