Insights

A series of export gas projects planned for Queensland is likely to result in gas shortages in that state and in NSW.

With gas prices set to rise sharply over the next few years, Bass Strait is back in the spotlight as a source of supply. Peter Ker reports.

The Productivity Commission wants us working into our 70s. Has anyone asked businesses what they want? Tony Featherstone reports.

Australia Day Tinnie Muster

In the realms of summer-savvy boats, the centre console takes some beating. Not that this is a revelation, mind you. The advantages are numerous, not least being the increased deck space where you can do battle without the impediment of a cabin or forward station. Activ 605 Open

The government's declaration that it is "open for business" has come under scrutiny after the Treasurer's rejection of Archer Daniels Midland's bid for GrainCorp.

Australian theme park group Village Roadshow will focus on less-developed Asian markets as it scales back its involvement in the US.

Virgin Australia boss John Borghetti has demanded the government offer it the same level of support as it gives Qantas in light of suggestions it will guarantee the national carrier's debt or buy a small stake.

Australia's struggling manufacturing sector has taken another hit with Rio Tinto deciding to mothball alumina production at its loss-making Gove site in Arnhem Land with the expected loss of about 1000 jobs.

The planned privatisation of Australia's biggest health insurer, Medibank Private, has progressed, with advisers announced to recommend on the sale method, timing and estimated proceeds.

Canadian dairy group Saputo's takeover bid for Warrnambool Cheese & Butter has been thrown into disarray after the Takeovers Panel ordered it to stop buying shares in the Australian milk processor.

Australia's ambassador to the United States, Kim Beazley, had to scramble in the 48 hours before the Abbott government's announcement that it had blocked Archer Daniels Midland's $3.4 billion takeover of GrainCorp.

Shares moved lower over the week as mining, oil and gas, and resource services stocks suffered from a bleak outlook for new investment. Gains by the big four banks were not enough to lift the index.

The Australian dollar has fallen for the sixth consecutive week as the greenback strengthens on expectations that the US Federal Reserve will wind back economic stimulus measures.

Jonathan Ling took the managing director's reins at GUD Holdings in August, had a look around and has now put a useful bit of money into the stock.

The planned launch of a series of gas export projects in Queensland means NSW and Queensland face gas shortages within five years.