Business

Climate disclosures: what manufacturers need to focus on now

Martin Fryer, Head of Strategy and Disclosures, thinkstep-anz Climate risk is now a financial reporting issue. The Australian Sustainability Reporting Standard (AASB) S2 Climate-related Disclosures asks organisations to explain how climate-related risks and opportunities could affect their business performance and future plans. For manufacturers in Group 2 and 3, this means preparing to disclose information that is decision-useful for investors, lenders and regulators. The focus is on understanding where climate could affect the business, and how those impacts are reflected in financial outcomes and strategic planning. Who needs to report when: Reporting group Reporting starts First report due (FY) Thresholds (meet 2 of 3) Group 1 From 1 January 2025 After 30 June 2026 $500m revenue, $1b assets, 500 employees Group 2 From 1 July 2026 After 30 June 2027 $200m revenue, $500m assets, 250 employees Group 3 From 1 July 2027 After 30 June 2028 $50m revenue, $25m assets, 100 employees Find additional information here What AASB S2 is asking organisations to do At its core, AASB S2 connects climate with enterprise value. It is built around one key question: Would this information matter to someone making a financial decision about the business? To answer that, organisations need to: identify climate-related risks and opportunities assess which ones are significant explain how they affect the business and financial outcomes show how they are being managed. The AASB’s recently released educational material offers a few practical points: Materiality requires judgement Organisations need to assess which climate issues are significant enough to influence decisions by users of their financial reports. This involves both qualitative and quantitative considerations. Link to financial outcomes It is not enough to describe risks. You need to show how they affect revenue, costs or asset values. Transparency builds credibility Clear disclosure of assumptions, ranges and limitations is encouraged. […]

Australian Composites Manufacturing CRC appoints Luke Preston as new CEO

The Australian Composites Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (ACM CRC) has announced that its board has appointed highly experienced engineering manager and entrepreneur Luke Preston as the new full-time CEO, as the CRC builds on the successful first three years of its ten-year term. Preston’s career includes roles as Head of Engineering and Drone Operations at Quickstep Group and Industrialisation Director at Carbon Revolution–both leading Australian companies in composites manufacturing–as well as Manager, Manufacturing Engineering-General Assembly at Tesla Motors in the United States. He has been acting CEO since January, following the departure of Dr Steve Gower. “It’s an absolute privilege to be appointed as CEO. I began my career in manufacturing at Ford Australia, being given opportunities that may no longer exist. I feel a responsibility to re-create pathways for Australians to contribute through manufacturing,” said Preston. “The CRC is three years into our 10-year journey. We have established strong foundations and are well positioned to lean into the fast-changing landscape in AI-enabled manufacturing. “Australia is blessed with strong capability through the skills and smarts of our workforce, combined with an abundance of resources to refine and manufacture into products for Australians and the world. ACM CRC is excited to accelerate the R&D required to enable the execution. “This Australian value creation and self-sufficiency allow Australia to navigate the changing economic order, where products will be made by the smartest nations, not those with the lowest cost of labour.” ACM CRC began operations in January 2023, and has supported and successfully executed industry-led projects with applications including surviving the incredibly high temperatures in orbital rocket launches and hypersonic flight, automating manufacture of smart surfboards, and structural health monitoring for offshore structures. The CRC involves over 30 partners, and has long-term goals including transforming Australia’s established composite technologies capability into a world-class, highly automated, digitally enabled network of designers, manufacturers and service providers, as well as enabling […]

