#Heather Ridout
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.
Ai Group backs National Broadband Network: Conroy
Senator Stephen Conroy has welcomed an Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) report which found the rollout of high speed broadband like the National Broadband network would be a boon for Australian businesses.
Services sector contracts for fourth consecutive month
The performance of the Australian services sector continues to be uninspiring, with political uncertainty surrounding Australia’s hung parliament impacting on demand in August.
Australian services sector on verge of collapse
Australia’s services sector continues to contract as the Federal Government’s fiscal stimulus dries up and the Reserve Bank’s interest rate increases impact the services sector.
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.
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.
Services sector continues to suffer
The services sector continues to contract, with a fall in new orders and decreasing selling prices keeping the services sector in negative territory in the June Performance of Services Index.
Minerals Resource Rent Tax ‘comes at a price’
Australia’s Minerals Resource Rent Tax compromise is positive news for big miners but it comes at a price for the wider business community.
Paid Parental Leave bill receives mixed support
The Federal Government’s Paid Parental Leave bill that passed the Senate yesterday has received mostly bipartisan support, as well as its fair share of criticism.
Paid parental leave scheme doesn’t go far enough
While the Federal Government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme passing through the Senate yesterday marked a historic day for women in Australia, critics say the Paid Parental Scheme doesn’t go far enough.
Paid parental leave scheme passes the senate
Kevin Rudd’s Paid Parental Leave bill passed the Senate yesterday, bringing 18 weeks paid maternity leave to mothers beginning January 1st next year.
Services sector finally recovers from slump
Australia’s services sector is showing its first signs of recovery despite increases in interest rates, with the AiG Performance of Services Index recording growth in April.
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 ‘almost in recession’ despite strong economy
Australia continues to struggle to manage its ‘two speed economy’ as the resource sector booms, while rising interest rates cripple the services sector.
ACTU pushes for $27 pay rise – employers unimpressed
The ACTU has embarked on a campaign to increase wages, asking for $27 extra of 5 percent more per week, but employers argue that an increase of that size will place jobs at risk.