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QRC statement on incoming Prime Minister Scott Morrison

THE Queensland Resources Council has congratulated Scott Morrison on his elevation to the office of Prime Minister. 

“Scott Morrison knows what makes regional Queensland tick, and he understands the importance of our most valuable industries – like resources,” QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said. 

“In recent times we’ve seen him make several visits to some of our resources heartlands in Central and North Queensland. And we know he’s a fan of the coal industry, which he proved on the floor of Parliament. 

“As Treasurer he’s seen the revenue roll in from our resources exports.

“His new Deputy, Josh Frydenberg, is a former Resources Minister, and will have seen first-hand how many Queenslanders rely on the resources sector for their jobs, and the contribution these tens of thousands of people make to our economy. 

“The QRC also commends the contribution of Malcolm Turnbull during his time as Prime Minister, in particular his focus on energy policy. 

“We look forward to the new leadership team turning their attention to implementing a policy to provide affordable and reliable energy for households and industry.”

www.qrc.org.au

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COSBOA says 'Thanks Malcolm, welcome new team ... not let's get on with it'

THE Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) today congratulated Scott Morrison on becoming the new Prime Minister of Australia and looks forward to hearing what the Coalition has in store for small business.

“Thanks Malcolm, welcome to the new team, now let’s get on with it,” declared Peter Strong, small business advocate and CEO of COSBOA, today after a tumultuous week in Canberra. 

"Mr Morrison has done an excellent job with the Australian economy and has shown a great understanding of and support for small business," he said.

"We believe in his new role as Prime Minister, this will only continue to improve. We also thank Malcolm Turnbull for what he achieved in office; the economy has improved under his leadership.

“We offer commiserations to Mr Dutton and hope that he will continue in the ministry to provide positive support for the Morrison Government.

“Our congratulations also go to Josh Frydenberg on becoming the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party,” said Mr Strong.

COSBOA is very aware that while the Liberal Party leadership drama was unfolding, small businesses continued to operate, providing employment, services and products to the Australian community.

Mr Strong said, “Next week we will host the key small business policy event of the year, the Vodafone National Small Business Summit, which will focus on energy, telecommunications, regulations and the future for small business. This is an incredibly timely event which will help bed-down vital policy measures needed for certainty and direction in the small business arena. We will hear from Chris Bowen, the Shadow Treasurer, who will reveal his stance on the role small business plays in our economy.”

Registrations are open for the Vodafone National Small Business Summit. For more information visit: www.cosboansbs.com.au

#NSBS18

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DTA calls for new suppliers for commercial off-the-shelf software and services

THE Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has released a Request for Tender(RFT) calling for providers of COTS software and services for inclusion on its Software Licensing and Services Panel.

The Software Licensing and Services Panel was established earlier this year, with the first category being for a Microsoft Licensing Solutions Provider.

In June, DTA released a Request for Information for a new category: COTS software. DTA said it appreciated the overwhelming response to the request for information, and have since incorporated many of the suggestions into its development of the new category.

Now, the DTA is looking for providers to come on board. DTA said it hoped to appoint multiple sellers to the new category.

Potential suppliers have until 2pm on 20 September 2018 to lodge their tenders, which will need to be lodged electronically via AusTender before the tender closing time.

If you are unable to access link above, or need help with access, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.dta.gov.au

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Hydrogen hits the road - Energy Networks Australia

ENERGY Networks Australia has welcomed the release of the National Hydrogen Roadmap, which sets out a blueprint for the development of a hydrogen industry in Australia, showing a cost competitive industry is on the horizon.

Energy Networks Australia was a member of the CSIRO led Roadmap steering committee and the network sector contributed $80,000 towards its development.

Chief executive officer of Energy Networks Australia, Andrew Dillon said across the sector there were many applications for hydrogen.

“We proactively engaged with CSIRO to identify the role networks could play in reducing emissions from the use of gas within homes and industry," Mr Dillon said.

“Hydrogen by itself, or as blended with natural gas provides exciting opportunities. Just like renewable power generation offers emission reductions from electricity generation, hydrogen offers similar potential to sectors where electrification does not make sense.”

Mr Dillon said Australia’s gas infrastructure was suitable to deliver hydrogen and there is growing interest from network businesses.

“Innovation to reduce the production cost of hydrogen will see it make commercial sense to be used as a network fuel to complement or replace natural gas in coming decades," he said.

Mr Dillon said using hydrogen in networks provides a better outcome for customers.

“Modelling by the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group indicates that converting Victoria’s gas networks to hydrogen is 40 per cent cheaper than electrifying the energy supplied by gas networks.”

The Roadmap outlines a range of actions to be undertaken on the hydrogen journey.

“We’re already committed to this journey through pilot projects being carried out by our members, as well as supporting the Future Fuels CRC – that aims to create knowledge to facilitate converting networks to be hydrogen based,” Mr Dillon said. “This is a long-term strategy underpinning industry’s Gas Vision 2050.”

