THE Queensland Resources Council is supporting Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in her efforts to address "growing Japanese concern with the coal export impasse created by monopoly rail operator Aurizon".

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the Premier’s urgent call for Aurizon and the independent regulator – the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) – to resolve the threat from Aurizon to halt the export of up to 20 million tonnes of coal was “absolutely correct”.

The Premier said today, as she departed to lead a trade mission to Japan, “I think it’s very important that Aurizon and the QCA sit down and try to resolve this issue as a matter of urgency.”

Mr Macfarlane said, The QRC welcomes the Premier’s visit to Japan and her plan to reassure steelmakers in Tokyo about ongoing supply of Queensland’s high-quality coal.

"Queensland coal exports to Japan have increased to $7.8 billion – the equivalent of one in every $9 of the State’s total exports – under the Palaszczuk Government.

"When the Bligh Government privatised QR and established Aurizon, all stakeholders were aware that the management of the Central Queensland Coal Network would be subject to independently and transparently determined undertakings enforceable by the QCA.

“The QCA’s regulatory process is still underway. We only have a draft decision on the table, yet Aurizon has already decided to choke coal supply to Queensland’s customers, like the very worried steel industry in Japan," he said. 

"The QRC and its member companies have worked with the QCA through its review process. In stark contrast, Aurizon have sought to delay, and most recently with an application for judicial review to the Supreme Court, tried to upend the draft QCA process."

www.qrc.org.au

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AUSTRALIA’s approach to a safety assurance system for automated vehicles is the subject of a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) which opened for public consultation on May 15..

According to National Transport Commission (NTC) chief executive Paul Retter, Australia’s existing laws and regulations do not recognise automated vehicles. The Consultation RIS seeks feedback on what role Australian governments will play in assuring the safety of automated driving systems, and what form a safety assurance system would take.

“We have produced the Consultation RIS to gather feedback on the four safety assurance options identified: no change to existing laws, and three options with various choices of safety assurance systems – administrative, legislative, and legislative with a primary safety duty of care on the entity responsible for the automated driving system,” Mr Retter said.

This follows a request by transport ministers across Australia for the NTC to assess the costs and benefits of a mandatory self-certification safety assurance system for automated vehicles.

Self-certification by entities bringing automated driving systems to the Australian market was chosen as the preferred safety assurance approach of government and industry, following on from consultation by the NTC in 2017.

The Consultation RIS has proposed 11 safety criteria that responsible entities would need to self-certify against, which include aspects of safety system design, compliance with road traffic laws, the ability for systems to be upgraded, mandated testing in Australia, and cyber security, to name a few.

“Governments around the world are grappling with regulatory frameworks for automated vehicles, and we aim to ensure Australia’s safety assurance systems are best practice,” Mr Retter said.

The NTC has distributed information on the Consultation RIS to automated vehicle manufacturers internationally as well as across all state and territory governments, the Commonwealth and local industry stakeholders.

Submissions for the Consultation RIS can be made online on the NTC website  until Monday, July 9, 2018.

Following consultation, the NTC will prepare a Decision RIS for consideration by Australia’s transport ministers in November 2018.

A Regulation Impact Statement is required for government decisions that are likely to have a measurable impact on businesses or community organisations. Consultation is required with parties likely to be affected by the regulatory proposal.

The National Transport Commission is responsible for developing an end-to-end regulatory system for the safe commercial deployment of automated vehicles in Australia by 2020.

Click here for more information on the NTC’s suite of projects relating to automated vehicles.

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MEMBERS of the business community gathered in Melbourne last night at the 2018 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards to celebrate and recognise the leadership and innovation of Victorian companies.

Victoria’s manufacturing sector has significant achievements to celebrate. The sector contributes $27.7 billion to the Victorian economy and has seen 13 months of consecutive growth for the first time in a decade.

This year, the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards was delivered by the Victorian Government in partnership with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Mark Stone described the awards as a spectacular display of Victoria’s elite manufacturing businesses and congratulated all winners and finalists presented at last night’s gala ceremony.

The 2018 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards winners are:
 
Individual Awards Winners

• David and Tony Ellul, Marand (Honour Roll)
• Vanessa Katsanevakis, Sussex Taps (Young Manufacturer of the Year)
• Vanessa Kearney, Viva Energy (Woman Manufacturer of the Year)
• Jill Walsh, Actco-Pickering (Woman Manufacturer of the Year)

Company Awards Winners

• Osteon Medical (Manufacturer of the Year - Small Business)
• Creature Technology (Manufacturer of the Year - Medium Business)
• Bosch Australia (Manufacturer of the Year - Large Business)
• Boeing Aerostructures Australia (Company Induction)
• Siemens (Leader in Industry 4.0)
• PACCAR Australia (Leader in Workforce Skills Development) 

Company – Growth Sector Awards Winners

• Entegra Signature Structures (Construction Technologies)
• Albins Performance Transmissions (Defence Technologies)
• Bombardier Transportation Australia (Transport Technologies)
• Leica Biosystems (Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals)
• Keppel Prince Engineering (New Energy Technologies)
• Chobani (Food and Fibre) 

Mr Stone also congratulated Victorian Chamber members recognised for their advanced manufacturing capabilities and solid commitment to business excellence.

