Ted Baillieu

Baillieu defends MP over car accusations

21 May 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 21 May 2012 | PAGE 5 | Baillieu defends accused MP

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu has defended a government backbencher, Frankston MP Geoff Shaw, who has been accused of using his taxpayer-funded car for private business purposes.

Job losses as Qantas focuses on Brisbane

21 May 2012 | Andrew Cleary

PRINT: 22 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Job losses as airline focuses on Brisbane

Updated | Qantas Airways chief Alan Joyce has confirmed a long-term plan to move to one heavy maintenance base in Australia, casting doubt over how long the airline will keep its Victorian facility at Avalon after announcing the closure of the Tullamarine plant ­yesterday.

Rorts report rattles Baillieu

21 May 2012 | Patrick Durkin

PRINT: 21 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Rorts report rattles Baillieu

The Victorian government has been rocked by a scandal engulfing Frankston MP Geoff Shaw that potentially threatens the 18-month-old Baillieu government, which holds power by just one seat.

O’Farrell stuck in the slow lane

17 May 2012 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | O’Farrell stuck in the slow lane

Editorial | NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell’s landslide victory last March delivered him a very substantial mandate. But after more than 12 months, he doesn’t have much to show in terms of substantial reform.

Cabinet cops a blast down south

17 May 2012 | Lucille Keen

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Cabinet cops a blast down south

The carbon tax is nothing but a socialist redistribution of wealth, according to Matthew Kaneda-Hession, who challenged Prime Minister Julia Gillard and much of the federal cabinet last night.

Political will vital to cutting green tape

14 May 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 14 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Political will vital to cutting green tape

A focus by business on the costs of “green tape” will build momentum for slashing regulation, but political will is needed to make real progress.

A Liberal dose of spleen-venting

12 May 2012 |

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 56 | A Liberal dose of spleen-venting

Victoria is supposed to be where the politics are civilised. So Michael Kroger’s hot-headed blast at his former “friend”, Peter Costello, made more than a few of their pals at the Australia Club sit upright in their Chesterfields.

It’s getting gory in the old-bull paddock

11 May 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 11 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | It’s gory in the old bull paddock now glory days are gone

Old Liberal rivals Peter Costello and Michael Kroger locked horns very publicly this week, in a tussle Jeff Kennett describes as ‘two old bulls in a paddock’.

States fuming over no funding

10 May 2012 | Mark Ludlow

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Leaders fume over no funding

The NSW, Victorian and Queensland conservative governments say they have been short-changed by the Gillard government budget.

Vic needs a fair share of budget: Baillieu

08 May 2012 | Lucille Keen

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu says the state wants a “fair share” of the federal budget and he wants the commonwealth to maintain their commitment to the current infrastructure funding ratio.

Baillieu budget fails to impress

07 May 2012 | Agnes King

PRINT: 07 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Baillieu budget fails to impress

Business advisers say the Victorian state budget fails to tackle industry concerns.

Baillieu in war of words over home bonus cut

05 May 2012 | Lucille Keen

PRINT: 05 May 2012 | PAGE 13 | Baillieu in war of words

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu attacked the state’s opposition on Friday, blaming it for the government’s decision to abolish the first-home buyers bonus.

Popular game of pass the buck

04 May 2012 | Mark Ludlow

PRINT: 04 May 2012 | PAGE 47 | The popular game of pass the buck

Ludlow | Campbell Newman is dabbling in the time-honoured tradition of sheeting home blame for any ongoing problems to the former government.

Victoria to refuse Fair Work order

04 May 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 04 May 2012 | PAGE 16 | Victoria to refuse Fair Work order

The government of Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu will defy an order from the industrial tribunal to release its controversial audit of the state’s finances.

Baillieu’s tough task: to hold spending

02 May 2012 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 02 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Baillieu’s tough task: to hold spending

Ted Baillieu might not be very popular, but he has taken on a difficult task.

Vic departments must wield razor

02 May 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 02 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Departments must wield razor

Victorian government departments will be asked to find another $1 billion worth of savings in expenditure over the next four years to balance the state’s budget.

Business gives cautious tick to budget

01 May 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

Business has welcomed reductions to WorkCover premiums but attacked some of the spending cuts announced in the Victorian budget on Tuesday.

Hogan deal isolates adviser

01 May 2012 | Hannah Low

PRINT: 01 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Hogan deal isolates adviser

Actor Paul Hogan and artistic collaborator John Cornell have finally settled with the ATO over $150 million in alleged unpaid taxes and penalties dating back to the 1980s.

Victorian stamp duty is out of step

01 May 2012 | Katie Walsh

PRINT: 01 May 2012 | PAGE 13 | Vic hammered over stamp duty

One of the nation’s biggest property groups has lashed the Victorian government over the state’s stamp duty regime ahead of today’s state budget.

Victoria’s $8 billion budget blow

30 April 2012 | Lucille Keen

PRINT: 30 April 2012 | PAGE 3 | Vic’s $8bn budget blow

The Victorian government will be under pressure to find massive spending cuts in Tuesday’s state budget in the face of revenue write down worth more than $8 billion.

