AUSTRALIA’s resource industry employer group, AMMA, has called for future closures of coal-fired power stations to be properly planned, notified well in advance and based on facts and informed discussion to avoid risking Australia’s long-term energy security and leaving people jobless.

The advice was provided to a Senate Environment and Communications References Committee inquiring into the long-term transition from coal-fired power stations to renewable energies, including policy mechanisms to speed up the process and mitigating the economic and community impacts.

“Australia requires genuine and constructive policy discussions on our energy future, including on the emergence of renewable sources and ensuring we meet our international obligations such as those agreed in Paris,” says AMMA head of policy Scott Barklamb.

“However, discussions on future power generation in Australia must also be firmly grounded in facts. For instance, while there will be a considerable shift in investment towards renewables over the next 25 years, the World Energy Council projects fossil fuels will remain the dominant producer of electricity until at least 2050.

“Industry, employees and communities need greater certainty on future transitions and the energy mix Australia will pursue across future decades.”

AMMA has called for a National Energy Transition Plan be developed, including harmonised renewable energy targets, that ensures affordable, reliable and secure energy and delivers measured transitions that are as fair as possible for employees, communities and the industry.

“While government will have an important role in promoting and incentivising new sustainable energy technologies, its first priority must be maintaining access for Australian industries and communities to affordable and proven reliable energy sources,” Mr Barklamb continues.

“We are also concerned about naïve optimism that the renewable energy industry can seamlessly pick-up all jobs lost from coal fired power stations.  Unfortunately, there is minimal geographical commonality between Australia’s current coal fired power stations and where our potential for renewable energy will emerge.

“Even if former coal-fired power station employees had perfectly transferable skills and experience, most would have to relocate to find employment. We’ve seen through the commodity price and investment boom that Australians have a low appetite for relocation.

“It is also unlikely that the renewables industry will require a similarly labour intensive operational workforce as existing coal fired power generation.

“The key challenge for governments will be implementing energy transitions predictably and transparently, while minimising losses of existing jobs, maintaining energy security and positioning Australia’s energy sector as an attractive and globally competitive place to invest and do business.”

The Committee’s interim report is due by 28 November 2016, with a final report by 1 February 2017.

Click here to read AMMA’s submission. Click here for more information on the inquiry.

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THE natural resources sector must promote its economic credentials, innovation, vital link to everyday products and social licence to operate, says outgoing Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Michael Roche at its 2016 Annual Lunch today.
 
Addressing almost 700 people on his last day in the peak body’s top job, Mr Roche said the natural resources sector’s contribution was being taken for granted.
 
‘No industry sector is more fundamental to the future of Queensland than resources. Everything that is not grown comes from the natural resources sector,’ Mr Roche told the audience.
 
‘There is no viable substitute for coking coal in the production of blast furnace steel.
 
‘There is no ‘Uber’ process waiting in the wings and steel use per capita is one of the hallmarks of an advanced economy.
 
‘In fact all of our commodities – our alumina and bauxite, copper, gas, gold, lead, mineral sands, silver and zinc, will remain in demand while ever people want to enjoy the many facets of their everyday lives.’
 
Mr Roche said it was no secret that the sector had moved onto a new chapter - moving out of a record period of capital expenditure – to a phase where operational expenditure dominated.
 
‘However, parts of the sector are experiencing better commodity prices. Who would have thought thermal coal would be over $110/tonne and coking coal over $300/tonne, while zinc and copper are also on the comeback trail,’ Mr Roche said.
 
‘As the QRC Resourcing Innovation campaign illustrates, these commodities, and more, are vital components in renewable energy and related infrastructure and everything from smartphones, fridges and public transport, just to name a few.
 
‘Ironically, the green activists who constantly denigrate the natural resources sector, are more than happy to use all of the products for which the sector provides the vital ingredients.
 
Mr Roche noted that QRC has the good fortune to have the country’s longest serving Federal resources minister, Ian Macfarlane, as his successor.
 
‘I wish Ian him the best of luck for his time at the helm of the QRC.’

Michael Roche's speech is available at qrc.org.au/media-centre/speeches-presentations/

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AUSTRALIAN companies are being given the chance to win work on the multi-billion dollar LAND 400 Phase 2 armoured vehicle program during a series of workshops to be held nationwide. 

 The workshops were launched in Melbourne today by Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne and aim to give local businesses an opportunity to showcase themselves and join the significant supply chain.

Minister Pyne said maximising Australian defence industry involvement to create and sustain jobs and spur economic growth is at the centre of the Government’s plans for the groundbreaking project.

“LAND 400 gives us the opportunity to modernise our military and boost domestic manufacturing which will create and sustain jobs in Australia,” Minister Pyne said.

