ATO sets sights on medium-sized businesses
06 January, 2014 by Arron Dickens, HLB Mann Judd | Supplied by: HLB Mann JuddThe ATO has medium-sized businesses and wealthy individuals in its sights for 2013-14. Unsurprisingly, in a revenue constrained economy with a persistent government fiscal deficit, the ATO plans to conduct more tax compliance reviews and audits this year.
Comment period for revised CFL standard closing soon
30 December, 2013The Committee Draft for Vote (CDV) of IEC 60969 Ed 2, Self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps for general lighting services - Performance requirements (34/1701/CDV) was published on 1 November 2013 and is scheduled to close on 7 February 2014, according to a statement issued by lites.asia.
Solar market predictions for 2014
20 December, 2013 by Jonathan Cassell, IHS | Supplied by: IHS AustraliaThe global solar industry is bouncing back after two years in the doldrums, according to a senior research director for solar at IHS.
Industry welcomes streamlined environmental approval process
20 December, 2013The move to streamline environmental project approvals has been welcomed by the energy industry. MOUs that give state governments the power to decide on projects assessed under Australia's main national environmental laws were signed at the COAG meeting.
Prosegur expands in Australia; acquires Chubb Security
20 December, 2013Private security company Prosegur has acquired Chubb Security Services in Australia, a company specialising in the cash logistics and ATMs' operation and servicing sector.
Energy Efficiency Opportunities cuts shock industry
18 December, 2013Energy Efficiency Council members are shocked by the surprise funding cuts to the Energy Efficiency Opportunities program.
SolarQuip to run SPS accreditation course
18 December, 2013A stand-alone power systems (SPS) accreditation course is being held in Moruya in late January 2014. Run by SolarQuip's Glen Morris, the course consists of five days' classroom-based theory then three days of off-grid practical training.
National Occupational Licensing Scheme scrapped, NOLA disbanded
17 December, 2013 | Supplied by: Master Electricians AustraliaCOAG has announced that the National Occupational Licensing Scheme (NOLS) will be disbanded. The National Occupational Licensing Authority (NOLA) will be disestablished early in 2014.
Effort required to put NBN back on track: Communications Alliance
16 December, 2013Significant effort is required to bring the National Broadband Network (NBN) project back onto a successful trajectory, the Communications Alliance says.
COAG rejects proposed national electrical licensing scheme
16 December, 2013 | Supplied by: NECA/National Electrical & Communications AssociationCOAG's refusal to sign off on the proposed national electrical licensing scheme has been welcomed by NECA. NECA says the proposal was not supported by industry and would have undermined electrical safety across Australia.
Royal Commission an opportunity to prevent future tragedies: MEA
13 December, 2013 | Supplied by: Master Electricians AustraliaThe announcement of the Royal Commission into the Home Insulation Program has been welcomed by Master Electricians Australia. The industry body says the Royal Commission is an opportunity to prevent similar deaths in the future.
NECA Skills Centre teacher wins Trade Teacher of the Year Award
12 December, 2013 | Supplied by: NECA/National Electrical & Communications AssociationKevin Stevens has won the NECA Trade Teacher of the Year Award 2013. Stevens, a training coordinator at NECA Skills Centre Victoria, was presented with the award at a ceremony in Sydney last week.
UGE and Solar Juice form strategic partnership
11 December, 2013Urban Group Energy (UGE) and Solar Juice have announced a strategic partnership that the companies say will benefit retail solar businesses throughout the country.
Koch Industries acquires Molex Incorporated
11 December, 2013Koch Industries has acquired global electronic components company Molex Incorporated for US$7.2 billion.
Middy's and NECA award $90K worth of scholarships
05 December, 2013 | Supplied by: NECA/National Electrical & Communications AssociationMiddy's Electrical & Data, in conjunction with NECA, has awarded $90,000 worth of scholarships to 12 electrical contractors from Victoria and Tasmania.
