POLITICS & POLICY

Solar Industry Applauds Passing of Climate Bills

Australia’s solar industry welcomed the passing of the Clean Energy Future package by the Australian House of Representatives. Parliament has passed the controversial bill by 74 votes to 72 on Wednesday.

Don't Abolish ABCC, Builders Group Says

Master Builders Australia, the peak body for the building and construction sector, has expressed opposition to the government’s plan to abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).
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Labor Secures Enough Support for Carbon Tax

Labor's carbon tax measure is expected to be passed on Wednesday morning by the House of Representatives after the party has secured sufficient support for Clean Energy Future Bill 2011 and 17 associated Bills 74-72.

Bill to Abolish the ABCC: A “Bad” Policy

John Lloyd, the Director of the Institute of Public Affairs Work Reform and Productivity Unit, today called on the Opposition and non-government members of the Parliament to oppose a bill to abolish the office of Australian Building and Construction Commissioner.

China Launches its own Iron Ore Price Index

China, the world's biggest consumer of iron ore raw material, on Monday launched its own iron ore price index in a bid to gain a foothold in the global pricing of the raw commodity.

China’s Richest Town, Huaxi, Hosts New 5-Star Hotel Tower

China unveiled on Monday one of its new towering skyscrapers that Beijing watchers said symbolised the once isolated nation’s ascension to dizzying prosperity while being ruled by a communist government that essentially embraced the basics of capitalism with great success.

Gay Marriage Advocates to Meet MPs in Canberra

About 60 Marriage Equality representatives from around Australia will travel to Canberra on Wednesday to meet with more than 40 MPs to discuss with Parliamentarians on both sides of the house how marriage equality affects their lives, and the lives of their family and friends.

Australian Diplomats Make Headway in Freeing Boy from Bali Jail

The 14-year-old Australian boy who was arrested in Bali for possessing a small quantity of marijuana will most likely be released from custody soon after Indonesian police authorities said they were considering him more of someone who needed rehabilitation.

3-Year Freeze on AustralianSuper Members' Fees to Benefit 1.8 M Members

The Australian government has supported reforms in the industry for the benefit of Australian retirees, resulting in the decision of AustralianSuper to implement a freeze on membership fees effective July of 2011 until 2014 provides a major advantage for members who are nearing retirement.

PM Gillard Set to Vacate ‘The Lodge’

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is leaving The Lodge but her office quickly clarified that the imminent departure was mostly due to necessary home improvements needed to be undertaken on the decades-old government structure.

Australian Dollar Outlook 10/11/2011

Bell FX Currency Outlook The AUD has had a strong rally overnight, trading through parity on renewed investor confidence and demand for higher yielding currencies such as the AUD.

Global Markets Overview - 10/11/2011

U.S. stocks rose sharply as investors cheered a pledge from France and Germany to resolve the euro zone's banking and sovereign-debt troubles. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 278 points, or 2.5%, to 11381. All 30 Dow components rose, with bank stocks leading the charge higher. Bank of America climbed 4.7% and J.P. Morgan Chase advanced 4.3%. The gains came after the blue chip index managed a 190-point rally last week.

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