Leadership challenges

For those in the top job, weakening support means it’s time to find the source of discontent and turn things around.

Let’s talk business

Frith | Whatever happens in the Labor leadership, there has to be more dialogue with free enterprise.

The productivity challenge

Employers blame the industrial relations regime for the drop in productivity, but there’s more to it than that.

Yellowcake trade won’t feed business

Uranium trade could improve India-Australia relations, but isn’t likely to help businesses struggling in India now.

Up close and personal

Love was in the political air last week when the US president Barack Obama made his long-awaited trip to Australia.

No easy way to lift output

Improving our productivity is essential but the solutions are much more complex.

Don’t get lippy with me

D'Angelo Fisher | Close personal greetings at work may be commonplace in some cultures, but the practice is a source of confusion and uncertainty in others.

Canberra reviews how it cuts the GST cake

Strong performing states could get more benefit from the way GST is distributed.

Sounds like a job for COAG

Can COAG fix the federation? Mark Birrell believes it is the best forum for achieving change.

Question time: Julia Gillard

Question Time | Prime Minister Julia Gillard promises results on a carbon price in 2011.

Carbon tax – game on

Despite BHP Billiton’s Marius Kloppers’ firm views, business is divided on carbon pricing.

Walk the talk

Mission statements may seem like empty words but they still have a purpose.

The big cost of small Australia

In this election campaign, no-one is talking about the price to be paid if we commit to a small, static Australia.

Struggle to create atmosphere for action

Julia Gillard’s proposal to have a citizens’ assembly on climate change is flawed, say two management theorists.

Real Julia, genuine spin

D'Angelo Fisher | Voters welcome honesty and directness, but eventually they will uncover any deceitful political devices and tricks behind spin and artifice.

Experience not essential

D'Angelo Fisher | The growing influence of the professional political class is a disturbing trend in Australian politics.

Big business’ PM

Leadership for Julia Gillard means ignoring the interests of small business.

Leadership let-down

Kevin Rudd’s lack of management skills led to his downfall.

Fresh focus on local mining investment

Market update

Brokers rate David Jones despite debacle, UBS says buy on Macquarie Atlas, Emeco Holdings moves mountains, Ardent Leisure expected to bounce, and Gillard appointment boost interest in local mining.

A learning experience

Despite a bad year education continues to be one of Australia’s most important exports.