Westpac to cut fixed mortgage rates

30 April 2012 | Ruth Liew

PRINT: 30 April 2012 | PAGE 3 | Westpac makes its own rate cut

Westpac will cut its fixed one- and three-year home-loan rates tomorrow, the same day the Reserve Bank of Australia is scheduled to reveal whether it will cut the official cash rate.

Go figure, Ted

28 April 2012 |

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 56 | Go figure, Ted

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu and his Treasurer, Kim Wells, are in for a tough week. They will deliver budget Mark II for their government but it’s more accurately described as budget Plan B, or maybe C, or perhaps even F.

Vic cuts back on TAFE funding

28 April 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 4 | Vic cuts back on TAFE funding

Can a state have too many models, croupiers and event managers? The Victorian government thinks so and will slash public subsidies for these and other training courses in a bid to rein in expenditure.

Baillieu foreshadows surplus

27 April 2012 |

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu has foreshadowed a surplus in next Tuesday's state budget, a day after his treasurer hinted at a possible deficit.

Business welcomes third terminal

24 April 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

Logistics and export industry groups have welcomed the Victorian government’s plans to create a third container terminal at the Port of Melbourne.

$1.2bn Melbourne port expansion announced

24 April 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

Updated | The Victorian government has announced a $1.2 billion development of the Port of Melbourne that will see the introduction of a third container terminal.

Baillieu backs Cleave standing aside

20 April 2012 |

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu says it is appropriate a senior government bureaucrat stands aside while she is investigated over a suspicious car smash.

Victoria’s closed-door graft watchdog

19 April 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 19 April 2012 | PAGE 7 | Vic’s closed-door graft watchdog

Victoria’s new anti-corruption commission will hold its hearings in private except in “exceptional circumstance”

System failed gangster: ombudsman

18 April 2012 | Lucille Keen

PRINT: 19 April 2012 | PAGE 17 | System let down gangster: inquiry

Gangland criminal Carl Williams was let down by Corrections Vic­toria, which failed in its statutory duty to ensure his safety, a damning report from the Victorian Ombudsman has found.

COAG still lacking clear priorities

17 April 2012 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 17 April 2012 | PAGE 62 | COAG is still lacking clear priorities

Editorial | Julia Gillard has made a renewed push to cut through the red tape that binds business but she has yet to articulate a clear vision or a goal in this or any other area of federal-state relations.

Court ruling puts ‘clean coal’ facility in limbo

17 April 2012 | Jason Murphy

PRINT: 17 April 2012 | PAGE 4 | Court ruling puts ‘clean coal’ facility in limbo

A Victorian “clean coal” plant is on ice after a court ruling gave the federal government the chance to claw back $100 million in subsidies for the 600 megawatt facility.

Gillard gives Lebanese leader Cadel jersey

16 April 2012 |

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and visiting Lebanese President Michel Sleiman have urged Syria to endorse the six-point peace plan put forward by UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan.

National briefs

16 April 2012 |

PRINT: 16 April 2012 | PAGE 8 |

Senator Helen Koger has been pushed to the riskier third spot, from second, on the Coalition’s upper house ticket for Victoria after the Liberal Party’s pre-selection convention.

Business adds a bargaining chip

14 April 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 14 April 2012 | PAGE 7 | Business adds a bargaining chip

Inviting business to the talkfest between the Prime Minister and state and territory leaders has certainly changed the dynamic of the meeting.

Conservative states weigh up carbon challenge

14 April 2012 | Michaela Whitbourn

PRINT: 14 April 2012 | PAGE 8 | Conservative states weigh up legal challenge

NSW and Victoria could join Queensland in launching a High Court challenge to federal Labor’s carbon tax, as the West Australian government pulls back from any legal action.

Win for Baillieu on building costs probe

14 April 2012 | Michaela Whitbourn and

PRINT: 14 April 2012 | PAGE 6 | Baillieu win on building costs probe

The federal government and the states have agreed on the need to investigate why construction costs are much higher in Australia than they are overseas.

COAG agrees to $9bn for vocational education system

14 April 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 14 April 2012 | PAGE 6 |

Prime Minister Julia Gillard was able to persuade the states to agree to a landmark vocational education system but disagreement remains over a national approach to occupational health and safety laws.

Premiers, state your case

13 April 2012 | John Roskam

PRINT: 13 April 2012 | PAGE 50 | Premiers, state your case

Campbell Newman seems unafraid to take on the PM; not so the three other Coalition premiers.

States to push for action on reforms

13 April 2012 | Natalie Gerritsen

PRINT: 13 April 2012 | PAGE 14 | States to push for action on reforms

State premiers will mount a fresh assault on faltering reforms to harmonise regulations across state borders at the COAG meeting with Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Great jobs divide widens

13 April 2012 | Jason Murphy

PRINT: 13 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Great jobs divide widens

Surprising strength in job creation has kept the unemployment rate at 5.2 per cent and reduced chances of an interest rate cut next month to help the non-resources states buckling under the high dollar.

