Sharon Olalia

Atlas Iron Ltd (ASX:AGO) chief executive David Flanagan said he would not vote for Julia Gillard, whom he labeled a "tax queen" given the government's plan to impose the revised levy.

Programmed Maintenance Services Ltd (ASX:PRG), a provider of staffing, maintenance and project services, says it forecasts offshore oil and gas opportunities to improve its second half, after earlier predicting a moderate increase in annual profit.

The Australian share market was lower in early afternoon trading, dragged down by subdued financial stocks after a flat close on offshore markets overnight.

Building products firm Boral Ltd (ASX:BLD) announced today the completion of the retail component of its accelerated renounceable entitlement offer.

The Reserve Bank of Australia's quarterly monetary policy statement released today suggests the current pause in interest rate rises could be prolonged.

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has welcomed the Federal Court's move to dismiss a case to a non-union workplace agreement affecting its iron ore operations, while the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) said it was considering a High Court appeal.

Downer EDI (ASX:DOW) saw its shares rise upon finalising a $3 billion contract with Australian miner Fortescue Metals Group (ASX:FMG).

Australia's construction sector dived in July, with firms in the commercial and engineering sectors reporting particularly difficult conditions, according to data released today.

Australia's leading tea brand Lipton Quality Black have grown at a rate faster than the market since its maker Unilever decided to procure tea from sustainable plantations.

Out of control property taxes combined with rising costs of living are trashing the dream of homeownership for tens of thousands of Australians, according to REINSW, a major professional association for real estate agents and other property professionals in the country.

The Australian stock market is set for a flat start after an unexpected rise in jobless claims and weak retail sales data in the US resulted in a moderately lower Wall Street.

The Australian currency opened higher after more disappointing US data was released ahead of important US jobs figures.

The Australian share market closed stronger thanks to higher mining stocks.

Maggie Beer Products is voluntarily conducting a consumer level recall to remove from shelves and homes all of its 500mL Chicken Stock in the 29248 batch.

The Hon Tanya Plibersek, Federal Minister for Housing, today announced the building of 200 national affordable houses in Ballarat to be provided by Ethan Affordable Housing.

Yesterdays farmers' and environmentalists' rally at Parliament House has put the spotlight on the State Government and the LNP Opposition over their support for dirty industry, according to Queensland Conservation.

The value of farmed salmonid production climbed by 7 per cent to $323 million in 2008-09, based on the latest ABARE-BRS Australian fisheries statistics 2009 report.

Australian gold company Cleveland Mining Limited plans to list on the Australian Stock Exchange, according to a company statement released today.

Mark McInnes has returned to the country to defend allegations against him in a $37 million sexual harassment case, raising questions about what contractual obligations the former chief executive of David Jones (ASX: DJS) has to the Australian retailer its own defense in the case.

The Finance Sector Union today renewed calls for banking regulation as ING Direct's latest quarterly Financial Wellbeing Index showed that Australian households are under rising pressure to get personal debt under control.

The Alliance of Australian Retailers today called on the government to abandon its policy to require plain packaging for tobacco.

Hard-working Australians are in danger of losing their right to claim work-related expenses, and may even lose their tax refunds if Labor wins the next federal election and moves to adopt a key recommendation of the Henry Report, according to National Tax & Accountants' Association (NTAA).

Sensear, a Perth-based developer and manufacturer of high noise communication headsets, today announced the completion of a A$7.1 million private funding round backed by existing shareholders. The capital infusion will be used to fortify global sales growth and enhance Sensear's technology and product range.

Demand for Australian office space has recovered after the global financial crisis, with research from the Property Council of Australia showing figures over the last six months at double the 20 year average.

The Gold Coast's office vacancy rate has continued to climb and is the highest in Australia, according to a mid-year Office Market Report released today by the Property Council of Australia.

Brisbane's CBD office vacancy rate has slumped from a 15 year high of 11.3 per cent in January to 10.9 per cent in July this year, according to the Property Council of Australia's mid-year Office Market Report released today.

Brisbane's Fringe office vacancy rate recorded its highest level since January 2003, rising from 11.4 percent in January to 12.2 percent in July this year, according to the Property Council of Australia's mid-year Office Market Report released today.

Cancer Council Australia and the National Heart Foundation of Australia today called on all political parties to back the plan to phase in plain packaging of tobacco products, as a new, big-budget media campaign funded by the tobacco industry seeks to roll back the important health measure.

Education and advisory services are not simply a significant component for any home loan related vendor but have become essential, according to a new consumer survey conducted by Home Loan Hints, at a time when consumers say they cannot trust most of the home loan advice on offer.