Alan Kohler is one of Australia’s most experienced commentators and journalists. Alan is the founder of Eureka Report, Australia’s most successful investment newsletter, and Business Spectator, a 24-hour free business news and commentary website. He also hosts Inside Business, a half-hour Sunday programme on the ABC, is the finance presenter on the ABC News - and producer of the nightly graph (or two).
The long-standing correlation in global economic data is being challenged. It reveals profound tensions underneath the world's central bank-inspired stability.
After months of campaigning against 'wasteful' Labor management, Tony Abbott will be aware similar scrutiny will apply to his government, should the Coalition win.
Google's new product announcements typically impress. But this latest announcement about Google Music shows that the company is happy to copy other incumbents and not blaze its own path in the digital music scene.
The newly created role of the social media adviser is one shrouded in mystery. Part PR, part digital media specialist, it's yet to fully understand its place in Australian politics.
The US Supreme Court's decision whether to take up any of the petitions against climate change regulations could shape or shatter the Obama administration's efforts to solidify its climate change agenda.
CEOs outline changing views on corporate spending and profits, their economic expectations and political dissatisfaction, including advice for Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott.
UK-based Zeebox wants to be the intermediary for all social media-television interactions. It will not only have to lure viewers, but the networks themselves.
The US Supreme Court's decision whether to take up any of the petitions against climate change regulations could shape or shatter the Obama administration's efforts to solidify its climate change agenda.
With Labor having problems with its carbon pricing scheme and the Coalition's Direct Action plan facing heavy criticism, it might be wise to build on our most successful climate policy – the Howard-introduced RET.
Following the budget, it's fair to ask: how can ARENA achieve its objective of “accelerating the commercial deployment of renewable energy” while having funding deferred until a later date?
A change to the way Australia’s emissions are accounted for may make it a lot easier for us to meet our 2020 emissions reduction target. It could prove to be a big gift to the Coalition.
While trade battles continue to brew in solar, there's some good news seen in US wind linked to Warren Buffett and great news in the form of clean energy stocks soaring to heights not seen for a couple of years.
There was mixed news in the budget for energy efficiency programs, with the Low Carbon Communities program losing $47 million while the industry-focussed Clean Technology Investment program remained intact.
Expectations for the carbon price in 2015/16 have been slashed but Treasury remains confident – perhaps too confident – the price will rise strongly through to 2020. In the meantime, climate programs and assistance will take a hit.
Programs backing carbon capture and storage were slashed in this year’s budget to the tune of $780 million. It appears the government has lost patience with the glacial progress from the coal sector.
With Labor on a desperate hunt for savings in this year's budget, several clean energy and energy efficiency programs are likely to come under scrutiny.
One million solar rooftop doesn't even scratch the surface of the emissions generated by a few Queensland cowboys in a single year, let alone take a serious bite out of fossil fuels.
Rather than playing back-foot politics, the ALP can and should consider running on a climate change platform, not least in defence of the carbon tax. There's little to be lost and much to be gained.
