AgriStarter loans worth up to $2 million now open for applications
Taken at its word, the AgriStarter loan scheme that provides financial support to the next generation of farmers is a godsend. The loan has been devised to encourage new entrants to farming and indicates it can also can assist with succession arrangements. Up to $2 million can be borrowed over 10 years with the first […]
$8 million in funding to support economic recovery after bushfires
Bushfire-affected communities across East Gippsland and Victoria’s North East will benefit from $8 million in funding to grow jobs, create apprenticeships, attract more visitors and help farms become more resilient. The grants announced by the Federal Governmant have been established to support the next steps in the region’s long-term economic recovery after last season’s bushfires. […]
Exercise for low back pain beneficial but no one agrees on why
A UNSW evidence review has found there is still no consensus between researchers about why exercise works for low back pain patients – despite decades of studies on the topic. Exercise is scientifically proven to provide relief from chronic low back pain (CLBP), but a new UNSW Sydney systematic review shows researchers are […]
Ombudsman’s office ready to assist with Dairy Code disputes
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Kate Carnell is encouraging dairy farmers in dispute to contact her office, following the release of an ACCC report reflecting on compliance with the Dairy Code of Conduct. The ACCC’s Dairy Code: initial observations on compliance report identifies areas of concern including processors’ failure to publish […]
Grains research precinct expected to drive crop profits
A new Grains Research Precinct has been opened at Murdoch and Curtin universities to help boost profitability for grain growers and strengthen the national grain industry. The Precinct will have the task of adding resilience in Australia’s $14 billion grain industry. The Grains Research Precinct will support cutting-edge work on improved crop productivity and disease […]
China officially bans Australian thermal coal
China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has announced that it will ease import restrictions in an effort to bring domestic coal prices down and ease financial pressure on local utilities. It also effectively altered its targeted price by suggesting utilities shouldn’t pay more than CNY640/t for thermal coal. However, the NDRC explicitly listed Australian […]
China’s commodity imports show strong demand
China’s commodity imports for November suggest demand is strong; with most sectors recording a solid bounce from October. But high import volumes in late 2019 pushed some annual growth rates into negative territory. The recent price rally ahead of the seasonal demand slowdown may stabilise imports in coming months. Oil imports were resilient against expectations […]
Live animal export inspector-general reappointed
The primary role of the IGLAE is to undertake independent audit and review functions of the live animal exports trade and provide assurance, including greater transparency on the systems and processes that underpin the department’s regulation of livestock exports. This role has been designated to be independent with the aim to provide confidence for farmers, […]
CBA moving European HQ to Amsterdam
Commonwealth Bank of Australia is shifting its European HQ from London to Amsterdam in a move it says will allow it to provide better access to European markets for its institutional clients post-Brexit. From next year, CBA will have its newly-licenced Dutch subsidiary, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (Europe) N.V. up and running. CBA Group Executive […]
Plastic waste exports banned but pollution remains a major problem
Australia’s peak marine conservation body has welcomed the passing of new Federal laws that will end the practice of shipping Australia’s waste overseas. The Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020 will give effect to a ban on exports of waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres agreed by Commonwealth, State and Territory governments in March. The […]