Prime Minister Julia Gillard says the 457 visa system is “out of control” and new measures are needed to help Australian businesses and workers.

A computer glitch at Holden has left around 1500 cars unaccounted for and prompted the manufacturer to report its lowest month of production in almost seven years.

Unions are asking Fair Work Australia to increase the apprentice wage in order to turn around an unacceptable drop-out rate.

While the high dollar will remain a challenge for some time to come, Prime Minister Julia Gillard says manufacturers can still survive in the current environment.

A $350 million redevelopment of Nyrstar’s Port Pirie smelter has been granted major development status by the South Australian Government.