Australian Business News and Times

Business News ,Reports and Times of Australia

Australia

Pizza Fight…smack in the face of Australians

by Leave a Comment

 

the pizza wars in australia

So what is it exactly that everybody is fighting for? A slice of the mouth-watering $627 million that the Pizza market in Australia is worth. The recently begun Dominos–Pizza Hut price war makes it amply clear that both brands are ready to fight spoodle and peel for a bigger share of this great big pizza. Pizza lovers are simply loving the competition to serve them up with cheaper deals on pizzas. 

With Domino’s and Pizza Hut slashing prices for their lowest priced pizza to $4.95 a pizza, one might wonder if and how the smaller Pizza businesses are reacting to this price-off. Without the volumes that give these giants the economies of scales to lower prices, it’s getting hot under the collar for the smaller Pizza businesses.

order pizza australia US online

A majority of the smaller Pizza houses simply refuse to get sucked into the price war, saying it’s just not possible to compete with these prices or the marketing clout of the big two. Some others like the Eagle Boys Pizza seem to have taken them head on with its Mad Minutes online promotion, last week’s deals included a 1$ large Hawaaiian Pizza with any Pizza Purchase.

Roll on Pizza fight, the more the merrier.

Results: Liberals win Australian Elections 2013

by Leave a Comment

The Australian elections 2013  is over   with the Liberals winning the election and  as  the new PM has announced  “The country is under new management”.

kevin rudd defeted by tony abott 2013 elections result australia

After  a long term by John Howard, its Tony Abbots turn to take the mantle  for the liberals.

More than 14 million people were registered to vote in Saturday’s election. Voting is compulsory in Australia.

Elections results 2013 Australia

The Coalition (TONY ABOTT –Liberals) won the election with a national swing of 3.5 per cent, seizing a swathe of seats in Tasmania, Victoria and across New South Wales.

The House of Representatives contains 150 seats, 76 are needed for a majority and the coalition got  85 seats  with Labor taking 54 seats.

Mr Abbott began his first day as the nation’s leader with a bike ride and has since held a series of briefings with public servants. Outgoing PM Kevin Rudd earlier admitted defeat and said he would not stand again for the Labor leadership.

Australian elections 2013 in news

 

CNN

Cnn.com

Tony Abbott: Australia’s pugnacious new prime minister

He may have run a gaffe-prone campaign against the bookish Kevin Rudd, the incumbent Labor prime minister, but his knockabout style, which harkens back to older, safer times, proved popular with an electorate exhausted by years of Labor infighting.

 

Australian election sweeps conservative leader Tony Abbott to power

Abbott, a former boxer, Rhodes scholar and trainee priest, promised to restore political stability, cut taxes and crack down on asylum seekers arriving by boat.

 

Tony Abbott wins, but does Australia care?

Weeks before Saturday’s vote, the Liberal-National (i.e. conservative) coalition Tony Abbott leads commanded such a margin in the polls that the incumbent Labour party overthrew their own prime minister, Julia Gillard, and replaced her with Kevin Rudd, who Labour had overthrown three years previously when his popularity began to wobble.

 

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange missed out on a Senate seat in Victoria, where the final place was claimed by Rick Muir of the Australian Motoring Enthusiasts Party.

Business grants for Tourism industry

by Leave a Comment

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has welcomed new State Government grants to help business ventures related with tourism  get off the ground.

Queensland-tourism-brisbane-goldcoast-government

Australian business grants | Business News Australia | Startups In Australia

This grant from the government  allows Businesses to apply for up to 75,000 in assistance, which can be used to attract financial backers, with a total of $500,000 being made available.

This grant could help in new theme parks or accommodation in national parks and is aid to generate income and employment for regional Queensland

More information on TQUAL Grants including Tourism Quality Projects and Strategic Tourism Investment Grants is available at www.ret.gov.au/tqual or by calling 13 28 46.

