Preventive Health Agency calls for volumetric tax on cask wine
THE price of a four-litre cask of wine would double to almost $27 under a government agency’s plan to overhaul alcohol taxation. But wine now costing more than $20 a bottle could become cheaper under the plan, which could raise the government around $900 million. The Australian National... read more »
Water companies to charge interest on overdue accounts for Melbourne househ...
MELBOURNE households face another cost-of-living sting, with water companies gaining crucial support to charge interest on overdue accounts. Consumer groups have branded the move a blow for customers. But water businesses are adamant the vulnerable will be protected. The Essential Services... read more »
New lows for coal prices – Whitehaven
WHITEHAVEN Coal chairman Mark Vaile says there is little sign of a market rebound in coal prices, but demand from China is expected to pick up in early 2013. Mr Vaile told shareholders at Whitehaven’s annual general meeting coal prices had hit new lows in recent weeks. The benchmark price of... read more »
Loblaw cuts 700 Toronto head office jobs
The decision by Loblaw Companies Limited to chop 700 jobs from the payroll in administration and at head office in Brampton on Tuesday was met with mixed reviews from analysts and investors. After the announcement, shares rose 84 cents and closed at $34.72. Loblaw has been upgrading its supply... read more »
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Stifled West Bank economy drains Palestinians’ hopes
Passers-by linger in front of the window displays on a main shopping street in central Hebron but seem reluctant to enter the stores. In the old market, vendors call out their wares but are... read more »
Fear and loneliness in China
What kind of society will China’s new leaders inherit? China has developed at unimaginable pace, lifting millions out of poverty. But as part of a series of viewpoints on challenges... read more »
Why Russia’s Orthodox Church is teaching teenagers Parkour
The Russian Orthodox Church has come under fire following recent stories about church officials being involved in drink-driving and road rage attacks. But it also provides valuable public services... read more »
