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Wood a key plank in the business case for bringing nature into the office: Green Building Day Conf.

BRISBANE employers looking to boost worker productivity should consider using more of one of the world’s oldest and most sustainable materials in their office fit-outs: wood.

Associate Professor Jacki Schirmer of the University of Canberra – who will be speaking at the Green Building Day conference in Brisbane today – said that was a key take-out from a recent survey of 1000 indoor Australian workers.

The research provides fresh evidence to underpin the business case for biophilia – the principle that exposure to nature increases human wellbeing, she said.

The study found that the more natural looking wooden surfaces workers could see from their workstation, the higher their workplace satisfaction and wellbeing – affording significant potential benefits to productivity.

However, the research paints a bleak picture of workers’ current access to nature at work with less than half (47%) enjoying access to natural light, only two in five (38%) being able to see indoor plants, a quarter (26%) unable to see any natural looking wooden surfaces and almost half (46%) spending less than an hour outdoors on work days.

Dr Schirmer said the results of the survey by strategic market research firm Pollinate held true even after rigorous analysis that controlled for factors known to impact on the wellbeing of workers such as age, income, gender and workplace culture.

“We are always looking for ways to improve health and wellbeing, and this research points to ways we can achieve that in the places many people spend a lot of their time – the workplace," Dr Schirmer said.

“The work has implications for businesses, because a large body of research has shown that workers who are more satisfied with their work and have higher wellbeing have better work productivity, and reduced rates of absenteeism – which means improving worker wellbeing has real benefits for businesses.”

Over 80 percent of workers (82%) exposed to eight or more wooden surfaces in their workplace reported being ‘satisfied or very satisfied’ with work, compared to over two thirds (69%) exposed to five to seven wooden surfaces and half (53%) with no wooden surfaces.

Employees working in offices with natural wooden surfaces on average also reported higher personal productivity, mood, concentration, clarity, confidence and optimism.

The effect on wellbeing was greatest when wood was used in combination with other natural elements such as plants, water features and natural light.

Dr Schirmer said: “We know it’s good for us to spend time outdoors interacting with nature, but with people spending so much time indoors, there’s increasing recognition of the potential benefits of bringing nature into the workplace and the home.

“The academic world is becoming increasingly switched on to biophilia as an area warranting real research and attention, and some engineering degrees are starting to include it as a subject.

“Importantly, wood is a particularly useful tool for bringing nature into the workplace in situations where it is not feasible to retro-fit other changes, such as increased natural light.”

Time and location of talk:

Associate Professor Jacki Schirmer will discuss the findings at the Green Building Day in Brisbane at Green Building Day at Aurecon Level 14, 32 Turbot St, Brisbane.

About the study:

A representative sample of 1000 Australian indoor workers participated in the research.

Survey participants were asked about the natural elements they could see from their workspace, including the number and type of natural wooden-looking objects they could see. They were also asked about the presence of other things that affect the wellbeing of workers, including noise levels, access to natural light, and their workplace culture. Finally, they were asked to self-rate their wellbeing, workplace satisfaction and personal distress using validated measures that are used worldwide to assess wellbeing, health and mental health disorders.

Over two thirds of indoor workers surveyed were in an office, with the remainder split between shops and factories/warehouses.

The study was funded by Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA), which had no input on the structure of the study.

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Record coal role in Queensland budget

QUEENSLAND'S coal industry is making a record contribution to the State Budget to deliver funding for Queensland infrastructure and vital services, like health and education, Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said. 
 
Mr Macfarlane said the resources sector was delivering for Treasurer Jackie Trad’s first Budget with coal royalties a record $3.768 billion for 2017-18 and overall royalties including minerals and LNG climbing to $4.327 billion. The Budget forecasts total royalties to increase to $4.458 billion in 2018-19 with a boost in royalties expected from petroleum and minerals. Coal royalties are projected to contribute $3.522 billion in 2018-19.
 
The 2018-19 Budget royalties windfall for the Palaszczuk Government is much greater than the Budget handed down last year, which projected coal royalties to be $2.432 billion and a total royalties of $2.989 billion.
 
