POLITICS & POLICY

More Australians Prone to Poverty: Report

The high cost of living is putting more low-income Aussies at risk of falling into poverty, a report says. Poorer households are compelled to spend more of their income on essential goods and services due to price hikes on these non-discretionary items, such as food and electricity, a report by St Vincent de Paul Society says. As a result, households' health and education expenses are delayed, if attended at all.

Australian Dollar Outlook - 10/18/2011

Bell FX Currency Outlook: Volatility in the AUD has continued overnight; falling from a one-month high of USD1.0370 back down to USD1.0150 this morning, as investors' confidence in a Euro-zone solution faded.

Global Markets Overview - 10/18/2011

U.S. stocks tumbled Monday, as fresh worries over the progress of Europe's sovereign debt negotiations spurred a sell off that erased Friday's gains.

Australian Stock Market Report - Morning - 10/18/2011

MORNING REPORT (7am AEDT)US industrial production rose 0.2pct in September, in line with expectations as a gain in manufacturing production offset a drop in utility output. However the August reading was revised lower to show flat output.
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Changes Boost Australia's First Home Saver Scheme

Changes to the Australian government’s $1.2 billion First Home Saver Account (FHSA) have boosted the scheme after an underwhelming response during the first two years of its operation, mortgage broker Loan Market has revealed on Monday.

Australian Government to Intercede in Qantas Labor Row

The lingering disagreement between the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPS) and the management of the leading airline in the country has already ruined travel plans of more than 60,000 passengers in Australia.

Qantas, Pilots on Stalemate; PM Gillard Wants Swift Resolution

Prime Minister Julia Gillard had wanted to intervene in the country's biggest labor row involving Qantas and its three labor unions. However, the Prime Minister said those involved in the dispute are still willing to resolve the matter without the government. Qantas management claims it remains duty-bound to continue talks with the pilots’ union.

Australian Dollar Outlook - 10/17/2011

The AUD has opened this morning above 1.0300 after another positive day on Friday on equity markets both in Europe and the United States, on the belief a recapitalization plan for European banks will be announced next weekend.

Builders Reject Regulation of Independent Contractors

Australia’s building and construction industry has expressed concern following Thursday’s ruling by Fair Work Australia in ADJ Contracting Pty Ltd which upheld the legality of enterprise agreements regulating the engagement of independent contractors.

Aussie Deaf Groups Slam Comments by Disabled Children's Educator (VIDEO)

After describing deafness "as a scourge in our world," a prominent educator takes the heat from the deaf community. Dr. Dimity Dornan, director of Brisbane-based organisation Hear and Say, was accepting an award when she made the remarks at Telstra's Queensland Businesswoman of the Year on Tuesday.

Olympic Dam Faces Opposition From Greens Over Royalties

BHP Billiton's $30 billion worth Olympic Dam copper and uranium mine project faced its strongest opposition on Thursday as the Greens slammed an indenture agreement that stipulates royalty payments by the global mining company to the South Australian government over the mining project expansion will remain fixed for 45 years.

Four New York Politicians Propose Eliminating First Amendment

A proposal put forth by four members of the New York State (NYS) Senate have surely caused the Founding Fathers of the US to roll over in their graves. Hinged upon the stated goal of protecting children against "cyberbullying," NYS Senators Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), Diane Savino (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn), David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Orange), and David Valesky (D-Oneida) have proposed the passage of a ridiculous new bill that will essentially criminalize free speech.

ACCC to Appeal Court Decision on Google Malpractices

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced on Thursday it has lodged an appeal against a recent Federal Court decision that cleared Google Inc. from alleged online search and online advertisements malpractices.

RBA: Regulatory Measures Avert Financial Collapse

Prudent regulatory measures and government economic policies are crucial in averting the damaging impacts of credit booms that largely crippled many economies during the global financial crisis in 2008.

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