“We were thrilled to see our members – Boeing Aerostructures Australia, PACCAR Australia, Bombardier Transportation Australia and Chobani – as award winners. We also congratulate other members – Smallaire and Della Rosa – which were amongst the finalists,” Mr Stone said.

The Victorian Chamber encourages manufacturing businesses to nominate in 2019 and celebrate their commitment and contribution to Victoria’s economy.
 
About the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, established in 1851, is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

www.victorianchamber.com.au

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THE FEDERAL Government is leading the charge against the black economy by strengthening procurement processes to ensure that contracts are only awarded to businesses which have a good compliance history.

Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, Kelly O'Dwyer, has released a consultation paper on improving the integrity of the Commonwealth procurement process.

As announced in the 2018‑19 Budget, from 1 July 2019, businesses seeking to tender for Australian Government procurement contracts over $4 million (including GST) will be required to provide a statement from the Australian Taxation Office indicating that they are generally compliant with their tax obligations.

Minister O'Dwyer said the Government was acting on the Black Economy Taskforce findings that the supply chain is becoming more complex and competitive and can disadvantage honest businesses.

"In some cases, suppliers may be outbid at the procurement point by those who have unfairly cut costs by not complying with their tax obligations. This puts suppliers that do meet their regulatory obligations at a commercial disadvantage," Minister O'Dwyer said.

"The government is taking the opportunity to level the playing field. The new requirements will not only give businesses a fair go, it will instil public confidence that honest businesses are being awarded government contracts."

Minister O'Dwyer said the Government was looking to implement the changes in a way that minimises the burden on potential suppliers and stakeholders.

The consultation paper is available on the Treasury website and submissions close on 15 June 2018.

Consultation builds on recommendations made by the Black Economy Taskforce in their final report to the Government. The Final Report and the Government's response are available on the Treasury website.

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THE Queensland Resources Council projects record coal royalties of $3.7 billion this financial year which will pay for the Palaszczuk Government’s extra infrastructure spending across the State.

QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the projection of $3.7 billion –a $536 million increase on the Government’s pre-Christmas estimate – would allow it to increase infrastructure spending by $1.4 billion to $11.5 billion, and a total of $45 billion in infrastructure over four years.

“Projects like Convention Centre expansion in Cairns, the North Queensland Stadium in Townsville, the M1 in south-east Queensland will be built and funded by coal,” Mr Macfarlane said.

Mr Macfarlane said the increased projections was due to the strong international demand for metallurgical coal and the stable prices for both metallurgical and thermal coal from Queensland.

“This result would make 2017-18 a record 12 months for coal royalties in Queensland. The previous record was $3.4 billion in 2016-17,” he said.

“What does $3.7 billion in coal royalties mean for Queenslanders? It means their Government has $740 to spend on each of the five million Queenslanders.

“The increase in royalties of more than $500 million is the alone is equivalent to the wages for more than 7000 teachers or 7000 nurses, who are so crucial for our health and education systems across the State.

“It is fitting the Government is currently meeting in the Mackay region, which is traditionally the biggest contributor to coal royalties. We anticipate the royalties from the region could exceed $2.3 billion.

“Before Christmas, the Palaszczuk Government confirmed a $414 million increase in royalties this financial year. QRC now expects the Government will reap another $536 million more – or an extra $950 million – this financial year. These increases in royalties give the Palaszczuk Government the opportunity to invest more in Government services and cover almost all of extra $1.4 billion the plan to spend on infrastructure across Queensland in 2017-18.

“In term of the Budget bottom line, the increase means forecast net operating surplus will be now in excess of $1 billion.”

Mr Macfarlane said the role of Aurizon cutting train services to move coal through the Central Queensland Coal Network to export ports was extremely damaging for the industry, the Queensland economy and the State Budget to be delivered on 12 June, wiping up to $500 million off the Government’s royalty expectations.

“The only dark cloud on the horizon for the industry and the Government is Aurizon. It’s maintenance changes in the Central Queensland Coal Network, by Aurizon’s own admission, will stop the movement of up to 20 million tonnes of coal each year,” he said.

