Growth & Export

Last week, Anthill was the victim of a theft. The loss was felt immediately, not simply due to its effect on morale but also because the loss involved some important documents and many human hours of productivity. Now, there are two things that we can do: (1) Sulk; or, (2) Devise a way to turn a positive into a negative.

Talking Business is a podcast review of the Australian economy, presented by seasoned business journalists Leon Gettler and Garry Barker, produced in association with the RMIT College of Business. In this podcast, RMIT economist Alberto Posso talks to Leon and Garry about retail trade and engineering construction figures.

Australian franchises and small businesses are increasingly favoured by overseas investors, especially from China, according to a recent report. The study also highlighted the benefits of pursuing Gen Y franchisees.

In this podcast, Garry and Leon look at the Reserve Bank’s decision to keep interest rates on hold – for now. But the big four banks will give the RBA until next month to raise rates, or they say they will go it alone. In other news, the Department of Finance looks at $2.4 billion in cuts to pay for the pledges it made during its negotiations with the Independents, and the Housing Industry Association predicts a steep fall in housing starts as the federal stimulus measures fade.

Talking Business is a podcast review of the Australian economy, presented by seasoned business journalists Leon Gettler and Garry Barker, produced in association with the RMIT College of Business. It features interviews with prominent business leaders and expert analysis from RMIT academics. Download this podcast to hear RMIT economist Jonathan Boymal talk about the reduction in building approvals caused by interest rate rises, and job vacancy figures showing a tighter labour market.

Ian Campbell, managing director of Melbourne-based manufacturing conglomerate, GUD Holdings, talks to Leon and Garry about marketing, the consumer appliance business, retailers and their “philosophies” and why he does not always find them either useful or profitable. And then there was his highly successful sponsorship of the TV blockbuster “Master Chef” to promote the Sunbeam kitchen appliances company.

Leon and Garry talk about the difficulty getting the legislation for the NBN through Parliament. But the Government needs to hurry as Telstra wants to have the NBN finalised by Christmas. Telstra has also released its latest renewal plan. Meanwhile, its share price has fallen to an all-time low.

RMIT economist Alberto Posso talks about the latest well-being figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australians are richer, living longer and better educated. And while income inequality is increasing, the poor are better off than they were 10 years ago.

Leon and Garry talk about how Australians should be bracing themselves for more interest rate rises, possibly four, as the RBA manages the largest minerals boom since the 19th century. Meanwhile, the Aussie dollar soars to a two-year high, and while Australia’s commodity forecaster predicts a jump in commodity exports, consumers continue to tighten their belts.

The value of Australia's private businesses are stuck in neutral as the global economy continue to grind its gears, according to a quarterly study.

Leon and Garry talk about rising business confidence masking patchy business conditions. Consumer sentiment has dropped and fewer people are taking out loans; however, more people are using their credit cards. Meanwhile, a new report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows Australians are wealthier and living longer.

Talking Business is a podcast review of the Australian economy, presented by seasoned business journalists Leon Gettler and Garry Barker, produced in association with the RMIT College of Business. It features interviews with prominent business leaders and expert analysis from RMIT academics. This week, Leon and Garry talk to the general manager of Docklands, David Young, about the progress of the Melbourne development.

If only confidence was a tangible commodity, like coal or iPhones or barramundi. Because Australian businesses appear to be investing heavily in it. Confidence about sales, profits and capital investment are heady and strong for the final quarter of 2010, according to Dun & Bradstreet's latest National Business Expectations Survey. This could indicate a sunny December for Australian business.

RMIT economist Alberto Posso talks about the latest unemployment data and the issue of remittances from migrants sending money home to their families. Download this podcast to hear his take on how remittances can shape the government’s foreign aid policy.

“Since the Henry Tax Review recommendations were released in January, miners have not curbed their hiring activities in anticipation of a tax on profits," said Robert Olivier, director of global market intelligence for Advantage Resourcing. "In fact, they have done quite the opposite. They’ve hit the employment button hard to meet surging global demand.”

Senator Carr's office announced last week that it will invest $63 million to bring production of Toyota’s next-generation, four-cylinder engine to the company's plant in Altona, Victoria. The Altona plant currently employs 320 people. By way of comparison, the much lauded Commercialisation Australia fund has been allocated $244 million over the four years 2011 to 2014. That's $61 million a year. Which option, do you think, will create more jobs?

Garry and Leon talk about the new Labor government just scraping back into office. Download the podcast to find out how it will affect the outcomes of Australia’s credit rating, the mining tax, the NBN and more, plus all the latest in business news.

RMIT economist Jonathan Boymal talks about the balance of payments, national accounts, building approvals and retail trade trends.

Australian business are upbeat about the future -- or, at the least, they are putting on a brave face. The latest MYOB Business Monitor reveals that 74% of businesses reported revenue levels the same as a year ago, or higher.

In this podcast, Garry and Leon talk about the surprising growth in Australian GDP and soaring gross operating profits. Confidence among Australian farmers has reached a two and a half year high with rising commodity prices and winter rains. But unemployment is rising and companies are paying out less with dividends.