News

Albanese proposes $10,000 bonus for apprentice builders

Albanese to announce $10,000 cash bonuses for apprentices in residential construction at National Press Club.

Published

8 months ago

January 24, 2025

ticker NEWS

Albanese to announce $10,000 cash bonuses for apprentices in residential construction at National Press Club.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will announce a new policy at the National Press Club, offering a $10,000 cash bonus to apprentices in residential construction. This incentive aims to support the training of the next generation of tradespeople and address workforce shortages in a sector facing significant challenges.

The funding, totalling $626.9 million, is meant for over 60,000 apprentices, with payments made in five $2,000 instalments throughout their apprenticeship. However, previous similar initiatives, such as a scheme for green jobs, attracted only 2,200 participants, indicating potential difficulties in reaching the target.

Albanese’s address marks a year since he introduced changes to stage three tax cuts. He aims to tackle the housing crisis by increasing the number of new homes, with a goal of 1.2 million in five years. Achieving this will require 90,000 additional workers, as identified by construction industry leaders.

The announcement will also include plans to increase allowances for apprentices living away from home and a commitment to making fee-free TAFE subsidies permanent, allowing more Australians to gain vocational skills without financial barriers.

Labor’s housing strategy contrasts with the Coalition’s approach, which supports first homebuyers using superannuation savings for deposits. The debate over vocational training continues, with calls to encourage trades over university degrees, highlighting the importance of skills in the current economic climate.

Leaders

Cyber security shifts redefine critical infrastructure in APAC

Cyber security evolution prompts redefinition of critical infrastructure in Asia Pacific amid rising digital threats

Published

2 hours ago

October 2, 2025

Nathan Langridge

Cyber security evolution prompts redefinition of critical infrastructure in Asia Pacific amid rising digital threats.

In Short:
– Cyber security incidents in Asia Pacific redefine critical infrastructure, expanding its scope beyond just industrial machinery.
– New strategies emphasise visibility to protect crucial sectors like banking, finance, and telecommunications from cyber threats.

The rise in cyber security incidents in Asia Pacific is reshaping the definition and protection of critical infrastructure. New digital and operational technology risks are prompting stakeholders to reconsider conventional beliefs that critical infrastructure is primarily industrial machinery behind high fences.

Michael Fisher from Garland Technology discusses this evolving landscape. Critical infrastructure now encompasses essential services such as banking, finance, and telecommunications, expanding beyond traditional definitions.

The convergence of IT and operational technology (OT) networks increases cyber security risks. Many OT services were not designed with cyber security in mind, leaving them vulnerable to cyber attacks. Industries most at risk include telecommunications, banking, finance, and utilities, where any disruption can significantly impact society.

Increased Visibility

Fisher highlights that traditional cyber security alone is insufficient to secure these infrastructures. Effective protection requires a new approach focused on visibility. Garland Technology’s mission is to provide visibility to upstream cyber security platforms, eliminating blind spots.

Governments and businesses must recognise their roles in combatting cyber threats. Australia’s Security of Critical Infrastructure Act is a step towards increasing corporate responsibility in recognising critical infrastructure and ensuring compliance with security measures.

News

Electric vehicles transform last mile delivery market

Australia’s last-mile delivery is rapidly adopting electric vehicles, fueled by green initiatives and insights from expert Joe Sofra.

Published

23 hours ago

October 1, 2025

ticker NEWS

Australia’s last-mile delivery is rapidly adopting electric vehicles, fueled by green initiatives and insights from expert Joe Sofra.

The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) for last mile delivery is accelerating globally, with Australia expected to see significant growth.

Companies and retailers are increasingly adopting greener solutions, driven by supporting government initiatives.

Joe Sofra from ANC discussed the current state of the last mile EV market.

#ElectricVehicles #Sustainability #LastMileDelivery #Innovation #Australia

News

Trump gives Hamas ultimatum for Gaza peace plan acceptance

Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region

Published

2 days ago

October 1, 2025

Ahron Young

Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region

In Short:
– Trump gives Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, warning of consequences.
– Hamas calls the plan biased and insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal before considering any agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump has given Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza, warning of severe consequences if they reject it.The plan, shared by mediators Qatar and Egypt, emerged after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed it during a visit to the White House. Hamas, which was not part of the talks, is expected to review the proposal that calls for disarmament, a previously rejected demand.

Trump stated that support for the plan came from both Israeli and Arab leaders, and he emphasised the need for Hamas to respond promptly. The proposal includes a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and disarmament of Hamas, along with a transitional government.

A Hamas source described the plan as biased towards Israel and containing unacceptable conditions.

The group maintains that a complete Israeli withdrawal is a prerequisite for their agreement to any deal, while they are unwilling to disarm.

Pressure Mounts

Hamas faces significant pressure as foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt have supported the initiative. Turkey’s intelligence head is also set to join discussions in Doha, marking a new level of mediation.

Despite expressing initial support, Netanyahu is cautious about the plan’s implications for Palestinian statehood and faces pressure from his coalition. Public sentiment in Gaza reflects a desire for peace, albeit with scepticism about the sincerity of both Trump and Netanyahu’s commitments.