Australia secures trade deal with EU

After 8 years of negotiations, Australia has secured a landmark trade deal with the European Union, the world’s second largest economy. The Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement will lower trade and investment barriers between Australia and the European Union – a market of around 450 million people. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, together with the Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator the Hon Don Farrell and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Mr Maroš Šefčovič announced the conclusion of negotiations for a free trade agreement today which, together with the Australia-EU Security and Defence partnership, is a key aspect of our growing strategic relationship. The deal will strengthen our economic and strategic partnership; demonstrate our mutual commitment to open and rules-based trade; and diversify our trade – bolstering Australia’s competitiveness, growth and resilience in an increasingly uncertain global trade environment. The trade agreement will result in 98 per cent of the current value of Australia’s exports entering the European Union duty free. Australian farmers and producers will benefit from the elimination of almost all European Union tariffs on agricultural products. This includes wine, nuts, fruit and vegetables, honey, olive oil, most dairy products, wheat and barley, and seafood. For example, Australian wine producers and exporters will benefit to the tune of around $37 million annually with the removal of European Union import tariffs. For other important agricultural products, the agreement delivers commercially meaningful access through new or expanded tariff rate quota volumes, including for beef, sheep meat, sugar, rice, wheat gluten, skimmed milk powder and natural butter. The removal of most Australian tariffs on imports from the EU will make things like European wine, spirits, biscuits, chocolates and pasta cheaper at Aussie checkouts. Farmers and businesses will also benefit from […]

ChameleCo and SpacePort Australia create space education opportunities and facilities

The Chameleon Consulting Firm, based in the United States, https://www.chameleco.com/ and SpacePort Australia Pty Ltd have joined forces to conduct a feasibility study focused on integrating STEM training pathways, including practical spaceflight crew training and space environment orientation facilities. As humanity advances toward sustained space exploration and eventual colonization, the profile of space travelers will extend beyond traditional astronauts. Future exploration-class space missions (ECSMs) and extraterrestrial settlements will require a wide range of professionals, each needing training to operate and survive in space environments. With a focus on preparing the next generations for human spaceflight, Ms. Ambericent Cornett, CEO of The Chameleon Consulting Firm LLC, is developing practical training and acclimatisation models. Ms. Cornett brings multidisciplinary expertise spanning military intelligence operations, cybersecurity and technical program management, and public health as an infectious disease epidemiologist, complemented by leadership experience in fraud operations and advanced academic research as a quantum PhD candidate. SpacePort Australia Pty Ltd (SPA) is an ongoing initiative with over 16 years of development, including eight years of formalized operations (www.SpaceportAustralia.com.au). Dr. Gabrielle M. Caswell, Founder and CEO of SpacePort Australia Pty Ltd (SPA), established the organisation as an independent research hub prior to the formation of the Australian Space Agency. The organisation supports innovative research in space medicine, human performance, and biological and operational liveability in microgravity and space environments. Dr. Caswell serves in a rare practitioner-scholar capacity and is uniquely positioned as the only female working clinician to own and operate a spaceport. Both organisations share a mutual focus on education, research, and infrastructure development, with a commitment to creating practical and accessible pathways for individuals to pursue careers in the space sector. Ms. Cornett stated, “This partnership is mutually beneficial. We are aligned in addressing the challenges that space environments present to human survival. Success will […]

GDM Fast-Tracks Cashflow at Challenger Gold Mine

Great Divide Mining Ltd has moved to accelerate near-term cash generation at its wholly owned Challenger Gold Mine in Adelong, NSW, utilising historical mullock stockpiles on site for initial process plant feed. The mullock provides a low-cost and immediate production feed as commissioning works continue. The priority mullock sites — Currajong, Great Victoria/Annetts/Research, Donkey Hill and Radcliffe/O’Briens — comprise stockpiles ranging from 10,500 to 35,000 tonnes at average gold grades between 1.38g/t and 1.6g/t. “The mullock sits at surface, eliminating drilling and conventional mining costs, with short off-road haulage distances to the upgraded Challenger processing plant,” said CEO Justin Haines. “Seizing this opportunity materially strengthens the Company’s restart strategy,” he said. “This is exactly the kind of opportunity we look for at historic goldfields. The material is already mined, it’s sitting at surface, and at grades higher than some operating hard-rock mines,” Mr. Haines continued. “With record gold prices and minimal recovery costs, mullock processing provides a straightforward pathway to early cashflow while we continue ramp-up activities across the broader Challenger site,” he said Local contractor L.A. Broome Contracting will mobilise within two to three weeks to commence haulage of mullock to the ROM pad, ensuring consistent plant feed as commissioning progresses. GDM is taking a “treat-all” strategy to the mullock to maximise gold recovery. Challenger, part of GDM’s 70km² Adelong Project, is being recommissioned under a staged “crawl-walk-run” restart plan designed to establish commercial production while expanding operational capacity. “Cleaning up the mullock onsite is a win for the environment as well,” said Haines.