Different Australian states Government Grant funding for tourism

Funding Programs – VIC

The following are funding programs that may be suitable for tourism projects.

http://www.tourism.vic.gov.au/

Victorian Government

Tourism Victoria

Event funding is available through the Tourism Victoria Events Program and the Country Victoria Events Program.

 

Destination NSW

Funding and Grants – NSW

Below is a listing of specific tourism funding and grants programs available to NSW tourism businesses.

Two types of funding are available:

  • T-QUAL Grants – Tourism Quality Projects
    Funding of between $15,000 (plus GST) and $100,000 (plus GST) is available on a matched funding basis.
  • T-QUAL Strategic Tourism Investment Grants of up to $1million to fund a small number of larger scale projects to support Indigenous tourism and/or economic development/tourism employment.

2012 applications have now closed.

 

See the Other Government Support External link page for information about other types of services available to boost your business.

 

GRANTS AND FUNDING – Tasmania

TQUAL GRANT SCHEME

Australian Government funded Tqual Grants are competitive grants program to promote strategic investment in quality and innovation in the Australian tourism industry. Tqual Grants will support initiatives that develop innovative product, services or systems within the tourism industry, contribute directly to long-term economic development in the host region or develop or support high quality visitor services and experiences

GRANTS AND FUNDING – NT

The following grants and funding opportunities are available to eligible NT tourism operators.

 

Enterprise connect Funding

Enterprise Connect, an Australian Government initiative in the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education provides just that.

Enterprise Connect offers comprehensive advice and support to eligible Australian small and medium-sized enterprises to help them transform and reach their full potential. Eligible businesses are able to request a comprehensive, confidential and independent Business Review at no charge

Australian business grants | Business News Australia | Startups In Australia

Beginner ASX Share Trading Tips

by Leave a Comment

For someone new to changing on the Australian Stock Exchange market, or “ASX”, the process can be a bit overwhelming. Not only is there a seemingly huge learning curve, but you’re actually risking your own money – meaning the stakes are much higher than they are in practice sessions.

asx trading and brokers for australia

No matter how large or small your share trading goals, this guide will help you understand the ASX market, how shares are exchanged, and how you can get started without losing your shirt in the process.

“Trading”: Buying and Selling Shares

To facilitate share transactions, you need an account through some sort of a broker or internet trading platform.

If you want to avoid the hassle of dealing with commissioned brokers, you’ll probably want to use a trading platform such as E*trade Australia . Sites like this allow you to easily manage your portfolio without paying an excessive commission or dealing with anyone in person.

What to Buy?

Once your account is active, this is probably the most difficult part. The entire ends and outs of the share trading game is obviously beyond the scope of this one article, so you’ll want to do plenty of research to understand the market before laying any of your own money down on the line.

As a quick overview of your options, you have two primary options. You can choose to invest in blue chip companies, which are corporate in nature, stable, and consist of large companies who are ideal for long term investments.
On the other side of the board, you have startups, which are somewhat more risky, but much more likely to yield a fast return. This profile makes them better suited for making a quick buck.

If you’re new to trading on the ASX market, you can probably see the advantage of blue chip investments. The long history of stability in these companies makes your investment much more solid. It’s best to save the startup investments for when you have a bit more experience.

Tips for Success

To make the most of your trading experience, there are a few hints to keep in mind. First, before you make any trades, get a thorough feel for the market. Learn the terminology, the structure of the market, and understand basic cause-and-effect behind price jumps.

Second, always formulate a strategy before you start trading. You want to have a clear plan, and follow it closely at all times. Many new traders jump in without clear goals or strategies, and quickly end up in over their head.

Finally, clearly specify your entry and exit rules. Define exactly when you will buy a share, and precisely when you will sell. Doing this removes the newbie trader’s number one enemy, which is the emotional factor. Planned systems produce much greater returns than gut feelings.

Trading on the ASX market is no piece of cake, but with these tips, you’ll be off to a great start!

