Legislation
In a nutshell
| Jeanne-Vida DouglasThe updated plan shows the fibre-optic network would be “under way or completed” by June 2015 .
Europe swimming, may avoid sinking
| Chris Richardson
Chris Richardson | The sticky tape holding Europe together is getting stronger, but there are still big problems to address.
From regulator to policy lobbyist
| Nassim Khadem
Lee White talks about what it’s like to move from being a corporate cop into lobbying governments for change.
Regulate and bust
| Damon FrithBankers are worried about the global economy and how politicians are using regulation to try to fix problems.
Directors ‘disheartened’ by politicians
| Leo D’Angelo Fisher
Directors are feeling pessimistic about the economy’s prospects for the next 12 months and blame political instability.
Question Time: Chris Evans
| Agnes King
Question Time | An entrepreneur wants to find out how the government can bring in important reforms without making disruptive changes in employment law.
Productivity crisis
| Agnes King
Wesfarmers boss Richard Goyder wants his corporation to behave more like a start-up.
Conduct unbecoming
| Judith Tydd
A WA private member’s bill that seeks to make franchisees more accountable to their code of conduct is causing uncertainty in the state.
Disappearing act
| Agnes KingWill the practice of reporting underlying profits will decline in an improved economic environment?
Question Time
| Agnes King
Question Time | Aaron Blackman of Retail Express asks why it’s becoming more difficult to claim tax concessions.
Question Time: John Brumby
| Agnes King
Question Time | Victorian Premier John Brumby displays his business credentials.
Question time
| Emily Chantiri
Question Time | Kirsten Baulch, managing director of Medimobile asks: When are they going to reduce the red tape business has to endure?
Question Time
|
Question Time | To what extent can the private sector play a role in the public healthcare system if it can provide efficiency?
Tell ’em they’re dreamin’
|
Shoebridge | Buried at the end of the 10-page parliamentary reform document the three independent MPs forced Labor and the Coalition to sign earlier this month are five words that could lead to changes in a key category of the $12 billion media advertising market.
Minority government a fillip for small business
| Anthony Sibillin
The big end of town and the unions may find it tougher to get their own way.
Analyse: John Daley
| Anthony Sibillin
The chief executive of the Grattan Institute swapped equity for social equality, and hasn’t looked back.
Free money
| Agnes King
Billions of dollars are available to businesses through federal and state government grants, here’s how to get it.
Life after a death at work
| Kath Walters
Companies are often ill-prepared for the emotional fallout when tragedy occurs in the workplace.
No harmony in rock opera
| Damon Frith
Frith | The federal government’s tinkering with the new resources tax to make it more palatable to miners will almost certainly fail. By ignoring the consultation process with industry any changes will again be made in the sterile environment of Canberra without input from the real world.
Uncertainty over awards
| Kath Walters
Companies that do not comply with the 122 modern awards coming into effect on July 1 face fines of up to $33,000.
Parental leave concerns
| Dan Hall
Small businesses and unions were left unimpressed after last week’s introduction of the paid parental leave scheme.
Victoria’s regions rising
| Anthony Sibillin
The Victorian government is encouraging people to relocate outside the capital city.
Telstra deal dials up certainty
| Jeanne-Vida Douglas
An $11 billion deal will see the NBN pick up Telstra’s copper network, and the creation of a new body to oversee universal service obligation.
To arbitrate or procrastinate
| Judith Tydd
While it may seem a cheaper option, delay tactics in international arbitration are rising – with damaging results.
Human gene patent to be tested
| Judith Tydd
Top tiers advise on biggest IPO since Myer, and compensation lawyers engage in breast cancer patent battle.
Change for the worse
| Judith Tydd
National reform of the Trade Practices Act is leading to a spike in enquiries for consumer law practices.
Wind farm debate keeps turning
| Judith Tydd
Momentum for wind farms relies, increasingly, on the combined will of courts, communities and developers.
Firing on all cylinders
| Dan Hall
Fleet managers are opting for smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles and smarter ways to manage fleet costs.
BioBank seeds green shoots
| Judith Tydd
A credit scheme will allow land owners to develop environmentally sensitive land.
Breathing life back into bonds
| Anthony Sibillin
The incentives remain modest for companies to sell bonds directly to individuals.
Super rich miners
| Tom Brentnall
Kevin Rudd’s super profits tax cost Andrew Forrest number one position on the Rich 200 this year.
Role of litigation funding under microscope
| Judith Tydd
Corporate class action against big four banks highlights concerns for those funding the suits.
Why men need women
| Kath Walters and Jane Lindhe
The business case for promoting women into executive roles has never been stronger.
Law briefs
| Judith Tydd
Minter Ellison ramps up business development as it takes role out of events, and uniform laws on domestic arbitration are welcomed
Kathleen Conlon
| Kath Walters
The non-executive director at CSR and REA Group shares her thoughts on improving women’s representation on boards.
Super opportunity
| Anthony Sibillin
The Henry review wants to boost Australia’s under-developed annuities market.
End the IR football
| Leo D’Angelo Fisher
Call for a less political approach to workplace relations.
Winds of change gather strength
| Judith Tydd
Lawyers await a new blue print set to standardise the legal profession.
‘Turning point’ for ACCC
| Anthony Sibillin
The competition regulator’s opposition to NAB’s takeover of Axa tie up is a turning point in the battle to keep the big four banks from monopolising wealth management.
Workplace changes dogged by confusion
| Judith Tydd
The introduction of the Fair Work Act has left employers confused and worried about the loss of workplace flexibility.
Dangerous ideas
| Anthony Sibillin
Why prime ministers - and chief executives - should listen to a dead Austrian economist.
Class actions: the creeping giant
| Judith Tydd
Lawyers remain divided on the increasing prevalence of class actions in Australia
Reform at last
| Jane Lindhe
The introduction of long-awaited changes to franchise sector laws this month prompted the relieved federal small business minister to rejoice.
Regulating the rules
| Alex Malley
Strong policy is needed to prevent improper business activities, but not at the expense of the good, honest and hardworking majority.
Compete, or else
| Jane Lindhe
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has put supermarkets on notice in a bid to stamp out anti-competitive leasing covenants.
Raise the bar
| Ainslie Chandler
Melbourne-style cosy drinking establishments are not taking off in Sydney, despite changes to the liquor licensing arrangements.
Franklins' discount win
| Jane LindheA dispute between South African-owned supermarket chain Franklins and listed grocery wholesaler Metcash is likely to shed more light on the inner workings of Australia's complex multibillion-dollar grocery sector. ...
Direction finders
| Report: Judith TyddIt's not always the big strategy changes that make a law firm work - it can be about changing the state of mind....