Smart Manufacturing

Why “less is more” may be the trick on ESG

By Paul Eastwood, Managing Partner of Argon & Co As pressure builds around climate action and ESG performance, organisations are feeling the heat. Regulators, investors, customers, and employees are demanding more transparency, faster progress, and deeper commitments. And in a world increasingly flooded with ESG frameworks, standards, and compliance checklists, the instinctive response can be to launch a flurry of initiatives across carbon, diversity, packaging, and human rights. To launch long lists of actions to meet multiple compliance requirements, satisfy different stakeholder groups, follow perceived best practices… But trying to do everything at once rarely delivers the desired impact. This is especially the case for mid-sized organisations, which often lack the dedicated ESG teams or specialised systems to manage the growing volume of expectations. Instead of improved ESG outcomes, doing too much can often lead to fragmented efforts, limited return on investment, and internal fatigue. Teams become overburdened. Leadership loses visibility. The pace of progress slows. Accountability is diluted. And so, even if it may feel counterintuitive, there’s actually a growing case for doing less when it comes to ESG, in order to gain more. Because by narrowing focus to the ESG areas that matter most, organisations can align sustainability with business priorities and deliver outcomes that are clear, credible, and lasting. This is often both more manageable, and also more effective. So how exactly can organisations identify a smaller set of high-impact areas in which to direct ESG efforts that align with business relevance, operational capability, and stakeholder value? What moves the needle, matters The trick is to remember that not all ESG initiatives are created equal. The Pareto Principle – the idea that 20 percent of efforts drive 80 percent of results – dictates that a handful of well-chosen actions can deliver the lion’s share of impact. This […]

Would a corporate tax cut boost productivity in Australia?

Isaac Gross, Lecturer in Economics, Monash University The first term of the Albanese government was defined by its fight against inflation, but the second looks like it will be defined by a need to kick start Australia’s sluggish productivity growth. Productivity is essentially the art of earning more while working less and is critical for driving our standard of living higher. The Productivity Commission, tasked with figuring out how to get Australia’s sluggish productivity back on track, is pushing hard for corporate tax cuts as a key part of their plan for building a “dynamic and resilient economy”. The idea? Lower taxes will attract more foreign investment, get businesses spending again and eventually boost workers’ productivity. Commission chair, Danielle Wood, said last week while the commission wanted to create more investment opportunities, it was aware this would hit the budget bottom line: So we’re looking at ways to spur investment while finding other ways we might be able to pick up revenue in the system. The general company tax rate is currently 30% for large firms, and there’s a reduced rate of 25% for smaller companies with an overall turnover of less than A$50 million. What the textbooks and other countries tell us The Productivity Commission’s theory makes sense: if you make capital cheaper and you should get more of it flowing in. A larger stock of capital means there is more to invest in Australian workers. This should make us more productive and help boost workers’ wages. And looking overseas, the evidence mostly backs this up. A meta-analysis of 25 studies covering the US, UK, Japan, France, Germany, Canada, Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, Portugal and Finland found every percentage point you slice off the corporate tax rate brings in about 3.3% more foreign direct investment. Other research shows multinational companies really do move their operations […]

ON Accelerate 9 showcases national innovation potential in deep tech

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, celebrated the progress and achievements of its latest ON Accelerate cohort at a showcase in Melbourne yesterday. ON Accelerate tackles the barriers that hold deep tech research back, fast-tracking breakthrough ideas into real-world applications and market-ready ventures. The showcase highlighted the incredible strides made by the 11 deep tech teams since the three-month program began in April. Each team was selected for their groundbreaking solutions and ideas at the cutting edge of technology, including drug development, healthcare delivery and sustainability. The ON Accelerate 9 cohort has collectively reached several key milestones, including over $33.8 million in grant funding and capital investment, demonstrating their potential to address critical market needs and drive financial progress. Each of the 11 teams achieved technology validation through the program, with their accomplishments ranging from advancing novel medical treatments and diagnostic tools to developing sustainable industrial solutions. Dr Jen Taylor, Executive Director of Future Industries at CSIRO, highlighted the impact of this year’s cohort in industries vital to Australia’s future, including biotech and healthcare innovation. “We’re incredibly proud to support the next wave of Australian researchers endeavouring to solve society’s most critical challenges,” Dr Taylor said. “Establishing connections with the broader innovation ecosystem, including mentors, investors and customers, is crucial for success, yet no easy feat, and continues to be a key barrier impacting Australian research translation. “We’re committed to breaking down these barriers and unlocking pathways for success, ensuring this cohort continues on its impressive growth trajectory to boost Australia’s global research competitiveness and contribute to future economic growth.” Dr Brennan Mills of I-VADE, from Edith Cowan University, was announced as the ON Accelerate 9 recipient of the esteemed 2025 Stanford Australia Foundation Hawkins Ueland & CSIRO ON scholarship. The scholarship offers an ON Accelerate alum the opportunity to […]

