UNSW engineers develop hydrogen power retrofit for diesel engines

ENGINEERS from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney have successfully converted a diesel engine to run as a hydrogen-diesel hybrid engine – reducing CO₂ emissions by more than 85 percent in the process.

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CSIRO's new 'bushfire lab' gets to work

AUSTRALIA’s national science agency, CSIRO, has unveiled its new world-leading bushfire research facility in Canberra, to better understand how bushfires behave, what conditions make them worse, and the best ways to respond across the country.

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News Feature: Asia Pacific Cities Summit 2023, Brisbane

THE Asia Pacific Cities Summit (2023APCS) and Mayors’ Forum provided a wealth of information on how 140 cities globally are being shaped for better futures. Business Acumen was there and over the next few months a succession of important News Feature articles will be published from the Summit. Stay tuned.

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Featured Article

July 22, 2024

Climate and health technology leaders mark the Federal Budget up

BUDGET REACTION — MGA Thermal CEO, Mark Croudace had good things to say about how the Future Made in Australia program and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) Solar Sunshot program would dovetail successfully.

He said the Federal Budget “proves that, at a government level, Australia is getting more serious about looking to green energy in an…

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29/08/2024
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Issue #95

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AUSTRALIA’S MOST DYNAMIC
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How innovation is built in for
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Why astute access to capital
makes the difference.

Leading through knowledge,
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Latest Business News

26 Jul, 2024

Master Builders say Budget aims for holistic approach to housing ‘but not yet on target’

News Feature

BUDGET REACTION – Master Builders Australia said its members were seeking a Federal Budget that supports the very businesses who have the opportunity to boost economic growth, bring down inflation and build for all Australians but are currently hamstrung by their capacity and increasing costs to deliver: builders.

“The Federal…
26 Jul, 2024

Constructors highlight Budget for ‘investment not cost overruns’

News Feature

BUDGET REACTION -- The Federal Budget has reinforced the urgent need to tackle the escalating costs of infrastructure nationwide or more projects will be put at risk, according to the Australian Constructors Association (ACA).

ACA CEO Jon Davies said the $10.1 billion allocated to cover cost increases on existing projects,…
25 Jul, 2024

A ‘super’ sized investment in Aussie mums

News Feature

BUDGET REACTION – The 2024 Federal Budget confirmed a ‘super-sized’ investment in Australian parents through the landmark reform to pay superannuation on Government Paid Parental Leave from July 1, 2025.

This represents ‘a major stride forward’ to help close the gender super gap and deliver a financially stronger retirement for…
25 Jul, 2024

Australian researchers drive CAR-T anti-cancer therapies

Innovation

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

AN AUSTRALIAN biotech company has been the first to get Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the US for its work with CAR-T therapy, a type of personalised cancer immunotherapy treatment.

Basically, CAR-T stands for ‘Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell’. It’s named after the chimera,…

Innovative Australian Companies

Australian researchers drive CAR-T anti-cancer therapies

25 Jul, 2024

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

AN AUSTRALIAN biotech company has been the first to get Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the US…

Magic Valley ‘cultivates’ meat in the lab – no animal killing necessary

10 Jun, 2024

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

WHAT’S THE MARKET for cultivated beef or pork? That is to say, beef or pork produced in a laboratory that isn’t…

Aussie innovator creates unique abalone ‘reef ranch’

25 May, 2024

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

HOW DID Rare Foods in Western Australia turn an abalone ‘ranch’ with innovative artificial reefs into a listed…

Companies on the Move

July 10, 2024

Feeling right at home with remote work?

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

REMOTE work is now becoming the norm.

According to Chris McNamara, the chief revenue officer for the company…

The Dom curates and informs customers about brands – and why it chooses them

Jessica Booth becomes Biza.io’s first chief operations officer

Aussie courier innovator’s promise to zoom to you faster

KwikKopy has quick turnaround in its fortunes

Gold Hydrogen gets go-ahead on drilling for natural hydrogen in SA

Eldridge, Brightstar, Claure Group win agreement to buy Ausenco

People on the Move

April 27, 2024

Financial Services Council appoints new directors, boosts financial advice focus

THE Financial Services Council (FSC) has appointed four new directors to the FSC board, two sourced from its funds management membership, and two…

AFCA announces new directors Raylene Bellottie and Yien Hong

Constant Contact appoints new leader in Brisbane to accelerate Asia-Pacific growth

FSC appoints new board members Alexis George and Matt Rady

HTW elects Sheena Wilson as chair with Andrew Wellington deputy

Sajen Legal Sunshine Coast welcomes Vincent Berry as a director of the firm

Bluestar Energy Australia brings in Steve Jackson as MD

Vertiv completes Albertazzi CEO succession

Innovation

July 25, 2024

Australian researchers drive CAR-T anti-cancer therapies

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

AN AUSTRALIAN biotech company has been the first to get Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the US…

Magic Valley ‘cultivates’ meat in the lab – no animal killing necessary

Aussie innovator creates unique abalone ‘reef ranch’

