Industry News
Everybody knows someone with the memory of a goldfish or the grace of a boar, but it is important to note that we are animals too – and for the most part not that much smarter than our biological neighbours.
Finding the switch to keep on trucking
Some people are capable of incredible feats of perseverance and motivations, while others give up as soon as the going looks tough – but what if a switch in the brain could be flipped, causing an individual to anticipate a challenge and possess a strong motivation to overcome it.
Billions in fines show shadowy hands at work
Anti-trust regulators have fined six big banks A$2.5 billion for their role in rigging international interest rates, with an ongoing investigation to shine a sliver of light on the unknown mechanisms underlying global economies.
Minister puts First Peoples' Congress up for review
Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion has put the future of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples up for review.
State of public service probed
The Public Service Commission has released its State of the Service Report for 2013, and it contains some interesting revelations, big criticisms and places for improvement.
Deal struck to scrap the ceiling for a better view
The Coalition Government and the Greens party have agreed on something, for what may be the first and last time.
Court closing on half returns for failed council investment
Many councils and ratepayers may soon get up to half their money back, after the collapse of merchant bank Lehman Brothers short-changed them to the tune of millions.
Plans to pile food for cyclone protection
One regional community has started a push to boost local food production, hoping to plump the supply of fresh produce for the cyclone season.
Mayor's green interests queried as development bowls ahead
The Mayor of the Gold Coast has rejected allegations he has a conflict of interest in a proposed high-rise development.
Public sector sold short for contract conditions
Criticisms are being laid at the Victorian Coalition government’s efforts to cut costs, which have seen 4500 full-time public servants sacked while $145 million was spent on contractors to fill the gaps.
Councils given megaphone for rally against bats
Local councils in Queensland have been given permission to frighten flying foxes into retreat, and possibly to bring out the big guns next year.
Hasty nuptials planned before Feds spoil party
Australia will see its first ever Government-sanctioned same-sex marriages this weekend, but they could also be the last if the Federal Government has its way.
Teachers vote for pay deal linked to performance
New South Wales teachers have voted strongly in favour of a new performance-based pay deal which will see the most prime pedagogues paid six-figure salaries.
Councils call for cash to back duties rolled down from upper levels
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has pushed for state and federal governments to stop dumping new duties on local governments, without the appropriate funding support.
Rio ditching Indigenous agreement to dig out of losses
One mining firm has defended its move to close an aluminium refinery in the Northern Territory, but the AWU says it may legally have to keep the doors open.
Study plots pollutant path from micro to macro problem
With plastic pollutants and additives piling up on land and in our oceans, an important study has sought to find whether the synthetic substances transfer to wildlife when they are eaten.
Tests to enflame thermo-power revolution
Engineers have been working for decades on the best way to harness the power of thermionic conversion, hoping to develop an efficient way to draw electricity from any source of heat.
Successful steps taken on path to HIV cure
A new technique is being developed which can destroy HIV infection while leaving other cells untouched.
New sugar system gives Reef command to farmers
A small group of Queensland canefarmers have signed-on to a program aimed at reducing toxic run-off to the Great Barrier Reef.
Watchdog says sunscreen claim's meaning has changed
Australia’s consumer watchdog has barked-down claims about the alleged danger of nano-materials in sunscreen.
Ground lost in push for workplace engagement
Figures show that there a fewer work opportunities for people with disabilities than there were twenty years ago.