#Australian Industry Group
Construction industry shows August expansion
After declining or remaining stable for 9 months, Australia’s construction industry expanded during the month of August. The Australian Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI) increased by 6.7 points to 53.8. Readings above 50 indicate an expansion in activity. The expansion has been driven by improvements in the new orders and activity sub-indexes, as well […]
Construction, manufacturing and transport industries struck by Ice
Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) reports “higher than average use” of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) by employees in the construction, manufacturing and transport industries. Ai Group has singled out the particular dangers of the Ice epidemic for the construction, manufacturing and transport industries in a submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement’s inquiry into […]
Time off over remuneration? Changes to time-off-in-lieu of overtime provisions
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has developed a clause which will allow employees to claim one hour of time off per hour of overtime worked. The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) has convinced a Full Bench of the FWC to “extend time-off-in-lieu (TOIL) of overtime provisions throughout the award system,” Ai Group Chief Executive Innes […]
Carbon tax fat lady yet to sing
It’s been four long years the phrase ‘carbon tax’ first became a core part of the Australian political lexicon. Despite the new Government’s plan to scrap the tax, it seems the debate is far from over.
High Aussie dollar hurts manufacturing sector for second month
The high Aussie dollar and sluggish domestic demand have been blamed for further contraction in the manufacturing sector in October according to the latest Australian Industry Group – PwC Performance of Manufacturing Index.
Manufacturing grows for 7th consecutive month in July
The Australian Industry Group – PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI) continues to surge, up 1.5 points in July.
NZ Services sector grows for 8th consecutive month in June
New Zealand’s services sector continues to grow for its 8th consecutive month, according to the June BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index (PSI).
Tony Abbott abandons small business
Tony Abbott has abandoned plans to exempt small business from unfair dismissal laws under the belief that the public has no appetite for workplace reform.
Construction sector ‘very fragile’ after interest rate increases
Growth in the construction industry continues to slow concludes the Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association Performance of Construction Index for May.
Construction up for April as demand for apartments soar
Australia’s construction sector is up again in April according to the Australian Industry Group Housing Industry Association Performance of Construction Index.
Manufacturing sector surges – highest growth since 2002
Manufacturing has recorded growth not seen since May 2002, with the sector bolstered by demand in the construction, mining and infrastructure sectors.
Services sector contracts further in February
Australia’s services sector continues to struggle, contracting further in February with a fall in sales and further job losses. The Performance of Services Index by the Australian Industry Group and the Commonwealth Bank rose 0.9 points to 48.3 in February, with that still being below the key 50-point level separating growth and contraction. Finance and […]
Graduates unequipped to handle economic change
Peak employer bodies have backed Julia Gillard’s call for universities and vocational providers to better prepare graduates for the workforce so they can cope with economic change and rapid structural adjustments. The Australian Industry Group, the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Chamber of Commerce have told Higher Education Services that while employers are […]
Pressure to delay emissions trading scheme
The Australian Industry Group has called for the Federal Government to delay the commencement of the 2010 carbon emissions trading scheme (ETS) due to the current economic crisis. Supporters of the scheme, the group suggested the government pass legislation to ensure implementation, but has recommended the government postpone the scheme until 2012. “Businesses are strapped […]
Doubt about emissions trading scheme for businesses
First maternity leave, now the Federal Government’s emissions trading (ETS) is under threat with business association the Australian Industry Group (AIG) calling for postponement of the scheme to 2012. AIG chief executive Heather Ridout says businesses need more time to prepare, and due to the economic climate, it may be less feasible to implement the […]