Engineering shortage threatens growth
An annual survey by Consult Australia has warned that engineering skills shortages will continue to constrain Australia’s growth and limit innovation. Consult Australia’s Engineering Skills Survey warns that Australia’s ability to design and deliver an estimated $400 billion in infrastructure over the next 10 years is under threat.
75 jobs to go in FPC restructure
The state government has announced up to 75 staff at the Forest Products Commission will be offered voluntary redundancies as part of a restructure plan, following big losses at the forestry agency. Forestry Minister Terry Redman says most of the staff cuts will occur over the next two years, and will bring the organisation back to a sound financial position.
$480m for Perth airport infrastructure
The federal government has promised to contribute up to $480 million towards a $600 million upgrade of infrastructure around Perth Airport, if elected. Prime Minister Julia Gillard made the WA Gateway announcement while on the campaign trail in Perth last Friday. The area takes in the marginal seat of Hasluck.
Criticism over Red Bull decision
Tourism WA has hit back at criticism from industry that the agency has failed to develop alternative major events for the state following the announcement that WA’s flagship event, the Red Bull Air Race, has been cancelled. Tourism WA chairman, Kate Lamont told WA Business News that, while she was surprised and disappointed at the news, it was all part of the highly competitive commercial events industry around the world.
Coalition promise to drop company tax
The federal coalition has announced it will reduce the rate of company tax to 28.5 per cent from July 1 2013, and introduce a range of measures to assist small businesses. The measure, costing $2.55 billion over the forward estimates, will be funded from savings already announced. Meanwhile, companies earning over $5 million will pay a 1.5 per cent levy to fund the coalition’s paid paternity leave scheme.