Industry News
600,000 Android users infected
Internet security specialist ESET has apparently discovered more than 30 fake applications available for download on the Google Play Store. The malicious applications, which pretend to be cheats for the popular Minecraft game, have been installed by more than 600,000 Android users worldwide. [ + ]
Car makers plagued by recalls
It's been a bad month for motor companies. The Yakata airbag inflator saga continues, with Toyota, Nissan and Honda recalling more than 31 million vehicles worldwide. Now Ford has issued a local notice on its VN and VO Transit vehicles. [ + ]
Opera House goes green for Vivid LIVE
The Sydney Opera House will be carbon neutral for the 10 nights of Vivid LIVE, as part of Vivid Sydney, through a number of green initiatives that will reduce the environmental impact of the upcoming annual music and light festival. [ + ]
Stronger vigilance needed on non-compliant products
The trade in counterfeit and non-compliant products that fail to conform to Australian standards is posing a threat to the sustainability of Australia's electrical contracting industry, says the CEO of the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA). [ + ]
Fair Work targets apprentice and trainee employers
The Fair Work Ombudsman has announced a new national campaign targeting hundreds of businesses that employ apprentices and trainees. These companies will come under scrutiny in response to a high number of calls for assistance from workers, particularly first-year apprentices in the automotive, electrical services, manufacturing, butchery and bakery trades. [ + ]
2015 Fleet Awards - nominate now!
The 2015 Fleet Awards are fast approaching and time is running out to nominate. The awards recognise outstanding achievement across a range of categories, including Fleet Manager of the Year, Fleet Environment and Fleet Safety. [ + ]
Australia one of the worst emitters in the world: report
Australia has ranked among the worst greenhouse gas emitters in the world, according to a new report from the US this week. [ + ]
Australian solar PV market contracts
The total PV installations dropped to 182,500 in 2014 as against 359,566 in 2011, according to Ric Brazzale, managing director of Green Energy Trading. The PV market contracted 6.5% in four months to April 2015 compared to the same period last year. [ + ]
Foton truck recall
Ateco Automotive has issued a recall on Foton Trucks. Certain vehicles within the range were supplied with vehicle jacks that do not comply with AS/NZS2693:2007, the mandatory safety standard. [ + ]
RET deal struck
The Coalition and Labor have finally reached a deal on the Renewable Energy Target (RET) after the Abbott government dropped plans for two-yearly reviews. [ + ]
Budget provides opportunities for installers
The announcement in the recently released federal Budget that small businesses stand to receive significant tax breaks for business purchases has already seen a flow-on effect of companies positioning their products for businesses to easily take advantage of the tax concessions. [ + ]
Battery technology 'a game changer' for commercial solar
Australia has more than 4 GW of installed rooftop solar PV with residential systems accounting for the bulk of that capacity. [ + ]
Tradies should be smiling today: Budget 2015
The 2015-16 Federal Budget was handed down last night by Treasurer Joe Hockey and one of the big winners to come out of it will be small business.
[ + ]Product recall - Virgin Mobile Australia Yatama Power Bank PB017
Virgin Mobile loyalty program customers who received a power bank portable charger are being advised to thoughtfully dispose of it immediately, including the USB cable supplied. [ + ]
Self-driving truck gets the green light
German carmaker Daimler has unveiled the world's first self-driving truck authorised for use on public roads in Nevada. [ + ]