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‘Super union’ merger sparks debate

‘Super union’ merger sparks debate

Union leaders celebrating the win. Image: CFMEU. BY ELIZABETH FABRI THE amalgamation of three of Australia’s largest unions to form a new 144,000 member- ‘super union’ has received a strong response from industry. In early March, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) approved the formation of the new union, CFMMEU, comprising the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia (TCFUA), and Maritime Union of Australia (MUA). CFMMEU, led by MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin, has combined assets of $310 million and annual revenue of about $150 million. Mr Crumlin said the approval of the merger was a “historic day” for Australian workers. “Wherever there is a need to defend the interests of Australian...

Australian Mining Review

WA commits $3b for cleaner energy as mining giant welcomes Hydrogen Headstart

WA commits $3b for cleaner energy as mining giant welcomes Hydrogen Headstart Australia is making progress towards decarbonising its industries and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with two recent developments highlighting the country's efforts to transition towards a cleaner energy future. WA has announced a $3b investment to combat climate change and transition towards a low-carbon future. The investment focuses on energy storage, wind power generation, and transmission network upgrades, with a goal of ensuring a stable and secure energy supply for its residents. In addition, Fortescue (ASX: FMG), one of the world's most successful iron...

Prevention and detection methods key

Prevention and detection methods key

For high risk and hard working industries such as mining, alcohol or drug use in the workplace puts businesses out of pocket and can seriously increase the threat of injury. By Cameron Drummond FOR high risk and hard working industries such as mining, alcohol or drug use in the workplace puts businesses out of pocket and can seriously increase the threat of injury. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) claims that most alcohol or drug (AOD) users are employed; all the more reason to address illicit substance use in the work place. While the majority of Australians don’t use drugs or alcohol at work, nearly 20 per cent of lost productivity costs in Australia are directly related to AOD...

Injunction fails to stop coal mine

Injunction fails to stop coal mine

THE Federal Court has dismissed a legal challenge by the Northern Inland Council for the Environment (NICE) to stop construction work at the Maules Creek coal project. Despite Whitehaven Coal having the necessary approvals to proceed with the project, NICE challenged the validity of the approval process led by former Environment minister Tony Burke. Whitehaven managing director and chief executive Paul Flynn said he was pleased to successfully defend the injunction. “This is obviously a positive result for the company,” he said. “The Maules Creek project has been through one of the most rigorous planning approval processes, at both state and federal levels, ever undertaken by a mine in NSW. “Coal production remains on target for the first quarter of...