“We have actively encouraged Australian industry participation – particularly in assembly, systems design, integration, testing and evaluation as well as sustainment.

“More than 400 eligible Australian companies have registered to present their capabilities to BAE Systems Australia and Rheinmetall, the two companies shortlisted to participate in the next stage of the tender evaluation process.

“This is the chance for suppliers to get their slice of a very big pie,” Minister Pyne said.

The workshops will travel to all Australian states and territories, finishing in Hobart.

• Geelong - 14 November
• Melbourne - 14-18 November
• Perth - 21-22 November
• Adelaide - 23-25 November
• Darwin -28 November
• Townsville -29 November
• Brisbane -  30 November - 2 December
• Newcastle- 5 December
• Sydney - 6-8 December
• Canberra - 9 December
• Burnie (Tasmania) - 12 December
• Hobart - 13 December

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THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will hold its first public hearing for the Inquiry into the Hearing Health and Wellbeing of Australia in Sydney on Tuesday, 15 November.

The hearing will focus on the treatment options for deaf and hearing impaired children. The Committee will meet with the Shepherd Centre, an organisation that provides intensive listening and speaking training to children fitted with hearing devices. Over 90% of the Shepherd Centre’s graduates enter mainstream schooling, the majority with communication skills on par with their hearing peers.

The Committee will also meet with Cochlear, the developer and manufacturer of one of the world’s leading implantable hearing devices, and with audiologists from the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network.

The Committee Chair, Mr Trent Zimmerman MP, stated ‘detecting and treating hearing impairment from an early age is vital to enable children to fully develop their listening and speaking skills. The Committee will be investigating the options available to the families of  deaf and hearing impaired kids and how Government can ensure that all children have the opportunity to receive the best treatment available’.

Further information about the Committee’s inquiry, including the program for the public hearing are available on the Committee’s website.

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THE Institute of Public Accountants Deakin University SME Research Centre launched this week, is intent on ensuring that small business productivity and wellbeing remains a focal point within Australia’s economic agenda.

Speaking at the launch, IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway said that the emergence and evolution of the research centre comes at a critical time for the Australian economy.

“For too long it has been too easy for too many to claim to represent small business interests without concrete evidence. The IPA Deakin SME Research Centre changes that significantly,” said Mr Conway.

“We have already seen the impact of the publication of the first ever Australian Small Business White Paper. Our publication is generating a new level of public policy discourse that shifts the focus from the duality of government being seen as both the cause of small business regulation and the panacea.

“We know there are no easy fixes but what is important is robust, evidence-based policy input that draws on the combined wisdom of accountants as trusted advisers, regulators, policy makers and most importantly small businesses themselves. 

“We have to move the language, and we believe we have, away from small business as the "engine room" and "backbone".

“Small business is not just the engine room. Small business is the fuel, the labour, the foundation, the entire plant and equipment.

“And small business is not just the backbone; it is the circulatory and nervous system of the economy. Moreover, small businesses keep our communities and families going.

“We have an obligation to understand their drivers, their challenges and assist them to realise their potential. Through the realisation of their potential, we will realise our collective potential.  These factors will be key drivers for our SME research centre,” said Mr Conway.

publicaccountants.org.au

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THE Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training has launched a new inquiry into Innovation and Creativity: Workforce for the New Economy

The inquiry is a re-referral of a similar inquiry started by the Standing Committee on Education and Employment in the 44th Parliament. That inquiry lapsed when the Parliament was dissolved in May this year. The revised terms of reference have a renewed emphasis on public and not-for-profit incubators and accelerators, doctoral training practices and opportunities for generating increased economic activity through greater synergies among publicly funded research agencies and can be found here.

Committee Chair Mr Andrew Laming MP said continuing the work started in the last Parliament was important.

“An innovative and creative approach to building businesses will be a key to employing people in the future. I look forward to engaging with innovative businesses during the course of this inquiry.” Mr Laming said.

Committee Deputy Chair Ms Terri Butler MP endorsed this view.

“Innovation and creativity will be the key to educating people to be ‘job ready’ in the future. We need to find out what changes need to be made so that our education system inspires our next generation of innovators and creative thinkers,” Ms Butler said.

Issues the Committee has been asked to look into include:

• The extent to which students are graduating with the skills needed for the jobs of today and of the future;
• laws and regulations that may act as a barrier to education providers being able to offer qualifications that meet the needs of the new economy and fastest growing sectors;
• Factors that discourage closer partnerships between industry; in particular small and medium enterprises, the research sector and education providers;
• Opportunities for generating increased economic activity, including further investment and jobs, through greater synergies among publicly funded research agencies, universities and other Australian research institutions with businesses and industry; and
• Relationships between tertiary education entrepreneurship programs and public, private and not-for-profit incubators and accelerators.

