Managing
Supermarket regulator needed to tackle competition issues
Australia needs an ombudsman to protect consumers and food producers from being ripped-off by big supermarkets, consumer group Choice says.
Price pressure fears flat in March, survey shows
Consumer inflationary expectations were flat in March, but signs of firm economic growth meant the proportion of people who expect prices to remain stable declined.
Full-time jobs boost
CHRIS ZAPPONE Australia adds 11,400 full-time positions but not enough to stop the jobless rate edging higher after a revision for January.
Profit outlook for SMEs best in 2.5 years
Optimism among small and medium size firms about future profits is at its highest level since before the global financial crisis, a survey finds.
Jobless figure to test Rudd's stimulus strategy
The federal government's defence of its stimulus strategy is set to be tested this week with the release of employment and consumer confidence data.
Confidence sinks for Victorian SMEs
CHRIS ZAPPONE Small and medium businesses in Victoria have the lowest level of confidence in the nation, a report shows.
Ai Group urges employers to hire more apprentices
A peak industry representative group is urging employers to hire more apprentices to avoid a shortage of some skilled labour that is likely to accompany global economic recovery.
Consumer confidence in Australia rebounds: MasterCard survey
Australian consumers are optimistic about the next six months, according to the latest MasterCard Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence.
Australian businesses third-most confident in world
Australian private businesses are the third most optimistic in the world about the domestic economy for 2010, a global survey says.
Fair Work watchdog to check on 50,000 businesses
Fair Work inspectors will visit almost 50,000 small businesses across Australia to help them understand and comply with the federal government's new workplace laws.
Potential costs for business in Fair Work start-up
Government fails to rule out that its major overhaul of workplace relations laws will end up costing some businesses in the short term.
Small business in for a shock
MICHAEL EVANS FEWER than half of Australia's small businesses are adequately prepared to deal with a further round of family friendly workplace laws that will take effect next month.
Skills shortage expected to worsen as economy improves
Australia's shortage of skilled labour will worsen as the economy improves, according to a survey by the Australian Institute of Management.
How policy makers are abandoning small business
MICHAEL BAKER Rates are rising, the Reserve Bank is whistling a merry tune. But for small retailers, the idea that things are on the mend must seem ridiculous.
Deaths prompt release of insulation safety procedures
DAVID BARBELER Foil insulation manufacturers have released a comprehensive set of safety procedures following the deaths of two young industry workers in as many months.
Fraud
How Clive Peeters lost then found its $20m
LUCY BATTERSBY AND IAN MCILWRAITH A trusted employee held the key to Clive Peeters' dire financial woes.
Red tape eased for small business
Corner stores and charities would be spared from having to write a detailed annual report under a federal government proposal.
Retail analysis
Rising prices are the work of our food giants, not landlords
MICHAEL BAKER Claims that our food giants hike up high food prices faster than anywhere in the world has let retail landlords - usually considered the culprits - off the hook.
We might change industrial laws: Abbott
New federal Liberal leader Tony Abbott has not to ruled out changes to Australia’s industrial relations landscape.
Business Maxims
Investment allowance countdown
MAX NEWNHAM There is now less than a month to go for small business owners to take advantage of the federal government's investment allowance.