“I’m pleased to say those high-vis workers are the highlights in the Budget.  The 280,000 men and women working in the resources sector are delivering for five million Queenslanders,” he said.
 
“Every Queenslander – regardless of where they call home – shares in the wealth of the sector through royalties paid to the Government. These royalties go to schools, hospitals and roads in the south-east of Queensland.
 
“On top of the billions of dollars in royalties paid by the sector, resources jobs continue to be a mainstay of employment and economic growth in Queensland, ensuring that every Queenslander benefits from this great industry.
 
“If the sector is to continue to deliver for Queenslanders it needs certainty and I thank the Treasurer for her commitment to not change royalty rates in this Budget and call on Ms Trad for an ongoing commitment to royalty stability."
 
Mr Macfarlane said the Queensland resources sector "now provided 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 – with almost 7000 businesses in the Greater Brisbane region – all from 0.1 percent of Queensland’s land mass".

www.qrc.org.au

New report highlights growing organised tobacco crime epidemic in Australia - ARA

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has teamed up with various retail associations including the Australian Lottery and Newsagents’ Association (ALNA), Master Grocers Australia (MGA Independent Retailers) and the Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) to identify the growing problem of tobacco-related organised crime across Australia.

Russell Zimmerman, executive director of the ARA, said KPMG LLP’s Illicit Tobacco in Australia 2017 Full Year Report has shown a significant increase in the proportion of illicit tobacco consumption in the last year.

“According to the recent report, total illicit tobacco consumption rose from 14.3 percent in 2016 to 15 percent in 2017, costing the government $1.91 billion in excise,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“This rise in illicit tobacco consumption means almost $2 billion a year goes to criminals and gangs, instead of the vital government services which could improve our community and overall economy.”

The ARA, ALNA, MGA Independent Retailers and AACS have teamed up to support their workers in the industry and reduce the effects illicit tobacco is having on retailers across the country and the community as a whole.

“KPMG LLP’s report is further evidence that organised tobacco crime is at crisis point in Australia and the government must intervene,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“The increase in illicit tobacco consumption means there are more and more crime gangs in the tobacco market and it is becoming a growing and dangerous trade in Australia.”

With the retail industry employing over 1.2 million retail workers in Australia, Mr Zimmerman said frontline workers face the most danger as they are often left most vulnerable to crime and abuse.

“This is an enormous problem for businesses, and a serious issue for retail workers as we are seeing more and more break-ins from criminals who want to get their hands on tobacco products and sell them on the Black Market.”

Some gangs are also importing illicit tobacco from overseas, which can be more harmful than the actual product, and selling them on the streets to anyone who wants them, including young people,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Jos de Bruin, chief executive officer of MGA Independent Retailers agrees with the ARA, stating this new report highlights the significant impact illicit tobacco is having on independent retail.

“We estimate the growing crime epidemic is causing independent retailers across Australia a loss in sales of $200 million plus,”  Mr de Bruin said.

Therefore, the ARA iscalling on governments across Australia to step up their efforts in countering organised tobacco crime.

“Although the Federal Government has recently introduced a series of legislation to tackle his issue before Parliament, we believe Australia needs a coordinated national strategy, so all arms of governments are working together.

“All sides of government must take preventative measures and pass this legislation to ensure harsh penalties and eliminate this plague on the community once and for all,” Mr Zimmerman said.

 

About the Australian Retailers Association

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is Australia’s largest retail association, representing the country’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. As Australia’s leading retail peak industry body, the ARA is a strong pro-active advocate for Australian retail and works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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Gas Acceleration Program continues to benefit east coast supply

A PROJECT to restart gas processing facilities in South West Queensland will get a $2 million boost from the Australian Government’s $26 million Gas Acceleration Program, increasing gas supply to the East Coast market.

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan said the funding would allow Australian Gasfields Limited to bring forward by a year the refurbishment and restarting of the Eromanga and Gilmore Gas Plants, adding a combined gas capacity of 8.7 petajoules a year.

