Crisis in Victorian manufacturing: Opposition calls for action amid rising insolvencies

Victoria recorded the highest number of manufacturing insolvencies in Australia in 2024, according to new analysis. This rise in business closures highlights ongoing struggles within the state’s manufacturing sector, exacerbated by high taxes, rising energy costs and extensive regulatory burdens. ASIC data reveals that during the term of the Albanese government, 415 manufacturing firms in…

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Whether we carve out an exemption or not, Trump’s latest tariffs will still hit Australia

By Scott French, UNSW Sydney US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have stated an exemption for Australia from Trump’s executive order placing 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imported into the US is “under consideration”. But prospects remain uncertain. Albanese would do well to secure an exemption using similar arguments as…

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Brigadier Hugh Meggitt takes helm at ASCA

Brigadier Hugh Meggitt has been appointed as the new head of the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) for the Australian Defence Force, a move announced by the federal government on Tuesday. Brigadier Meggitt (pictured), previously the Director General Special Operations Modernisation at the ADF’s Headquarters Joint Operations Command, is recognised for his extensive experience in…

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“Wizards” to the rescue: La Trobe’s smoke sensors shield vineyards from bushfire smoke

In a move that could save Australia’s wine industry millions, La Trobe University has unveiled an innovative smoke sensor dubbed the “Wizard.” The device is specifically designed to protect vineyards from the devastating effects of bushfire smoke. Deployed across the Grampians, these Wine Industry Smoke Detectors (WISDs) are already making waves. Historically, vineyard owners have…

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Hysata and Saudi power company sign agreement on commercial-scale electrolyser demos

Electrolyser maker Hysata has announced an agreement with ACWA Power for commercial-scale demonstrations in Saudi Arabia, which the Wollongong-headquartered company says represent a first step towards large-scale systems being deployed in ACWA’s projects. In a statement on Monday (Australian time), Hysata said the agreement will make use of ACWA’s “significant expertise in large capital projects”,…

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Craft beer helps sustain brewing revenue growth as Australians drink less

The segment of manufacturing concerning beer is worth $8.7 billion and grew 0.9 per cent annually between 2020 and 2025, according to newly-published market research. IBISWorld’s recently-updated Beer Manufacturing in Australia – Market Research Report (2015-2030) describes the level of competition as high and increasing. The total number of beer makers has increased at nearly…

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