POLITICS & POLICY

Australian opposition vows to fight mining tax

The controversial new 40 percent tax on so-called "super profits" of the country's mining sector again drew flak from Australia's main conservative Liberal-National opposition party which vowed to block passage of the proposed measure.
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Crean on trade mission to India

Australian Trade Minister Simon Cream arrived in India on Sunday for a weeklong visit aimed at strengthening the Aussie-India trade and economic partnership. Crean said he hopes to raise the level of relationship between Canberra and New Delhi to a new level.

Journalists celebrate World Press Freedom

Journalists from across the globe are celebrating World Press Freedom Day Monday. To commemorate the event, the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) had called on governments worldwide to remove the barriers to the free flow of information.

China orders increase on banks’ reserve ratio

The People’s Bank of China has advised local banks on Sunday to increase their money reserves in a bid to rein in waves of fresh lending that could burst the property bubble and eventually lead to economic overheating.

AGL warns Canberra on delaying energy reforms

Canberra's energy policies were criticized by AGL Energy for delaying its green power proposal, stating that it may threaten Australia's reputation as a suitable place for investments.

Miners disagree on tax grab

The mining industry in Australia condemned the move by the State Government for an addition 40 per cent Resource Super Profits Tax - a move that could cost thousands of local jobs and affect the standard of living for the citizens.

Rudd insists tobacco tax is not a political move

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd insists that the planned new tax and packaging rules on tobacco is not a political move, but is aimed at raising revenues and discourage Australians from lighting up.

SA gov't to apply new liquor laws

The government in South Australia will seek to regulate new liquor laws next week to complement the licensees dealings with drunks.

Iran to arrest women with suntan

Better hide those bronzed skin when visiting Tehran, Iran. At least if you are a woman. On Thursday, Tehran police chief Brig. Gen. Hossien Sajedinia has warned that all women sporting a tan will be arrested and imprisoned because this violates the "spirit of Islamic law." Thus, any woman that looked like a "walking mannequin" will be punished.

25% new tax for cigarettes

The Surgeon General has warned that smoking is dangerous to your health. Now the Federal government said smoking is harmful to your finances, as taxes on cigarettes will rise by 25 percent by Thursday midnight.

Gov’t files charges against 113 companies in three months

Australia's corporate watchdog has filed charges against 113 different companies between January 1 and March 31, 2010 for alleged violation of the Corporations Act. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) said the allegations were brought to court after receiving complaints from the public and insolvency practitioners.

WA opposition leader slams gov't for mining tax

Labor opposition leader Eric Ripper of Western Australia condemned the Federation on its move to tax the mining industry - which contributed to the recovery from the global financial crisis.

State gov't to slash taxes for Aussies

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said on Thursday morning that Federal Government will shred off the amount of tax that burdens the majority of the Australian citizens.

10-yr-old girl stung by box jellyfish leaves hospital

She has been called a medical wonder. 10-year-old girl Rachael Shardlow miraculously survived being stung by a box jellyfish, one of the world's most venomous creatures, in December while swimming 23 kilometres upstream from the ocean mount in Calliope River, near Gladstone in Queensland.

China prepares for tighter grip on information control

China has announced on Tuesday that it is set to require telecom operators and internet service providers to report and cooperate with state security officers on possible leak of state secrets, as the country moves further to tighten its grip on communication facilities and discourage political dissent.

Unions demand change in workplace safety

Construction workers around the country will hold a rally on Wednesday to honor their fellows and urged the government to provide a better and safer working environment.

Australia’s Rudd suspends emission trading scheme

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on Tuesday announced that his Labour government is suspending the carbon emissions trading scheme (ETS) until 2012, which is a complete reversal from one of his key election promises.

Mining union backs resource tax

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Workers' Union or CFMEU, Australia's premier union in construction, forestry and forest products, mining and energy production, on Tuesday its support to the resources tax which is expected to be included in the recommendations in the Henry tax review.

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