Comment by Peter Roberts A former South Australian Liberal party leader who later became a minister in the state Labor government has called for the establishment of a national shipbuilding authority to guide naval ship construction. Martin Hamilton-Smith’s political history is indeed as complex as the task now facing Australia to build and then sustain…
Tasmanian mining equipment manufacturer Elphinstone has made a remarkable comeback as an OEM manufacturer to the global Caterpillar group. The Burnie company, which employs 2,500, first shot to prominence when it modified Caterpillar surface equipment to operate underground. Eventually it grew into a 50: 50 joint venture with Caterpillar, designing and making underground load, haul,…
Comment by Peter Roberts It has been difficult for many years to say anything too positive about our federal industry ministers. How could I? With six serving in the position in a similar number of years none have been round long enough to make an impression. But these pictures of industry minister Karen Andrews visiting…
Metal manufacturers around the world are trying to lessen their greenhouse gas output. Brent Balinski spoke to the CSIRO’s Dr Mark Cooksey about some of his organisation’s work regarding green steelmaking, and why he believes the de-carbonisation trend is an opportunity for Australian metal producers.
Comment by Peter Roberts The stock market is often likened to a casino. This is especially true in Australia where most active companies on the ASX are mining minnows, all competing for attention with their latest discovery. Cyclically this market burns white hot, and the white shoe brigade bids up the prices of penny stocks…
Analysis by Peter Roberts This week saw the extraordinary spectacle of an Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, threatening exporters and telling them to cut back on exports. For Morrison to warn alumina producers Rio Tinto and Alcoa to cut back on exports to the United States was strange enough, but the reason for it was…
Comment by Peter Roberts Australia’s business boardrooms need to get serious about innovation, with few recognising the urgent need to prioritise innovation, acording to a new report from the Australian Institute for Company Directors (AICD). Given the current realities of Australian manufacturing, this is a comment that should be taken on board even more urgently…
Comment by Peter Roberts Despite all the noise from policymakers promoting STEM study in schools, the statistics present another depressing picture of Australia’s failing VET education system. Figures released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) show a continuing fall in STEM subject in Australian schools. In 2018 compared to 2017: # VET…
By Stuart Corner When it comes to the agricultural potential of IoT the Australian Government just does not seem to get it. A 2015 report and a 2016 parliamentary enquiry both failed to make more than passing reference. A new enquiry is now underway. Will it do a better job? On 3 September the Federal…
By Mark Burgess, CEO, Quickstep Holdings Mark Burgess had a long international career before moving to lead Sydney composites manufacturer, Quickstep. Here he comments on the challenges faced by his company to innovate in Australia. Australia’s Nation brand reputation is not one of industry or innovation. This affects how others see us, but also affects…