Swisslog “Ready for the Next” at Retail Fulfilment Show 2026

Swisslog will be showcasing the latest advancements in AutoStore High Throughput (HTP) Swisslog, a global leader in automated intralogistics solutions, will showcase its agile automation and software solutions at the 2026 Retail Fulfilment Show from 18-19 March at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. The Retail Fulfilment Show brings together retail and supply chain leaders seeking innovative solutions to improve fulfilment speed, scalability, and operational performance. Swisslog will be exhibiting at Stand 31 where it will share its “Ready for the Next” message to Australian and New Zealand retailers and e-commerce businesses. The stand will highlight the latest advancements in AutoStore High Throughput (HTP) and the power of integrated warehouse software. Next-level automation for Australian retailers As retail and e-commerce operations continue to face rising customer expectations, labour pressures, and increasing SKU complexity, flexible and high-performance automation has become critical. At the event, Swisslog will demonstrate how its expertise in designing and delivering AutoStore systems – enhanced by its proprietary SynQ software – helps retailers unlock higher throughput, maximise storage density and future-proof their fulfilment operations. “Retailers and e-commerce businesses need solutions that can evolve as quickly as their customers’ expectations,” said Steve Dimitrovski, Director of Sales, Swisslog Australia and New Zealand, who will be at the Swisslog stand, ready to discuss future-focused automation. “‘Ready for the Next’ reflects our commitment to delivering automation strategies that scale with growth, adapt to change, and provide long-term operational resilience.” Staying in-SynQ Swisslog will also be showcasing its proprietary SynQ software which is designed to sit at the heart of automated intralogistics, bringing together warehouse management, execution, material flow, and automation control into one unified platform. Built to orchestrate people, processes, and robotics across complex retail operations, SynQ connects inbound receiving through to order fulfilment and dispatch. The platform leverages real-time data, […]

Program launched to get more women working in manufacturing in Queensland

A new campaign has been launched to encourage more women into manufacturing as Queensland faces a critical skills shortage in the $28.9 billion sector. Ahead of International Women’s Day, Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) wants women and girls to know they have a critical role to play in building Queensland’s future and there are numerous job opportunities available to them. MSQ has created the Manufacturing Industry Influencer Program which showcases women who are building successful careers in manufacturing by working in jobs ranging from boilermakers and engineers to rocket designers. MSQ Acting CEO Kris McCue said it is important for women to see other women working in manufacturing because ‘if you see it, you can be it’. “Some workplaces are now seeing increased female participation, and that’s the trend we want to accelerate across the entire manufacturing sector.” The influencers will be visiting schools across Queensland and speaking at community forums and industry events to inspire the next generation, promote MSQ’s training and mentoring programs, and campaign for more women in manufacturing. Influencer Rebecca Linwood works at a leading rail and transit systems business in Maryborough and is known as the ‘safety lady’. “At our facility, more than 10 per cent of the workforce are women, working across boiler making, fitter and turner, safety, finance, purchasing, design and engineering,” Ms Linwood said. “Manufacturing can be fast-paced, exciting, and something you can be proud of. You can be yourself and still play an integral role in making manufacturing happen.” Around 170,000 people work in manufacturing across Queensland. MSQ delivers targeted workforce development programs to support manufacturers in building capability and addressing critical skills gaps across the sector. Creative technologist Steph Piper is based at the University of Southern Queensland and runs the Library Makerspace where students learn about manufacturing skills like 3D […]