Construction costs must be addressed: Baillieu

12 April 2012 |

The Victorian government will for the third time press its case with the federal government for an inquiry into rising construction costs.

Business strikes deal with Gillard

12 April 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 12 April 2012 | PAGE 15 | Business strikes deal with Gillard

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has struck a historic agreement with business leaders to speed up approvals for big projects and cut regulation.

Business getting impatient with Baillieu

05 April 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

Updated | The Victorian government must move swiftly to end uncertainty over a series of reviews and funding programs, says the state’s biggest business lobby group.

National briefs

05 April 2012 |

PRINT: 05 April 2012 | PAGE 10 |

The Victorian government will use the looming meeting of the Council of Australian Governments to renew its push for a Productivity Commission inquiry into the construction industry..

States line up against Gillard

04 April 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 04 April 2012 | PAGE 4 | States line up against Gillard

One of only two remaining Labor state treasurers – Jack Snelling from South Australia – has accused the ­federal Labor government of bleeding already strained state budgets to guarantee its own surplus.

Business backs Victorian building site code

03 April 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 04 April 2012 | PAGE 6 | Building site code challenges unions

Updated | Business groups have warmly welcomed the Baillieu government’s release of its long-awaited code of conduct aimed at improving industrial relations on publicly-funded building projects.

The new conservative forces in ascendance

31 March 2012 | Andrew Clark

PRINT: 31 March 2012 | PAGE 45 | The new conservative forces in ascendance

It’s COAG again and this year is bound to be more entertaining than usual. Faced with four non-Labour states, Julia Gillard and Wayne Swan will have to work hard to reach consensus – but it is possible.

Power derails states’ reform agenda

31 March 2012 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 31 March 2012 | PAGE 62 | Power derails states’ reform agenda

Editorial | None of the conservative parties that now hold office in NSW, Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland has laid out compelling, market-focused blueprints for change.

Power play not so down to earth

30 March 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 30 March 2012 | PAGE 51 | States’ power play not so down to earth

When people talk about “cost of living” as a political issue, they mean electricity prices, which have risen about 40 per cent since 2007.

Costello’s mining state revolt

30 March 2012 | Mark Ludlow

PRINT: 30 March 2012 | PAGE 1 | Costello’s mining state revolt

Peter Costello is set to become the new weapon for the resource-rich states of Queensland and Western Australia in the battle with the Gillard government over the GST and the carbon tax.

Vic workers protest against WorkCover raid

29 March 2012 | Lucille Keen

PRINT: 29 March 2012 | PAGE 13 | Protest over WorkCover raid

More than 400 workers have protested on the steps of the Victorian Parliament House against the Baillieu government’s decision to take 50 per cent of dividends from the state’s WorkCover fund.

Melbourne blooming

29 March 2012 | Joe Aston

PRINT: 29 March 2012 | PAGE 60 | Blooming Melbourne

The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show has opened at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens and runs until Sunday. The official breakfast was a hotbed of Melebrities – Premier Ted Baillieu, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, agriculture minister Peter Walsh as well as Jenny Craig CEO Amy Smith, garden doyen Don Burke, Better Homes & Gardens host Jason Hodges and 2GB commentator Graham Ross.

NGV wins the art prize for visitors

29 March 2012 | Katrina Strickland

PRINT: 29 March 2012 | PAGE 17 | NGV wins the art prize for visitors

Last year’s most visited art gallery, QAG, hampered by flood closures, was pipped by its head’s new home.

Car rescue won’t save suppliers

29 March 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 29 March 2012 | PAGE 3 | Car rescue won’t save suppliers

The $275 million publicly funded rescue package for car maker GM Holden will not halt the decline for the struggling local car component makers, official documents reveal.

Big Jimmy would have loved this

27 March 2012 | Patrick Durkin

PRINT: 27 March 2012 | PAGE 52 | ‘Big Jimmy would have loved this’

There has never been anyone like the Irishman who inspired countless people on the football field and beyond, Jim Stynes’s best friend and former Melbourne AFL teammate Garry Lyon told a packed crowd at his funeral.

Federal Labor in denial

27 March 2012 | Jennifer Hewett

PRINT: 27 March 2012 | PAGE 2 | Federal Labor in denial

Hewett | Federal Labor is determined to pretend the political slaughter in Queensland had absolutely nothing to do with them.

Liberals seize COAG reforms

26 March 2012 | Michaela Whitbourn

PRINT: 27 March 2012 | PAGE 1 | Liberals seize COAG reforms

Conservative premiers are working to seize control of the federal-state agenda to overcome logjams in the Gillard government’s process and pursue new reforms following the ­election of Campbell Newman.

National briefs

26 March 2012 |

PRINT: 26 March 2012 | PAGE 10 |

The Queensland Greens failed to secure a single seat in the Queensland Parliament despite an increase in the level of community concern surrounding coal and coal-seam gas development in the state.

