Ipswich, SEQ. Photo: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI

Ipswich ratepayers to pay new $55 infrastructure levy to fill billion-dollar state-federal funding gap

Ipswich is facing a massive funding shortfall from state and federal governments. Photo: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI Ipswich ratepayers are to be charged a $55 infrastructure levy to make up for a billion-dollar shortfall in state and government funding. The levy is a part of Ipswich City Council’s 2025-26 Budget which will be handed down on July…

CAPTION NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte talks to Anthony Albanese at the summit. Photo: NATO

EU, Aust to start talks on pact that will boost security and business for defence industry

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte talks to Anthony Albanese at the summit. Photo: NATO Australia and the European Union are to start talks on a new defence and security pact separate to any free trade agreement. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa agreed to the…

Neither the US nor Australia have enough welders, says Weld Australia CEO Geoff Crittenden. Photo: Giomar Arango/www.pixabay.com

Welder shortages in Australia, US could yet sink AUKUS submarine deal, says industry body

Neither the US nor Australia have enough welders, says Weld Australia CEO Geoff Crittenden. Photo: Giomar Arango/www.pixabay.com A steadily deepening shortage of welders in Australia could very well sink the AUKUS submarine program – and not in the intended manner. The warning comes from Weld Australia, the national body for the welding industry. The AUKUS…