Australian PSI®: Services sector softens in March
Weak trading conditions kept the services sector in the red in March according to the latest Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Australian Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI®). The monthly index was relatively unchanged, up 0.3 to 47.0 (readings below 50 represent a contraction in activity with the distance from 50 indicative of the strength of the decrease).
Wednesday 04 April 2012
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New Industrial Relations Guidelines - The Strong Stand Taken by The Victorian Government is Very Important
"The leadership shown and the strong stand taken by the Victorian Government in today issuing its own industrial relations guidelines for the Victorian construction industry is very important. The Guidelines are set to play a major role in preserving vital workplace relations reforms that have been evaporating by the day," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout.
Tuesday 03 April 2012
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Joint letter on US skilled migration to Australia
Australian and American business groups have today released a joint statement (attached) supporting measures to assist linking Australian employers with skilled workers in the US to help fill skill shortages in key sectors. This is further to the Government’s announcement in this regard earlier today.
Monday 02 April 2012
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The Impact of the Carbon Price on Minimum Wages
"The Australian Industry Group strongly believes that given the Government's generous compensation arrangements the price impact of the carbon tax should not be used as a basis for an increase in minimum wages over and above what otherwise would have occurred. This is entirely consistent with the Australian Government's position in the Annual Wage Review and any suggestion that there are major differences between the Ai Group and Government positions on this point is a beat-up," said Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout.
Monday 02 April 2012
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Australian PMI®: Manufacturing loses ground in March
The manufacturing sector moved into negative territory in March as the strong Australian dollar and softer demand continued to affect growth in the sector. The latest seasonally adjusted Australian Industry Group - PwC Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) fell 1.8 points to 49.5 in March (readings below 50 indicate a contraction in activity with the distance from 50 indicative of the strength of the decrease).
Monday 02 April 2012
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Ai Group Lodges Appeal Against Workpac Decision - Meaning of 'Service' Under The Fair Work Act
"The Australian Industry Group has filed an appeal against the decision of Commissioner McDonald of Fair Work Australia in the WorkPac case. The appeal concerns the meaning of 'service' and 'continuous service' under theFair Work Act. This meaning is critical for determining the entitlements of employees in a wide range of day-to-day circumstances," said Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout.
Sunday 01 April 2012
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Australian Industry Group Seeks Urgent Deferral of Public Holidays - Shopping Hours Bill
With the South Australian Parliament about to vote on legislation for two extra half day public holidays in return for extended CBD shop trading hours, the Ai Group South Australian Branch has added its strong concerns to that of other employer associations regarding the potential cost impact of the deal on industry.
Tuesday 27 March 2012
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Business congratulates new QLD Premier
"Ai Group congratulates the new Queensland Premier-elect Campbell Newman and his LNP government on their election victory," said Ai Group Queensland Director Matthew Martyn-Jones said.
Monday 26 March 2012
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Holden announcement provides much needed confidence boost
The major investment by Holden, supported with funds from the Australian, Victorian and South Australian governments, is good news and provides much needed certainty for the sector and related industries. It will be welcomed by the broad cross-section of Australian businesses that benefit from the management expertise and workforce skills nurtured in the auto sector," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Designate Innes Willox said today.
Thursday 22 March 2012
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New construction and road safety remuneration acts - Government needs to address industry concerns in implementation
"Now that Parliament, despite strong opposition from industry, has passed the Government's construction industry bill and road safety remuneration bill, the Government needs to address industry concerns in implementing the new legislation," said Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout.
Wednesday 21 March 2012
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Wages Trade-off Essential now that Superannuation Guarantee Levy Increases Passed by Parliament
"Last night the legislation[1] to increase the Superannuation Guarantee Levy from 9% to 12% passed through Parliament. It is vital that the Government immediately introduce amendments to the Fair Work Act requiring Fair Work Australia to take the increased levy into account when determining minimum wage increases," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout.
Tuesday 20 March 2012
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Accelerated reforms to VET critical to boosting our productivity
"Today's skills announcement by the Prime Minister, at Ai Group's Canberra office, brings a sharp focus on reforming and lifting the performance of Australia's skills development system, " said Ai Group Chief Executive Designate, Innes Willox.
Monday 19 March 2012
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Careful approach needed in Annual Wage Review
Fair Work Australia needs to take a careful approach this year in adjusting minimum wages. The Australian economy slowed in the December quarter and business expectations about economic conditions over the year ahead are more pessimistic than a year ago. Further, the labour market continues to soften with employment falling and unemployment and under-employment rising," Ai Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout, said today.
Friday 16 March 2012
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Ai Group comment on company tax cut
For your information, the following is a comment made by Ai Group Chief Executive,Heather Ridout, in relation to the current debate on cuts to the company tax rate
Wednesday 14 March 2012
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Changes to skilled migration program
"The changes announced today to the migration program should help employers to better access overseas skilled workers in what remains a tight labour market," Ai Group Chief Executive Designate Innes Willox said today.
Friday 09 March 2012
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Industry Applies to FWA For Changes to Allow all Award Covered Workers to Cash Out Annual Leave
"The Australian Industry Group has applied to Fair Work Australia for changes to the Model Award Flexibility Clause - a term of all modern awards - which would allow individual award covered employees to agree with their employers on flexible leave arrangements including the cashing-out of annual leave," said Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout.
Friday 09 March 2012
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Industry welcomes reports of new Victorian construction industry regulator
The Australian Industry Group welcomes reports that the Victorian Government intends to establish its own construction industry regulator, but further details are needed before industry support is confirmed.
Thursday 08 March 2012
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Comment by Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout on ACTU's Jeff Lawrence
"What has always impressed us about Jeff Lawrence is his wholehearted commitment to the union movement and in particular his commitment to the low paid," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout.
Wednesday 07 March 2012
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Australian PCI®: Construction down again in February
February marked the 21st consecutive month the national construction industry has contracted according to the latest Australian Industry Group Australian Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI®) in conjunction with the Housing Industry Association. The seasonally adjusted index was 4.2 points weaker at 35.6 in the month (readings below 50 indicate a contraction in activity).
Wednesday 07 March 2012
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Union Fair Work Review Wish List Must Be Rejected
"The Australian Industry Group has today released a supplementary submission to the Fair Work Act Review which responds to the unions' proposed changes to the Act. The unions have called for more restrictions on employers, wider arbitration powers for Fair Work Australia, more rights to strike, and more power in many other areas. It is vital that these claims are rejected," said Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout.
Tuesday 06 March 2012
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The Australian Industry Group.