Queensland tips balance of power to states

26 March 2012 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 26 March 2012 | PAGE 54 | Qld tips the balance of power to states

Editorial | The massive humiliation dealt out to Labor in the Queensland election was largely a rest of voter dissatisfaction with the Bligh government.

Newman vows to hit the ground running

26 March 2012 | Tony Walker

PRINT: 26 March 2012 | PAGE 52 | Newman vows to hit the ground running

Queensland’s incoming premier has a comprehensive plan of action to shake up the state.

Labor of loss: the ailing party must rediscover its roots

26 March 2012 | Andrew Clark

PRINT: 26 March 2012 | PAGE 52 | Labor of loss: now an ailing party must rediscover its roots

A glance across the ALP’s long history shows a proud tradition and a record of reform that has steadily gone awry.

GM car deal lacks human factor

23 March 2012 | Lucille Keen

PRINT: 23 March 2012 | PAGE 7 | GM deal overlooks engines

The future of GM Holden’s Melbourne engine plant remains in doubt because Thursday’s handout from the federal and state government’s do not include the factory.

Suburb profile | Toorak, Melbourne

22 March 2012 | Rebecca Thistleton

PRINT: 23 March 2012 | PAGE 14 | Where owners and values hold firm

When families settle in this popular and upmarket area they often stay for generations.

No job guarantees in Holden handout

22 March 2012 | Mark Skulley

PRINT: 23 March 2012 | PAGE 1 | No job guarantees in Holden handout

Federal Labor faces intense scrutiny over the flow-on benefits in local ­innovation and technology from the $275 million deal to lock in GM Holden as a car maker until 2022.

National briefs

22 March 2012 |

PRINT: 22 March 2012 | PAGE 12 |

The distribution of about $300 million in funds owed to clients of collapsed broker MF Global will be delayed until after June. The Supreme Court has set a final hearing of four days, commencing on June 26. “This timing is intended to allow the client representatives sufficient time to review the relevant evidence and to prepare appropriate submissions,” administrator Chris Campbell of Deloitte said.

Victoria lines up $351 million for trains

21 March 2012 | Lucille Keen

More than $351 million will be spent on upgrades and repairs for Victoria’s rail networks this year, causing disruptions to passengers, particularly over the Easter long weekend.

Greens see red over Victorian brown coal

20 March 2012 |

The Australian Greens have labelled Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu an “environmental vandal” after it was revealed the state was looking to massively expand brown coal mining operations in the Latrobe Valley.

Victoria looks to a brown cash cow

20 March 2012 | Lucille Keen

PRINT: 20 March 2012 | PAGE 10 | Victoria looks to a brown cash cow

The Victorian government is planning to release its brown coal reserves in the Latrobe Valley, which is expected to bring millions of dollars of investment and thousands of jobs.

Tributes pour in for Stynes

20 March 2012 | John Stensholt

PRINT: 21 March 2012 | PAGE 3 | Tributes stream in for Stynes

Former Melbourne Demons footballer and club chairman Jim Stynes has died aged 45 after a long battle with cancer.

Victorian teachers may take action over pay

19 March 2012 |

Victorian teachers expect an end of term deadline to be set on pay negotiations and plan to take industrial action next term if progess is not made.

Vic gives grand prix the thumbs up

19 March 2012 | John Stensholt

PRINT: 19 March 2012 | PAGE 5 | Vic gives race the thumbs up

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu gave qualified support for the future of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday.

Gonski appointment under fire

17 March 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 17 March 2012 | PAGE 4 | Gonski appointment under fire

Senior business figures and the Liberal premiers of NSW and Victoria have joined former treasurer Peter Costello in condemning the federal government’s appointment process for the chairman’s role at the $73 billion Future Fund.

Victoria posts $341m half-year deficit

15 March 2012 | Lucille Keen

PRINT: 16 March 2012 | PAGE 13 | Vic posts $341m half-year deficit

Victoria posted a deficit of $341 million in the first half of 2011-12 financial year, with a softening jobs market, weak consumer sentiment and a high Australian dollar contributing to the result.

Baillieu seeks more advice on charter

14 March 2012 | Rachel Nickless

PRINT: 15 March 2012 | PAGE 16 | Vic seeks more advice on rights charter

The Victorian government admits it needs more legal advice before deciding on the role for courts and tribunals in enforcing the Victorian Charter of Rights, despite spending six months considering reforms.

National Briefs

13 March 2012 |

PRINT: 13 March 2012 | PAGE 4 |

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has restated the government’s commitment to Afghanistan after a rogue US soldier went on a pre-dawn shooting spree in a village in the southern Kandahar province.

Baillieu still ‘miles ahead’ of Andrews

12 March 2012 | Lucille Keen

Despite a recent Newspoll which showed Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu was slipping in popularity, he remains “miles ahead” of the Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews, according to political expert Nick Economou.