Mobile Bill Shock to be mended by New Government laws

by Leave a Comment

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has been granted new Special powers by the Australian government to tackle mobile phone and internet providers on issues including bill-shock and confusing advertising.

no billshock for her

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said he was giving ACMA the ability to create service-provider rules

The communications regulator hopes this new consumer protection code will help reduce complaints about misleading mobile phone plans and "bill shock".

What this bill does ?

Ensures Telcos include more information on their advertisements, including the cost of a two-minute call and an SMS.

Mobile users will be given notifications about their spending when they reach 50 per cent of their limit and 85 per cent and 100 per cent of their limit,

Ban on misleading terms such as "cap" and "unlimited"
IT makes mobile plans easier to compare, reduce what is known as bill shock or unexpectedly high bills

A  forum on whirlpool truly  reflects the current Billshock that  aussie punters face with current telcos , with one whirlpool enthusiast waskilywabit saying

In short, i would just like to be able to read my bill and clearly understand:
1. what i have used
2. what each item cost me
3. where my cap stopped and extra charges started
4. having to pay one month in advance upon sign up, yet not being re-imbursed upon cancelation of contract.

ACMA not call use

A study Conducted by Roy Morgan Research with  2,400 consumers who were interviewed about their personal telecommunications services- found

47% indicated bill shock – an unexpectedly high bill – as one of the main reasons

16% nominated financial difficulties – such as poor budgeting and low income – as one of the main reasons and

14% nominated an unexpected event as one of the main reasons.

The inquiry on bill shock was sparked by a continued surge in complaints to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO), which reached 210,000 last year

AUDIO: Listen to the story (The World Today)

Links:

Report on public inquiry into customer service and complaints-handling in the telecommunications industry

Latest detailed Roy Morgan NBN Business Report

Business Start Up – Caroline’s Skin Care

by Leave a Comment

Caroline’s Skincare is now a established skincare product in the market. Read how Caroline’s Cream Products was born  and launched into the market

How I started my business (Start up story)

Twelve years ago I developed eczema on my hands so severe that when my daughter was born I couldn’t bathe her without excruciating pain. Nothing I used worked so I decided to develop my own cream to help ease the symptoms.

Caroline Skincare australia Business start up

The cream began existence in my kitchen. I had aromatherapy experience so used that knowledge, along with a lot of research to create a healing moisturiser. After months of trial and error and many experimental batches, I found a workable formula that was filled with soothing, natural ingredients.

Business – Demand and Expansion

Not only had the cream improved my skin rapidly, the results it had with others in treating a variety of skin complaints such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis was incredible. Public demand led me to begin producing Caroline’s Cream in bigger numbers and founding my skincare company, Caroline’s Skincare Pty Ltd.

In 2003 my first batch of six bottles was taken by a local pharmacy. Now my cream is listed on the registrar of Therapeutic goods as a complementary medicine, I have two manufacturers and a distributor.

 

History of start up Caroline Skincare

 

Initially I had very few business skills as I’d left school at 15 and modelled for 20 years; I was computer illiterate – I didn’t even know how to turn a computer on! In fact I had no experience at all in running a business. But out of necessity I learned, especially as the business grew.

I also started with no working capital (I started with $5000 on a credit card and initially offered product on consignment for nearly six months) and it was at least six years before I drew earnings from the business. As demand increased it was necessary to continually pour the income back into it.

In 2006 I created an All Purpose Wash, which is based on the same formula as the cream.

In the past year my business has grown by 2000%. New outlets are coming on board daily, with my range now available in over 3000 outlets Australia wide, as well as being sent overseas to customers on a regular basis.

Guest post for Caroline Monet – Founder, Caroline’s Skin Care www.Carolineskincare.com

How Pooch mobile got a jump start

by Leave a Comment

In 1985 when I was 16 I started a dog clipping and grooming service operating from my parent’s back yard.