“This adds to the $24 million investment in four projects announced in March that will supply an additional 12.4 petajoules of new gas by 30 June 2020, and an extra 27.6 petajoules over five years,” Mr Canavan said.

"The Eromanga facility will provide additional regional infrastructure to help unlock third-party stranded gas resources.

“The Australian Government is taking action to ensure a secure, reliable and affordable gas supply for the East Coast, to support Australian businesses and Australian jobs.

“The GAP is a significant component of the Australian Government’s $90 million investment in gas security, reliability and affordability for Australian gas users.

“It complements other measures that have helped to address domestic gas supply in the short term, like the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism and the Prime Minister’s agreement with the East Coast LNG exporters in October 2017.

“However, the only way to safeguard gas security into the future is by increasing the supply of gas through new exploration and production.  It’s good news that the Northern Territory has lifted it ban on gas development, but other states must do more of the heavy lifting too.”

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Public submissions open for the Independent Review of the Australian Public Service

THE PANEL for the Independent Review of the Australian Public Service has called for public submissions.

Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service, Kelly O'Dwyer, said public consultations were an opportunity for people to have their say about the future of the Australian Public Service.

"It is important that our public sector is fit-for-purpose in the years ahead," Minister O'Dwyer said.

"Public consultations are an excellent opportunity for people to share their vision for the future of the APS. It is a chance to let the Panel know what works well, and what needs to change."

The Panel is seeking views on all areas raised in the Terms of Reference, as it begins its examination of the capability, culture and operating model of the Australian Public Service.

"Anyone can make a submission. Whether a public servant, business owner or member of the public, this is a chance to have your say on how our public service can best serve all Australians into the future," Ms O'Dwyer said.

The closing date for submissions is 11.59pm AEST Friday 13 July 2018.

Make a submission and read the Terms of Reference at the Independent Reviews' website.

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Local industry experts to boost Aussie defence exports

THE Australian Defence Export Office and Austrade have taken the first steps towards delivering enhanced export support for Australian defence businesses, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to engage dedicated local industry experts in key export markets.

Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne said that partnering with Austrade will capitalise on whole-of-government expertise and knowledge of foreign markets to assist Australian defence industry to access greater export opportunities.

"Cooperation between Austrade and the Defence Export Office is one of a range of initiatives being delivered under the Defence Export Strategy, to drive a more competitive defence industry to support Australian Defence Force capability," Mr Pyne said.

"A strong, internationally competitive and sustainable defence industry is key to meeting Australia's current and future defence capability needs."

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Steven Ciobo said local industry experts, working closely with the Defence Export Office, will provide advice and support for Australian defence businesses using Austrade's established international networks to assist in navigating foreign markets.

"The MOU is another step in supporting the Defence Export Strategy and employing industry experts across several overseas Austrade offices will assist exporters in navigating foreign markets to grow their business," Mr Ciobo said.

"Growing the defence export sector will boost the Australian economy and build upon the Turnbull Coalition Government's strong record of job creation."

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed following last month's inaugural Defence Export Forum. The Forum, which aims to provide an integrated national approach to Defence exports, included representatives from Commonwealth agencies, state and territory governments and industry peak bodies.

Austrade and the Defence Export Office will work closely to support targeted multi-year campaigns and deliver integrated support for defence exporters. 

For more information, the Australian Defence Export Office can be contacted at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Grant to help researchers and businesses seize global opportunities

AUSTRALIAN researchers and businesses can now apply for up to $50,000 to help expand their work overseas, under the latest round of Global Connections Fund Bridging Grants.

The third round of Bridging Grants opens for applications today, with between $25,000 and $50,000 on offer to help viable Australian projects to grow in scope and scale, and to test commercialisation.

The Bridging Grants help Australian researchers build strong relationships with international partners, leading to the translation of knowledge and intellectual property into market-ready products and services.

They also help existing small-to-medium Australian businesses work with researchers overseas, leveraging their academic expertise to help them compete internationally.

Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Michaelia Cash said it is vital Australian researchers and businesses are given the opportunity to collaborate and share knowledge with counterparts in key global economies.