Australia’s EMVision takes world lead in portable brain scan devices

Dimerix shows promise in treating ‘orphan’ kidney disease

UniSC researchers confront how to build ‘the best’ human-AI teams

Neuren Pharmaceuticals triggers up Australian biotech investment

Coviu has Australia’s telehealth covered

Trade

August 22, 2023

Widdison warns on the logic of today’s global logistics

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

THE GLOBAL supply chain has been caught up in a ‘perfect storm’ according to New…

Farmers say strong climate policy will deliver strong EU trade deal

Parliamentary Inquiry supports CPTPP trade expansion to include UK, Taiwan and South Korea

Taiwan puts forward its case to join the CPTPP

Asia-Pacific

November 14, 2023

AGP Sustainable Real Assets attracts strategic investment…

AGP SUSTAINABLE Real Assets (AGP), a Singapore-based global infrastructure and real assets developer and operator,…

Here to ‘future-shape’ 140 cities: Asia Pacific Cities Summit returns to Brisbane

Tammy Kassiou’s Philotimo Group works to uplift Timor-Leste

Upskilling takes off through Udemy platform

Digital Business

June 10, 2024

Gartner says AI is a ‘net creator’ of jobs

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

GOLDMAN SACHS predicts that 300 million jobs will be lost or degraded by…

Macquarie responds to Aust Govt cyber security moves so far

AI is the ‘defining’ tech trend in 2024 say Aussie IT leaders

Infoblox exposes cybercrime group VexTrio operating a huge criminal affiliate program targeting Australia

Editorial

February 22, 2021

Australia f-ed up

AS CLUMSY and debilitating as Facebook’s news feed ban has been – for thousands of businesses and community…

Australia needs leadership now, not rulership

Banks: here’s how to mean business instead of being mean to business

'Administrating' the administrators

Management

July 08, 2024

Get out of the ‘weeds’ – a new way for leaders to think and work

By Linda Scott, Thinking Leaders >>

AFTER 30 YEARS working with businesses of all shapes and sizes, I can’t tell you the number of times I have…

Hybrid workplaces are here to stay – but how do you get them to work?

Aussie insurance brokers: customer service harder than finding cover for natural disasters or cyber attacks

Ombudsman helps small businesses to resolve niggling, costly disputes

How savvy business leaders can best utilise freelancers and avoid miscalculations

Small business owners 'age up'

Power business 101: Lower electricity costs with fewer emissions

Opinion

January 04, 2023

Workforce productivity: what does it mean in a world driven by digital technology software AI and robotics?

OPINION by John Sheridan, Digital Business insights >>

FORMER TREASURY BOSS Ken Henry said, “something is desperately…

Time for super funds to be more transparent on investing in unethical practices

Solving the national construction crisis begins with data says Autodesk analysis

'Here's what I want to see in tonight's Federal Budget' – Scott Phillips

Disturbing healthcare leadership bias against women

If you can't measure it, you can't manage it

National Small Business Commissioners forum communique

Fitness industry taken away and cannot do take away

Business Travel & Events

July 09, 2024

Brisbane becomes Australia’s ‘bleisure’ capital – Corporate Traveller report

ACCORDING to flight booking data from Corporate Traveller, the major small-and-medium business travel division of Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG),…

Australia’s tourism promotion falls away as marketing costs climb

F1 Australian GP revs up record corporate crowds despite escalating cost of business

Nine insider ‘hacks’ for cutting business travel costs

Top travel perks for credit cardholders in 2023: Corporate Traveller analysis

Illuminating how business travel can help navigate global challenges

Hotels are in for radical change to navigate post-pandemic world

In Brief

May 18, 2024

Ombudsman urges govt to provide small business certainty over tax breaks

AUSTRALIAN Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, is urging Federal Parliament to give…

Success in the property today is ‘all about using the tech’…

RMIT expert sees similarities to 1980s and 90s recessions

Small business mental health and financial counselling…

Research & Books

July 03, 2023

Measurable AI launches report on ride-hailing across Asia and Americas 2019-23

HONG KONG – Measurable AI, the largest transactional e-receipt alternative data company for emerging markets, has…

HIA sees decline in new home sales 'accelerating'

'Money with Jess' takes gold at Smart WFM Australian…

Global Barometers show world economy slowdown running its…

News Feature

July 26, 2024

Master Builders say Budget aims for holistic approach to housing ‘but not yet on target’

BUDGET REACTION – Master Builders Australia said its members were seeking a Federal Budget that supports the very…

Constructors highlight Budget for ‘investment not cost overruns’

A ‘super’ sized investment in Aussie mums

Federal Budget makes first step in desperately needed university reform – NTEU

Regional Economic Development

June 24, 2024

Silver Mines looking at a better-than-golden opportunity

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

SILVER Mines Ltd is in a sweet spot.

Operating its mine out of Mudgee in central…

Master Builders welcome govt’s ‘first steps’ in attracting more tradies

Master Builders warns about new home starts sinking to 11 year low

Canberra Metro group to build and operate Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A

Manufacturing Acumen

August 13, 2023

Kangarama recycles PET bottles into stylish anti-viral medical scrubs

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

HOW DOES a company making scrubs carve out a niche?

