Jessica Stanic

Strike action by a group of maritime workers off the West Australian coast is putting Australia’s economy at risk, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has warned.

A survey conducted by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has found that many small business retailers are still in the dark about Fair Work, with over 40 percent expecting increases in wage bills and one third planning to cut staff hours as a result. The survey of over 150 retailers found that 72 percent do […]

The ACT has topped the table in CommSec’s latest State of the States economic rankings report, while NSW dragged its heels, coming in last.

Employers and job candidates are being advised to make the most out of a strong January jobs market, as job vacancies surged 6.5 percent over December, IPA data reveals. The pace of employment growth accelerated in December, with the latest monthly data from IPA, one of Australia’s largest recruitment firms, showing job vacancies increased 6.5 […]

Retail sales remained strong in November, despite rising interest rates, latest ABS figures show. Retail sales grew 1.4 percent in November, the strongest monthly rise since March 2009. ANRA CEO Margy Osmond said strong November retail figures shows spending may be starting to realign with consumer confidence. “Up until now we’ve seen confidence lift and […]

Major policy initiatives implemented by the Federal Government in recent months will have a major impact on small to medium enterprises (SMEs), according to a respected accounting and advisory firm. Marc Peskett, partner of Melbourne based firm MPR Group, believes some major policy initiatives will have a significant impact on businesses for 2010 but will […]

Google has stepped up its efforts to trump Apple in the smartphone market, with the launch of what is being dubbed a ‘super phone’ in the US last week. Google’s Nexus One is an HTC-built phone using Google’s own mobile software platform, Android and boasts similar features to that of the Apple iPhone. It is […]

The economic woes of 2009 are a thing of the past and 2010 is a time for Australian small and medium businesses to capitalise on the opportunities presented by a strengthening economy, according to Westpac’s general manager of SME segment, Sian Lewis. “The New Year is a great time to take stock and prepare your […]

Despite an abundance of gadgets available, consumers are turning to traditional presents this year, with a new survey revealing the humble book will be the most popular present under the Christmas tree. Figures released by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) reveal consumers are more likely to buy a book as a gift this year than […]

Shoppers are expected to fork out more than $8 billion on food and liquor this festive season, IBISWorld forecasts. IBISWorld analyst Raghu Rajakumar said shoppers were snubbing specialised food outlets to get a cheaper version of Christmas goodies at the supermarket, with the food bill tipped to hit $8 billion. Woolworths and Coles are expected […]