Download the National Hydrogen Roadmap.  

www.energynetworks.com.au

Energy Networks Australia represents Australia’s electricity transmission and distribution networks and gas distribution networks. Our members provide energy to virtually every household and business in Australia.

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Every number is a life changed forever

SAFE WORK Australia chair, Diane Smith-Gander released Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2018 today, with the latest figures in national work-related injuries, diseases and fatalities.

While encouraging Australians to use the trends, comparisons and industry breakdowns within this publication, Ms Smith-Gander urges us to look beyond the numbers.

“Understanding the national work-related injury, disease and fatality statistics can help reduce work-related fatalities, injury, illness and disease," Ms Smith-Gander said.

“I would like those who read this publication to remember that every number in the publication represents a life changed forever.

“While there is a 47 percent decrease in the national workplace fatality rate since 2007, there were still 191 workplace fatalities and every worker fatality is one too many,” Ms Smith-Gander said.

The data used in Key Work Health and Safety Statistics is sourced from jurisdictions, the National Coronial Information Service and the media.

Key Work Health and Safety Statistics is an annual publication. Improvements to this year’s release include hyperlinks and data breakdowns to make it easier to find the information business leaders want and ‘did you know’ animations to help industry spread the word.

www.swa.gov.au

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Regional leaders to plan for the future at RDA Forum

THE Regional Development Australia (RDA) National Forum was held in Canberra last week.

Regional leaders from across Australia met to network, collaborate and share experiences on best practice in regional development.

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government, John McVeigh, who hosted the forum, said the event was a great opportunity for RDA committees to connect and share ideas on how to bring innovation and economic investment to regional Australia.

“The national network of 52 RDA committees work with all levels of government, as well as business, industry and the community, to strengthen local economies across the country,” Dr McVeigh said.

“These local champions have an active role in helping our regions harness their competitive advantage, seize on economic opportunities, drive investment and create jobs.

“The forum is about bringing these regional leaders together with experts, academics and government to discuss issues, share knowledge and build important collaborative networks to ensure our regions continue to thrive.”

Dr McVeigh said the theme of the forum – collaborating and networking to grow regional economies – highlighted the importance of regional partnerships to continue the growth of these strong and diverse regional communities.

“The Coalition Government is committed to the ongoing success and productivity of Australia’s regions,” Dr McVeigh said.

“This national forum is about planning for the future of our regions and working together to ensure all local communities around Australia can reach their full potential.”

https://rda.gov.au/

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Aurizon prevented from closing Queensland intermodal business

THE Federal Court has ordered that Aurizon (ASX: AZJ) must continue operating its Queensland intermodal business while the ACCC’s case against Pacific National and Aurizon is heard and determined.

The ACCC instituted proceedings in July this year against Pacific National and Aurizon, and their related entities, for allegedly reaching an understanding about Aurizon’s intermodal business that had the purpose and/or would be likely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition in the supply of intermodal and steel rail linehaul services. 

In addition, the ACCC alleges that Pacific National’s proposed acquisition of Aurizon’s Queensland intermodal business and the Acacia Ridge Terminal, as well as an agreement for Pacific National to operate the interstate side of the Acacia Ridge Terminal, would each separately have the likely effect of substantially lessening competition.

Following today’s hearing, the ACCC has been granted injunctions against Aurizon which require it to continue to operate its Queensland intermodal business.  The ACCC also sought orders for injunctions against Pacific National not to solicit employees and the top 10 customers of the business until the court proceedings are finalised, however those orders were not made. 

“Given Aurizon’s previous announcements that it would close its Queensland intermodal business if the Pacific National acquisition was opposed by the ACCC, the ACCC sought an urgent interlocutory injunction to prevent Aurizon from closing its Queensland intermodal business until the ACCC’s proceedings involving that business are determined by the Court,” ACCC chair Rod Sims said. 

“It is part of the ACCC’s case that, at all times, Aurizon had alternatives to selling to Pacific National that would have been more competitive. The ACCC is aware of at least one alternative purchaser that is willing and able to acquire Aurizon’s entire remaining intermodal business.”

The final proceedings have been set down for a two week hearing starting on 19 November 2018. 

“The ACCC will allege that it was more lucrative for Aurizon to agree to sell parts of the intermodal business to the closest competitor and close parts of that business than it was to sell the whole intermodal business to a new entrant,” Mr Sims said.

www.accc.gov.au

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Defence and industry think outside the square

AUSTRALIAN companies are invited to have their say on how marine support services should be delivered in the future.

Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne MP, today announced the release of a Request for Information for the Defence Marine Support Services (DMSS) Program.

The program includes services such as tugs for port movements, harbour refuelling, transport services between ships, stores and personnel transfer and aviation training.

The program is initially valued at $83 million annually over the next five years but is expected to increase over time as further services across Defence, and potentially other government agencies, are considered for inclusion.

It’s expected more than 287 jobs will be created across Australia in major ports and Defence establishments such as Sydney, Darwin, Cairns and Perth.

Mr Pyne said this innovative approach will allow Australian defence industry to work together to develop creative contracting options to enable capability delivery at sea.