I grew up in a self-employed family who shared my love of animals, especially dogs. With their support and guidance and a lot of determination, I went into business by myself. I was lucky to be doing something I loved and earning money from it.

Mobile Hydrobath For dogs

pooch mobile aus Chris Walking AJ 2 - 2012

My business grew rapidly with demand from further afield, so when I was 21 I expanded the service to include mobile hydro bathing, travelling to customer’s homes to wash and pamper the family dog.

I launched the business as a single mobile hydrobath in 1991 and once people saw the benefits to their dogs, success was instant. I created and launched the Aussie Pooch Mobile Pty Ltd in 1992 and was the first person to franchise a mobile dog washing business in the world.

After success in Australia, I realised a global need for my business so after more research, I launched as ‘The Pooch Mobile’ overseas. There are currently Pooch Mobile franchises in the UK, Malaysia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and the USA, with a total of almost 200 operators worldwide.

Expanding into dog business

I am able to anticipate customer’s needs, which has helped me maintain success for 21 years, through recessions, ups and downs and other concerns that crop up in business.

Franchising with APM has a twofold Small business benefit. Franchisees are able to build a successful business while doing something they are passionate about and earn a great income. Franchising with Aussie Pooch sees you working for yourself but not by yourself.

I’ve expanded with demand. APM is actively involved in the community, has initiated fundraising ventures and developed our own line of dog care products and doggy treats.

This is essential to business considering the increasing number of people using at-home services, which is a trend that will continue. That means I will always be looking at keeping up with what my customer’s want. It also means I will need more franchisees to keep up with this demand.

This article is part of the “New small business start up  series” . Guest post  for www.AussiePoochMobile.com.au by Jane Keighley

Half yearly reporting

by Leave a Comment

Half yearly reporting for the big four banks from Australia NAB ANZ WESTPAC COMMBANK. May 2012

Link : Quarterly, Half-Yearly and Annual Reporting Requirements Checklist

Quarterly Reporting for Banks

– Due within 6 weeks of end of
quarter

Half-yearly – June and December
Due within 6 weeks of end of halfyear

Half-yearly Reporting

Due within 6 weeks of end of
balance date half-years

Annual  Reporting

Due within 3 months of balance
date

Australian Secrets sold to Russia By canadian spy

by 1 Comment

In breaking news for spy revelations ,Jeffrey Paul Delisle, a naval officer, is alleged to have disclosed a vast amount of data of classified information to Russian agents on a scale comparable to the alleged handover of information to  WikiLeaks of  the United States military Secrets  and diplomatic reports

Secrets sold – Canadian spy sells Secrets to Russia

Jeffrey Paul Delisle Canadian spy ASIO Australia

This case has compromised Australian intelligence information in an international espionage case which has also sent shock waves through Western security agencies.

Delisle worked at the Royal Canadian Navy’s Trinity intelligence and communications centre at Halifax, Nova Scotia.  He communicated classified information to an unnamed foreign entity between July 2007 and January 2012

 

The Spy Data information Leaked by canandian spy

He was arrested after the Canadian Security Intelligence Service concluded he was passing classified information to Russian operatives.
Australian and Canadian governments have discussed  about this at a secret international conference in New Zealand earlier this year

Much of the information allegedly sold secretly to the Russians  by the canadian spy was more highly classified than the disclosures attributed to private Manning, and included signals intelligence collected by the ”Five Eyes” intelligence community of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Other famous Spies and cases

1. Mata HariBorn: 1876; Died: 1917

Spied For: Germany (and Possibly France)

2. Julius and Ethel RosenbergBorn: 1915, 1918; Died: 1953

Spied For: The Soviet Union

3. Aldrich AmesBorn: 1941

Spied For: The Soviet Union

4. Giacomo CasanovaBorn: 1725; Died: 1798

Spied For: Venetian Inquisitors

5. Klaus FuchsBorn: 1911; Died: 1988
Spied For: The Soviet Union

Guest post article by Sheldon – “IF QUICK, I SURVIVE. IF NOT QUICK, I AM LOST. THIS IS “DEATH.”” — SUN TZU (THE ART OF WAR)

Australian Carbon Tax 101

by Leave a Comment

While carbon price and carbon tax is all over the news, many people actually dont know  what its all about specifically. Below is a guide  and FAQ to get your facts  and info on the carbon price in Australia  and its effect on the common man  as well as business

carbon tax and price australia Info File Guide fact sheet

What is the carbon price or  carbon tax ?

