Peter Blasina - The Gadget Guy - at Chamber Lunch November 18

Peter Blasina, better known as The Gadget Guy to millions of Seven's Sunrise viewers, radio listeners, magazine readers and anyone searching online for information abouit the latest TV, camera or competer, is the Chamber's guest speaker on Tuesday, November 18.

Peter will talk about how business can become more productive with the right products and applicatiions in your office, provide a glimpse of the amazing technologies coming our way and demonstrate some of the newest products.

Peter owns and publishes a number of newsstand magazines; Home Entertainment magazine is Australia's leading consumer electronics publication; VideoCamera Magazine is Australia's oldest and most respected camcorder and video publication while the new Gadget Guy HDTV Guide will help consumers understand the high definition TV minefield.

Peter writes and speaks extensively on the rapidly changing landscape of technological innovation and its impact on business and consumers as well as regularly reviewing and analysing a broad range of electronics, communications, computer, video and multimedia products.

Peter appears weekly as the Gadget Guy - technology reporter - on Channel Seven's Sunrise breakfast program. His weekly segment profiles new technology and explains the background to the way different technologies are being integrated into the average consumers' lives.

The Gadget Guy also appears regularly on Channel 7's Better Homes & Gardens, MyBusiness TV and Today Tonight programs providing expert advice or insights into the latest technology.

He is heard regularly presenting a range of technology segments on NightLife with host Tony Delroy on ABC Radio, which is broadcast nationally through the ABC network.

His website is: www.gadgetguy.com.au

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Business support for coordinated approach to global financial crisis

In the lead up to this weekend's meeting Washington of the G20 leaders, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( ACCI) expresses strong support for the approach of the Australian Government in seeking to extend the coordinated and cooperative response to the global economic slowdown.

It is becoming clear that several economies including China, UK, USA and New Zealand have or are considering tax cuts as part of their armoury to arrest the effects of the economic slowdown. Given Australia's relatively strong budget, this should also be a serious option for the domestic economy.

To date, coordinated international effort has yielded greater stability in capital markets and growing confidence in lending arrangements between banks with consequent reductions in borrowing cost flowing to customers.

Willoughby City Council Opposes a 67% Increase for Street Lighting

WCC is one of thirty four Sydney, Central Coast and Hunter-area Councils that have raised strong objections to a proposed 67% increase in street lighting pricing by Energy Australia.

In submissions to the Australian Energy Regulator, Councils contend that EnergyAustralia's proposed increase is not supported by its own modelling or consistent with benchmark's elsewhere. If approved by the regulator, Energy Australia's pricing will result in a shift of funding from direct services delivery by Council to EnergyAustralia.

Mayor Pat Reilly said "Street lights are essential community infrastructure that help prevent crime and the fear of crime. This proposed 67% increase comes on top of 40% increases Council has already faced over the past four years."