Archived News for Finance Sector Professionals

An Australian economist says the federal budget crisis does not actually exist, but has been made up to sell broad government cuts.

Port sale ships funds out of Newcastle

The world's biggest coal port has been sold for $1.75 billion, but residents of the city it serves may have been short-changed.

Rental rates win pleases local investors

A Supreme Court ruling has stopped one council from increasing rates on rental owners, which several other regions have already done.

Banks' behaviour decried in foreign farm report

A new report by an international aid group says Australian banks have been backing companies overseas that engage in illegal and immoral behaviour.

Rio runs first tests for robo-rail in WA

Rio Tinto is about to start running its driverless train in the Pilbara.

Transurban takes new roads to more spending

A major toll road builder is sinking its teeth into new infrastructure availabilities.

Emissions plan will pay low, expect high, deliver little

The Federal Government has unveiled its white paper on the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF), a main component of the Direct Action plan to combat climate change.

Padbury's port plan unlikely after Premier's comments

Another twist in the strange attempt to build a port in Australia, with the WA Premier saying Padbury Mining’s $6 billion plan probably won’t happen.

Uni fee fiddling foreshadowed

The Federal Government may be considering allowing universities to charge higher fees.

Bosses in best position are least likely to fight climate change

Close to half of all senior executives worldwide understand that the negative effects of climate change need to be tackled.

Fifty-eight fighter jets could be $12 bil "dud"

Australia will buy dozens of fighter jets at a cost of more than $12 billion, despite a raft of concerns about their design and abilities.

Inkling of cuts and increases ahead of actual word

The Federal Treasurer says further increases to the pension age are inevitable, and that people should “work as long as they can”.

Tunnels, roads and bridges sold in $7 bil QLD deal

The state-owned company responsible for 70 kilometres of Queensland toll roads, bridges and infrastructure has been sold to private interests.

Household top bill honours trickle to SA

Adelaide’s water bills are officially “the highest of all comparable Australian water utilities”, and a new report blames the SA government.

Ai says insurance insistence hurts workers

A key employers’ lobby group has accused various unions of receiving big payoffs by selling expensive yet inferior income protection insurance.

Classy numbers show big independent spend

Some of the most expensive schools in the country are forking out massive sums for new works to attract the next generation of well-off students.

Cuts could come from closer look at young pensions

As the government’s ‘razor gang’ sought out more budget cuts over the weekend, Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews said tightening up checks on claims for the Disability Support Pension (DSP) would be a good start.

Eyes on profits prior to power pole sale

A plan to sell one state’s power poles and cables has already prompted parties to claim a share of the hypothetical profits.

Guesses on mystery figure behind massive port and rail bid

Padbury Mining is refusing to break its silence on the identity of the $6 billion backer for a bid to build the Oakajee port and rail project.

Media companies must adjust piracy to profit

One of the main organisers of a recent major film festival says movie companies need to embrace internet distribution and stop lashing out at digital ‘pirates’.