Scientists at CSIRO and RMIT University have produced a new two-dimensional material that could revolutionise the electronics market, making 'nano' more than just a marketing term. The material - made up of layers of crystal known as molybdenum oxides - has unique properties that encourage the free flow of electrons at ultrahigh speeds. [ + ]

Industrial platform computing and automation device vendor Advantech will be commemorating its 30th anniversary in 2013. To celebrate the arrival of its 30th year, Advantech will launch biking events around the world throughout the year; the program will be entitled 'Cycling with Advantech @ 30'. [ + ]

NBN Co is focusing specialist attention on the complex task of connecting flats and units to the National Broadband Network, signing contracts with two companies to begin the wide-scale rollout to multidwelling units (MDUs). [ + ]

As of 1 January 2013, the Australian Government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme now includes Dad and Partner Pay. It is available to working dads or partners who care for a child born or adopted from 1 January. [ + ]

Head coach of the Greater Western Sydney Giants Kevin Sheedy has voiced his support for the Kickstart program, encouraging both employers and potential apprentices to take advantage of the program. [ + ]

As the process of rebuilding begins following the devastating Tasmanian bushfires, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has issued a safety warning to residents returning to damaged properties to get their electrical systems checked and repaired by licensed electricians. [ + ]

According to Master Electricians Australia, the discontinuation of Horizon Power’s Service Connect and Contractor Connect schemes was caused by additional auditing costs. [ + ]

Master Electricians Australia is promoting the UEE43111 Certificate IV in Energy Efficiency and Assessment, offered exclusively by SkillsConnect Australia. [ + ]

Extreme heat occurrences, such as the recent heatwave experienced across Australia, are the reason network investment and network reliability standards should not be reduced, the Electrical Trades Union has said. [ + ]

Launceston-based Definium Technologies has received $134,135 from the Clean Technology Innovation Fund to develop technology aimed at reducing the cost of power in commercial buildings. [ + ]

Harting Electronics has won the Manufacturing Excellence (MX) Award in the production competition’s information technology category with its highly effective deployment of state-of-the-art IT structures in production and supply chain management. [ + ]

Master Electricians Australia is urging contractors and tradies to employ stricter safety measures in the workplace following the announcement of a NSW electrician’s permanent ban. [ + ]

The world’s first electricity-generating fabric has been developed by Japan’s solar company Sphelar Power Corporation and the textile industry R&D hub, the Industrial Technology Centre of Fukui Prefecture. [ + ]

NMIT has been selected to trial a new electrical apprenticeship program in 2013, offering individuals the chance to complete their apprenticeship when deemed competent. The national Managing Apprenticeship Program (MAP) pilot program is an initiative overseen by E-Oz Energy Skills Australia to focus on improving electrical apprentice completion rates in Australia. [ + ]

The ACCC is inviting comment on a discussion paper relating to Telstra’s migration plan that involves what is known as the ‘pull through’ process. Telstra says it may need to use this process to connect some premises to the NBN. [ + ]