“Through initiatives such as the Global Connections Fund, the Turnbull Government is helping Australian businesses and researchers collaborate with global partners on projects that build our economy and create job opportunities.

“The Government’s Bridging Grants give our top innovators the support they need to grow their great ideas into viable businesses,” Minister Cash said.

The Global Connections Fund is one of the key internationally-focused measures of the Global Innovation Strategy, part of the Government’s $1.1 billion National Innovation and Science Agenda.

Extraordinary technological change is transforming how we live, work and communicate. Innovation is important to every sector of the economy. Innovation keeps us competitive. It keeps us at the cutting edge. It creates jobs. And it will keep our standard of living high.

Through the National Innovation and Science Agenda, the Turnbull Government is embracing new ideas to deliver the next age of economic prosperity to all Australians.

Applications close 14 June 2018. For more information visit https://globalconnectionsfund.org.au/bridge-grants/

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Consultation on draft Copyright Amendment (Service Providers) Regulations 2018 to implement safe harbour reforms

THE FEDERAL Parliament is currently considering changes to Australia’s copyright laws to extend the safe harbour scheme to the education, cultural and disability sector.

The changes aim to ensure these sectors are protected from legal liability where they can demonstrate they have taken reasonable steps to deal with copyright infringement by users of their online platforms.

To ensure the new sectors can comply with the scheme, the Parliament is seeking views on the Copyright Amendment (Service Providers) Regulations 2018.

The amendments aim to ensure the current safe harbour procedures and forms are fit for purpose for the new sectors.

The changes aim to compliment the Copyright Amendment (Service Providers) Bill by not seeking to deviate substantially from how the scheme currently operates.

Comments are being sought on whether the amendments will help the applicable institutions comply with the safe harbour scheme.

Submissions close on June 29, 2018 at 5pm AEDT.

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Whitsunday tourism opportunities open up for operators

ELEVEN permits for the Whitsundays region are now up for grabs through an expression of interest process run by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

These special permissions improve access to the Whitsunday Planning Area, especially for tourism operators, and will be allocated through a two-phase application and assessment process.

Great Barrier Marine Park Authority policy and planning director Belinda Jago encouraged any interested operators or individuals to submit an expression of interest for these rare opportunities.

“The opportunities now available do not come around regularly and so we are pleased to be opening up further prospects for ecologically-sustainable tourism and use in the area,” Ms Jago said.

“These permits mean businesses or vessel owners can apply to offer new tourism services in the area or apply for private mooring permissions.

“We want people to visit the area, learn about the Great Barrier Reef’s ecological value and wonder, and then be inspired to share Reef information with friends and family and contribute to the Reef’s health when they get home.

“Tourism operators are key sharers of information about the Reef and are invaluable stakeholders in its future.”

The available permissions on offer include conducting daily regional scenic flight tours using a fixed-wing aircraft and daily operations from Bowen.

The third type of permissions are for three private moorings in the Woodwark Bay South Location.

Interested applicants may also wish to comment on the draft Woodwark Bay Site Plan, which will govern the mooring opportunities.

Applicants for the special permissions can expect a two-phase process starting with an expression of interest, which includes a lodgement fee.

The Marine Park Authority will assess proposals against criteria, with the long-term benefit of the Reef in mind.

“Protection of the Marine Park’s values is something we will be looking for in the expressions of interest,” Ms Jago said.

“For example, seeing environmental best practice and use of sustainability-focused technologies from the applicant."

The Whitsundays is a key tourism destination for Queensland and attracts the most number of visitors to the Great Barrier Reef.

Latest statistics from Tourism and Events Queensland show the region welcomed 760,000 overnight visitors for the year ending September 2017 and contributed $529 million to the gross regional product.

More information about the special permissions expression of interest process are available on the Marine Park Authority's website www.gbrmpa.gov.au

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Members of the global seed industry meet in Brisbane

MORE THAN 1200 seed industry professionals from 64 countries are in Brisbane this week to negotiate trade agreements and to address key issues facing the global seed industry.

The 69th World Seed Congress, hosted by The International Seed Federation (ISF) and the Australian Seed Federation (ASF) is being held in Australia for the first time in 19 years at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC).
 
