By Chris James
With the sad conclusion of John Adams, Judge John Deed (Channel 7 Two, 8.30pm Monday nights), although a repeat, is unarguably the best thing on TV this summer. It should be savoured without undue distraction and accompanied always by a quality Scotch or a strong cup of tea (not green).
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The Lighter Side | Tagged: Chris James, John Deed, Judge John Deed, The Lighter Side | 
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By The Editor
Click to see a larger image of the results
Last week, we asked you for your thoughts regarding the issue of smoking and the workplace. According to the results we gathered from nearly 200 votes: most view smoking breaks as a recipe for lower productivity and workplace disharmony and resentment – but do not want them banned.
2 Comments | Workplace, Your Say | Tagged: smoking, The Editor, Workplace, Your Say | Permalink
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By The Editor
In the 2009 Corporate Issues Survey, conducted by Ken Blanchard Companies in the United States – over 1,700 executives and mangers were posed the question: “What tactics will your firm implement to cope in a down economy?”
**Take our survey and leave a comment to have your say!**
Leave a Comment » | Workplace, Your Say | Tagged: The Editor, training, Workplace, Your Say | Permalink
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By Andrew Rimington
In The Australian:
UNIVERSITIES Australia has warned this year’s big expansion of places is unsustainable and the sector will face a challenge to maintain quality and expand unless backed by additional teaching and infrastructure money.
Universities can currently enrol 10% above their existing approved student enrolment level and have been doing so for some time demonstrating that they can do more for less. However, the issues of quality remains a major concern where universities are driving down costs by reducing the range of subject offering, “dumbing down” assessment requirements and reducing support services and resources for students.
Additional investment is required to ensure that as the Higher Education system moves to a demand-led approach that disciplines linked to skill shortage areas are supported to ensure an increased supply of graduates is maintained.
Leave a Comment » | Education | Tagged: Andrew Rimington, Education, skills shortage, university | Permalink
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By Chris James
According to The Age Online:
“Federal Treasury boss Ken Henry has dashed expectations that his review of the tax system will pave the way for lower tax, declaring that over time Australians will have to pay more.
“Addressing a conference in Sydney, Dr Henry said Australia’s tax system had to be prepared for the probability that, as the population ages, government revenue needs ”will grow strongly in the longer term”.”
Perhaps this Review should be called the Henry Higher Taxation Review. Most contemplation by Henry has been of new or higher taxes, and there has been no focus on reducing size of government.
2 Comments | Economy | Tagged: Chris James, Ken Henry, tax | Permalink
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By Jodie Wickham
While the US is losing ground to major competitors, Australia holds its position in 3rd place in the 2010 Index of Economic Freedom, recently released by the Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal.
While many businesses have, and continue to face difficult conditions, the ranking highlights many of Australia’s economic structural strengths, which have helped us start the New Year in a much better position than many of our global competitors.
Leave a Comment » | Economy | Tagged: Australia, Economy, Heritage Foundation, Index of Economic Freedom, Jodie Wickham, Wall Street Journal | Permalink
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By Jodie Wickham
Phil Ruthven, founder of IBISWorld, recently spoke to SmartCompany about which industries he believes are set for strong growth nationwide in 2010, and why this should be a great year for entrepreneurs.
Ruthven highlights six industries that he believes will do well over the next twelve months – starting with his top winner – communications: Read the rest of this entry »
Leave a Comment » | Economy | Tagged: Economy, industry, Jodie Wickham, VECCI Global | Permalink
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By Anthony McIntosh
Melbourne is renowned worldwide for the vibrancy of its live music scene – but in light of harsher liquor licensing laws, this sector is now facing various complications.
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By Anthony McIntosh
The core role of Visitor Information Centres (VIC) is to enrich the visitors’ experience, encourage visitors to do and see more, spend more money and stay longer, which ultimately contributes to the regional dispersal of visitors, stimulates economic activity and encourages visitors to return.
A VIC delivers this by providing quality and accurate information, exceptional customer service and effectively promoting the range of visitor experiences and services available.
However, despite the significant role these centres play, why are they regularly oversighted in the State Governments tourism strategies, with a mere fleeting mention in the three year Regional Tourism Action Plan and no mention at all in the 10 Year Tourism & Events Strategy.
Leave a Comment » | Economy, Tourism | Tagged: Anthony McIntosh, Melbourne, Tourism, Victoria | Permalink
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By Alexandra Marriott
It seems that ‘productivity’ is the favoured rhetoric of the day.
The Fair Work Act 2009 is underpinned by references to productivity: productivity through modern awards, productivity through enterprise bargaining; and even productivity by the amendment of unfair dismissal laws!
1 Comment | Economy, Workplace | Tagged: Alexandra Marriott, Fair Work Act, Fair Work Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Workplace | Permalink
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