Got Solar? Share the power: National energy trial needs volunteers

Australians with rooftop solar are being invited to take part in a first-of-its-kind research project exploring how communities can buy and sell clean energy directly with each other. Led by Deakin Business School, the Virtual Energy Network (VEN) study is testing how households and small businesses can benefit from peer-to-peer energy trading – allowing those with solar or battery systems to sell their excess energy to others who don’t have solar but want to access greener, cheaper power. ‘This is a potential game changer for how we share renewable energy,’ said Dr Andrea La Nauze, the project’s lead researcher and an energy economist at Deakin University. ‘It’s about empowering people with solar to decide where their surplus power goes and how much they charge for it, while giving more Australians access to clean energy – even if they can’t install panels themselves.’ The trial is now recruiting 400 participants from across Australia, including individuals and community groups, to join an online platform where sellers and buyers of energy can connect based on pricing preferences. Participants don’t need to live in the same suburb – or even the same state – but they do need to be with the same energy retailer. Sellers could include households, small businesses, or even larger operations with multiple properties. For example, parents could share their excess energy with their children or other extended family members to help with cost-of-living pressures. Buyers, meanwhile, can benefit by accessing power that’s cheaper than typical electricity prices, while supporting local renewable energy use. The VEN trial is funded through Energy Consumers Australia’s Grants Program and delivered in partnership with QuantumNRG, ReThink Sustainability and WinZero. Dr La Nauze said the project was inspired by a successful community-led energy trading initiative in Wingecarribee, NSW, and could help lay the foundation for […]

Kemppi Australia launches 2025 Art of Welding Competition

Kemppi Australia has officially opened entries for its 2025 Art of Welding Competition, a unique event celebrating creativity in metalwork. Participants are invited to showcase their welding artistry through sculptures, patterned designs, motifs, or crafted objects. Entries can be created using traditional manual welding or advanced techniques such as robotics, lasers or friction welding. Now in its sixth year, the competition continues to attract a diverse mix of professional artists and enthusiastic amateurs. “It’s inspiring to see artistic talent thriving not only among seasoned metal artists but also welders, apprentices, educators, and hobbyists,” said Stuart Orr, Sales Director, Kemppi Australia. The 2025 competition also includes a dedicated amateur category. Entrants can win from a pool of four outstanding prizes which includes a specific prize for the amateur category. Winners will receive top-tier Kemppi welding gear, including helmets, apparel, gloves, and cutting-edge equipment. Open to residents of Australia and New Zealand aged 18 and over, the competition runs until Tuesday, 30th September. For entry details, visit Kemppi Australia on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, or reach out via direct message on social media. Alternatively, email skettos@skettos.com.au for a copy of the competition flyer.