Baillieu suffers drop in personal support

12 March 2012 |

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu has suffered a sharp fall in the polls, while NSW's coalition government has maintained its strong lead over the Labor opposition.

Baillieu’s ancestor: once bitten he came back for more

12 March 2012 | Brian Buckley

PRINT: 12 March 2012 | PAGE 53 | Baillieu’s ancestor: once bitten he came back for more

The 1890s depression brought the Melbourne land boom to an end, and almost killed off the diverse business hopes and dreams of Premier Ted Baillieu’s great uncle.

Tough guy Ted

10 March 2012 |

PRINT: 10 March 2012 | PAGE 56 | Tough guy Ted

As Wayne Swan gets all the glory for swatting down those pesky billionaires, spare a thought for Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu.

CFMEU battle brews on building sites

09 March 2012 | Mark Skulley

PRINT: 09 March 2012 | PAGE 9 | CFMEU battle brews on building sites

High-profile builder Grocon faces an escalating legal and workplace struggle over pushing ahead with a new workplace deal that is opposed by the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union.

Baillieu counting on IT jobs

07 March 2012 |

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu says the state has high hopes for the IT sector, at a time when the high Australian dollar is hammering industries from manufacturing to food processing.

Floods force 15,000 from homes

07 March 2012 | Lucille Keen

PRINT: 07 March 2012 | PAGE 3 | Floods force 15,000 from homes

About 15,000 people have been ordered from their homes due to flooding across southern NSW and northern Victoria which is expected to take weeks to subside due to the continuing heavy rain.

More rain looms as floods cause havoc

05 March 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 05 March 2012 | PAGE 3 | More rain looms as floods cause havoc

Rural communities and rescue workers in NSW and Victoria are bracing for more flooding as weather forecasters predict rain in flood-hit regions this week.

Southern comfort

03 March 2012 |

PRINT: 03 March 2012 | PAGE 56 | Southern comfort

Queensland Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman has spent recent days trying to explain the $70,000 he got from developer Philip Usher.

Vic police union has too much power: report

01 March 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 01 March 2012 | PAGE 15 | Victorian police union has ‘too much power’

The Victorian government has hailed its $500 million pay deal with police as paving the way for a revolution in work practices, on the same day it released a report claiming the police union wields excessive power over how the force is run.

Vic nurses continue to strike illegally

29 February 2012 | Lucille Keen

PRINT: 29 February 2012 | PAGE 18 | Nurses defy court, wave the red flag

State-employed nurses in Victoria have challenged Premier Ted Baillieu to fine them or put them in jail for ­defying a Federal Court order to return to work.

Baillieu told to limit handouts

29 February 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 29 February 2012 | PAGE 7 | Victoria told to limit handouts

The Victorian government’s panel of economic advisers has told it to take a tougher line in the face of demands for subsidies and assistance from struggling industries.

Ellwood to get NGV job

28 February 2012 | Joe Aston

PRINT: 28 February 2012 | PAGE 3 | Ellwood to

Queensland Art Gallery boss Tony Ellwood looks set to be named the new director of the National Gallery of Victoria.

National briefs

27 February 2012 |

PRINT: 27 February 2012 | PAGE 11 |

About 1000 Victorian nurses from nine hospitals walked off the job for four hours yesterday, defying calls from Fair Work Australia to halt illegal industrial action.

Roxon makes light of her load

24 February 2012 | Alex Boxsell

PRINT: 24 February 2012 | PAGE 52 | Roxon makes light of her load

In what will hopefully become a theme, Nicola Roxon opened her first major speech as federal Attorney-General with a little comedy when she addressed an audience of barristers at a Victorian Bar conference last weekend.

Vic workers not facing relocation: Alcoa

21 February 2012 |

Updated | Alcoa says it is not seeking to relocate staff en masse to a new plant in Saudi Arabia as it reviews the viability of 600 jobs at its Geelong smelter.

Jobs: now you see ’em, now you don’t

18 February 2012 |

PRINT: 18 February 2012 | PAGE 57 | Jobs: now you see ’em, now you don’t

There is now a terrible ritual in the tough business of losing jobs. Immediately following the announcement, governments are pressed to “do something”, without regard to their ability to devalue the dollar, lift global demand for aluminium or make large Australian cars more attractive.

Queensland and Victoria vie for Qantas jobs

17 February 2012 | Andrew Cleary

PRINT: 17 February 2012 | PAGE 14 | States vie to keep Qantas

Qantas has sparked a turf war between Victoria and Queensland by cutting 500 jobs and holding the axe over 1000 more in its maintenance division. The job losses are expected to hit hardest in Victoria.

Economy is too crowded for Qantas: analysts

17 February 2012 | RoutesJason Murphy

PRINT: 17 February 2012 | PAGE 16 | Economy ‘too crowded’ for Kangaroo

Qantas will retire two Boeing 747s early and rearrange routes as part of a transition to what analysts believe will be a smaller, more profitable airline.