The carbon price is not a tax on  Australians, but a  tax levied on 260 companies and  34 councils. You might ask why  councils ?, because councils deal will landfills and waste  which adds to pollution they will have some carbon price to pay.

Who is exempt from the carbon price (tax) ?

Agriculture – carbon price will not apply for agricultural emissions

Family car – Emissions from the family car and light  on road vehicles

How ill the carbon price  effect the common man ?

Some of the costs borne but  the top companies having to pay the carbon tax will be passed onto consumers  which will most likely be in Electricity , GAS and FOOD

According to modelling done by CSIRO _ AECOM on likely increase in prices due to this

Electricity bills could increase by $2.80 aweek

Gas By 0.40 cent a week

Food by  $1.20 a week

 

Compensation for the Utilities price rises to common man

$15 billion will be allocated to low and middle income households in the form of tax cuts and increased government payments.

Household assistance – Average assistance of $10.10 a week, and means 6 million households will be either no worse off or slightly better off.

From 1 July, the tax free threshold has been raised from $6000 to $18,200, which will mean a million people no longer having to fill out a tax return.

It will be raised again by $1200 to $19,400 in 2015-16.

1.7% rise for pensioners and recipients of the Family Tax Benefit, delivered as advance payments in May and June.

 

Business and carbon tax

 

Very few employers are said to be directly affected by the carbon tax,  with only 500 large businesses said to be affected directly.

The government has allocated $9 billion to the industries that will be hit hard  and  who employ a lot of people in Australia . These companies will be assisted due to keep them competitive with their international competitors during this adjustment period. Its mainly Heavy industries like , Steel, aluminium, and cement manufacturing .

 

Where does the carbon tax received  go ?

While the government is collecting this tax  to develop clean energy, a significant part of this money received will be used to cerate new Clean energy technologies and  create new jobs in this sector

This includes the

$10 billion Clean energy  Finance corporation

$1.2 billion Clean technology program

 

Carbon tax , GST and tax return ?

The carbon tax  has nothing to do with individuals  and will not appear on you tax return or in a bill that you receive from a retail shop ( shopping bill). It is only a tax on large 500 companies

There will be some initial price rises to utilities, food and some other goods as companies pass on the costs of the carbon price to consumers.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will be monitoring price rises during this period . Any unfair price rises can be reported on their hotline number is 1300 303 609.

 

Calculator the impact of the carbon price on my family / household?


There is an easy online tool to calcuate the impact carbon price on your family. The carbon price tool is based on independent analysis undertaken by CSIRO and AECOM, based on research commissioned by The Climate Institute,  Go to http://www.yourcarbonprice.com.au/

 

Which companies and industries pay the carbon tax ?

Companies and councils individually generating more than 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year will be required to pay for their emissions under the carbon pricing mechanism.

Companies that directly emit greenhouse gases, such as power stations, mines and heavy industry, and some public authorities (councils)responsible for emissions from landfill

Why carbon tax in Australia ?

Before the introduction of the price on carbon or carbon tax , big companies could pollute as much as they liked for free. But the carbon price puts an economic  and dollar value on pollution and treats it as a cost of doing business.

It works this way by requiring large companies that pollute  to buy a permit valued at $23 for every tonne of carbon pollution they emit into  Australia. The more emissions, the higher the financial cost for the polluter. This will help us not get to a stage  like other countries like China  and India  who are facing major pollution problems and need to invest billion of dollars in trying to solve this problem.

Info Links: