The term ‘metaverse’ was coined in 1992, as an online space combining virtual and physical worlds. And, the metaverse-like online multimedia platform, Second Life, which began in 2003, is still going, with almost 65 million active users. Meanwhile, Meta – formerly Facebook – maintains optimism that its version of the metaverse will be on the horizon in five to 10 years. It […]
Australia’s $83 billion agricultural industry could feed our nation three times over, according to the Institute of Public Affairs. That achievement comes despite agricultural risks such as floods, drought, bushfires, fickle consumers, uncertain economic times, supply chain issues and skills shortages. Amid chaos, the opportunities continue. For instance, agricultural employment is expected to increase by 23% […]
Logically, supply chain woes should be easing after the end of pandemic shutdowns in most countries. However, it’s not just the pandemic that’s been causing issues. As this article explains, it’s a confluence of factors, including port congestion and the Russia-Ukraine war. This is your guide to identifying and adopting strategies to ensure your supply […]
After three consecutive La Niña wet weather patterns, your business might not have bushfire risks front of mind. However, vigilance is needed. Above average rainfall and devastating floods have boosted vegetation and fuel-load growth in parts of our nation. According to the National Council for fire and emergency services (AFAC), destructive and deadly fires can still happen even […]
Chances are your business is organising an event for the upcoming festivities. As an employer, your duty of care remains the same even at work Christmas parties. Legally, it’s still ‘work’ and even if the party venue isn’t your premises, it’s considered a ‘workplace’. This may even be the case if you, as the employer, […]
If you’re among the one in seven Australians who own a residential investment property, it’s useful to know the most common claims landlords make on their insurance. This article explains the risks and how you can better manage them to minimise your chances of needing to claim on your policy. Loss of rent In the six months […]
It’s official. The disruptive La Niña weather pattern has returned on the tail of two others, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (the BoM). It tends to bring cooler, wetter weather and often floods. During spring and summer, expect to see this pattern delivering above-average rainfall for Australia’s east and north. The BoM’s modelling indicates the peak […]
Emissions targets for farmers are no longer a guessing game. The Albanese Federal Government announced in June Australia is to cut 43% emissions by 2030 with 2005 as the baseline. The big target is to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, which the National Farmers’ Federation supports. The Climate Change Bill passed the Senate on 13 September and […]
It’s worth paying attention to the issues between China and Taiwan, particularly if you operate a business in Australia. Self-governed for 70 years, Taiwan has the globe’s 21st biggest economy and is home to almost 24 million people. It has about two-thirds of the globe’s market in semiconductor manufacturing, i.e. computer chips, which are essential for […]
According to Safe Work Australia, Australia’s manufacturing sector records 9.1 serious accident claims per million hours worked in 2019-20. That’s about 17 serious claims per thousand employees. In the year to 25 August, seven Australian manufacturing employees died in work accidents. This article includes an overview of the most common workplace accidents, how to minimise the human […]