Year13 is growing up with appointment of ex-Atlassian leadership

In a bold move to double down on becoming an AI native company and expanding globally. Atlassian’s Pirow Cronje has been appointed Head of Operations at Year13 as the youth-focused tech company moves to become 100% AI native. Cronje will lead the optimisation of Year13’s product, tech and commercial strategy, drawing on his 10 years of experience at Atlassian to disrupt the company’s operations and bring AI to the forefront. “We’re thrilled to have Pirow join the team as we are reimagining the business to have an AI-first product stack and expand our offering into global markets,” says Will Stubley, Year 13 Co-Founder and Co-CEO. “AI allows us to catapult ideas further than we imagine. We can move faster, build smarter and personalise the support we provide to truly meet students where they are and where the world’s heading. Pirow will play a critical role in implementing our vision.” Pirow spent nearly 10 years at Atlassian leading financial planning & analysis in Australia to support corporate planning, Jira product and R&D leadership in preparation for IPO. He went on to lead the implementation of various customer strategy initiatives, across analytics, program management, marketing and research teams. “I’m thrilled to join Year13 as they transition to becoming AI-native,” says Pirow. “Year13 are long-standing leaders in tech and education, and I look forward to contributing to their global development and growth.” Pirow follows in the footsteps of veteran Atlassian product and engineering alumni, Nick Menere and Mark “Chai” Chaimungkalanot, who joined Year13 in 2023. Nick and Mark are heading up company-wide efforts to rebuild their entire suite of digital tools with AI at the core, including a new AI Agent program that provides students with 24/7, personalised support, at scale, which is currently in beta testing. “Our mission is to be […]

Spirit Marine appointed distribution partner for Sunpower Yachts

Leading Queensland boat dealer Spirit Marine has been appointed the exclusive distributor for solar electric yacht company Sunpower Yachts. This partnership will see Spirit Marine promote Sunpower and its range of Solar e-Cruiser, Solar e-Sail, Solar e-Poweryachts, Solar e-Superyachts exclusively to the Queensland market. Following its recent acquisition of Alva Yachts GmBH, Australian-owned Sunpower is now the world’s largest solar electric yacht company. For Spirit Marine founder Peter Nicholson this announcement marks a personal milestone for himself and the brokerage as he has long been a passionate advocate for Sunpower’s combination of craftsmanship and technology. “Sunpower is at the forefront of solar electric yachting, consistently setting a benchmark in efficiency, performance, comfort and environmental responsibility, whilst still producing sleekly designed vessels,” said Mr Nicholson. “Following its recent acquisition of Alva Yachts GmBH, the firm is well-positioned to build on its existing reputation as a leader in the luxury eco-yacht market. This combination of cutting-edge technology, performance and luxury is why Spirit Marine is so excited about this announcement as we see this having the potential to become one of the country’s leading boating brands.” Spirit Marine is a leading Australian bespoke boat dealer with operations spanning Queensland, and is Beneteau’s Queensland partner for their outboard power and sailboat ranges – including the highly successful Antares range which targets the cruiser market. Sunpower Yachts is the global leader in solar electric yachting and has already sold 12 yachts ranging from 44ft-90ft. With the world’s largest fleet of innovative, eco-friendly vessels, they\’re setting the standard for sustainable luxury on the water. Its yachts combine cutting-edge solar technology with exceptional design, offering a seamless blend of performance, elegance, and environmental responsibility. Sunpower Yachts spokesperson Grant Hudson is looking forward to working with partners like Spirit Marine as the brand seeks to become one […]

Manufacturing training at the Central Coast Interim Skills Hub

Central Coast manufacturing leads the way in sustainable innovation

The Central Coast’s standing as one of Australia’s first certified ECO Destinations extends far beyond its beaches and bushland. A new wave of sustainable innovation is emerging from the region’s manufacturing sector, highlighted by local businesses redefining what it means to operate responsibly, with global impact. At the forefront is Signarama Tuggerah, winner of the 2024 Hunter Manufacturing Award for Excellence in Sustainable Operations. Their cutting-edge signage solutions, developed in collaboration with Spandex, HP, and Avery Dennison, debuted on the world stage at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The result? Recyclable, reusable signage that cut carbon emissions by 22% and met global performance standards. Powered by solar energy, using PVC-free materials and water-based inks, Signarama reduced energy use by 34% and landfill waste by 15% in just 12 months. Hunter Manufacturing Awards Chair Jacqui Daley says their pioneering work in sustainable signage was showcased on the world stage for the Australian Olympic Committee at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. “This wasn’t just signage – it was a statement. They designed, developed and delivered world first recyclable and reusable signage solutions. The project reduced carbon emissions by 22% and proved sustainable signage can meet global performance standards.” Hunter Manufacturing Awards Board Member and Executive Director of Central Coast Industry Connect Frank Sammut believes the region is at the forefront of an industrial transformation. “The Central Coast is proving that manufacturing and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. Businesses are creating smarter, greener, globally competitive models, right here in our backyard.” Central Coast manufacturing highlights AGRANA Fruit – Central Mangrove Runs on 100% renewable electricity from wind and solar. On track to achieve zero landfill waste this year, circular packaging by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2040. 4 Seasons Insulation – West Gosford Reduces household energy consumption through smart insulation solutions. Offers sustainable […]

