Australians are being told by the PM Malcolm Turnbull that “innovation” is what will save the nation’s economy from a “declining” mining industry.
But AMEC CEO Simon Bennison thinks the Federal Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda recognises the importance of innovation to a strong economy but does not include the resources sector in the conversation.
“This is despite the resources sector playing an integral role in the development of innovative and world-class technologies that have created jobs and economic returns for Australians,” Bennison said.
“Many of the technologies and systems developed in Australia are utilised globally in mining and exploration applications.”
Australia has developed 60% of the world’s mining software.
In 2013-14 alone, the mining and energy sectors spent $1.8 billion on research and development which equates to 10% of all Australian R&D spending.
“The industry has been extremely clever about reducing costs and increasing competitiveness in a really tough market. We must keep improving our competitiveness in order to remain a world-class investment destination,” according to Bennison.
Good to see that AMEC is also putting its money where its mouth is on innovation.
The annual AMEC Convention, which will be held in Perth on 8 and 9 June 2016, will be featuring innovative technologies that are improving operations, safety and efficiency. The event will open the dialogue and bring the latest mining and mineral exploration technologies, innovative practices, research and forecasts into the public domain.
The theme for the AMEC Convention 2016 is Beyond the Horizon.
Industry specialists will deliver presentations on energy and renewables and the application and implications for businesses.
There will be presentations on innovation and technology that are re-shaping the industry and driving the technological revolution.
Meanwhile in NSW, the state that needs to push the hardest to get its innovative work practices implemented in real mines, the protestors are now protesting against anti-protest laws.
Hogsback thinks that it is very ironic that these protests are taking place in Newcastle, the cradle of the Australian coal industry.
Before the Baird Government's new anti-protest laws come into effect, residents of Newcastle and the Hunter came together to hear about what the changes mean for those “protesting at the coalface”
Activists and unionists joined Greens elected representatives to “share their perspective on the impact of the laws, and how to best resist them”
Greens MP and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said: “The coalition rammed these laws through because they know protest and direct action work to protect human rights and the environment.
“Newcastle and the Hunter have a proud tradition of protest and civil disobedience and these laws are a direct affront to thousands in the community who stand up for what they believe in.”
Shoebridge didn’t say whether a new app is being developed to let you know when the next anti-protest protest meeting is being held, but Hogsback thinks it’s probably on its way.