The World Seed Congress comes hard on the heels of the 2018 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation for a record 3,000 delegates, just two of 140 conferences on the BCEC calendar this year.
 
During the three day event at the BCEC, delegates from the Asia Pacific and across the world will debate opportunities and challenges facing the seed industry with a strong focus on innovation in industry in order to better feed the world.
 
With agricultural products accounting for more than 15% of Australia’s total exports, the strong business trading component of this event will take centre stage alongside other policy driven discussions and activities around agricultural technology, food security and the future face of the seed sector.
 
There was strong interest for this event with delegates from 16 international organisations attending, the strongest host country delegation on record  with Australians making up 10% of delegates, the highest ever number of exhibition booths and a full allocation of the 203 trading tables.
 
The Congress is significant for the seed and agriculture industry in Australia, and for Australian Seed Federation members it is a chance to showcase their product and conduct business on an international level in all areas of the seed sector worldwide.
 
Organisers said international delegates, many of whom were first time visitors to Australia, were enjoying experiencing Brisbane as a destination with many taking the opportunity to combine business with pleasure to plan some pre and post touring opportunities in Queensland and throughout Australia.
 
The Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland, is proud to support the 69th World Seed Congress. Business events are vital to Queensland's tourism industry, attracting visitors and promoting our destinations to domestic and international visitors.
 
BCEC director of sales, Alison Gardiner said the centre was delighted to support the Australian Seed Federation in their bid to bring this key sector conference to Brisbane.
 
“Queensland has the highest proportion of land area in Australia dedicated to agriculture and attracting conferences in industries that are key to Queensland and Australia is fundamental to what we do as a venue to support our city and our State.”
 
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said hosting the World Seed Congress for the first time in nearly two decades came at a time when Brisbane was growing its profile as an Asia Pacific hub for food and agriculture.
 
“Growing Brisbane’s food and agribusiness industry is a priority of the Brisbane 2022 New World City Action Plan for economic growth. I’m certain that with our city’s strong capabilities in agriculture technology, innovation and research, coupled with our offerings as a world-class conventions city, delegates have enjoyed every aspect of their time at this congress in Brisbane," Cr Quirk said.

www.bcec.com.au

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National Industry Insights Report forecasts skills priorities

THE Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) recently launched a new online resource to help ensure vocational education and training (VET) qualifications and skills are evidence based and meeting the needs of industry.

The National Industry Insights Report combines industry intelligence from the AISC’s network of 64 Industry Reference Committees (IRCs) with broader labour market and training data.

“We need a workforce that can adapt to and take advantage of new opportunities as the nature of work changes. This resource is part of the AISC’s focus on creating a strong evidence base to inform VET training package development and ensure qualifications meet skills needs,” said AISC chair, John Pollaers.

“It draws on the skills forecasts from IRCs, providing valuable grassroots intelligence from employers, employees and industry peaks about future skills and training needs,” Prof. Pollaers said.

The National Industry Insights Report provides information on both an industry and national scale and includes economic and employment trends, skills forecasts and the factors that affect the demand for skills.

The Report was developed for the AISC by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) and highlights a strong demand in many industries for workers with digital skills, cross-industry skills and technical knowledge.

“We all know increased digitalisation and automation of the workforce is already affecting the way we work. The National Industry Insights Report is a fantastic resource to help IRCs in their work to ensure Australian qualifications are relevant, up-to-date, and meet the changing needs and priorities of employers and the economy,” Prof. Pollaers said.

The report is available on the National Industry Insights Report website, or via the hyperlink on the AISC website.


About the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC)

The AISC provides industry advice to Commonwealth, State, and Territory Skills Ministers on the implementation of national vocational education and training policies, and approves nationally recognised training packages.

The AISC draws on advice from its network of IRCs, which are made up of people with experience, skills and knowledge of their particular sector. They work across their industry to ensure the needs of employers and the modern economy are addressed in vocational education and training qualifications. IRCs are supported in their work by professional service organisations called Skills Service Organisations.

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