QUEENSLAND Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane has welcomed action from the Federal Government to encourage new investment from Japan in advanced coal-fired power stations in Australia.

“It’s common sense to make full use of our vast energy resources, including high-quality coal to run high-efficiency low-emissions (HELE) power stations,” Mr Macfarlane said. “And Queensland is the ideal place to build one.

“We have access to the best energy resources for a diverse energy mix that is affordable and reliable.

“Queensland’s high-quality coal is already being exported to other countries in our region for use in advanced coal-fired power stations including Japan, China and Korea.

“It makes economic sense to use those resources here in Australia too.”

Thousands of HELE units are already in use or under construction around the world, he said.

“Queensland is Australia’s energy super power, with our extensive reserves of high quality coal, gas and renewable resources,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Our gas resources are already keeping the lights on in the southern states, including in Victoria where gas development is banned. And we export electricity from our fleet of coal-fired power stations to NSW and Victoria to help power the national grid.

“Building a new HELE coal-fired power station in Queensland makes sense to further strengthen energy security for all Australians.

“We encourage the Commonwealth and all states and territories to finalise the National Energy Guarantee, which is technology neutral and will provide investment certainty for all types of power generation.”

www.qrc.org.au

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FROM TOMORROW, the fee to do an onlinePersonal Property Securities Register (PPSR) check will be only $2 — a reduction from $3.40.

Australians use the Personal Property Securities Register to check whether the second hand car they’re looking at buying doesn’t have any money owing on it.

A PPSR check will also tell potential buyers whether the car’s been reported as stolen or written off.

"Enter the details and with just one click, a quick motor vehicle search of the PPSR provides real time information that helps consumers make informed decisions before they buy," said Hamish McCormick, chief executive of the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA).

The PPSR is also used by businesses to register their interest in goods they provide until they receive final payment. Businesses can also use the PPSR to obtain credit — by using their goods and assets as collateral.

Registrations fees have also been reduced, with seven year registration to cost $6 instead of $6.80, $25 for a seven – 25 year registration (down from $34) and $115 for a registration with no end date (down from $119.)

Earlier this year, AFSA reviewed the PPSR fees and charges and proposed a reduction in most fees.

"AFSA has worked closely with stakeholders and users of the PPSR to propose these new fees. This is good news for Australian consumers and businesses, making the PPSR even more affordable,” Mr McCormick said.

www.ppsr.gov.au.

PPSR Background

The PPSR is the single, national online noticeboard of security interests in personal property in Australia. Personal property generally includes all forms of property other than land, buildings and fixtures.

Individuals or businesses can search the PPSR to check whether the valuable goods they want to buy are free from existing financed debt and safe from possible repossession.

Individuals or businesses can make a registration on the PPSR to show that they have a security interest in the goods they are supplying. If the customer doesn’t pay or becomes insolvent, they are in the best position to get their goods, or their value, back.

The PPSR can also be used by businesses to raise finance, using their goods and assets as collateral.

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DEFENCE is inviting research proposals from industry and universities to enhance the cyber capabilities of the Australian Defence Force.

Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne, said Australia must respond urgently to cyber threats which are becoming widespread and persistent.

“Malicious cyber activity costs Australian business and families over $1 billion every year, and malicious cyber activity from state and non-state actors is a threat to Australia’s national security,” Minister Pyne said.

“The government encourages Australia’s scientists and researchers to contribute to the development of cyber capabilities, which is a priority for national security. 

“We want academia and industry to collaborate with Defence Science and Technology, and CSIRO’s digital research network, Data61, to deliver technology developments and demonstrator systems within three to five years.

“It is critical that Australia develops a sovereign capability to protect our nation.”

Funding of up to $650,000 is being provided by the Next Generation Technologies Fund for the cyber research program.

Initial proposals will be funded for 12 months with the option of future funding for promising projects.

Applications close Wednesday August 15 with proposals to be submitted through the Defence Innovation website: http://bit.ly/2O6Ou48

Further information is available at www.dst.defence.gov.au/cyber

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THIS AUGUST is Tradies Health Month, and Safe Work Australia is reminding employers to protect their business’ greatest assets – their workers.

The nationwide initiative aims to raise awareness of work health and safety risks for tradies. Safe Work Australia’s CEO Michelle Baxter said worksites for tradies were hazardous by nature, and that employers have a duty to ensure their team is working safely.

“According to the latest WHS statistics, tradies make up almost one-third of Australia’s workforce, but they represent over half of the country’s serious workers’ compensation claims,” Ms Baxter said.

The most common serious claims for workers’ compensation are attributed to muscular stress while lifting, carrying or putting down objects.

“Injuries that tradies often experience include traumatic joint/ligament, and muscle/tendon injuries. Most distressingly, almost 50 tradies a year die from vehicle incidents,” Ms Baxter said.

Throughout August, Safe Work Australia will share resources on tradies’ health and safety by publishing a collection of data, videos, resources and information on our website. These can be accessed at any time, from any smartphone or tablet device.

“We want every tradie to go home safe. For more information and guidance on WHS in the trade industry, contact the local WHS regulator in your area,” Ms Baxter said.

“Serious injuries and fatalities will end up costing you more if you take shortcuts. Deadlines are serious, but injuries and fatalities are worse.”

Visit the www.swa.gov.au for resources, WHS contacts and general guidance on how to keep safe as a tradie.

Note: ‘Tradies’ are comprised of technicians and trades workers, labourers, and machinery drivers and operators.

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