SEMMA says action needed on cheap imports following Oceania Glass collapse

Industry association the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) has blamed factors including “poor policy, cheap imports, government over-taxing businesses and crippling union agreements” for Dandenong-based architectural glassmaker Oceania Glass falling into administration this week. In a statement on Wednesday, following news of Oceania’s collapse on Monday, SEMMA said it was “shocked” at another manufacturer…

Professor Tony Haymet appointed Australia’s Chief Scientist

The federal government has announced Professor Tony Haymet as the nation’s new Chief Scientist, replacing Dr Cathy Foley in the three-year role. Haymet was named as Foley’s successor and Australia’s tenth Chief Scientist on Tuesday. The role involves providing “authoritative and independent evidence-based advice on whole-of-government science and technology priorities” and is appointed by the…

Newcastle gets $20.7 million federal funding for Future Industries facility

Prime minister Anthony Albanese has announced $20.7 million in funding for a new Future Industries Facility at the University of Newcastle, with a focus on “accelerating resource sustainability, workforce training and productivity solutions”. According to a statement on Monday, funding for the centre is through the regional Precincts and Partnerships program, and will see two…

More coal and gas, less renewables: what a nuclear power plan for Australia would really mean

By John Quiggin, The University of Queensland Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s plan for nuclear power in Australia has provoked a great deal of discussion and analysis – most of it critical. Experts point out the Coalition’s long-awaited modelling involves both highly optimistic costings and a massively lower demand for electricity than expected in official projections. In…