ABC AM: Why is the ‘Effects Test’ causing so much heartburn for businesses large and small?

Pic source: australiansmallbusiness.com.au MICHAEL BRISSENDEN: The Nationals say support for the so-called “effects test” was also secured from the new Prime Minister. As we revealed on AM yesterday, the Council of Small Business Australia says it believes both Tony Abbott and now Malcolm Turnbull have succumbed to pressure from big business to shelve the reform.…

ABC BUSINESS: Meat processors under fire as beef farmers complain of exploitation

Pic source: ampc.com.au http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-14/beef-farmers-complain-of-exploitation/6772790 BY finance reporter Elysse Morgan The meat processing industry is coming under fire for the way the big players treat farmers. Takeovers and mergers have led to a massive concentration in the meat processing industry and sheep and beef producers say they are being exploited, with evidence meat processors use heavy…

WEEKLY TIMES: Collusion hard to pin down

http://m.weeklytimesnow.com.au/agribusiness/saleyard-collusion-hard-to-prove-according-to-red-meat-senate-inquiry/story-fnkeqfxg-1227519071346 BY Fiona Myers ALLEGATIONS of collusion are rife in the meat industry, but finding proof is almost impossible, according to the red-meat Senate inquiry. Anecdotal evidence of collusion was presented at a Senate inquiry into the red-meat sector in Albury last week. One came from Mudgegona producer Julian Carroll, who spoke of a single…

DUBBO DAILY LIBERAL: Education equality – Uni fees deterring students

http://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/3330898/education-equality-uni-fees-deterring-students/?cs=112 BY Jennifer Hoar REGIONAL communities, as well as students and parents, are suffering at the hands of a university system where high costs force country students to choose between staying at home or gaining a higher education, according to federal National party senator Bridget McKenzie. Possible solutions, raised at recent Regional Higher Education Forums,…

WANGARATTA CHRONICLE: Beef farmers fed up

http://wangarattachronicle.com.au/2015/09/07/beef-farmers-fed-up/ BY Shane Douthie THE public hearing of the Senate inquiry into the meat processing reaffirmed to Senator Bridget McKenzie why she was one of its main instigators in the first place. “This issue has resonated throughout North East Victoria,” Senator McKenzie said. “The strong community turnout at Albury really impressed the panel and it…

NFF: China-Australia FTA great for Australian jobs, industry groups say

http://www.nff.org.au/read/5047/china-australia-fta-great-for-australian.html AUSTRALIA risks missing out on a surge in jobs and export opportunities if the Parliament delays approving the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), prompting three major industry groups to today launch a national campaign to inform the public on the benefits of the landmark deal. The campaign by the National Farmers' Federation, the Minerals…

WEEKLY TIMES: JBS, Teys flatly deny allegations of collusion and price transferring

http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/agribusiness/cattle/jbs-teys-flatly-deny-allegations-of-collusion-and-price-transferring/story-fnkeqfz1-1227501055598 By NATALIE KOTSIOS AUSTRALIA’S two largest beef processors have flatly denied allegations of collusion and price transferring. Teys Australia and JBS Australia came under intense scrutiny this morning when a Senate inquiry into the red meat sector resumed in Canberra. The inquiry was prompted after nine buyers — including Teys and JBS — did…

VFF: Ratification needed on ChAFTA say Victorian farmers

http://www.vff.org.au/vff/Media_Centre/Latest_News/MEDIA_2015/Farmers_FTA.aspx VICTORIAN farmers are urging the Federal Parliament to ratify the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) as soon as possible. Victorian Farmers Federation President Peter Tuohey said Australia’s FTA with China would set the foundations for a Century of growth and prosperity for both nations. “The FTA allows us to build on our nation’s $38…

Warrnambool Standard: Rural teachers tackle mortar board blues

http://www.standard.net.au/story/3304533/rural-teachers-tackle-mortar-board-blues/?cs=72 BY Alex Sinnott RURAL school leavers are struggling to overcome financial barriers blocking their path towards tertiary education, regional leaders claim. Transport, accommodation and other living away from home expenses were cited as roadblocks during Tuesday’s Regional Higher Education Forum. The forum, hosted by Member for Wannon Dan Tehan, was part of a national…