INDUSTRY NEWS
APPOINTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS OMBUDSMAN The Australian Government has appointed the Honorable Mr Bruce Billson as the new Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.
QUEENSLAND MOBILISES EXPERT HYDROGEN TEAM The Palaszczuk Government has appointed a specialist hydrogen team of industry experts to unleash Queensland’s hydrogen potential and the thousands of jobs that will flow from it. Minister for Energy, Renewables, and Hydrogen, the Hon. Mick de Brenni MP, announced in Parliament that Professor Peta Ashworth OAM would lead a seven-member expert taskforce to fast track the establishment of a sustainable hydrogen supply chain. “Queensland will lead Australia’s effort to be a world leader in renewable hydrogen, and our Hydrogen Taskforce will ensure that we seize this opportunity,” Mr de Brenni said. “The Hydrogen Taskforce brings together industry, academic, and public sector leaders with expertise in science, energy, international investment attraction and economic development, infrastructure planning, regulations, skills development, and logistics, and Queensland is lucky to have Professor Peta Ashworth at the helm. “Professor Ashworth is currently the University of Queensland’s Chair in Sustainable Energy Futures, a globally renowned leader in climate and energy technologies and sustainable energy, and already has runs on the board when it comes to hydrogen – including playing a role in the development of Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy.” The Hydrogen Taskforce’s primary job will be to work with industry across the supply chain to help accelerate the growth of the hydrogen sector in Queensland. Professor Ashworth said the Taskforce would hit the ground running, and one of its first tasks will be to assess the current state of play of Queensland’s hydrogen supply chain. “Based on this, we will then prepare a plan that provides a clear line of sight to a sustainable hydrogen supply chain, including export, to be up and running by 2030 or earlier if possible,” Professor Ashworth said. “We will also identify short and medium-term actions within the regulatory and planning landscape to facilitate the safe and sustainable development of Queensland’s next major energy commodity.” Mr de Brenni said the Taskforce’s establishment dovetails the Queensland Government’s $60 million investment across multiple programs and initiatives that are growing the hydrogen industry and future hydrogen jobs in Queensland. “This includes $32.6 million invested to support training and skills development and $25 million for the Hydrogen Industry Development Fund. Visit www.epw.qld.gov.au/about/initiatives/queenslandhydrogen-taskforce to find out more about the Queensland Hydrogen Taskforce.
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman forms a key pillar of the Australian Government’s commitment to small and family business as a strong voice for the sector. The role of the Ombudsman, at Mr Billson’s direction, will have a pivotal role in shaping the Australian Government’s response and continuing support of small and family business as they make their way out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Billson’s term will run for five years and commenced on 11 March 2021. Visit www.asbfeo.gov.au to learn more.
Corporate Profile Sup po M r tin Me PAQ g mb ers
Plumbers Trench Guide is an easy to use, new to the market product perfect to set the fall required in a trench to shape an even decrease across any job site. Mainly available in the regional country areas of Toowoomba, Dalby, and Burke, New South Wales, the Plumbers Trench Guide was developed and designed by Amihoss Pty Ltd owner and director Max Ingelton. With over 55 years in the building industry, Max was determined to find a solution for the persistent strain on his back and body from bending over in the process of checking the fall in a trench or drain. The idea for the Plumbers Trench Guide was conceived during a sewer trenching job requiring a 40-metre trench with string lines and boning rods where no laser was available. Issues quickly arose as string lines began sagging and got caught up in the excavator bucket. After Max’s quick thinking and ability to overcome any obstacle, the first prototype was created and has been a much-required assistance tool on every job site since. Made using quality fixtures and materials, the device is simple, quick, and easy to set up and pack down with a robust design to outlive the harshest of conditions. Plumber, builder, or landscaper, get yourself a Plumbers Trench Angle Guide today. Visit www.plumberstrenchguide.com to learn more.
MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021 |
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