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.

Are senior Australians being squeezed by the cost of living?

The cost of living remains a major political and social issue for older Australians. The rising cost of health care in particular is a concern for an ageing population, says Dr Tim Adair from National Seniors Australia.

Spanish economy in crisis

Some claim that the average Spaniard holds more wealth than a German. But after the property bubble imploded in 2008, Spain is still suffering from a weak economy and soaring unemployment rates, says Spanish journalist Marta Conejo Sobrino.

Investing in Australia’s future

Discussing Universities Australia’s A Smarter Australia policy statement, University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glyn Davis explains why higher education is key to the nation’s economic future.