ECONOMY

Australia's economy is expected to show an upward trend because companies earned well in the second quarter.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) is anxious over the South Australian government's stance on their recent enterprise bargaining action (EBA).

Potential borrowers face an increase of 1.5 percentage points in the cost of bank loans.

Consumers increased their preferences for buying organic products this year.

The combined forces of Julia Gillard of the Labor party, Tony Abbott of the Liberal/National coalition, and the independents Tony Windsor, Rob Oakeshott, and Bob Katter could support regional development.

The report commissioned by the group shows prices for wheat in Australia have been generally steady over the last week. However, it noted that South Australia and Western Australia saw wheat price increases of $10 due to strong exporter interest.

The first week of August appears gloomy when capital expenditure fell from the first to the second quarter by 4 percent in seasonally adjusted terms.

Supply must equal demand before milk prices can be raised.

Queensland employers are confident in having older workers in their work force. The tendency was reflected in the results of a Monash University survey of 600 Queensland employers.

The financial year 2009-2010 looks “pretty good” in the eyes of the stockbrokers and financial adviser group, Presscott Securities.

Childcare costs for working parents may eat up more than 10 percent of their family's net income if reforms take place.

Large and small scale businesses in Australia now have an undermanned and overworked staff.

More than half a billion dollars was spent on the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges and on the purchase of equipment needed for construction in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) business sales indicator index in July shows a flat line for consumer spending. The plateau in expenditures still shows a cautious market, but it is a welcome relief for retailers.

The Australian Industry Group (AIG) in conjunction with Deloitte Private is in the field conducting a survey of private and public companies.

Solid exports are set to lift the national income by 10 per cent in 2010 while unemployment continues to decline, and inflation will likely become a problem over the next two years, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia.

The proposed $70 million direct factory outlet near Hobart Airport would push through as planned despite looming possibility that its developer Austexx could be entering receivership soon.

Labor party head Julia Gillard presented a vague social transformation scheme while Coalition bet Tony Abbott promised a budget surplus. Persuading the public continues three days into the election.

New Zealand farmers have opted to embrace the government's carbon trading program because of the financial rewards. The decision, though, was based on a weak understanding of the risks of converting pasture land into forest.

Fifteen to nineteen year olds are having difficulties in finding jobs. The total number of unemployed youth rose from 145,000 in June to 152,400 in July.

Inflation is expected to remain under control until 2012 even though consumers continue to hold on to their money. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) revealed its favorable outlook on the inflation rate and on the economy in the minutes of its August meeting.

Australia faced a 5.3 percent unemployment rate in July. Economic analysts are confident the figure will remain the same for August. Political analysts, however, say the figure may sway votes in the August 21 elections.

A study by the Australian Farm Institute (AFI) published on Tuesday found that the country’s agricultural sector is suffering from labour shortage of at least 96,000 full-time workers and an additional skill drought of 10,000 part-time workers.

The Welfare Rights Centre (WRC) expressed deep concern over the employment policies of the Coalition and the Opposition parties. Both parties have included rewards, as well as, punitive measures in efforts to win voters for the August 21 elections.

A study by the Australian Farm Institute (AFI) published on Tuesday found that the country’s agricultural sector is suffering from labour shortage of at least 96,000 full-time workers and an additional skill drought of 10,000 part-time workers.

Using the waves of the southern Australian coastline can meet half of the country's current electricity needs. Setting up the electricity infrastructure to tap the energy along the coast now could even halt the rising cost of electricity.

Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) is fast-becoming the car of choice for most Australians and according to the latest data furnished by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday, the month of July alone saw some new 20,405 units rolling out of dealers’ outlets.

The airline industry enjoyed an increase in the demand for premium airline tickets. A 16.6 percent increase in ticket sales kept first class seats filled in June. The increase also covers sales for business class tickets.

Nicole Kidman and husband Keith Urban acquired $10 million-worth apartment in Manhattan.