BACKGROUND

In December, the Palaszczuk Government’s 2017-18 Mid Year Fiscal and Economic Review (MYEFR) projected coal royalties would be $3.4 billion based on prices assumption for hard coking (metallurgical) coal of US$161 per tonne, semi-soft (metallurgical) coal at US$129 per tonne and thermal coal at US$83 per tonne.

Based on price trends over the year to date, QRC’s projects are based price assumptions for hard coking (metallurgical) coal of US$180 per tonne, semi-soft (metallurgical) coal at US$127 per tonne and thermal coal at US$97 per tonne.

In MYEFR, the Palaszczuk Government projected a net operating surplus of $485 million for 2017.

The QRC is the peak representative body for Queensland ‘s resource sector. The Queensland resources sector provides one in every $6 dollars in the Queensland economy, sustains one in eight Queensland jobs, and supports more than 16,400 businesses across the state, all from 0.1 percent of Queensland’s land mass. In the latest ABS trade data, the Queensland resources sector contributed almost 80% - or $55 billion - of Queensland’s total merchandise good exports of $70 billion over the last 12 months.

www.qrc.org.au

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FROM superyachts and supercars, to live entertainment and cooking demonstrations, interactive Kids’ Zones and a fishing tournament with a massive prize package, the 2018 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show offers visitors a feast of options to entertain, inform and excite.

So much more than just a boat show, SCIBS 2018 is a fantastic family day out with more than enough to keep each and every member of the family amused all day, or over multiple days if you want to see everything.

For anglers of all skill levels, the popular SCIBS fishing tournament is back again, this year branded the 2018 SCIBS ‘Fly Scoot’ Bream Shootout presented by Shimano. The winner-takes-all event takes place Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May and promises to be great fun for participants and visitors to the Boat Show alike.

For the fourth year in a row, beach, boating and fishing expert Paul Burt returns as official SCIBS ambassador and is patron of the annual fishing competition, with the live weigh-in taking place across the weekend and judging on The Main Stage on the Sunday of SCIBS.

The tournament will be complemented by daily live fishing demonstrations at the Berkley Supertank presented by resident angling experts, Brett Thomson and Michael Cooke.

The spectacular 15m long and 3m high Perspex-sided giant mobile fish tank harbours a natural habitat and an abundance of tropical fish, with visitors able to learn the tricks of the trade of today’s top anglers on the different types of Berkley lures and how fish react to them.

Over at The Main Stage, Paul Burt will host daily cooking segments showcasing the freshest and tastiest ways to prepare seafood, plus a huge program of fantastic entertainment will be on offer across the four days of SCIBS, including Virtual Reality (VR) and interactive experiences, drones for fishing and fun, lessons on rope-tying and talented local live music performers, roving entertainers, cocktail-making classes and more!

The weekend program offers hours of fun for the junior set, with the SCIBS Kids’ Zone featuring plenty to keep the little boaties entertained. Along with a jumping castle and games, there will also be face painting, and roving entertainment, including appearances by the one and only Captain Jack Sparrow.

From an educational standpoint, the Sea World Research & Rescue vessel and its qualified crew will be on hand to inform visitors on how they can play their part and contribute to conservation and protection of our marine life, with sessions on animal rescue onboard ‘Sea World 1’.

The latest in high-tech maritime patrol vessels, the Coast Guard will also be sure to impress, imparting their crucial role in patrolling our coastline for security and safety at sea.

Motorsport fans will be in auto-heaven, with the display from three-time Bathurst winner Tony Longhurst and his BMW GT4 The Boat Works car, which won the 2018 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour race. Drivers Tony Longhurst and Aaron Seton will be meeting visitors and signing autographs on Saturday at The Boat Works stand.

The festival atmosphere will be enhanced by roving entertainers and the award-winning talents of Master Illusionist Matt Hollywood, who will perform his mind-blowing magic act in the Village Theatre on the Friday and Saturday night at SCIBS.

SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said visitors will also be able to sample and savour the wide selection of pop-up food stalls and the varied dining options throughout The Marine Village across the four-day event.

 “It’s no exaggeration to say there’s something for everyone at SCIBS 2018,” he said.

“Australians love the coastal lifestyle and there will be every facet of boating on display, alongside a lively entertainment schedule with something for all the family.

“We invite visitors to come along and enjoy the wide entertainment and food offering available, and soak up the great atmosphere in The Marine Village.

“We can’t wait for the gates to open on Thursday (24 May) and for our exhibitors, sponsors and partners to turn on a wonderful 30^th SCIBS welcome!”

Further details on how to register for the SCIBS 2018 ‘Fly Scoot’ Bream Shoot Out and T&Cs are available online at www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au/the-show/#shoot-out

For more information to see What’s On Show, or to purchase tickets to SCIBS 2018, visit www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

Running May 24 to 27, 2018 the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show attracts more than 40,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors to a spectacular showcase featuring hundreds of boats and thousands of marine products across four days.

