Business groups have raised concerns that that they may miss out on a promised tax cut, as opposition mounts to the government’s mining tax package, which could now face a legal challenge.
Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett said that he would welcome support from Queensland in any legal action against the mining tax, with resources firm Fortescue reportedly mulling court action.
However, businesses are worried that the backlash could scupper an associated tax cut for small firms.
Employers have been warned that they may be breaching medical confidentiality if they question the validity of staff sick days.
The warning came as the federal opposition questioned the absence of Labor MP Craig Thompson from parliament.
A US consumer watchdog is investigating claims that the new iPad gives off an excessive amount of heat.
Consumer Reports said it was acting after online comments that the iPad overheats. Apple said that the tablet is “within our thermal specifications.”
The Dow Jones industrial average fell 68.94 points, or 0.52%, to 13,170.19. The Australian dollar was down to 104.84 US cents.
