POLITICS & POLICY

Gas wells audit detects leaks; CSG facilities claimed safe

A recent audit conducted by the Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate on some 2719 wells across Australia revealed generally positive results, with a number of facilities yielding some leakages though not reaching the flammable levels as assured by the agency’s inspectors.

Asia-Pacific markets post bearish gains

Markets in the Asia-Pacific region have remained quiet at the end of Monday's trading as public holidays in China, Hong Kong, and South Korea have kept only Tokyo's Nikkei and Australia's S&P 500 working until the afternoon.

Carbon tax divides Australia

The Australian government's plans to implement a carbon tax is facing strict opposition from the states with voters labeling Prime Minister Julia Gillard's move a betrayal of her pre-election promise not to implement such a law.

Fewer job placements in May

Australia has generated fewer jobs in May, according to a survey made by the ANZ Bank, which was reflected in lower job placements posted online or on newspapers.
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ASIC vows reforms, more transparency in the future

The nation's corporate watchdog is warning financial advisers that there will be more reforms in sight including lifting professional and ethical standards required of financial advisers, financial literacy in school curriculum and releasing more public information about investigations.

Australia wants unaccompanied children sent to Malaysia

Australia's Immigration Minister Chris Bowen confirmed that children asylum seekers who have journeyed on their own will be sent to Malaysia for processing. This remains a part of the government’s Malaysian exchange deal on asylum seekers.

Study shows America's strong opposition to Health Care Reform Law

TABS Group, Inc., a marketing research and consulting firm has released a new study that points to a 4-to-1 "commitment gap" in the level of support for the recent multi-billion dollar health care reform legislation passed in 2010 by Congress and signed by President Obama. That is, only 8% of those 18 years of age or older noted they are "Very Favorable" to the law, whereas 32% are noted they are "Very Unfavorable," a 4-fold disparity among those with a strong opinion on the m...

MultiCell Technologies gets patent for liver disease treatment

MultiCell Technologies, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: MCET) announces the issuance of U.S. patent 7,935,528 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) relating to the isolation and use of human liver stem cells to treat liver disease. Under the terms of its license agreement with Rhode Island Hospital, MultiCell Technologies is the worldwide exclusive licensee of U.S. patent 7,935,528.

Japan needs to avoid Russia's mistake on Chernobyl

Japan's already reeling economy could be crushed by over-reaction to the Fukushima disaster, warns radiation scientist T.D. Luckey in the summer 2011 issue of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons.

Australia's services sector skids in May

Australia's services sector showed poor signs of improvement, according to the latest Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Australian Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI®), the seasonally adjusted index fell 1.6 points to 49.9 after a strong lift the previous month (readings below 50 indicate a contraction in activity).

Massachusetts placed on state of emergency

The State of Massachusetts is placed under a state of emergency after two confirmed tornadoes hit towns in western areas that left four people dead and destroying houses and buildings across a 40 mile radius.

ACMA report scores telco players’ dishonest practices

Australia’s telecommunication watchdog has issued its preliminary report this week, scoring the industry’s tricky advertising techniques that take away the significance of premium communication services that telcos provide to consumers.

Industry groups: Tackle weakness in Australia's economy

As signs of a recession could be well-around the corner in the medium term, the Australian Parliament is still sticking by its positive outlook that the economy can rebound from this slump. However, Australia's industry sectors are wary that the underlying weakness of the economy must be addressed immediately.

Xstrata still positive on metals forecast

The commodity markets will sustain its growth in the medium to the long term in spite a projected slowdown in inventories of key buyers including China, Xstrata Plc's Chief Executive Officer Mick Davis in a mining conference on Wednesday.

Australia's economy staggers in Q1

Australia's economy has been hit by a decline in exports in the first quarter that would have likely pulled down the country's domestic growth-the biggest detraction since 1959.

Tax breaks to Canada's small business hamper growth

In a paper released today by the School of Public Policy in Canada, Duanjie Chen and Jack Mintz analyze small business tax policies. The authors find that despite the common belief that small business tax concessions encourage job creation and economic growth, this cannot be substantiated.

Kuwaiti Prime Minister calls for political stability amidst tension in Mid East

His Highness the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah called on all parties to adhere to the Amir's directives to respect the Constitution and the laws for the best interest of the country. The premier's remarks were made on Sunday amidst political tensions in some parts of the Middle East.

Space Shuttle Endeavour returns to Earth after final voyage

Space shuttle Endeavour is scheduled to return to Earth for the final time on Wednesday, June 1, completing a 16-day mission to outfit the International Space Station. If Endeavour lands Wednesday, it will have spent 299 days in space and traveled more than 122.8 million miles during its 25 flights. It launched on its first mission on May 7, 1992.

NASA, Lockheed Martin & Ball Aerospace Team complete on-orbit Orion MPCV navigation system test

In an unprecedented on-orbit maneuver, Commander Mark Kelly completed the first ever Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV)-like approach to the International Space Station at 3:24 a.m. CDT today as part of the Sensor Test for Orion Relative Navigation Risk Mitigation (STORRM). The orbital rendezvous verified the successful operation of the MPCV's next generation docking sensor, which NASA has identified as a critical technology needed for future space exploration missions.

Construction sector: Carbon tax could drag us down

Australia’s peak body for the building and construction industry says it could not support the introduction of a carbon tax from 1 July 2012 unless the government properly addresses the cost impact and uncertainty in relation to the increased cost to housing and to the building industry.

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