Sydney-based Kangarama makes scrubs that are completely…

Nestle Professional boosts manufacturing innovation – starting with waste-saving Hot Chockee cups

Australia’s DroneShield provides UAV protection systems to Ukraine and beyond

Are resources companies helping drive Qld manufacturing revival?

Manufacturing-from-home the only option for some small businesses in COVID era

Mask u-turn set to create jobs

UniSA industry workshops help Defence sector innovation fight COVID-19 impacts

Aviation Acumen

March 13, 2023

Public Service Assoc. says privatisation of NSW POLAIR threatens community safety

THE Public Service Association of NSW (PSA) has warned that it was "gravely concerned" with recent developments at the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) Aviation Support Command (POLAIR).

Among other cultural and safety issues…

H3 Dynamics develops mobile hydrogen filling stations for UAVs

Brisbane ‘AI-rport’ uses Brainbox to cut emissions

Australia’s Monarc Global partners with UK’s Aviation Data Solutions

Monarc Global takes double win in Deloitte’s Tech Fast 50 Awards.

UNSW aviation conference to land heavily on COVID impact

Aviation tech leader Monarc Global joins forces with global company Portside

Automotive Acumen

June 21, 2024

Car sharing business is tried and Turo

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

IMAGINE being part of a car sharing business that you can turn into a side-business or hustle.

That’s the promise of Turo, a global car sharing marketplace that…

Proposed new emission standards may hit tradies says HIA

Australia’s SEA Electric partners with Zurich to back global commercial EV growth

UNSW team develops hydrogen fuel retrofit system for diesel engines

CarClarity loan platform is on the fast track

Falcon GTHO Phase III sells for $1.3m and Holden VS GTSR tops $750k

RACV pinpoints Victoria's cheapest cars to operate overall

Debt Recovery & Management

March 08, 2021

Ombudsman sounds alarm for small businesses as debt to ATO soars

THE retiring Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell has urged the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to refrain from…

Ombudsman welcomes 'debtor in possession' insolvency rule changes

Time to pay on time and time to pay say accountants

DG Institute warns on dangers of new credit file databases

Legal

April 24, 2024

How the right tech tools demonstrably improve a law firm’s bottom line

SEVERAL recent studies have shown that fee earners in small law firms are billing, on average, only about 2.02 hours per day. This is, clearly, a…

ATO lodges Federal Court application against former EY tax partner

Small Business Ombudsman supports ‘right-sized’ privacy changes for SMEs

Master Builders say case for construction watchdog remains strong

Acumen Archives

January 27, 2015

Less pain and effort now it’s Ezy-As

For many, the arduous task of donning compression stockings can be frustrating. This is especially true if the wearer is living independently,…

Ludowici revolutionary technology cleans coal, minerals

CatchLog: Unique Queensland company hooks global fishing…

Permaclean revolutionises cooling tower technology

Business Incubators

November 22, 2023

Boomerang Labs Accelerator revs up circular economy innovators

THIRTEEN NSW businesses have been selected to participate in Boomerang Labs’ six-month Accelerator program for late-stage circular economy…

Newcastle entices entrepreneurs to grow fast from its…

ACS welcomes Federal Government’s 2020 Cyber Security…

Defence Forces hackathon #Shockproof manoeuvres with ACS…

Queensland

October 09, 2023

Finalists named in 2023 Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards

FROM BUSINESS ICONS to emerging ‘next-gen’ talent, finalists in this year’s Lord Mayor’s Business Awards (LMBAs) celebrate the diversity of businesses harnessing a new wave of skills and expertise in…

Economics professor warns regional Queenslanders to ‘brace for more economic uncertainty’

2022 Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards finalists heralded

Stormbirds warn of reputational damage clouding business horizons

TransitCare now backed by Orcoda specialised vehicle fleet

Critical thinking as a leadership discipline

SpareBizSpace engineers a new kind of ‘space-age’

New South Wales

May 11, 2024

Upgraded Redfern parks help Sydney community connect to Country

REDFERN’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage will be at the heart of plans to upgrade three parks in one of Sydney’s most important growing communities.

More than 4,500…

Unit construction in NSW collapses under tax burden for foreign investors

Forum for Accelerating Research and Innovation in NSW draws enthusiastic support

Coles Nurture Fund backs Addison Road Community Centre efforts

Ceramisphere technology goes global

Adora Handmade Chocolates taste sweet expansion

Ocular Robotics envisions the future

Victoria

April 10, 2023

Melbourne innovates to stand up as a global investment destination

VICTORIA’s economy is being significantly boosted by the City of Melbourne investment body, which is designed to find innovative ways to attract key…

Wage Inspectorate Victoria helps 15,000 people in first year

Melbourne assists business events with $100k to attract workers back to CBD

From HR Gurus to Millennial who-do

NCS Group brings to account true strategic financial advisory services

Australian-developed VaultID brings financial inclusion to the world's 'Unbanked'

UGT International: it's all in the family

South Australia

September 25, 2019

Clarke Energy changes the power game

CLARKE ENERGY is building a reputation for being one of the most agile and innovative power generation suppliers in the country as Australia transitions to multi-source power generation.

The…