RMIT economist Sinclair Davidson - Founder of Townsville based ISP Origin Net, Alec Zeglis - Talking Business 2012 - Ep10

Summary: Interview with RMIT economist Sinclair Davidson Interview with Alec Zeglis, Founder of Townsville based ISP Origin Net and Sydney-based Origin Consulting Services. Leon and Garry talk about issues including: . The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) leaving the official cash rate on hold at 4.25 per cent, in line with analyst expectations. . Analysts at ratings agencies Standard and Poor's and Fitch Ratings putting Australia on notice that a tough budget in May is required if Australia is to maintain its prized AAA credit rating . . Company directors warning federal Labor against posting a budget surplus that damages growth. . Sales of new homes rising modestly in February after a large fall in January, according to an industry report. . Manufacturing activity contracted in March as demand weakened, a private survey shows. The Australian Industry Group/PriceWaterhouseCoopers Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) fell 1.8 index points to 49.5 in March. . Retail sales rising in February, in line with analyst expectations, according to the Australian Bureau Statistics. The data showed retail sales lifted 0.2 per cent in the month, seasonally adjusted, to $20.988 billion. . The total number of Australian houses and apartments approved for construction falling a seasonally adjusted 7.8 per cent in February from January. . House prices in capital cities growing 0.2% in March, according to the latest figures from RP Data, and the market was flat during the first quarter of the year, but key industry metrics are beginning to show some improvement. . Consumer prices rising in March on the back of holiday expenses, alcohol and fuel - and despite falls in meats, housing and clothes. The TD Securities-Melbourne Institute inflation gauge rose 0.5 per cent in March, following an increase of 0.1 per cent in February. . The Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) index of commodity prices rising 0.6 per cent in March, from February, thanks mainly to increases in prices of iron ore and oil. . The Commonwealth auditor-general slamming the way a tender process for the Australia Network was conducted, saying it presented the Gillard government in a poor light. . American engineers and tradies struggling to find work at home are being encouraged to fill skills shortages in Australia's booming resources sector. The federal government has announced it is streamlining the way US plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople can get licences to work in Australia. . Metcash Ltd announcing it will slash almost 500 jobs, close 15 stores and take multiple impairment charges after completing a strategic review of the company. The grocery wholesaler will close 15 Campbells Cash and Carry branches and expects that over 478 positions will be made redundant. . Austar shareholders voting in favour of a takeover by pay TV rival Foxtel even though the competition watchdog has yet to approve the deal. . OneSteel Ltd unveiling a potential new name for the company, Arrium Limited, which will be voted on by shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting in May.