SCIBS offers FREE park ‘n’ ride services from Warner Bros. Movie World, along with limited on-site parking, available pre-paid.

ABOUT SANCTUARY COVE:

The $A2 billion Sanctuary Cove Resort, located on the northern Gold Coast, is Australia’s leading and most successful master-planned community.

Featuring two 18-hole championship golf courses, a 226-berth marina, five-star InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Country Club including full fitness centre, tennis courts and 25m swimming pool, Sanctuary Cove is also home to some of the most diverse waterfront, golf course fronting or hilltop residential house and land options on the Gold Coast.

At the heart of the community is The Marine Village – Sanctuary Cove’s vibrant precinct featuring more than 80 tenancies, including a selection of shopping, cafés, restaurants, bars and business services.

AS PARTof its ongoing commitment to meeting Australia’s future energy needs, the Australian Government has announced the 2018 Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release covering Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and the Ashmore and Cartier Islands.

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matthew Canavan said the areas will provide a wide range of options for the oil and gas industry, from well-known, petroleum-producing basins to frontier basins that are among the most prospective in the world.

“The Australian Government is committed to the safe and responsible development of oil and gas resources,” Minister Canavan said.

“Offshore oil and gas exploration is vital to meeting Australia’s future energy needs.

“The annual Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release is a key part of our plan to promote investment in new offshore exploration.”

The 2018 release is made up of 21 areas located across six basins.

The government is now consulting on acreage release reform for future releases. Minister Canavan strongly encouraged all stakeholders to have their say.

“The proposed reform will make future acreage releases more responsive to market demand, improve transparency of consultation processes, and simplify bidding rounds,” said Minister Canavan.

The 2018 Acreage Release is available at www.petroleum-acreage.gov.au

A paper describing the proposed changes  for future acreage releases is available at https://consult.industry.gov.au/

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES firm EY has been named Australia’s 2018 Employer of the Year for LGBTI inclusion at the Australian LGBTI Inclusion Awards, hosted today by ACON’s Pride in Diversity - the national not-for-profit employer support program for LGBTI workplace inclusion.

More than 700 business leaders, diversity champions, HR professionals and many more actively working on LGBTI inclusion came together at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney to celebrate the results of Australian Workplace Equality Index

(AWEI); a rigorous, evidence-based benchmarking instrument that assesses workplaces in the work and impact of their LGBTI inclusion initiatives.

In 2018, for the first time, there was significant shift in the makeup of top employers. Traditionally dominated by financial and professional services, this year saw representation from various levels of government (Australian Taxation Office and Brisbane City Council), retail (Woolworths), higher education (RMIT University), energy and resources (AGL Energy) and religious organisations (Uniting). 

Twelve organisations were awarded Gold Employer status, with an additional four being awarded Platinum for the longevity of their high performance spanning at least four of the last five years (Westpac, LendLease, Accenture, Commonwealth Bank).

This year’s awards were attended by a record number of CEOs and Australian business leaders, including Qantas CEO and Pride In Diversity co-patron, Alan Joyce, and Luke Sayers, CEO of Pricewaterhouse Coopers, who picked up this year’s CEO of the Year Award for his role in LGBTI inclusion.

Director of ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs (which incorporates Pride in Diversity, Pride in Sport and Pride in Health+Wellbeing) Dawn Hough said, “The AWEI has seen remarkable growth over the first eight years of its life; this year we see the most significant change in the diversity of our top employers and a much higher growth in participation of our small employers which we are delighted about."

The AWEI saw 135 employers across Australia participate this year (both small and large employer indices), a 16 percent increase on 2017 participation. The employee survey attached to the index received 23,130 responses, an increase of 38 percent. Participation by small employers rose by 120 percent this year with Key Assets, The Children’s Services Provider (Australia) taking out Small Employer of the Year Award.

“ACON congratulates all award winners recognised today on their significant achievement and for showing great leadership in the area of diversity and inclusion,” Ms Hough added.

Pride Inclusion Programs will next celebrate LGBTI inclusion within Australian sport with the inaugural Australian Pride in Sport Awards in Melbourne on 19 June. Held at the Showtime Events Centre, the awards will honour national and state sporting organisations, clubs and individuals as it showcases the results of the Pride in Sport Index (PSI) – the national benchmarking instrument used to assess LGBTI inclusion within Australian sport.

The event will be hosted by renowned Australian sports journalist, Tracey Holmes, and attended by Pride in Sport co-patrons Alex Blackwell and Daniel Kowalski, along with several other high profile athletes.

For more information on ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs, go to www.prideinclusionprograms.com.au

2018 Australian LGBTI Inclusion Awards Recipients

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