ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said consumers needed time to feel comfortable and confident with the new minority Government before they could cope with any interest rate rises.
“These are unique political circumstances and we need more than three weeks and one parliamentary sitting period to assess consumer reaction to the changes in Government and parliamentary [...]

India – The Associated chamber of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has suggested introduction of an unified body to develop India’s Logistic Master Plan and integrated road-map for implementation with a view to avoid multiplicity of agencies, both at the Centre and States level, in exercising their powers to regulate the industry.
In a note [...]

Australia – The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) Chief Executive, Belinda Robinson, has appointed Ross Dunn to the role of APPEA Director – Queensland CSG.
Mr Dunn is a long-term resident of the Darling Downs region with an extensive background in agriculture and policy development.
“Ross’s experience makes him the right fit for APPEA and [...]

Australia – Online electronics retailer Kogan Technologies was named the 2010 Charter Security Australian Retail Innovator of the Year – the industry’s tribute to businesses that pioneer innovation- at the ARA Australian Retail Awards Breakfast in Sydney on Tuesday.
Charter Security Director Mike Ramsay said Kogan Technologies clinched the top honour for identifying and uniquely addressing [...]

“The decision to implement a Small Business Commissioner as part of a broad small business action plan is a welcome move and one that we applaud on behalf of the thousands of small business members we
represent,” Mr Driscoll said.
“This decision shows real leadership from Barry O’ Farrell in recognising the state’s largest employer and he [...]

“The roll out of the Cycleways project has been a nightmare, the consultation process was more spin than substance and the ongoing advisory committee is nothing but a Kumbaya group of people furiously agreeing with each other because there is not the diversity of background and opinions needed,” Mr Driscoll said.
“We have serious concerns about [...]

Though 2009 witnessed much below the required level of Private Equity (PE) investment which impacted the growth of infrastructure sector, the Q1 and Q2 2010 have shown revival trends as large PE deals have started to emerge, according to the ASSOCHAM paper on “Private Equity in Infrastructure”.
In Q1, Private Equity firms have invested US$ 425 [...]

The guidelines for the PPP in educational projects are at the advance stages of finalization and shall be announced soon, said MOS, HRD, Ms. D. Purandeswari, here at on Monday.
Inaugurating The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)-Center for Public Policy (CPP) Seminar on “Scrapping of Exams – Blessing or a Curse?” here [...]

The non-farm sector in rural India is registering significant growth, both in terms of employment and output comparing to urban areas due to the numerous initiatives being executed by the Centre and State governments.
According to the study undertaken by ASSOCHAM, its share in rural employment has increased from 15% in 1972-73 to 34% in male [...]

The NSW minerals industry is demonstrating its commitment to the State’s Aboriginal heritage by publishing a new Code of Practice, NSW Minerals Council CEO Dr Nikki Williams said today.
The ‘NSW Minerals Industry Due Diligence Code of Practice for the Protection of Aboriginal Objects’ – launched at the NSW Minerals Council Environment & Community Conference – [...]