Qantas doesn’t have its hand out: Baillieu

16 February 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

Updated | Qantas has not sought any taxpayer-funded assistance from the Victorian government as it weighs taking the axe to its maintenance operations in the state.

Business urges action to save jobs

15 February 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 15 February 2012 | PAGE 1 | Business urges action to save jobs

Major companies have lined up behind a call by the Business Council of Australia for the federal government to do more to boost productivity, cut costs and save jobs.

Holden pay deal faces rising scrutiny

15 February 2012 | Mark Skulley

PRINT: 15 February 2012 | PAGE 3 | Holden lauds flexible pay deal

The Gillard government has defended as “productivity and quality-linked” the looming pay rises of between 18 per cent and 22 per cent for workers at taxpayer-supported GM Holden.

ANZ to slash 1000 jobs by October

13 February 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 14 February 2012 | PAGE 3 | ANZ to slash 1000 jobs by October

Updated | ANZ Banking Group confirmed it would cut 1000 Australian jobs by the end of September, in a bid to offset weakening revenue due to soft demand for loans.

Kangaroos given the hop as a selling point

13 February 2012 | Joanna Mather

PRINT: 13 February 2012 | PAGE 27 | Kangaroos given the hop as a selling point

Austrade has banished beaches and kangaroos from marketing material as it tries to revive the ailing $16.3 billion education export industry by selling Australia as a high-quality provider of university degrees and other qualifications.

What a powerful protection racket

10 February 2012 | Jason Murphy

PRINT: 11 February 2012 | PAGE 51 | Forging a powerful protection racket

The federal government is desperate to stem the bleeding in the manufacturing sector but the carbon tax, designed to inhibit greenhouse gas-intensive industries, is creating cognitive dissonance.

Tax puts Alumina jobs in realms of uncertainty

10 February 2012 | Mathew Dunckley and

PRINT: 11 February 2012 | PAGE 5 | Tax puts Alumina jobs in realm of uncertainty

Rusal Australia chairman John Hannagan has not ruled out job cuts at Queensland Alumina, the company’s minority-owned joint venture with Rio Tinto, because of the carbon tax and renewable energy targets.

Alcoa begins talks with Vic government

10 February 2012 | Lucille Keen

Alcoa has not yet asked the Victorian government to help bail them out of difficult economic conditions plaguing its Port Henry smelter, near Geelong.

Swan rules out ‘blank cheque’ for Alcoa

10 February 2012 |

Treasurer Wayne Swan says the federal government won't be writing a "blank cheque" to bail out the aluminium industry.

GetUp! seems more intent on stuff-up: Baillieu

09 February 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu has backed federal Manufacturing Minister Kim Carr’s criticism of political activist group GetUp! over its campaign against the use of native timber in furniture.

Carbon tax to crush aluminium

09 February 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 09 February 2012 | PAGE 1 | Carbon tax to crush aluminium

Updated | The government has flagged an all-out effort to save aluminium jobs even though Treasury modelling shows Labor’s emissions-reduction policy plans to slice the industry in half by 2050.

Vic’s Baillieu defends Niddrie decision

08 February 2012 |

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu has rejected accusations of cowardice over the Liberal Party’s decision not to run a candidate in the Niddrie by-election sparked by the resignation of former attorney general Rob Hulls.

NSW and Vic question projected cost increases

02 February 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 02 February 2012 | PAGE 8 | NSW and Vic question projected cost increases

Cash-strapped state governments are demanding federal financial assistance as they weigh the financial impact of Fair Work Australia’s landmark equal pay decision.

Business vows to fight equal pay flow-on

01 February 2012 | Mark Skulley

PRINT: 02 February 2012 | PAGE 8 | Industry rounds on pay ruling

Updated | Business groups have vowed to fight any flow-on to other industries from Wednesday’s historic decision to sharply increase the pay for about 150,000 social and community services workers.

Farmers angry as Coles slashes prices

01 February 2012 | Jason Murphy

PRINT: 01 February 2012 | PAGE 8 | Farmers angry as Coles slashes prices

Farmers are angered by new cuts in the price of fresh fruit and vegetables by Coles, saying plummeting prices come at the expense of producers.

Dollar not the key to Holden’s future

30 January 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 30 January 2012 | PAGE 45 | Dollar not the key to Holden’s future

South Australia’s Premier argues that manufacturing matters more than currency fluctuations.

Treasurer defends car handouts

28 January 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 28 January 2012 | PAGE 1 | Treasurer

Treasurer Wayne Swan is rejecting arguments that the government is using the high dollar as a scapegoat for car industry job losses and low productivity.

Abbott rebuffs Baillieu on cars

27 January 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 27 January 2012 | PAGE 6 | Abbott rebuffs Baillieu

Tony Abbott has rejected Victorian Liberal Premier Ted Baillieu’s suggestion that a proposed $500 million cut to car industry assistance might not remain Coalition policy.

