Sharon Olalia

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.

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.

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.

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.

Qantas Airways (ASX: QAN) is having difficulties persuading authorities to award a two-year extension to its team up with South Africa Airways on the productive Australia-Africa route.

The Australian share market is set to begin the week slightly higher on the back of a flat lead from Wall Street.

Saturday is now the most economical time to buy petrol although it is not likely to stay that way for long, said Australia's National Roads and Motorists' Association.

Australian Newsagents' Federation chief executive Alf Maccioni has urged both major parties to commit to introducing measures to provide support to small business.

Low-density dwellings still account for two thirds of all building approvals in the Perth metropolitan area, according to a report issued today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Software Only today released Roxio Retrospect 8.2 for Mac, a key update to the backup and recovery software that allows small and midsize businesses to protect critical data stored on Mac, Windows, and Linux servers, desktops and notebooks.

Australian city home prices declined in June, the first time in 17 months as interest rate hikes sent auction clearance rates lower.

The total use of water for agricultural production has been decreasing, while the total gross value remains steady, according to a report issued today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics released today the results of the first national Patient Experience Survey examining health care for Australians in the last 12 months.

Australian businesses spent $75.4 billion on energy during 2008-09, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies, which represents small and medium-sized miners, is planning to relaunch an advertising blitz against the 30 per cent minerals resource rent tax.

In the latest indication of struggling with vehicle problems despite works to overhaul quality control, Toyota is recalling nearly half a million cars for problems that can cause the steering wheel to lock up.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard will be in Perth on Friday for the first time in the campaign for the federal election, and will declare that the coverage of the national broadband network will expand from 90 to 93 per cent of the country.

Airservices Australia is set to invest massively in infrastructure over the next 12 months, according to a statement released today.

Australia's biggest investment bank Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX; MQG) expects its advisory, securities, fixed income and commodities divisions to post lower earnings as global markets stumble and deals wane.

The Australian share market is likely to start weaker this morning after a fall on Wall Street overnight, although resource and energy stocks may gain after the price of metals and oil increased.

Harold Mitchell has sold Mitchell Communication Group (ASX: MCU), which he founded 34 years ago, to British media company Aegis Group for $363 million. The Australian media mogul will, however, continue to lead the expanded company.

Australian digital publishing services provider Realview today confirmed that more than 30,000 editions from over 2,000 publications it produces for clients can now be interactively viewed on the Apple iPad, without having to download anything from the App Store.