“This is about thinking outside the square to deliver a long-term and flexible solution for Defence and industry,” Mr Pyne.

“Instead of just contracting one large prime to do all the work, perhaps the best option is engaging multiple smaller companies.

“It will also provide a sustainable ongoing business model for industry and provide taxpayers value for money.

“We know from experience contracts entered into now may not be fit-for-service in the future."

Once options have been received, Defence will work with industry to develop a contracting model which ensures support services remain up-to-date.

“This approach will shape a new way of doing business to ensure marine support services are adaptive to evolving requirements.”

The DMSS Program will commence in 2021 and will initially deliver marine support to Navy’s fleet in ports across Australia, including supporting exercises, operations and workforce training.

More information can be found at www.tenders.gov.au or by contacting the DMSS Program Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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QRC welcomes Rio Tinto’s $100k contribution to the Drought Appeal

THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed a $100,000 contribution by Rio Tinto to the Queensland Drought Appeal to help support farming communities affected by the drought.

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said everyone needed to play their part in helping regional communities affected.

“As two primary industries, resources and agriculture have a long and proud history of working together. The resources sector has played its part by building infrastructure which farmers use to service their farms today,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“All droughts bring extreme hardship and the impact flows through to the local butcher, barber and supermarket. Everyone feels the economic pain when the farms are in trouble.

“I congratulate Rio Tinto for its contribution to the appeal with the total contribution from resource companies standing at $316,000 – Shell Australia ($100k) and Santos ($75k + $41k in cattle sales at the Ekka).

“I strongly encourage everyone if they can to dig deep and donate what they can.”

The Queensland Drought Appeal was launched by the Queensland Government at the Ekka and will provide all money raised to the Queensland Country Womens Association (QCWA).

The appeal started with a $100,000 contribution from the Queensland Government and will remain open for at least three months with all donations of $2 or more to the appeal tax deductible – online donations can be made at www.qlddroughtappeal.com.au

www.qrc.org.au

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Public sector management under scrutiny

PARLIAMENT’s Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit is holding two public hearings tomorrow.

The first public hearing will hear from the Australian Federal Police and the Australian National Audit Office, for the Committee’s inquiry into Mental Health in the Australian Federal Police. The inquiry is based on Auditor-General report, No. 31 (2017–18), Managing Mental Health in the Australian Federal Police.

The second public hearing will hear from the Department of Finance and the Australian National Audit Office, for the Committee’s inquiry into Commonwealth financial statements. The inquiry is based on Auditor-General report No. 24 (2017–18), Audits of the Financial Statements of Australian Government Entities for the Period Ended 30 June 2017.

Committee Chair, Senator Dean Smith, said the first public hearing will focus on the AFP’s mental health support services, governance arrangements and procedures for managing the mental health of AFP employees.

“Following the six recommendations from the Auditor‑General’s report, the Committee will be interested to hear from the AFP about the progress made to improve the agency’s approach to employee mental health,” Senator Smith said.

“The second public hearing will focus on the significant and moderate findings from the Commonwealth financial statements audit; the accounting rules for equity investment, concessional loans and contingent liabilities; and agency management of IT security.”

“Commonwealth financial statements play a critical role in providing accountability to the Parliament and the public for the expenditure of public funds,” Senator Smith said.

The Committee examines all reports of the Auditor-General tabled in the Parliament and can inquire into any items, matters or circumstances connected with these reports.

The JCPAA is Parliament’s joint public administration committee. It scrutinises the governance, performance and accountability of Commonwealth agencies, and has the power to inquire into all expenditure of Commonwealth money.

Further information about the inquiries can be accessed via the Committee’s website.

Public hearings: Wednesday 22 August 2018, Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra

8.45am to 9.30am: Auditor‑General Report No. 31 (2017–18), Managing Mental Health in the Australian Federal Police

Witnesses: Australian Federal Police and Australian National Audit Office

9.30am to 10.30am: Auditor‑General Report No. 24 (2017–18), Audits of the Financial Statements of Australian Government Entities for the Period Ended 30 June 2017

Witnesses: Department of Finance and Australian National Audit Office

The public hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. The hearing programs are available from the Committee website.

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Resources sector can deliver even more jobs for Queensland

THE Queensland Resources Council has welcomed news an additional 4400 jobs were created in July with the sector continuing to contribute one new job every hour across the State and more than 1400 vacancies currently advertised online. 

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the resources sector supported one in every eight jobs in Queensland.

"The resources sector is creating more jobs, delivering more exports and generating more royalties for Queensland. The world wants what we have, particularly with the expansion of renewables, electric vehicles and infrastructure,” Mr Macfarlane said. 

“Over the last 12 months, the resources sector has created more than 8400 jobs – the equivalent of one job an hour. 

“We can continue to create opportunities through direct jobs and spin off benefits for regional communities right across the State. 

“A strong resources sector means a strong Queensland. 

“We are determined to work with the Government for even more jobs, exports and royalties. We need predictable laws to ensure we can invest even more to explore and sustainably develop Queensland’s resources for the benefit of all Queenslanders.”

www.qrc.org.au

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