000 service outage prompts Nationals to call for Universal Service Obligation reform for mobile phone coverage
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud is reiterating calls to reform the Universal Service Obligation (USO), following another major mobile phone outage. Mr Littleproud said the latest Optus outage showed the vulnerability of the 000 service if a mobile phone tower goes down and the service does not divert to another provider’s tower. “In regional […]
CPA Australia implies final Budget outcome masks structural tax problems
Today’s Final Budget Outcome 2024-25 shows Australia’s fiscal position has improved compared with earlier forecasts. However, the largest accounting body, CPA Australia, remains concerned over the nation’s over-reliance on a shrinking pool of taxpayers and persistent expected deficits over the next decade. The figures show that the $10 billion underlying cash deficit is less than […]
Wave of insurer acquisitions threatens competition and consumer choice according to MTAA
The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) has applauded the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for recognising the risks of consolidation in the motor insurance market but warned that allowing IAG’s proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance (RACI) in Western Australia would entrench a damaging trend, leaving motorists worse off. Already this year, the ACCC […]
Dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia according to AIHW
Farming families that want to stay on the land for as long as possible should take notice of a report released at the start of Dementia Action Week, 15 to 21 September, that has confirmed Dementia is now the leading cause of death for Australians. Once, affected patients were simply seen affectionately as “silly old […]
Applications open for the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award
Women with bold ideas and a drive to create positive change in rural and regional Australia are invited to apply for the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. Applications close on Friday 7 November 2025 for all states, with Northern Territory applicants closing on Friday 30 January 2026. Apply here. Now in its 25th year, the […]
Business Connect is being axed by the NSW Government and several digital service suppliers are up in arms
The NSW Government plans to axe Business Connect on 30 September 2025, and if it goes ahead, will be the end of the $10 million program that according to UR Digital, delivers up to a 3:1 return on investment for the small business sector, which contributes $535 billion a year to the NSW economy. “The […]
Milk production in Australia set for continued decline while global supply surges according to Rabobank
In newly-released research, Rabobank says local milk production is set to fall again in the current season, as ongoing feed shortages and a smaller milking herd in drought-affected areas continue to impact. This comes as global milk supply surges, with production increasing across other key dairy-exporting regions across the world. In its Quarter 3 Global Dairy […]
CPA Australia calls for clearer product naming and marketing rules and suggests you check if your current investments are safe
Following the ASIC investigation into the management and operation of the First Guardian Master Fund, a managed investment scheme where it is understood around 6,000 investors have been exposed to heavy losses collectively worth more than $1 billion. Our largest accounting body, CPA Australia, is calling for stricter rules to govern the naming and marketing […]
Farmer and rural business input is being called for into ways of creating growth in rural and regional Australia
The House of Representatives Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth has commenced a new inquiry into creating sustainable economic growth in rural and regional Australia. The Committee seeks to identify opportunities to promote and support sustainable markets for rural and regional small and medium businesses in all sectors, through enhanced branding, and certification of Australian […]
ICA warns the home guarantee scheme expansion will increase property prices by up to 10% in the first year
According to new analysis released by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) today, The Federal Government’s plan to dramatically expand the Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) will increase house prices, make it harder for lower income earners to enter the housing market, and have a negligible impact on home ownership rates, Analysis of the Government’s policy by independent economic consultancy Lateral Economics has estimated that the […]