Industry News and Updates

Stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and updates affecting Australian industrial businesses. Get insights on new laws and regulations, upcoming industry events, and product announcements.

Below is a compilation of relevant industry news and product announcements, updated weekly.

Last updated: 19 September 2024

September Updates:

Business News:

  • Business.gov.au advises Australian business owners to be informed of upcoming fee increases for intellectual property (IP) rights and domain name registration effective 1 October 2024. The wholesale price of a .au domain name license will increase from $7.78 to $8.45 per year.
  • Business.gov.au has published its updated "spring clean your business" guide to improving your business cash flow, inventory, sustainability and staff development. Speaking of spring cleaning, we've also updated our articles on spring-cleaning your workspaces and cars.

Local Government:

  • NSW has announced a new TAFE Manufacturing Centre of Excellence in Western Sydney to offer advanced training and boost the region's competitiveness.
  • NSW is introducing new laws to ban dodgy suppliers from government contracts, ensuring taxpayer money is spent responsibly and with integrity.

Worh Health and Safety:

  • Comcare advises the public of a new guide for rehabilitation assessments and examinations in Australia effective 18 September 2024. It outlines stricter guidelines for authorities to follow when arranging or requiring such assessments, and aims to ensure consistency and fairness in the rehabilitation process for injured workers.*
  • SWA (Safe Work Australia) has released their preliminary fatalities data for 2024.*
  • SWA has released a new guide for those involved in rooftop solar installation work to manage several safety risks, which includes working at height, falling objects, heat stress and working with electricity. Speaking of height safety:*
  • SWA has released a new report highlighing the dangers faced by electricians in the workplace. The report found that electrocution and falls from heights are the two biggest safety risks for electricians, accounting for nearly three quarters of all traumatic injury fatalities involving electricians over the past decade. Speaking of which, you might want to check our our guides in choosing industrial gloves and how to prevent slips, trips and falls in the workplace.
  • SWA has released a new guide to help businesses manage the risks associated with rooftop solar installation work.
  • SWA advises the public of updated stricter safety rules for materials containing crystalline silica that took effect 1 September 2024. More info here.
  • There is a new (and "world first") study that found new limits to human heat tolerance (and at what point it becomes deadly). You know better not to let yourself or your workers get close to any uncomfortable or dangerous levels of heat, nevertheless you may find our updated 'Quick Guide to Working in Heat' useful.

New Products and Promotions:

  • Now available: TruaCut router bit selts and multi-tool blade kits

Upcoming Events:

  • The Great Spring Clean Up (September and October 2024):  Clean Up Australia is partnering with Bupa to organise this nationwide cleanup initiative aimed to improve the environment and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Bupa will also invest money in their community partners based on the steps people take during September as part of their Healthy Cities Challenge.
  • Comms Connect Melbourne 2024 (15-17 October, Melbourne): This critical communications expo for professionals in the Southern Hemisphere returns for its 16th year, connecting buyers with industry leaders and the latest technology.
  • Workplace Health and Safety Show (23-24 October, Sydney): Here is another opportunity to learn about new products, services and educational content related to workplace health and safety. The show will be held at the Dome, Sydney Showground. Register here for free tickets.

 

August Updates:

Business News:

  • Australian Taxation Office (ATO) reminds the public that fuel tax credit rates have changed recently, so it's important to use the correct rates when claiming on your business activity statement (BAS). Check if you're eligible, use the fuel tax credit calculator to determine your claim, and keep records to support it.
  • Business.gov.au discusses what a side hustle is and how it's different from a hobby. It also covers if you need to pay tax on your side hustle and how to register your business.
  • The Fair Work Ombudsman reminds the public that effective 26 August 2024 (or 2025 for small businesses), eligible employees in Australia will have the right to refuse work-related communication outside of their working hours, unless the request is deemed reasonable. This new "right to disconnect" aims to improve work-life balance and is supported by updates to awards and protections under the Fair Work Act.
  • The Fair Work Ombudsman reminds the public that effective 26 August 2024, the new definition of "casual employment" provides a clearer pathway to permanent employment, and outlines new responsibilities for both employees and employers. The new rules aim to address loopholes and protect the rights of casual workers. Here's a useful information statement that answers the important FAQs.
  • In a landmark decision, the Australian High Court has ruled that corporations can now be held directly liable for predatory business models, even if no individual employee is found to have broken the law. This decision paves the way for greater corporate accountability.

Cybersecurity:

  • A recent Cyber Wardens report highlights that small businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats like unauthorised email access, fake invoices and bank account compromises, which can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and disruption of operations.
  • The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) warns the public to be on the lookout for email scams impersonating them. These emails try to trick you into downloading malware. If you get a suspicious email, don't click on any links and report it to the ACSC.

Worh Health and Safety:

  • An Australian Government department faces charges for breaching work health and safety laws after a child was severely burned by a plasma globe exhibit at Questacon in 2022. The department allegedly failed to address the fire risk posed by alcohol-based hand sanitizer and the plasma globes, resulting in the child's injuries.
  • Australian Physiotherapy Association reports in its recent survey a high prevalence of work-related injuries and pain among Australian tradies, emphasising the need for accessible pain management and preventive strategies, particularly physiotherapy, to address this issue affecting the backbone of Australia's workforce.
  • Safe Work Australia (SWA) has updated its WHS prosecutions dashboard with the latest 2023 data,  which reveals 293 prosecutions for workplace safety breaches, resulting in over $39 million in penalties, where 15% of these cases involved fatalities, highlighting the severe consequences of non-compliance.
  • One of SWA's quarterly newsletter update is about how hearing loss can be a serious workplace hazard. They warned that prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause temporary or permanent damage to your hearing.
  • The ACT Industrial Court fined two companies and an individual a total of $757,500 for serious breaches of WHS Legislation. WorkSafe ACT said this is "the first successful prosecution of its kind in the ACT".
  • A sole trader in Perth has been fined $10,000 for illegally removing asbestos fencing from a property. The individual, who claimed to be licensed but was not, was found guilty of carrying out asbestos removal work without the necessary authorization. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of licensing requirements for asbestos removal to ensure safety and compliance. 

Local Goverment:

  • New South Wales: Local and state governments in NSW have signed a new agreement to strengthen councils and provide more stability for communities. The agreement focuses on financial sustainability, democratic local government and ongoing collaboration.It includes a review of the rate peg and a commitment to no council mergers or boundary changes.
  • Queensland: The Queensland Remembers Grants Program is now accepting applications for its fourth round. The programme offers funding for building upgrades, memorial restorations, commemorative events and more, all to honor and support our Queensland veterans. Applications close 23 September.
  • Victoria: The City of Melbourne is offering grants of up to $10,000 to support business events that take place in Melbourne. The Business Event Sponsorship Program is designed to help promote business development in the city. Events must have at least 100 attendees to be eligible. Applications close 9 September.
  • Victoria: The Victorian Building Authority has collected $2 million in fines from builders and plumbers for offences including non-compliant work and fraudulent conduct.
  • Western Australia: A Bunbury tradesman has been hit with a hefty fine for failing to complete essential work on a project, highlighting the importance of adhering to industry standards and regulations. This case serves as a reminder for all professionals to ensure that their work meets the required specifications to avoid penalties. 

 

July Updates:

Business News:

Health and Safety:

Product Safety: