AMSA consultation to streamline National System and reduce red tape

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Domestic Vessel Division will begin a thorough consultation process with domestic vessel operators, starting in Hervey Bay on Friday. The National System for Domestic Commercial Vessels came into effect on July 1, 2013. AMSA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mick Kinley said the National System had created one system for qualifications […]

3D printed first to treat sleep apnoea

Using a 3D scanner to map a patient’s mouth, CSIRO researchers and Australian dental company, Oventus, can now print a mouthpiece which prevents dangerous pauses in breath during sleep. Printed from titanium and coated with a medical grade plastic, the breakthrough mouthpiece is customised for each patient. The device has a ‘duckbill’ which extends from […]

New appointment strengthens CSIRO Board

Prominent Queensland biotechnologist, Dr Peter Riddles, has been appointed a part-time member of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Board. Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane said Dr Riddles’ experience and expertise in biotechnology in both the higher education and research sectors will be of great value to the CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency. “Dr […]

Australia records fourth straight monthly trade surplus

New data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that Australia has recorded its fourth straight monthly trade surplus – $731 million in March – following 23 consecutive trade deficits ending in December 2013. Following strong gains in recent months, exports eased slightly by 1.8 per cent in March, but remain up 12.9 per […]

GRANTS BOOST QUALITY OF LIFE FOR VETERAN COMMUNITY

Nineteen projects enriching the quality of lives of veterans across the country have received funding worth $236,294 as part of the Veteran and Community Grants program, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson announced today. Senator Ronaldson said some of the projects included: the purchase of computer equipment and the establishment of websites to help […]

Australia Post celebrates Banjo’s bush-themed ballads

Australia Post is commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Australian literary great, Andrew Barton “Banjo” Paterson, through a new stamp release acknowledging Banjo’s iconic bush-themed ballads. The bush ballad is a thread of Australia’s early literary and popular culture, a rhyming, narrative-based poem adapted for singing. Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt said […]

NT nursery to grow export success

The Department of Agriculture’s Authorised Officer (AO) programme is saving Australian exporters time and money by empowering them to undertake specific export inspections. Australia’s Chief Plant Protection Officer, Dr Vanessa Findlay, said the AO programme provides greater flexibility to export businesses. “Plant and plant products for overseas markets must be inspected to ensure importing country’s […]

Efficient delivery of quality services – State Budget 2014-15: Major funding boosts for health and education

Education: .550 more teachers next year .Total education budget of $4.58billion .Includes extra spending of $188million next year (a 4.3% increase on 2013-14) .Plus $10million to support the transition to the student-centred funding model .An extra $812million over four years for forecast growth .Average spend per student $15,824 (an increase of $150 or 1% per […]

TAKE THE CHALLENGE! – LAUNCH OF MONEY STUFF 2014

The NSW Government has launched the 2014 Money Stuff Challenge, a fun, educational competition that teaches high school students about consumer rights and responsibilities. “It is never too early to learn important lessons about money management, including avoiding the debt trap and not getting scammed, and the challenge offers a prize pool up to $14,000,” […]