Archived News for Finance Sector Professionals - October, 2014
ANZ has posted massive profit figures, just a day after word that NAB may have to lose weight to stay healthy.
Expert views on funding moves as Direct Action fires up
The Federal Government has provided an excellent opportunity for companies to appear as though they are doing something about their carbon emissions.
While whistles are needed, Cormann won't commit
With consumer confidence in financial advice in a pretty rough state, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) says its new Office of the Whistleblower will allow insiders to fight back.
Banks recoil from risky port
Major banks say they are not keen on Queensland coal port expansions, which are also the subject of a damning scientists’ report.
Discontent on future students' debt
Clive Palmer may be the saviour of disgruntled academics, as a rift between university management and staff comes to light.
Red tape can reside inside business
Government red tape is a villain blamed for burdening business and hampering profits, but one expert says many of these issues actually come from inside a company.
Bill to bring better view of bribes
A Bill will be tabled this week that seeks to hold Australian companies accountable for bribes paid overseas.
Xenophon pays to quiz Qantas
Independent Senator Nick Xenophon bought $500 in Qantas shares in order to take the board to task at the recent Qantas AGM.
Drug deal to form vaccine dream team
Australian biotech firm CSL is positioning itself as one of the world's biggest flu vaccine businesses, with a partial buy-out of Novartis.
US group slams QLD coal plans
Analysts say huge coal projects in Queensland’s Galilee Basin carry “an almost unprecedented level of financial complexity and risk.”
Advice site to spot bad planners
Bad apples can be picked from the bushel of financial advice with a new website to identify dodgy planners.
Boart bailed-out, looking to keep living
A mining company that has operated for over 100 years is in a rough patch, but a new deal may help it pay down its massive debt.
Easy exercise claim costs Reebok
Reebok Australia has been ordered to pay $350,000 for false claims about its shoes.
Happy charity drive has serious side
The Queen Mother of Bhutan is in Canberra to encourage young women to higher levels of education.
Insurance aid for storm-ravaged region
A string of natural disaster has created a new risk in North Queensland, with many going uninsured because their premiums are too high.
New vote money laws fall short, critics say
The New South Wales Government has backed down on a proposal to slash the amount that can be spent on political advertising.
Watchdog chained while corporate crime runs wild
Australia’s chief of corporate regulation says Australia is too soft on corporate criminals and under-resourced to deal with rampant white collar crime.
Gas dollar flies free but solutions slow to follow
Australians will pay more for household power and there is little they can do, according to the Grattan Institute’s latest energy report.
Gate swings closed on economic green pasture
Ireland has vowed the shut the door on international tax cheats, but some say it will be left slightly ajar.
Packer laments in all directions over profit drop
James Packer has unleashed on gambling critics and Australian governments, which he says are damaging his Crown Resorts business.
Watchdog chases big name as seedy markets squeeze supply
The Transport Workers union says Coles may be guilty of “unconscionable conduct” in its treatment of suppliers and transporters.