In the News...

• It seems a stoush is looming between the State and Federal Governments over the introduction of the National Workplace Safety legislation. The NSW Premier apparently has decided not to honour an agreement to support the introduction of uniform Health and Safety Laws. This of course has angered the Federal Government as well as the Business Industry. As far as the Federal Government is concerned an agreement was previously reached and so a change this late in the process is unacceptable.
• A recent study conducted identified a probable loss of productivity in the vicinity of $1b as a result of employees taking time off for the Melbourne Cup. Of those surveyed 50% said they would stop work for more than 3½ hours. However it was noted that the Melbourne Cup is an enormous social event and as such staff taking advantage of this would help boost morale which may offset the [immediate] negative aspects of lost productivity.
• The Australian unemployment rate remained at 5.1 per cent in September, as announced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The ABS reported the number of people employed increased by 49,500 people to 11.325 million, seasonally adjusted, in September. The rise in employment was driven by an increase in full-time employment, up 55,800 people to 7.985 million, that was partially offset by a decrease in part-time employment, down 6,300 people to 3.340 million.…;