As the Latrobe Valley moves away from coal jobs, could a green worker’s cooperative offer a solution?

Gregory Patmore, Emeritus Professor of Business and Labour History, University of Sydney. Worker cooperatives may sound like something out of the 19th century, but they still exist in the age of global capitalism. In Spain, for instance, the Mondragon Corporation is a huge worker-run cooperative based around 95 collectives – the largest cooperative in the world. Worker cooperatives produce products or services. But they are run very differently. Workers can become members of the cooperative they work for by buying a share of the business. This gives them a vote in how the business is run and a share of net income, after costs have come out. Co-ops do not have external shareholders – the profits stay with workers. Rather than bosses deciding and workers carrying out the tasks, worker cooperatives are based on democratic principles. Big decisions are discussed and then voted on, and each member gets one vote. They offer a direct way for workers to control their production and shape the economy. In Australia, these models peaked in the 1980s. Most are gone, though a few older cooperatives are still running, such as Tasmanian recycling cooperative Resource Work Collective, founded in 1993. In recent years, there’s been renewed interest in the model. The Earthworker cooperative network focused on Victoria’s Latrobe Valley. The goal: find new types of employment and products in a coal area undergoing transition. Coal plants in the Latrobe Valley provided jobs for generations of workers. Their closure poses real challenges. Pictured: worker hardhats left on the fence at Hazelwood Power Station after it closed in 2017. Dorothy Chiron/Shutterstock How well does the model work? Mondragon is the most well-known example. Founded in 1956 in the Basque region of northern Spain, Mondragon grew and became self-sustaining. It has developed supporting institutions such as research and development companies and even a university. It also established a credit […]

Electric hybrid vessel Hunter manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing is driving innovation on the Mid-North Coast

From iconic household brands like Milo to next-generation marine rescue and defence vessels, the mid-north coast is emerging as a powerhouse of advanced manufacturing in Australia. With a $32 million investment into Nestlé’s Smithtown factory, a suite of government funding initiatives, and major contract wins by local manufacturers, the region is proving that world-class innovation can thrive outside capital cities. Jacqui Daley, Chair of the Hunter Manufacturing Awards, says the Mid North Coast is poised for a manufacturing renaissance. In the picture: Carbon fibre crop dusting drone, capable of crop dusting one hectare in two minutes. “We are seeing a powerful wave of innovation driven by local manufacturers who are combining legacy craftsmanship with future-focused technology,” said Ms Daley. In March 2025, the NSW Government launched an $800,000 Regional Manufacturing Pilot Program, focused on boosting productivity and competitiveness across regional manufacturing hubs, including the mid-north coast. The Federal Government has also committed $25 million to help NSW industries adopt low-emission technologies and enhance sustainable practices to support a new era of clean, green manufacturing. “Providing small to medium businesses with access to expert advice to find ways to cut waste, improve efficiency, and deliver better products is a fantastic initiative. The goal is to help local manufacturers become more competitive, reduce costs, and grow stronger businesses, which means more jobs and stronger economies in regional communities,” Ms Daley said. The Mid-North Coast is home to manufacturers with local, national and international reach with Birdon in Port Macquarie building maritime vessels for defence forces in Australia and the US, and a number of other international military forces and government agencies, while AE Gibson & Sons in Kendall continues to lead in the design, engineering and manufacture of special purpose industrial machinery and automation systems. Steber International, a Taree-based manufacturer of premium […]

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