POLITICS & POLICY

ASIC warns lenders

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission had admonished consumer credit providers it will be scrutinising their history carefully before it grants them a licence to operate.

Smaller miners demand more tax consultation

Following the news of a revamped mining tax, a lobby for smaller mining companies argued that the federal government's decision was shaped out with the big three miners at the expense of others.

Big miners find revised tax encouraging

Global miners were encouraged by Gillard's announcement of a revamped resource super-profits tax, which has previously infuriated the industry in its original state.
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Drawdown relief for pension extended

The government has announced that it will extend the drawdown relief presently given to superannuation pensions that are account-based to the fiscal year 2010-2011.

Senate can vet mining tax deal

Greens leader Bob Brown warned today that any agreement on the RSPT reached behind closed doors could be amended in the Senate.

Gillard-miners deal nearly there

The Gillard government and Australia's big three mining companies are now on the brink of an agreement that would end one of the biggest government-private sector debates in history.

Deal with miners risks tax cuts

The Gillard government has cautioned it may have to forego company tax cuts and higher superannuation contributions to counterbalance any loss of revenue from a potential agreement with the mining sector over the troublesome RSPT.

Investors support, warn Gillard

Australia's first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard has won the support of investors, but with a caution that any postponement to a compromise agreement with miners over the RSPT would stoke an investor revolt.

ACCI calls on government to go head with its planned tax relief

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) urged the federal government to continue with its planned business tax breaks amidst the emerging possibility that the government would not be able to forge a deal with resources companies on its proposed resource super profits tax.

PM Gillard: Talks with mining firm 'good'

Declaring that negotiations with the mining industry members are "good," Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard will likely unveil a compromise with the sector on its planned tax measures.

Gillard says Budget not dishonest

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has denied allegations the Federal Budget is dishonest because it includes $12 billion in earnings forecast to come from the controversial RSPT.

Forrest's secret deal with former PM

Fortescue Metals Group executive director Andrew Forrest yesterday revealed he was within 24 hours of reaching an initial agreement with former prime minister Kevin Rudd on the government's proposed RSPT.

Westpac grants more benefits under its parental leave scheme

Westpac Group’s permanent employees are set to enjoy superannuation benefits as the banking group announced Tuesday that beginning July 1, company staffs would be entitled to a nine percent superannuation payment with options of taking up to 39 weeks of unpaid parental leave.

Mining industry group warns Parliament of delays

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies has warned that it will continue with an advertising campaign against the Australian government’s proposed super-profits mining tax beginning next week should new negotiations buckle down.

Greens offer PM deal on carbon tax

Greens Leader Bob Brown has offered new Prime Minister Julia Gillard a solution to the impasse on the emissions trading scheme. If Labor is re-elected, the Greens would help the government pass a carbon tax through the Senate within three months of polling day, Senator Brown said.

Greens offer PM deal on carbon tax

Greens Leader Bob Brown has offered new Prime Minister Julia Gillard a solution to the impasse on the emissions trading scheme. If Labor is re-elected, the Greens would help the government pass a carbon tax through the Senate within three months of polling day, Senator Brown said.

Abbott to cut government spending

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has asserted his plan to reduce government spending by as much as $47 billion should he triumph in the next election.

Ousting Rudd hard decison says Shorten

Federal Labor MP Bill Shorten said forcing out Kevin Rudd as prime minister last week was the hardest decision he made in his political career. He was among a group of leaders who asked Julia Gillard to contest Mr Rudd as Labor head.

PM pressed by mining tax deadline

New prime minister Julia Gillard is rushing to meet a Friday deadline to conclude the damaging debate over the resource super-profits tax.

Gillard may set early election

New prime minister Julia Gillard might consider an early election after the government received a solid lift in the polls, which was largely a result of the ousting of Kevin Rudd.

Hikes in utility fees and mining royalty rates seen to boost WA coffers

Premier Colin Barnett is pushing for a big surge in electricity charges in his campaign to bring utility prices in line with their production costs even as he convinced Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton to pay higher royalty rates that would further boost the coffers of Western Australia.

Gillard says no to 'big Australia'

Australia's immigration will slacken under the new leadership, New Prime Minister Julia Gillard signalled yesterday, amid rising concerns on the nation's swelling population.

PM Gillard leaves out Rudd, re-shuffles Cabinet

Prime Minister Julia Gillard did not include her predecessor Kevin Rudd in her new Cabinet. She said in a news conference that she would be ''absolutely delighted'' to see him serve as a senior minister if the government is re-elected.

Aussie government implements lower home loan exit charges

Starting Thursday this week, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) will be granted the authority to void skyrocketing home loan exit charges that are not directly related to expenses banks actually shouldered in closing accounts, a clear benefit for consumers and home owners.

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