May 20, 2010
By The Editor
In the latest development on the proposed mining tax, Fortescue Metals has shelved new projects worth $17 billion; BHP’s Bowen Basin (QLD) coalmine and Olympic Dam (SA) may not go ahead; and OZ Minerals has indicated that a $300-million feasibility study for a copper and gold mine may not go ahead (AFR, pg.1, 20 May 2010).
With such an outlook, the WA, QLD and SA Governments are notably concerned.
VECCI’s Chris James looks at the national impact of this tax and wonders if there will be any compromise on this issue.
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Economy, Quick Quotes | Tagged: BHP, Chris James, Fortescue Metals, mining, OZ Minerals, tax, The Editor, VECCI | 
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Posted by The Editor
May 5, 2010
By The Editor
Yesterday, the Reserve Bank confirmed what many already suspected by raising the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.5 per cent. This latest rise signals the third consecutive rise in the past three months and the sixth increase since October 2009.
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Posted by The Editor
April 16, 2010
By The Editor
Taxation is always a touchy topic, but it seems there will be even more tip-toeing around, when the Henry tax review is released:
Treasurer Wayne Swan is preparing to minimise sharemarket jitters over tax reform by arranging a budget-style lock-up to release the Henry tax review in the fortnight before the May 11 federal budget [Australian Financial Review]
Chris James: “We have not heard much about less or more efficient taxation leading up to this process. Let’s just hope it is not the “Henry Higher Taxation Review”.
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Posted by The Editor
April 8, 2010
By The Editor
As more people are choosing to call Melbourne home, much discussion has centred around our city’s ability to meet the housing needs of our growing population. In the latest effort to address this issue, the City of Melbourne has announced plans for the development of several key inner-city areas:
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Posted by The Editor
March 26, 2010
By The Editor
In an effort to address our State’s skills shortage, the government has pushed for more people to pursue further qualifications in their trade. However, according to The Age, the response has not been encouraging:
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Posted by The Editor
March 24, 2010
By Wayne Kayler-Thomson
Today’s rises in waste levies, while understandable, should be offset by other cuts in the cost of doing business.
We understand the environmental imperatives behind the rise in the waste levies and acknowledge the funding to help encourage recycling. However, the cost to industry of these measures cannot be overlooked in the context of the current recovery from GFC and rises in interest rates and the price of energy and water.
Such costs should be offset by significant business tax relief in the coming May Budget.
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Posted by The Editor
March 18, 2010
By The Editor
This year’s Good Friday just got…“good-er”, with Premier John Brumby announcing that Melbourne’s water restrictions will be eased from Good Friday onwards.
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Posted by The Editor
March 16, 2010
By The Editor
According to population growth estimates, Melbourne could see a 74% increase to its number of residents by 2036 – but with our State’s resources and infrastructure showing the strain, population growth is becoming an increasing concern.
The Age has reported on two proposed approaches to this issue, while VECCI’s Megan Cox offers a reminder that these discussions must go beyond simply “housing the masses”.
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4 Comments | Infrastructure, Quick Quotes | Tagged: Infrastructure, Megan Cox, population, The Editor, Victoria | Permalink
Posted by The Editor
March 9, 2010
By The Editor
It is said that, besides the AFL, there are two things most Victorians love to discuss: public transport and the weather.
While many conversations have blown towards the wild weekend weather, today’s multiple delays and safety concerns over our trains have once again put our State’s infrastructure needs in the spotlight:
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3 Comments | Infrastructure, Quick Quotes | Tagged: Infrastructure, Megan Cox, Quick Quotes, The Editor | Permalink
Posted by The Editor
March 3, 2010
By The Editor
Melbourne’s new train operator, Metro, has made public its plans to have twice as many Victorians using the train system by 2017.
VECCI’s Megan Cox looks at this promise in light of Melbourne’s projected population growth and infrastructure needs.
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Posted by The Editor