The 4 x 4 World Class Productivity Simulation

Supercharge your productivity and learn how to apply Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools Access your CI maturity Create your CI action plan Unlock your operating excellence For leaders who are serious about driving efficiency, gaining clarity and implementing continuous improvement (CI) programs across their organisation – this workshop is for you. The World Class Productivity Simulation (The 4 x 4)is an internationally proven, hands-on learning experience that: *Accelerates team and leadership understanding of continuous improvement as a key tool to lift productivity and drive real change. *Heips you assess your own business CI maturity *Provides a clear roadmap on how to build a culture of continuous improvement *Identifies and prioritises where your business can get measurable productivity gains This is a dynamic experimental workshop where your team will engage, compete, collaborate and apply real-world tools in a simulated business environment. Your organisationwill see the impact of lean principles, operational discipline, and teamwork -immediately and tangibly. From workshop to workplace, real results that stick Practicial outcomes you can use immediately *A clear understanding of CI levers that drive efficiency *Shared language and framework for sustainable improvement *A roadmap to reduce rework, delays and waste *Strategies for lifting performance across functions *Insights and tactics on how and where to boost productivity across teams and functions Who it’s for For organisations at any stage of their continuous improvement journey, whether you’re just getting started or looking to take exisitng capability to the next level. Group size: 12-24 participants Delivered by: Argon and Co’s experienced facilitators Investment: $1,050 AUD per person + GST & travel expenses Location Course No. Course Type Dates-2026 Adelaide 4x4Au000 2-day AI March 10th & 11th Brisbane 4x4Au002 2-day AI […]

Why India joining the US alliance on AI tech is an opportunity for Australia

Arup George, Research Manager, UNSW Sydney India has formally joined the United States’ flagship international alliance on artificial intelligence (AI) supply chain security: “Pax Silica”. Officials from both countries signed the Pax Silica declaration on the sidelines of a major AI summit in New Delhi last week. This initiative seeks to bring together US “allies and trusted partners” to lead the global AI race. Australia was a founding member. While Taiwan looks set to keep dominating advanced AI chip manufacturing, it relies on a complex international supply chain, with critical aspects dominated by China. When essential elements come from a narrow set of suppliers, even minor disruptions can ripple globally. Diversity matters. That’s why Australia and India now have an opportunity to become essential international players. Why Washington is building an alliance AI is rapidly becoming a foundational resource of the 21st century across manufacturing, logistics, finance, healthcare, drug discovery and defence. The Pax Silica alliance recognises different countries play distinct and critical roles in building the tech that powers AI. For example, advanced chip-design expertise is concentrated in the US. Key semiconductor manufacturing equipment comes from the Netherlands and Japan. South Korea produces a small but important slice of the world’s AI computer chips. But the biggest chip maker by far is the tiny island nation of Taiwan. Healthcare AI robots at an exhibition at the India AI Impact Summit. AP The world’s chip factory Taiwan produces 90% of the world’s most advanced AI chips, designed by US firms such as Nvidia, Google and AMD. These firms overwhelmingly depend on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). This remains the only manufacturer that can produce the world’s most cutting-edge chips at scale. And their advantage extends beyond making chips. TSMC also possesses unique advanced packaging capabilities that integrate AI accelerators with high-bandwidth memory chips. This is essential for achieving the tight coupling of “compute” […]

The Interview: Shayne De la Force, Managing Partner & CEO LFI

Tell readers what LFI does? LFI Asia Pacific Pty Ltd is a quantum technology leadership firm. We work with industrial manufacturers to help them understand and navigate the economic consequences of quantum technology before those consequences become problems they can’t easily solve. We’re not a quantum technology company. We don’t sell hardware or software. What we provide is embedded leadership, working inside organisations as a virtual ‘Chief Quantum Officer’ function to give them the strategic clarity and structured preparation they need without the cost of a full-time quantum executive. Our clients are industrials in sectors like mining and resources, defence supply chain, advanced manufacturing, and energy which are the kinds of businesses that are already being affected by quantum-driven changes in their markets, even if they don’t yet recognise it as a quantum issue. Why have you chosen Newcastle, Australia as your Asia-Pacific base? It came down to what the region actually produces. Newcastle and the Hunter Valley anchor some of Australia’s most significant industrial sectors being coal and resources, defence manufacturing connected to the Hunter class frigate programme, advanced manufacturing, and energy. These are exactly the sectors where the economic pressure from quantum technology is becoming measurable first. When defence and aerospace primes begin flowing quantum readiness requirements down their supply chains, Tier 2 and Tier 3 manufacturers in those sectors will need to respond quickly. We wanted to be embedded in the industrial geography where that pressure will land, not in a capital city at arm’s length from it. Newcastle also has the infrastructure of a serious city with the industrial density of a region that still makes things. That combination is rare, and it’s exactly where we need to be. Where do you see areas of growth for the company? The clearest near-term growth is in […]

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