Australia Day | Coming together: tributes and protest

27 January 2012 | Jason Murphy

PRINT: 27 January 2012 | PAGE 7 | Coming together: tributes and protest

Prime Minister Julia Gillard spoke of inclusion, belonging and the significant role immigrants have played in Australia just before being caught in a security scuffle with Aboriginal protesters in Canberra on Thursday.

PM staffer resigns as tensions run high

26 January 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 27 January 2012 | PAGE 6 | Black leaders disown PM attack

Updated | A member of the PM’s staff has lost his job after passing on information that alerted Aboriginal protesters to the location of Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, leading to a massive security scare involving both leaders.

Dollar not to blame for car woes: Fraser

25 January 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 25 January 2012 | PAGE 1 | Dollar not to blame

Former Reserve Bank governor Bernie Fraser has undermined Labor’s argument that the car sector can recover once the dollar falls, warning that low productivity will kill the industry.

Newman gives power to the people

24 January 2012 | Matthew Cranston

PRINT: 25 January 2012 | PAGE 1 | Newman gives power to the people

Planning powers for developments in Queensland will be handed back to councils if LNP leader Campbell Newman is elected, a move that would replicate policies in NSW and Victoria.

Baillieu names top adviser

24 January 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 24 January 2012 | PAGE 10 | Baillieu names key adviser

After more than 30 years at the front line of politics and a decade advising John Howard, Liberal Tony Nutt has become Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu’s right-hand man.

Nutt appointed Baillieu’s chief of staff

23 January 2012 | Jason Murphy

The Baillieu government has made a major human resources change, replacing the Premier’s chief of staff Michael Kapel with former state Liberal Party director Tony Nutt.

Carr confident on manufacturing’s future

23 January 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 24 January 2012 | PAGE 1 | Toyota warns of permanent decline

Updated | Manufacturing Minister Kim Carr is confident manufacturing will survive the high $A despite Toyota laying off 350 workers and painting a grim picture of the company’s local prospects.

Sydney challenges Melbourne for Air India route

23 January 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 23 January 2012 | PAGE 8 | NSW challenges Vic for Air India route

A pitched battle looms between Sydney and Melbourne to become Australia’s direct link to the sub-continent after Air India declared it could fly to either city.

Baillieu’s bank open for business

21 January 2012 | John Stensholt

PRINT: 21 January 2012 | PAGE 5 | Baillieu’s bank open for business

Victorian businesses seeking political influence, a new organisation – Enterprise 500 Victoria – wants your cash.

Industry calls for building watchdog backdown

20 January 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

Two large industry associations have called on the government to abandon ­legislation abolishing the ABCC, warning the move could lead to increased construction costs.

‘Lawlessness’ threat to construction

20 January 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 20 January 2012 | PAGE 1 | ‘Return to lawlessness’ under new building watchdog

Exclusive | Labor’s planned reforms to building industry regulation will bring a “shameful” return to lawlessness and intimidation while raising costs and cutting productivity, former construction chief John Lloyd says.

Brewing boss on tap to select few

19 January 2012 | Sarah Thompson and Stephen Shore

PRINT: 19 January 2012 | PAGE 18 | SABMiller boss on tap to select few

It’s been a month since SABMiller officially took the keys to Foster’s Group and visiting Melbourne on Wednesday (and today) is Graham Mackay, the man at the helm of the world’s second-biggest brewer.

A real BBQ stopper

17 January 2012 |

PRINT: 17 January 2012 | PAGE 44 | A real BBQ stopper

Getting a headline from the Siberia that is opposition often requires serious chutzpah and entrepreneurial flair.

Car subsidies: meet back-seat drivers

17 January 2012 | Aaron Patrick

PRINT: 17 January 2012 | PAGE 45 | Car subsidies: meet the back-seat drivers

Demoted and angry, Kim Carr arrived in Detroit on a mission to portray himself as the saviour of Australia car manufacturing.

Baillieu champions vehicle industry

17 January 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 17 January 2012 | PAGE 7 | Baillieu champions vehicle industry

Victoria’s car manufacturing industry plays a key role in the state’s economy and would continue to receive government support, Premier Ted Baillieu said on Monday.

Baillieu backs away from anti-COAG rhetoric

16 January 2012 | Pip Freebairn, Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 17 January 2012 | PAGE 3 | Ballieu softens

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu has backed away from his government’s claim that COAG was a “bureaucratic quagmire”, as state governments prepare for a key report on their performance on economic reform.

Hospital project timing flatlines

11 January 2012 | Jason Murphy

PRINT: 12 January 2012 | PAGE 10 | Hospital project timing flatlines

A major Victorian public-private partnership is running behind schedule six months after being announced, after the Victorian government missed its own deadline for shortlisting bidders.

SAB boss will find floundering Foster’s

11 January 2012 | Julie-anne Sprague

PRINT: 11 January 2012 | PAGE 33 | SAB boss will find floundering Foster’s

SABMiller chief Graham Mackay will meet key Foster’s Group customers and staff next week as fresh Foster’s marketing campaigns fail to arrest sliding domestic beer sales.