Submissions are open until 13 January 2017. Please notify the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you intend to make a submission.

Further information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference, is available on the Committee website.

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THE new 10 Year Sector Competitiveness Plan for Australia’s mining equipment, technology and services (METS) industry provides a clear roadmap for the development of a sector that is poised to drive significant economic and employment opportunities for Australia, says national resource employer group AMMA

Launched today at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), the 10 year plan is the result of extensive research by industry-led ‘growth centre’ METS Ignited in consultation with federal and state governments, industry peak bodies, and Australia’s national resource industry employer association, AMMA.

“Australia has an opportunity to be at the fore of an increasingly important global industry that is driving technology advancements, productivity and efficiency improvements across all key resource markets,” says AMMA head of policy Scott Barklamb.

“Australia’s resource riches, long established and highly innovative resource industry, and world leading education and research position our country to be global leader in this exciting area.

“AMMA congratulates METS Ignited on providing industry and government with a comprehensive plan for the future of Australia’s METS sector.”

AMMA strongly supports the five work programs identified in the 10 Year Competitiveness Plan:

• Aligning the strategies of METS providers, miners and research institutions to ensure future innovations are driven by customer demand and industry needs.
• Developing a stronger sense of value and brand identity for Australia’s METS sector.
• Increasing the participation of Australian METS companies in domestic and global supply chains.
• Providing platforms, both virtual and physical, for METS companies and researchers to come together to tackle practical problems for resource producers.
• Supporting skills and employability to ensure Australia’s technical capabilities keep pace with evolving technical and industry demands.

“As a contributor to the 10 Year Plan, AMMA looks forward to continuing to work with METS Ignited, particularly in our key areas of expertise across productivity, social licence to operate, skilling, human resources and other people-related matters,” Mr Barklamb continues.

“Governments and regulators also have a significant role to play in reforming regulatory processes that impose unnecessary costs and compliance burdens on Australia’s METS industry.

“This includes an unproductive and often cumbersome workplace relations system, inconsistencies in OHS laws, serious issues in exploration and mining project approvals, and a lack of protection against increasing vexatious environmental and social activism.”

Click here to visit the METS Ignited website and download its 10 Year Sector Competitiveness Plan.

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INDUSTRY experts predict stagnating global gold production will have the biggest impact on the future price of gold, the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) heard today.

Goldcorp Chairman Ian Telfer said after enjoying decades of growth, global gold production had peaked and was starting to decline.

“The amount of gold produced globally has continually gone up for about 40 years, but that’s started to flatten out and even go down,” he said.

“That’s going to have a bigger impact on gold prices than people think. Once the world starts to see that we have passed peak gold production and the volume of production goes down for the next 10 years, that will have a big impact.”

Mr Telfer said there had been no “secret sauce” to Goldcorp’s success, but the company had benefited from being able to buy assets during market slumps.

Follow #IMARC2016 on social media for live updates

TODAY's EVENT

Global trends impacting trade and investment opportunities exposed at IMARC

Changing economies, technology demands and consumer trends are forging a new breed of resilient miners that forever has an eye on operational excellence, managing risks and delivering returns to investors, the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) will hear today.

The International Mining and Resources Conference runs until tomorrow, Thursday 10 November, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The four-day event is covering all aspects of mining, from exploration, investment and production through to optimisation, technology, health and safety, policy and governance.  More than 2,500 delegates from more than 55 countries are in attendance to learn from more than 160 international experts.

IMARC also includes Australia’s leading mining investment forum, Mines and Money Australia, which connects miners with money and investors with opportunity.

IMARC Event Director Anita Richards said today activities would include the second day of the Exhibition alongside the conference which will focus on Technology, Investment and policy and framework within the International Mining Summit.

The day will conclude with the industry’s night of nights, the sold out IMARC Gala Dinner with the headline address from Mike Henry, President Operations, Minerals Australia at BHP Billiton.

“The challenges and opportunities of recent years has created a new normal for mining companies, forcing them to become more resilient to market conditions by optimising their operations,” she said.

“Today, IMARC looks at the global trends impacting trade and investment, how improved data and system interconnectivity is creating the digital enterprise of tomorrow, and how miners are looking to de-risk their projects.”

The IMARC Exhibition is free to attend and will showcase the industry’s latest innovations, technology and services.  The Exhibition includes Innovation Alley, which highlights new products and technologies, and The Mining Hub, which gives investors the opportunity to meet junior minors.

Highlights at IMARC 2016 on Wednesday 9 November 2016 include:

Please see release and full agenda attached for today’s key speakers and events

Follow #IMARC2016 on social media for live updates

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