Archived News for Finance Sector Professionals

ANZ’s annual general meeting this week saw chairman David Gonski grilled about the bank not doing enough to consider its role in climate change.

Big tax plan dropped in one line

Treasurer Joe Hockey has been accused of breaking his pledge to get tough new tax on multinational companies’ tax avoidance.

NAB kidnap claims see Palmer's PR guy detained

Astonishing reports today say the political media advisor to Clive Palmer has been arrested over the kidnapping of an NAB executive.

Jobs saved by MYEFO sales, but red tape rises

The Abbott government is seeking to save money by abolishing 138 government bodies, but workers say that while this will see a few dollars saved; it will inundate departments with new duties and red tape.

Sick stats show real rate of faking

Up to 43 per cent of workers aged 18-24 admitted to faking a sick day in the past 12 months, according to an online poll of 1,035 Australian workers.

Heavy handed Coles hands out after ACCC action

Coles will pay $10 million in penalties for the 15 instances of unconscionable conduct against eight suppliers it has been willing to admit.

Little hope for return revealed in East West deal

The much-awaited business case for Melbourne’s slated $6.8 billion East West Link has been released following a change of government.

Copper swap counts as NBN progress

The National Broadband Network (NBN Co) and the Federal Government have signed deals with telcos Telstra and Optus to deliver the Coalition's version of high-speed broadband.

Bad seems good in fallacy of maths

New research shows many who claim they are “good” at maths actually aren’t, demonstrating once again the incredible power of self-delusion.

Experts hunt for value in call for reform

Academics have expressed their views on the final report of the Financial System Inquiry, handed down last weekend.

New sources cause rude oil rate

The head of a major energy company has put the five-year low for oil prices in succinct terms, saying; “It’s an uncertain world.”

Short help for farmers facing low long term returns

ANZ says it will stop kicking embattled farmers off their land for the next twelve months.

Spreadsheets at dawn for Excel supremacy

Everyone needs some time to unwind, but very few would fill their holiday hours with complex Excel-based challenges.

All still winning in long-running deal

The Australia and New Zealand Government Procurement Agreement (ANZGPA) stands strong, a review more than two decades after its establishment has found.

Climate costs high either way, inaction won't help

Floods and fires will leave Australia with a mind-boggling damage bill in coming years, the CSIRO says.

Staggered sleeping for jagged thinking

A new study says people who sleep for short periods of time and go to bed very late at night experience more negative thoughts than those with regular sleeping hours.

Building money could come from WA drivers

The WA Government wants to bring in a congestion tax to raise revenue for new infrastructure projects.

ASIC boss stokes fire of re-education

ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft says he is “fired up” over the conduct of dodgy financial planners, as was clear to all after his National Press Club address this week.

Bribery backed by bosses every day

A new study says that not only is corruption not inhibited in many big businesses, it is actually a central strategy.

Cormann swings back at adviser list cut claim

The Federal Government has issued a statement in response to reports that it is trying to water down reforms including the creation of the Financial Adviser Register.

Ex-minister could keep roles, despite fines and bans

The Federal Court has disqualified and fined 5 former directors of Australian Property Custodian Holdings Ltd (APCHL) for breaching their directors’ duties and making an illegal related party payment of more than $30 million.