I meant it then, I just don’t any more

06 January 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 06 January 2012 | PAGE 43 | I meant it then, I just don’t any more

Politicians on the stump need to say what they intend to do. But what once looked valid can seem a poor choice as time passes.

NSW sells technology credentials

05 January 2012 | Peter Kerr

PRINT: 05 January 2012 | PAGE 7 | NSW sells

Andrew Stoner is the latest state politician drumming up business overseas, hoping to lift NSW’s high-tech industries with a trip to the US, Hong Kong and Japan.

Baillieu honeymoon officially over

05 January 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 05 January 2012 | PAGE 6 | Baillieu’s honeymoon officially over

Ted Baillieu’s government got off to a reasonable and sure-footed start but by the end of the rain-sodden year, its mud-soaked ministers were struggling to stay up.

Victoria suffers private capital slump

22 December 2011 |

Victoria was the only state to have a private capital expenditure slump in 2010-11 and it was the first decrease in the state since 2003-04.

Vic dispute takes turn for worse

16 December 2011 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 17 December 2011 | PAGE 3 | Vic in turn for worse

Victoria’s nurses threatened to resign en masse over stalled pay negotiations and other state public servants have said they will extend work bans.

NSW, Vic drive reform outside COAG

14 December 2011 | Michaela Whitbourn

PRINT: 14 December 2011 | PAGE 4 | Reform push outside COAG

The NSW and Victorian governments have signed an agreement to drive economic reforms outside the Council of Australian Governments process.

Tributes flow for ‘healing’ governor-general

13 December 2011 | Rachel Nickless

PRINT: 13 December 2011 | PAGE 12 | Tributes flow for ‘healing’ GG

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott were among some 1000 mourners at a state funeral for former governor-general Zelman Cowen.

Mixed-up message

09 December 2011 |

PRINT: 09 December 2011 | PAGE 56 | Mixed-up message

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu and his deputy Peter Ryan could benefit from improved co-ordination after the release of a report on the flood disaster of last summer.

Asking questions, ignoring answers

09 December 2011 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 09 December 2011 | PAGE 55 | Asking questions, ignoring answers

All is not well in the Victorian economy. The national accounts showed the state’s domestic demand actually contracted in the last quarter.

Vic emergency response in need of major reform: report

08 December 2011 | Lucille Keen

A damning report into Victoria’s emergency services response following floods in late 2010 and early 2011 has found the government’s approach is uncoordinated, unsustainable and in need of major reform.

Baillieu’s battle scars

29 November 2011 |

PRINT: 29 November 2011 | PAGE 52 | Baillieu’s battle scars

There was happy news for Victoria’s rugby fans with Premier Ted Baillieu announcing Melbourne would host the British and Irish Lions for two games in 2013.

Lack of clarity a source of frustration for states

29 November 2011 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 29 November 2011 | PAGE 7 | Lack of clarity a source of frustration

State governments along the Murray River have expressed strong concerns about cuts to irrigator entitlements and the plan’s lack of clarity.

Baillieu minister sells mining and energy shares

24 November 2011 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 24 November 2011 | PAGE 12 | Minister sells mining and energy shares

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu faces fresh questions over the shareholdings of his cabinet ministers after Environment Minister Ryan Smith sold his mining and energy shares.

Baillieu bears down on tech-buying blowouts

23 November 2011 | Mathew Dunckley

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu has laid the blame for $1.4 billion in Information technology project cost blowouts firmly at the feet of his predecessor and says he will take a much tougher line on contracts.

National briefs

23 November 2011 |

PRINT: 23 November 2011 | PAGE 6 |

A Victorian government minister was grilled by the opposition after a company in which he has shares benefited from a $50 million government grant.

Fair Work says no to Baillieu request

19 November 2011 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 19 November 2011 | PAGE 8 | Fair Work says no to Baillieu request

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu has played down the seriousness of the intensifying industrial war with the state’s 65,000 public servants and nurses.

Nurses risk jail, fines if ignore new FWA order

18 November 2011 | Mathew Dunckley

Updated | Victoria’s nurses are risking fines and jail sentences if they do not reopen hospital beds from Friday night following fresh orders from Fair Work Australia to cease industrial action.

What business wants

17 November 2011 |

PRINT: 17 November 2011 | PAGE 69 | what business wants

Victoria’s business leaders want genuine action on the economy from the Baillieu government as it enters its second year.

Baillieu takes it slow and steady

17 November 2011 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 17 November 2011 | PAGE 69 | Baillieu takes it slow and steady

The rugby-loving Victorian Premier fends off demands for immediate action on productivity and red tape, while the business sector worries he has dropped the ball.

Baillieu seeks federal funds for twin tunnels

17 November 2011 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 17 November 2011 | PAGE 6 | Baillieu seeks federal funds for twin tunnels

Two massive tunnels in Melbourne, one for road and the other for rail, are top of the Baillieu government’s wishlist for funding from the federal government.