Innes Willox

​Manufacturing was back in contraction in August, with only two sub-sectors seeing growth and the strong Australian dollar continuing to be a burden.

​The Australian Industry Group PMI showed the sector growing for the first time in nine months.

Economic modeling released by six industry groups today predicts multi-billion dollar losses due to rising gas prices.

​Business has expressed frustration concerning uncertainty around climate policy as the Senate prepares to pass laws repealing the carbon tax today.

The overall Performance of Manufacturing Index was down slightly in June, falling 0.3 points to 48.9.

​The Fair Work Commission’s minimum wage increase, announced yesterday, has disappointed both business and unions.

​Australia’s manufacturing sector remains in contraction, according to the Australian Industry Group’s PMI, released this morning.

​The Victorian government’s decision to extend a moratorium on fracking for onshore wells has been criticised by some in industry.

​The Australian Industry Group has said removing the Renewable Energy Target would not lead to better outcomes for power users.

Over a billion dollars were cut from industry assistance programs in last night’s federal budget.

Difficulties in the manufacturing sector continued last month, with the ​Australian Industry Group PMI ​slipping 3.1 points to 44.8.

The Australian Industry Group has released its Ten Point Plan for economic growth.

The rate of contraction experienced by the country’s industry has eased, according to the Australian Industry Group’s PMI, released this morning.

Former Manufacturing Australia executive chairman Dick Warburton is heading a panel to review the current renewable energy target for 2020.

In November, Shinka Management, in conjunction with the Australian Industry Group, conducted a lean manufacturing study tour of Japan. The tour provided Australian industry leaders with first-hand experience of world-class lean implementation in a country renowned for its productivity, quality and safety levels.

According to the Australian Industry Group’s Performance of Manufacturing Index, the sector finished 2013 in contraction, consistent with most of the year.

Prime minister Tony Abbott has announced strategic reviews of the South Australian and Victorian economies.

Over the decade there has been an increase in anecdotal reports by business about non-conforming products, particularly in building and construction.

The cost of keeping automotive manufacturing in Australia is high and the investment not always spent wisely, but the loss of the sector would be profound.

The Korea-Australia free trade agreement (KAFTA) has been confirmed today, with “winners and losers” to emerge in time among manufacturers.