Joe Kelly

Former Prime Minister John Howard has hailed the first Abbott budget as “right for the times” and urged Labor to support its tough savings measures.

Government Senate leader Eric Abetz says unemployed young Tasmanians should not be subsidised by working Australians and instead take up work as fruit pickers.

The government is seeking feedback from small businesses on new protections guarding them against “unfair contract terms” imposed by larger players.

The fortunes of one Tasmanian business have risen to international prominence on the growing popularity of a small purple bear, popularised in China and Hong Kong, thanks to a unique marketing strategy.

Successful health food chain Sumo Salad will refurbish its stores across Australia over the next three years on the heels of the Tulla Group’s purchase of a 60 per cent stake in the business.

According to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s most recent small business survey, investment in plants and equipment has dropped to its lowest level in five years. In addition, investment in buildings and structures is also on the slide.

Despite the economic crunch facing the nation’s domestic manufacturers, a number of operators have managed to survive and flourish in tough conditions.

Restaurant owners have been granted a small reprieve by the industrial umpire, after the Fair Work Commission agreed to slash the Sunday pay packets of some casual workers.

It began life as the brainchild of husband and wife team, Mike and Diane Morrell. Their product, the Genie ID now has the potential to help transform voting systems across the African continent and minimise electoral fraud.

Small business has emerged as a relative winner from Joe Hockey’s tough first budget containing long-term structural reforms including painful savings in the areas health, welfare and education.