BUSINESS

Federal minister for Agriculture Tony Burke today announced that an elected Labor government would introduce a National Food Plan, to examine food security, food quality, the affordability of food and the sustainability of food in Australia.The initiative would not require new funding, but instead c...

The UK's Food Standards Agency said yesterday it would investigate reports that milk from the offspring of a cloned cow has gone on sale in the country.An anonymous UK farmer told the International Herald Tribune he was producing milk from a cow bred from a clone as part of his daily milk output.The...

The RBA's expectations for inflation ? which was contrary to most economists ? have come to pass to ensure rates remain on hold.

A snapshot of economist responses to today's June retail sales and dwelling approvals data, both numbers coming in softer than the market had expected.

Caltex Australia (ASX:CTX) today launched a high ethanol-based fuel designed for use in Holden's VE Series II Commodore flex-fuel vehicles to be released later this year.

The Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft (AFACT) said on Monday that iiNet was well aware of copyright violations committed through its facilities since film studios had duly informed the internet service provider on the cases of illegal downloading of movies.

Strong gains in Asia help the Australian market.

Australian stocks gained more than one per cent on Monday, with market sentiment driven by growing expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will leave interest rates unchanged at its monthly board meeting on Tuesday.

The Australian share market rallied today, rising 1pct. However volumes were low due to a Bank holiday in NSW and the ACT. The All Ordinaries Index (XAO) gained 47pts to close at 4554.4 while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (XJO) was up 48.1pts or 1.1pct to 4541.6.

The stealing of nearly $20 million from Clive Peeters by the company accountant is a major factor in the collapse of the Australian electrical retailer, the Victorian Supreme Court heard today.

The Finance Sector Union (FSU) has called for all political parties to adopt policies that protect Australian jobs and skills from the practice of offshoring.

Canadian gold mining firm Barrick Gold Corporation (TSE: ABX) said on Monday that it does not intend to lift a finger in blocking the looming takeover bid of Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) for Lihir Gold Ltd (ASX: LGL), calling the deal as an almost done arrangement.

Luxury retailer David Jones is facing legal suits that could cost the company up to $37 million, thanks to its resigned chief executive Mark McInnes as the two were hailed to court for allegations of sexual misconducts, according to statements lodged before the Federal Court.

Leighton Contractors, one of Australia's leading contracting and project development groups, has been selected by the Power and Water Corporation in the Northern Territory to install additional generation capacity at Darwin's Channel Island Power Station.

Supermarkets are increasingly tapping into the 'local' trend, driven by consumers' desire to support and feel part of their community, according to Datamonitor's consumer markets analyst.

Property group Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP) announced on Monday that it would pursue its takeover negotiations with Aevum Ltd (ASX: AVE) despite the latter’s rejection of a $266 million cash bid for the blanket acquisition of the retirement group’s shares at 38 percent premium of the stock’s closing price on Friday.

New home sales slumped for a second consecutive period in June to a 17-month low, as rising interest rates continued to wear away demand.

Former Babcock & Brown chairman Elizabeth Nosworthy had questioned the performance of the investment bank's ex-boss Phil Green ahead of the company's demise.

Coal Services Pty Limited (CSPL), an industry-owned, workplace focused, specialist organisation, today announced that workers' compensation premium rates for the New South Wales coal mining industry continue the established trend of annual decreases following the confirmation of a targeted rate of 3.6 per cent for 2010/2011.

Activity in the manufacturing sector rose in July, entering its third quarter of expansion, because of stronger levels of production, new orders and deliveries, according to a survey.

Coal Services Pty Limited (CSPL), an industry-owned, workplace focused, specialist organisation, today announced that workers' compensation premium rates for the New South Wales coal mining industry continue the established trend of annual decreases following the confirmation of a targeted rate of 3.6 per cent for 2010/2011.

Premier Investments (ASX:PMV) sees its Just Group retail business to post annual net profit of $78 million to $81 million, and expects significant improvement in the year ahead.

A preview to what is one of the more intriguing books on release this year.

The Australian Dollar has opened up firmly above 0.9000 this morning after the release of two major announcements on the weekend: US GDP Q2 figures and China PMI (purchasing manger's index) for the month of July.

The US economy grew at a 2.4pct annual pace in the June quarter after an upwardly revised 3.7pct reading for the March quarter (previously reported as a 2.7pct gain).

US stocks are expected to face a volatile week as Wall Street awaits a key government jobs report expected to show unemployment at elevated levels.

The Australian market looks set to test the 4500 level after a relatively flat read from Wall Street.

Greenback weakness across the board has helped put the Australian Dollar back over US90 cents during offshore trade on Friday and we open in Sydney this morning at 0.9050.

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), which represents junior and mid-tier miners, has begun a new advertising campaign against the Gillard government's resources tax but dismisses it as it is politically influenced.