Buying local the key to sustainable purchasing

Buying Australian products is becoming increasingly important to Australian consumers. Ian Harrison, Chief Executive of the Australian Made Campaign, explains how you can be sure that the product you are buying is really Australian.

End anti-competitive discounting of national supermarket chains

The two national supermarket chains are locking shoppers in with cross-subsidised fuel and grocery deals, argues Russell Zimmerman, Executive Director of the Australian Retailers Association. He urges both Government and Opposition to stand up for the consumers in Australia.

Homeward bound: Australia gets even smarter

Australia has matured in regard to recognising the importance of the Broadband Economy. Social entrepreneur and initiator of the global Intelligent Community movement Louis Zacharilla highlights the power of Broadband to unite the country and in particular benefit rural areas.

Paid Parental Leave should not be used for political point scoring

One of the hottest topics of Election 2013 is Paid Parental Leave. IR consultant Michael Cosgrove outlines where the parties sit on the issue.

The world food crisis

Not only Australia is affected by rising food prices. Professor Kevin Parton from the Institute for Land, Water and Society describes causes and effects of the current situation and offers solutions to a global problem.

Why we should be concerned about food security

Australian food prices are going up and Asia’s food demand is increasing, while environmental and logistical risk factors are at play. Sarah Norgrove from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute analyses the challenges lying ahead.

Kids or career? The costs to consider when having another child

There is considerable debate surrounding returning to work after having children. Claire Esmond from Pave Wealth Services looks at the true cost of raising a child and explains the financial burden of adding to the nest.

Evolving talent strategy to match the Millennial workforce reality

There are a lot of stereotypes about the work ethic and demands of so-called Millennials, those employees that are under 33 years old. Les Pickett shares the data from a survey that both confirms and dispels common labels.

Learning from China’s positive attitude towards older workers

China has a long tradition of respecting the wisdom and knowledge the older generation can contribute. Zoe Li from Global Access Partners looks beyond the Chinese perspective and explores how we can adopt a more positive attitude towards older people in the workforce.

Workforce Participation Rates and Economic Growth

Dr Ian Watt, Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, chaired the first session of the GAP/ACHR conference on Productive Ageing. He would like the conversation around the ageing workforce to become more appropriate to the reality of an ageing population.

Microfinance – contributing towards a better world

It has been hailed as a ‘miracle cure’ to end global poverty. Rob Haggett from microfinance initiative Good Return explains how microfinancing has the potential to be a powerful tool in helping poor people around the world.

Productive Engagement

In discussions about mature workers, the focus is too often on ageism and negative stereotypes. Heidi Holmes, Managing Director of Adage, a job board and online community for experienced workers aged 45 plus, offers solutions in relation to older jobseekers.