News
The RBA’s decision to cut interest rates, along with the steady drop in petrol prices has pushed up consumer confidence by 7.5 percent on last month, according to the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment. Consumers appear to be responding positively to the cuts, with the Consumer Sentiment Index up 12.1 per cent in the […]
Red tape is the one major thing that is holding back an otherwise robust Australian economy, according to a global survey commissioned by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Eighty percent of small businesses have indicated their concern about the number of regulations affecting them, and compliance to these, with 77 percent expressing concern […]
Applications for INNOVIC’s Next Big Thing Award 2009 are now being accepted. The Next Big Thing Award allows budding inventors to submit their new inventions in the categories of green/sustainability, innovation excellence, community benefit and people’s choice; in the hope of becoming ‘the next big thing.’ Inventors will have the chance to win a share of […]
Superannuation has taken yet another beating in the global financial crisis, with research conducted by Newfocus for Industry Super Network, indicating that Australians are becoming increasingly concerned about super fees and commissions. The economic crisis is forcing Australians to tighten their purse strings, and as a result, 90 percent of those surveyed believe that their […]
Business confidence may be down and the economy on the wane, but the good news is that with a little perspective, the current downturn isn’t as bad as it seems. An analysis conducted by Zenith Investment Partners on the last five bear markets has revealed that the average declining period lasted 16 months with an […]
The Australian Export Awards, announced Friday night, honours the achievements of various enterprises across 13 categories and serves to highlight the importance of international trade, says Minister for Trade Simon Crean. “Tonight’s category winners, finalists, and Hall of Fame inductees show how Australian innovation, determination and effort can meet the challenges of global markets and […]
Australian employees have $31 billion in unused leave, more than three times the size of the stimulus package, which should be used to assist the economy, says Minister for Tourism Martin Ferguson. Tourism Australia and a number of employer groups will meet this week to discuss the ‘No Leave, No Life’ campaign, designed to […]
In November, there were 48,000 fewer jobs advertised per week on the major job boards than October, according to the latest Olivier Job Index. The fear of being fired is reaching fervour pitch for employees, with employers stressed about the possibility of job cuts. The Olivier Job Index fell 9.83 percent in November, down 16.03 […]
Small businesses are becoming uncertain about the future of their business with the economic climate bringing in unprecedented change. In order to help businesses manage through the economic crisis, seasoned management consultant, Bullseye & RANONE CEO and Australian Angel Investor Jim McKerlie, has provided the following predictions for 2009: 1. CIO’s will be asked to cut […]
Australia has recorded a record trade surplus, signalling a major boost for the economy.The record surplus reached $2.95 billion in October, $1.7 billion larger than the previous month’s surplus.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has indicated that companies must properly disclose their business activities to give a true reflection of the economy in their next financial report. The regulator will specifically target poor disclosure and questionable asset values, and scrutinise methods of valuing assets. Fluctuations in the current market have prompted […]
The National Australia Bank’s Business Planning Survey has revealed that SMEs are becoming complacent about planning for the future, with 40 percent failing to complete a business plan. Despite being faced with an uncertain economic future, 32 percent believe that they are too small for a business plan, 21 percent lack the time to write […]
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a decision proposing to grant authorisation to the Recruitment & Consulting Services Association Limited (RCSA) to uphold the code for professional practises within the recruitment industry. The code states that members must observe a high standard of ethics, probity and professional conduct in all recruitment and […]
Small businesses will only have to give one warning to an employee who is underperforming, according to details released of the Federal Government’s Fair Work Bill, proposed last week. Staff employed in the business for more than 12 months will require just one warning before an employer can terminate their employment. Minister for Small […]
Australian homeowners are struggling under the burden of increasing stamp duty with results from the bankwest Residential Stamp Duty report indicating stamp duty has risen 59 percent over the past five years. According to the survey, homeowners have to set aside at least 20 percent of their annual income to cover the increasing costs, with […]
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has cut interest rates by a further 100 basis points, taking it down to 4.25 per cent, effective 3 December 2008. The cut signifies the fourth month in a row that the RBA has lowered interest rates, as the central bank tries to shield the Australian economy from sliding into recession. […]
There is a collective shudder throughout the nation any time fuel prices are mentioned. But don’t be so glum, it’s good news this time. Fuel tax credits have been expanded, so it’s no longer just fuel used in heavy vehicles that can be claimed. Whether you’re using fuel in your whipper snipper or chainsaw, your […]
Australia’s workforce is ageing; no surprise there. But what are you doing to retain older employees? After all, these committed employees have the skills you need. National Seniors Australia has launched a Corporate Employees membership category, for employers looking to reward their 50-plus employees. “Recent research funded by National Seniors has revealed that as workers […]
How many times have you been to a meeting or presentation where you were bored out of your mind? Too many to count? To avoid becoming a yawn-worthy public speaker yourself, make use of the internet. One online option is Scene Change’s Presentation Channel. A monthly video program, which covers topics like being comfortable on […]
Using your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to verify credit and debit card transactions is now an option, opening the way for faster payment. “There are more than 44 million debit and credit cards in Australia, which are used over 118 million times per month to pay for goods and services,” says Simon Greig, Pen or […]
